Drug sorting device

Abstract

We provide a drug sorting device and a drug sorting device for sorting drugs brought in by customers. [Solution] The drug sorting device (1) comprises a first storage section (11) for storing multiple types of drugs, multiple sorting cups (141) for storing drugs considered to be of the same type, a first camera (13) for imaging drugs taken out of the first storage section, a transport / sorting unit (12) for transporting drugs to one of the multiple sorting cups based on the characteristics of the drugs extracted from the image captured by the first camera, and a collection tray (16) for storing foreign matter. The transport / sorting unit transports drugs identified by the user as drugs that a patient cannot take or drugs that should be avoided, to one of the multiple sorting cups or to the collection tray, regardless of the characteristics of the drugs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug sorting device for sorting drugs and a drug dispensing device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a drug identification system including a drug imaging device that captures an image of a drug, and a computer that identifies the drug based on the image data of the drug obtained by the drug imaging device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] A drug dispensing device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first storage unit that stores a plurality of types of drugs, a plurality of sorting containers that store drugs regarded as the same type, an imaging unit that images the drugs taken out from the first storage unit, a transport unit that transports the drugs to any one of the plurality of sorting containers based on the characteristics of the drugs extracted from the images imaged by the imaging unit, and a collection tray that stores foreign substances. The transport unit transports the drugs specified by the user as drugs that cannot be taken by the patient or drugs for which it is necessary to refrain from taking to any one of the plurality of sorting containers or to the collection tray.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the drug dispensing device. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the drug dispensing device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the first storage unit. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the second storage unit. [Figure 5]This figure shows an example and a modified example of packaging using a packaging mechanism. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the process for sorting and packaging medications brought in by patients using a drug sorting device. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing another example of the first containment section. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates an example of the packaging process in the pre-visual inspection packaging mode. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates an example of the packaging process in the visual inspection-after-packaging mode. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a diagnostic result image displaying the results of medication identification. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example configuration of the drug dispensing system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the control unit of the drug sorting device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the sorting results by the drug sorting device of Embodiment 2, and an example of a drug package formed by distributing the drugs sorted by the drug sorting device. [Figure 14] This figure shows another example of the sorting results by the drug sorting device of Embodiment 2, and another example of drug packets in which the drugs sorted by the drug sorting device have been packaged. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] [Embodiment 1] [Overview of Drug Sorting Device 1] First, an overview of the drug sorting device 1 (drug sorting device) will be explained using Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the drug sorting device 1. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drug sorting device 1, where 2001 is a perspective view of the drug sorting device 1 and 2002 is a perspective view showing the basic configuration of the drug sorting area 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the drug sorting device 1 comprises a drug sorting area 2, a touch panel 3, a print output unit 4, a first RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​reader / writer unit 5, a packaging mechanism 6 (packaging unit), and a second RFID reader / writer unit 18.

[0007] The drug sorting device 1 takes images of each of several types of drugs, identifies the type of drug based on the images obtained, and sorts the drugs by type. This process is performed in the drug sorting area 2. The drug sorting area 2 (internal configuration of the drug sorting device 1) will be described later. After the drugs are sorted by type, they are visually inspected by the user, and then either packaged or returned to the drug shelves or packaging machine.

[0008] In this embodiment, multiple types of drugs are drugs that are not contained in containers or are not packaged, and are described as being tablets or capsules as an example. Furthermore, multiple types of drugs are described as returned drugs. Returned drugs are drugs that are intended to be prescribed to each of multiple patients, or drugs that have been dispensed and prescribed to each of those patients. These drugs are drugs that are adopted by a pharmacy or hospital and are returned to that pharmacy or hospital as "returned drugs," or "drugs brought by the patient," which may include drugs issued by other pharmacies or hospitals in addition to the adopted drugs. Drugs brought by the patient are drugs that were initially prescribed to a patient at a medical institution (adopted drugs), and which the patient then brought to another medical institution for hospitalization or other reasons, and which the patient is currently taking. The drug sorting device 1 can automatically perform the processing from imaging to sorting after the drugs have been returned.

[0009] Furthermore, the identification of the type of drug described above is not limited to uniquely identifying the type of drug, but may also refer to determining whether or not they are considered to be the same type based on at least one characteristic of the drug (e.g., color, shape, size). If they are considered to be the same type, it is acceptable for multiple types with at least one identical or similar characteristic to be obtained as the identification result.

[0010] The touch panel 3 accepts various user inputs via the operation unit 31 and displays various images (e.g., images showing the progression of drug sorting, images for visual inspection) via the display unit 32. The print output unit 4 prints a journal containing drug data (e.g., data showing drug name and patient name) related to the drug after visual inspection, according to the user input after the visual inspection. The drug data may include image data showing drug-specific images.

[0011] The packaging mechanism 6 packages the sorted drugs. By equipping the drug sorting device 1 with the packaging mechanism 6, it becomes possible to perform all processes from sorting returned drugs to packaging after visual inspection in a single drug sorting device 1. In particular, when drugs are fed into the packaging mechanism 6 by the transport and sorting unit 12, the sorting and packaging processes described above can be performed automatically, excluding the visual inspection.

[0012] The packaging mechanism 6 can be the packaging section of a conventional tablet packaging machine or powder packaging machine. In this case, for example, the drugs in the sorting cups 141, which have been sorted by drug type, can be packaged into one or more individual packets.

[0013] It should be noted that throughout this specification, the term "packaging" as used at least in the description of the drug sorting device 1 encompasses both the meaning of "packaging drugs separately according to administration time based on prescription data" and the meaning of "simply packaging drugs sorted into the second storage section 14, regardless of prescription data."

[0014] As shown in 2002 of FIG. 2, the first RFID reader / writer unit 5 is provided on the medicine-taking-out side of the pedestal 19. The first RFID reader / writer unit 5 reads data regarding the medicine stored in each sorting cup 141 of the second storage part 14, which is stored in an RFID tag (not shown) provided at the bottom of each sorting cup 141. Examples of such data include data indicating the number of the stored medicine, medicine identification data (e.g., GS1 code) for identifying the medicine, and sorting cup identification information (identification information given to the RFID tag) for identifying the sorting cup 141. Note that the medicine data (e.g., medicine name) of the medicine stored in the sorting cup 141 and images acquired by the imaging unit 13 are stored in the storage part 80 in association with the sorting cup identification information.

[0015] Also, the above data may include medicine data (medicine data after visual inspection) determined by visual inspection. Further, the medicine data after visual inspection may be written into the above RFID tag. The medicine data after visual inspection is used when (1) subcontracting the medicine stored in the corresponding sorting cup 141 with a subcontracting organization 6 or a subcontracting machine different from the medicine sorting device 1, or (2) returning the medicine to the medicine shelf. Note that these medicine data may also be stored in the medicine database in association with the sorting cup identification information.

[0016] Similar to the first RFID reader / writer unit 5, the second RFID reader / writer unit 18 writes various data into an RFID tag or reads various data stored in the RFID tag. The second RFID reader / writer unit 18 is provided below the second storage part 14. Specifically, it is provided so as to face the bottom of each sorting cup 141 when reading or writing data regarding the medicine stored in the RFID tag of each sorting cup 141.

[0017] Further, the drug sorting device 1 may include a barcode reader 7. The barcode reader 7 reads, for example, a barcode indicating drug data of the drug printed on a drug package (packaging paper) obtained by the packaging mechanism 6 after sorting the drug. Thereby, the control unit 60a can perform processing based on the read barcode. The packaging mechanism 6 may include a barcode printing mechanism (not shown) that prints a barcode indicating the drug data of the drug packaged in the drug package on the drug package.

[0018] Note that the barcode reader 7 may be any reading device that can read information indicating drug data printed on a drug package or the like. Also, the drug sorting device 1 does not necessarily need to include the barcode reader 7. When the control unit 60a performs processing based on the above information, the control unit 60a may acquire the above information by communicating with an external device including the barcode reader 7.

[0019] Also, as shown in 2001 of FIG. 2, the drug sorting device 1 includes an opening / closing shutter 51 and an opening / closing door 52 that enable opening and closing of the drug extraction side.

[0020] 〔Basic configuration of the drug sorting area 2〕 Next, the basic configuration of the drug sorting area 2 (the internal configuration of the drug sorting device 1) will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2002 of FIG. 2.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2002 of FIG. 2, the drug sorting area 2 mainly includes, as hardware, a first storage unit 11, a transport / sorting unit 12 (sorting unit), an imaging unit 13, a second storage unit 14, a standby tray 15, a collection tray 16, and a drug inlet 17. Each member except the transport / sorting unit 12 is provided on a pedestal 19.

[0022] The first storage unit 11 stores multiple types of drugs returned by users in a mixed state. In this embodiment, the first storage unit 11 is divided into multiple storage units. In this case, for example, when all the drugs stored in one storage unit are transported by the transport / sorting unit 12, the drugs stored in the storage unit adjacent to that unit become targets for transport. The first storage unit 11 may also be rotatable around the Z-axis (center of the cylindrical shape). In this case, the control unit 60a may rotate the first storage unit 11, for example, when one storage unit becomes empty, to facilitate the transport / sorting unit 12 from acquiring the drugs.

[0023] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the first storage section 11. In example 3001 of Figure 3, the first storage section 11 has four storage sections 111 to 114 with approximately the same volume. In example 3002 of Figure 3, in the first storage section 11, two of the four storage sections shown in 3001 of Figure 3, storage sections 111 and 113, are further divided into three equal parts, each having three small storage sections 111a to 111c and three small storage sections 113a to 113c. The first storage section 11 shown in 3001 of Figure 3 is mainly used for sorting returned medications, and the first storage section 11 shown in 3002 of Figure 3 is mainly used for sorting medications brought by patients. However, it is not limited to these two cases; for example, the first storage section 11 shown in 3001 of Figure 3 may also be used for sorting medications brought by patients. The method of using the first storage section 11 when sorting medications brought by patients will be described later.

[0024] The transport and sorting unit 12 transports the drugs stored in the first storage section 11 to the receiving area where the imaging unit 13 accepts the drugs. The transport and sorting unit 12 includes a second camera 121, a suction and shutter mechanism 122, and a transport mechanism 123.

[0025] The second camera 121 sequentially images the first storage unit 11 in order to identify the drug to be transported. The second camera 121 is provided at the end of the transport / sorting unit 12 (specifically, at least the housing including the suction / shutter mechanism 122) on the side facing the base 19. The second camera 121 may also be provided at the tip of the suction mechanism described later.

[0026] The adsorption / shutter mechanism 122 includes an adsorption mechanism for adsorbing a drug identified as the target for transport, and a shutter mechanism for preventing the drug adsorbed by the adsorption mechanism from falling. The adsorption mechanism is provided to be movable in the Z-axis direction. The shutter mechanism is provided in front of the above end and is provided to be movable substantially parallel to the XY plane.

[0027] When acquiring a drug, the adsorption mechanism extends from the end, adsorbs the specified drug at its tip, and then returns to the position of the end. In this state, the shutter mechanism moves to a position opposite the end and maintains its position (closed state) during drug transport. When the adsorption / shutter mechanism 122 moves to a position opposite the drug placement platform 133a of the drug holding mechanism 133 located in the receiving area, the shutter mechanism moves to a position that does not face the end (open state). Then, after extending from the end, the adsorption mechanism releases its adsorption state and places the drug on the drug placement platform 133a.

[0028] The transport mechanism 123 moves the suction / shutter mechanism 122 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. This transport mechanism 123 enables the movement of the suction / shutter mechanism 122 when searching for a drug to be transported on the first storage unit 11, or enables the transport of drugs from the first storage unit 11 to the drug placement table 133a. It also enables the transport of drugs from the drug placement table 133a to the second storage unit 14, the standby tray 15, or the recovery tray 16.

[0029] The imaging unit 13 is placed on the drug placement stage 133a and images the drug placed in the placement area (imaging area) where the drug to be imaged is placed. The imaging unit 13 includes a first camera 131 (imaging unit), a rotation mechanism 132, a drug holding mechanism 133, and an illuminator 134.

[0030] The first camera 131 images the drug placed in the area opposite the first camera 131 so that the control unit 60a can identify the type of drug. The illuminator 134 emits light to illuminate the drug when it is being imaged.

[0031] The rotation mechanism 132 rotates the first camera 131 so that it revolves around the placement area (the drug placement platform 133a located at that position) where the drug to be imaged is placed. The first camera 131 images the drug placed in the placement area from multiple positions rotated by the rotation mechanism 132. Specifically, the imaging mechanism, including the first camera 131 and the illuminator 134, is rotated so that it revolves around the placement area. Therefore, the first camera 131 can image the drug from multiple directions while maintaining the positional relationship between the first camera 131 and the illuminator 134 with respect to the placement area.

[0032] The drug holding mechanism 133 is a mechanism for holding drugs. The drug holding mechanism 133 comprises a shaft portion that rotates around the Z-axis and extends substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis, and two drug placement trays (Petri dishes) 133a provided at each end of the shaft portion. By rotating the shaft portion, the two drug placement trays 133a can move between the receiving area (collection tray 16 side) and the placement area.

[0033] Specifically, when a drug transported from the first storage unit 11 is placed on one of the drug placement platforms 133a, the drug holding mechanism 133 moves one of the drug placement platforms 133a from the receiving area to the placement area. At this time, the other drug placement platform 133a moves from the placement area to the receiving area. Subsequently, the first camera 131 images the drug placed on one of the drug placement platforms 133a. Since the drug placement platforms 133a are transparent, the first camera 131 can image the drug placed on the drug placement platforms 133a from multiple angles through the drug placement platforms 133a. Once imaging is complete, one of the drug placement platforms 133a moves from the placement area to the receiving area, and the other drug placement platform 133a moves from the receiving area to the placement area. If no drug is placed on the other drug placement platform 133a, the drug transported from the first storage unit 11 can be placed on the other drug placement platform 133a during the imaging process. This allows the first camera 131 to continuously image the drug.

[0034] The second storage section 14 stores drugs for each drug considered to be of the same type. The second storage section 14 is provided with multiple compartments (drug storage locations) so that multiple drugs can be stored by type. Specifically, the second storage section 14 is equipped with multiple sorting cups 141 that are detachably mounted. The control unit 60a determines the type of drug based on the image of the drug captured by the imaging unit 13, and determines the sorting cup 141 to store the drug based on the determination result. The drug is then transported and stored in the determined sorting cup 141 by the transport and sorting unit 12.

[0035] The standby tray 15 is a temporary storage area where drugs are temporarily placed. For example, if all of the sorting cups 141 are filled with drugs, the control unit 60a determines that any drugs other than those stored in each sorting cup 141 are temporarily placed in the standby tray 15. Drugs placed in the standby tray 15 may be transported from the standby tray 15 to the sorting cups 141 after the drugs have been removed from the sorting cups 141.

[0036] The collection tray 16 is a storage unit for items whose type could not be identified by the control unit 60a (e.g., foreign objects other than pharmaceuticals). Examples of foreign objects other than pharmaceuticals include fragments of PTP (Press Through Pack) sheets. The control unit 60a also stores pharmaceuticals registered in the pharmaceutical database as pharmaceuticals to be discarded, or pharmaceuticals that the user wishes to discard (e.g., pharmaceuticals with old manufacturing dates), in the collection tray 16.

[0037] The drug input port 17 is for transporting the drugs stored in the second storage section 14 to the packaging mechanism 6 via the transport and sorting unit 12.

[0038] [Overview of Computers] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the drug sorting device 1 is equipped with a computer 60 that comprehensively controls all of the above-mentioned components (hardware). The computer 60 comprises a control unit 60a and a storage unit 80. The control unit 60a includes a transport control unit 61, a sorting control unit 62, an imaging control unit 63, a determination unit 64, a matching unit 65, an operation input unit 66, a display control unit 67, an RFID control unit 68, a print output control unit 69, and a packaging control unit 71. The processing of the determination unit 64 will be explained later in the section on [Sorting of Medications Brought In].

[0039] The transport control unit 61 controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to transport the drugs stored in the first storage unit 11 to the receiving area. Specifically, the transport control unit 61 controls the adsorption and shutter mechanism 122 to perform adsorption or release operations of the drugs by the adsorption and shutter mechanism 122. The transport control unit 61 controls the transport mechanism 123 to move the adsorption and shutter mechanism 122 in the X and Y axis directions.

[0040] The sorting control unit 62 controls the transport and sorting unit 12 based on the identification result of the drug type (the verification result by the verification unit 65) to transport the drugs placed in the receiving area to a predetermined sorting cup 141, standby tray 15, or recovery tray 16 in the second storage unit 14.

[0041] When the sorting control unit 62 receives the drug identification result, it determines the sorting location where the drug will be stored, and stores the identification result and the determined sorting location in the storage unit 80, linking them together. Specifically, the sorting control unit 62 determines whether or not the same identification result as the above identification result is stored in the storage unit 80.

[0042] If the sorting control unit 62 has a stored sorting result identical to the above-mentioned determination result, it determines the sorting cup 141 associated with the stored determination result as the sorting position. If the sorting position associated with the stored determination result (e.g., estimated drug) is the standby tray 15, it determines the standby tray 15 as the sorting position. On the other hand, if no storage of the same determination result as above is available, it determines the sorting cup 141 that does not contain drug (the sorting cup 141 whose sorting position has not yet been determined) as the sorting position. If all of the sorting cups 141 contain drug, it determines the standby tray 15 as the sorting position. Note that, for estimated drug, the sorting control unit 62 may determine any of the sorting cups 141 in the second storage unit 14 as the sorting position instead of the standby tray 15.

[0043] Once the sorting position is determined, the sorting control unit 62 controls the transport mechanism 123 in the same way as the transport control unit 61 to move the transport / sorting unit 12 above the receiving area. The sorting control unit 62, in the same way as the transport control unit 61, controls the second camera 121 and the suction / shutter mechanism 122 to pick up the drugs placed in the receiving area. Subsequently, the sorting control unit 62 controls the transport mechanism 123 to transport the drugs to the determined sorting cup 141 or standby tray 15. After transporting the drugs, the sorting control unit 62 releases the suction to store the drugs in the sorting cup 141 or standby tray 15. The sorting control unit 62 also counts the number of drugs stored in the sorting cup 141 and stores it in the storage unit 80, linked to the sorting position.

[0044] After the sorting control unit 62 transports the drugs (drugs after identification) from the drug placement table 133a located in the receiving area to the sorting position, the transport control unit 61 transports the drugs stored in the first storage unit 11 to the now empty drug placement table 133a and places them there. This allows the drug sorting device 1 to continuously identify the types of drugs.

[0045] Furthermore, if the sorting control unit 62 receives a determination result indicating that it could not determine the type of drug, it determines that the object placed in the receiving area after determination is a foreign object and transports the foreign object to the collection tray 16.

[0046] Furthermore, the sorting control unit 62 stores data related to the drugs stored in the sorting cup 141 on an RFID tag provided on the sorting cup 141 by the second RFID reader / writer unit 18. The sorting control unit 62 instructs the RFID control unit 68 to write data related to the drugs each time drugs are stored in the sorting cup 141. The sorting control unit 62 also stores this data in the storage unit 80.

[0047] The imaging control unit 63 controls the imaging of the drug by the second camera 121 when the transport / sorting unit 12 adsorbs the drug to be transported. The transport control unit 61 and the sorting control unit 62 identify one of the drugs included in the image captured by the second camera 121 as the drug to be transported.

[0048] Furthermore, the imaging control unit 63 controls the imaging of the drug in the above-mentioned arrangement area by the imaging unit 13, the rotational movement of the first camera 131 and the illuminator 134, and the movement of the drug holding mechanism 133. The imaging control unit 63 stores the image captured by the first camera 131 in the storage unit 80.

[0049] The matching unit 65 functions as a discrimination unit that determines the type of drug based on the image of the drug captured by the first camera 131. Specifically, the matching unit 65 extracts the characteristics of the drug contained in the image by analyzing the captured image of the drug. Examples of drug characteristics include size, shape, markings, prints, score lines, and representative color (color of the area where the marking or print is applied). If OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is performed, other information such as the drug name (e.g., identification code) or manufacturer identification information (identification information that identifies the drug) represented by the marking or print, and the expiration date will be extracted as drug characteristics. The matching unit 65 stores the information indicating the characteristics of each extracted drug in the storage unit 80, linked to the image of the drug. Note that drug characteristic extraction may be performed by known techniques.

[0050] The matching unit 65 identifies the type of drug by comparing the characteristics of each drug with the drug database. For example, the matching unit 65 ranks candidate drug data related to the imaged drug from the drug database based on its representative color. Then, the matching unit 65 identifies the type based on other characteristics according to the above ranking.

[0051] Furthermore, the matching unit 65 may narrow down candidate drug data related to the imaged drug from the drug database using pattern matching or the like, based on the characteristics of the extracted drug. In this case, for example, candidate drug data is narrowed down using at least one of the above-mentioned characteristics: size, shape, markings, print, cleavage lines, and representative color. Subsequently, the matching unit 65 performs OCR or the like to read the identification information, etc., expressed on the markings or prints, and further narrows down the type of drug from the above candidates using pattern matching or the like. The matching unit 65 may also rank the above candidates based on the degree of agreement between the characteristics of the extracted drug and the characteristics of drugs included in the drug database.

[0052] Furthermore, even if the characteristics of a drug extracted using pattern matching or the like (target characteristics) are not found in the drug database, the matching unit 65 identifies the drug as a presumed drug if it is estimated to be a drug (tablet or capsule) based on at least a part of the target characteristics. In this case, the presumed drug can also be sorted into the second storage unit 14 or the standby tray 15.

[0053] Furthermore, the matching unit 65 may compare at least one of the target features with at least one of the drug features (matching features) extracted up to that point, and determine the type of drug based on the matching result. Specifically, if the image of the drugs sorted into the sorting cup 141 is used as the reference image, the matching unit 65 compares the drug features (target features) contained in the subsequently acquired image with the drug features (matching features) contained in the reference image. This allows the above matching to be performed using the reference image instead of the drug database, making it possible to sort drugs into the sorting cup 141 even if the drugs are not pre-registered in the drug database.

[0054] The matching unit 65 outputs the drug type identification result to the sorting control unit 62. For example, if the drug type can be identified as one, or if the number of candidates is narrowed down to a predetermined number, the matching unit 65 outputs drug data related to that drug as the identification result. In this case, the matching unit 65 stores the drug data related to that drug in the storage unit 80, linked to the image of that drug.

[0055] If the matching unit 65 identifies the drug as a suspected drug, it outputs the characteristics of the drug (characteristics of the item suspected as a suspected drug) as the identification result. On the other hand, if the matching unit 65 identifies the drug as one registered in the drug database as a drug to be discarded, or if it identifies the item stored in the first storage unit 11 as a foreign object other than a drug, it outputs a result indicating that the item is not a drug to be sorted.

[0056] The operation input unit 66 and the display control unit 67 control the operation unit 31 and the display unit 32 of the touch panel 3, respectively. The RFID control unit 68 controls the first RFID reader / writer unit 5 and the second RFID reader / writer unit 18. The print output control unit 69 controls the print output unit 4 according to the user input received by the operation input unit 66.

[0057] The packaging control unit 71 controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to transport the drugs stored in the sorting cups 141 to the drug input port 17. The packaging control unit 71 also controls the packaging mechanism 6 to package the drugs contained in each sorting cup 141.

[0058] Furthermore, the computer 60 includes a storage unit 80. The storage unit 80 pre-stores a drug database (drug master) that manages drug data for multiple types of drugs, as well as images of drugs captured by the first camera 131. Images processed by the imaging control unit 63 may also be stored as images of drugs.

[0059] Furthermore, the various data stored in the storage unit 80 do not necessarily have to be managed by the storage unit 80; for example, they may be managed by an external device. In this case, the control unit 60a may acquire the above-mentioned data from the external device via a communication line such as the Internet, as needed. In addition, the drug database may be updated when new drug data is added.

[0060] [Sorting and packaging of medications brought in by the patient (setting sorting mode for each type of medication)] In the drug sorting device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to set a returned drug sorting mode for automatically sorting returned drugs and a brought-in drug sorting mode for automatically sorting drugs brought in by customers.

[0061] In the returned medication sorting mode, the drug sorting device 1, as described above, takes out one by one of the multiple types of drugs stored in the first storage section 11 and identifies the type of drug based on the image of the taken drug. Based on the identification result, the drug sorting device 1 transports the drug to either the second storage section 14, the waiting tray 15, or the collection tray 16. Therefore, in the returned medication sorting mode, the first storage section 11 may arbitrarily contain multiple types of drugs, and it is not necessarily required that the first storage section 11 has multiple storage sections. Also, in the case of returned medication, there are no patients waiting for the sorting process, so it is not necessary to increase the efficiency of the sorting process for the purpose of returning the medication to the patient as quickly as possible.

[0062] On the other hand, medications brought by patients are necessary for a doctor to create a new prescription for a patient who has brought them with them. For example, the doctor will consider the types of medications brought by the patient and the type of surgery, and check whether there are any medications that should be discontinued before creating a new prescription. In addition, a pharmacist will identify the medications brought by the patient in order to create this prescription. Therefore, the drug sorting device 1 can support the pharmacist's identification and the doctor's prescription creation by sorting the medications brought by the patient by type on a patient-by-patient basis. However, considering that it is preferable for the doctor to create the prescription as soon as possible after obtaining the medications brought by the patient, it is preferable that the sorting process of medications brought by patients by the drug sorting device 1 be more efficient than that of returned medications.

[0063] In this case, when the "Sorting of Patient-Brought-In Medications" mode is selected, the drug sorting device 1 of this embodiment further allows selection of a "Sorting by Drug Type" mode and a "Drug Type Identification" mode. The "Sorting by Drug Type" mode sorts the patient-brought medications into groups that are considered to be of the same type, and then packages the medications by type. The "Drug Type Identification" mode repackages the patient-brought medications according to their administration time. Here, we will first explain the method of receiving, sorting, and packaging the patient-brought medications using the drug sorting device 1 in the "Sorting by Drug Type" mode.

[0064] <<Sorting and processing of medications brought by the customer>> When the sorting mode by drug type is selected, the first storage unit 11 functions to separate and store the medications brought in by the patient on a patient-by-patient basis. The first storage unit 11 also functions to separate and store at least one of several types of medications brought in by a patient, which were prescribed to a patient at one medical institution and subsequently brought to another medical institution, and the remaining second medications brought in by the patient.

[0065] For example, in the example of 3002 in Figure 3, storage compartments 111 and 112 function as storage compartments for medications brought by one patient PA, while storage compartments 113 and 114 function as storage compartments for medications brought by a patient PB other than patient PA.

[0066] Here, it is assumed that patients PA and PB have been prescribed medication to be taken over multiple days, with multiple dose times scheduled each day. The type of medication taken at the same time each day is assumed to be the same. One specific day among the multiple dose days is referred to as the "prescribed dose day." The prescribed dose day is, for example, the start date of treatment, but it may be any other specific day.

[0067] Each of the small storage compartments 111a to 111c functions to store the medication brought by the patient PA, which is prescribed to be taken by the patient PA at each of several administration times on a predetermined administration day (predetermined administration period). For example, small storage compartment 111a stores the medication to be taken in the morning on a given administration day, small storage compartment 111b stores the medication to be taken at noon on the same administration day, and small storage compartment 111c stores the medication to be taken in the evening on the same administration day. Storage compartment 112 functions to store the remaining medication brought by the patient PA, which is prescribed to be taken by the patient PA at the same time as the above multiple administration times on administration days other than the predetermined administration day, which is prescribed to be taken by the patient PA. Storage compartment 113 (small storage compartments 113a to 113c) and storage compartment 114 have the same functions as storage compartments 111 and 112, and function to store the patient PB's first or second medication, respectively.

[0068] The number of first-supplied medications stored in storage section 111 is less than or equal to the number of second-supplied medications stored in storage section 112. Therefore, the amount of reference data created based on the images of the first-supplied medications (described later) can be reduced, and the second-supplied medications, which exist in quantities exceeding the number of first-supplied medications, can be sorted based on fewer reference data. Consequently, the drug sorting device 1 can efficiently perform the sorting process of the supplemented medications.

[0069] Furthermore, the storage section 111 of the first storage section 11 may function as a storage section for the first medication brought by the patient PA, which is prescribed for the patient PA to take on a designated day. In this case, the storage section 112 may function as a storage section for the second medication brought by the patient PA, which is prescribed for the patient PA to take on days other than the designated day, and which is left over. For example, if the medication is prescribed to be taken in the morning and evening, then, for example, the small storage section 111a will contain the medication to be taken in the morning on a given day, and the small storage section 111b will contain the medication to be taken in the evening on the same day. The storage section 112 will contain the medication to be taken in the morning and evening on days other than the prescribed day (the leftover medication). If the medication is prescribed to be taken in the morning, noon, or evening of the day, the small storage compartment 111a will hold the medication to be taken in the morning, noon, or evening on a given day, and the storage compartment 112 will hold the medication to be taken in the morning, noon, or evening on other days (the remaining medication). Similarly, storage compartments 113 and 114 function to hold the patient's first or second medication, respectively.

[0070] Furthermore, the storage section 111 of the first storage section 11 shown at 3001 in Figure 3 may function as a storage section for the first medication brought by the patient PA, which is prescribed to be taken by the patient PA at a predetermined time (predetermined administration time) on a predetermined administration day. In this case, the storage section 112 may function as a storage section for the second medication brought by the patient PA, which is prescribed to be taken by the patient PA at times other than the predetermined time and is brought by the patient. For example, the storage section 111 may contain the medication to be taken in the morning on a certain administration day, and the storage section 112 may contain the remaining medication. Similarly, the storage sections 113 and 114 may function as storage sections for the first or second medication brought by the patient PB, respectively. In this case as well, the number of first medications stored in storage section 111 may be less than or equal to the number of second medications stored in storage section 112. Furthermore, in this case, it is sufficient that the patient PA and PB are prescribed at least one day's worth of medication, and that multiple administration times are set throughout the day.

[0071] The storage locations for patient PA and PB's medications can be arbitrarily set. For example, storage sections 111 and 114 may be for patient PA's medications, and storage sections 112 and 113 may be for patient PB's medications. Small storage sections may also be provided in storage sections 112 and 114, and each small storage section may contain medications for any dosage time. Furthermore, the first storage section 11 may be further divided so that it can store the first and second medications of three or more patients on a patient-by-patient basis. However, storage data indicating which storage section contains the first and second medications of a certain patient and which storage section contains the first and second medications of another patient is stored in the storage unit 80 in advance. Note that the first storage section 11 may also be configured to store the first and second medications of a single patient.

[0072] The second storage section 14 functions to store the first and second medications brought by patients, on a patient-by-patient basis and for each medication considered to be of the same type. The second storage section 14 has storage areas for medications set on a patient-by-patient basis. Figure 4 is a plan view of the second storage section 14. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 4, in the example of Figure 4, storage areas AR1 to AR4 are set as storage areas to store the medications brought by four patients, one for each patient.

[0073] The storage location of the patient's medication in the first storage unit 11 (the location from which the medication is retrieved) and the storage location of the patient's medication in the second storage unit 14 (the compartment in which the medication is stored) are linked on a patient-by-patient basis and managed as storage location data. In the storage location data, for example, storage units 111 and 112 are linked to storage area AR1, and storage units 113 and 114 are linked to storage area AR2, and these are stored in the storage unit 80. The size and number of the above storage areas can be set arbitrarily.

[0074] The imaging unit 13 functions to image the first or second medications brought by the patient, which are taken out of the first storage unit 11 on a patient-by-patient basis. If there are multiple first medications, the imaging unit 13 images the first medications that the transport and sorting unit 12 takes out in order. The same applies to the second medications.

[0075] The determination unit 64 determines the reference data by, for example, one of the following two methods. The determination unit 64 stores the determined reference data in the storage unit 80.

[0076] (Method 1) The determination unit 64 determines reference data that represents information based on at least one feature of the first medication (e.g., size, shape, or representative color as described above) extracted from an image of the first medication brought by the patient. The determination unit 64 determines, for example, as reference data multiple features managed as drug data for the first medication, obtained by matching at least one feature of the first medication with the drug database by the matching unit 65. In this case, the matching unit 65 can use the multiple features of the first medication as a comparison target for at least one feature of the second medication brought by the patient.

[0077] (Method 2) The determination unit 64 determines at least one characteristic of the first medication brought by the patient as reference data. For example, the determination unit 64 determines the size, shape, and representative color of the first medication brought by the patient as reference data.

[0078] The control unit 60a only needs to be able to sort the second medication based on the characteristics of the first medication brought in, using reference data. Therefore, even if the type of the first medication is not accurately identified or narrowed down, it is sufficient if the first and second medications, which are considered to be of the same type, are placed in the same sorting cup 141. By comparing the characteristics of the first medication with the drug database, the type of the first medication can be accurately identified or narrowed down, but since the number of drug data managed in the drug database is enormous, this takes time. By determining the characteristics of the first medication as reference data using the method 2 described above, the processing time of the determination unit 64 (reference data creation time) can be shortened.

[0079] The matching unit 65, when the first storage unit 11 contains multiple first medications, compares the reference data of each first medication to determine whether the reference data can be considered identical. The matching unit 65 may consider the reference data to be identical if the degree of agreement of at least one feature of the two first medications to be compared is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The number of features for which the degree of agreement is to be determined, and the predetermined value, may be set by experimentation or other means. The same process may also be applied when comparing at least one feature of a second medication with its reference data.

[0080] Furthermore, the matching unit 65 functions as a first matching unit that matches at least one feature of the second medication, extracted from an image of the second medication, with reference data determined by the determination unit 64. The matching unit 65 does not match the features of the second medication with the drug database, at least for the second medication. Also, the reference data is stored in the storage unit 80 only for the number of first medications. Therefore, the matching time can be shortened compared to when the features of the second medication are matched with all drug data managed in the drug database. In addition, the matching time can be further shortened by narrowing down the features of the first medication included in the reference data (e.g., size, shape, and representative color of the first medication).

[0081] Furthermore, when the determination unit 64 determines reference data according to method 1 above, the matching unit 65 functions as a second matching unit that narrows down the type of first medication brought by the patient by matching at least one characteristic of the first medication brought by the patient with the drug database. In this case, the matching unit 65 can accurately identify or narrow down the type of the first medication brought by the patient, and consequently, it can accurately identify or narrow down the type of the second medication brought by the patient.

[0082] Although the verification unit 65 is described as having the functions of both the first verification unit and the second verification unit, the control unit 60a may have the first verification unit and the second verification unit as separate functions.

[0083] The transport and sorting unit 12 stores the first and second medications brought by the patient in the second storage section 14 on a patient-by-patient basis.

[0084] The sorting control unit 62 controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to store the medication in each sorting cup 141 of the second storage unit 14 based on the results of the comparison of reference data by the comparison unit 65. If the reference data of the first medication to be stored in the sorting cup 141 is deemed to be the same as the reference data of the first medication already stored in the sorting cup 141, the sorting control unit 62 stores the first medication to be stored in the sorting cup 141 in which the first medication has already been stored. If the reference data of the first medication to be stored in the sorting cup 141 is not deemed to be the same as the reference data of the first medication already stored in the sorting cup 141, the sorting control unit 62 stores the first medication to be stored in an unused sorting cup 141. The sorting control unit 62 also stores the first medication to be sorted in an unused sorting cup 141. As a result, the sorting control unit 62 can sort all the first medications stored in the first storage unit 11 into groups of the same type and store them in the second storage unit 14.

[0085] Furthermore, the transport and sorting unit 12 places the second medication, which is considered to be of the same type as the first medication, in the same compartment as the compartment in which the first medication is stored, based on the comparison result between the reference data and at least one feature of the second medication performed by the comparison unit 65. If the sorting control unit 62 determines that at least one feature of the second medication is identical to any of the reference data, it controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to store the second medication in the sorting cup 141 in which the first medication corresponding to the reference data is stored. If the sorting control unit 62 determines that at least one feature of the second medication is not identical to any of the reference data, it controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to store the second medication in an unused sorting cup 141 (a sorting cup 141 in which the first medication is not stored).

[0086] As mentioned above, the number of reference data is significantly less than the number of drug data in the drug database. Therefore, the drug sorting device 1 stores the drugs in the first storage section 11 separately into first-supplied drugs and second-supplied drugs, and sorts the second-supplied drugs based on the reference data of the first-supplied drugs, thereby enabling efficient and quick sorting of the drugs.

[0087] In the returned medication sorting mode, returned medications are stored in any location in the first storage section 11, regardless of the patient. The medication sorting device 1 takes out the medications stored in the first storage section 11 one by one and stores them in the second storage section 14 according to the type determined based on the imaging results from the imaging unit 13. On the other hand, in the medication type sorting mode of the patient-supplied medication sorting mode, as described above, the medication sorting device 1 takes out the patient-supplied medications stored in the first storage section 11 one by one and sorts them in the second storage section 14 according to the type of medication considered to be the same for each patient. Therefore, the medication sorting device 1 can package the patient-supplied medications stored in the second storage section 14 on a patient-by-patient basis. In addition, the user (e.g., a pharmacist) can handle the patient-supplied medications sorted by the medication sorting device 1 on a patient-by-patient basis. Therefore, the user can efficiently perform the task of identifying patient-supplied medications. Furthermore, users will be able to efficiently perform tasks such as reusing (repackaging) medications brought in by patients or returning them to patients or their caregivers, in accordance with new prescriptions (post-medication instructions) issued by doctors.

[0088] If the medication brought by the patient is half a tablet, the control unit 60a does not determine the type of medication and stores them together in one sorting cup 141.

[0089] Visual inspection During or after the sorting of the patient's medications, the display control unit 67 displays an image of the medications stored in each sorting cup 141 (image captured by the first camera 131) and the type of medication on the display unit 32. If the characteristics of the first medication are being compared with the drug database, the display control unit 67 displays the type of medication on the display unit 32 as the result of the comparison (narrowing result). If the characteristics of the first medication are not being compared with the drug database, the comparison unit 65 compares any characteristic of the medications stored in the sorting cups 141 with the drug database to narrow down the type of medication (type identification). The display control unit 67 then displays the narrowed-down type of medication on the display unit 32. The user uniquely identifies the type of medication by visually checking the display on the display unit 32 and inputs the identification result via the operation unit 31 (visual inspection). The operation input unit 66 associates the entered specific result with sorting cup identification information and stores it in the storage unit 80.

[0090] <<Dispensing of medication brought in by the customer>> The packaging mechanism 6 packages the first and second medications for each first and second medication stored in the same compartment of the second storage section 14 (stored in the same sorting cup 141). Therefore, the packaging mechanism 6 can package the medications according to the type identified by visual inspection. Furthermore, the packaging mechanism 6 packages the first and second medications for each first and second medication stored in the same compartment on a patient-by-patient basis. Therefore, the packaging mechanism 6 can provide the user with medications packaged on a patient-by-patient basis. In addition, because the medications are packaged together on a patient-by-patient basis, it is easier for the user to return the medications to the patient or their caregiver.

[0091] Figures 5001 and 5002 show examples of packaging by the packaging mechanism 6. As a result of the sorting process of the medications brought by the patient, the patient PA's medications (drug names: DA1-DA4) are placed in the storage area AR1 of the second storage section 14, and the patient PB's medications (drug names: DB1-DB4) are placed in the storage area AR2 of the second storage section 14. Figure 5001 shows an example of the packaged state of the patient PA's medications, and Figure 5002 shows an example of the packaged state of the patient PB's medications.

[0092] The dispensing control unit 71 controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to take out one drug at a time from the sorting cup 141 containing the drug with drug name DA1 in the storage area AR1, and transport it to the dispensing mechanism 6 via the drug input port 17. Hereafter, this will be referred to as drug DA1. The same applies to drugs with drug names DA2 to DA4 and drugs with drug names DB1 to DB4.

[0093] The packaging control unit 71 removes all drug DA1 from the sorting cup 141 and transports it to the packaging mechanism 6, after which the packaging mechanism 6 packages drug DA1 into individual packets. During or after the packaging of drug DA1, the packaging control unit 71 controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to remove all drug DA2 from the sorting cup 141 and the packaging mechanism 6 packages drug DA2 into individual packets. Drugs DA3 and DA4 are packaged in the same manner. Once the packaging of the medications brought by the patient in containment area AR1 (patient PA) is complete, the packaging control unit 71 similarly packages the medications brought by the patient in containment area AR2 (patient PB).

[0094] As shown in Figures 5001 and 5002, the packaging control unit 71 controls the packaging mechanism 6 to print information on each package, such as the patient's name, drug name (type of drug), number of drugs, and sorting date. Printing this information on each package allows the user to perform the above-mentioned tasks efficiently.

[0095] The print output control unit 69 may also print the above information into the journal. In this case as well, the user can efficiently perform the above-mentioned tasks by visually inspecting the journal.

[0096] For example, depending on the type of surgery, there may be medications that a patient cannot take or should refrain from taking before surgery (medications to be discontinued). By printing the above information, the user can easily communicate to the patient or their caregiver which packages contain medications that the patient cannot take and which packages contain medications that the patient can take. The patient or their caregiver can also easily determine whether the medication is safe to take. This reduces the possibility of the patient mistakenly taking medication that is not safe to take. Furthermore, the user can separate the packages containing medications that cannot be taken and hand over only the medications that can be taken to the patient or their caregiver. In this way, by packaging medications by type on a patient-by-patient basis, the user can support outpatient tasks such as returning medications as described above. This support can also be used to assist patients who are hospitalized before surgery.

[0097] Furthermore, the user may input via the control unit 31 that a medication to be discontinued should be discontinued. This allows the control unit 60a to identify the medication to be discontinued. As a result, the control unit 60a can print information indicating that the medication should not be taken (e.g., "Do not take this medication before hospitalization" or "No medication required") on the dispensing paper or journal in addition to the above information. In this case, the user, patient, or their caregiver can more easily determine whether or not the medication should be taken.

[0098] Figure 5, part 5003, shows a modified example of packaging by the packaging mechanism 6. Whether in the returned medication sorting mode or the medication sorting mode for medications brought in by the customer, the packaging mechanism 6 compresses the horizontal compression portion Cr1 and the vertical compression portion Cr2 of the packaging paper, thereby packaging each package Pa with the same type of medication contained in the second storage section 14. The packaging mechanism 6, for example, uses a pair of roller mechanisms (not shown) that extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the packaging paper and are provided to sandwich the packaging paper, to compress the horizontal compression portion Cr1 while transporting the packaging paper, and to compress the vertical compression portion Cr2 at arbitrary intervals.

[0099] In this modified example, the packaging control unit 71 controls the packaging mechanism 6 to package the medications brought in by the patient, which are stored in the second storage unit 14, according to the prescribed time of administration based on the prescription data. In this case, as shown in 5003 of Figure 5, the packaging control unit 71 may divide each package Pa into a first packaging area Pa1 and a second packaging area Pa2 by providing a vertical crimping portion Cr3 (partition) in each package Pa. The first packaging area Pa1 is the area that contains medications that the patient can take, and the second packaging area Pa2 is the area that contains medications that the patient cannot take (e.g., medications to be discontinued). This allows for separate packaging of medications according to administration time in each package Pa, depending on whether they can be taken or not.

[0100] Furthermore, the dispensing control unit 71 may print information on the dispensing paper, such as "takeable" in the first dispensing area Pa1 and "not takeable" in the second dispensing area Pa2. This reduces the possibility of a patient mistakenly taking medication they brought with them that is not suitable for them.

[0101] Furthermore, the dispensing control unit 71 may dispensing medications that cannot be taken separately from medications that can be taken. Also, instead of dispensing medications that can be taken and medications that cannot be taken separately in one package for each administration time, as described above, the dispensing control unit 71 may dispensing medications that can be taken and medications that cannot be taken in separate packages for each administration time. Dispensing in this way further reduces the possibility that the patient may mistakenly take medications that cannot be taken.

[0102] ≪Process for sorting and packaging medications brought in by the customer≫ Figure 6 shows an example of the sorting process (method for sorting medications brought by patients) and packaging process using the drug sorting device 1.

[0103] The transport control unit 61 controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to take out the patient PA's first medications one by one from the storage unit 111 and transport them to the imaging unit 13 (S1). The imaging control unit 63 controls the imaging unit 13 to image the first medication (S2; first imaging step). The determination unit 64 determines reference data using at least one feature of the first medication based on the imaging results (S3; determination step).

[0104] If reference data has already been determined, the matching unit 65 matches that reference data with the reference data determined in S3. Based on the matching result of the matching unit 65 and the storage position data, the sorting control unit 62 determines the sorting position (sorting cup 141) of the first medicine in the storage area AR1. If no reference data has already been determined, the sorting control unit 62 determines an unused sorting cup 141 in the storage area AR1 as the storage position for the first medicine based on the storage position data. Subsequently, the sorting control unit 62 controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to store the first medicine in the storage position determined in the storage area AR1 (S4; first storage step).

[0105] The control unit 60a also performs the processing S1 to S4 for the first medication brought by the patient PB, which is stored in the storage unit 113, thereby storing the first medication in the storage position determined in the storage area AR2.

[0106] Once all of the first medications brought by the patient are stored in the second storage unit 14, the transport control unit 61 controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to take out the second medications of the patient PA stored in the storage unit 112 one by one and transport them to the imaging unit 13 (S5). The imaging control unit 63 controls the imaging unit 13 to image the second medications (S6; second imaging step). The matching unit 65 compares the imaging results with the reference data (S7; matching step). Based on the matching results, the sorting control unit 62 determines the sorting position of the second medications in the storage area AR1 and controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to store the second medications in the sorting position (S8; second storage step).

[0107] The control unit 60a also performs the processing S5 to S8 for the second medication brought by the patient PB, which is stored in the storage unit 114, thereby storing the second medication in the storage position determined in the storage area AR2.

[0108] Once all of the second medications brought by the patient are placed in the second storage unit 14, the packaging control unit 71 controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to transport the medications placed in the storage area AR1 to the packaging mechanism 6. Before transporting the medications to the packaging mechanism 6, the user performs a visual inspection based on images of the medications. The packaging control unit 71 controls the packaging mechanism 6 to package the transported medications. The packaging control unit 71 processes the medications placed in the storage area AR2 in the same manner. In this way, the packaging control unit 71 packages the medications placed in the second storage unit 14 on a patient-by-patient basis (S9).

[0109] Furthermore, the control unit 60a may, after placing the patient PA's medications, which are placed in the storage units 111 and 112, into the storage area AR1, and then place the patient PB's medications, which are placed in the storage units 113 and 114, into the storage area AR2. Alternatively, the control unit 60a may, after placing the patient PA's medications into the storage area AR1, perform the packaging process for said medications, and then place the patient PB's medications into the storage area AR2.

[0110] [Additional information] In the above description, the first storage unit 11 is capable of storing the first and second medications brought by the patient, separated on a patient-by-patient basis, and the imaging unit 13 is described as imaging the first or second medications brought by the patient, which are taken out of the first storage unit 11 on a patient-by-patient basis. Furthermore, the transport and sorting unit 12 is described as storing the first and second medications brought by the patient in the second storage unit 14 on a patient-by-patient basis.

[0111] However, it is not necessary for the first and second medications brought by a patient to be stored in the first storage section 11 on a patient-by-patient basis. In other words, the first storage section 11 may contain only the first and second medications brought by a single patient. For example, in the case of a patient with six scheduled dose times per day, the medications brought on the prescribed dose days may be stored in the small storage sections 111a-111c and 113a-113c respectively, and the remaining medications may be stored in storage sections 112 and 114. The drug sorting device 1 may then store the first and second medications brought by a single patient, which are stored in the first storage section 11, in the second storage section 14 after the processing described above. Even in this case, the drug sorting device 1 can efficiently and quickly sort the medications brought by the patient. Furthermore, by packaging the medications brought by the patient by type, the drug sorting device 1 can support the efficient performance of the various tasks performed by the user as described above.

[0112] Furthermore, the drug sorting device 1 may be connected to an external device on which software for creating a drug identification report (drug identification software) for creating a drug identification report is installed. In this case, the external device can create a drug identification report by receiving drug data of the drugs sorted by the drug sorting device 1 and identified by the user's visual inspection.

[0113] Furthermore, the control unit 60a may obtain the expiration date and lot information of the medication brought in by the patient from the barcode printed on the packaging paper at the time of dispensing (when the patient first receives the medication). In this case, after sorting the medication brought in by the patient, the control unit 60a can reprint the expiration date and lot information of the medication brought in by the patient on the packaging paper or journal.

[0114] [Sorting and packaging of medications brought in by the patient (drug type identification mode setting)] When set to drug type identification mode, the control unit 60a identifies the type of medication contained in each of the multiple packets containing the medication brought by each patient (e.g., the first packet in a set of multiple packets), and repackages each packet individually. If, for example, three dose times are set for the day (morning, noon, and evening), there will be three such daily dose packets. In the following explanation, it will be assumed that three dose times are set for the day (morning, noon, and evening), but the explanation is not limited to this.

[0115] When the system is set to drug type identification mode, the user takes one of the patient's daily doses (in this case, the dose containing the morning dose) and places it in the empty sorting cup 141 (a section in the second storage unit 14). As a prerequisite, the display control unit 67 displays a selection image on the touch panel 3 for selecting the time of day for the first patient to take their medication. The selection image displays selectable times of administration, such as upon waking, in the morning, at noon, in the evening, before going to bed, or other times. Here, the user selects "morning" as the time of administration. When the operation input unit 66 receives user input indicating the selected time of administration via the touch panel 3, the display control unit 67 displays a first instruction image on the touch panel 3. The first instruction image is intended to prompt the user to place the medication into the empty sorting cup 141 and then place the sorting cup 141 on the first RFID reader / writer unit 5.

[0116] When the sorting cup 141 is placed on the first RFID reader / writer unit 5, the control unit 60a writes information indicating the selected dosage time (in this case, "morning") based on the user input to the RFID tag of the sorting cup 141.

[0117] The same process is performed on the remaining packets of the patient PP (in this case, the packets containing the medications to be taken in the afternoon and evening). As a result, the control unit 60a writes information indicating the selected administration time "afternoon" to the RFID tag of the sorting cup 141 containing the patient PP's afternoon medication. The control unit 60a also writes information indicating the selected administration time "evening" to the RFID tag of the sorting cup 141 containing the evening medication.

[0118] In this embodiment, 40 sorting cups 141 can be placed in the second storage section 14 (see Figure 4). Therefore, if there are three packets for a day's dose (if three dose times are set for a day), the medications brought by 13 patients can be stored in separate sorting cups 141 for each dose time of the day. When the above process is performed for the next patient PQ after patient PP, the control unit 60a identifies the medications brought by the patient stored in the sorting cup 141 as belonging to the second patient. For subsequent patients' medications, the control unit 60a identifies them as belonging to the third, fourth, and so on patients.

[0119] The control unit 60a controls each component to take out one medication at a time from each sorting cup 141, image the medication, and use the image result and, for example, a drug database to identify or narrow down the type of medication. The process from imaging the medication to identifying the type is as described above. The control unit 60a stores the identification result (narrowing result) and the imaged image in the storage unit 80, linking them to the sorting cup identification information.

[0120] The dispensing control unit 71 takes out the medication brought in by the patient from each sorting cup 141 and dispensing the medication into individual packets. The dispensing control unit 71 prints the patient's order (information indicating which patient it is), the time of administration, and a barcode on each packet. For example, for patient PP's morning medication, the words "Patient 1" and "Morning," along with a barcode, will be printed. The patient's name may be printed instead of the patient's order.

[0121] When a barcode is read by the barcode reader 7, the display control unit 67 displays a visual inspection image on the touch panel 3 for the user to perform a visual inspection. The barcode is associated with the identification result and the captured image. Therefore, the display control unit 67 can display the identification result and the captured image together with the visual inspection image. By visually inspecting the visual inspection image, the user identifies the type of medication contained in the package whose barcode was read. The visual inspection image may display candidate types of medication for the user to select, or it may display an area where the user can input the type (e.g., markings). Once the medication is identified, the print output control unit 69 prints the identification result (e.g., medication name) into the journal. The barcode reading process, visual inspection, and journal printing process are performed for each package.

[0122] In this way, in drug identification mode, the drug sorting device 1 stores the medications brought by patients in sorting cups 141 on a patient-by-patient basis and according to their daily administration time. The RFID of each sorting cup 141 is used to manage information indicating the patient (or patient's order) and information indicating the daily administration time. Therefore, the drug sorting device 1 can repackage the medications brought by patients on a patient-by-patient basis and according to their daily administration time.

[0123] [Variation] When using the first storage unit 11 shown at 3001 in Figure 3, storage units 111 to 114 may each function to store medications brought by different patients. In this modified example, the control unit 60a does not need to have a determination unit 64. In this modified example, the matching unit 65 matches at least one characteristic of the medication taken out of the first storage unit 11 with the drug database. Based on the matching result of the matching unit 65, the sorting control unit 62 stores medications that are considered to be of the same type into the second storage unit 14. For example, the sorting control unit 62 stores medications that have been determined to be of the same type in the same sorting cup 141, and stores estimated medications in a sorting cup 141 different from the sorting cups 141 in which each type is stored.

[0124] For example, the medications brought by patient PA, which are stored in storage unit 111, are stored in storage area AR1, and the medications brought by patient PB, which are stored in storage unit 112, are stored in storage area AR2. In addition, the medications brought by patient PC, which are stored in storage unit 113, are stored in storage area AR3, and the medications brought by patient PD, which are stored in storage unit 114, are stored in storage area AR4.

[0125] After all the medications brought in by the patient, which were stored in the first storage section 11, have been transferred to the second storage section 14, a visual inspection is performed by the user. This uniquely identifies the type of medication each patient has brought in, which is stored in the second storage section 14. Subsequently, the dispensing control unit 71 dispensing the medications according to the identified type, on a patient-by-patient basis.

[0126] [Another example of the first containment section] Figure 7 shows another example of the first storage section 11. The first storage section 11 shown in Figure 7 may be used instead of the first storage section 11 shown at 3002 in Figure 3. In the example in Figure 7, the first storage section 11 has four storage sections 111 to 114 with approximately the same volume. Each of the four storage sections 111 to 114 is further divided into four sections. Storage section 111 has three small storage sections 111d to 111f and one medium storage section 111g. Similarly, storage sections 112 to 114 each have three small storage sections 112d to 112f and one medium storage section 112g, three small storage sections 113d to 113f and one medium storage section 113g, three small storage sections 114d to 114f and one medium storage section 114g. The first storage section 11 shown in Figure 7 is mainly used for sorting medications brought by the user.

[0127] In the storage section 111, each of the small storage sections 111d to 111f functions to store a patient's first medication, similar to the small storage sections 111a to 111c shown in 3002 of Figure 3. The medium storage section 111g functions to store a patient's second medication, similar to the storage section 112 shown in 3002 of Figure 3. Since the number of first medications stored in the small storage sections 111d to 111f is less than or equal to the number of second medications stored in the medium storage section 113g, the volume of the small storage sections 111d to 111f is smaller than the volume of the medium storage section 113g. Considering the number and volume of the small and medium storage sections, in the example of Figure 7, the small storage sections 111d to 111f are arranged circumferentially on the outside of the storage section 111, and the medium storage section 113g is arranged in the remaining area (inside) of the storage section 111. The storage sections 112 to 114 have the same functions and configuration as storage section 111.

[0128] Each of the storage compartments 111 to 114 may, for example, contain the first and second medications brought by different patients PA to PD. In this case, the first storage compartment 11 can contain medications for up to four people at a time. However, in this case, the medications brought by patients PA to PD whose prescribed medication schedule is set to three times or less on their prescribed medication days (e.g., at least one of the following: morning, noon, and evening) will be stored in each of the storage compartments 111 to 114. If a patient's prescribed medication schedule is set to four or more times on their prescribed medication days, at least two of the storage compartments 111 to 114 will be used to store that patient's medication. For the second medication, at least one of the two or more storage compartments will be used. If the above medication schedule is set to four or more times, the first storage compartment 11 can contain medications for up to three people at a time.

[0129] For example, if a patient's prescribed medication schedule is set to take medication 4 to 6 times a day, two storage compartments (e.g., compartments 111 and 112) are used to store the patient's medication. For example, if the patient's prescribed medication schedule is set to take medication 6 times a day, small storage compartments 111d to 111f and 112d to 112f are used to store the first medication. On the other hand, medium storage compartments 111g and / or 112g are used to store the second medication.

[0130] [Another example of packaging medication brought in by the patient - packaging depending on whether or not a visual inspection is performed] In the above-described example of packaging, the drug sorting device 1 performs a visual inspection of each drug brought in by a patient, which is considered to be of the same type, and then performs the packaging process. However, the drug sorting device 1 may also allow selection between a pre-visual inspection packaging mode and a post-visual inspection packaging mode when the drug sorting mode for each drug type is selected.

[0131] <Pre-visual inspection packaging mode> In the pre-visual inspection dispensing mode, the control unit 60a does not perform the process of receiving user input to start visual inspection after sorting the patient's medication, nor does it perform the process of displaying the image captured by the first camera 131 on the display unit 32. After the first and second patient's medications are sorted into the second storage unit 14, the control unit 60a automatically performs the dispensing process without performing the above processes.

[0132] In the pre-visual inspection dispensing mode, the display control unit 67 displays, for example, an image of all the medications stored in the sorting cup 141 specified by the user after the dispensing process on the display unit 32. This allows the user to visually inspect the medications stored in the sorting cup 141.

[0133] Figure 8 illustrates an example of the packaging process in the pre-visual inspection packaging mode. In the example in Figure 8, the medications brought by a patient (PR) are sorted into five sorting cups 141a to 141e.

[0134] Sorting cup 141a contains drug DA1, and sorting cup 141b contains drug DA2. These sorting cups 141 contain medications that have been identified by matching based on method 1 described above. Specifically, these sorting cups 141 contain a first medication that has been identified by matching using a drug database, and then a second medication that is considered to be the same type as the first medication.

[0135] On the other hand, medications brought by patients that fall under any of the following categories (1) to (3) are stored in a different sorting cup 141 than sorting cups 141a and 141b (temporarily sorted). In the example in Figure 8, such medications are stored in sorting cups 141c and 141d.

[0136] (1) Medications brought in by the patient whose type could not be identified by matching based on Method 1 above. Specifically, a first medication brought in by the patient whose type could not be identified based on matching using a drug database, and a second medication brought in by the patient that was considered to be the same type as the first medication based on its characteristics.

[0137] (2) A second medication brought by the patient that is considered to be of a different type from the first medication brought by the patient, which was identified based on the above verification.

[0138] (3) Medications brought in by the patient that are stored in the second storage section 14 after verification based on the method 2 described above. Specifically, the first medication brought in whose type could not be identified because a drug database was not used, and the second medication brought in by the patient that was deemed to be of the same type as the first medication based on its characteristics.

[0139] Furthermore, if there are multiple second medications that are considered to be of a different type from the first medication, the matching unit 65, for example, will determine whether or not to store them in the same sorting cup 141 by comparing the characteristics of the second medications extracted from the image captured by the first camera 131. Also, in Figure 8, visual inspection after packaging identifies the medication in sorting cup 141c as medication DA2 and the medication in sorting cup 141d as medication DA3. Furthermore, if the matching unit 65 identifies a medication as a half-tablet or having another shape (deformed shape) based on the image captured by the first camera 131, that medication will be stored in a different sorting cup 141 from the one containing the medication. Medications with other shapes refer to medications that have a shape other than a circle or ellipse (excluding half-tablets) when viewed from above, for example, a quarter tablet. In the example in Figure 8, the medication identified as a half-tablet is stored in sorting cup 141e.

[0140] In the pre-visual inspection dispensing mode, once the transfer of the patient's medication from the first storage section 11 to the second storage section 14 is complete, the dispensing process by the dispensing mechanism 6 automatically begins. In the example in Figure 8, the dispensing mechanism 6 dispensing the patient's medication into medication packets MP1 to MP5 for each sorting cup 141a to 141e, and printing the patient's name and medication name on each medication packet MP1 to MP5. For medication packets containing medications whose type is not specified, such as medication packets MP3 and MP4, a marking that identifies this is printed instead of the medication name. In the example in Figure 8, medication packets MP3 and MP4 are printed with "Provisional Sorting" as the medication name. The dispensing mechanism 6 may also print other information such as the number of medications and the sorting date.

[0141] The packaging mechanism 6 divides the medication brought in by the patient into multiple packages if the medication stored in the sorting cup 141 cannot be contained in one package (i.e., if it exceeds the specified number that can be contained in one package). In the example in Figure 8, for example, sorting cup 141a contains 28 tablets, so if the specified number is 10 tablets, the packaging mechanism 6 will continuously generate 3 packages MP1. The number of medications printed on each package may be the total number of medications stored in each sorting cup 141, or the number of medications contained in each package.

[0142] Furthermore, the packaging mechanism 6 may print barcodes Ba1 to Ba5 on each of the drug packets MP1 to MP5. Barcodes Ba1 to Ba5 contain information for reading images for visual inspection of the drugs contained in each drug packet MP1 to MP5, and for example, they contain sorting cup identification information indicating the sorting cup 141 from which the packaging originated. By having the barcode reader 7 read barcodes Ba1 to Ba5, the display control unit 67 can display images of the drugs that were stored in the sorting cup 141, which are managed in association with the sorting cup identification information, on the display unit 32. This allows the user to perform a visual inspection after the packaging process.

[0143] Furthermore, as described above, the print output control unit 69 may control the print output unit 4 to print the sorting results of each sorting cup 141a to 141e into journals Jo1 to Jo5. As shown in Figure 8, the print output control unit 69 prints information such as the sorting date of the medications brought into the sorting cup 141, the name of the medication, the markings displayed on the medication, the total price of the medications stored in the sorting cup 141, and the number of medications, as well as a barcode. The medication name printed is the name of the medication that has been uniquely identified by visual inspection. The barcode printed in journals Jo1 to Jo5 also includes information indicating the type of medication that has been uniquely identified by visual inspection (e.g., GS1 code).

[0144] As described above, the packaging mechanism 6 packages the medications brought in by the patient in batches on a patient-by-patient basis. The packaging mechanism 6 separately packages medications of a specified type, and medications that have been provisionally sorted and / or have irregular shapes. In this case, for example, medications with irregular shapes are not placed in the collection tray 16, thus reducing the possibility that the user will have to sort the medications by patient after multiple medications with irregular shapes have been placed in the collection tray 16. In the example in Figure 8, the medications brought in by patient PR are packaged as a series of medication packets.

[0145] Furthermore, the dispensing mechanism 6 may prioritize dispensing medications that have been identified by type, and then dispensing medications that have been temporarily sorted or that are irregularly shaped, thereby forming a series of medication packages for each patient. In the example in Figure 8, for patient PR's medications, medications DA1 and DA2, which have been identified by type, are preferentially dispensed, and then temporarily sorted medications and half-tablet medications are dispensed, thereby forming a series of medication packages.

[0146] Furthermore, the dispensing mechanism 6 may, after dispensing the identified medications brought by the patient on a patient-by-patient basis, also dispensing the provisionally sorted medications and / or irregularly shaped medications brought by the patient on a patient-by-patient basis. In this case, a series of first medication packages containing identified medications and a series of second medication packages containing provisionally sorted medications and / or irregularly shaped medications brought by the patient may be formed on a patient-by-patient basis. That is, a first and a second medication package group may be formed for each patient.

[0147] In the example shown in Figure 8, the provisionally sorted medications brought in by the patient are identified as drugs DA2 and DA3 through visual inspection. However, these medications may also be drugs whose type cannot be identified (e.g., those without markings).

[0148] Furthermore, the packaging control unit 71 may package non-reusable medications separately from the temporarily sorted medications, even if their type has been identified. The packaging control unit 71 may also package non-reusable medications after packaging the identified medications, similar to the temporarily sorted medications. For non-reusable medications, information indicating that they are non-reusable is linked to the medication data in the drug database, for example. Therefore, the packaging control unit 71 can package non-reusable medications separately from the identified medications (e.g., after the identified medications have been packaged) by referring to the drug database.

[0149] <Visual inspection followed by dispensing mode> In the visual inspection and dispensing mode, after the first and second medications brought by the user have been sorted into the second storage unit 14, the control unit 60a does not automatically perform the dispensing process, but waits for user input to initiate a visual inspection. The control unit 60a starts the dispensing process of the medications after the user has completed the visual inspection of the medications stored in each sorting cup 141 and has received user input to start the dispensing process. In other words, the control unit 60a performs the processes until the dispensing process is started as explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0150] Figure 9 illustrates an example of the packaging process in the visual inspection and packaging mode. In Figure 9, as in Figure 8, the medications brought by a patient (PR) are sorted into five sorting cups 141a to 141e.

[0151] In the visual inspection and dispensing mode, after the sorting process of the medications brought in by the user, which are stored in the first storage unit 11, to the second storage unit 14 is completed, the user visually inspects the medications stored in each sorting cup 141. As a result, the type of medication stored in each sorting cup 141 is uniquely identified. In the example in Figure 9, the types of medications stored in sorting cups 141a and 141b are identified as drugs DA1 and DA2 by the matching unit 65. On the other hand, the types of medications stored in sorting cups 141a and 141b are identified as drugs DA2 and DA3 by visual inspection.

[0152] Subsequently, when the packaging process begins, the packaging control unit 71 places medications that are stored in different sorting cups 141 but have been identified as being of the same type through visual inspection into the same medication package. When the packaging control unit 71 identifies multiple sorting cups 141 containing the medication, it controls the transport and sorting unit 12 to sequentially remove the medications from these sorting cups 141 and transport them to the medication input port 17. This allows the packaging mechanism 6 to place the medications into the same medication package. Similar to the pre-visual inspection packaging mode, if the medications cannot be placed into a single medication package, the packaging mechanism 6 may divide them into multiple packages.

[0153] In the example in Figure 9, the medication stored in sorting cup 141b and the medication stored in sorting cup 141c are both drug DA2. Therefore, the packaging mechanism 6 combines these medications and packages them into one or more drug packets MP2. The medication stored in sorting cup 141d is identified as drug DA3 by visual inspection, but it is different from the type of medication (drugs DA1 and DA2) stored in sorting cups 141a and 141b. Therefore, the medication stored in sorting cup 141d is placed in drug packet MP4, which is different from drug packets MP1 and MP2.

[0154] In this way, with the visual inspection and subsequent dispensing mode, similar medications brought in by patients can be packaged together, thus saving on packaging paper.

[0155] Furthermore, in the post-visual inspection dispensing mode, similar to the pre-visual inspection dispensing mode, the dispensing mechanism 6 prioritizes dispensing medications whose type has been identified, and may subsequently dispensing medications whose type has not been identified and / or medications with irregular shapes. However, medications whose type has been identified include those whose type has been identified by visual inspection from among the provisionally sorted medications. Medications whose type has not been identified are those whose type has been identified by visual inspection from among the provisionally sorted medications. In the example in Figure 9, for patient PR's medications, the identified medications DA1, DA2, and DA3 are preferentially dispensed, and the half-tablet medications are then dispensed, forming a series of medication packages. In addition, the dispensing control unit 71 may dispensing medications that are not reusable, even if their type has been identified, separately from the identified medications (e.g., after the identified medications have been dispensed).

[0156] Furthermore, the packaging mechanism 6 may print barcodes Ba1, Ba2, Ba4, and Ba5 on each of the drug packets MP1, MP2, MP4, and MP5, similar to the pre-visual inspection packaging mode. However, in the post-visual inspection packaging mode, the type of medication brought in is identified by visual inspection before the packaging process. Therefore, unlike the pre-visual inspection packaging mode, barcodes Ba1, Ba2, Ba4, and Ba5 include information indicating the type of medication brought in (e.g., GS1 code).

[0157] In the above-mentioned visual inspection-after-packaging mode, visual inspection is performed before the packaging process. Therefore, in the above-mentioned visual inspection-after-packaging mode, the packaging mechanism 6 may, instead of packaging each medication brought by the patient stored in the sorting cup 141, package the medications according to the timing of administration based on the prescription data. In this case, the packaging mechanism 6 may package both medications that the patient can take and medications that the patient cannot take together in one package, or, as shown in 5003 of Figure 5, it may place the medications that the patient can take in the first packaging area Pa1 and the medications that the patient cannot take in the second packaging area Pa2.

[0158] [Examples of processing that does not support individual packaging] After sorting the medications brought in by the patient into the first storage section 11 and then into the second storage section 14, it is not necessarily required to package the medications brought in by the patient into the second storage section 14 using the packaging mechanism 6.

[0159] As described above, the first storage section 11 may contain a mixture of medications that are to be discontinued and medications that can be taken continuously (medications taken as usual). In this case, the dispensing control unit 71 may choose not to include the medications taken as usual in the dispensing mechanism 6, and may leave them stored in the sorting cup 141. This allows the user to freely handle the medications taken as usual by removing the sorting cup 141 containing the medications taken as usual from the drug sorting device 1 and using it as a new prescription for the patient who brought the medications. Information on which medications are to be discontinued (or which are medications taken as usual) may be identified by user input.

[0160] On the other hand, with respect to medications brought in by the patient that are to be discontinued, the dispensing control unit 71 may use the dispensing mechanism 6 to dispose of them or return them to the patient.

[0161] Furthermore, in a drug sorting device 1 that does not support dispensing medications brought in by the patient, the dispensing mechanism 6 does not need to be provided. In this case, for example, the sorting control unit 62 may transport all medications to be discontinued to the collection tray 16 for the purpose of disposal. Alternatively, the sorting control unit 62 may store the medications to be discontinued in the sorting cup 141, in the same way as medications taken normally, for the purpose of disposal or return to the patient.

[0162] [Display of the results of medication identification] Figure 10 shows an example of a differentiation result image that displays the results of identifying medications brought by the patient. When the operation input unit 66 receives user input via the operation unit 31 indicating that a visual audit of all medications brought by a patient PR has been completed, the display control unit 67 may display a differentiation result image on the display unit 32 as shown in Figure 10.

[0163] In the example shown in Figure 10, the identification result image includes the patient's name, the time of day for taking medication, the name of the medication to be taken at each time, and an image of the medication. This information is displayed in a list. The identification result image also includes a publish button. When the publish button is pressed, the print output control unit 69 controls the print output unit 4 to print a list of the identification results (e.g., patient name, dosage (name and quantity of medication to be taken at each time)) in a journal. Pressing the publish button also allows the medication sorting device 1 to be linked with the medication identification software. For example, when the publish button is pressed, the control unit 60a can send medication data of the medication identified by visual inspection to an external device on which the medication identification software is installed, thereby causing the creation of a medication identification report.

[0164] [Regarding the drugs to be sorted] In the above-described sorting mode for medications brought in by patients, the medications to be sorted were those brought in by patients. However, the medication sorting device 1 may perform the sorting process used in the sorting mode for outpatient prescription medications stored in the first storage section 11, and may also perform packaging after that process. Outpatient prescription medications refer to medications prescribed to outpatients (prescription drugs).

[0165] Even with outpatient prescription drugs, the drug sorting device 1 allows users to separate prescription drugs to be discontinued from those to be taken as usual, and then hand them to the patient or caregiver. Prescription drugs to be discontinued refer to, for example, prescription drugs that cannot be taken before surgery or should be avoided depending on the type of surgery, or prescription drugs that can be discontinued when symptoms have subsided. Prescription drugs to be taken as usual refer to prescription drugs that can be taken continuously.

[0166] In this case, the patient or caregiver receives the prescription medications, which are individually packaged for each type, while receiving instructions on how to take them from the user. This makes it easier to understand the instructions on how to take each prescription medication in relation to each individual medication.

[0167] Furthermore, since patients or caregivers can manage prescription medications, each individually packaged, in a single medication bag, it becomes easier to manage prescription medications at home. This type of management makes it easier for both the user and the patient or caregiver to identify which prescription medications should be discontinued, whether the user is providing remote medication guidance or the patient or caregiver is making inquiries by phone. In addition, it reduces the possibility of medication errors or missed doses. It also reduces the possibility of unnecessary medication, such as continuing to take medication even when symptoms have subsided.

[0168] One possible approach is to place the medication to be discontinued and the regular medication into separate medication bags and give them to the patient or caregiver. However, in this case, during the period before discontinuation or until symptoms subside, when both the medication to be discontinued and the regular medication are being taken, the patient or caregiver would need to prepare both medication bags. This would involve the task of taking medication out of and putting medication back into both bags, potentially making medication management cumbersome for the patient or caregiver. Furthermore, this cumbersome management could lead to medication errors or missed doses. As described above, if the medication to be discontinued and the regular medication can be managed in a single medication bag, the possibility of cumbersome medication management and the resulting medication errors or missed doses can be reduced.

[0169] Furthermore, when handing prescription medication to a patient or caregiver, the user can use a marker or similar tool to mark the medication package containing the medication to be discontinued with letters, symbols, or marks indicating that it contains the medication to be discontinued. In this case, the patient or caregiver can more easily determine whether or not the prescribed medication should be taken.

[0170] Furthermore, similar to the medications brought in by the user that are to be discontinued, the user may also input via the control unit 31 that a prescribed medication is to be discontinued. In this case, the control unit 60a can print information indicating that the medication is not to be taken on the medication packaging (dispensing paper) or journal, making it easier for the user, patient, or caregiver to determine whether or not the prescribed medication is to be taken.

[0171] Furthermore, the effects of prescription drugs packaged separately by type, as described above, also apply when the medications brought in by the patient are packaged separately by type, so that the medications to be discontinued and the medications to be taken as usual are contained in separate packets. The medications to be discontinued may include medications that can be stopped once the symptoms have subsided.

[0172] [Availability of drug database] The control unit 60a may temporarily disable drug data in the drug database for drugs that have not been packaged by the packaging machine for a predetermined period, even if such drug data is included in the drug database. The control unit 60a is connected to the packaging machine for communication and can receive information from the packaging machine indicating the type of drug packaged and the date and time the drug was packaged. For example, if the control unit 60a determines that a drug has not been packaged for 30 days since the last time it was packaged, it will not use the drug data in the drug database for that drug because the drug will not be returned to the drug sorting device 1. This allows the control unit 60a to exclude drug data for drugs that are unlikely to be returned from the matching process when performing discrimination processing, thereby improving processing efficiency.

[0173] On the other hand, the control unit 60a authorizes the use of drug data if a drug whose drug data was deemed unused is packaged in the packaging machine, as there is a possibility that the drug may be returned to the drug sorting device 1.

[0174] Furthermore, the control unit 60a may choose not to use drug data for drugs that have not been sorted by the drug sorting device 1 for a predetermined period, even if drug data for such drugs is included in the drug database. The drug database contains drug data for drugs used in medical institutions such as pharmacies or hospitals (adopted drugs), but in reality, there are drugs for which there has been no return record. Therefore, by choosing not to use the drug data for such drugs as described above, the control unit 60a can exclude drug data for drugs that are unlikely to be returned from the matching target when performing the discrimination process, thereby improving processing efficiency.

[0175] Furthermore, if the operation input unit 66 receives user input via the operation unit 31 to permit the use of unused drug data, the control unit 60a may permit the use of said drug data.

[0176] Furthermore, depending on the type of drug, drug data may be made available for use in the discrimination process regardless of the frequency of dispensing or sorting. For example, drug data for a drug may be accompanied by information indicating that it must be used in the discrimination process (information indicating "absolute use"). The control unit 60a will not leave unused drug data for drugs that have this information attached, even if the drug has not been dispensed or sorted for a predetermined period.

[0177] Some of the drugs we use have varying usage frequencies depending on the season. For example, some drugs are not packaged at all during certain periods (e.g., summer) but are packaged more frequently during other periods (e.g., winter). If there is no sorting record for a particular drug during the period when it is packaged more frequently, and the drug data for that drug remains unused, it becomes impossible to perform proper identification processing. To avoid this situation, drug data for such drugs is marked with information indicating "absolute use."

[0178] [Method for filling drugs in a dispensing machine] When filling (returning) the drugs stored in the sorting cup 141 into a cassette containing the drugs, which is provided in the packaging machine, the packaging machine may determine whether or not the drugs stored in the sorting cup 141 can be filled into the cassette as follows.

[0179] For example, the user removes the cassette from the packaging machine and has the RFID reader on the packaging machine read the drug data stored on the cassette's RFID tag. This drug data includes, for example, information indicating the type of drug (e.g., GS1 code). The user also carries the sorting cup 141 to the packaging machine and has the RFID reader on the packaging machine read the drug data stored on the sorting cup 141's RFID tag. The order in which the two drug data entries are read does not matter.

[0180] The dispensing machine compares the data for the two drugs mentioned above, and if it determines that the drug contained in the cassette and the drug stored in the sorting cup 141 are of the same type, it permits the drug stored in the sorting cup 141 to be placed in the cassette.

[0181] [Preheating control of heater rollers] The dispensing mechanism 6 is equipped with the pair of roller mechanisms (not shown) described above. By pressing the dispensing paper with the pair of roller mechanisms, the medication can be packaged one packet at a time, for example, by type or by time of administration. The roller mechanism is, for example, a heater roller that presses the dispensing paper by heat sealing. In this case, in order for the heater roller to perform its sealing function, it is necessary to preheat the heater roller for a predetermined time (e.g., about 10 minutes) before dispensing.

[0182] When dispensing processing is to begin after all the drugs stored in the first storage section 11 have been stored in the second storage section 14 based on the drug type identification result, the dispensing control unit 71 starts heating the heater roller, for example, when dispensing processing begins. The dispensing control unit 71 stops heating the heater roller after dispensing processing is completed. This reduces power consumption and the possibility of excess heat being released outside the device.

[0183] However, in the case of control that heats the heater roller only during the packaging process, it is necessary to wait before starting the packaging process until the temperature of the heater roller rises to a level where it can perform the crimping function. Therefore, in order to reduce the waiting time before the packaging process starts, the control unit 60a may perform the following process, for example.

[0184] When the transport and sorting unit 12 removes a drug from the first storage unit 11, the imaging control unit 63 controls the second camera 121 to image the inside of the first storage unit 11 (e.g., the inside of one storage unit). The imaging control unit 63 analyzes the captured image to recognize the distribution of drugs inside the first storage unit 11 and determines which of the following classifications (1) to (4) the distribution belongs to. The imaging control unit 63 executes the above process each time a drug is removed from the first storage unit 11, once the control unit 60a starts the process of sorting all the drugs stored in the first storage unit 11.

[0185] (1) "No drugs"... A state in which there are absolutely no drugs inside the first containment section 11.

[0186] (2) "Medication present (small amount)"... A state in which there is no medication near the center inside the first containment section 11.

[0187] (3) "Medication present (large amount)"... A state in which medication is present near the center as shown above.

[0188] (4) "Medication Available (Final)"... A state where only one dose of medication remains (the last pill remains).

[0189] The transport control unit 61 identifies the drug to be transported based on the image captured by the second camera 121. At this time, the transport control unit 61 identifies the drug to be transported starting from the drug near the center. In this case, as the drug is removed from the first storage unit 11, the drug near the center disappears, and the system transitions to a state where the drug exists only on the inner wall side of the first storage unit 11 (transitioning from state (3) to state (2) above).

[0190] The packaging control unit 71 starts heating the heater roller when the imaging control unit 63 determines that the state described in (2) above is in place.

[0191] Based on experiments and other findings, the inventors determined that when the imaging control unit 63 determines that the state described in (2) above is reached, the remaining number of drugs stored in the first storage unit 11 is approximately 30. Since it takes approximately 30 seconds from the time one drug is removed from the first storage unit 11 until it is stored in the second storage unit 14 based on the determination of the type of drug, the total time from the state described in (2) above until all the drugs are stored in the second storage unit 14 is approximately 15 minutes. On the other hand, it takes approximately 10 minutes for the heater roller temperature to rise to a level where it can perform its sealing function. Therefore, the inventors found that by starting the heating of the heater roller in the state described in (2) above, the temperature of the heater roller can be raised to a level where it can perform its sealing function before the start of the packaging process.

[0192] Therefore, the packaging control unit 71 can reduce the possibility of the above-mentioned waiting time occurring by starting to heat the heater roller when the state described in (2) above occurs, that is, when the number of drugs stored in the first storage unit 11 falls below a predetermined number. As a result, the time from the start of drug sorting to the completion of packaging can be shortened. The same process as described above may also be performed when all drugs stored in the waiting tray 15 are stored in the second storage unit 14 and then packaged.

[0193] [Indication processing indicating that the printed blank packaging is an unnecessary medicine package] If the ink runs out during the packaging process, the display control unit 67 displays an ink-out warning, and the packaging control unit 71 temporarily stops the packaging process. The packaging control unit 71 prints information on the packaging before placing the medication into the packaging. Therefore, when the packaging control unit 71 stops the packaging process, it prints information about the medication that was scheduled to be packaged (e.g., medication name, number of tablets, barcode) on at least one packaging.

[0194] When the ink depletion condition is resolved, the display control unit 67 stops displaying the warning, and the packaging control unit 71 resumes the packaging process. At this time, the packaging control unit 71 ejects the packaging that had been printed up to the point when the packaging process was stopped as unnecessary packaging, and reprints information about the drug that was scheduled to be packaged onto a new packaging.

[0195] Thus, even empty packets are ejected with the printed information intact, which could lead a user to believe that the medication was not contained in the packet due to a malfunction in the packaging mechanism 6. In other words, even if an empty packet was ejected due to running out of ink rather than a malfunction in the packaging mechanism 6, the user might still conclude that the empty packet was caused by a malfunction in the packaging mechanism 6.

[0196] Furthermore, when a barcode is read by the barcode reader 7, for example, the display control unit 67 displays an image of the drug corresponding to the drug data linked to the barcode (e.g., an inspection image for visual inspection of sorted drugs) on the display unit 32. As a result, the user may become anxious if the drug displayed on the display unit 32 is not contained in a drug package, leading them to believe that the drug has been lost.

[0197] Therefore, when the barcode printed on the empty package is read by the barcode reader 7, the display control unit 67 may display a message indicating that the empty package is a drug package generated under the normal operating conditions of the drug sorting device 1 and is an unnecessary drug package.

[0198] When the packaging control unit 71 contains the same type of drug in multiple drug packets, it prints the same barcode on each packet. However, if the packaging process is temporarily stopped, when the packaging process is resumed, the packaging control unit 71 prints a different barcode (barcode number) on the new drug packet containing the drug than the barcode (barcode number) printed on the packet that was originally intended to contain the drug. Furthermore, the packaging control unit 71 invalidates the barcode printed on the packet that was originally intended to contain the drug. Therefore, when the display control unit 67 reads the barcode, it recognizes that it is invalid and can display the above message.

[0199] Therefore, when the user has the barcode of the empty package read by the barcode reader 7, they can see the above message and recognize that the empty package is an unnecessary medication package in the first place. Thus, even if an empty package with a printed label is ejected, the user can recognize that the empty package was not caused by a malfunction of the dispensing mechanism 6. Consequently, the likelihood of the user having to investigate the cause of the empty package or searching for the medication is reduced. Furthermore, the likelihood of the user feeling anxious about having lost their medication is reduced.

[0200] [Embodiment 2] [Configuration of the drug dispensing system] Figure 11 shows an example configuration of a drug dispensing system 100. The drug dispensing system 100 is a system that dispenses various drugs based on prescription data, for example, and is installed in a pharmacy or a medical institution such as a hospital. As shown in Figure 11, the drug dispensing system 100 includes, for example, a drug shelf 110, a drug dispensing device 120, a dispensing management device 130, and a drug sorting device 1A. The dispensing management device 130 is communicated with the drug dispensing device 120 and the drug sorting device 1A.

[0201] The drug shelf 110 is a shelf capable of storing various drugs that may be used in a pharmacy or hospital where the drug dispensing system 100 is installed (i.e., various drugs that are subject to handling by the drug dispensing system 100). In other words, the drug shelf 110 is a shelf capable of storing various drugs that may be subject to sorting by the drug sorting device 1A.

[0202] The drug dispensing device 120 is a device that dispenses drugs based on prescription data, for example. The drug dispensing system 100 may have only one drug dispensing device 120 or multiple devices. Examples of drug dispensing devices 120 include a tablet packaging machine for packaging tablets, a powder packaging machine for packaging powders, and a PTP (Press Through Package) dispensing device for dispensing PTP sheets containing tablets. In this embodiment, the case where the drug dispensing device 120 is a tablet packaging machine (also simply called a packaging machine) will be explained as an example. In the case of a tablet packaging machine, the drug dispensing device 120 has multiple cassettes (not shown) for storing drugs of each type. Each of the multiple cassettes of the drug dispensing device 120 can store drugs that may be subject to sorting by the drug sorting device 1A.

[0203] The dispensing management device 130 receives input of information about medications prescribed to patients by physicians (e.g., the type of medication (e.g., drug name), dosage (number of medications), and method of administration). The dispensing management device 130 issues prescription data containing the input information and transmits it to the medication dispensing device 120. In this way, the dispensing management device 130 manages the dispensing from the medication dispensing device 120. If the medication dispensing system 100 has multiple medication dispensing devices 120, the dispensing management device 130 determines which medication dispensing device 120 to dispense the medication and issues prescription data for each medication dispensing device 120, which includes information about the medication that each medication dispensing device 120 should dispense.

[0204] The drug sorting device 1A, like the drug sorting device 1, sorts multiple types of drugs stored in the first storage section 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) by type based on images taken of each of the drugs. The drug sorting device 1A may also accept drugs dispensed (packaged) by the drug dispensing device 120 as returned drugs and sort them by type. Furthermore, the drug sorting device 1A, like the drug sorting device 1A, is equipped with a packaging mechanism 6 (see Figures 1 and 2) for packaging the sorted drugs.

[0205] [Management of lot numbers and expiration dates] ≪Management by a dispensing management device≫ Furthermore, the dispensing management device 130 manages the lot numbers and expiration dates of drugs that may be sorted by the drug sorting device 1A. The lot number is a number that can identify the place and date of manufacture of the drug. The dispensing management device 130 manages information indicating the lot number and expiration date in association with information indicating the type of drug that may be sorted by the drug sorting device 1A (drug identification information), for example, in the storage unit (not shown) of the dispensing management device 130. The dispensing management device 130 may manage this information by receiving it from the drug dispensing device 120, or by having the user input this information into the dispensing management device 130. Alternatively, the dispensing management device 130 may manage information indicating the lot number and expiration date in association with information indicating the type of drug stored in the drug dispensing device 120.

[0206] Furthermore, the dispensing management device 130 updates the lot number and expiration date of the drugs being filled into the drug dispensing device 120 when drugs that may be subject to sorting by the drug sorting device 1A are filled into the drug dispensing device 120. This allows the dispensing management device 130 to keep the lot numbers and expiration dates of all drugs being filled into the drug dispensing device 120 up to date each time drugs are filled into the drug dispensing device 120.

[0207] When a new drug is to be filled into the drug dispensing device 120, the dispensing management device 130 registers information indicating the type of drug, along with information indicating the lot number and expiration date, based on reception from the drug dispensing device 120 or input by the user. The dispensing management device 130 also transmits this information to the drug sorting device 1A. In this case, the drug sorting device 1A registers this information in the storage unit 80. These registration processes may also be referred to as updating the lot number and expiration date.

[0208] The dispensing management device 130 transmits information indicating the lot number and expiration date to the drug sorting device 1A. In this embodiment, the dispensing management device 130 transmits information indicating the lot number and expiration date to the drug sorting device 1A at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval can be arbitrarily set by the user and may be set or changed as appropriate, for example, depending on the drug dispensing status in the drug dispensing system 100. In this embodiment, the dispensing management device 130 transmits information indicating the lot number and expiration date to the drug sorting device 1A at a fixed time (e.g., when the information managed by the dispensing management device 130 is updated at a fixed time each day, or when the date changes). In addition, in this embodiment, the dispensing management device 130 transmits information indicating the lot number and expiration date of the drug that has been updated from among the multiple lot numbers and expiration dates it manages to the drug sorting device 1A, along with the prescription data issued to the drug dispensing device 120.

[0209] Furthermore, the dispensing management device 130 is not necessarily required to transmit information indicating the lot number and expiration date to the drug sorting device 1A at predetermined intervals (at a fixed time). For example, the dispensing management device 130 may transmit information indicating the lot number and expiration date to the drug sorting device 1A when the lot number and expiration date are updated. In other words, the dispensing management device 130 may transmit information indicating the lot number and expiration date to the drug sorting device 1A at a fixed time or at any time. Also, when the dispensing management device 130 transmits information indicating the lot number and expiration date, it is not necessarily required to transmit the prescription data issued to the drug dispensing device 120 at the same time.

[0210] When drugs that may be sorted by the drug sorting device 1A are filled into the drug dispensing device 120, the dispensing management device 130 updates the lot number and expiration date of the drugs being filled by, for example, one of the following methods.

[0211] (Method α) When a healthcare professional such as a pharmacist takes a drug from the drug shelf 110 and fills the drug dispensing device 120 with the drug, for example, the following operations and processes are performed.

[0212] In other words, healthcare professionals such as pharmacists use a barcode reader (not shown) provided by the drug dispensing device 120 to read the barcode information (e.g., GS1 code) attached to the drug taken from the drug shelf 110. The healthcare professionals then take a cassette containing the drug from the drug dispensing device 120. The healthcare professionals then have the RFID reader (not shown) provided on the drug dispensing device 120 read the drug-related data (e.g., information indicating the type of drug contained in the cassette) stored on the RFID tag (not shown) of the cassette.

[0213] Subsequently, the drug dispensing device 120 compares the barcode information attached to the drug taken from the drug shelf 110 with the drug data (information) attached to the cassette taken from the drug dispensing device 120. If the drug dispensing device 120 finds that the type of drug taken from the drug shelf 110 matches the type of drug that the cassette is intended to contain, it authorizes the healthcare worker to place the drug taken from the drug shelf 110 into the cassette. This allows the healthcare worker to fill the cassette with the drug taken from the drug shelf 110.

[0214] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device 120 obtains information indicating the lot number and expiration date of the drug to be filled from the barcode information. The drug dispensing device 120 may also accept the lot number and expiration date information by input via a touch panel (not shown) provided on the drug dispensing device 120. The drug dispensing device 120 transmits the acquired lot number and expiration date information to the dispensing management device 130. The dispensing management device 130 determines whether the lot number and expiration date indicated by the received information matches the lot number and expiration date corresponding to the drug to be filled, which is managed by the dispensing management device 130. If the dispensing management device 130 determines that the two lot numbers and expiration dates do not match, it updates the lot number and expiration date of the drug to be filled to the lot number and expiration date indicated by the received information.

[0215] (Method β) When a healthcare professional such as a pharmacist takes a drug from the drug shelf 110 and fills the drug dispensing device 120 with the drug, for example, the following operations and processes are performed.

[0216] In other words, healthcare professionals such as pharmacists input information indicating the lot number and expiration date of the drug to be filled into the drug dispensing device 120 via the operating unit (e.g., keyboard) of the dispensing management device 130. The dispensing management device 130 determines whether the lot number and expiration date indicated by the input information match the lot number and expiration date corresponding to the drug to be filled, which is managed by the dispensing management device 130. If the dispensing management device 130 determines that the two lot numbers and expiration dates do not match, it updates the lot number and expiration date of the drug to be filled to the lot number and expiration date indicated by the input information.

[0217] Furthermore, as shown in method α above, the drug dispensing device 120 determines whether or not the drug taken from the drug shelf 110 is permitted to be placed in the cassette based on the verification. If the drug is permitted to be placed in the cassette, the healthcare worker can place the drug into the cassette. This operation may be performed before or after the input of lot number and expiration date information to the drug dispensing device 120.

[0218] ≪Management using a drug dispensing device≫ Figure 12 shows an example of the control unit 60Aa of the drug sorting device 1A of this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the drug sorting device 1A includes a computer 60A equipped with the control unit 60Aa. In this respect, the drug sorting device 1A differs from the drug sorting device 1 of Embodiment 1. In addition to the functions of the control unit 60a of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1), the control unit 60Aa includes a lot management unit 72. However, in this embodiment, the control unit 60Aa does not need to include a determination unit 64.

[0219] The lot management unit 72 manages the lot number and expiration date of drugs in association with the type of drug that may be sorted by the drug sorting device 1A. The lot management unit 72 stores the lot number and expiration date information obtained from the dispensing management device 130 in association with the type of drug. For example, the lot management unit 72 may associate the acquired lot number and expiration date information with the drug identification information managed in the drug database stored in the storage unit 80. In the drug database, for example, images (master images) of drugs that have been captured in advance are managed as drug data for multiple types of drugs that may be sorted by the drug sorting device 1A, and are associated with the drug identification information of each of those multiple types of drugs.

[0220] Furthermore, the lot management unit 72 updates the lot number and expiration date managed in the storage unit 80 upon receiving the lot number and expiration date from the dispensing management device 130. In this embodiment, the lot management unit 72 updates the lot number and expiration date at predetermined intervals when it receives information indicating the lot number and expiration date from the dispensing management device 130.

[0221] As described above, the dispensing management device 130 updates the lot number and expiration date it manages at the time when the drug is filled into the drug dispensing device 120. Therefore, the lot management unit 72 can update the lot number and expiration date it manages in the storage unit 80 at the time it receives the updated lot number and expiration date from the dispensing management device 130.

[0222] The display control unit 67 may also display the lot number and expiration date managed by the lot management unit 72 on the touch panel 3 (see Figures 1 and 2). For example, suppose the operation input unit 66 receives user input via the touch panel 3 indicating that the user wants to display the lot number and expiration date of one of several types of drugs managed in the drug database. In this case, the display control unit 67 identifies the lot number and expiration date of the drug specified by the user input from the information indicating the lot numbers and expiration dates of several types of drugs managed by the lot management unit 72, and displays the lot number and expiration date on the touch panel 3. This allows the user to confirm the lot number and expiration date of the desired drug.

[0223] Furthermore, the user can change the lot number and expiration date displayed on the touch panel 3. The lot management unit 72 changes the lot number and expiration date it manages to the lot number and expiration date received through user input. In other words, the lot management unit 72 can update the lot number and expiration date through user input even if it has not received the lot number and expiration date from the dispensing management device 130.

[0224] Furthermore, the lot management unit 72 associates the number of drugs sorted by the transport / sorting unit 12 with the lot number and expiration date managed by the lot management unit 72 for each type of drug sorted by the transport / sorting unit 12 under the control of the sorting control unit 62. As described in Embodiment 1, the sorting control unit 62 counts the number of drugs stored in the sorting cup 141 (see Figure 2) and stores it in the storage unit 80 in association with the sorting position. In addition, the sorting position is associated with the drug type identification result. That is, the sorting position and the drug identification information of the drug stored in the sorting cup 141 at that sorting position are associated and stored in the storage unit 80. Therefore, the lot management unit 72 can manage sorted drugs by associating drug identification information, information indicating the lot number and expiration date, information indicating the sorting position, and information indicating the number of drugs stored in the sorting cup 141 at that sorting position.

[0225] [Dispensing by drug sorting device] The packaging mechanism 6 also functions as a printing unit that prints the lot number and expiration date corresponding to the drug being packaged by the packaging mechanism 6, which are managed by the lot management unit 72, onto the packaging paper when the packaging mechanism 6 packages the drugs sorted by the transport and sorting unit 12. The packaging mechanism 6 prints the lot number and expiration date, which are managed in association with information indicating the sorting position of the drug to be packaged, onto the packaging paper in which the drug to be packaged is packaged. Each time the packaging mechanism 6 packages a drug, it prints the lot number and expiration date of that drug onto the packaging paper in which the drug is packaged. The printing on the packaging paper by the packaging mechanism 6 is controlled by the packaging control unit 71.

[0226] In this way, the drug sorting device 1A manages information indicating the lot number and expiration date of drugs that may be sorted by the drug sorting device 1A, and can print the lot number and expiration date of the drug on each individual packaging (drug packet) containing the sorted drug. Therefore, the user can confirm the lot number and expiration date of the drug contained in the drug packet by visually checking the lot number and expiration date printed on the drug packet. For example, at the drug return destination (e.g., drug shelf 110 or drug dispensing device 120), the user can confirm the lot number and expiration date of the drug. Furthermore, the lot number and expiration date of the drug can be managed at the drug return destination.

[0227] Therefore, since users will be able to confirm the lot number and expiration date of the drugs taken out from the drug sorting device 1A, the traceability of the drugs sorted by the drug sorting device 1A can be improved.

[0228] While the packaging mechanism 6 performs printing on the packaging paper, the system is not limited to this; printing may also be performed on the packaging paper by a separate printing unit provided in addition to the packaging mechanism 6.

[0229] [Usage example] In Figure 13, reference numeral 13001 indicates an example of the sorting results (aggregated results) by the drug sorting device 1A, and reference numeral 13002 indicates an example of drug packets MP11 to MP15, which are the drug packets sorted by the drug sorting device 1A.

[0230] For example, suppose on April 1, 2021, drug dispensing device 120 was filled with drug MA-MZ with lot number "1234" and expiration date "December 2022". In this case, for example, by method α or β, dispensing management device 130 updates the information indicating the lot number and expiration date of drug MA-MZ and transmits this information to drug sorting device 1A. Upon receiving this information, lot management unit 72 updates the information indicating the lot number and expiration date of drug MA-MZ stored in storage unit 80.

[0231] Assume that after the update by the lot management unit 72, and on the same day, the drug sorting device 1A sorted drugs MA to ME. The lot management unit 72 manages information in the storage unit 80 indicating the number of drugs contained in the sorting cup 141, as well as information indicating the lot number and expiration date for each drug MA to ME. Therefore, as shown by reference numeral 13001 in Figure 13, the display control unit 67 can display the number of drugs stored in the sorting cup 141, the lot number "1234", and the expiration date "2022 / 12" for each drug MA to ME as sorting results on the touch panel 3.

[0232] Furthermore, the packaging control unit 71 controls the packaging mechanism 6 to package the drugs MA to ME contained in the sorting cup 141, and discharges the drug packets MP11 to MP15 as shown by reference numeral 13002 in Figure 13. Before packaging the drugs MA to ME, the packaging control unit 71 obtains information indicating the lot number and expiration date of the drugs MA to ME by referring to the storage unit 80. Therefore, as shown by reference numeral 13002 in Figure 13, the packaging control unit 71 controls the packaging mechanism 6 to print the lot number "1234" and expiration date "2022 / 12" of the drugs MA to ME on each of the drug packets MP11 to MP15.

[0233] In Figure 14, reference numeral 14001 indicates another example of the sorting results (aggregated results) by the drug sorting device 1A, and reference numeral 14002 indicates an example of drug packets MP21 to MP23, which are the drug packets sorted by the drug sorting device 1A.

[0234] For example, suppose on April 2, 2021, drug MF~MJ with lot number "5678" and expiration date "April 2023" was filled into drug dispensing device 120. This filling of drug MF~MJ occurs, for example, when all of the drug MF~MJ with lot number "1234" and expiration date "December 2022" that was filled into drug dispensing device 120 on April 1, 2021, has been dispensed from drug dispensing device 120. When this filling occurs, for example, by method α or β, the dispensing management device 130 updates the information indicating the lot number and expiration date of drug MF~MJ and transmits this information to drug sorting device 1A. Upon receiving this information, the lot management unit 72 updates the information indicating the lot number and expiration date of drug MF~MJ stored in the storage unit 80.

[0235] In other words, after the update, the dispensing management device 130 and the drug sorting device 1A will manage drugs MA-ME and MK-MZ with lot number "1234" and expiration date "2022 / 12". On the other hand, the dispensing management device 130 and the drug sorting device 1A will manage drugs MF-MJ with lot number "5678" and expiration date "2023 / 4".

[0236] Suppose that, after the update by the lot management unit 72, and on the same day, the drug sorting device 1A sorted drugs MA, MC, and MF. In this case, as shown by reference numeral 14001 in Figure 14, the display control unit 67 displays the number of drugs stored in the sorting cup 141, the lot number "1234", and the expiration date "2022 / 12" on the touch panel 3 as the sorting result for drugs MA and MC. Similarly, the display control unit 67 displays the number of drugs contained in the sorting cup 141, the lot number "5678", and the expiration date "2023 / 4" on the touch panel 3 as the sorting result for drug MF.

[0237] Furthermore, the packaging control unit 71 controls the packaging mechanism 6 to package the MA, MC, and MF drugs stored in the sorting cup 141, and discharges drug packets MP21 to MP23 as shown by reference numeral 14002 in Figure 14. Also, as shown by reference numeral 14002 in Figure 14, the packaging control unit 71 controls the packaging mechanism 6 to print the lot number "1234" and expiration date "2022 / 12" of the MA and MC drugs on drug packets MP21 and MP22, respectively, before discharging them. Furthermore, the packaging control unit 71 controls the packaging mechanism 6 to print the lot number "5678" and expiration date "2023 / 4" of the MF drug on drug packet MP23 before discharging it.

[0238] In this way, the drug sorting device 1A can print the updated lot number and expiration date on the packaging paper by managing information indicating the updated lot number and expiration date.

[0239] [Regarding lot number and expiration date] In this embodiment, it has been described that in the drug dispensing system 100, information indicating the lot number and expiration date is transmitted, updated, and printed on the packaging paper. However, it is also possible that only the information indicating the lot number or the information indicating the expiration date is transmitted, updated, and printed on the packaging paper. In this case, the drug dispensing device 120, the dispensing management device 130, and the drug sorting device 1A will manage either the information indicating the lot number or the information indicating the expiration date, and print it on the packaging paper. Furthermore, the drug dispensing device 120, the dispensing management device 130, and the drug sorting device 1A may manage the information indicating the lot number and expiration date by calculating the expiration date from the lot number, or by calculating the lot number from the expiration date.

[0240] [Examples of implementation using software] The control blocks of the drug sorting devices 1 and 1A (particularly the control units 60a and 60Aa) may be implemented by logic circuits (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or by software.

[0241] In the latter case, the drug sorting device 1 is equipped with a computer that executes instructions for a program, which is software that realizes each function. This computer is equipped with, for example, one or more processors and a computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. The object of the present invention is achieved when the processor reads the program from the recording medium and executes it in the computer. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used as the processor. As the recording medium, a "tangible medium that is not temporary," such as ROM (Read Only Memory), can be used, as well as tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc. It may also be further equipped with RAM (Random Access Memory) for deploying the program. Furthermore, the program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast wave). In one aspect of the present invention, the program can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, which is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0242] [Additional information] The drug identification system described in Patent Document 1 above is not necessarily suitable for sorting medications brought in by multiple patients by type.

[0243] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a medication sorting device that can automatically and efficiently sort medications brought by patients on a patient-by-patient basis.

[0244] To solve the above problems, a medication sorting device according to one aspect of the present invention separates and stores at least one first medication prescribed to a patient, which is prescribed to be taken at a predetermined time from among multiple types of medications subsequently brought to a medical institution, and the remaining second medications, and stores the first and second medications on a patient-by-patient basis, and stores the first and second medications on a patient-by-patient basis and for each medication considered to be of the same type, and stores the first and second medications of the patient that have been taken out of the first storage unit The system includes: an imaging unit for imaging the first or second medication brought by the person; a determination unit for determining reference data indicating at least one feature of the first medication extracted from an image of the first medication, or reference data indicating information based on said feature; a first matching unit for comparing at least one feature of the second medication extracted from an image of the second medication with the reference data; and a sorting unit for accommodating the first medication in the second storage unit and, based on the matching result of the first matching unit, accommodating the second medication, which is considered to be of the same type as the first medication, in the same compartment where the first medication is accommodated.

[0245] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, a method for sorting medications brought by a patient according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for sorting medications brought by a patient, which is performed by a medication sorting device comprising: a first storage unit that separates and stores at least one first medication, which is prescribed to be taken at a predetermined time from among multiple types of medications brought by a patient that have been prescribed to a patient and subsequently brought to a medical institution; and the remaining second medications brought by a patient; and a second storage unit that stores the first medication and the second medication brought by the patient for each medication that is considered to be of the same type, wherein the method for sorting medications brought by a patient is performed by a medication sorting device comprising: a first imaging step of imaging the first medication brought by a patient taken out of the first storage unit; and extracting from the image of the first medication brought by a patient The method includes: a determination step of determining reference data that shows at least one characteristic of the first patient-supplied medication that has been dispensed, or reference data that shows information based on said characteristic; a first storage step of storing the first patient-supplied medication in the second storage unit after determining the reference data; a second imaging step of imaging the second patient-supplied medication that has been removed from the first storage unit; a comparison step of comparing at least one characteristic of the second patient-supplied medication extracted from the image of the second patient-supplied medication that has been removed from the second storage unit with the reference data; and a second storage step of storing the second patient-supplied medication, which is considered to be of the same type as the first patient-supplied medication, in the same compartment in which the first patient-supplied medication was stored, based on the comparison result of the comparison step.

[0246] A medication sorting device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first storage section having a compartment in which a person stores at least one first medication, which is prescribed to be taken at a predetermined time from among several types of medications prescribed to a single patient and subsequently brought to a medical institution, and a compartment in which a person stores the remaining second medications, which are prescribed to be taken at times other than the predetermined time; a second storage section that stores the first and second medications of the patient for each medication considered to be of the same type; and a device that removes from the first storage section The system comprises: an imaging unit that images the first or second patient-provided medication; a determination unit that determines reference data indicating at least one feature of the first patient-provided medication extracted from the image of the first patient-provided medication, or reference data indicating information based on said feature; a first matching unit that compares at least one feature of the second patient-provided medication extracted from the image of the second patient-provided medication with the reference data; and a sorting unit that stores the second patient-provided medication in the second storage unit based on the matching result of the first matching unit, wherein the sorting unit determines that the first patient-provided medication is stored in the first storage unit. All of the first medications taken out from the compartment are sorted into groups of the same type and stored in the second storage section. Then, for the second medications taken out from the compartment in the first storage section where the second medications are stored, based on the verification result of the first verification section, the second medications that are considered to be of the same type as the first medications stored in the same compartment in the second storage section are stored. In the first storage section, the first and second medications are sorted by person on a patient-by-patient basis. The medications are stored in the first storage unit, and storage position data is stored in the storage unit, which links the storage positions of the first and second medications in the first storage unit and the storage area in the second storage unit where the first and second medications are stored on a patient-by-patient basis. The imaging unit images the first or second medication taken out of the first storage unit on a patient-by-patient basis, and the sorting unit determines the sorting position of the first medication on a patient-by-patient basis based on the storage position data, and stores the second medication in the second storage unit on a patient-by-patient basis based on the verification result of the first verification unit.

[0247] A drug sorting device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a second matching unit that narrows down the type of the first drug by comparing at least one characteristic of the first drug with a drug database that manages drug data for multiple types of drugs, and the determination unit may determine the multiple characteristics obtained by the matching of the second matching unit, which are managed as drug data for the first drug in the drug database, as the reference data.

[0248] In a drug sorting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the determination unit may determine at least one characteristic of the first drug brought by the patient as the reference data.

[0249] In a drug sorting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the first drug brought by the patient is a drug prescribed and brought by the patient to be taken on a predetermined day, which is the predetermined time for taking the drug, and the second drug brought by the patient may be a drug prescribed and brought by the patient to be taken on a day other than the predetermined day for taking the drug.

[0250] In a drug sorting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the first drug brought by the patient is a drug prescribed and brought by the patient to be taken at a predetermined time on a predetermined day, which is the predetermined time for taking the drug, and the second drug brought by the patient may be a drug prescribed and brought by the patient to be taken at a time other than the predetermined time.

[0251] A drug sorting device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a packaging unit for packaging the first drug and the second drug, for each of the first and second drugs stored in the same compartment of the second storage unit.

[0252] In a medication sorting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the sorting unit may store the first medication and the second medication on a patient-by-patient basis in the second storage unit, and the packaging unit may package the first medication and the second medication on a patient-by-patient basis.

[0253] A method for sorting medications brought by a patient according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for sorting medications brought by a patient, which is performed by a medication sorting device comprising: a first storage section having a section in which at least one first medication, which is prescribed to be taken at a predetermined time from among multiple types of medications brought by a patient that were subsequently brought to a medical institution, is stored by a person, and a section in which the remaining second medications, which are prescribed to be taken at times other than the predetermined time, are stored by a person; and a second storage section that stores the first and second medications brought by the patient for each medication that is considered to be of the same type. A drug sorting method comprising: a first imaging step of imaging the first drug brought in by the patient after it has been taken out of the first storage unit; a determination step of determining reference data that shows at least one feature of the first drug brought in by the patient extracted from the image of the first drug brought in by the patient, or reference data that shows information based on said feature; a first storage step of storing the first drug brought in by the patient in a second storage unit after determining the reference data; a second imaging step of imaging the second drug brought in by the patient after it has been taken out of the first storage unit; and at least one of the second drug brought in by the patient extracted from the image of the second drug brought in by the patient after it has been taken out of the second storage unit. The process includes a comparison step of comparing the features with the reference data, and a second storage step of storing the second patient medication in the second storage section based on the comparison result of the comparison step, wherein in the second storage step, all first patient medications removed from the section in the first storage section in which the first patient medications were stored are sorted into first patient medications of the same type and stored in the second storage section, and then, for the second patient medications removed from the section in the first storage section in which the second patient medications were stored, based on the comparison result of the comparison step, the same as the section in which the first patient medications were stored A second medication, considered to be of the same type as the first medication, is stored in the compartment, and the first medication and the second medication are stored in the first storage section, separated by person on a patient-by-patient basis, and storage position data, which links the storage positions of the first and second medications in the first storage section and the storage areas in the second storage section where the first and second medications are stored, is stored in the storage unit on a patient-by-patient basis, and in the first imaging step and the second imaging step, the first medication or the second medication taken out of the first storage section on a patient-by-patient basis is imaged,In the first storage step, the sorting location of the first medication brought by the patient is determined on a patient-by-patient basis based on the storage location data, and in the second storage step, the second medication brought by the patient is stored in the second storage section on a patient-by-patient basis based on the verification results in the verification step.

[0254] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0255] 1. Drug sorting device (machine for sorting drugs brought in by the customer) 6 Packaging mechanism (packaging section) 11. First Detention Unit 12. Conveying and sorting unit (sorting section) 14. Second Detention Unit 13. Imaging Unit (Imaging Section) 64 Decision Section 65. Verification section (first storage section, second storage section)

Claims

[Claim 1] A first storage section for storing multiple types of drugs, Multiple sorting containers containing drugs considered to be of the same type, An imaging unit for imaging the drug removed from the first storage unit, A transport unit transports the drug to one of the plurality of sorting containers based on the characteristics of the drug extracted from the image captured by the imaging unit, It includes a collection tray for containing foreign objects, The transport unit is a drug sorting device that, with respect to drugs identified by the user as drugs that a patient cannot take or drugs that should be avoided taking, transports them to one of the plurality of sorting containers or to the collection tray, regardless of the characteristics of the drugs.

Images