Medicine pack storage device and medication support device

Abstract

It can determine the remaining amount of medicine in the storage compartment in a shorter time than before. [Solution] A medicine pack storage device 10 in which medicine packs 2 are stored in a storage section 10a and medicine packs are removed by a removal section, comprising: a displacement section 16b that displaces in conjunction with the change in the length in the direction of the arrangement of the medicine packs due to the decrease in the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage section; a detection section 157 that detects the position of the displacement section; and a remaining amount determination section that determines the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage section based on the detection result of the detection section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medicine pack storage device and a medicine-taking assistance device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a medicine pack storage device in which a medicine pack is taken out from a storage section in which a plurality of medicine packs are stored side by side by a take-out section.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medicine storage device (medicine pack storage device) provided with a medicine container (storage section) in which a plurality of PTP sheets (medicine packs) are stored one on top of another. This device measures the weight of the medicine container storing the PTP sheet, and from the measurement result, specifies the number of PTP sheets (remaining amount) present in the medicine container.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional medicine pack storage device, an operation for measuring the weight of the storage section storing the medicine packs by a measuring section is required, and there is a problem that it takes time to specify the remaining amount of the medicine packs in the storage section.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is a medicine pack storage device in which a medicine pack is taken out from a storage section in which a plurality of medicine packs are stored side by side by a take-out section, and includes a displacement section that is displaced in conjunction with a change in the length in the arrangement direction of the plurality of medicine packs accompanying a decrease in the remaining amount of the plurality of medicine packs in the storage section, a detection section that detects the position of the displacement section, and a remaining amount specifying section that specifies the remaining amount of the medicine packs in the storage section based on the detection result of the detection section.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage compartment can be determined in a shorter time than in the conventional method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] (a) is a schematic front view showing the main components of the entire medication support device. (b) is a schematic side view showing the side configuration of Figure 1(a). [Figure 2] (a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge in the medication support device. (b) is a bottom view of the cartridge in Figure 2(a). [Figure 3] A control block diagram showing the main control configuration of the medication support device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] A front view showing the operation progression of the dispensing section in the medication dispensing support device. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the continuation of Figure 4, illustrating the operational progression of the dispensing section in the medication dispensing support device. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing the basic operating sequence of the medication support device. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the HP movement process, which is a subroutine program in Figure 6. [Figure 8] A flowchart supplementing the operation flow of the dispensing unit in the medication dispensing support device. [Figure 9] A control block diagram relating to the medication support system of the embodiment. [Figure 10] An external perspective view showing an example of a medication dispensing tray according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] An external perspective view showing another example of the medication tray of the embodiment. [Figure 12] (a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the means for detecting the remaining amount when the filler on the movable plate in the cartridge set in the medication support device is in the end position. (b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the means for detecting the remaining amount when the filler on the movable plate is in the near end position. [Figure 13](a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a remaining quantity detection sensor when the filler of the movable plate is in the end position. (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a remaining quantity detection sensor when the filler of the movable plate is in the near end position. [Figure 14] A flowchart showing the flow of the remaining battery level determination process when the remaining battery level detection operation is performed. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating the flow of the remaining battery level detection operation during initialization. [Figure 16] A flowchart illustrating the process of detecting the remaining amount of medication when removing the medication pack from the cartridge. [Figure 17] A flowchart illustrating the basic operation flow of the medication support device, including the remaining amount detection operation during initialization shown in Figure 15 and the remaining amount detection operation during pack removal shown in Figure 16. [Figure 18] An explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of the detection unit using a transmissive optical sensor in Modification Example 1. [Figure 19] A schematic perspective view of the same transmissive optical sensor. [Figure 20] An explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of the detection unit using a transmissive optical sensor in modified example 2. [Figure 21] A flowchart showing the basic operation flow of the medication support device, including the pack thickness calculation process in Modification Example 3. [Figure 22] A flowchart showing the basic operation flow of the medication support device, including the retrieval retry process in Modification 4. [Figure 23] A flowchart showing the result when pick-out error handling is added to the flowchart in Figure 22. [Figure 24] A flowchart showing the basic operation flow of the medication support device, including the handling of double-feed pickup errors in Modification Example 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the medication support device that constitutes the medication support system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0009] FIG. 1(a) is a front view schematically showing the main configuration of the entire medication support device, and FIG. 1(b) is a side view schematically showing the side configuration of FIG. 1(a). As shown in FIG. 1, the medication support device 200 in this embodiment switches from the manual dispensing and sorting work by nurses or care workers in a nursing facility or the like to the automatic dispensing and sorting work by the medication support device 200 itself.

[0010] The medication support device 200 includes a cartridge 10 as a medicine pack storage device, a dispensing tray 30 as a medicine placement unit, a take-out unit 50, a transfer unit 90, and first to third entrance / exit portions 41 to 43. A control board storing a control unit 150 described later is mounted on the upper part of the medication support device 200. The left-right direction or the horizontal direction (also the width direction) of the medication support device 200 shown in FIG. 1(a) is defined as the X direction, the front-back direction or the depth direction shown in FIG. 1(b) is defined as the Y direction, and the up-down direction or the vertical direction (also the vertical direction) is defined as the Z direction.

[0011] The cartridge 10 has a storage space 10a for storing, in a stacked manner, medicine single-packaged packs (hereinafter also simply referred to as "packs") in which medicines are packaged in one pack as medicine packs. Here, "storing in a stacked manner" means storing the packs in a substantially horizontal state or a flat stacked state.

[0012] A plurality of cartridges 10 are arranged via one cartridge tray 27 at the lowermost part and the central part within the main body frame 199 as the main body of the medication support device 200. Taking the example of FIG. 1 for explanation, 4×5 = 20 cartridges 10 are placed and held on one cartridge tray 27. The cartridge tray 27 has a function as a second storage means for placing and holding at least one cartridge 10.

[0013] Each of the multiple cartridges 10 is placed and stored within the grid-like side and bottom walls separated by the cartridge tray 27. The bottom wall of the cartridge tray 27 corresponding to each cartridge 10 has a rectangular through-opening formed therein for removing the pack from below the cartridge 10 by utilizing the elastic deformation of the pack, as described in the operation described later. When the pack in the storage space 10a is not removed from below the cartridge 10, each opening is set to the thickness, size, and shape of the bottom wall necessary to hold the pack in the storage space 10a at least within the storage space 10a. Except for Figure 1, the cartridge tray 27 is not shown in the figures described later.

[0014] The dispensing tray 30 functions as a dispensing device, dispensing means, or dispensing stand for placing specific packs transported by the transport unit 90. Here, as a specific example of a dispensing device, an example of a combination with a small dispensing box 34, which is configured to be detachably attached to the dispensing tray 30, will be described. In the example shown in Figure 1, two dispensing trays 30, each having a 4x5 compartment, are arranged. Hereafter, the installation location of the dispensing tray 30 (meaning the location where packs are handed over to the dispensing tray 30 for automatic dispensing) will be referred to as the dispensing unit 29.

[0015] The extraction unit 50 functions as an extraction means for extracting a specific pack from the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10. The transfer unit 90 functions as a transfer means for transferring the pack extracted from the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 by the extraction unit 50.

[0016] The first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42 function as entrance / exit means for storage, allowing the cartridge 10 to enter and exit the main frame 199. When inserting and setting the cartridge 10 into the main frame 199, this is done through the first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42, respectively. The opening and closing doors of the first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42 are opened, the drawer section 21 in which the cartridge 10 is set is pulled out towards the front, and the cartridge 10 is inserted and removed.

[0017] The third entrance / exit section 43 functions as an entrance / exit means for a medication dispensing mechanism, allowing the medication tray 30 to enter and exit the main frame 199. The second entrance / exit section 42 and the third entrance / exit section 43 are provided so that the pack can be removed immediately after it has been placed (hereinafter also referred to as "set" or "inserted") on the medication tray 30.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1(a), the medication support device 200 has two medication trays 30, with separate trays for each medication timing, such as morning, noon, evening, and before bed. A third entrance / exit 43 for each medication tray is also provided, making it possible to retrieve another medication tray even when dispensing medication into one tray.

[0019] In Figure 1, the drawer section 21 of the cartridge 10 is located in two places, one above the other, below the top medication tray 30. However, it is not limited to this arrangement; it may be grouped together on either the top or bottom. Furthermore, depending on the number of people in the care facility, the same effect may be achieved by arranging the cartridges 10 in a three-tier configuration.

[0020] An example of a cartridge will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2(a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge, and Figure 2(b) is a bottom view of the cartridge shown in Figure 2(a). In the longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 2(a), in order to simplify the drawing, the crimped portion 4 of the pack 2 stored in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 is intentionally omitted, and the pack 2 is schematically enlarged and exaggerated. Similarly, for the same reason, the cross-sectional hatching of the support parts (support part right 12, support part left 13, etc.) is also omitted.

[0021] The cartridge 10 mainly consists of a case portion 11, a lid portion 14, a pack removal opening 17, a movable plate 16, a pack posture holding portion 15, and support portions, a right support portion 12 and a left support portion 13. The case portion 11 constitutes a storage portion that forms a storage space 10a inside for storing multiple packs 2 or pack combinations 2A (hereinafter, described as pack 2). The case portion 11 is formed integrally or separately using, for example, resin. The lid portion 14 has the function of allowing packs 2 to be inserted and removed. The pack removal opening 17 is formed in the lower part or bottom of the case portion 11 and is an opening for removing packs 2 from the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10, and has the function of allowing packs 2 to pass through when removed from the storage space 10a by the removal portion 50 (see Figure 1).

[0022] The movable plate 16 has the function of preventing the pack 2 from tipping over and moving the bottom pack 2 to the vicinity of the pack removal opening 17 after the first pack of the maximum number of packs 2 that can be stored in the case section 11 has been removed. The pack posture holding section 15 has the function of holding the posture of the pack 2. The right support section 12 and the left support section 13 also have the function of supporting or holding the pack 2 inside the case section 11.

[0023] In this embodiment, the part of the pack 2 that is removed from the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 by the removal unit 50 is located at the lower or bottom of the storage space 10a. That is, the part of the pack that is removed is configured to have a support unit or support member that supports the pack 2 being removed from the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 at multiple locations, a support unit right 12 and a support unit left 13, and a pack removal opening 17.

[0024] When removing pack 2 from the storage space 10a of cartridge 10 at the removal section 50, the right support section 12 and the left support section 13 are configured to allow the pack 2 to pass through. On the other hand, when not removing pack 2 from the storage space 10a of cartridge 10, the right support section 12 and the left support section 13 are configured to restrict the passage of pack 2 so that multiple packs 2 are stored and held within the case section 11.

[0025] As described above, the right support 12 and the left support 13 are support parts that support or hold the pack 2 in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10, and are also fixed in place so that the removal operation of the pack 2 from the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 by the removal unit 50 is stable. The right support 12 and the left support 13 are fixing members that are fixed or attached to the inner surface 11e of the bottom wall at the right bottom wall end and the left bottom wall end, respectively, of the pack removal opening 17. The pack removal opening 17 has the function of passing the air suction means or suction pad 52 of the removal unit 50 shown in Figure 2(b) for removing the pack 2, and also has the function of passing the removed pack 2 and the suction pad 52 through.

[0026] In Figure 2(b), the cartridge 10 is shown with circular dashed lines indicating the positions where the suction pads 52 adhere to the pack 2 stored in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "suction pad positions"). The right support 12 and the left support 13 support the pack 2 in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 to prevent it from falling out of the pack removal opening 17. As will be explained in the operation of the removal unit 50 described later, when removing the bottommost pack 2 from the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 using the suction pads 52, the suction pads 52 are positioned to adhere to the pack 2 at two suction pad positions in the Y direction near both ends of the right support 12. When removing the bottommost pack 2 from the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 using the suction pads 52, the two suction pads 52 pass near both ends of the right support 12 in the Y direction, adsorbing and holding the pack 2.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2(b), by positioning suction pads at two locations near both ends in the Y direction of the right support portion 12, the risk of malfunctions such as failure to adhere with the suction pads 52 can be avoided, and the pack can be removed. In other words, since both sides of the pack 2 in the Y direction are adsorbed by the suction pads 52, the film bag portion 2a of the pack 2 is taut and can withstand deformation. This makes it possible to achieve both reliable support or retention of the pack 2 within the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 and easy removal of the pack 2.

[0028] The pack posture holding section 15 is made of sponge rubber with appropriate elasticity. The movable plate 16, together with the shaft 16a and filler 16b, is made of, for example, resin or metal. The pack posture holding section 15 and the movable plate 16 also properly maintain the posture of the multiple packs 2 stored in the case section 11 (as clearly shown in Figure 2(a), the posture of the packs 2 is kept orderly and approximately horizontal along the Z direction). In order to perform the above function, the movable plate 16 is set to descend downward in the Z direction within the case section 11 by its own weight, thereby reliably moving at least one pack 2 remaining in the case section 11 to the vicinity of the pack removal opening 17.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2(a), a long groove 11a is formed in the side wall of the case portion 11, extending in the Z direction with a predetermined width in the X direction. A shaft 16a with a filler 16b as a displacement part is provided at one end of the movable plate 16, protruding from the long groove 11a. The movable plate 16 can maintain the posture of the pack 2 along the Z direction by guiding the shaft 16a with the filler 16b along the long groove 11a in the Z direction. In Figure 2, the packs 2 in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 are stored in a stacked, approximately horizontal position, with the drug-filled portion on the left side of the figure bulging outwards, but these states are omitted in the diagram.

[0030] The packs 2 are placed into the case section 11 sequentially from the pack removal openings 17 on the right support section 12 and the left support section 13 upwards. The timing for replenishing the cartridge 10's storage space 10a with packs 2 can be, for example, at the time of the patient's (resident's) medical examination (usually every two weeks) in a nursing home or when the packs 2 in the cartridge 10's storage space 10a run out. If packs 2 remain in the cartridge 10's storage space 10a when replenishing, the packs 2 should be replenished from behind the remaining packs 2. The above-described setting of packs 2 into the cartridge 10's storage space 10a and replenishing packs 2 are performed by staff in nursing homes, etc., but this is not the case if the storage section is cartridge-based and the process is automated.

[0031] The lid portion 14 is designed to allow staff at nursing care facilities and other similar facilities to insert and remove the pack 2 stored in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10. As shown in Figure 2(a), it is formed to be long in the Z direction of the case portion 11 and to have a predetermined opening width.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2(a), the types of packs 2 in the storage space 10a of cartridge 10 are divided according to the timing of administration, for example, 14 days' worth of medication for person A to take in the morning. Therefore, if person A takes medication in addition to the morning, such as at noon, in the evening, and before going to bed, a total of 4 cartridges 10 will be required. The above example is not limited to this case; for example, a single cartridge 10 set up for each medication user (person) may be used, and the packs could be arranged in order from the pack removal opening 17, which is the direction in which the packs are removed from cartridge 10, upwards, such as morning of day 1 → noon → evening → before going to bed → morning of day 2 → noon → evening...

[0033] In this embodiment, the right support 12 and left support 13 are fixed as fixing members to the inner surface 11e of the bottom wall of the pack removal opening 17 of the case 11 so that the removal operation of the pack 2 from the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 by the removal unit 50 is always stable. In other words, the right support 12 and left support 13 are positioned in a state where they are fixed to the pack removal opening 17 at the bottom of the cartridge 10 to hold both ends of the drug pack (pack 2 or pack assembly 2A).

[0034] The right support part 12 supports the end of pack 2 that is adsorbed, and the left support part 13 supports the opposite end, preventing pack 2, which is stored and set in the storage space 10a of cartridge 10, from falling out in its set state. The right support part 12 and the left support part 13 support pack 2 at different lengths, with the right support part 12 having a shorter support length. As will be described later with reference to Figure 4(c), when the bottommost pack 2 stored in the storage space 10a of cartridge 10 is adsorbed by the adsorption pad 52 and pulled out of the storage space 10a of cartridge 10, the drug pack is elastic and flexible, making it easy to pull out.

[0035] In this case, since the support parts (right support part 12 and left support part 13) are fixed, they can securely hold the tip of the next pack 2, preventing it from flying out or falling along with the previous pack 2. Also, since the support parts (right support part 12 and left support part 13) do not swing or rotate, no deformation occurs due to pinching or pushing of the pack 2 during the return movement, and it is held in a stable state.

[0036] The control configuration of the medication support device 200 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a control block diagram showing the main control configuration of the medication support device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the medication support device 200 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that functions as a control unit 150, which is a control means for controlling the operation of various parts of the medication support device 200. The CPU has a built-in memory unit 152 and a timer unit 153, and functions as a remaining amount calculation unit 159, which is a remaining amount identification unit. Based on various inputs, including sensors described later, the CPU issues notifications to users, including staff, and instructions for the operation of the device at timings according to the program. Prescription information and drug information are input to the memory unit 152 as external drug information from an external source.

[0037] The CPU may have calculation and control functions, as well as a timer function. The storage unit 152 includes ROM (read-only memory), RAM (read / write memory), and external memory. The ROM pre-stores programs that the CPU can read (for example, programs such as control flowcharts described later) and various data. Examples of such data include relationship data between the compartments 33 (including the small boxes 34) of the medication tray 30 assigned to each patient and the pack 2, relationship data between the compartments 33 (including the small boxes 34) of the medication tray 30 assigned to each medication timing and the pack 2, and relationship data between the compartments 33 (including the small boxes) of the medication tray 30 assigned to each medication order and the pack 2.

[0038] A touch panel 151, equipped with an input and display unit as a user interface, is electrically connected to the CPU's input / output ports. The touch panel 151 allows the user to input various settings, and displays the current time, the progress of pack storage, or the completion time. The input method and display unit configuration are not limited to these; for example, a combination such as a keyboard and an LED display unit, where the input and display units are separate, is also acceptable.

[0039] A start switch 155 for operating the medication support device 200 is electrically connected to the CPU's input port. When the start switch 155 is pressed, the medication dispensing operation to the medication tray 30 begins sequentially. The medication dispensing operation to the medication tray 30 can also be started at a predetermined time by the timer unit 153.

[0040] The CPU's input port is also electrically connected to various sensors, including a medication tray detection sensor 156a that detects the type of medication tray 30 stored in the device and whether or not a medication tray 30 is present, a storage compartment detection sensor 156b that detects the presence or absence of a cartridge 10, and a remaining amount detection sensor 157 that detects the position of the filler 16b provided on the movable plate 16 of the cartridge 10. The medication tray detection sensor 156a and the storage compartment detection sensor 156b are shown only in Figure 3.

[0041] The CPU's input port is also electrically connected to an HP sensor 99 for detecting the home position (hereinafter abbreviated as "HP") of the X-direction transfer unit 91 in the extraction unit 50, an HP sensor 109 for detecting the HP of the Y-direction transfer unit 101 in the extraction unit 50, and an HP sensor 119 for detecting the HP of the Z-direction transfer unit 111 in the extraction unit 50.

[0042] The CPU's input port is also electrically connected to an HP sensor 158 for an HP sensor P that detects the HP of the suction part 51 (particularly the suction pad 52) in the extraction part 50.

[0043] The CPU's output ports are electrically connected to the drive motor 95 for the X-direction transfer unit 91, the drive motor 105 for the Y-direction transfer unit 101, the drive motor 115 for the Z-direction transfer unit 111, and the drive motor 63 for changing the attitude of the suction pad 52, respectively, via various motor drivers X, Z, and P.

[0044] The CPU's output port is also electrically connected to various actuators, including suction pumps 48, via various drivers. A notification unit may also be electrically connected to the CPU's output port. This notification unit uses lights such as LEDs, sounds including voice, and vibrations to indicate the status of each part of the device. It is equipped with speakers and lights to inform staff, etc., of medication timing even when they are away from the device.

[0045] The aforementioned external drug information is also input to the CPU via I / O and stored in the memory unit 152, where it is used for assigning medications to patients, etc. The LEDs 25a to 25h of the drawer unit 21 may also be electrically connected.

[0046] When input information from the touch panel 151, various HP sensors 99, 109, 119, 158, and various signals from various sensors (not shown) are input to the CPU, the CPU outputs the following command signals. Specifically, the CPU outputs instructions to the drivers corresponding to the audio and optical devices of the display device (including the notification unit) of the touch panel 151, LEDs 25a to 25h, suction pump 48, drive motor 63, drive motor 95, drive motor 105, drive motor 115, suction pump 48, or LEDs.

[0047] The HP sensor 158 for the HP sensor P and the drive motor 63 via the motor driver P are used to drive and control the vertical movement mechanism of the suction part. The CPU has the function of executing the control operations shown in the description and control flowchart described later.

[0048] Furthermore, it is preferable to use stepping motors driven by pulse input for drive motors 63, 95, 105, and 115, given their ability to provide precise drive amounts and high-precision control.

[0049] The operation of the extraction unit will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figures 4 and 5 are front views showing the operation of the dispensing unit. For the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding, it is assumed that the dispensing unit 50 is located below the cartridge 10 in the drawer unit 21, which is positioned in the center of the main frame 199 in Figure 1, due to the operation of the transport unit 90 in Figure 1. After the suction pad 52 of the dispensing unit 50 picks up and pulls out the bottom pack of the cartridge 10 in the storage space 10a, the dispensing unit 50 moves above the medication tray 30 located at the top of Figure 1 due to the operation of the transport unit 90, and is automatically inserted into and dropped into the small box 34 installed in a predetermined section of the medication tray 30. Also, in Figures 4 and 5, the cartridge 10 used is the one shown in Figure 2.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4(a), the transport unit 90 in Figure 1 moves the extraction unit 50 to the underside of the cartridge 10 and stops moving. At this time, the drive motor 63 of the suction unit vertical movement unit is stopped, and the suction pad 52 is positioned below the upper surface position of the extraction unit (meaning the upper surface position of the extraction frame 50a of the housing-shaped extraction unit 50).

[0051] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 4(b), the operation of the drive motor 63 causes the suction base member 57, which moves linearly, and the suction pad support member 54, which moves linearly and rotationally, to move linearly upward first. This causes the suction pad 52 to enter through the pack removal opening 17 between the right support member 12 and the left support member 13, and simultaneously contact the pack 2 located at the bottom of the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10, and at the same time suction the pack 2. At this time, the suction pump is driven in advance and is in a state where suction operation is possible.

[0052] Next, as shown in Figure 4(c), the drive motor 63 reverses direction, causing the suction pad 52 to move downward while holding the pack 2 in place, and pulling out the leading end of the pack 2 (meaning the side held by the suction pad 52, and so on) from within the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10. This operation of pulling out the leading end of the pack 2 from the pack removal opening 17 of the cartridge 10 is performed without any problems because the pack 2 is, so to speak, freely deformed.

[0053] Next, as shown in Figure 4(d), the transport unit 90 (see Figure 1) moves the extraction unit 50 in the X direction (lateral), pulling out or removing the rear end of the pack 2 from the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10. Immediately afterward, as shown in Figures 4(e) to 4(f), the drive motor 63 rotates the pack 2, which is held by the suction pad 52, by approximately 90 degrees from its approximately horizontal position to an approximately vertical position (hereinafter also referred to as the approximately vertical position). This rotational movement is achieved because the rotation shaft 55 provided on the suction pad support member 54 moves along the guide groove 59a of the guide member 59, thereby changing the position of the pack 2 from an approximately horizontal position to an approximately vertical position. This can be done by a series of operations of a single drive motor 63.

[0054] Next, as shown in Figure 5(g), when the dispensing unit 50, which is equipped with an suction pad 52 that holds the pack 2 vertically, is transported by the transfer unit 90 to approximately directly above the installation location (dispensing unit 29) where the dispensing tray 30 is installed, the operation of the suction pump is stopped. At this time, when the suction holding of the pack 2 is released, a small amount of air is ejected from the suction pad 52 by the air supply means (compressor), which is the suction pump, to perform a so-called vacuum breaking (switching from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure) (see Figure 5(h)). As a result, the suction holding of the pack 2 by the suction pad 52 is released, and the pack 2, shown by the dashed line, is inserted through the opening 39 of the small box 34 that is installed in a predetermined section 33 of the dispensing tray 30.

[0055] Next, the lower end 7 of the inserted drug pack 2 hits the inclined portion 37 and slides downward along the inclined portion 37. At this time, the upper end of the drug pack 2 leans backward so as to come into contact with the back portion 35, and the drug pack 2 is further stored inside the compartment box 34. Then, as shown in Figure 5(h), the lower end 7 of the drug pack 2 hits the bottom portion 38 of the compartment box 34, causing the drug pack 2 to come to a stop, and the surface of the drug pack 2 faces upward, so that medication-related information can be checked without any problems.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, when removing pack 2 from the storage space 10a of cartridge 10, the removal unit 50 is positioned or placed below cartridge 10, and pack 2 is removed from below cartridge 10. By removing pack 2 from below cartridge 10 in this way, the next pack 2 automatically moves downward (towards the pack removal opening 17) due to the weight of the remaining pack 2 and movable plate 16 in the storage space 10a of cartridge 10. Therefore, regardless of the remaining amount of pack 2 in the storage space 10a of cartridge 10, the removal unit 50 can perform the same operation with a simple configuration.

[0057] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the basic operation of the medication support device will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the basic operation sequence of the medication support device, and Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the HP transfer process, which is a subroutine program in Figure 6. The operations shown in Figures 6 and 7 are executed under the control commands of the CPU in the control unit 150. When the start switch 155 shown in Figure 3 is turned on (hereinafter also referred to as "ON"), processing begins, and in Figure 6, initialization is performed first (see the initialization portion shown by the dashed box in Figure 6, see steps S1 to S2).

[0058] Initialization involves controlling the HP sensor and its corresponding drive motor using a subroutine as shown in Figure 7, positioning the controlled object in a predetermined home position where the HP sensor turns ON (see steps S16 to S17 in Figure 7). The following process is performed automatically by the timer unit 153 shown in Figure 3, and based on external drug information obtained in advance from an external source or input from the touch panel 151 shown in Figure 3, the following series of operations are performed at specific timings to support medication administration in the morning, at noon, at night, and before bedtime.

[0059] At the specified time, the CPU drives the drive motors in the order Z→X→Y (drive motor 115→drive motor 95→drive motor 105) to move the extraction unit 50 to the predetermined cartridge 10 (part of extraction unit movement (1) enclosed by the dashed frame in Figure 6, steps S3 to S5). Next, as a series of operations for the extraction process, the drive motor 63 for drive motor P is driven to bring the suction pad 52 close to the drug pack 2 (see Figure 4(b)), the vacuum ejector valve is controlled to perform suction by the suction pad 52 to pick up the drug pack 2, and then the drive motor 63 and the drive motor 95 for drive motor X are operated in coordination to extract the drug pack 2 from below the cartridge 10 (see Figures 4(c) to 4(d)). Then the position of the suction pad 52 is rotated to hold the drug pack 2 in a vertical position (see Figures 4(e) to 4(f), steps S6 to S8).

[0060] Next, the CPU drives the drive motors in the order Z→X→Y (drive motor 115→drive motor 95→drive motor 105) to move the extraction unit 50 and transfer the drug pack 2 to the upper part of a predetermined compartment 33 of the medication tray 30 (see the dashed frame in Figure 6, part of extraction unit movement (2), steps S9 to S11), and performs the medication dispensing process. In the medication dispensing process, after the extraction unit 50 stops, the vacuum ejector valve (not shown) is controlled to break the vacuum, releasing the suction state and releasing the drug pack 2, which is then dispensed into the medication tray 30 (see Figures 5(g) to 5(h)). This operation is repeated multiple times, and when the dispensing of the predetermined number of drug packs is complete, the notification unit 154, which includes a speaker and lights, is activated to notify the medication assistant, etc., that preparation is complete (see steps S12 to S15).

[0061] Refer to Figure 8 to supplement the operation flow of the extraction unit in the basic operation shown in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the extraction unit. In step S20 of Figure 8, the No. of the target cartridge 10 containing the pack 2 to be dispensed is confirmed, and the position of the target dispensing tray 30 to which the pack 2 will be handed over is specified (the No. of the target cartridge 10 and the position No. of the dispensing tray 30 are specified using the touch panel 151 shown in Figure 3). Next, the retrieval unit 50 is moved to the target cartridge 10 by the transfer operation of the transfer unit 90 (step S11).

[0062] Next, while driving the suction pump 48, the drive motor 63 for the drive motor P is driven to move the suction unit 51 upward (steps S22 to S23). After a certain period of time, when the suction pad 52 has held the bottom pack 2 in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 by suction, the drive motor 63 is driven in reverse to move the suction unit 51 downward (step S24). After this, the removal unit 50 is moved in the X direction to completely remove the pack 2 from the cartridge 10, and the drive motor 63 is driven in reverse again to move the suction unit 51 downward, thereby rotating the suction unit 51 by approximately 90 degrees and changing the orientation of the pack 2 from approximately parallel to approximately vertical (steps S25 to S26).

[0063] Next, the transfer unit 90 moves the retrieval unit 50 to the position of the target medication tray 30. When the retrieval unit 50 has moved to the position of the target medication tray 30, the suction pump 48 is stopped and the pack 2 is separated from the suction pad 52 (steps S27 to S28). At this time, the pack 2 is inserted and fitted through the opening 39 of the small box 34 which is installed in a predetermined compartment 33 of the medication tray 30.

[0064] Next, the lower end 7 of the inserted drug pack 2 hits the inclined portion 37 and slides downward along the inclined portion 37. At this time, the upper end of the drug pack 2 leans backward so as to come into contact with the back portion 35, and the drug pack 2 is further stored inside the compartment box 34. Then, as shown in Figure 5(h), the lower end 7 of the drug pack 2 hits the bottom portion 38 of the compartment box 34, causing the drug pack 2 to come to a stop, and the surface of the drug pack 2 faces upward, so that medication-related information can be checked without any problems.

[0065] Next, it is checked whether there are any other Pack 2s to be dispensed. If there are no other Pack 2s to be dispensed, the series of operations is terminated (step S29). On the other hand, if there are other Pack 2s to be dispensed in step S29, the process returns to step S20 and the same operations as above are repeated.

[0066] Figure 9 shows a control block diagram relating to the medication support system of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the medication support system 300 of this embodiment is configured to include the medication support device 200 described above and a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as "PC") 210 that is connected to the medication support device 200 in a manner that enables communication (transmission and reception).

[0067] The PC210 consists of five well-known components. Specifically, the PC210 comprises a control unit, an arithmetic unit, an input device, and an output device. The control unit includes a CPU and executes programs and issues instructions to other devices. The arithmetic unit executes programs and performs calculations. The storage device includes main memory and auxiliary memory and stores data such as programs and text. The input device includes a mouse, keyboard, microphone, etc., and transmits data and instructions to the computer. The output device includes a display, printer, speaker, etc., and outputs data from the computer.

[0068] PC210 enhances the functionality of the medication support device 200, essentially acting as a host computer that manages and supports the medication support device 200. PC210 is connected to pharmacies and other facilities that supply medications via a network line (not shown in the diagram).

[0069] The pack information management system 212 configured in the management application 211 manages medication-related information for drug packs. Additionally, the dispensing information management system 213 configured in the management application 211 reads and manages dispensing information, including at least the patient's name and the timing of medication administration.

[0070] The pack information management system 212 and the medication dispensing information management system 213 may be implemented, for example, as a management application 211 within the PC 210, or they may be a system consisting of a medication support device 200 and a PC 210 that communicates with the medication support device 200 for management, as shown in Figure 9. The management application 211 reads a medication dispensing information file 219 that is generated externally (for example, a pharmacy that supplies medications based on prescriptions issued by doctors) and contains medication information and dispensing timing for each patient. The management application 211 also reads data input from a configuration file 217 that records configuration information set once within the PC 210.

[0071] Data output from the management application 211 as needed includes files such as log files 216, which are output depending on the changes, and a medication history file 215, which summarizes the medication dispensing history. Furthermore, various reports 218 are output from the PC 210 via the management application 211 as needed. Note that the functions of the management application 211 and other functions on the PC 210 may also be provided within the medication support device 200.

[0072] The medication dispensing information management system 213 saves records of the results of medication dispensing and the history of any changes, thereby saving the actual results of medication dispensing as traceability information, which allows for review in the event of a problem.

[0073] The pack information management system 212 manages medication-related information of drug packs, including at least the patient and the timing of administration. A supplementary explanation of the operation of the medication support device 200 described above is as follows:

[0074] The medication support device 200 has an upper QR code reader 66 and a lower QR code reader 67 mounted on a dispensing unit (carriage) 50. The dispensing unit 50 moves to the vicinity of the cartridge 10 which stores the medication pack (medication-packaged pack or packaged pack), and the upper reading section of the upper QR code reader 66 can read the QR code (registered trademark) related to medication information.

[0075] A comparative example of a medication dispensing tray as a medication dispensing device will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is an external perspective view showing an example of a medication tray according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the medication tray 30 of this embodiment has partition walls 31, which are partition members (partition plates) that serve as dividers for arranging specific packs, and each tray is divided by four upright partition walls 31. The 20 compartments 33 formed in the medication tray 30 can be represented as components of a matrix consisting of 5 columns in the X direction (row-feeding direction) and 4 rows in the Y direction (character-feeding direction). As a result, each of the 20 compartments 33 in the medication tray 30 can be uniquely positioned by a component / address of a 5-column, 4-row matrix.

[0076] Furthermore, the medication tray 30 has a bottom wall 32 on which the placed packs 2 are supported. In this way, the medication tray 30 is configured, with multiple (four) partition walls 31 and a common bottom wall 32, to ensure that a specific pack placed in a specific compartment 33 is securely positioned in that compartment 33, preventing it from mixing with packs in other compartments 33 or falling off the bottom wall 32.

[0077] The medication tray 30 shown in the figure has 20 compartments 33 that are configured as a collective medication dispensing device, and small boxes 34 that can be attached to each compartment 33 as individual medication dispensing devices. The medication tray 30 functions as a collective medication dispensing device and is divided into 20 compartments 33 with partition walls 31 to separate individual drug packs 2.

[0078] The small compartment box 34 has a function that allows it to be attached to and detached from each compartment 33 in which the medication packs are placed. As shown in Figure 10, the small compartment box 34 holds packs 2 containing medication to be taken after lunch for a total of 20 people, from person A to person T, who are residents of a nursing home, for example. In other words, the medication tray 30 shown in the figure is used when specific packs are placed in predetermined (specific) compartments 33 separated by multiple dividers, via the small compartment box 34.

[0079] For example, when staff at a nursing home (medication assistants) pre-sort the medication to be taken that day (hereinafter also referred to as "medication in the medication pack") using the medication support device 200 described above, the medication tray 30 shown in Figure 10 can be used to pre-sort the medication packs for each resident into the small compartment boxes 34 in each section. This makes it possible to take only the necessary medication packs to the place where they will be taken (for example, the dining room or the resident's private room). This reduces the occurrence of medication errors, such as giving residents medication that should be taken at the wrong time. The medication tray 30 may be prepared for each medication time (at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bedtime), or one or more medication trays may be used to sort the medication packs before each medication time.

[0080] As shown in Figure 10, the medication tray 30 has a label section 34a at the top of each compartment 33 of the dispensing box 34 that displays the resident's name, and the position of the dispensing box 34 in each compartment 33 is determined for each resident. Depending on the resident, for example as shown in Figure 11, the timing of medication administration may differ for each resident. For example, resident A takes medication in the morning and at noon, resident B takes it in the morning, at noon and in the evening, and resident C takes it in the morning, at noon, in the evening and before bedtime. By determining (displaying) the resident for each position, it is possible to notice the mistake in dispensing medication during medication assistance and reduce the occurrence of medication errors. Note that Figure 11 omits the illustration of the medication packs for each medication timing.

[0081] If a medication tray 30 is prepared for each medication timing, the medication tray 30 for after breakfast, as shown in Figure 11, may be formatted to omit the labels for D, G, I, J, R, and T (or the small compartment box 34 itself may be omitted) to indicate that there is no need to prepare a medication pack.

[0082] When reusing the medication tray 30, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, writing the medication timing near the resident's name will make it clear which medication pack needs to be prepared.

[0083] Each compartment 33 of the medication tray 30 has a designated setting or insertion position for each patient, depending on the medication pack they are taking. In other words, multiple compartments 33 within the medication tray 30 may be assigned to multiple patients at the same medication timing. Furthermore, if a particular patient does not take their medication at a specific time, it is possible to prevent a medication pack from being placed for that patient at that time.

[0084] The medication tray 30 is not limited to the above example; it may also be an example in which multiple compartments 33 of the medication tray 30 are allocated according to each patient's medication timing. Specifically, multiple compartments 33 may be allocated according to the medication timing of pack 2 taken in the morning, at noon, in the evening, and before bed, and also for each patient. In such an example of the medication tray 30, the medication trays 30 can be managed on a floor-by-floor basis or on a room-by-room basis where multiple patients reside, and pack 2 for that day (or several days) can be pre-distributed into the medication tray 30.

[0085] According to the example above, by assigning each compartment to a specific medication timing, such as morning, noon, evening, and before bed, it is possible to prevent mistakes in the timing of medication intake for each individual. While various combinations of medication users and medication timings are possible, not limited to the above-described configuration of the medication tray 30, this description is limited to the above explanation as it falls outside the scope of the disclosure of this invention.

[0086] Next, the configuration and operation of the remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining amount of multiple drug packs 2 stored in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 in the medication support device 200 of this embodiment will be described. Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the remaining quantity detection means of this embodiment. Figure 12(a) shows the state in which the filler 16b of the movable plate 16, which is the displacement part, is located at the end position (second position) corresponding to the second remaining quantity (in this case, zero remaining quantity), and Figure 12(b) shows the state in which the filler 16b of the movable plate 16 is located at the near-end position (first position) corresponding to the first remaining quantity (in this case, several remaining quantities).

[0087] The cartridge tray 27 in which the cartridge 10 is set is equipped with a remaining amount detection sensor 157, which acts as a detection unit to detect the position of the filler 16b provided on the movable plate 16 of the cartridge 10. This remaining amount detection sensor 157 is a distance sensor such as a TOF sensor, and is positioned on the extension of the movement path of the filler 16b on the movable plate 16, which moves (displaces) in accordance with the decrease in the remaining amount of the drug pack 2 within the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10.

[0088] When drug pack 2 is removed from the storage space 10a of cartridge 10, the remaining amount of drug pack 2 in the storage space 10a decreases, and consequently the length in the direction of the stack of drug packs 2 (the overall thickness of the stacked drug packs) changes. As a result, the movable plate 16, which is placed on top of the topmost pack 2 in the stacked packs 2 in the storage space 10a of cartridge 10, descends downward in the Z-axis direction within the storage space 10a due to its own weight. Consequently, the filler 16b on the movable plate 16 is also displaced downward in the Z-axis direction, that is, towards the remaining amount detection sensor 157.

[0089] The remaining amount detection sensor 157 measures the distance D between itself and the filler 16b, which is displaced as the remaining amount of the drug pack 2 in the storage space 10a decreases, and outputs the measured distance D to the control unit 150. Since the distance D measured by the remaining amount detection sensor 157 corresponds to the position of the filler 16b, the control unit 150 can determine the position of the filler 16b from the distance D measured by the remaining amount detection sensor 157.

[0090] Figures 13(a) and 13(b) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the remaining amount detection sensor 157 of this embodiment. Figure 13(a) shows the state in which the filler 16b of the movable plate 16 is located at the end position, and Figure 13(b) shows the state in which the filler 16b of the movable plate 16 is located at the near end position.

[0091] The remaining amount detection sensor 157 may be fixedly positioned on the cartridge tray 27 of the medication support device 200, but in this case, it would be necessary to provide a remaining amount detection sensor 157 for each cartridge 10, and thus it would be necessary to provide a remaining amount detection sensor 157 for each cartridge 10.

[0092] Therefore, in this embodiment, a remaining amount detection sensor 157 is provided in the removal unit 50 that removes the drug pack 2 from the storage space 10a of each cartridge 10. The removal unit 50 is moved by the transfer unit 90 to each pack removal position below each cartridge 10 and removes the drug pack 2 from each cartridge 10. Therefore, by providing a remaining amount detection sensor 157 in the removal unit 50, the distance D to the filler 16b of multiple cartridges 10 can be measured with a single remaining amount detection sensor 157 as it moves to the pack removal position of each cartridge 10 by the transfer unit 90.

[0093] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the remaining charge determination process when the remaining charge detection operation is performed. When the control unit 150 obtains the distance D, which is the measurement result of the remaining amount detection sensor 157, i.e., the position of the filler 16b, it starts the remaining amount determination process S30 and determines whether the obtained distance D is less than or equal to a first predetermined value corresponding to the near-end position (first position) shown in Figure 12(b) (S31).

[0094] In the judgment in processing step S31, if it is determined that the acquired distance D is not less than or equal to the first predetermined value (No in S31), the remaining amount determination process is terminated. At this time, if the near-end state or end state described later is still in effect, it is released. On the other hand, if it is determined that the acquired distance D is less than or equal to the first predetermined value (Yes in S31), then it is determined whether the acquired distance D is less than or equal to a second predetermined value which is smaller than the first predetermined value (S32).

[0095] In the determination in processing step S32, if it is determined that the acquired distance D is not less than or equal to a second predetermined value (No in S32), the control unit 150 determines that the filler 16b has been displaced to the near-end position (first position) corresponding to the near-end remaining amount (first remaining amount), and uses the notification unit 154 to notify that the cartridge 10 is in a near-end state (S33). On the other hand, if it is determined that the acquired distance D is less than or equal to a second predetermined value (Yes in S32), the control unit 150 determines that the filler 16b has been displaced to the end position (second position) corresponding to the end remaining amount (second remaining amount), and uses the notification unit 154 to notify that the cartridge 10 is in an end state (S34).

[0096] The thickness of a single drug pack 2 stored in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 varies depending on differences in the timing of medication administration, dosage, type of medication, etc. Therefore, the first predetermined value corresponding to the near-end position for determining a near-end state also changes depending on the difference in the thickness of a single drug pack 2 stored in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10. Consequently, the first predetermined value can be changed as appropriate, for example, by inputting information on the touch panel 151.

[0097] Here, two predetermined values ​​(a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value) are used to determine the near-end and end-end states, but it is also possible to use only one predetermined value. Furthermore, for example, when determining the remaining amount of drug pack 2 in the storage space 10a of cartridge 10 in multiple stages, it is possible to use three or more predetermined values. For example, a third predetermined value may be added to determine that the drug pack in the storage space 10a of cartridge 10 is full.

[0098] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the remaining battery level detection operation during initialization. The control unit 150 starts the remaining amount detection operation during initialization when a predetermined initialization start condition is met (Yes in S41). Examples of predetermined initialization start conditions include the condition that the user has turned the power of the medication support device 200 from OFF to ON, and the condition that the cartridge tray 27 (pull-out section 21) has been pulled out from the medication support device 200. Preferably, the predetermined initialization start condition is a condition in which the user may replenish the cartridge 10 with a drug pack 2.

[0099] When the control unit 150 starts the remaining amount detection operation during initialization, it controls the transport unit 90 to move the removal unit (carriage) 50 to the pack removal position below the first cartridge 10 (S42). Then, the control unit 150 obtains the distance D to the filler 16b of the first cartridge 10 using the remaining amount detection sensor 157 on the removal unit 50 (S43). After that, the control unit 150 executes the remaining amount determination process S30 shown in Figure 14 (S31-S34).

[0100] Once the remaining amount determination process S30 is completed, the control unit 150 controls the transport unit 90 to move the removal unit (carriage) 50 to the pack removal position below the next cartridge 10 (S42). The control unit 150 then obtains the distance D to the filler 16b of the next cartridge 10 (S43) and executes the remaining amount determination process S30 again (S31-S34). The above process is repeated until the remaining amount determination process S30 is completed for all cartridges 10 (Yes in S44), at which point the remaining amount detection operation ends.

[0101] In this embodiment, the remaining amount detection operation during initialization is performed on all cartridges 10 set in the medication support device 200. However, the remaining amount detection operation may be performed on only some of the cartridges 10 set in the medication support device 200. For example, the remaining amount detection operation may be performed only on cartridges 10 specified by the user. In this case, the time required for the remaining amount detection operation during initialization can be reduced.

[0102] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the remaining amount detection operation when removing the drug pack from the cartridge 10. The control unit 150 controls the transport unit 90 to move the removal unit (carriage) 50 to the pack removal position below the cartridge 10, and the drug pack 2 is removed from the cartridge 10 (Yes in S51). The remaining amount detection sensor 157 on the removal unit 50 obtains the distance D to the filler 16b of the cartridge 10 (S52). Subsequently, the control unit 150 executes the remaining amount determination process S30 shown in Figure 14 (S31-S34).

[0103] In this way, by performing the remaining amount detection operation of the cartridge 10 in conjunction with the removal process of the drug pack 2 from the cartridge 10, the movement of the removal unit (carriage) 50 for the remaining amount detection operation can be omitted.

[0104] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the basic operation flow of the medication support device 200, including the remaining amount detection operation S40 during initialization shown in Figure 15 and the remaining amount detection operation S50 during pack removal processing shown in Figure 16. In other words, the flowchart in Figure 17 is the flowchart shown in Figure 6 with the addition of the remaining amount detection operation S40 during initialization and the remaining amount detection operation S50 during pack removal processing.

[0105] As shown in Figure 17, the remaining amount detection operation S40 during initialization shown in Figure 15 is performed after the initialization of the medication support device 200 (S1-S2). Also, the remaining amount detection operation S50 during cartridge removal processing shown in Figure 16 is performed after the removal process of the drug pack 2 from the cartridge 10 (S6).

[0106] [Variation 1] Next, a modified example of the embodiment described above (hereinafter referred to as "Modified Example 1") will be explained. In the embodiment described above, the detection unit was configured using a single remaining amount detection sensor 157 consisting of a distance sensor. However, this modified example 1 is an example in which the detection unit is configured using a simpler through-beam optical sensor. Descriptions that overlap with the embodiment described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0107] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of the detection unit using a transmissive optical sensor in this modified example 1. Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of a transmissive optical sensor. Figure 18(a) shows the state in which the filler 16b of the movable plate 16 is located at the end position, and Figure 18(b) shows the state in which the filler 16b of the movable plate 16 is located at the near end position.

[0108] The detection unit of this modified example 1 consists of a near-end sensor 157A, which is a transmissive optical sensor in which a filler 16b located at the near-end position is installed so as to obstruct the optical path, and an end sensor 157B, which is a transmissive optical sensor in which a filler 16b located at the end position is installed so as to obstruct the optical path.

[0109] Each time the drug pack 2 is removed from the cartridge 10, the movable plate 16 and filler 16b descend downward in the Z-axis direction. When the filler 16b reaches the near-end position, the optical path between the light-emitting part 157a and the light-receiving part 157b of the near-end sensor 157A is blocked, and the amount of light received by the light-receiving part 157b decreases. Therefore, the control unit 150, which acquires the sensor output of the near-end sensor 157A, can detect this decrease in the amount of light received and determine that the cartridge 10 has entered the near-end state, and notifies the control unit accordingly.

[0110] Furthermore, when the filler 16b reaches the end position, the optical path between the light-emitting part 157a and the light-receiving part 157b of the end sensor 157B is blocked, and the amount of light received by the light-receiving part 157b of the end sensor 157B decreases. Therefore, the control unit 150, which acquires the sensor output of the end sensor 157B, can detect this decrease in the amount of light received and determine that the cartridge 10 has entered the end state, and notifies the control unit accordingly.

[0111] As mentioned above, the thickness of a single drug pack 2 stored in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 varies depending on differences in the timing of medication administration, dosage, type of medication, etc. Therefore, the near-end position for determining that a near-end state is present also changes depending on the difference in the thickness of a single drug pack 2 stored in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10. For this reason, it is preferable that the near-end position be changeable. For example, multiple mounting holes can be provided in the mounting bracket 157c of the near-end sensor 157A so that the mounting position of the near-end sensor 157A in the Z-axis direction can be changed, or the near-end sensor 157A can be controlled to move along the Z-axis direction by a drive motor. In addition, multiple near-end sensors 157A may be provided.

[0112] [Variation 2] Next, we will describe another modification of the embodiment described above (hereinafter referred to as "Modification 2"). This modified example 2 is an example in which the remaining amount of multiple cartridges 10 is detected by a single fixedly positioned detection unit. The detection unit of this modified example 2 is composed of a near-end sensor 157A and an end sensor 157B, which are through-beam optical sensors, similar to the modified example 1 described above. Descriptions that overlap with the embodiments and modified example 1 described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0113] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of the detection unit using a transmissive optical sensor in this modified example 2. Figure 20(a) shows the state in which the filler 16b of the movable plate 16 is located at the end position, and Figure 20(b) shows the state in which the filler 16b of the movable plate 16 is located at the near end position.

[0114] In this modified example 2, the near-end sensor 157A and the end sensor 157B are arranged relative to the three cartridges 10A to 10C such that each filler 16b of the three cartridges 10A to 10C crosses each of the optical paths LA and LB of the near-end sensor 157A and the end sensor 157B, respectively. In this configuration, a near-end state is determined if at least one of the fillers 16b of the three cartridges 10A to 10C is positioned to obstruct the optical path LA of the near-end sensor 157A. Similarly, an end state is determined if at least one of the fillers 16b of the three cartridges 10A to 10C is positioned to obstruct the optical path LB of the end sensor 157B.

[0115] According to this modified version 2, the number of sensors required can be reduced, simplifying the configuration of the detection unit. Generally, when a user reaches the near-end state, they often refill the drug pack 2 in the other cartridges at the same time as refilling the drug pack 2 in that cartridge. This modified version 2 is suitable for such operations.

[0116] In this modified example 2, the number of cartridges whose remaining amount is detected by one detection unit (one near-end sensor 157A and one end sensor 157B) was three, but it may be two, or four or more.

[0117] [Example 3] Next, we will describe yet another modification of the embodiment described above (hereinafter referred to as "Modification 3"). This modified example 3 performs a single-pack thickness calculation process to obtain the unit movement (displacement) of the filler 16b during the removal process of one drug pack 2, i.e., the thickness of one drug pack 2. Using the obtained unit movement (thickness of one drug pack 2), the remaining amount of drug pack 2 in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10 is determined more accurately. The detection unit of this modified example 3 is composed of a remaining amount detection sensor 157 consisting of a distance sensor, similar to the embodiment described above. Descriptions that overlap with the embodiment described above are omitted as appropriate.

[0118] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the basic operation flow of the medication support device 200, including the pack thickness calculation process for this modified example 3. In other words, the flowchart in Figure 21 is the same as the flowchart shown in Figure 17, but with the pack thickness calculation process added.

[0119] In the pack thickness calculation process in this modified example 3, before the drug pack 2 is removed from the cartridge 10 by the removal unit 50 in the removal process S6, the remaining amount detection sensor 157, which is a distance sensor, measures the distance D1 to the filler 16b, and the control unit 150 acquires the measured distance D1 (S61). Subsequently, the removal unit 50 performs the removal process to remove one drug pack 2 from the cartridge 10 (S6). Then, before the removal unit (carriage) 50 starts moving from the pack removal position of the cartridge 10, the remaining amount detection sensor 157, which is a distance sensor, measures the distance D2 to the filler 16b again, and the control unit 150 acquires the measured distance D2 (S62).

[0120] The difference between the distance D1 corresponding to the remaining amount in a drug pack 2 before it is removed (filler position) and the distance D2 corresponding to the remaining amount in a drug pack 2 after it is removed (filler position) represents the distance T1 corresponding to the thickness of one drug pack 2 (unit movement of the filler). Therefore, the control unit 150 can obtain the thickness T1 of one drug pack 2 by calculating the difference between distance D1 and distance D2 (S63).

[0121] In this way, by obtaining a thickness T1 equivalent to one drug pack 2 stored in the storage space 10a of the cartridge 10, the remaining number of packs in the cartridge 10 can be accurately determined. This allows the user to be informed of the remaining number of packs in the cartridge 10 with precision.

[0122] Specifically, the exact number of remaining cartridges Q1 can be calculated by dividing the distance D2 measured in processing step S62 after the drug pack 2 removal process S6 by the thickness T1 of one drug pack 2 calculated in processing step S63 (S64).

[0123] [Variation 4] Next, we will describe yet another modification of the embodiment described above (hereinafter referred to as "Modification 4"). This modified example 4, like the modified example 3 described above, performs a single-pack thickness calculation process to obtain the unit displacement of the filler 16b during a single drug pack 2 removal process, i.e., the thickness of one drug pack 2. However, it differs from the modified example 3 in that it uses the obtained unit displacement (thickness of one drug pack 2) to determine whether or not to retry the removal process. Note that explanations that overlap with the modified example 3 described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0124] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the basic operation flow of the medication support device 200, including the retrieval retry process in this modified example 4. In other words, the flowchart in Figure 22 adds a processing step S71, which determines whether or not a retrieval retry is necessary, in place of processing step S64 in the flowchart shown in Figure 21.

[0125] In this modified example 4, the control unit 150 obtains the thickness T1 of one drug pack 2 by the single-pack thickness calculation process S61 to S63, and then determines whether the obtained thickness T1 is greater than a third predetermined value (S71). This third predetermined value is set to a value less than the thickness T1 of at least one drug pack 2, and is preferably set to about 1 / 3 of T1, taking into account the variation in thickness T1.

[0126] In this determination, if the thickness T1 is greater than the third predetermined value (Yes in S71), it is determined that the drug pack 2 was removed in the preceding pack removal process S6, and the process continues. On the other hand, if the thickness T1 is less than or equal to the third predetermined value (No in S71), it is determined that the drug pack 2 was not removed in the preceding pack removal process S6. In this case, the control unit 150 returns to processing step S61 and re-executes (retries) the pack removal process S6. As a result of this retry, it is determined in the subsequent processing step S71 that the thickness T1 is greater than the third predetermined value (Yes in S71), and the process continues.

[0127] Furthermore, when retrying, it is also possible to fine-tune the X, Y, and Z positions within the range where the remaining amount detection sensor 157, which is a distance sensor, can read normal values, before performing the retry.

[0128] Figure 23 is a flowchart of Figure 22 with the addition of pick-out error handling. The pick-out error handling process is a process that notifies the user of an error (pick-out error) in which drug pack 2 was not picked up during the pack removal process S6.

[0129] Specifically, after the control unit 150 obtains the thickness T1 of one drug pack 2 through the pack thickness calculation process S61 to S63, if it determines that the obtained thickness T1 is less than or equal to a third predetermined value (No. in S71), it first increments the error counter n (initial value is 0) by 1 (S72), and then compares the error counter n with a fourth predetermined value (S73).

[0130] In this comparison, if the error counter n is less than or equal to the fourth predetermined value (No in S73), the control unit 150 returns to processing step S61 and re-executes (retries) the pack removal process S6. As a result of this retry, in the subsequent processing step S71, it is determined that the thickness T1 is greater than the third predetermined value (Yes in S71), and the process continues.

[0131] On the other hand, even after a retry, if the judgment that the acquired thickness T1 is less than or equal to the third predetermined value continues (No in S71), and the error counter n exceeds the fourth predetermined value (Yes in S72 and S73), the error counter n is initialized (S74), the user is notified of the pick-out error (S75), and the process is terminated.

[0132] The fourth predetermined value should be 1 or greater, but since a larger value results in more downtime, a value of around 3 is preferable.

[0133] [Variation 5] Next, we will describe yet another modification of the embodiment described above (hereinafter referred to as "Modification 5"). This modified example 5, like the modified example 3 described above, performs a single-pack thickness calculation process to obtain the unit movement (displacement) of the filler 16b during the single drug pack 2 removal process, i.e., the thickness of one drug pack 2. However, it differs from the modified example 3 in that it uses the obtained unit movement (thickness of one drug pack 2) to determine a double-feed pickup error. Note that explanations that overlap with the modified example 3 described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0134] Figure 24 is a flowchart showing the basic operation flow of the medication support device 200, including the double-feed pickup error processing in this modified example 5. In other words, the flowchart in Figure 24 adds a processing step S81 for determining a double-feed pickup error, replacing processing step S64 in the flowchart shown in Figure 21.

[0135] In this modified example 5, the control unit 150 obtains the thickness T1 of one drug pack 2 by the pack thickness calculation process S61 to S63, and then determines whether the obtained thickness T1 is smaller than a fifth predetermined value (S81). Ideally, this fifth predetermined value is about twice the thickness T1, but since the thickness T1 varies to some extent depending on the orientation of the tablets etc. contained in the drug pack 2, it is preferable that it is about 1.5 times the thickness T1. Also, since the thickness T1 changes depending on the type of medicine etc., the fifth predetermined value is made variable.

[0136] In processing step S81, if the thickness T1 is less than the fifth predetermined value (Yes in S81), it is determined that double feeding of drug pack 2 (a state in which more drug packs than should have been removed were removed) did not occur in the preceding pack removal process S6, and the process proceeds as is.

[0137] On the other hand, if the thickness T1 is greater than or equal to a fifth predetermined value (No. in S81), it is determined that a double feed of drug pack 2 occurred in the preceding pack removal process S6, and the double feed pickout error is notified to the user (S82), and the process is terminated.

[0138] The above is just one example; each of the following embodiments produces its own unique effects. [First aspect] The first embodiment is a medicine pack storage device (e.g., cartridge 10, etc.) in which a plurality of medicine packs (e.g., medicine pack 2) are stored in a storage section (e.g., storage space 10a in a case section 11) and medicine packs are removed by a removal section 50, characterized in that it has a displacement section (e.g., filler 16b) that displaces in conjunction with the change in the length in the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of medicine packs (the thickness in the Z-axis direction of the entire medicine pack) due to the decrease in the remaining amount of the plurality of medicine packs in the storage section, a detection section (e.g., remaining amount detection sensor 157, near-end sensor 157A, end sensor 157B) that detects the position of the displacement section, and a remaining amount determination section (e.g., remaining amount calculation section 159 of the control section 150) that determines the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage section based on the detection results of the detection section. Conventional medicine pack storage devices require the storage unit to be placed on a measuring unit in order to measure its weight. Therefore, at a minimum, the storage unit set in the medicine pack storage device must be lifted and lowered onto the measuring unit, which takes time to determine the remaining amount of medicine packs inside the storage unit. In particular, accurate measurements may not be possible until the vibrations from lowering the storage unit onto the measuring unit stop, in which case it will take even more time to determine the remaining amount of medicine packs inside the storage unit. In this embodiment, a displacement unit is displaced in conjunction with the change in the length of multiple medicine packs in the storage unit as the remaining amount of medicine packs decreases, and the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage unit is determined based on the detection result obtained by the detection unit that detects the position of the displacement unit. With this, the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage unit can be determined simply by detecting the position of the displacement unit that displaces in response to the decrease in the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage unit. Therefore, since the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage unit can be determined without moving the storage unit, the time required to determine the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage unit can be shortened compared to the conventional method in which it was necessary to lift the storage unit and lower it onto the measurement unit.

[0139] [Second aspect] The second embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the detection unit detects at least that the displacement unit has been displaced to a first position (e.g., the near-end position) corresponding to a first remaining amount (e.g., the remaining amount in the near-end state), and that the displacement unit has been displaced to a second position (e.g., the end position) corresponding to a second remaining amount that is less than the first remaining amount (e.g., the remaining amount in the end state = zero). According to this, the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage compartment can be determined in at least two stages.

[0140] [Third aspect] The third aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the detection unit is configured to be able to change the first position. According to this, even if the length of a single drug pack stored in the storage compartment changes (for example, the thickness of one drug pack), the remaining amount of drug packs in the storage compartment can be accurately determined by appropriately changing the first position in accordance with this change.

[0141] [Fourth aspect] The fourth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to third embodiments, there are a plurality of storage units, the displacement unit is provided for each storage unit, the detection unit is composed of a single detection unit (for example, the remaining amount detection sensor 157 in the embodiment, the near-end sensor 157A in the modified example 1, and the end sensor 157B in the modified example 1) that detects the positions of two or more of the displacement units provided for two or more storage units, and the remaining amount identification unit identifies the remaining amount of each medicine pack in the two or more storage units based on the detection result of the single detection unit. According to this, the number of detection units can be reduced and the configuration simplified compared to the case where a separate detection unit is provided for each of two or more storage units.

[0142] [Fifth aspect] The fifth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, the retrieval unit moves to each pack retrieval position of the two or more storage units and retrieves the medicine pack from each storage unit, and the single detection unit is provided in the retrieval unit. According to this, when the retrieval unit retrieves a medicine pack from each storage unit, a detection unit provided in the retrieval unit can detect the position of the displacement unit in each storage unit. Therefore, there is no need to move the retrieval unit (detection unit) solely for the purpose of detecting the position of the displacement unit in each storage unit, and the position of the displacement unit in each storage unit can be detected efficiently.

[0143] [Sixth aspect] The sixth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, there is a calculation unit (for example, a control unit 150) that calculates the amount of displacement of the displacement unit (for example, the thickness T1 of one drug pack 2) due to the removal of one drug pack, based on the detection result of the detection unit. According to this, for example, it becomes possible to accurately determine the remaining quantity of medicine packs stored in the storage unit. Furthermore, it becomes possible to properly handle errors when removing medicine packs from the storage unit using the retrieval unit.

[0144] [Seventh aspect] The seventh embodiment is characterized in that, in the sixth embodiment, the calculation unit calculates the amount of displacement of the displacement part due to one removal of the medicine pack from the storage unit by the removal unit from the storage unit, from the difference between the position of the displacement part before the medicine pack is removed from the storage unit by the removal unit and the position of the displacement part after the removal is performed. According to this, the amount of displacement of the displaced part due to the removal of one drug pack (for example, the thickness T1 of one drug pack 2) can be easily calculated.

[0145] [8th aspect] The eighth aspect is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect, the device has a control unit 150 that executes control to retry the drug pack removal operation by the removal unit if the difference is less than or equal to a predetermined first threshold (for example, a third predetermined value). According to this, by utilizing the difference calculated by the calculation unit, it is possible to determine that the medicine pack was not removed by the removal unit, and thus the removal unit can appropriately repeat the operation of removing the medicine pack.

[0146] [Ninth aspect] The ninth embodiment is characterized in that, in the eighth embodiment, it has a notification unit 154, and the control unit executes a control to notify the notification unit when the number of re-executions reaches a predetermined number (for example, a fourth predetermined value). According to this system, if the medicine pack is not removed by the dispensing unit even after a predetermined number of attempts, the user can be notified of this fact, thereby encouraging the user to take appropriate action.

[0147] [Tenth aspect] The tenth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the seventh to ninth embodiments, the notification unit 154 executes control to notify the notification unit if the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined second threshold (for example, a fifth predetermined value). According to this system, it is possible to detect when more medicine packs than intended have been dispensed by the dispensing unit (double-feeding) and notify the user accordingly, thereby encouraging the user to take appropriate action.

[0148] [Phase 11] The eleventh embodiment is a medication support device 200 having a medication pack storage device in which a plurality of medication packs are stored in a storage section, a removal section 50 for removing medication packs from the storage section of the medication pack storage device, and a transfer section 90 for transferring the medication packs removed by the removal section to a medication placement section (for example, a medication tray 30), characterized in that the medication pack storage device is one of the medication pack storage devices of the first to tenth embodiments. This makes it possible to provide a medication support device that can determine the remaining amount of medicine in the storage compartment in a shorter amount of time than before. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0149] 2: Medication pack 10: Cartridge 10a: Storage space 11: Case section 16: Movable plate 16b: Filler 17: Pack removal opening 21: Drawer section 27: Cartridge tray 30: Medication tray 34: Small compartment boxes 50: Removal section 90: Transfer section 150: Control Unit 151: Touch panel 152: Storage section 153: Timer section 154: Hochi Department 155: Start switch 157: Battery level detection sensor 157A: Near-end sensor 157B: End sensor 157a: Light-emitting part 157b: Light receiving part 157c: Mounting bracket 159: Remaining amount calculation unit 200: Medication support device 210: PC 300: Medication support system [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0150] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-46227

Claims

1. A medicine pack storage device in which multiple medicine packs are stored side by side in a storage section, and medicine packs are removed from the storage section by a removal section, A displacement unit that displaces in conjunction with the change in the length of the multiple medicine packs in the arrangement direction due to the decrease in the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage unit, A detection unit for detecting the position of the displacement part, A medicine pack storage device characterized by having a remaining amount determination unit that determines the remaining amount of medicine packs in the storage unit based on the detection result of the detection unit.

2. In the drug pack storage device according to claim 1, The drug pack storage device is characterized in that the detection unit detects at least that the displacement unit has been displaced to a first position corresponding to a first remaining amount, and that the displacement unit has been displaced to a second position corresponding to a second remaining amount which is less than the first remaining amount.

3. In the drug pack storage device according to claim 2, The drug pack storage device is characterized in that the detection unit is configured to be able to change the first position.

4. In the drug pack storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned storage unit has a plurality of units, The displacement section is provided for each of the storage sections, The detection unit consists of a single detection unit that detects the positions of two or more displacement units, each of which is provided in two or more storage units. The drug pack storage device is characterized in that the remaining amount identification unit identifies the remaining amount of each drug pack in the two or more storage units based on the detection result of the single detection unit.

5. In the drug pack storage device according to claim 4, The aforementioned retrieval unit is configured to move to each pack retrieval position in the two or more storage units and to retrieve the medicine pack from each storage unit. A medicine pack storage device characterized in that the single detection unit is provided in the removal unit.

6. In the drug pack storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A medicine pack storage device characterized by having a calculation unit that calculates the amount of displacement of the displacement unit due to one removal of the medicine pack, based on the detection result of the detection unit.

7. In the drug pack storage device according to claim 6, The drug pack storage device is characterized in that the calculation unit calculates the amount of displacement of the displacement unit due to one drug pack removal from the storage unit, based on the difference between the position of the displacement unit before the drug pack is removed from the storage unit by the removal unit and the position of the displacement unit after the removal.

8. In the medicine pack storage device according to claim 7, A medicine pack storage device characterized by having a control unit that executes control to re-execute the medicine pack removal operation by the removal unit when the difference is less than or equal to a predetermined first threshold.

9. In the drug pack storage device according to claim 8, It has a news department, The drug pack storage device is characterized in that the control unit executes a control to notify the notification unit when the number of re-executions reaches a predetermined number.

10. In the medicine pack storage device according to claim 7, The news department and, A drug pack storage device characterized in that, if the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined second threshold, it executes a control to cause the notification unit to notify.

11. A medicine pack storage device in which multiple medicine packs are stored in a storage compartment, The medicine pack storage device includes a removal section for removing medicine packs from the storage section, A medication support device having a transfer unit that transfers the medication pack removed by the aforementioned removal unit to a medication placement unit, A medication support device characterized by using the medication pack storage device described in any one of claims 1 to 3 as the medication pack storage device.

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