Apparatus and method for verifying single-dose packaging.

Abstract

To solve problems such as bending that occur when a series of individual packaging bags are transported by a transport mechanism. [Solution] A unit-dose packaging inspection apparatus and method comprising: a transport mechanism having loading-side drive units 321, 331, unloading-side drive units 322, 332 and transport paths 33, 333 for transporting a series of individual packaging bags 2; an imaging device 34 for photographing the individual packaging bags being transported between the loading-side drive units 321, 331 and the unloading-side drive units 322, 332; and an inspection processing device for determining the suitability of the drugs sealed in the individual packaging bags 21 based on prescription data and image data received from the imaging device 34, wherein at least the transport paths 33, 333 between the loading-side drive units 321, 331 and the unloading-side drive units 322, 332 are inclined downward.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a unit-dose inspection apparatus and method for inspecting whether a drug is unit-dosed in accordance with a prescription. In addition, the "unit-dose inspection" in this specification means checking whether the unit-dosed drug conforms to the drug described in the prescription and whether the quantity conforms to the prescription, for the process called "unit-dose" of subdividing the drug described in the prescription into individual doses for each administration. 【Background Art】 【0002】 At a pharmacy, a process called unit-dose is performed, in which the drug described in the doctor's prescription is subdivided into individual doses for each administration. However, when unit-dosing the drug, there are cases where the drug is accidentally enclosed in a larger quantity than prescribed, a smaller quantity, or a different drug. Therefore, conventionally, a device is known that takes a photograph of the drug unit-dosed in a packaging bag with a camera, analyzes the characteristics of the drug based on the photographed image information of the drug, and uses the analysis result to inspect whether the unit-dosed drug conforms to the prescription (for example, Patent Document 1). 【0003】 As the packaging sheet for unit-dosing the drug, for example, a laminated film in which materials such as a thermoplastic resin and paper are laminated is used. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a package in which a heat-sealing portion is provided by facing the welding layers of heat-sealable sheets each having a base material made of glassine paper or cellophane and a welding layer laminated on the base material, and a storage portion is formed inside the heat-sealing portion, using glassine paper or cellophane as the base material of the heat-sealable sheet and polyethylene as the welding layer. 【0004】 In recent years, as a packaging sheet for unit-dosing the drug, a packaging sheet made only of a thermoplastic resin such as a polyethylene-based resin or a polypropylene-based resin has been proposed from the viewpoints of moisture resistance and recyclability (for example, Patent Document 3). 【Prior Art Documents】 [Patent Documents] 【0005】 [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-37214 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-290771 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-72785 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve] 【0006】 Figure 8 is a transparent side view of the main part of the unit-package inspection device 130 disclosed in Patent Document 1. As shown in the figure, the conventional unit-package inspection device 130 is configured to include a pair of cameras 131 and 132, an inspection processing unit 133, a storage unit 134, a display 135, a transport surface 136 extending in the horizontal direction, an input-side drive unit 137, and an output-side drive unit 138. A series of individual packaging bags are inserted through an inlet (not shown) located at the uppermost part of the transport surface 136 of the unit-packaging inspection device 130. When the leading edge of the series of packaging bags reaches the input-side drive unit 137, the input-side drive unit drives the series of packaging bags to the output-side drive unit 138. When the leading edge of the series of packaging bags reaches the output-side drive unit, the output-side drive unit 138 drives the series of packaging bags to the output outlet (not shown) located at the lowermost part of the transport surface 136. 【0007】 However, as shown in Figure 8, in the conventional single-dose packaging inspection device 130, because the transport surface 136 on which the individual packaging bags are transported is horizontal, when transporting a series of individual packaging bags, the series of bags may bend between the input-side drive unit 137 and the output-side drive unit 138, making it impossible to transport the series of packaging bags properly. This problem is more pronounced when transporting a series of packaging bags that are not very rigid. For example, a series of packaging bags made only of thermoplastic resin are relatively not very rigid, so the bags may bend between the input-side drive unit 137 and the output-side drive unit 138, preventing the series of packaging bags from reaching the output-side drive unit 138, and thus making it easy for the series of packaging bags to be unable to be discharged (a jamming problem). 【0008】 Furthermore, when transporting a series of individual packaging bags on the horizontal transport surface 136, the bags would flex between the input-side drive unit 137 and the output-side drive unit 138, causing wrinkles to form in the bags or causing them to deviate from the transport path and become misaligned. These problems were more pronounced when transporting a series of packaging bags that lacked rigidity. 【0009】 Therefore, the present invention aims to solve problems such as bending that occurs when a series of individual packaging bags are transported by a transport mechanism. [Means for solving the problem] 【0010】 The unit-dose packaging inspection device according to the present invention consists of the following technical means. [1] A unit-dose packaging inspection device for inspecting whether drugs packaged in each of a series of connected individual packaging bags conform to a prescription, comprising: a transport mechanism having an input-side drive unit, an output-side drive unit and a transport path for transporting the series of individual packaging bags; an imaging device for photographing the individual packaging bags being transported between the input-side drive unit and the output-side drive unit; and an inspection processing device for determining the conformity of the drugs sealed in the individual packaging bags based on prescription data and image data received from the imaging device, wherein at least the transport path between the input-side drive unit and the output-side drive unit is inclined downward. [2] The unit-packaging inspection device according to [1], comprising a flat light-transmitting plate that constitutes part of the transport path, wherein the imaging device continuously photographs each of the individual packaging bags passing through the light-transmitting plate. [3] The unit-packaging inspection device according to [1], characterized in that the angle of the downward slope is 5 to 45 degrees. [4] The transport mechanism is characterized by comprising an entrance provided on the higher side of the transport path and an exit provided on the lower side of the transport path, as described in [1]. [5] A single-dose packaging inspection device according to any one of [1] to [4], comprising a base on which the transport path and the imaging device are provided, and an openable and closable cover member on which at least the entrance is provided. [6] The single-dose packaging inspection device according to [5], wherein the entrance is provided on the upper surface of the cover member, the cover member comprises an entrance-side drive unit and an exit-side drive unit located below the entrance, the entrance-side drive unit and the exit-side drive unit are each composed of rotating members, the transport path provided on the base has an arc-shaped concave surface facing the upstream side of the entrance-side drive unit, and comprises a guide member located below the entrance, and further comprises a guide roller provided on the upper surface of the cover member for guiding the series of packaging bags that are fed into the entrance while rotating. [7] The single-packaging inspection device according to [5], characterized in that the cover member comprises a thread-like member that presses the series of individual packaging bags being transported along the transport path against the transport path. [8] A single-dose packaging inspection device for inspecting whether the drugs packaged in each of a series of connected individual packaging bags conform to a prescription, comprising: a transport mechanism having a transport drive unit and a transport path for transporting the series of individual packaging bags; an imaging device for photographing the individual packaging bags being transported along the transport path by the transport drive unit; an inspection processing device for determining the conformity of the drugs sealed in the individual packaging bags based on prescription data and image data received from the imaging device; a base on which at least the imaging device and the inspection processing device are provided; and an entrance on the top surface. A single-packaging inspection device comprising: an openable and closable cover member provided with a guide roller provided on the upper surface of the cover member for rotating and guiding the series of packaging bags that are fed into the entrance; the transport drive unit comprising an input-side drive unit and an output-side drive unit located below the entrance, the input-side drive unit and the output-side drive unit each being composed of a rotating member; and the transport path having an arc-shaped concave surface facing the upstream side of the input-side drive unit and comprising a guide member located below the entrance. 【0011】 The unit-dose packaging inspection method according to the present invention comprises the following technical means. [9] A method for inspecting whether the drugs packaged in each of a series of connected individual packaging bags conform to a prescription, comprising: continuously photographing a series of individual packaging bags moving from a higher side to a lower side along an inclined transport path using an imaging device; and determining the conformity of the drugs sealed in the individual packaging bags based on the image data received from the imaging device and prescription data.

[10] The method for inspecting single-dose packaging according to [9], wherein the series of packaging bags are composed of packaging sheets with a thickness of 100 μm or less. [Effects of the Invention] 【0012】 According to the present invention, it is possible to solve problems such as bending that occurs when a series of individual packaging bags are transported by a transport mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0013】 [Figure 1]It is a configuration diagram of a single-pack inspection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining a series of sub-pack bags. [Figure 3] It is a perspective side view of the main part of the single-pack inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a projection view showing the state where the cover member of the single-pack inspection device in FIG. 3 is opened. [Figure 5] It is a perspective side view of the main part of the single-pack inspection device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a projection view showing the state where the cover member of the single-pack inspection device in FIG. 5 is opened. [Figure 7] It is a perspective side view of the main part of the single-pack inspection device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a perspective side view of the main part of the single-pack inspection device of Patent Document 1. 【Mode for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0014】 Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, as an embodiment of the single-pack inspection device, a single-pack inspection device that inspects a single-packaged drug and performs display according to the inspection result, and a single-pack inspection system having the same will be exemplified and described. In the embodiment, the "drug" may include at least tablets and capsules, and may not include powders, liquids, and granules. Furthermore, the single-pack inspection device according to the embodiment inspects whether a single-packaged drug "conforms to a prescription", and "conforming to a prescription" means determining whether a predetermined drug (part or all of the drugs) described in the prescription is included in the sub-pack bag in the required quantity. 【0015】 《First Embodiment》 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a single-pack inspection system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the single-pack inspection system 1 according to the present embodiment is composed of a receipt computer 10, a sub-packaging machine 20, and a single-pack inspection device 30. In FIG. 1, the flow of information or data is indicated by arrows. 【0016】 As shown in Figure 1, the claims processing computer 10, the packaging machine 20, and the unit-dose packaging verification device 30 are installed inside the pharmacy 100, while the server 60 is installed outside the pharmacy 100. The claims processing computer 10, the packaging machine 20, and the unit-dose packaging verification device 30 are on the same network and can communicate with each other, and the server 60 can communicate with the unit-dose packaging verification device 30 via the internet line 3. In this embodiment, the unit-dose packaging verification device 30 is configured to download updated drug master table data from the server 60 at predetermined intervals, but the server 60 is not a mandatory component, and data updates may be performed manually. 【0017】 The claims processing computer 10 includes a display device (not shown) and input devices such as a mouse and keyboard (not shown). The claims processing computer 10 has the function of creating claims (medical fee statements) and issuing prescriptions, and information of prescriptions prescribed by doctors is entered into it. Prescription information includes information such as the name of the drug, quantity, and how to take it. Based on the prescription information entered into the claims processing computer 10, prescription data in a format that can be used by the dispensing machine 20 and the unit-dose packaging and verification device 30 is created. The prescription data is stored in the claims processing computer 10, and the dispensing machine 20 and the unit-dose packaging and verification device 30 retrieve the prescription data from the claims processing computer 10. 【0018】 The packaging machine 20 performs the process of sealing (unit-dose packaging) the prescribed medications into individual bags based on prescription data obtained from the claims computer 10. The packaging machine 20 also packages the medications according to the number of doses required, according to the prescription data. Specifically, the packaging machine 20 can create a series of individual packaging bags 2 by pulling out a pre-prepared area of ​​packaging sheets, placing various medications into the partitioned spaces of the packaging paper, and sealing them. 【0019】 Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a series of dispensing bags 2. The series of dispensing bags 2 consists of a plurality of compartmentalized dispensing bags 21, 21.... The series of dispensing bags 2 is constructed by closing the longitudinal edges of a strip-shaped dispensing sheet S together to form an elongated space, and dividing this elongated space into a plurality of compartments in which the drug is stored. In this embodiment, a dispensing sheet S made of a strip-shaped transparent or translucent film material is folded in half in a dispensing machine 20 so that the longitudinal edges of the dispensing sheet S overlap, the longitudinal edges E are heat-sealed to close the long side, and heat-sealed connecting parts C, C... are formed at predetermined intervals in the short direction to produce a series of dispensing bags 2. Perforations may be formed in the connecting parts C, C.... 【0020】 As the packaging sheet S, various sheets that can be heat-sealed by heating and pressing can be used. For example, a laminated film can be used in which a translucent or transparent thin film that does not allow moisture to pass through, such as glassine paper or cellophane paper, is used as the base material, and a welded layer made of thermoplastic resin is laminated and integrated on the back surface of this base material. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate, and any one of these may be included alone, or two or more may be included in a composite. Furthermore, as the packaging sheet S, a sheet composed solely of thermoplastic resin can also be used. The thermoplastic resin can include, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate, and it is preferable to include polyethylene or polypropylene from the viewpoint of moisture permeability. In addition, a configuration in which an anchor coat layer is further included between the layers can be used (see Patent Document 3 above). 【0021】 The thickness of the packaging sheet S is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be 100 μm or less, 60 μm or less, 40 μm or less, or 30 μm or less, and have sufficient strength to be torn by hand. Furthermore, as the thickness of the packaging sheet S decreases, it becomes less rigid, making it more prone to bending, jamming, wrinkling, and / or misalignment during transport in the transport mechanism of the unit-dose inspection device 30. This problem is particularly likely to occur between the input-side drive unit and the output-side drive unit. 【0022】 Figure 3 is a transparent side view of the main components showing the configuration of the unit-dose packaging inspection device 30 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the unit-dose packaging inspection device 30 is composed of a base 31 and a cover member 32. The unit-dose packaging inspection device 30 is a compact, tabletop device; for example, the base 31 has a bottom surface with a depth of 60 cm or less and a width of 30 cm or less, and weighs 12 kg or less. 【0023】 The base 31 has a downward-sloping flat top surface 33, and the central portion of the top surface 33 in the width direction constitutes a transport surface (transport path) that extends in the longitudinal direction. The technical significance of sloping the top surface 33 downward is to eliminate bending, jamming, wrinkling, and / or misalignment that occur when transporting a series of packaging bags 2. 【0024】 The angle of the downward slope of the top surface 33 may be 5 to 45 degrees, preferably 10 to 40 degrees, and more preferably 15 to 35 degrees. When the inclination angle of the top surface 33 is 5 degrees or more, 10 degrees or more, or 15 degrees or more, the weight of the series of packaging bags 2 generated by the downward-sloping top surface 33 makes it easier to transport the series of packaging bags 2 to the outlet 324 without bending along the transport path, even if the packaging bags are not very rigid (packaging bags made only of thermoplastic resin). Furthermore, if the inclination angle of the top surface 33 is 45 degrees or less, 40 degrees or less, or 35 degrees or less, the drug is less likely to move within each individual packaging bag 21 during transport. This is preferable because it makes it easier to photograph the individually packaged drug within each individual packaging bag 21 with a camera without blurring. 【0025】 It has been confirmed that a preferred downward inclination angle of the top surface 33, if within the inclination angle described above with respect to the horizontal plane, will eliminate bending, jamming, wrinkling, and / or misalignment, regardless of the amount of medicine in the packaging bag 21, and even if the series of packaging bags 2 are made of laminated thermoplastic resin material. At a minimum, the top surface 33 should have a downward inclination on the conveying surface between the upstream roller 331 and the downstream roller 332. In other words, it is preferable that the entire conveying path between the input-side drive unit (321, 331) and the output-side drive unit (322, 332) be configured with a downward inclined conveying surface. 【0026】 The top surface 33, which serves as the transport surface, is equipped with an upstream roller 331, a downstream roller 332, and a light-transmitting plate 333. The light-transmitting plate 333 is a transparent or translucent flat plate and is flush with the top surface 33. The light-transmitting plate 333 forms a shooting area for photographing a series of packaging bags 2 passing over its upper surface. The series of packaging bags 2 move along the transport surface at a constant speed, and the imaging device 34 continuously takes pictures of the packaging bags 21 as they pass over the light-transmitting plate 333. The transport speed of the series of packaging bags 2 is, for example, 0.5 to 1 second per bag. 【0027】 Inside the base 31 are an imaging device 34, a mirror 35, an illumination device 36, and an inspection control device 37. The imaging device 34 is, for example, composed of a camera and sequentially photographs the packaging bags 21, 21... passing through the light-transmitting plate 333 via the mirror 35. There may be multiple imaging devices 34, or they may be arranged on the cover member 32 side. The mirror 35 is configured to have a variable angle by a rotating mechanism (not shown), and the optical axis L can be adjusted. Image data captured by the imaging device 34 is transmitted to the inspection control device 37. 【0028】 The lighting device 36 comprises a first LED lighting device 361, a second LED lighting device 362, a third LED lighting device 363, and a fourth LED lighting device (not shown). The fourth LED lighting device is positioned opposite the first LED lighting device 361. A reflector may be provided in the internal space where the lighting device 36 is located to reflect and enhance the illumination light from the lighting device 36. Note that the configuration of the lighting device 36 is not limited to the example configuration; for example, the lighting device may be provided on the cover member 32 side. 【0029】 Figure 4 is a projection view of the unit-package inspection device 30 with the cover member 32 in the open position. The cover member 32 is attached to the base 31 via a hinge 327 so as to be openable and closable. Since the cover member 32 can be easily opened, the maintainability of the transport mechanism (321, 322, 331a, 331b, 332a, 332b) is good. 【0030】 The cover member 32 is comprised of an upstream drive roll 321, a downstream drive roll 322, an inlet 323, and an outlet 324. The upstream drive roll 321 is located near the inlet 323 and serves to feed a series of packaging bags 2 inserted into the inlet 323 by the user to the downstream side. A brush 326 is provided opposite the upstream drive roll 321, and when the upstream drive roll 321 is rotated, its surface is statically discharged and cleaned by the brush 326. The downstream drive roll 322 is located near the outlet 324 and serves to feed a series of packaging bags 2 that have passed through the light-transmitting plate 333 to the outlet 324. 【0031】 Upstream rollers 331a, 331b and an upstream guide member 334 are positioned on the top surface 33 of the base 31, opposite the upstream drive roll 321. The upstream guide member 334 has a flat surface 334a that constitutes the conveying surface and a pair of side walls, which guide the series of packaging bags 2 so that they are not conveyed in a direction away from the conveying surface. The flat surface 334a of the upstream guide member 334 is provided with an opening for arranging the upstream rollers 331a, 331b. The number of upstream rollers 331 may be one or three or more, not just the two exemplified. The flat surface 334a of the upstream guide member 334 may be a flat surface that constitutes the same plane as the top surface 33, or it may be an inclined surface that increases the inclination of the top surface 33. Note that the upstream guide member 334 is not an essential component and may not be provided. 【0032】 Downstream rollers 332a, 332b and a downstream guide member 335 are positioned on the top surface 33 of the base 31, opposite the downstream drive roll 322. The downstream guide member 335 has a flat surface 335a that forms the conveying surface and a pair of side walls, which guide the series of packaging bags 2 so that they are not conveyed in a direction away from the outlet 324. The flat surface 335a of the downstream guide member 335 is provided with an opening for arranging the downstream rollers 332a, 332b. The number of downstream rollers 332 may be one or three or more, not just the two exemplified. The flat surface 335a of the downstream guide member 335 may be a flat surface that forms the same plane as the top surface 33, or it may be an inclined surface that makes the slope of the top surface 33 gentler. Note that the downstream guide member 335 is not an essential component and may not be provided. 【0033】 The upstream drive roll 321 and upstream rollers 331a, 331b constitute the input-side drive unit consisting of a first sandwich-type drive roller, and the downstream drive roll 322 and downstream rollers 332a, 332b constitute the output-side drive unit consisting of a second sandwich-type drive roller. In this embodiment, by arranging one sandwich-type drive roller each on the input side 323 and output side 324 in accordance with the incline of the transport path (i.e., the input-side drive unit and the output-side drive unit), it is possible to transport a series of packaged bags 2 without bending, jamming, wrinkling, and / or misalignment. Here, the input-side drive unit is not limited to the exemplary configuration; for example, the input-side drive unit may be configured by simply providing the upstream drive roll 321 on the cover member 32 without providing the upstream rollers 331a, 331b. Similarly, the output-side drive unit may be configured by simply providing the downstream drive roll 322 on the cover member 32. Furthermore, the input-side drive unit and the output-side drive unit can employ any type of drive roll, such as sponge rollers, belt conveyors, or rubber rollers, and different types of drive rolls may be used for the input-side drive unit and the output-side drive unit. 【0034】 A first gear 336 is provided near one side wall of the downstream guide member 335. When the cover member 32 is closed, the first gear 336 meshes with a second gear 325 connected to the shaft of the downstream drive roll 322, and transmits driving force. The shaft of the downstream drive roll 322 is connected to the shaft of the upstream drive roll 321 by a toothed belt (not shown), and the driving force of the first gear 336 is also transmitted to the upstream drive roll 321. 【0035】 The inspection control device 37 is a computer having a processing unit, a storage unit, and a communication device. The inspection control device 37 can communicate with the claims computer 10 and / or the dispensing machine 20 via wired or wireless connection using the communication device. The inspection control device 37 performs prescription data acquisition, image data acquisition, inspection, and inspection result display functions by executing the unit-dose inspection program stored in the storage unit. Some of the functions of the inspection control device 37 described below may be realized by linking with a program installed on an external computer or cloud software. 【0036】 The prescription data acquisition function acquires prescription data entered by the claims computer 10 from the claims computer 10 or the dispensing machine 20 and stores it in a storage device. The image data acquisition function acquires image data of each dispensing bag 21 taken from the imaging device 34 and stores it in a storage device. The acquired prescription data and image data are used for inspecting the drugs in the dispensing bags 21 by the inspection function and for displaying the inspection results by the inspection result display function. 【0037】 The verification function verifies (determines conformity) whether the medication enclosed in the packaging bag 21 conforms to the prescription, based on prescription data acquired by the prescription data acquisition function and image data acquired by the image data acquisition function. Specifically, the verification function first identifies the type and number of medications to be enclosed in the packaging bag 21 based on the prescription data. The verification function also refers to the medication master table stored in the storage device and acquires the medication data of the medications listed on the prescription. The medication data includes data such as the form of the medication (whether it is a tablet or a capsule), the shape of the medication (outer shape or outline such as round or oval), size, color, and markings / printings on the tablet (letters, pictures, symbols, or patterns such as lines). 【0038】 The inspection result display function displays a screen showing the inspection results from the inspection function on an external display device (not shown). Specifically, the inspection result display function creates screen rendering data to display the screen showing the inspection results and transmits it to a display device such as a monitor or touch panel. The external display device can be connected via an interface port (not shown) provided on the side of the base 31. 【0039】 As described above, the unit-dose packaging inspection device 30 according to this embodiment can eliminate problems of bending, jamming, wrinkling, and / or misalignment that occur when a series of connected packaging bags 2 are transported by the transport mechanism. In particular, if bending, jamming, wrinkling, and / or misalignment occurs in the light-transmitting plate 333 which is the imaging position, it may not be possible to correctly determine suitability. However, the unit-dose packaging inspection device 30 according to this embodiment can eliminate the problem of bending, jamming, wrinkling, and / or misalignment of the packaging bags 21 passing through the light-transmitting plate 333 by combining the action of the self-weight of the series of packaging bags 2 caused by the drive units provided upstream and downstream and the downward-sloping top surface 33. 【0040】 《Second Embodiment》 Figure 5 is a transparent side view of the main components showing the configuration of the unit-dose packaging inspection device 40 of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the unit-dose packaging inspection device 40 is a tabletop device comprising a base 41 and a cover member 42, similar to the first embodiment. However, it differs from the unit-dose packaging inspection device 30 of the first embodiment in that it is provided with an inlet 423 and guide rollers 425 on the upper surface of the cover member 42. The second embodiment aims to solve the problem of dispersing the drug within the packaging bag before introducing it into the inlet. The configuration of the unit-dose packaging inspection device 40 will be described in detail below, but the same reference numerals as in Figure 5 will be used for components that are the same as in the first embodiment, and detailed explanations will be omitted. 【0041】 The base 41 has a downward-sloping flat top surface 43, and the central portion of the top surface 43 in the width direction constitutes a transport surface (transport path) that extends in the longitudinal direction (see Figure 6 below). By sloping the top surface 43 downward, bending, jamming, wrinkles, and / or misalignment that occur during the transport of a series of packaging bags 2 are eliminated. The angle of the downward slope of the top surface 43 is the same as in the first embodiment example. 【0042】 A resin guide member 431 is provided at the uppermost part of the top surface 43. The guide member 431 has an arc-shaped concave surface 431a facing the upstream side of the upstream drive roll 421, and a flat surface 431b located below the upstream drive roll 421. A series of packaged bags 2 fed into the entrance 423 are guided by the upstream drive roll 421, passing through the arc-shaped concave surface 431a and then the flat surface 431b, smoothly onto the transport path on the top surface 43. A light-transmitting plate 333, which constitutes the imaging area, is provided downstream of the guide member 431. Since the flat surface 431b and the light-transmitting plate 333 are continuous with almost no step difference, the series of packaged bags 2 pass through the joint between the flat surface 431b and the light-transmitting plate 333 without getting stuck. 【0043】 The base 41 houses an imaging device 34, a mirror 35, an illumination device 36, and an inspection control device 37. Image data captured by the imaging device 34 is transmitted to the inspection control device 37. The illumination device 36 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment and comprises a first LED illumination device 361, a second LED illumination device 362, a third LED illumination device 363, and a fourth LED illumination device (not shown). 【0044】 The inspection control device 37 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment and executes the prescription data acquisition function, image data acquisition function, inspection function, and inspection result display function by executing the unit-dose inspection program stored in the storage device. 【0045】 A belt conveyor 432 is provided downstream of the light-transmitting plate 333. The belt conveyor 432 transports a series of packaged bags 2 to the outlet 424. Since the light-transmitting plate 333 and the belt conveyor 432 are continuous with almost no difference in height, the series of packaged bags 2 are loaded onto the belt conveyor 432 without getting stuck. The belt conveyor 432 works in cooperation with the downstream drive roll 422 provided on the cover member 42 to form a transport mechanism that transports the series of packaged bags 2. An unloading platform 433 is provided below the outlet 424. Note that the unloading platform 433 is not limited to the example shape and may not be provided at all. 【0046】 The cover member 42 is mainly composed of an upstream drive roll 421, a downstream drive roll 422, an inlet 423, an outlet 424, a guide roller 425, and an arch-shaped member 426. The upstream drive roll 421 and the downstream drive roll 422 are each composed of rotating members. The upstream drive roll 421 and the downstream drive roll 422 have the same configuration as the upstream drive roll 321 and the downstream drive roll 322 in the first embodiment example. 【0047】 An entrance 423 is provided at the upper end of the upper surface of the cover member 42, and an exit 424 is provided on the side of the lower end. Since the entrance 423 is on the upper surface 42a, the end of the unit-dose packaging inspection device 40 on the entrance 423 side can be attached to a wall for use. An arch-shaped member 426 is provided near the lower side of the entrance 423 on the upper surface 42a of the cover member 42. The arch-shaped member 426 is a member with a semicircular side and serves to insert a series of packaged bags 2 into the entrance 423 at a predetermined inclination angle. The angle formed by the top of the arch-shaped member 426 and the entrance 423 is 10 to 80 degrees (preferably 20 to 70 degrees, more preferably 35 to 55 degrees). From the viewpoint of ensuring visibility of the entrance 423, the height of the arch-shaped member 426 is set to 6 cm or less (preferably 5 cm or less, more preferably 4 cm or less). The arch-shaped member 426 does not necessarily have to have semicircular sides; its shape is not particularly limited as long as it serves to load a series of packaging bags 2 into the entrance 423 at a predetermined angle of inclination. For example, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes can be used. In this case, the top refers to the highest point of the member. 【0048】 A guide roller 425 is provided at the lower end of the upper surface of the cover member 42, which is rotatably supported by a support member 425a. This arrangement of the guide roller 425 at the lower end of the upper surface of the cover member 42 is preferable because it makes the loading opening 423 easily visible when loading a series of connected packaging bags 2. Furthermore, it is preferable because, when the series of connected packaging bags 2 is long, the leading ends of the connected packaging bags 2 being discharged from the loading opening 424 do not interfere with the trailing ends of the connected packaging bags 2 placed on the guide roller 425. The guide roller 425 may be configured to rotate automatically by a drive device such as a motor (not shown). Unlike the illustrated example, the guide roller 425 may be provided in the central part of the upper surface of the cover member 42 or below the arch-shaped member 426. In this case, a storage member for storing the series of packaging bags 2 placed on the guide roller 425 may be provided on the upper surface of the cover member 42. In a preferred embodiment, the guide roller 425 has a support member 425a equipped with a magnet, which can be attached to any position on the cover member 42 by magnetic force. 【0049】 Alternatively, the guide roller 425 may be provided near the lower side of the entrance 423 without the arch-shaped member 426. In this case, the guide roller 425 is positioned such that the angle formed by the top of the guide roller 425 and the entrance 423 is 10 to 80 degrees (preferably 20 to 70 degrees, more preferably 35 to 55 degrees). 【0050】 In this embodiment, a series of packaging bags 2 are placed on the guide roller 425 and the arch-shaped member 426 and fed into the loading port 423. The series of packaging bags 2 fed into the loading port 423 are transported to the belt conveyor 432 side through the gap between the upstream drive roll 421 and the guide member 431. 【0051】 Figure 6 is a projection view of the unit-dose packaging inspection device 40 with the cover member 42 in the open position. The cover member 42 is attached to the base 41 via a hinge 437 so as to be openable and closable. Since the cover member 42 can be easily opened, the maintainability of the transport mechanism (421, 422, 432) is good. 【0052】 An anti-entanglement member 427 is provided on the downstream side of the upstream drive roll 421. An anti-entanglement member 428 is also provided on the upstream side of the downstream drive roll 422. The anti-entanglement members 427 and 428 have plate members 427a and 428a facing each other at the center of the width direction of the drive rolls 421 and 422, and a thread-like member 434 is stretched between the plate members 427a and 428a. The anti-entanglement members 427 and 428 have the effect of preventing a series of packaging bags 2 from getting caught in the drive rolls 421 and 422. 【0053】 The thread-like member 434 is made of a thin thread that does not cause reflection problems when imaging is performed by the imaging device 34. The thread-like member 434 can be made of, for example, a transparent nylon thread or an elastic thread with a diameter of 0.2 mm or less (preferably 0.12 mm or less). To generate the desired tension, both ends of the thread-like member 434 may be connected to the plate members 427a and 428a via elastic members. The series of dispensing bags 2 passing through the light-transmitting plate 333 are pressed against the light-transmitting plate 333 by the thread-like member 434, so that imaging with focus on the drug can be performed. 【0054】 The series of packaging bags 2 that have passed through the light-transmitting plate 333 are transported to the outlet 424 by the belt conveyor 432. While the leading edge of the series of packaging bags 2 is reaching the belt conveyor 432, problems such as bending, jamming, wrinkling, and / or misalignment are likely to occur, but these problems are more effectively solved by pressing the series of packaging bags 2 against the thread-like member 434. In addition, a pair of guide members 438 that rise from the top surface 43 are provided on both sides of the transport path, which improves the straightness of the series of packaging bags 2, thereby reducing jamming and improving inspection accuracy. Note that the guide members 438 are omitted from the illustration in Figure 5, and the front guide member 438 is shown transparently in Figure 6. 【0055】 A first gear 436 is provided near the belt conveyor 432. When the cover member 42 is closed, the first gear 436 meshes with a second gear 429 connected to the shaft of the downstream drive roll 422, and transmits driving force. The shaft of the downstream drive roll 422 is connected to the shaft of the upstream drive roll 421 by a toothed belt 430, and the driving force of the first gear 436 is also transmitted to the upstream drive roll 421. 【0056】 In this embodiment, as described below, the guide roller 425 and the arch-shaped member 426, etc., are used to disperse the drug within the packaging bag 21, thereby transporting it in an arrangement suitable for imaging. First, by being placed on the downstream side (right side in Figure 5) of the guide roller 425, the drug inside the packaging bag 21 moves to the rear side of the packaging bag 21 due to its own weight. Next, as the packaging bag 21, guided by the rotating guide roller 425, descends at a steep angle toward the entrance 423 while contacting the arc-shaped upper surface of the arch-shaped member 426, the drug inside the packaging bag 21 moves to the front side of the packaging bag 21 due to its own weight. This change in the orientation of the packaging bag 21 causes the drug to become loose, and further, by being sandwiched between the guiding member 431 and the upstream drive roll 421, the drug is transported to the light-transmitting plate 333 while maintaining its loosened state. In this way, the packaging bag 21 passes through the light-transmitting plate 333 while maintaining the loosened state of the drug, making it possible to obtain image data of the drug suitable for inspection. 【0057】 As described above, the unit-dose packaging inspection device 40 according to this embodiment has an inlet 423 at the upper end of the upper surface of the cover member 42. Therefore, the operation for loading a series of individual packaging bags 2 can be performed above the cover member 42, eliminating the need to specifically provide space for loading the series of individual packaging bags 2, thus enabling space savings compared to the first embodiment. Furthermore, since it is equipped with anti-entanglement members 427, 428 and thread-like members 434, it is possible to more effectively eliminate problems such as bending, jamming, wrinkling, and / or misalignment of the series of individual packaging bags 2. Furthermore, by pressing the series of packaging bags 2 against the light-transmitting plate 333 with the thread-like member 434, the series of packaging bags 2 do not bend, and image data of the focused drug can be acquired. Furthermore, the guide roller 425 and arch-shaped member 426 disperse the drug within the packaging bag 21, and the guide member 431 and upstream drive roll 421 transport the drug to the light-transmitting plate 333 while maintaining its dispersed state. This makes it possible to perform accurate inspections based on image data of the drug suitable for inspection. 【0058】 《Third Embodiment》 Figure 7 is a transparent side view of the main components showing the configuration of the unit-dose packaging inspection device 50 of the third embodiment. The unit-dose packaging inspection device 50 differs from the unit-dose packaging inspection device 40 of the second embodiment mainly in that the transport path is substantially horizontal. The third embodiment aims to solve the problem of dispersing the drugs within the packaging bag before introducing them into the input. The configuration of the unit-dose packaging inspection device 50 will be described in detail below, but the same reference numerals as in Figure 5 are used for components that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, and detailed explanations will be omitted. 【0059】 The base 51 has a flat top surface, and the central part of the top surface in the width direction constitutes a transport surface (transport path) that extends in the longitudinal direction. A resin guide member 431 is provided at the uppermost part of the transport path. The guide member 431 has an arc-shaped concave surface 431a facing the upstream drive roll 521 and a flat surface 431b located on the downstream side, and guides a series of packaged bags 2 transported by the upstream drive roll 521 to the downstream side of the transport path. Below the guide member 431, a translucent plate 333 which constitutes the imaging area is provided. Since the flat surface 431b and the translucent plate 333 are continuous with almost no step difference, the series of packaged bags 2 pass through the joint between the flat surface 431b and the translucent plate 333 without getting stuck. 【0060】 Inside the base 51 are an imaging device 34, a mirror 35, an illumination device 36, and an inspection control device 57. The optical axis L2 of the mirror 35 is adjusted by a rotation mechanism (not shown) so that it enters the imaging device 34. Image data captured by the imaging device 34 is transmitted to the inspection control device 57. 【0061】 The inspection control device 57 executes the prescription data acquisition function, image data acquisition function, inspection function, and inspection result display function by executing the unit-dose inspection program stored in the storage device. Except for the image processing algorithm of the image data used in the inspection function, the functions of the inspection control device 57 are the same as those of the inspection control device 37 in the first embodiment. 【0062】 A belt conveyor 532 is provided downstream of the light-transmitting plate 333. The belt conveyor 532 transports a series of packaging bags 2 to the outlet 524. The belt conveyor 532 works in cooperation with the downstream drive roll 522 provided on the cover member 52 to form a transport mechanism that transports a series of packaging bags 2. An outlet platform 533 is provided below the outlet 524. Note that the outlet platform 533 is not limited to the example shape and may not be provided. 【0063】 The cover member 52 mainly comprises an upstream drive roll 521, a downstream drive roll 522, an inlet 523, an outlet 524, a guide roller 525, and an arch-shaped member 526. The upstream drive roll 521 and the downstream drive roll 522 have the same configuration as the upstream drive roll 421 and the downstream drive roll 422 in the second embodiment. 【0064】 An entrance 523 is provided at one end of the upper surface of the cover member 52, and an exit 524 is provided on the side of the other end. Since the entrance 523 is on the upper surface, the end of the unit-dose packaging inspection device 50 on the entrance 523 side can be attached to a wall for use. The guide roller 525 and arch-shaped member 526 provided on the upper surface of the cover member 52 have the same configuration as in the second embodiment. 【0065】 In this embodiment, a series of packaging bags 2 are fed into the loading port 523 while changing their orientation by the guide roller 525 and the arch-shaped member 526. The series of packaging bags 2 fed into the loading port 523 are transported to the belt conveyor 532 side through the gap between the upstream drive roll 521 and the guide member 431. The cover member 52 is attached to the base 51 so as to be openable and closable via a hinge (not shown). 【0066】 It is preferable to provide the upstream drive roll 521 and the downstream drive roll 522 with an anti-entanglement member and a thread-like member similar to those in the second embodiment. By providing these, problems of bending, jamming, wrinkling, and / or misalignment can be more effectively eliminated as the leading edge of the series of packaging bags 2 reaches the belt conveyor 532. Furthermore, by pressing the series of packaging bags 2 against the light-transmitting plate 333 with the thread-like member, bending and lifting of the series of packaging bags 2 can be prevented, and image data of the focused drug can be acquired. The pair of guide members 438 from the second embodiment may also be applied to this embodiment. 【0067】 In this embodiment, the unit-dose packaging inspection device 50 also uses guide rollers 525 and arch-shaped members 526 to separate the drugs within the packaging bag 21, thereby transporting them in an arrangement suitable for imaging. Specifically, the drugs in the packaging bag 21, which are placed downstream of the guide roller 525 (right side in Figure 7), move to the rear side of the packaging bag 21 due to their own weight. Subsequently, as the packaging bag 21, guided by the guide roller 525, descends at a steep angle toward the entrance 523 while contacting the arc-shaped upper surface of the arch-shaped member 526, the drugs in the packaging bag 21 move to the front side of the packaging bag 21 due to their own weight. As the packaging bag 21, with its drugs separated by this change in posture, is sandwiched between the guiding member 431 and the upstream drive roll 521, and is transported to the light-transmitting plate 333 while maintaining its separated state, making it possible to acquire image data of the drugs suitable for inspection. 【0068】 As described above, the unit-dose packaging inspection device 50 according to this embodiment has an inlet 523 at the upper end of the upper surface of the cover member 52. Therefore, the operation for loading a series of individual packaging bags 2 can be performed above the cover member 52, eliminating the need to specifically provide space for loading a series of individual packaging bags 2, thus enabling space savings compared to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the guide roller 525 and arch-shaped member 526 disperse the drugs within the individual packaging bags 21, and the guide member 431 and upstream drive roll 521 transport the drugs to the light-transmitting plate 333 while maintaining their dispersed state. This makes it possible to perform inspections accurately based on image data of drugs suitable for inspection. 【0069】 Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments, and such modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. 【0070】 In the first embodiment described above, a configuration in which the entrance 323 is provided on the side of the cover member 32 was illustrated, but the location of the entrance is not limited to this, and for example, the entrance may be provided on the side of the base 31. Also, in each of the embodiments described above, a configuration in which the exit is provided on the side of the cover member was illustrated, but the location of the exit is not limited to this, and for example, the exit may be provided on the side of the base. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0071】 1…Single-dose packaging inspection system 10…Medical billing computer 20...Packaging machine 30,40,50…One package inspection device 31, 41, 51…bass 32, 42, 52… Cover parts 33, 43… Top surface 34…Imaging device 35...Mirror 36…Lighting equipment 37,57… Inspection control device 60…External server 2…A series of individual packaging bags 21...Saving bag 3…Internet connection 100...Pharmacy

Claims

[Claim 1] A unit-dose packaging verification device that checks whether the drugs packaged in each individual package of a series of connected individual packages conform to a prescription, A transport mechanism having an input-side drive unit, an output-side drive unit, and a transport path for transporting the series of packaging bags, An imaging device for photographing the packaged bags being transported between the input-side drive unit and the output-side drive unit, The system includes an inspection processing device that performs a suitability determination of the drug sealed in the package bag based on prescription data and image data received from the imaging device, A single-dose packaging inspection device characterized in that at least the transport path between the input-side drive unit and the output-side drive unit is inclined downward. [Claim 2] The transport path includes a flat, light-transmitting plate that forms part of the transport path, The single-dose packaging inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the imaging device continuously photographs each of the individual packaging bags passing through the light-transmitting plate. [Claim 3] The unit-dose packaging inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle of the downward slope is 5 to 45 degrees. [Claim 4] The unit-packaging inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport mechanism comprises an entrance provided on the higher side of the transport path and an exit provided on the lower side of the transport path. [Claim 5] The transport path and the base on which the imaging device is provided, The unit-packaging inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least a cover member that can be opened and closed and provided with the aforementioned entrance. [Claim 6] The aforementioned entrance is provided on the upper surface of the cover member, The cover member comprises the loading-side drive unit and the unloading-side drive unit, which are located below the loading entrance. The aforementioned input-side drive unit and the aforementioned output-side drive unit are each composed of a rotating member, The transport path provided on the base has an arc-shaped concave surface facing the upstream side of the loading-side drive unit, and is equipped with a guide member positioned below the loading entrance. The unit-dose packaging inspection device according to claim 5, further comprising a guide roller provided on the upper surface of the cover member for guiding the series of packaging bags that are fed into the loading port while rotating. [Claim 7] The single-packaging inspection device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cover member comprises a thread-like member that presses the series of packaged bags being transported along the transport path against the transport path. [Claim 8] A unit-dose packaging verification device that checks whether the drugs packaged in each individual package of a series of connected individual packages conform to a prescription, A conveying mechanism having a conveying drive unit and a conveying path for conveying the series of individual packaging bags, An imaging device for photographing the packaged bags being transported along the transport path by the transport drive unit, An inspection processing device that determines the suitability of the drug sealed in the package bag based on prescription data and image data received from the imaging device, A base on which at least the imaging device and the inspection processing device are provided, A cover member that can be opened and closed, with an entrance on the top surface, The cover member is provided with a guide roller that rotates and guides the series of packaging bags that are fed into the loading port, The transport drive unit comprises an input-side drive unit and an output-side drive unit, which are located below the input entrance. The aforementioned input-side drive unit and the aforementioned output-side drive unit are each composed of a rotating member, The unit-packaging inspection device is characterized in that the transport path has an arc-shaped concave surface facing the upstream side of the input-side drive unit and is equipped with a guide member positioned below the input entrance. [Claim 9] A method for verifying whether the medications packaged in each individual package of a series of connected individual packages conform to a prescription, A method for inspecting single-dose packaging, comprising continuously photographing a series of packaging bags moving from a higher side to a lower side along an inclined transport path using an imaging device, and determining the suitability of the drug sealed in the packaging bags based on the image data and prescription data received from the imaging device. [Claim 10] The single-dose packaging inspection method according to claim 9, wherein the series of packaging bags are composed of packaging sheets with a thickness of 100 μm or less.

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