Container location notification device

Abstract

The present invention provides a container position notification device that reduces the workload on workers during the packaging process while suppressing a decrease in the efficiency of the packaging process. [Solution] The container location notification device comprises a selection reception unit, a storage unit, and a location notification unit. The selection reception unit receives the selection of packaging data from a plurality of packaging data to be processed by the location notification unit. The storage unit stores correspondence information that associates the packaging data with location identification information for identifying the location of the weighing container 20 that contains the weighed powder. Based on the correspondence information, the location notification unit identifies the location of the weighing container 20 corresponding to the packaging data selected by the selection reception unit and notifies the identified location of the weighing container 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , ,

[0006] , , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a container position notification device that notifies the position of a weighing container corresponding to selected subcontracting data.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a weighing device. The weighing device supplies a necessary amount of powder to a set tray. The trays containing the powder are collected in a tray stacking unit. Further, an electronic paper is provided on the tray. Prescription information is written on the electronic paper. When performing subcontracting, an operator refers to the electronic paper of the tray to confirm the prescription information and finds the tray containing the powder to be subcontracted. The operator transports the found tray to a subcontracting device and starts subcontracting.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When using the weighing device of Patent Document 1, an operator needs to check the prescription information described on the electronic paper of the tray one by one, which is troublesome for the operator and causes a decrease in the work efficiency of the subcontracting process.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main object is to provide a container position notification device for reducing the labor of an operator during subcontracting processing and suppressing a decrease in the work efficiency of subcontracting processing. Means and Effects for Solving the Problems

[0006] The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and its effects will be described.

[0007] According to the aspects of the present invention, a container location notification device having the following configuration is provided. That is, the container location notification device comprises a selection receiving unit, a storage unit, and a location notification unit. The selection receiving unit receives the selection of packaging data to be processed for packaging from among a plurality of packaging data. The storage unit stores correspondence information that associates the packaging data with location identification information for identifying the location of a weighing container that contains the weighed powder. Based on the correspondence information, the location notification unit identifies the location of the weighing container corresponding to the packaging data selected by the selection receiving unit, and notifies the identified location of the weighing container.

[0008] The pharmacist can easily and quickly locate the weighing container holding the powder to be introduced into the dispensing device. As a result, the workload for the pharmacist is reduced while the efficiency of the dispensing process is improved.

[0009] In the container position notification device described above, it is preferable that the position notification unit notifies the position of the weighing container on the condition that the weighing of all powders included in the packaging data has been completed and the selection of the packaging data has been received by the selection receiving unit.

[0010] This means that only weighing containers corresponding to packaging data that can be processed for packaging will be subject to notification.

[0011] In the container position notification device described above, it is preferable that if the weighing of all the powders included in the packaging data has not been completed, the process for notifying the position of the weighing container corresponding to the packaging data is prohibited.

[0012] This prevents situations where weighing containers corresponding to packaging data that cannot be processed are notified.

[0013] In the container position notification device described above, it is preferable that when the weighed container is stored in the storage position after weighing is completed, the packaging data and the storage position are associated and stored in the storage unit as the corresponding information.

[0014] As a result, it is possible to identify the position of the weighing container corresponding to the sub-packaged data without previously determining the storage position.

[0015] In the above-described container position notification device, when the weighing container is stored in the storage position after completion of the weighing, it is preferable that the storage position associated with the sub-packaged data is notified.

[0016] As a result, the weighing container can be stored in a predetermined storage position.

[0017] In the above-described container position notification device, it is preferable to have the following configuration: That is, a display unit is provided on the weighing container or at the storage position of the weighing container. The position notification unit visually notifies the position of the weighing container using the display unit.

[0018] As a result, the dispenser can immediately grasp the storage position of the weighing container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] Block diagram of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Diagram showing variations of the weighing container. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing an overview of the processing performed by the weighing device. [Figure 4] Flowchart showing the processing performed by the processing device during weighing. <00,00081>Diagram showing an unweighed list screen. [Figure 6] Table showing an example of correspondence information stored in the storage unit or RFID tag. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the processing performed by the processing device at the start of sub-packaging. [Figure 8] Diagram showing an unsub-packaged list screen. [Figure 9] Table showing patterns such as notification targets, storage destinations of correspondence information, and methods of determining storage positions.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an overview of the dispensing system 1 will be described.

[0021] The dispensing system 1 is introduced into, for example, a dispensing pharmacy. The dispensing system 1 is a system that assists in dispensing. "Dispensing" refers to, for example, an operation in which a dispenser weighs and prepares a drug based on a prescription. "Drug" refers to, for example, a pharmaceutical product that treats or prevents a patient's disease, and refers to a prescription drug prescribed based on a prescription.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing system 1 includes a weighing device 10, a packaging device 30, and a control device 40. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the control device 40 is provided separately from the housings of the weighing device 10 and the packaging device 30, and controls both the weighing device 10 and the packaging device 30. Instead of this, the control device 40 may be integrally incorporated into the housing of the weighing device 10 or the packaging device 30, or attached outside the housing, so as to control both the weighing device 10 and the packaging device 30. Further, the control device 40 may be integrally incorporated into the housings of the weighing device 10 and the packaging device 30, or attached outside the housing, so as to control each of the weighing device 10 and the packaging device 30.

[0023] The weighing device 10 includes a supply device 11, a transport device 12, an information processing device 13, and a storage shelf 14.

[0024] The supply device 11 is a device that supplies a drug (for example, a drug designated by a dispenser according to a prescription) based on a prescription to the weighing container 20. Specifically, the supply device 11 includes a weighing table 11a and a plurality of types of drug containers 11b. An empty weighing container 20 is set on the weighing table 11a by a dispenser or the transport device 12 described later.

[0025] The weighing container 20 is a container for holding the drug to be supplied to the packaging device 30. As shown in Figure 2, the weighing container 20 in this embodiment may be fitted with a barcode 21 bearing identification information of the weighing container 20. A two-dimensional code may be fitted instead of a barcode 21. As shown in Figure 2, the weighing container 20 may be equipped with an RFID tag 22 that allows information to be read without contact. The weighing container 20 may also be equipped with an electronic paper 23 that allows display information to be switched without contact. The weighing container 20 may also be equipped with a lamp 24 equivalent to the notification lamp 15 described later. The lamp 24 is powered, for example, by a battery built into the weighing container 20. The weighing container 20 may be equipped with multiple types of the barcode 21, RFID tag 22, electronic paper 23, and lamp 24.

[0026] The supply device 11 dispenses the drug from the drug container 11b, which contains the prescribed drug, into the weighing container 20, with the drug container 11b positioned above the weighing container 20 (weighing in Figure 3). An electronic balance is also built into the weighing platform 11a. The electronic balance converts the weighed value of an object into a digital signal and outputs it. The supply device 11 controls the supply of the drug container 11b based on the weighed value. As a result, the prescribed amount of drug (for example, the amount specified by the pharmacist according to the prescription) is supplied to the weighing container 20.

[0027] In this embodiment, the weighing device 10 supplies the powder, but alternatively, a pharmacist may supply the powder according to the prescription. In this case, the weighing device 10 assists the pharmacist in the weighing process by displaying the current weighed value and the target value on the display 43, which will be described later.

[0028] The transport device 12 is, for example, a robotic arm or a belt conveyor, and after weighing is complete, it transports the weighing container 20 to the storage shelf 14. As a result, the weighing container 20 is stored on the storage shelf 14, as shown in the storage diagram in Figure 3.

[0029] The information processing device 13 is a barcode reader that reads identification information written on the barcode 21 of the weighing container 20. If the weighing container 20 is equipped with an RFID tag 22, an RFID tag 22 reader / writer is provided in place of or in addition to the barcode reader. If the weighing container 20 is equipped with electronic paper 23, an electronic paper rewriting device is provided in place of or in addition to these. The information processing device 13 (first information processing device) is integrated into the housing of the weighing device 10 or mounted outside the housing and is capable of reading (reading and writing in the case of RFID tags 22) information from the barcode 21 or RFID tag 22 of the weighing container 20 used for weighing. The information processing device 13 (second information processing device) is provided in each storage compartment of the storage shelf 14 and is capable of reading (reading and writing in the case of RFID tags 22) information from the barcode 21 or RFID tag 22 of the stored weighing container 20.

[0030] The storage shelf 14 is a temporary storage location for weighing containers 20 containing drugs after weighing is complete. After weighing all the drugs to be used for packaging, the dispenser takes out one or more weighing containers 20 containing the drugs and sets them in the packaging device 30. In this embodiment, the storage shelf 14 is integrally incorporated into the housing of the weighing device 10 and is positioned as part of the weighing device 10. However, the storage shelf 14 may be provided separately from the housing of the weighing device 10 and positioned in a different location from the supply device 11. The storage shelf 14 has multiple shelves, each shelf is divided into multiple areas, and can hold multiple weighing containers 20. As a result, the storage shelf 14 includes multiple storage positions. The storage shelf 14 is also provided with an indicator lamp 15 for each storage position. The indicator lamp 15 is a lamp that notifies the dispenser of the location of the weighing container 20 containing the necessary drugs (drugs to be used for packaging). The indicator lamp 15 can be switched on and off. By illuminating (or flashing) the notification lamp 15, the location of the weighing container 20 can be notified to the dispenser (notification shown in Figure 3). This allows the dispenser to easily determine the location of the weighing container 20 containing the necessary medication (medication used in individual packets). Details of the control of the notification lamp 15 will be described later.

[0031] The dispensing device 30 comprises a dividing section and a packaging section. A weighing container 20 is set in the dividing section by the pharmacist. If multiple types of drugs are used in one dispensing, multiple weighing containers 20 are set in the dividing section. The dividing section discharges the drugs contained in the set weighing containers 20, divides them into the number of packages according to the number of packages, and supplies them to the packaging section. The packaging section individually packages the drugs supplied from the dividing section into packaging materials.

[0032] The control device 40 comprises a processing unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a display 43. The processing unit 41 is, for example, a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC, and performs arithmetic processing. The storage unit 42 is, for example, a storage device such as an SSD, HDD, or flash memory, and stores information. The display 43 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays information. By executing a program stored in the storage unit 42, the processing unit 41 can perform various functions. In this embodiment, the functions performed by the processing unit 41 may be given names. Specifically, the names given include the device control unit 41a, the display control unit 41b, the selection reception unit 41c, and the position notification unit 41d. The device control unit 41a controls the weighing device 10 and the packaging device 30. The display control unit 41b controls the content displayed on the display 43. The selection reception unit 41c controls the reception and processing of the pharmacist's selection. The position notification unit 41d notifies the location of the weighing container 20 used for packaging by, for example, controlling the lighting state of the notification lamp 15.

[0033] Next, referring to Figures 4 to 6, the processes performed by the processing device 41 during weighing will be explained.

[0034] The display control unit 41b, upon receiving instructions from the pharmacist, displays the unweighed list screen 50 on the display 43 (S101). In this state, the selection reception unit 41c waits for the selection of the drug to be weighed. Figure 5 shows the unweighed list screen 50. The unweighed list screen 50 displays the unweighed tab 51 and the weighed tab 52. When the unweighed tab 51 is selected, the unweighed prescription list area 53 is displayed. The prescription list area 53 displays prescription information, and the information contained in the prescription is displayed in a table format. Specifically, information such as the date and time of receipt for each prescription, reception number, patient name, medical institution, number of prescriptions dispensed, and number of drugs is displayed. The number of prescriptions dispensed is the number of prescription recipes; for example, drugs with the same usage are treated as one recipe. Therefore, even if they are different types of drugs, drugs that are packaged at the same time will belong to the same recipe. The number of drugs is the number of different types of drugs included in the prescription. The pharmacist can select one prescription from the prescription list area 53. Additionally, when the "Weighed" tab 52 is selected, a list of weighed prescriptions will be displayed.

[0035] Below the prescription list area 53, the prescription details area 54 is displayed. The prescription details area 54 displays detailed information about the prescription selected by the dispenser. For example, the prescription details area 54 displays information such as RP (recipe number), drug or usage, quantity, unit, and instructions. By identifying the prescription and RP, drugs that are to be packaged at the same time are identified. The information regarding the packaging of the same RP identified in this way is called the packaging data. After confirming the prescription details area 54, the dispenser operates the weighing start button 55 if they wish to start weighing. As a result, the selection reception unit 41c accepts the selection of the prescription and RP to be weighed (S101). As a result, the device control unit 41a controls the weighing device 10 to start weighing the selected prescription and RP (S102). If a single prescription and RP contains multiple drugs, the drugs are weighed in the order determined by the weighing device 10. After that, the device control unit 41a weighs all the drugs for the prescription and RP to complete the weighing (S103).

[0036] Next, the processing unit 41 stores the correspondence information in the storage unit 42 or the RFID tag 22 on the weighing container 20 (S104). The correspondence information is information that associates the packaging data with the location identification information, as shown in Figure 6. The location identification information is information used to identify the location of the weighing container 20 (to notify the pharmacist and have them identify the location of the weighing container 20). The container ID is the identification information of the weighing container 20 as described above. By using the container ID, for example, the weighing container 20 can be made conspicuous using the lamp 24, so the container ID corresponds to location identification information. The storage location is information that indicates which section of the storage shelf 14 it is located in. Since the storage location indicates the location of the weighing container 20, it corresponds to location identification information. There are various patterns regarding which information is stored as location identification information, and whether the correspondence information is stored in the storage unit 42 or the RFID tag 22, which will be described later. Furthermore, although step S104 is executed after weighing is completed in the flowchart of Figure 4, step S104 may also be executed before weighing begins or before weighing is completed.

[0037] Next, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the processing performed by the processing device 41 during packaging using the packaging device 30 will be described.

[0038] The display control unit 41b, upon receiving instructions from the pharmacist, displays the unpackaged list screen 60 on the display 43, and the selection reception unit 41c waits for the selection of packaging data to be packaged. Figure 8 shows the unpackaged list screen 60. The unpackaged list screen 60 displays a first unpackaged tab 61, a second unpackaged tab 62, and a packaged tab 63. When the first unpackaged tab 61 is selected, the packaging list area 64 is displayed showing packaging data for all unpackaged items, including powders and tablets. When the second unpackaged tab 62 is selected, the packaging list area 64 is displayed showing packaging data for unpackaged tablets only. The packaging list area 64 displays information corresponding to the packaging data in a table format. Unlike the prescription list area 53, the packaging list area 64 displays information such as the number of packages, the number of days, and the method of use. The pharmacist can select one packaging data from the packaging list area 64. Additionally, when the "Packaged" tab 63 is selected, a list of packaged items will be displayed.

[0039] Below the package list area 64, the package contents area 65 is displayed. The package contents area 65 displays detailed information about the package selected by the dispenser. The package contents area 65 displays information about the drug and quantity to be packaged. After checking the package contents area 65, the dispenser operates the package start button 66 if they wish to start packaging. This causes the selection reception unit 41c to accept the selection of the package data (S201).

[0040] Next, the processing unit 41 determines whether or not weighing of all drugs in the selected package data has been completed (S202). This determination is made by comparing the package data stored in the storage unit 42 with the data indicating the weighing results. If the determination in step S202 is negative, the processing unit 41 does not permit the processing related to packaging. This prevents the processing related to packaging from continuing when packaging cannot be started. Alternatively, instead of the processing in this embodiment, only package data for which weighing of all drugs has been completed may be selectable from the package list area 64 (or the package start button 66 may be operated). In this case as well, it is possible to prevent the processing related to packaging from continuing when packaging cannot be started.

[0041] If the determination in step S202 is affirmative, the processing unit 41 identifies location information (specifically, storage location or container ID) related to the selected packaging data (S203). Next, the location notification unit 41d notifies the location of the weighing container 20 containing the target drug based on the identified location information (S204). For example, if the processing unit 41 identifies a storage location, the location notification unit 41d performs processing such as lighting the notification lamp 15 or displaying information identifying the storage location (e.g., shelf number) on the display 43. Alternatively, if the processing unit 41 can control the speaker, it may announce the information identifying the storage location by voice. Also, if the storage shelves 14 can be opened and closed for each storage location, the corresponding storage location may be switched from a closed state to an open state. Furthermore, if the processing unit 41 identifies a container ID, the location notification unit 41d performs processing such as switching the display content of the electronic paper 23 to highlight the weighing container 20, or lighting the lamp 24. This allows the pharmacist to easily and quickly locate the weighing container 20 containing the medication to be introduced into the dispensing device 30. As a result, the workload for the pharmacist is reduced while the efficiency of the dispensing process is improved.

[0042] Furthermore, since the processing of step S202 is included in the processing of the processing device 41, in this embodiment, the position of the weighing container 20 is not notified when the weighing of all drugs in the selected package data has not been completed. Therefore, the position of the weighing container 20 is not notified when packaging is not possible. In other words, the conditions for notifying the position of the weighing container 20 are (1) that the weighing of all drugs in the selected package data has been completed, and (2) that the pharmacist has selected package data to start packaging. This allows the position of the weighing container 20 to be notified only when necessary.

[0043] Next, referring to Figure 9, we will explain more specific processing methods by giving various patterns as examples.

[0044] The six variations shown in Figure 9 differ in the notification target, the storage location of the corresponding information, and the method of determining the storage location. The notification target is the target to which the location notification unit 41d makes a notification, specifically the storage location or the weighing container 20. The storage location of the corresponding information is the control device 40 (specifically the storage unit 42) or the weighing container 20 (specifically the RFID tag 22). The method of determining the storage location is how to determine the storage location of the weighing container 20 after weighing is completed. Specifically, for example, the processing device 41 may predetermine the storage location so that it is aggregated for each package data, or the processing device 41 may not predetermine it and may leave it at its discretion.

[0045] In Pattern 1 shown in Figure 9, the notification target is the storage location, the corresponding information is stored in the storage unit 42, and the method of determining the storage location is arbitrary. During weighing, the processing unit 41 controls the information processing unit 13 to obtain the container ID from the barcode 21 or RFID tag 22 of the weighing container 20, and stores the container ID in association with the packaging data in the storage unit 42. During storage, the processing unit 41 controls the information processing unit 13 to obtain the container ID from the stored weighing container 20. The processing unit 41 also obtains an arbitrary storage location depending on which information processing unit 13 obtained the container ID, and stores the storage location in association with the packaging data in the storage unit 42. As a result, the storage unit 42 stores the packaging data and the corresponding information associated with the storage location. When the weighing container 20 is removed, the processing unit 41 identifies the associated storage location based on the selected packaging data and notifies the user of the storage location by lighting up the notification lamp 15, etc.

[0046] In Pattern 2 shown in Figure 9, the notification target is the storage location, the corresponding information is stored in the storage unit 42, and the method for determining the storage location is predetermined. During weighing, the processing unit 41 controls the information processing unit 13 to obtain the container ID from the barcode 21 or RFID tag 22 of the weighing container 20, and stores the container ID in the storage unit 42 in association with the packaging data. Furthermore, the processing unit 41 determines the storage location and stores it in the storage unit 42 in association with the packaging data. When determining the storage location, for example, storage locations corresponding to the same packaging data are placed close together. For example, if the storage location is divided into a large area and a small area, the storage location is determined so that storage locations corresponding to the same packaging data belong to the same large area. The processing unit 41 stores the determined storage location in the storage unit 42 in association with the packaging data. As a result, the storage unit 42 stores the packaging data and the corresponding information associated with the storage location. During storage, if the dispensing pharmacist performs the storage task manually, the processing unit 41 notifies the dispensing pharmacist of the storage location associated with the packaging data. Specifically, the information processing unit 13 obtains the container ID and illuminates the notification lamp 15 at the storage location corresponding to the container ID. This assists the dispensing pharmacist in the storage task. When removing the weighing container 20, the processing unit 41 identifies the associated storage location based on the selected packaging data and notifies the dispensing pharmacist of the storage location by illuminating the notification lamp 15, etc.

[0047] In Pattern 3 shown in Figure 9, the notification target is the storage location, the corresponding information is stored in the storage unit 42, and the method of determining the storage location is arbitrary (this is the same as in Pattern 1). During weighing, the processing unit 41 controls the information processing unit 13, such as an RFID reader / writer, to store the packaging data in the RFID tag 22. During storage, the processing unit 41 controls the information processing unit 13 to obtain the container ID and packaging data from the RFID tag 22 of the stored weighing container 20, and stores the container ID in the storage unit 42 in association with the packaging data. Furthermore, the processing unit 41 obtains an arbitrarily determined storage location depending on which information processing unit 13 obtained the container ID and packaging data, and stores the storage location in the storage unit 42 in association with the packaging data. As a result, the storage unit 42 stores the packaging data and the corresponding information associated with the storage location. When the weighing container 20 is removed, the processing device 41 identifies the corresponding storage location based on the selected packaging data and notifies the user of the storage location by lighting up the notification lamp 15 or by other means.

[0048] In Pattern 4 shown in Figure 9, the notification target is the storage location, the corresponding information is stored in the RFID tag 22 of the weighing container 20, and the method of determining the storage location is arbitrary. During weighing, the processing device 41 controls the information processing device 13, such as an RFID reader / writer, to store the packaging data in the RFID tag 22. During storage, the processing device 41 does not perform any special processing. As a result, the RFID tag 22 stores corresponding information that associates the container ID with the packaging data. When removing the weighing container 20, the processing device 41 controls the information processing device 13, such as an RFID reader / writer, to read the RFID tags 22 of the weighing containers 20 in the storage location, identify the weighing container 20 in which the selected packaging data is stored, and also identify its storage location. The processing device 41 notifies the identified storage location by lighting up the notification lamp 15 at that location.

[0049] In Pattern 5 shown in Figure 9, the notification target is the weighing container 20, and the corresponding information is stored in the storage unit 42. Since the notification is for the weighing container 20, there is no handling of the storage location. During weighing, the processing unit 41 controls the information processing unit 13 to obtain the container ID from the barcode 21 or RFID tag 22 of the weighing container 20, and stores the packaging data and container ID in association in the storage unit 42. As a result, the storage unit 42 stores the packaging data and the corresponding information associated with the container ID. During notification, the processing unit 41 identifies the associated container ID based on the selected packaging data and notifies the weighing container 20 by lighting the lamp 24 of the weighing container 20 indicated by the container ID.

[0050] In pattern 6 shown in Figure 9, the notification target is the weighing container 20, and the corresponding information is stored in the RFID tag 22 of the weighing container 20. Note that, since the notification is for the weighing container 20, there is no handling of the storage location. During weighing, the processing device 41 controls the RFID reader / writer, etc., to store the packaging data in the RFID tag 22. As a result, the RFID tag 22 stores corresponding information that associates the container ID with the packaging data. During notification, the processing device 41 controls the RFID reader / writer, etc., to read the RFID tags 22 of the weighing containers 20 in the storage location and identifies the weighing container 20 in which the selected packaging data is stored. The processing device 41 notifies the identified weighing container 20 by lighting up the lamp 24 of the weighing container 20, etc.

[0051] The six patterns described above are just examples; other configurations can also be adopted.

[0052] As described above, the control device 40 of this embodiment comprises a selection reception unit 41c, a storage unit 42 (or RFID tag 22, hereinafter the same), and a location notification unit 41d. The selection reception unit 41c receives the selection of packaging data from among a plurality of packaging data for the location notification unit 41d to perform packaging processing. The storage unit 42 stores correspondence information that associates the packaging data with location identification information for identifying the location of the weighing container 20 that contains the weighed powder. Based on the correspondence information, the location notification unit 41d identifies the location of the weighing container 20 corresponding to the packaging data selected by the selection reception unit 41c and notifies the location of the identified weighing container 20.

[0053] The pharmacist can easily and quickly locate the weighing container 20 containing the powder to be introduced into the dispensing device. As a result, the workload for the pharmacist is reduced while the efficiency of the dispensing process can be improved.

[0054] In the control device 40 of this embodiment, the position notification unit 41d notifies the position of the weighing container 20, provided that the weighing of all powders included in the dispensing data has been completed and the selection of the dispensing data has been received by the selection reception unit 41c.

[0055] As a result, only the weighing containers 20 corresponding to the packaging data that can be processed for packaging will be subject to notification.

[0056] In the control device 40 of this embodiment, if the weighing of all powders included in the packaging data has not been completed, the process for notifying the location of the weighing container 20 corresponding to the packaging data is prohibited.

[0057] This prevents situations where a weighing container 20 corresponding to packaging data that cannot be processed for packaging is notified.

[0058] In the control device 40 of this embodiment, when the weighing container 20 is stored in the storage position after weighing is completed, the packaging data and the storage position are associated and stored in the storage unit 42 as corresponding information.

[0059] This makes it possible to identify the location of the weighing container 20 corresponding to the packaging data without having to pre-determine the storage location.

[0060] In the control device 40 of this embodiment, when the weighing container 20 is stored in the storage location after weighing is completed, the storage location associated with the packaging data is notified.

[0061] This allows the weighing container 20 to be stored in a predetermined storage location.

[0062] In the control device 40 of this embodiment, a display unit (lamp 24 or notification lamp 15) is provided at the weighing container 20 or the storage location of the weighing container 20. The position notification unit 41d visually notifies the location of the weighing container 20 using the display unit.

[0063] This allows the pharmacist to quickly determine the storage location of the weighing container 20.

[0064] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above configuration can be modified as follows, for example. Modifications may be made individually, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

[0065] In this embodiment, the location of the weighing container 20 corresponding to the packaging data is notified when the dispensing start button 66 is operated. However, this trigger is just one example, and the location of the weighing container 20 corresponding to the packaging data may be notified based on other detection criteria. For example, the location of the weighing container 20 corresponding to the packaging data may be notified when packaging data is selected from the packaging list area 64. Alternatively, the location of the weighing container 20 corresponding to the packaging data may be notified when the weighing of all drugs belonging to the packaging data has been completed.

[0066] In this embodiment, a notification lamp 15 provided for each storage location is given as an example of a storage location indicator. Alternatively, a segment-type lamp or a dot-matrix display capable of displaying information may be provided, with one lamp for every multiple storage locations. In this case, the display unit may show the storage location as textual information.

[0067] In this embodiment, the control device 40 that controls the weighing device 10 and the packaging device 30 operates as a container position notification device. Alternatively, a computer that does not control the weighing device 10 or the packaging device 30 may be operated as a container position notification device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1. Dispensing System 10 Weighing device 15. Notification lamp (display unit) 20 Weighing containers 22 RFID tags (memory unit) 23 Electronic paper (display unit) 24 Lamps (Display Unit) 30 portion packaging device 40 Control device (container position notification device) 41 Processing Unit 41a Device Control Unit 41b Display Control Unit 41c Selection Reception Section 41d Location notification section 42 Storage section

Claims

1. A selection receiving unit that receives the selection of the packaging data to be processed for packaging from among multiple packaging data, A storage unit that stores correspondence information, which associates the aforementioned packaging data with location identification information for identifying the location of a weighing container containing the weighed powder, Based on the correspondence information, the selection receiving unit identifies the location of the weighing container corresponding to the packaging data selected by the selection receiving unit, and the location notification unit notifies the identified location of the weighing container. A container position notification device characterized by comprising the following features.

2. A container position notification device according to claim 1, A container position notification device characterized in that, on the condition that weighing of all powders included in the aforementioned packaging data has been completed and the selection receiving unit has received the selection of said packaging data, the position notification unit notifies the position of the weighing container.

3. A container position notification device according to claim 1, A container position notification device characterized in that, if the weighing of all powders included in the aforementioned packaging data has not been completed, the process for notifying the location of the weighing container corresponding to said packaging data is prohibited.

4. A container position notification device according to claim 1, A container position notification device characterized in that, when the weighing container is stored in a storage location after weighing is completed, the packaging data and the storage location are associated and stored in the storage unit as corresponding information.

5. A container position notification device according to claim 1, A container position notification device characterized in that, when the weighing container is stored in the storage location after the weighing is completed, the storage location associated with the packaging data is notified.

6. A container position notification device according to claim 1, A display unit is provided in the weighing container or in the storage location of the weighing container. The container position notification device is characterized in that the position notification unit visually notifies the position of the weighing container using the display unit.

Images