Chemical dispensing device, adjustment method

Abstract

To provide a drug imaging device which is capable of reducing user's time for operation to measure the shape of a drug; as well as a drug shape measuring device and a drug dispensing device provided with the drug imaging device.SOLUTION: A drug imaging device 7 is provided with a drug holding part 81, an illumination part 82, an imaging part 83, a casing 71, and a rotary support part. The drug holding part 81, the illumination part 82, and the imaging part 83 are housed within the casing, which has light blocking properties. The drug holding part 81 is positioned between the illumination part 82 and the imaging part 83, and is capable of holding the drug in a light transmissive region, and capable of being rotated by the rotary support part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a drug imaging device used when measuring the shape of a drug, as well as a drug shape measurement device and a drug dispensing device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a drug dispensing device that includes a plurality of tablet cassettes each containing a predetermined type of tablet and automatically dispenses the tablets contained in each of the tablet cassettes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent years, there has also been known a drug dispensing device that can handle any type of tablet by setting the driving conditions of a tablet cassette according to the shape of the tablet. The driving conditions of the tablet cassette are, for example, the width and height of the dispensing path of the tablets dispensed from the tablet cassette. When using this type of tablet cassette, it is necessary to measure the shape of the tablet in advance. However, the work of manually measuring the shape of the tablet by the user is complicated. In addition, when the user measures the shape of the tablet and sets the driving conditions, there is a risk of human error.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a drug imaging device that can reduce the labor of the user when measuring the shape of a drug, as well as a drug shape measurement device and a drug dispensing device including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The drug imaging apparatus according to the present invention comprises an imaging unit, a drug holding unit, a housing, and a rotatable support unit. The imaging unit includes an illumination unit and an imaging unit. The drug holding unit is positioned between the illumination unit and the imaging unit and is capable of holding drugs in a light-transmitting portion. The housing houses the imaging unit and the drug holding unit. The housing is light-shielding. The rotatable support unit rotatably supports either the imaging unit or the drug holding unit, or both.

[0007] As a result, the user can easily capture shadow images of the chemical from different directions by simply rotating the chemical holding unit, which is rotatably supported by the rotating support unit, using the imaging unit and the illumination unit. Therefore, the user's workload can be reduced when identifying the shape of the chemical using image processing based on shadow images of the chemical captured from different directions.

[0008] In particular, it is conceivable that the rotating support part rotatably supports the chemical holding part, and the illumination part and the imaging part are fixed to the housing. As a result, since it is only necessary to have space for the chemical holding part, which is located between the illumination part and the imaging part, to rotate, it is possible to make the chemical imaging device smaller compared to when the illumination part and the imaging part are rotated.

[0009] Furthermore, the rotating support portion is intended to rotatably support the chemical holding portion between a first position and a second position, which are predetermined as the positions when the imaging unit takes photographs. This allows the user to easily switch the state of the chemical holding portion between the first position and the second position by rotating the chemical holding portion to its limit in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the chemical holding unit may include a chemical holding unit having a chemical holding surface on which the chemical is placed, a pair of clamping units having clamping surfaces for clamping the chemical placed on the chemical holding unit, and a placement reference unit provided on the chemical holding surface having a placement reference surface that defines a placement reference position for the chemical in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the chemical is clamped by the clamping units and parallel to the chemical holding surface. This allows the user to easily set the chemical in a predetermined position on the chemical holding unit. More specifically, the first posture may be a posture in which the imaging unit is positioned perpendicular to the chemical holding surface, and the second posture may be a posture in which the imaging unit is positioned perpendicular to the clamping direction and parallel to the chemical holding surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the chemical placement surface may have an inclination at a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal or vertical plane in both the first and second positions, and may be inclined downward toward the aforementioned placement reference surface in the first position and upward toward the aforementioned placement reference surface in the second position. This reduces the risk of the chemical placed on the aforementioned placement reference surface falling from the aforementioned placement reference surface in both the first and second positions.

[0012] In this case, it is conceivable that the rotating support portion rotatably supports the chemical holding portion with a predetermined position of the aforementioned placement reference portion as the pivot point, and the imaging portion is fixed in a position that allows imaging of the chemical placed on the chemical placement surface of the chemical holding portion in the second posture from the aforementioned placement reference surface side. This suppresses the change in the distance from the chemical on the chemical holding portion to the imaging portion in the first posture and the change in the distance from the chemical on the chemical holding portion to the imaging portion in the second posture.

[0013] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the clamping surfaces of the pair of clamping parts expand toward the previously described placement reference surface. This reduces the risk of the chemical falling from the chemical placement surface when the chemical holding part is rotated.

[0014] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the chemical imaging device further comprises a clamping support section that supports the pair of clamping sections so that they can move relatively closer together and further apart, an elastic member that increases the resistance of movement of the clamping support section, and a pressing section that separates the elastic member from the clamping support section in response to a pressing operation. This stabilizes the position of the clamping support section and also makes it easier for the user to operate the clamping support section.

[0015] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the drug imaging device further includes a first rotation limiting unit that increases the rotational resistance of the drug holding unit in the direction away from the first posture, and a second rotation limiting unit that increases the rotational resistance of the drug holding unit in the direction away from the second posture. As a result, the free rotation of the drug holding unit is restricted, and it can be stabilized in either the first or second posture.

[0016] Incidentally, the present invention may also be considered as an invention of a drug shape measuring device comprising the drug imaging device and a shape measuring means for measuring the shape of the drug based on images captured by the imaging unit in multiple states in which the rotational position of the drug holding unit is different. Here, the shape measuring means can measure either the shape type and dimensions of the drug, or both, as the shape of the drug.

[0017] By using the aforementioned drug shape measuring device, users can easily and accurately obtain measurement results for the shape of a drug simply by taking a photograph of the drug using the aforementioned drug imaging device.

[0018] In particular, in a configuration in which the illumination unit and the imaging unit are fixed to the housing, and the rotating support unit rotatably supports the chemical holding unit between a first posture and a second posture predetermined as the posture when imaging is performed by the imaging unit, the shape measuring means can be configured to select the shape type of the chemical from a plurality of predetermined shape types. Specifically, the shape measuring means can be configured to select the shape type of the chemical according to a combination of the contour shape of the chemical identified based on a first image taken in the first posture and the contour shape of the chemical identified based on a second image taken in the second posture. With such a configuration, there is no need to identify an arbitrary shape type, and therefore the shape type of the chemical can be identified by a simple predetermined processing step.

[0019] Furthermore, the drug shape measuring device may further include a posture detection means and a shooting control means. The posture detection means detects the rotational posture of the drug holding part. When the posture detection means detects a predetermined rotational posture, the shooting control means illuminates the drug with the illumination unit and photographs the drug with the shooting unit. This makes it possible for the user to photograph the drug simply by changing the rotational posture of the drug holding part.

[0020] Furthermore, the posture detection means may detect the rotational posture of the drug holder depending on the presence or absence of a predetermined specific image included in the captured image. This eliminates the need to add hardware for detecting the rotational posture, thus reducing the number of parts and lowering costs.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention may be regarded as a drug dispensing device including the drug shape measuring device, a drug cassette, drive condition setting means, and drive control means. The drug cassette can dispense any type of drug by changing drive conditions. The drive condition setting means sets the drive conditions of the drug cassette according to the shape of the drug measured by the drug shape measuring device. The drive control means drives the drug cassette according to the drive conditions set by the drive condition setting means to dispense the drug from the drug cassette.

[0022] In the drug dispensing device, by setting the drive conditions according to the shape of the drug measured by the drug shape measuring device, it is possible to drive the drug cassette to dispense the drug. Therefore, in the drug dispensing device, it is possible to dispense drugs with the drug cassette even for drugs for which drive conditions have not been set in advance.

[0023] More specifically, the drug dispensing device may further include a storage unit that stores drive correspondence information in which the shape of the drug specified by the drug shape measuring device or the drive conditions corresponding to the shape of the drug are associated with drug information that can identify the drug, and assignment means for assigning the drug information to any one of the drug cassettes when the drug information of the dispensing target is input. Then, the drive control means drives the drug cassette to which the drug information is assigned by the assignment means according to the drive conditions associated with the drug information in the drive correspondence information.

[0024] For example, the drive conditions include any one or more of pre-drive conditions related to adjustment of the drug cassette before starting to dispense the drug from the drug cassette, drive-in conditions related to drive control during dispensing the drug from the drug cassette, and drive-stop conditions related to drive control when stopping dispensing the drug from the drug cassette.

[0025] Specifically, it is conceivable that the chemical cassette includes a path adjustment means for changing either one or both of the height and width of the dispensing path for dispensing the chemical from the chemical storage section in which the chemical is stored. In this case, it is conceivable that the pre-driving condition includes either one or both of the height and width of the dispensing path.

[0026] In addition, it is conceivable that the chemical cassette includes a conveying means for conveying the chemical from the chemical storage section in which the chemical is stored toward the dispensing port. In this case, it is conceivable that the driving condition during driving includes the conveying speed of the chemical by the conveying means. Further, it is also conceivable that the driving stop condition includes the slowdown timing or deceleration of the conveying speed of the chemical when stopping the dispensing of the chemical from the chemical cassette. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the driving stop condition includes the presence or absence of the reverse rotation operation of the conveying means when stopping the dispensing of the chemical from the chemical cassette.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, there are provided a chemical imaging device capable of reducing the work of measuring the shape of a chemical by a user, and a chemical shape measuring device and a chemical dispensing device including the same.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a fixed cassette of a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a variable cassette of a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a variable cassette of a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. <00001 [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a variable cassette in a drug dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the mounting section of the variable cassette of a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the tablet packaging results in a drug dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of assignment information used in a drug dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of drive-corresponding information used in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedures for drug dispensing and packaging control processes performed by a drug dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a drug imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a drug imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a drug imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an internal configuration diagram of a drug imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows the configuration of the chemical holding section of a chemical imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows the configuration of the chemical holding section of a chemical imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows the configuration of the chemical holding section of a chemical imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows the configuration of the chemical holding section of a chemical imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows an example of the operation of the chemical holding section of a chemical imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows an example of the operation of the chemical holding section of a chemical imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a plan view of the main part of the chemical holding section of a chemical imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a side view of the main part of the chemical holding section of a chemical imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows the configuration of the illumination unit of a pharmaceutical imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is an internal configuration diagram of a drug imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the adjustment process performed by the chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for measuring the shape of a chemical substance performed by a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for image processing performed in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for shape identification processing performed in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for shape classification processing performed in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for shape classification processing performed in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] Figure 32 shows an example of an image captured by a drug imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] Figure 33 shows an example of an image captured by a drug imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34]Figure 34 is a diagram showing a list of shape types identified by the shape identification process performed in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows an example of setting information used in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] Figure 36 shows a drug dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] Figure 37 shows a drug dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] Figure 38 shows a variable cassette and mounting section according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] Figure 39 shows a variable cassette and mounting section according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings to facilitate understanding of the invention. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the invention.

[0030] <First Embodiment> First, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the general configuration of the chemical dispensing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the drug dispensing device 100 includes a prescription control unit 1, a tablet supply unit 2, a powder supply unit 3, a manual dispensing unit 4, a packaging unit 5, a packaging control unit 6, a drug imaging device 7, and a barcode reader 8. In this embodiment, the case in which the prescription control unit 1 and the drug imaging device 7, which are part of the components of the drug dispensing device 100, constitute the drug shape measuring device according to the present invention will be described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, it is also conceivable that a drug shape measuring device comprising the drug imaging device 7 and a control device that performs the drug shape measurement process described later is connected to the drug dispensing device 100.

[0032] The prescription control unit 1, the tablet supply unit 2, the powder supply unit 3, the manual dispensing unit 4, the packaging unit 5, and the packaging control unit 6 are connected by an internal bus N1. The drug imaging device 7 is also connected to the prescription control unit 1 via a cable N2 such as a USB cable, RS232C cable, or LAN cable. Furthermore, the prescription control unit 1 and the barcode reader 8 are wirelessly connected according to a communication standard such as wireless LAN or Bluetooth®. The drug dispensing device 100 is controlled by the prescription control unit 1 and the packaging control unit 6, and dispenses tablets and powders supplied from the tablet supply unit 2, the powder supply unit 3, and the manual dispensing unit 4 in packaging units corresponding to the timing of administration, etc., using the packaging unit 5.

[0033] [Tablet supply unit 2] The tablet supply unit 2 comprises a plurality of fixed cassettes 21 capable of dispensing one tablet (unit quantity) of a predetermined specific type of tablet, and a plurality of variable cassettes 22 (an example of a drug cassette) capable of dispensing one tablet (unit quantity) of any type of tablet by changing the driving conditions.

[0034] Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 1, a total of 54 fixed cassettes 21 are provided in a 6x9 grid, and a total of 4 variable cassettes 22 are provided in a 1x4 grid. The tablets that can be dispensed by the fixed cassettes 21 and variable cassettes 22 include solid medicines in various forms such as disc-shaped, spherical, or capsule-shaped. In other embodiments, the tablet supply unit 2 may not have the fixed cassettes 21, but only have a plurality of variable cassettes 22.

[0035] Each of the fixed cassettes 21 is configured to be detachably attached to each of the mounting sections 211 provided on the tablet supply unit 2. Each of the mounting sections 211 is equipped with a first drive unit 23 that individually drives the fixed cassettes 21. Each of the first drive units 23 is equipped with a drive motor 231 and an RFID reader / writer 232. The drive motor 231 supplies driving force to the drive mechanism of the fixed cassette 21. The RFID reader / writer 232 is an information reading means that reads and writes information to an RFID tag (not shown) provided on the fixed cassette 21 using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) wireless communication technology.

[0036] The installation locations for the RFID tag (not shown) and the RFID reader / writer 232 should be determined relatively within a range that allows the RFID reader / writer 232 to read and write information from the RFID tag (not shown) when the fixed cassette 21 is mounted on the mounting section 211.

[0037] The RFID tag (not shown) is a non-volatile recording medium on which cassette identification information for identifying each of the fixed cassettes 21 is stored, and the cassette identification information is written by the prescription control unit 1 during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 100.

[0038] Each of the variable cassettes 22 is configured to be detachably attached to each of the mounting sections 221 provided on the tablet supply unit 2. In addition, a configuration in which each of the variable cassettes 22 can be pulled out from the mounting section 221 is also conceivable as another embodiment. Each of the mounting sections 221 is equipped with a second drive unit 24 that drives the variable cassettes 22 individually.

[0039] Each of the second drive units 24 comprises drive motors 241 to 244 and an RFID reader / writer 245. The drive motors 241 to 244 supply driving force to the drive mechanism of the variable cassette 22. The RFID reader / writer 245 is an information reading means that reads and writes information to the RFID tag 26 (see Figure 6) provided on the variable cassette 22 using RFID wireless communication technology.

[0040] The installation locations for the RFID tag 26 and the RFID reader / writer 245 should be determined relatively within a range that allows the RFID reader / writer 245 to read and write information from the RFID tag 26 when the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the mounting section 221.

[0041] The RFID tag 26 is a non-volatile recording medium on which cassette identification information for identifying each of the variable cassettes 22, and chemical information assigned to the variable cassette 22 in the chemical dispensing process described later (see Figure 11), are recorded.

[0042] The aforementioned drug information is information that can identify the type of tablet (drug), and includes, for example, the drug name, drug ID, drug code, JAN code, RSS code, and QR code (registered trademark). The JAN code and RSS code are numerical or character information represented by a one-dimensional code (barcode, GS1 code), and the QR code (registered trademark) is numerical or character information represented by a two-dimensional code.

[0043] Incidentally, the number of variable cassettes 22 and the number of mounting sections 221 do not have to match. For example, it is conceivable that a user can select any variable cassette 22 from a number of variable cassettes 22 greater than the number of mounting sections 221 and mount it in the mounting section 221. In particular, a configuration is conceivable in which multiple variable cassettes 22 can be mounted corresponding to each mounting section 221. The same applies to the fixed cassette 21 and the mounting section 211.

[0044] [Fixed Cassette 21] Here, an example of the fixed cassette 21 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Note that the structure of the fixed cassette 21 described here is merely an example, and other structures with similar functions may be used. Figure 3 is a diagram in which the cover member covering the top of the fixed cassette 21 is omitted.

[0045] Since the type of tablets to be contained in each of the fixed cassettes 21 is predetermined, for example, the front surface of each fixed cassette 21 is pre-printed with drug information for the tablets to be contained in the fixed cassette 21.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the fixed cassette 21 includes a tablet storage section 212 that holds a large number of tablets, and a tablet discharge section 213 that individually discharges the tablets stored in the tablet storage section 212. The tablet discharge section 213 is provided in a recess formed in the approximate center of the tablet storage section 212, and the tablets in the tablet storage section 212 descend sequentially toward the tablet discharge section 213.

[0047] The tablet dispensing unit 213 comprises a rotor 214 rotatably supported by the housing of the fixed cassette 21, and an inner wall 214A covering the outer circumference of the rotor 214. The rotor 214 is connected to the drive motor 231 of the first drive unit 23 via a drive transmission system (not shown) such as various gears when the fixed cassette 21 is mounted on the mounting unit 211. In addition, ribs 215 and ribs 216 are formed on the outer circumference of the rotor 214 at predetermined intervals. As a result, a gap 217 is intermittently formed on the outer circumference of the rotor 214, surrounded by the ribs 215, ribs 216, and the inner wall 214A. The width of the gap 217 is determined according to the type of tablet predetermined to be contained in the fixed cassette 21, and corresponds to the width of one tablet.

[0048] Furthermore, a gap 218 is formed between the ribs 215 and 216, extending across the entire outer surface of the rotor 214. Here, the height of the upper end of each of the ribs 215 and 216 is determined according to the type of tablet predetermined to be contained in the fixed cassette 21. Specifically, the height of the upper end of the rib 215 shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the height of three tablets, and three tablets are inserted into each of the gaps 217 of the rotor 213. The height of the upper end of the rib 216 corresponds to the height of one tablet.

[0049] On the other hand, the inner wall 214A has an outlet 219 for discharging tablets from the rotor 214, and the outlet 219 is provided with a partition plate 220 that is inserted into the gap 218. As a result, at the outlet 219, of the three tablets inserted in the gap 217, the upper two tablets are prevented from falling by the partition plate 220, and only the lower tablet is discharged. Therefore, in the fixed cassette 21, the rotor 214 is driven by the drive motor 231, and the tablets stored in the tablet storage section 212 are dispensed one tablet at a time.

[0050] [Variable Cassette 22] Next, an example of the variable cassette 22 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Note that the structure of the variable cassette 22 described here is merely an example; other structures are also acceptable as long as they enable the dispensing of tablets one at a time. For example, other examples of the variable cassette 22 are disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-535683 or Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-115493.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the variable cassette 22 comprises a tablet storage section 222 that holds a large number of tablets, and a first rotating body 223 and a second rotating body 224 that dispense tablets from the tablet storage section 222. Figures 4 to 6 are diagrams in which the cover member covering the top of the variable cassette 22 is omitted. Furthermore, the variable cassette 22 only needs to be capable of dispensing tablets in predetermined unit quantities, and may be configured to dispense tablets in batches of multiple tablets rather than one tablet at a time.

[0052] The first rotating body 223 is a disc-shaped member that forms the bottom surface of the tablet storage section 222. The axis of rotation of the first rotating body 223 is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction, and the upper surface of the first rotating body 223 is inclined by the predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane. In addition, radial ribs 223A are formed on the upper surface of the first rotating body 223 at predetermined intervals. The first rotating body 223 is rotatably supported by the housing of the variable cassette 22 and is connected to the drive gear 223B shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0053] The second rotating body 224 is a hollow annular member arranged around the first rotating body 223 in a plan view, and is an example of a conveying member that conveys tablets from the tablet storage section 222 to the dispensing port 225 and dispenses them from the dispensing port 225. The upper end of the first rotating body 223 is located on the same horizontal plane as the second rotating body 224. The second rotating body 224 is rotatably supported by the housing of the variable cassette 22, and the drive gear 224A shown in Figure 6 is formed on its outer circumferential surface.

[0054] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, the mounting section 221 includes a drive gear 221A that is connected to the drive gear 223B of the first rotating body 223 when the variable cassette 22 is mounted, and a drive gear 221B that is connected to the drive gear 224A of the second rotating body 224. The drive gear 221A is connected to the drive motor 241 of the second drive unit 24, and the drive gear 221B is connected to the drive motor 242 of the second drive unit 24.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the variable cassette 22 includes a height restricting member 226 and a width restricting member 227 positioned on the dispensing path of the tablets, which are transported to the discharge port 225 by the second rotating body 224.

[0056] The height restricting member 226 restricts the height of the tablets that can be transported to the discharge port 225 by the second rotating body 224, and the width restricting member 227 restricts the width of the tablets that can be transported to the discharge port 225 by the second rotating body 224. As a result, in the variable cassette 22, only tablets that fit within the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226 and the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 are dispensed from the discharge port 225. Therefore, in the variable cassette 22, if the height h1 and width w1 are greater than or equal to the height and width of one tablet and less than the height and width of at least two tablets stored in the tablet storage section 222, it is possible to dispense tablets one at a time.

[0057] The variable cassette 22 includes a height adjustment section 226A for changing the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226, and a width adjustment section 227A for changing the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227. Here, the height adjustment section 226A and the width adjustment section 227A are examples of path adjustment means. A pinion gear is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the width adjustment section 227A, which meshes with a rack (gear) formed on the inner circumferential surface of an elongated hole 227B formed in the width restricting member 227.

[0058] The height adjustment unit 226A is rotatably supported by the housing of the variable cassette 22 and is connected to the drive gear 226B shown in Figure 6. The height adjustment unit 226A is rotationally driven to move the position of the lower end of the height regulating member 226 up and down, thereby changing the height h1 that is regulated by the height regulating member 226.

[0059] The width adjustment section 227A is rotatably supported by the housing of the variable cassette 22 and is connected to the drive gear 227C shown in Figure 6. By being rotationally driven, the width adjustment section 227A changes the amount by which the width restricting member 227 protrudes toward the tablet storage section 222, thereby changing the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227. Specifically, the amount by which the width restricting member 227 protrudes toward the tablet storage section 222 is changed by the rotation of the width adjustment section 227A, which causes the width adjustment section 227A and the elongated hole 227B to move relative to each other in the direction of arrow R3 (see Figure 4).

[0060] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, the mounting section 221 includes a drive gear 221C which is connected to the drive gear 226B when the variable cassette 22 is mounted, and a drive gear 221D which is connected to the drive gear 227C. The drive gear 221C is connected to the drive motor 243 of the second drive unit 24, and the drive gear 221D is connected to the drive motor 244 of the second drive unit 24.

[0061] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the variable cassette 22 and the mounting section 221 are equipped with drive gears 228A and 228B, which are connected when the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the mounting section 221. The drive gear 228A is connected to a lifting mechanism (not shown) that raises and lowers the first rotating body 223 vertically, and the drive gear 228B is connected to a drive motor (not shown). As a result, when the drive motor is driven, driving force is transmitted from the drive gear 228B to the drive gear 228A, and the lifting mechanism allows the first rotating body 223 to be raised and lowered. Therefore, in the drug dispensing device 100, the volume in the tablet storage section 222 can be changed by raising and lowering the first rotating body 223, and the number of tablets that can be stored in the tablet storage section 222 can be adjusted arbitrarily. For this reason, the variable cassette 22 can be used in both applications where a small number of tablets are to be stored and applications where a large number of tablets are to be stored.

[0062] In the variable cassette 22, when the first rotating body 223 is rotated in rotational direction R1 (see Figures 4 and 5), the tablets in the tablet storage section 222 are discharged from the first rotating body 223 to the second rotating body 224. Also in the variable cassette 22, when the second rotating body 224 is rotated in rotational direction R2 (see Figures 4 and 5), the tablets on the second rotating body 224 are conveyed toward the discharge port 225. Here, the second rotating body 224 is an example of a conveying means.

[0063] However, among the tablets transported by the second rotating body 224, tablets that are stacked in the height direction come into contact with the height restricting member 226 and are returned to the tablet storage section 222. Also, among the tablets transported by the second rotating body 224 that are transported side by side in the width direction come into contact with the width restricting member 227 and are returned to the tablet storage section 222.

[0064] As a result, in the variable cassette 22, tablets of sizes corresponding to the height h1 restricted by the height restricting section 226 and the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 are transported to the discharge port 225 in a state where they are arranged one by one in the circumferential direction on the second rotating body 224. Therefore, the variable cassette 22 can dispense tablets stored in the tablet storage section 222 one at a time, and the amount of tablets dispensed can be controlled.

[0065] Thus, by using the variable cassette 22, the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226 and the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 can be changed, making it possible to dispense any type of tablet one tablet at a time.

[0066] Furthermore, each of the variable cassettes 22 is provided with a display unit 25 whose display content can be changed, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. Here, the display unit 25 is an electronic paper that, once the display content is written when power is supplied, maintains the display of the content even when power is not supplied.

[0067] Specifically, the variable cassette 22 and the mounting section 221 are each provided with a contact-type connector (not shown) to which the variable cassette 22 is connected when it is mounted on the mounting section 221. Here, the display unit 25 is connected to the connector on the variable cassette 22 side, and the formulation control unit 1 is connected to the connector on the mounting section 221 side. When the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the mounting section 221, the display unit 25 and the formulation control unit 1 are electrically connected by the connectors. This allows the formulation control unit 1 to change the display on each of the display units 25. Note that the display unit 25 is not limited to electronic paper, but may be other display means such as a liquid crystal display. It is also conceivable that the display unit 25 be provided on the mounting section 221 to which each of the variable cassettes 22 is mounted, corresponding to each of the variable cassettes 22.

[0068] Furthermore, each of the variable cassettes 22 has a built-in RFID tag 26 for storing various types of information, as shown in Figure 6. The RFID tag 26 is a non-volatile recording medium whose stored information can be rewritten by the RFID reader / writer 245, and as mentioned above, is used to store cassette identification information for each of the variable cassettes 22, and the drug information assigned to each of the variable cassettes 22. The RFID tag 26 is mounted on a control board provided in each of the variable cassettes 22, and the control board also has the function of changing the display on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 according to a control signal from the formulation control unit 1. The control board is equipped with an electrical circuit that is driven by power supplied via the connector, power supplied from a power storage unit such as a battery mounted on the control board, or power supplied when writing information to the RFID tag 26. Another possible embodiment is that each of the variable cassettes 22 has a recording medium such as an EEPROM, which the prescription control unit 1 can read and write information to via the connector, instead of the RFID tag 26.

[0069] [Drug supply unit 3] As shown in Figure 1, the powder supply unit 3 is equipped with two input sections 31 and 32, and the powder placed in each of the input sections 31 and 32 is supplied to the packaging unit 5 in pre-set dose units such as the timing of administration by the prescription control unit 1.

[0070] Specifically, the powder supply unit 3 is equipped with two sets of dispensing units: one dispensing unit that evenly spreads the powdered medicine introduced into the input unit 31 onto a disc and scrapes it out at predetermined angles corresponding to the individual packaging units, and another dispensing unit that evenly spreads the powdered medicine introduced into the input unit 32 onto a disc and scrapes it out at predetermined angles corresponding to the individual packaging units. The powdered medicine introduced into the powder supply unit 3 is pre-weighed using a weighing device as the total amount of prescription medicine to be prescribed to the patient.

[0071] [Hand-dispensing unit 4] The hand-dispensing unit 4 comprises a hand-dispensing storage section with multiple compartments into which tablets are placed in pre-set dosage units, such as a set administration time, and a hand-dispensing dispensing section that dispenses the tablets contained in each compartment to the dispensing unit 5. In the hand-dispensing storage section, the multiple compartments are arranged in a matrix. The hand-dispensing dispensing section can be configured to dispense tablets contained in compartments by, for example, individually opening and closing the bottom surfaces of the compartments in the hand-dispensing storage section. In the drug dispensing device 100, the hand-dispensing unit 4 is used to dispense tablets smaller than one tablet, such as half tablets, and is a well-known example, so no further explanation is provided here. Conventionally, the hand-dispensing unit 4 has also been used to dispense any tablets not pre-stored in the fixed cassette 21, but in the drug dispensing device 100, any tablets can be dispensed using the variable cassette 22. Of course, the hand-dispensing unit 4 can also be used to dispense any tablets not stored in the fixed cassette 21.

[0072] [Dispensing Unit 5] The packaging unit 5 stores the medicine supplied from the tablet supply unit 2, the powder supply unit 3, and the manual dispensing unit 4 in individual packaging units, such as those corresponding to the timing of administration. For example, the packaging unit 5 packages the medicine in the individual packaging units using a transparent or translucent roll-shaped medicine packaging sheet and seals it by welding or the like. As a result, the medicine packaging sheet containing the medicine in the individual packaging units is discharged from the packaging unit 5.

[0073] Here, Figure 8 shows an example of a drug packaging sheet 51 discharged from the packaging unit 5. As shown in Figure 8, the drug packaging sheet 51 has a continuous arrangement of multiple packaging papers 52, each containing multiple tablets in a single packaging unit, and each packaging paper 52 has a perforation line 52A to easily separate them. If the prescription data includes powdered medicine, the packaging unit 5 can also package the powdered medicine supplied from the powder supply unit 3 into the packaging papers 52. The packaging unit 5 is also provided with a printing unit (not shown) for printing information on each of the packaging papers 52, and prescription information such as the patient's name, timing of administration, prescribed drug, or prescribed amount can be printed on the surface of each packaging paper 52 by the printing unit (not shown).

[0074] [Packaging control unit 6] As shown in Figure 2, the packaging control unit 6 comprises a control unit 61 and a storage unit 62, and controls the tablet supply unit 2, the powder supply unit 3, the manual dispensing unit 4, and the packaging unit 5, etc., to cause the drug dispensing device 100 to perform the packaging operation. The packaging control unit 6 is built into the drug dispensing device 100.

[0075] The control unit 61 is a control means having a CPU, RAM, ROM, and EEPROM. The control unit 61 executes various processes according to various programs pre-stored in the ROM, EEPROM, or storage means such as the storage unit 62, using the CPU. The RAM and EEPROM are used as temporary storage memory (work area) for the various processes executed by the CPU. The control unit 61 may be an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or DSP.

[0076] The storage unit 62 is a storage means such as a hard disk drive or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various types of data. Specifically, the storage unit 62 has a packaging control program pre-stored in it that causes the computer, such as the control unit 61, to execute the packaging control process described later (see the right side of Figure 11). The packaging control program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or semiconductor memory, and is read from the recording medium by a reading device such as a disk drive (not shown) and installed in the storage unit 12. The present invention can be considered as an invention of the computer-readable recording medium on which the packaging control program is recorded.

[0077] [Barcode reader 8] The barcode reader 8 reads codes that identify pharmaceuticals and reads JAN codes, RSS codes, or QR codes (registered trademarks) written on tablet containers (boxes, bottles, etc.) or PTP sheets installed on drug shelves in pharmacies, etc., and is a portable terminal such as a PDA. The barcode reader 8 may also be a conventional picking assistance device used by pharmacists, etc., for picking pharmaceuticals. The picking assistance device is used when pharmacists, etc., take pharmaceuticals from drug shelves according to prescriptions and dispense them manually, and for example, reads pharmaceuticals from the JAN code written on the container and compares the read pharmaceuticals with prescription data.

[0078] The information read by the barcode reader 8 is then input to the prescription control unit 1 via wireless communication from the barcode reader 8. By using wireless communication in this way, the barcode reader 8 can be freely moved to the drug dispensing device 100 or the drug shelf, and the operation of loading tablets into the variable cassette 22 can be performed at any location. Of course, it is also conceivable that the barcode reader 8 be connected to the prescription control unit 1 by a wire. If multiple drug dispensing devices 100 are installed in the pharmacy, each drug dispensing device 100 will be individually equipped with a barcode reader 8 that is pre-associated with it.

[0079] [Prescription Control Unit 1] The prescription control unit 1 is a computer that comprehensively controls the drug dispensing device 100. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the prescription control unit 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a monitor 13, an operation unit 14, and a communication interface 15, etc.

[0080] The control unit 11 is a control means having a CPU, RAM, ROM, and EEPROM. The control unit 11 executes various processes according to various programs pre-stored in the ROM, EEPROM, or storage means such as the storage unit 12, using the CPU. The CPU is a processor that executes various processes, and the RAM and EEPROM are used as temporary storage memory (work area) for the various processes executed by the CPU. The control unit 11 may be an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or DSP.

[0081] The storage unit 12 is a storage means such as a hard disk drive or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various types of data. Specifically, the storage unit 12 has a chemical dispensing program pre-stored in it that causes the computer, such as the control unit 11, to execute the chemical dispensing process (see left side of Figure 11) and the adjustment process (see Figure 22) described later.

[0082] The drug dispensing program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or semiconductor memory, and is read from the recording medium by a reading device such as a disk drive (not shown) and installed in the storage unit 12. The present invention can be considered as an invention of the computer-readable recording medium on which the drug dispensing program is recorded.

[0083] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 also stores various databases, such as a drug master, patient master, cassette master, and pharmacy master. The control unit 11 can update the various databases stored in the storage unit 12 based on data read from a recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or semiconductor memory by a reading device such as a disk drive (not shown). The control unit 11 can also change the contents of the various databases in response to user operations on the operation unit 14.

[0084] The drug master contains information about each drug, including drug ID, drug code, drug name, JAN code (or RSS code), drug bottle code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, liquid, topical drug, etc.), tablet size (height and width), specific gravity, drug type (common drug, poison, narcotic, potent drug, antipsychotic, therapeutic drug, etc.), compatibility, excipients, and precautions. The patient master contains information about the patient, including patient ID, name, gender, age, medical history, prescription history, family information, medical department, ward, and room. The pharmacy master contains information about the pharmacy, including pharmacy name, pharmacist's name, and pharmacist's ID. The cassette master is information showing the correspondence between the cassette identification information of each fixed cassette 21 and the drug information assigned to each fixed cassette 21. The cassette master is registered by the control unit 11, for example, in response to user operations on the operation unit 14 during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 100.

[0085] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores assignment information 121 indicating the assignment status between the variable cassette 22 and the chemical information, and drive correspondence information 122 indicating the correspondence between the chemical information and the driving conditions of the variable cassette 22. The assignment information 121 and the drive correspondence information 122 are used in the chemical dispensing process, which will be described later and is performed by the control unit 11.

[0086] Here, Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the assignment information 121, and Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the drive correspondence information 122.

[0087] As shown in Figure 9, the assignment information 121 stores a drug ID as drug information, which indicates the type of tablet currently assigned to each of the variable cassettes 22. Of course, drug information such as the tablet name, drug code, JAN code (or RSS code) may be stored instead of the drug ID. In this case, it is assumed that the cassette numbers "C1" to "C4" are pre-set as cassette identification information for the four variable cassettes 22 arranged in order from left to right in the tablet supply unit 2. The cassette identification information is also stored in the RFID tag 26 of each of the variable cassettes 22. In addition, the assignment information 121 stores that the variable cassette 22 to which no drug information is currently assigned is marked as unassigned. Specifically, the assignment information 121 shown in Figure 9 indicates that drug information for drug ID "M1" is assigned to cassette number "C1" of the variable cassette 22, drug information for drug ID "M2" is assigned to cassette number "C3", and drug information has not yet been assigned to cassette numbers "C2" and "C4". Note that the data structure of the assignment information 121 shown in Figure 9 is merely an example, and the assignment information 121 may be stored in the storage unit 12 as, for example, one of the items in the drug master. In this case, the cassette identification information of the variable cassette 22 assigned to each drug is stored in association with each drug included in the drug master.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the drive-corresponding information 122 stores pre-set drive conditions corresponding to each drug information. The drive conditions include three types of conditions: pre-drive conditions related to the adjustment of the variable cassette 22 before starting the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22, in-drive conditions related to drive control during the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22, and drive stop conditions related to drive control when stopping the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22.

[0089] Specifically, in the example of the drive-corresponding information 122 shown in Figure 10, the drive conditions corresponding to each tablet with drug IDs "M1", "M2", "M3", and "M4" are stored, including information on the height of the dispensing path, the width of the dispensing path, the dispensing speed, the first slowdown, the second slowdown, and the reverse rotation operation. Note that the drive conditions are merely examples; for example, if the variable cassette 22 dispenses tablets one by one by vibration, the vibration frequency or amplitude of that vibration may be defined as the drive conditions.

[0090] The height and width of the dispensing path are examples of the pre-drive conditions and are values ​​of the height h1 and width w1 (see Figure 5) that are set in advance so that the second rotating body 224 of the variable cassette 22 can dispense one tablet at a time from the dispensing port 225.

[0091] The aforementioned dispensing speed is an example of the driving conditions, and is a rotational speed suitable for each drug information as the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224 when dispensing tablets from the variable cassette 22. For example, if the tablet size is small, and the rotational speed of the drive motor 242 is fast, the tablets are likely to be dispensed in excess before the drive motor 242 stops. On the other hand, if the tablet size is large, even if the rotational speed of the drive motor 242 is fast, the tablets will not be dispensed in excess before the drive motor 242 stops. Therefore, it is conceivable that the tablet dispensing speed set as the driving condition, i.e., the tablet transport speed by the second rotating body 224, will differ depending on the size of the tablet. Specifically, it is conceivable that the dispensing speed when the tablet size is large is set to a slower value than the dispensing speed when the tablet size is small. Furthermore, the dispensing speed is not limited to the format [locks / min] shown in Figure 10, but may also be stored in the format of the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224 or the rotational speed of the drive motor 242. In addition, it is conceivable that the rotational speed of the first rotating body 223, as well as the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224, may also be set as the drive condition.

[0092] The first slowdown and the second slowdown are examples of the drive stop conditions and relate to the timing of executing a slowdown that gradually reduces the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224 when stopping the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22. The first slowdown specifies the timing for reducing the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224 to a predetermined first rotational speed. The second slowdown specifies the timing for reducing the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224 from the first rotational speed to a second rotational speed that is even slower. For example, if the shape of the tablets contained in the variable cassette 22 is rounded and easily rolls, there is a risk that the tablets will roll out after the drive of the second rotating body 224 is stopped. For this reason, for tablets with easily rolling shapes such as spheres, the start timings of the first slowdown and the second slowdown are set earlier. In this embodiment, the start timings of the first slowdown and the second slowdown are set by the remaining number of tablets to be dispensed from the variable cassette 22. This prevents extra tablets from being dispensed when the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22 is stopped. On the other hand, for tablets with a shape that is difficult to roll when the drive of the second rotating body 224 is stopped, the start timing of the first slowdown and the second slowdown is set to be delayed, thereby suppressing unnecessary delays in dispensing time due to the slowdown.

[0093] In this embodiment, the case in which the start timing of the first slowdown and the second slowdown are set as the drive stop conditions is described, but it is also conceivable that the deceleration of the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224 may be set as the drive stop conditions. For example, in the case of tablets with a shape that is easily rolled, such as a sphere, if the second rotating body 224 is stopped suddenly, there is a risk that the tablets will roll afterward and be dispensed in excess. For this reason, for example, in the case of tablets with a shape that is easily rolled, it is conceivable to set the deceleration to be small.

[0094] Furthermore, the reverse rotation operation item is an example of the drive stop condition and relates to whether or not a reverse rotation operation is performed to reverse the direction of tablet transport by the second rotating body 224 when the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22 is stopped. For example, for tablets with easily rolling shapes such as spheres, where simply stopping the drive of the second rotating body 224 may cause tablets remaining on the second rotating body 224 to roll and be dispensed in excess, the reverse rotation operation is set to "Yes". This prevents tablets from being dispensed in excess when the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22 is stopped. Note that for tablets with shapes that are not easily rolled when the drive of the second rotating body 224 is stopped, the reverse rotation operation is set to "No", and the unnecessary reverse rotation operation is not performed.

[0095] Note that the data structure of the drive-compatible information 122 shown in Figure 10 is merely an example, and the drive conditions defined in the drive-compatible information 122 may be stored in the storage unit 12 as, for example, one of the items in the drug master.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the drive-corresponding information 122 includes the following items as drive conditions (see Figure 10) corresponding to each piece of drug information: height of the dispensing path, width of the dispensing path, dispensing speed, first slowdown, second slowdown, and reverse rotation operation. On the other hand, in other embodiments, it is conceivable that the drug dispensing device 100 uses one or more of the following items as drive conditions: height of the dispensing path, width of the dispensing path, dispensing speed, first slowdown, second slowdown, and reverse rotation operation. That is, in the drug dispensing device 100, it is conceivable that one or more of the following are pre-set as drive conditions corresponding to each piece of drug information: pre-drive conditions, driving conditions, and drive stop conditions. Furthermore, multiple conditions such as pre-drive conditions, in-drive conditions, and drive stop conditions are pre-set as corresponding drive conditions for each piece of chemical information, and the chemical dispensing device 100 can be configured to allow the user to select one or more of these conditions, such as pre-drive conditions, in-drive conditions, and drive stop conditions, as the drive conditions to be used.

[0097] The monitor 13 is a display means such as a liquid crystal monitor that displays various information and operation screens in accordance with control instructions from the control unit 11. For example, the monitor 13 displays various information such as a prescription data input screen and a prescription data selection screen.

[0098] The operation unit 14 is an operating means such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel that accepts user operations and inputs operation signals corresponding to user operations to the control unit 11. The operation unit 14 accepts various operation inputs, such as inputting prescription data on the input screen displayed on the monitor 13, selecting prescription data on the selection screen, and issuing prescription data to request the start of packaging the prescription data.

[0099] The communication interface 15 is a communication interface for connecting the drug dispensing device 100 to a communication network N3 such as a LAN, and performs data communication with a higher-level system such as a prescription input terminal 200 connected via the communication network N3. The prescription input terminal 200 is, for example, an electronic medical record system installed in a hospital or nursing home, or a dispensing management system installed in a pharmacy inside or outside the hospital. The communication interface 15 also includes a wireless communication interface such as a wireless communication card for wireless data communication with various wireless communication devices such as the barcode reader 8.

[0100] The communication IF 15 then acquires prescription data from the prescription input terminal 200 and inputs the prescription data to the control unit 11. For example, the communication IF 15 monitors whether prescription data has been stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​a storage means provided in the prescription input terminal 200, and reads the prescription data from the predetermined storage area if it has been stored in the predetermined storage area. Of course, the communication IF 15 may also receive the prescription data transmitted from the prescription input terminal 200.

[0101] [Medication dispensing and packaging control processing] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 11, an example of the procedures for the drug dispensing process performed by the control unit 11 of the prescription control unit 1 and the packaging control process performed by the control unit 61 of the packaging control unit 6 in the drug dispensing device 100 will be described. Here, the processing procedures (steps) performed by the control unit 11 will be referred to as steps S1, S2, ..., and the processing procedures (steps) performed by the control unit 61 will be referred to as steps S11, S12, .... It is also conceivable that either the control unit 11 or the control unit 61 may perform a series of processes that yield the same processing results as the drug dispensing process and the packaging control process.

[0102] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S1) First, in step S1, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a request for prescription data has been made. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that a request for prescription data has been made when an issuance operation for issuing pre-registered prescription data is performed on the operation unit 14. The prescription data is prescription data acquired from a higher-level system such as the prescription input terminal 200, or registered by a user operation on the operation unit 14, and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0103] Here, the control unit 11 keeps the process in step S1 until a request for the issuance of the prescription data is made (No side of S1). On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that a request for the issuance of the prescription data has been made (Yes side of S1), it moves the process to step S2. In another embodiment, the control unit 11 may also determine that a request for the issuance of the prescription data has been made without requiring the issuance operation and move the process to step S2 when it receives the prescription data from a higher-level system such as the prescription input terminal 200.

[0104] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S2) Next, in step S2, the control unit 11 determines whether there are fixed cassettes 21 corresponding to all the drug information entered as drug information indicating the tablets to be dispensed based on the prescription data. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines, based on the cassette master stored in the storage unit 12, whether there are any tablets that are not in each of the fixed cassettes 21 that are included in the prescription data as prescription drugs. The cassette master is updated by the control unit 11 based on drug information read from RFID tags (not shown) provided on each of the fixed cassettes 21 by a reading device such as the RFID reader / writer 232 provided on each of the mounting units 211. The control unit 11 can also display an editing screen for editing the cassette master on the monitor 13 and update the cassette master according to user operations on the operation unit 14 on the editing screen.

[0105] If it is determined that there is no fixed cassette 21 corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed (No side of S2), that is, if the prescription drug included in the prescription data includes a type of tablet not contained in the fixed cassette 21, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S3.

[0106] On the other hand, if it is determined that there are fixed cassettes 21 corresponding to all the drug information to be dispensed (Yes side of S2), that is, if all types of tablets included as prescribed drugs in the prescription data are contained in the fixed cassettes 21, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S7. In this case, in step S7, a request to start a conventional dispensing operation is sent to the control unit 61 using each of the fixed cassettes 21, and the control unit 61 executes a process to carry out the dispensing operation.

[0107] In addition, if the drug dispensing device 100 does not include the fixed cassette 21, the processing in step S2 can be omitted, and the control unit 11 can proceed to step S3 if it determines in step S1 that there is a request to issue the prescription data.

[0108] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the storage unit 12 stores pre-set drug exclusion information, which is drug information that will not be assigned to the variable cassette 22. Then, if the control unit 11 determines that there is no fixed cassette 21 corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed, and the drug information to be dispensed falls under the exclusion drug information, it is conceivable that the control unit 11 will display on the monitor 13 that the manual dispensing unit 4 should be used without performing the assignment to the variable cassette 22. For example, if tablets that are likely to have colored powder adhering to them in the variable cassette 22 are set as the exclusion drug information, it is possible to prevent the colored powder from adhering to the tablets that are next placed in the variable cassette 22. It is also conceivable that the monitor 13 will display on the monitor that the manual dispensing unit 4 should be used for drugs with shapes that are not suitable for dispensing from the variable cassette 22. In another embodiment, it is conceivable that the control unit 11 determines whether the drug information to be dispensed falls under the exclusion drug information without determining whether there is a fixed cassette 21 corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed. In this case, another possible embodiment is that the control unit 11 displays on the monitor 13 a message indicating that the manual dispensing unit 4 should be used without assigning it to the variable cassette 22 if the drug information to be dispensed corresponds to the drug information excluded from allocation.

[0109] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S3) In step S3, the control unit 11 assigns drug information to be dispensed, which is entered in the prescription data, to an unassigned variable cassette 22 for which there is no corresponding fixed cassette 21. If the prescription data contains multiple drug information items for which there is no corresponding fixed cassette 21, the control unit 11 performs the assignment of a variable cassette 22 for each of those drug information items. Thus, the control unit 11, when performing the process (assignment step) to assign drug information to be dispensed to the variable cassette 22 when drug information to be dispensed is entered in the prescription data, is an example of an assignment means.

[0110] Specifically, the control unit 11 performs a process to identify which of the variable cassettes 22 is currently able to communicate (controllable). For example, the control unit 11 determines that the variable cassette 22 that has successfully read information from the RFID tag 26 by the RFID reader / writer 232 is in a state where it can communicate.

[0111] The control unit 11 then determines, based on the assignment information 121 (see Figure 9), whether or not the current drug information has been assigned to each of the variable cassettes 22 that are currently able to communicate, and assigns the drug information to be dispensed to an unassigned variable cassette 22. At this time, once the control unit 11 has determined which variable cassette 22 to assign the drug information to, it updates the contents of the assignment information 121 according to the assignment result. The variable cassette 22 that has been assigned the drug information in this way can communicate with the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 can write information to the electronic paper 25. The control unit 11 may also designate each of the variable cassettes 22 as a candidate for assignment without determining whether or not each of the variable cassettes 22 can communicate.

[0112] Here, it is conceivable that there are multiple candidates for the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information will be assigned. In this case, the control unit 11 may, for example, determine whether or not the drug information is assigned to each of the variable cassettes 22 based on a pre-set priority order, and assign the drug information to the variable cassette 22 that is determined to be unassigned first. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not the drug information is assigned to the variable cassettes 22 in order from those with the lowest usage count, so that the usage counts of each variable cassette 22 are evenly distributed, and assign the drug information to the variable cassette 22 that is determined to be unassigned first. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may select the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information that was previously assigned is the same as or has a similar tablet size to the drug information to be assigned this time. If there are no unassigned variable cassettes 22, the control unit 11 will notify the user by displaying this information on the monitor 13.

[0113] Furthermore, in step S3, the control unit 11 controls the RFID reader / writer 232 to record the drug information assigned to each variable cassette 22 on the RFID tag 26 of each variable cassette 22 to which the drug information has been assigned. At this time, the control unit 11 may also record various information such as the amount of tablets dispensed, patient name, assignment date and time, name of the pharmacist in charge, and prescription identification information, along with the drug information, based on the prescription data.

[0114] On the other hand, in another embodiment, the drug information may not be recorded on the RFID tag 26 of the variable cassette 22. Specifically, the cassette identification information may be pre-recorded on the RFID tag 26, and the RFID reader / writer 245 may be an RFID reader capable only of reading information. Even in this case, the control unit 11 can recognize the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 based on the cassette identification information and assignment information (see Figure 9) read from the RFID tag 26.

[0115] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S4) In step S4, the control unit 11 identifies the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed based on the drive correspondence information 122 (see Figure 10), and transmits the drive conditions and the cassette identification information of the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information is assigned to the control unit 61. As a result, the control unit 61 drives the variable cassette 22 according to the drive conditions. The control unit 11 when driving the variable cassette 22 according to the drive conditions by executing the process in step S4 can be considered as a drive control means.

[0116] In another embodiment, the control unit 11 may display the cassette identification information for each of the variable cassettes 22 and the settings of the drive conditions corresponding to each of the variable cassettes 22 on the monitor 13, and change the settings of the drive conditions in response to user operations on the operation unit 14. The changes to the drive conditions are notified from the control unit 11 to the control unit 61. This makes it possible to change the drive conditions of the variable cassettes 22 when dispensing tablets from the variable cassettes 22 by any user input. In addition, the user can check the settings of the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed by referring to the monitor 13.

[0117] Furthermore, in step S4, if the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information are not stored in the drive-corresponding information 122, the control unit 11 may perform the adjustment process described later and then proceed to step S5. This makes it possible to dispense tablets corresponding to drug information not stored in the drive-corresponding information 122 using the variable cassette 22.

[0118] (Dispensing control unit 6 side: Step S11) Meanwhile, in the dispensing control unit 6, the control unit 61 determines in step S11 whether or not it has received the drive condition from the control unit 11. Here, if the drive condition is received (Yes side of S11), the control unit 61 moves the process to step S12, and if the drive condition is not received (No side of S11), the process moves to step S13. The control unit 61 stores the drive condition received from the control unit 11 in the storage unit 62 in association with the cassette identification information of the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information is assigned.

[0119] (Packaging control unit 6 side: Step S12) In step S12, the control unit 61 drives the variable cassette 22 corresponding to the cassette identification information received along with the drive conditions, according to the pre-drive conditions among the drive conditions, and changes the height and width of the dispensing path. Thus, in the drug dispensing device 100, if the drive conditions include the pre-drive conditions, the control unit 61 drives the variable cassette 22 according to the pre-drive conditions (height and width of the dispensing path), and then dispenses tablets from the variable cassette 22 (S14).

[0120] Specifically, the control unit 61 controls the height adjustment unit 226A and the width adjustment unit 227A according to the drive conditions to change the type of tablet that can be dispensed one tablet at a time from the variable cassette 22 to the tablet indicated by the drug information assigned in step S3. First, the control unit 61 drives the drive motors 233 and 234 to return the positions of the height restricting member 226 and the width restricting member 227 to their initial state. Then, the control unit 61 drives the height adjustment unit 226A with the drive motor 233 to change the height h1 of the variable cassette 22 restricted by the height restricting member 226 to the height of the dispensing path determined by the drive conditions. Furthermore, the control unit 61 drives the width adjustment unit 227A with the drive motor 234 to change the width w1 of the variable cassette 22 restricted by the width restricting member 227 to the width of the dispensing path determined by the drive conditions. Of course, if the current state of the height restricting member 226 and the width restricting member 227 can be detected, the control unit 61 can drive the drive motor 233 and the drive motor 234 based on the detection result.

[0121] When the height h1 and width w1 of the dispensing path are changed according to the driving conditions, the variable cassette 22 becomes capable of dispensing tablets one at a time, as indicated by the drug information assigned in step S3, and the amount of tablets dispensed becomes controllable. Here, the control unit 61 when executing the process of step S12 (driving control step) is an example of a driving control means.

[0122] It is also possible that the variable cassette 22 is not mounted on the mounting unit 221 when the drug information is assigned to the variable cassette 22. In this case, the variable cassette 22 cannot be driven in step S12 according to the pre-drive conditions. Therefore, the control unit 61 stores flag information in the storage unit 62 indicating whether or not the drive conditions received from the control unit 11 have been reflected in the variable cassette 22, and updates it as needed. Then, at the start of the dispensing operation in step S14 described later, the control unit 61 refers to the flag information, and if the drive conditions have not been reflected in the variable cassette 22 to be used in that dispensing operation, it drives the variable cassette 22 according to the pre-drive conditions before executing the dispensing operation, and changes the height h1 and width w1 of the dispensing path.

[0123] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the drive conditions do not include the pre-drive conditions, and the height h1 and width w1 of the dispensing path can be arbitrarily adjusted by manually operating the height adjustment section 226A and the width adjustment section 227A of the variable cassette 22. In this case, the user adjusts the height h1 and width w1 of the dispensing path of the variable cassette 22, and then mounts the variable cassette 22 to the mounting section 221 of the tablet supply unit 2. It is conceivable that the height adjustment section 226A and the width adjustment section 227A can be operated by rotational operation using a tool such as a screwdriver.

[0124] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S5) Next, in step S5, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22, to which the drug information was assigned in step S3, to display the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22.

[0125] For example, the control unit 11 extracts information for pre-set display items from the prescription data and displays it on the display unit 25. Specifically, the display unit 25 displays the drug name (drug ID), dispensing amount, and JAN code (barcode) of the tablets assigned to the variable cassette 22. In addition, various other information such as the patient's name, assignment date and time, or assigning person may also be displayed on the display unit 25.

[0126] Here, since the display unit 25 is electronic paper, the display state of the display unit 25 is maintained even if the variable cassette 22 is removed from the mounting unit 221 after the drug information is displayed in step S5. Therefore, even if the user moves the variable cassette 22 to a drug shelf or the like, they can confirm the drug information to be placed in the variable cassette 22 by the display on the display unit 25. Thus, human error by the user when placing tablets into the variable cassette 22 can be suppressed. It is also conceivable that the control unit 11 may prevent the removal of the variable cassette 22 by a locking mechanism provided on the mounting unit 221 until the drug information is displayed on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22. It is also conceivable that the control unit 11 may execute step 5 on the condition that the adjustment of the height and width of the dispensing path in the variable cassette 22 has been completed according to the pre-drive conditions in the variable cassette 22.

[0127] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S6) Subsequently, in step S6, the control unit 11 determines whether a filling completion operation indicating that the tablets have been filled into the variable cassette 22 has been performed on the operation unit 14. Specifically, when the drug information is assigned to the variable cassette 22 in step S3 and the drug information is displayed on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22, the user removes the variable cassette 22 from the tablet supply unit 2. The user then puts the required number of tablets into the variable cassette 22, referring to the prescription corresponding to the prescription data or the drug information displayed on the display unit 25. After that, the user attaches the variable cassette 22 to the tablet supply unit 2 and performs the filling completion operation on the operation unit 14. If multiple drug information sets are assigned to multiple variable cassettes 22 in step S3, in step S6, the control unit 11 determines whether the tablet filling completion operation has been performed on all of the variable cassettes 22 corresponding to each of the drug information sets.

[0128] Here, until the filling completion operation is performed (No side of S6), the control unit 11 keeps the process in a waiting state in step S6. On the other hand, when it determines that the filling completion operation has been performed (Yes side of S6), the control unit 11 moves the process to step S7.

[0129] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S7) In step S7, the control unit 11 transmits a request to the control unit 61 to start the dispensing operation based on the prescription data.

[0130] In particular, with regard to the dispensing operation of tablets that are not present in the fixed cassette 21 among the tablets indicated by the drug information included as dispensable items in the prescription data, the control unit 11 sends a start request, for example, in the following procedure.

[0131] First, the control unit 11 reads the cassette identification information of the variable cassette 22 from the RFID tag 26 of the variable cassette 22 attached to each of the mounting units 221, and identifies the variable cassette 22 currently attached to each of the mounting units 221. As a result, the control unit 11 can identify the variable cassette 22 attached to each of the mounting units 221, and the user can attach each of the variable cassette 22 to any of the mounting units 221. For example, even if multiple drug information is assigned to multiple variable cassettes 22 in step S3, and each of the variable cassettes 22 is removed and then attached in a different location, the control unit 11 can still determine which of the mounting units 221 each of the variable cassettes 22 is attached to.

[0132] Then, based on the prescription data, the control unit 11 identifies each of the variable cassettes 22 that contains the tablets indicated by each of the drug information, based on the assignment information 121. Subsequently, for each of the drug information indicated in the prescription data, the control unit 11 transmits to the control unit 61 the cassette identification information of the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information is assigned, the identification information of the mounting unit 221 to which the variable cassette 22 is mounted, and information necessary for the dispensing operation, such as the amount of tablets to be dispensed.

[0133] (Packaging control unit 6 side: Step S13) Meanwhile, in the packaging control unit 6, the control unit 61 determines in step S13 whether or not there is a request from the control unit 11 to start the packaging operation. Here, if the control unit 61 receives a request to start the packaging operation (Yes side of S13), it moves the process to step S14, and as long as no request to start the packaging operation has been received (No side of S13), it moves the process to step S14.

[0134] (Dispensing control unit 6 side: Step S14) In step S14, the control unit 61, in accordance with the request to start the packaging operation, dispenses the necessary medicine from the tablet supply unit 2, the powder supply unit 3, and the manual dispensing unit 4, and performs a packaging operation in which the packaging unit 5 dispenses the medicine into individual packets based on the timing of administration. Note that the control of the powder supply unit 3, the manual dispensing unit 4, and the packaging unit 5 is the same as in the conventional method, so its explanation is omitted here, and only the tablet dispensing operation by the tablet supply unit 2 will be described.

[0135] The control unit 61 changes the rotational speed of the drive motor 242 of the second drive unit 24, which is driven when dispensing tablets from the variable cassette 22, according to the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information assigned in step S3 for the tablet supply unit 2. That is, the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224 when dispensing tablets from the variable cassette 22 is changed, and the dispensing speed of tablets from the variable cassette 22 is changed according to the type of tablet. Here, the control unit 61 when executing the above process is an example of a drive control means.

[0136] Specifically, the control unit 61 drives the drive motors 241 and 242 corresponding to the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information to be dispensed is assigned, and dispenses tablets by rotating the first rotating body 223 and the second rotating body 224. At this time, the control unit 61 drives the drive motor 242 according to the dispensing speed defined as the drive condition corresponding to the drug information in the drive correspondence information 122. As a result, the dispensing speed of the tablets by the second rotating body 224 in the variable cassette 22 is changed to a speed suitable for the tablets. In this way, in the drug dispensing device 100, if the drive condition includes the driving condition, the control unit 61 drives the variable cassette 22 according to the driving condition (dispensing speed) and dispenses tablets from the variable cassette 22.

[0137] If the variable cassette 22 does not have the height restricting member 226 and the width restricting member 227, it is also possible to change only the dispensing speed of the tablets from the variable cassette 22. Furthermore, the drive speed of the drive motor 241 may be constant or changed depending on the type of tablet. In the dispensing operation, the number of tablets dispensed from the variable cassette 22 is counted by a counter having an optical sensor (not shown) provided at the dispensing port 225 of the variable cassette 22 and input to the control unit 61 as the number of tablets dispensed. As a result, the control unit 61 controls the drive of the variable cassette 22 based on the number of tablets dispensed input from the counter and dispenses only the preset dispensing amount (prescription amount) from the variable cassette 22.

[0138] Furthermore, the control unit 61 performs stop control of dispensing tablets from the variable cassette 22 according to the first slowdown and second slowdown setting values ​​defined as the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information in the drive-corresponding information 122. Here, the control unit 11 when performing this process is an example of a drive control means. In this way, in the drug dispensing device 100, if the drive conditions include the drive stop conditions, the control unit 61 stops the drive of the variable cassette 22 according to the first slowdown and second slowdown conditions, which are the drive stop conditions, when the dispensing of the prescribed amount defined in the prescription data is completed.

[0139] Specifically, consider the case where the first slowdown is set to "6 tablets" and the second slowdown is set to "1 tablet" in the drive response information 122. In this case, when the control unit 61 determines that the remaining number of tablets in the dispensing amount has reached "6 tablets" based on the number of tablets counted by the counter using the optical sensor (not shown) provided in the dispensing port 225, it reduces the rotational speed of the drive motor 242 to the first rotational speed. Subsequently, when the control unit 61 determines that the remaining number of tablets in the dispensing amount has reached "1 tablet" based on the number of tablets counted by the counter using the optical sensor (not shown) provided in the dispensing port 225, it further reduces the rotational speed of the drive motor 242 to the second rotational speed. This prevents extra tablets from being dispensed from the dispensing port 225 if tablets that are prone to rolling are placed on the second rotating body 224.

[0140] Furthermore, the control unit 61 performs stop control of dispensing tablets from the variable cassette 22 according to the presence or absence of the reverse rotation operation, which is defined as the drive condition corresponding to the drug information in the drive correspondence information 122. Here, the control unit 11 when performing the process is an example of a drive control means. In this way, in the drug dispensing device 100, if the drive condition includes the drive stop condition, the control unit 61 drives the variable cassette 22 according to the presence or absence of the reverse rotation operation, which is the drive stop condition, when the dispensing of the prescribed amount defined in the prescription data is completed, and then stops driving the variable cassette 22.

[0141] Specifically, if the reverse rotation operation is set to "Yes" in the drive response information 122, the control unit 61 performs a reverse rotation operation to switch the direction of transport of the tablets by the second rotating body 224 in the reverse direction when stopping the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22. For example, when the number of tablets counted by the counter using the optical sensor (not shown) provided in the dispensing port 225 reaches the dispensing amount, the control unit 61 reverses the drive motor 242 for a predetermined time set in advance. This prevents tablets that are prone to rolling from being dispensed in excess from the dispensing port 225 if such tablets are placed on the second rotating body 224. The dispensing port 225 may also be provided with an opening / closing shutter, and the opening / closing shutter may be closed when the number of tablets counted by the counter reaches the dispensing amount.

[0142] On the other hand, if the reverse rotation operation is set to "none" in the drive response information 122, the control unit 61 does not perform the unnecessary reverse rotation operation when stopping the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22. Furthermore, the timing for starting the reverse rotation operation may be when the number of tablets counted by the counter reaches a value that is less than the dispensing amount by a predetermined number. If the reverse rotation operation is started at such a timing, the drive response information 122 can store in advance the predetermined number corresponding to each drug information. This makes it possible, for example, to start the reverse rotation operation before the number of tablets counted by the counter reaches the dispensing amount, thereby preventing the dispensing of excess tablets from the dispensing port 225. Furthermore, after the number of tablets counted by the counter reaches a value that is less than the dispensing amount by the predetermined number, it is conceivable to start the reverse rotation operation each time a tablet is dispensed.

[0143] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the example described was that in step S4, the height h1 of the height restricting member 226 and the width w1 of the width restricting member 227 in the variable cassette 22 are changed according to the driving conditions. On the other hand, in another embodiment, it is also conceivable that the control unit 61 changes the height h1 of the height restricting member 226 and the width w1 of the width restricting member 227 immediately before the start of the packaging operation in step S7. In other words, the reflection of the pre-driving conditions to the variable cassette 22 can be performed at any timing before the start of the packaging operation.

[0144] (Dispensing control unit 6 side: Step S15) Subsequently, when the packaging operation in step S14 is completed, the control unit 61 sends a notification to the control unit 11 in the following step S15 that the packaging operation has been completed.

[0145] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S8) In response to this, in the prescription control unit 1, the control unit 11 awaits a notification from the control unit 61 that the packaging operation has been completed (No side of S8). When it receives the notification that the packaging operation has been completed (Yes side of S8), the control unit 11 moves the process to step S9.

[0146] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S9) In the subsequent step S9, the control unit 11 displays an indication on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 that dispensing has been completed, indicating that dispensing is complete. For example, in step S9, the words "Dispensing Complete" may be displayed on the display unit 25, or the display of the drug information on the display unit 25 may be erased.

[0147] As described above, with the drug dispensing device 100, the user can automatically dispense tablets simply by putting any tablets that are not pre-stored in each of the fixed cassettes 21 into the variable cassette 22. Therefore, compared to the conventional method of putting tablets into each of the cells of the manual dispensing unit 4, the user's workload is reduced and user errors are prevented.

[0148] Furthermore, since the drug dispensing device 100 is equipped with multiple variable cassettes 22, it is possible to assign different drug information to each of the variable cassettes 22. Therefore, even if the prescription data includes multiple tablets that are not in the fixed cassette 21, the drug dispensing device 100 can perform the packaging operation based on the prescription data using multiple variable cassettes 22. In addition, the drug dispensing device 100 can also perform packaging operations based on multiple prescription data continuously using multiple variable cassettes 22.

[0149] [Adjustment function] Incidentally, in the drug dispensing device 100, in order to dispense any tablet from the variable cassette 22, the driving conditions of the variable cassette 22 must be set in advance for each tablet corresponding to the drug information. In contrast, the drug dispensing device 100 has an adjustment function that uses the drug imaging device 7 to set the driving conditions for dispensing tablets one at a time from the variable cassette 22. As a result, the drug dispensing device 100 can set the driving conditions for tablets that are not registered in the drive correspondence information stored in advance in the storage unit 12 using the adjustment function. The adjustment function will be described below.

[0150] [Pharmaceutical imaging device 7] Here, Figures 12 to 14 show the external appearance of the chemical imaging device 7, and Figure 15 shows the internal configuration of the chemical imaging device 7, and is a transparent view of the exterior of the chemical imaging device 7. In the following explanation, for convenience of explanation, the front, back, top, bottom, and left and right directions as defined in Figures 12 to 15 may be used.

[0151] As shown in Figures 12 to 15, the drug imaging device 7 comprises a housing 71, an opening / closing section 72, an operating section 73, a drug holding section 81, an illumination section 82, and an imaging section 83. Here, the unit including the illumination section 82 and the imaging section 83 is an example of an imaging unit according to the present invention, and hereinafter, this unit will be referred to as the imaging unit 84. Note that the imaging unit 84 is not a single integrated unit of the illumination section 82 and the imaging section 83; rather, in the drug imaging device 7, the illumination section 82 and the imaging section 83 are provided as separate components within the housing 71. Of course, the illumination section 82 and the imaging section 83 may be supported by a common frame.

[0152] The housing 71 and the opening / closing section 72 constitute the exterior of the chemical imaging device 7 and house the chemical holding section 81 and the imaging unit 84, etc. The housing 71 and the opening / closing section 72 are made of light-shielding material such as aluminum or iron. That is, when the opening / closing section 72 is closed, a darkroom is formed inside the chemical imaging device 7 where external light is blocked.

[0153] The opening / closing section 72 is rotatably supported on the housing 71 via a pivot shaft 721, and is openable and closable relative to the housing 71. Figures 12 and 13 show the opening / closing section 72 in the closed state, and Figure 14 shows the opening / closing section 72 in the open state.

[0154] The operating section 73 is an operating knob operated by the user to rotate the chemical holding section 81, and is connected to the chemical holding section 81. Figures 12 and 13 show the operating section 73 in a state where its rotational position is 90 degrees different.

[0155] [Pharmaceutical Holding Section 81] Figures 16 to 19 show the configuration of the pharmaceutical holding section 81. As shown in Figures 16 to 19, the pharmaceutical holding section 81 comprises a pharmaceutical placement section 810, a pair of clamping sections 811 and 812, a placement reference section 813, a clamping support section 814, a pressing section 815, an anti-slip section 816, a contact section 817, a contact section 818, and a contact section 819. Here, the pharmaceutical placement section 810, the clamping sections 811 and 812, and the aforementioned placement reference section 813, which constitute the part of the pharmaceutical holding section 81 that holds tablets, are made of a material that transmits light irradiated from the illumination section 82. For example, the pharmaceutical placement section 810, the clamping sections 811 and 812, and the aforementioned placement reference section 813 are made of a transparent or milky white material that has light transmission, such as polyvinyl chloride or acrylic resin.

[0156] The drug placement section 810 has a drug placement surface 810A on which the tablet to be photographed by the drug imaging device 7 is placed. The pair of clamping sections 811 and 812 have clamping surfaces 811A and 812A capable of clamping the tablet placed on the drug placement section 810. The aforementioned placement reference section 813 has a placement reference surface 813A that defines the placement reference position of the tablet in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tablet is clamped by the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A (front-to-back direction) and parallel to the drug placement surface 810A (left-to-right direction). The placement reference surface 813A is perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A. The aforementioned placement reference surface 813A may have a slight inclination with respect to the direction perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A.

[0157] Furthermore, the clamping portion 811 is fixed to the chemical placement portion 810 and the previously described placement reference portion 813, and the clamping portion 812 is slidably supported by the clamping support portion 814 in a direction parallel to the previously described placement reference surface 813A. That is, the clamping surface 812A of the clamping portion 812 can move closer to and away from the clamping surface 811A of the clamping portion 811. Note that the clamping support portion 814 may slidably support one or both of the clamping portions 811 and 812, and the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A may move closer to and away from each other. It is also conceivable that one of the clamping portions 811 and 812 may be made of a flexible material such as polyvinyl chloride, and the other may be made of a rigid material such as acrylic resin. As a result, the tablet is stably held by the clamping portion 811 and the clamping portion 812.

[0158] The anti-slip portion 816 is provided on the clamping support portion 814 and is an elastic member with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber, that increases the sliding resistance (movement resistance) of the clamping support portion 814 by contacting the back surface 810B of the drug placement portion 810. Furthermore, a biasing member such as a spring is interposed between the pressing portion 815 and the anti-slip portion 816, and the anti-slip portion 816 is biased toward the back surface 810B side of the drug placement portion 810 by the biasing member. This prevents the clamping portion 812 from shifting position and maintains the clamping state of the tablet by the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A.

[0159] The pressing portion 815, in response to a user's pressing operation, reduces the sliding resistance (movement resistance) of the clamping support portion 814 by separating the anti-slip portion 816 from the back surface 810B of the chemical placement portion 810. As a result, the user can easily move the clamping support portion 814 by pressing down on the pressing portion 815.

[0160] The chemical holding section 81 is rotatably supported on the front and back surfaces of the opening / closing section 72 via pivot shafts 731 and 732. Here, pivot shafts 731 and 732 are examples of rotatable support sections. The pivot shaft 731 connects the chemical holding section 81 and the operating section 73, and rotates the chemical holding section 81 in the same direction as the operating section 73 in accordance with the user's rotational operation of the operating section 73.

[0161] Here, the drug holding unit 81 is rotatable between a first position and a second position, which are predetermined as the position when the imaging unit 83 takes a photograph. Specifically, the first position is the position in which the imaging unit 83 is positioned perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A. The second position is the position in which the imaging unit 83 is positioned perpendicular to the clamping direction and parallel to the drug placement surface 810A. That is, the first position is the position in which the tablet can be photographed by the imaging unit 83 from a direction perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A, and the second position is the position in which the tablet can be photographed by the imaging unit 83 from a direction perpendicular to the clamping direction and parallel to the drug placement surface 810A. Here, the drug placement surface 810A is inclined at predetermined angles with respect to the horizontal plane and the vertical plane in each of the first and second positions. In particular, the inclination of the chemical placement surface 810A with respect to the horizontal plane in the first posture is smaller than the inclination with respect to the horizontal plane in the second posture. For example, the inclination of the chemical placement surface 810A with respect to the horizontal plane in the first posture is about 2 to 5 degrees. The second posture is the state in which the chemical holding part 81 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the first posture when the chemical imaging device 7 is viewed from the front. Here, Figure 16 shows the chemical holding part 81 in the first posture, and Figure 19 shows the chemical holding part 81 in the second posture.

[0162] Furthermore, the contact portions 817, 818, and 819 are used to restrict the rotation of the chemical holding portion 81 at predetermined positions. Specifically, as shown in Figure 18, the opening / closing portion 72 is provided with a contact portion 722 that contacts the contact portion 817 when the chemical holding portion 81 rotates counterclockwise to assume the first position, thereby restricting the rotation of the chemical holding portion 81. The opening / closing portion 72 is also provided with a contact portion 723 that contacts the contact portion 818 when the chemical holding portion 81 rotates clockwise to assume the second position, thereby restricting the rotation of the chemical holding portion 81. In this way, the chemical holding portion 81 is rotatable within the range of the first and second positions by the pivot shafts 731 and 732, the contact portions 817 and 818, and the contact portions 722 and 723.

[0163] The contact portion 722 is made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, and a magnet is provided at the contact point of the contact portion 817 with the contact portion 722. As a result, when the chemical holding portion 81 moves to the first position, an attractive force acts on the contact portion 722 and the contact portion 817, allowing the user to recognize that it has moved to the first position. In addition, the magnets on the contact portion 722 and the contact portion 817 increase the rotational resistance of the chemical holding portion 81 in the direction of moving away from the first position. This allows the chemical holding portion 81 to be stabilized in the first position. Here, the contact portion 722 and the contact portion 817 are an example of the first rotation limiting portion. Note that the contact portion 722 and the contact portion 817 may each have magnets of polarity that exert an attractive force on each other.

[0164] Similarly, the contact portion 723 is made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, and a magnet is provided at the contact point of the contact portion 818 with the contact portion 723. As a result, when the chemical holding portion 81 moves to the second position, an attractive force acts on the contact portion 723 and the contact portion 818, allowing the user to recognize that it has moved to the second position. In addition, the magnets on the contact portion 723 and the contact portion 818 increase the rotational resistance of the chemical holding portion 81 in the direction of moving away from the second position. This allows the chemical holding portion 81 to be stabilized in the second position. Here, the contact portion 723 and the contact portion 818 are an example of a second rotation limiting portion. Note that the contact portion 723 and the contact portion 818 may each have magnets of opposite polarity that exert an attractive force on each other.

[0165] Furthermore, the housing 71 is provided with a contact portion 711 (see Figure 15) at a position facing the contact portion 819 when the opening / closing portion 72 is opened. The contact portion 819 contacts the contact portion 711 when the chemical holding portion 81 is rotated clockwise with the opening / closing portion 72 open, thereby restricting the clockwise rotation of the chemical holding portion 81. Note that the counterclockwise rotation of the chemical holding portion 81 with the opening / closing portion 72 open is restricted by the contact portions 722 and 817 as described above.

[0166] As a result, the user can place tablets on and remove them from the drug holder 81 in a stable state, with the rotation of the drug holder 81 restricted. Furthermore, since the drug holder 81 is opened and closed in the first position, the vertical width of the opening / closing section 72 only needs to be within the range that the drug holder 81 can pass through in the first position.

[0167] Furthermore, when the opening / closing section 72 is closed, a configuration is conceivable in which, when the chemical holding section 81 transitions from the first position to the second position, a part of the chemical holding section 81 engages with a part of the housing 71, thereby restricting the opening of the opening / closing section 72. More specifically, a configuration is conceivable in which, in the second position, a projection provided on the chemical holding section 81 is inserted into a recess formed in the housing 71, and in the first position, the projection escapes from the recess. This prevents the chemical holding section 81 from contacting and damaging the housing 71, even if the vertical width of the chemical holding section 81 in the second position is greater than the vertical width of the opening / closing section 72, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the chemical holding section 81.

[0168] Here, Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the main parts showing the state in which the chemical holding part 81 is in the first position, and Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the main parts showing the state in which the chemical holding part 81 is in the second position. As shown in Figure 20, the first position is a state in which the chemical placement surface 810A of the chemical placement part 810 is inclined downward toward the placement reference surface 813A of the placement reference part 813. Also, as shown in Figure 21, the second position is a state in which the chemical placement surface 810A of the chemical placement part 810 is inclined upward toward the placement reference surface 813A of the placement reference part 813.

[0169] The drug holding unit 81 is rotatably supported by the pivot shafts 731 and 732, with a predetermined position P1 in the aforementioned placement reference unit 813 as the pivot center. The imaging unit 83 is fixed in a position that allows it to photograph the tablet placed on the drug placement surface 810A of the drug holding unit 81 in the second posture from the side of the aforementioned placement reference surface 810A. With this configuration, changes in the distance between the tablet placed on the drug placement surface 810A and the imaging unit 83 are suppressed in both the first posture and the second posture. Therefore, for example, focus shifts in the image captured by the imaging unit 83 are suppressed, and measurement dimensional errors caused by changes in the distance from the imaging unit 83 to the tablet are suppressed. More specifically, position P1 is the midpoint of the width in the direction perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A in the aforementioned placement reference unit 813. Furthermore, the width of the aforementioned reference surface 813A in the direction perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A is thought to be the average value of the thickness dimensions of several tablets that are expected to be used. This prevents measurement dimensional errors caused by changes in the distance from the imaging unit 83 to the tablet from being extremely biased depending on the size of the tablet.

[0170] Here, Figure 22 is a view of the drug holding portion 81 in the first position from above, and Figure 23 is a view of the drug holding portion 81 in the first position from the right side. As shown in Figure 22, the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A are spaced further apart as they approach the aforementioned placement reference portion 813, and have a shape that expands toward the aforementioned placement reference surface 813A. More specifically, the clamping surface 811A is perpendicular to the aforementioned placement reference surface 813A. On the other hand, the clamping portion 812A is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the aforementioned placement reference surface 813A. As a result, as shown in Figure 19, when the drug holding portion 81 is in the second position, the tablets placed on the drug placement surface 810A of the drug placement portion 810 are prevented from falling. Furthermore, the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A may be configured to be inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned mounting reference surface 813A, such that the distance between them increases as they get closer to the aforementioned mounting reference surface 813A. Alternatively, the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A may both be configured to be perpendicular to the aforementioned mounting reference portion 813.

[0171] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 23, the gap between the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A widens as they approach the drug placement surface 810A, and they have a shape that expands toward the drug placement surface 810A. As a result, as shown in Figure 19, when the drug holding portion 81 is in the second position, the tablets placed on the drug placement surface 810A are prevented from floating or tilting. Alternatively, the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A may both be inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A, such that the gap between them widens as they approach the drug placement surface 810A. Alternatively, the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A may both be perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A.

[0172] However, in a configuration where the clamping surface 812A is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A such that the distance between the clamping surface 811A and the clamping portion 812A widens as it gets closer to the drug placement surface 810A, there is a risk that a portion of the tablet placed on the drug placement surface 810A may be obstructed by the clamping surface 812A when viewed from the imaging unit 83. In contrast, the drug imaging device 7 uses the field of view of the imaging unit 83 to set the position of the imaging unit 83 and the inclination angle of the clamping surface 812A so that the tablet placed on the drug placement surface 810A is within the imaging range of the imaging unit 83. For example, the inclination angle of the clamping surface 812A with respect to a direction perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A is set to 1 degree or 2 degrees or less. However, the inclination angle of the clamping surface 812A with respect to the direction perpendicular to the chemical placement surface 810A is not limited to this, as long as it is smaller than the inclination angle of the clamping surface 811A with respect to the direction perpendicular to the chemical placement surface 810A.

[0173] Furthermore, in the drug imaging device 7, the position of the optical axis of the lens of the camera 831 (described later) in the clamping direction of the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A is offset by a predetermined value toward the clamping surface 811A when the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A are open. As a result, even for small tablets, loss of images of the tablets due to the inclination of the clamping surface 812A is suppressed.

[0174] [Lighting section 82] Here, Figure 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the illumination unit 82. Figure 25 is a front view of the internal configuration of the drug imaging device 7, and is a transparent view of the exterior of the drug imaging device 7. Also, Figure 25 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the drug holding unit 81 in the first position as viewed from the front. As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the illumination unit 82 comprises a plurality of light sources 821 and a light source support unit 822. Each of the light sources 821 is equipped with an LED that irradiates light onto the tablet via the drug placement surface 810A. The light source support unit 822 is fixed to the housing 71 and fixes and supports each of the light sources 821 at a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the vertical direction.

[0175] Specifically, as shown in Figure 25, the light source 821 is supported by the light source support 822 at an angle that allows it to illuminate the tablets placed on the drug placement surface 810A of the drug holding unit 81 in the first position, from a direction perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A. As a result, in the second position, when the drug holding unit 81 has rotated 90 degrees from the first position, the illumination unit 82 can illuminate the tablets placed on the drug placement surface 810A from a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned placement reference surface 813A. Furthermore, in the drug imaging device 7, the control unit 11 can individually control the on and off of the two light sources 821 located on the left and the two light sources 821 located on the right.

[0176] [Photography Department 83] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, the imaging unit 83 includes a camera 831 and a camera support unit 832. The camera 831 is capable of capturing a color image of the tablet held in the drug holding unit 81. The camera support unit 832 is fixed to the housing 71 and fixes and supports the camera 831 at a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the vertical direction.

[0177] Specifically, the camera 831 is supported by the camera support 832 at an angle that allows it to photograph the tablet held by the drug holding unit 81 from a position perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A of the drug holding unit 81 in the first posture, and facing the illumination unit 82. As a result, the drug imaging device 7 obtains a shadow image of the tablet, without the drug placement unit 810, the clamping units 811 and 812, and the aforementioned placement reference unit 813 being overexposed by the illumination from the illumination unit 82 in the image captured by the imaging unit 83. The image captured by the camera 831 is input to the control unit 11. As a result, the control unit 11 can measure the shape of the tablet based on the image captured by the drug imaging device 7. The drug dispensing device 100 can then set the driving conditions of the variable cassette 22 based on the shape of the tablet measured using the drug imaging device 7.

[0178] [Adjustment process] The following describes an example of the procedure for the adjustment process performed by the control unit 11 in the chemical dispensing device 100, with reference to Figures 26 to 35. The control unit 11 performs the adjustment process in response to a user's execution request operation to the operation unit 14 of the chemical dispensing device 100. It is also conceivable that, in step S4 of the chemical dispensing process (Figure 11), if the control unit 11 determines that the drive conditions corresponding to the chemical information are not registered in the drive correspondence information 122, it may display an operation key on the monitor 13 to select whether or not to perform the adjustment process, and then perform the adjustment process in response to a user operation to the operation unit 14. The adjustment process may also be performed by the control unit 61.

[0179] <Step S31> First, as shown in Figure 26, in step S31, the control unit 11 displays an operation screen on the monitor 13 for selecting the variable cassette 22 and inputting the drug information.

[0180] <Step S32> Next, in step S32, the control unit 11 waits for the user to select the variable cassette 22 on the operation unit 14 (S32: No side). If the variable cassette 22 is selected (S32: Yes side), the process proceeds to step S33.

[0181] Furthermore, in the chemical dispensing device 100, each mounting portion 221 of the variable cassette 22 is configured to drive the height adjustment portion 226A and the width adjustment portion 227A of the variable cassette 22, so that any variable cassette 22 can be selected. That is, in this adjustment process, the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226 and the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 of the variable cassette 22 are adjusted by any mounting portion 221 to which the variable cassette 22 selected in step S31 is mounted.

[0182] <Step S33> In step S33, the control unit 11 waits for the user to input drug information for the tablets to be stored in the variable cassette 22 to the operation unit 14 (S33: No side). If the drug information is input (S33: Yes side), the process proceeds to step S34. Note that the order of steps S32 and S33 may be reversed.

[0183] Furthermore, if the control unit 11 determines in step S4 of the drug dispensing process (Figure 11) that the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information are not registered in the drive correspondence information 122, the selection of the variable cassette 22 and the input of the drug information may be performed automatically. That is, the control unit 11 may select the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information has been assigned as the target of the adjustment process, and input the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 as the drug information for the tablets to be contained in the variable cassette 22.

[0184] <Step S34> In step S34, the control unit 11 performs a drug shape measurement process to measure the shape of the tablet based on the images captured by the imaging unit 83 in multiple states in which the rotational position of the drug holding unit 81 is different. Here, the control unit 11 includes a shape measurement unit 111 (see Figure 2) that performs the drug shape measurement process. Specifically, the control unit 11 functions as the shape measurement unit 111 (an example of shape measurement means) by performing processing according to the drug dispensing program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0185] Here, an example of the procedure for the drug shape measurement process will be described with reference to Figures 27 to 30. It should be noted that in another embodiment, the drug imaging device 7 may be equipped with a control unit such as a CPU or electronic circuit, and the drug shape measurement process in step S34 may be executed by this control unit.

[0186] [Chemical shape measurement process] <Step S41> First, as shown in Figure 27, in step S41, the control unit 11 waits for an operation to start taking an image of the drug holding unit 81 in the first position using the imaging unit 83 (S41: No side).

[0187] For example, in step S41, the control unit 11 displays a shooting start key on the monitor 13 to accept the shooting start operation. The control unit 11 also displays a message on the monitor 13 prompting the user to set a tablet in the drug imaging device 7 and operate the shooting start key. As a result, the user sets the tablet to be measured in the drug imaging device 7 and then operates the shooting start key displayed on the operation unit 14. If the shooting start operation is performed (S41: Yes), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0188] <Step S42> In step S42, the control unit 11 controls the drug imaging device 7 to illuminate the tablets placed on the drug placement unit 810 with the light source 821 of the illumination unit 82, and to capture an image of the tablets with the camera 831 of the imaging unit 83. That is, the illumination unit 82 starts illuminating when the camera 831 captures an image, and turns off after the camera 831 has finished capturing an image. The control unit 11 turns on all four of the light sources 821 of the illumination unit 82. The captured image taken by the camera 831 is stored in the storage unit 12. Hereinafter, in step S42, the image captured by the imaging unit 83 with the drug holding unit 81 in the first position will be referred to as the captured image.

[0189] Furthermore, the range captured by the imaging unit 83 as the upper image is, for example, a range that includes only the drug placement section 810, the clamping sections 811 and 812, and the aforementioned placement reference section 813 of the drug holding section 81. Alternatively, the imaging unit 83 may capture a range that includes the area outside the drug placement section 810, the clamping sections 811 and 812, and the aforementioned placement reference section 813, and the control unit 11 may crop the captured image to include the range of the drug placement section 810, the clamping sections 811 and 812, and the aforementioned placement reference section 813 as the upper image.

[0190] <Step S43> Next, in step S43, the control unit 11 obtains the outline of the tablet included in the upper captured image by performing image processing on the upper captured image. Here, an example of the procedure for the image processing will be described with reference to Figure 28.

[0191] [Image processing] <Step S51> First, in step S51, the control unit 11 reads the upper captured image from the storage unit 12. Here, Figure 32(A) shows an example of the upper captured image taken by the camera 831 in step S42. As shown in Figure 32(A), the upper captured image includes a shadow image M11 of the tablet formed when the light emitted from the illumination unit 82 is blocked by the tablet placed on the drug placement surface 810A. On the other hand, since the drug placement unit 810, the clamping units 811, 812, and the aforementioned placement reference unit 813 are translucent, information about the drug placement unit 810, the clamping units 811, 812, and the aforementioned placement reference unit 813 is lost in the upper captured image due to overexposure.

[0192] <Step S52> In step S52, the control unit 11 performs a grayscale conversion process to convert the above captured image, which is a color image captured by the camera 831, into a grayscale image. Since the grayscale conversion process is a well-known image processing technique, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0193] <Step S53> Next, in step S53, the control unit 11 performs a binarization process to convert the grayscale image obtained in step S52 into a monochrome binary image. Since the binarization process is a well-known image processing technique, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0194] <Step S54> Subsequently, in step S54, the control unit 11 performs an opening process on the binary image converted in step S53, repeating the condensation and bulging processes a predetermined number of times. In the opening process, noise such as dust is removed from the captured image by performing a condensation process on the binary image followed by a bulging process. For example, in the opening process, the condensation and bulging processes are repeated three times.

[0195] <Step S55> Then, in step S55, the control unit 11 performs edge detection processing to detect edges in the upper captured image after noise reduction in step S54. As a result, the control unit 11 can detect the upper contour image M12, which is the contour of the shadow image M11 included in the upper captured image, as shown in Figure 32(B). Note that since the edge detection processing is a well-known image processing method, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0196] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may perform a difference processing in the image processing process by comparing the initial captured image, which is pre-stored as the captured image in the first posture, with the upper captured image to erase unnecessary parts. This makes it possible to remove the part of the drug holding unit 81 that is visible in the upper captured image taken by the shooting unit 83 and extract the image of the tablet. For example, the required shooting accuracy for the illumination unit 82 and the shooting unit 83 is reduced, so the configuration of the drug shooting device 7 may be further simplified.

[0197] <Step S44> Next, returning to Figure 27, in step S44, the control unit 11 executes a bounding rectangle acquisition process to acquire the bounding rectangle of the tablet based on the upper contour image M12 acquired in step S43. The control unit 11 sequentially detects the left edge, right edge, top edge, and bottom edge of the upper contour image M12, and detects the rectangle containing these as the bounding rectangle of the upper contour image M12. Here, Figure 32(C) shows an example of the bounding rectangle M121 of the upper contour image M12.

[0198] <Step S45> Next, in step S45, the control unit 11 waits for an operation to start taking an image of the drug holding unit 81 in the second position using the imaging unit 83 (S45: No side).

[0199] For example, in step S45, the control unit 11 displays a shooting start key on the monitor 13 to accept the shooting start operation. The control unit 11 also displays a message on the monitor 13 prompting the user to operate the shooting start key after moving the drug holding unit 81 to the second position. As a result, the user operates the operation unit 73 of the drug imaging device 7 to move the drug holding unit 81 to the second position, and then operates the shooting start key displayed on the operation unit 14. If the shooting start operation is performed (S45: Yes), the process proceeds to step S46.

[0200] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the drug imaging device 7 may be equipped with posture detection means, such as a mechanical sensor or optical sensor, to detect when the drug holding unit 81 has moved to the second posture. In this case, in step S45, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the predetermined second posture has been detected by the posture detection means. As a result, if the second posture is detected by the posture detection means, the control unit 11 will start imaging the tablet in the next step S46, reducing the effort required for user operation. In another embodiment, the control unit 11 may also start imaging the above image when it detects, using a mechanical sensor or optical sensor, that the opening / closing unit 72 has been closed while the drug holding unit 81 is in the first posture.

[0201] Furthermore, in step S45, the control unit 11 may determine that the drug holding unit 81 is in the second posture based on the presence or absence of a specific image included in the image captured by the camera 831, regardless of whether or not a tablet is placed on the drug placement unit 810. In this case, the control unit 11 and the camera 831 are an example of posture detection means. With such a configuration, the control unit 11 can determine the timing for starting to capture the horizontal image based on the image captured by the camera 831 and automatically start capturing the image, without providing a sensor to detect whether or not the drug holding unit 81 is in the second posture.

[0202] For example, the control unit 11 may detect whether the drug holder 81 is in the second posture by identifying the presence or absence of an image (an example of a specific image) of part or all of the drug holder 81 when the drug holder 81 is in the second posture. Alternatively, a specific mark (an example of a specific image) may be provided on the drug holder 81 that is located within the shooting range of the camera 831 when the drug holder 81 is in the second posture, and outside the shooting range of the camera 831 when the drug holder 81 is in the first posture. In this case, the control unit 11 can detect whether the rotational posture of the drug holder 81 is in the second posture based on the image captured by the camera 831, according to the presence or absence of the specific mark.

[0203] <Step S46> In step S46, the control unit 11 controls the drug imaging device 7 to illuminate the tablet placed on the drug placement unit 810 with the light source 821 of the illumination unit 82, and to capture an image of the tablet with the camera 831 of the imaging unit 83. However, in step S46, unlike in step S42, the control unit 11 turns off the two rightmost light sources 821 of the illumination unit 82, and turns on only the two leftmost light sources 821. As a result, the drug placement unit 81 is illuminated by each of the light sources 821 in the second posture. Therefore, halation that may occur when all the light sources 821 are lit can be prevented, and the accuracy of measuring the shape of the tablet can be improved. The captured image taken by the camera 831 is stored in the storage unit 12. Hereinafter, in step S46, the image of the tablet captured by the imaging unit 83 when the drug holding unit 81 is in the second posture will be referred to as a lateral image.

[0204] Furthermore, the range captured as the horizontal image by the imaging unit 83 is, for example, a range that includes only the drug placement section 810, the clamping sections 811 and 812, and the aforementioned placement reference section 813 of the drug holding section 81. Alternatively, the imaging unit 83 may capture a range that includes the area outside the drug placement section 810, the clamping sections 811 and 812, and the aforementioned placement reference section 813, and the control unit 11 may crop the captured image to capture the range of the drug placement section 810, the clamping sections 811 and 812, and the aforementioned placement reference section 813 as the horizontal image.

[0205] <Step S47> Next, in step S47, the control unit 11 performs the same image processing (see Figure 28) as in step S43 on the horizontally captured image. This detects the horizontal contour image M14 (see Figure 33(B)), which is the contour of the shadow image M13 (see Figure 33(A)) of the tablet included in the horizontally captured image. In this case as well, it is also conceivable that the control unit 11 performs a difference processing in the image processing to erase unnecessary parts by comparing the initial captured image, which is stored in advance as the captured image in the second posture, with the horizontally captured image.

[0206] <Step S48> Then, in step S48, the control unit 11 performs the same circumscribing rectangle acquisition process as in step S44 on the horizontal contour image M14. As a result, the control unit 1 sequentially detects the left edge, right edge, top edge, and bottom edge of the horizontal contour image M14, and detects the rectangle containing these as the circumscribing rectangle of the horizontal contour image M14. Here, Figure 33(C) shows an example of the circumscribing rectangle M141 of the horizontal contour image M14.

[0207] <Step S49> Then, in step S49, the control unit 11 performs a shape identification process to identify the shape type and dimensions of the tablet based on the upper contour image M12, the circumscribed rectangle M121, the lateral contour image M14, and the circumscribed rectangle M141, etc. Here, an example of the shape identification process will be described with reference to Figure 29.

[0208] [Shape identification process] <Step S61> In step S61, the control unit 11 determines whether the tablet is placed in the drug placement unit 810 in a predetermined normal state. If it is determined that the tablet is not placed in a normal state (S61: No), the process proceeds to step S611. On the other hand, if it is determined that the tablet is placed in a normal state (S61: Yes), the process proceeds to step S62. The normal state of the tablet when placed in the drug placement unit 810 is the same state as when the tablet is placed on the second rotating body 224 of the variable cassette 22 and transported. Specifically, the state of the tablet in the dispensing path when transported by the second rotating body 224 is such that the transport direction by the second rotating body 224 is parallel to the direction in which the tablet has the longest dimension, and the width direction of the dispensing path is parallel to the direction in which the tablet has the second longest dimension. In other words, the normal placement state of the tablet on the drug placement section is when the plane containing the direction in which the tablet's dimensions are longest and the direction in which the tablet's dimensions are second longest is parallel to the drug placement surface 810A.

[0209] For example, the control unit 11 determines that the tablet is not placed in a normal state if the dimension in the direction parallel to the clamping direction by the clamping surfaces 811A and 812A in the circumscribing rectangle M121 of the upper contour image M12 captured in the first posture (hereinafter referred to as the width direction) is greater than the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the clamping direction and parallel to the drug placement surface 810A (hereinafter referred to as the vertical direction). Also, the control unit 11 determines that the tablet is not placed in a normal state if the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the drug placement surface 810A in the circumscribing rectangle M141 of the lateral contour image M14 captured in the second posture (hereinafter referred to as the height direction) is greater than the dimension in the width direction.

[0210] In this way, it is confirmed that the tablet is placed on the drug placement surface 810A in a normal state, so the height direction of the tablet is not mistakenly judged as the width direction or the length direction. Therefore, it is prevented that the size of the tablet in the height direction restricted by the height restricting member 226 of the variable cassette 22 will not be properly adjusted. Similarly, it is confirmed that the tablet is placed on the drug placement surface 810A in a normal state, so the width direction of the tablet is not mistakenly judged as the height direction or the length direction. Therefore, it is prevented that the size of the tablet in the width direction restricted by the width restricting member 227 of the variable cassette 22 will not be properly adjusted.

[0211] Furthermore, if the system is configured to perform complex image processing based on the image data of the tablet captured by the drug imaging device 7, it is possible to accurately measure the shape of the tablet even when it is placed on the drug placement surface 810A in any orientation. However, in this case, a configuration capable of performing complex image processing is required, which would result in expensive hardware or software for measuring the shape of the tablet.

[0212] In contrast, the drug imaging device 7 used in the drug dispensing device 100 defines the normal state of the tablet when the user places the tablet on the drug placement surface 810A. The drug dispensing device 100 then confirms that the tablet is placed on the drug placement surface 810A in a normal state. Therefore, the drug dispensing device 100 does not require hardware or software capable of performing complex image processing based on the image data of the tablet, thus reducing the cost required for the configuration to measure the shape of the tablet. For this reason, it is also possible to inexpensively realize the drug imaging device 7, which is equipped with a control unit capable of measuring the shape of the tablet based on the image data captured by the imaging unit 83 and can be used independently of the drug dispensing device 100. Alternatively, the shape measurement program, which allows the computer to function as the shape measurement unit 111, can be installed on any PC (personal computer), such as a laptop, and the drug imaging device 7 can be connected to that PC via a cable N2 such as a USB cable, RS232C cable, or LAN cable. This makes it possible to measure the shape of the tablets (dimensions, shape type, etc.) using the PC and the drug imaging device 7. In the drug dispensing device 100, the formulation control unit 1 may, instead of performing the drug shape measurement process in step S34 of the adjustment process, receive the tablet shape (dimensions, shape type, etc.) measured by the PC from the PC and set the driving conditions based on the shape of the tablets. In this case, the formulation control unit 1 does not need to have the function to perform the shape measurement process.

[0213] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may also determine that the tablet is not placed in a normal state if the area of ​​the circumscribing rectangle 141 in the lateral contour image M14 is larger than the area of ​​the circumscribing rectangle 121 in the upper contour image M12. Note that the abnormality detection in step S61 is not limited to being performed after the upper and lateral images have been captured. For example, in another embodiment, abnormality detection may be performed based on the circumscribing rectangle M121 of the upper contour image M12 when the upper image is captured, and abnormality detection may be performed based on the circumscribing rectangle M141 of the lateral contour image M14 when the lateral image is captured.

[0214] <Step S611> In step S611, the control unit 11 notifies that the tablet is not properly placed on the drug placement unit 810 and terminates the drug shape measurement process. For example, in step S611, the control unit 11 displays an error message on the monitor 14 indicating that the tablet is not properly set.

[0215] <Step S62> Then, in step S62, the control unit 11 performs a shape type identification process to identify the shape type of the tablet based on the upper contour image M12 and the lateral contour image M14. The shape type identification process will be explained in a later section.

[0216] <Step S63> In step S63, the control unit 11 determines whether the lateral contour image M14 is flattened or not. If it is determined that the lateral contour image M14 is flattened (S63: Yes), the process proceeds to step S65. On the other hand, if it is determined that the lateral contour image M14 is not flattened (S63: No), the process proceeds to step S64. Flattened refers to a shape having two straight lines parallel to the longitudinal direction, two straight lines parallel to the short direction, and a curve connecting them, as shown in Figure 34.

[0217] If the lateral contour image M14 is flat, there is a low possibility that the tablet will be placed at an angle on the drug placement surface 810A. However, in step S64 described later, there is a risk that the tilt will be judged to be large based on the position of the diagonal ends of the lateral contour image M14. Therefore, in step S63, a decision is made to exclude flat images, which are less likely to cause tilting of the tablet placed on the drug placement surface 810A, from the tilt determination process in step S64.

[0218] <Step S64> In step S64, the control unit 11 determines whether the horizontal contour image M14 has a tilt exceeding a predetermined tolerance. Specifically, the control unit 11 detects the amount of positional displacement in the height direction at both ends of the horizontal contour image M14 in the width direction, and determines that the horizontal contour image M14 has a tilt exceeding the tolerance if the amount of positional displacement exceeds a predetermined tolerance. If it is determined that the horizontal contour image M14 has a tilt exceeding the tolerance (S64: Yes), the process proceeds to step S611, and if it is determined that the tilt does not exceed the tolerance (S64: No), the process proceeds to step S65.

[0219] <Step S65> Then, in step S65, the control unit 11 performs a dimension identification process to determine the dimensions of the tablet in the vertical, width, and height directions based on the upper contour image M12 and the horizontal contour image M14. The control unit 11 may adopt either the dimension of the upper contour image M12 or the horizontal contour image M14 as the width of the tablet, or it may adopt the average value of the upper contour image M12 and the horizontal contour image M14. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may also notify an error if there is an error between the width dimension in the upper contour image M12 and the width dimension in the horizontal contour image M14 that exceeds a predetermined tolerance value.

[0220] Furthermore, if a tilt less than the allowable amount occurs in the horizontal contour image M14, it is desirable for the control unit 11 to perform a correction process to correct the dimensions of the tablet in the width direction and height direction in the upper contour image M12 and the horizontal contour image M14, taking the tilt into consideration. For example, the control unit 11 calculates the dimension β according to β = α / cos(θ), where θ is the angle of the tilt, α is the width direction dimension of the upper contour image M12 or the horizontal contour image M14, and β is the original width direction dimension of the tablet.

[0221] [Shape type identification process] Here, with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 30 and 31, an example of the procedure for the shape type identification process performed in step S62 will be described. Note that the detection process for straight lines, circles, etc., performed in this shape type identification process utilizes image processing techniques such as the Hough transform.

[0222] <Step S71> First, as shown in Figure 30, in step S71, the control unit 11 determines whether the circumscribing rectangle M121 of the upper contour image M12 obtained from the upper image captured in the first posture is a rectangle. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that the circumscribing rectangle M121 is a rectangle if the ratio of the vertical dimension to the width dimension (width dimension / vertical dimension) is 1.1 or greater. If the circumscribing rectangle M121 is determined to be a rectangle (S71: Yes), the process proceeds to step S72. On the other hand, if the circumscribing rectangle M121 is determined not to be a rectangle (S71: No), the process proceeds to step S78 (see Figure 31).

[0223] <Step S72> In step S72, the control unit 11 determines whether the upper contour image M12 is an oval. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that the upper contour image M12 is an oval if there is at least one straight line in the vertical direction that is 1 / 3 or more of the vertical dimension of the upper contour image M12, or if there are two straight lines in the vertical direction that are 1 / 4 or more of the vertical dimension of the upper contour image M12. If the upper contour image M12 is determined to be an oval (S72: Yes), the process proceeds to step S73. On the other hand, if the upper contour image M12 is determined not to be an oval (S72: No), the process proceeds to step S75.

[0224] <Step S73> In step S73, the control unit 11 determines whether the lateral contour image M14 obtained from the lateral image captured in the second posture is a circle or not. If it is determined that the lateral contour image M14 is a circle (S73: Yes), the process proceeds to step S74. On the other hand, if it is determined that the lateral contour image M14 is not a circle (S73: No), the process proceeds to step S731.

[0225] <Step S74> In step S74, the control unit 11 identifies the shape type of the tablet as "capsule tablet". Here, Figure 34 is a diagram showing a list of the shape types of the tablet. As shown in Figure 34, when the upper contour image M12 is an oval and the horizontal contour image M14 is round, the shape type of the tablet is identified as "capsule tablet".

[0226] <Step S731> On the other hand, in step S731, the control unit 11 identifies the shape type of the tablet as "oval-shaped". That is, as shown in Figure 34, if the upper contour image M12 is oval-shaped and the lateral contour image M14 is not round but flat or bulging, the shape type of the tablet is identified as "oval-shaped". An oval shape, as shown in Figure 34, is a shape having two straight lines parallel to the longitudinal direction and a curve connecting them.

[0227] <Step S75> In step S75, the control unit 11 determines whether the upper contour image M12 is an ellipse. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that the upper contour image M12 is an ellipse if there are no straight lines in the upper contour image M12 and there is only one peak in the upper contour image M12 (no bumps or depressions). If the upper contour image M12 is determined to be an ellipse (S75: Yes), the process proceeds to step S76. On the other hand, if the upper contour image M12 is determined not to be an ellipse (S75: No), the process proceeds to step S81 (see Figure 31).

[0228] <Step S76> In step S76, the control unit 11 determines whether the horizontal contour image M14 is a circle or not. If it is determined that the horizontal contour image M14 is a circle (S76: Yes), the process proceeds to step S77. On the other hand, if it is determined that the horizontal contour image M14 is not a circle (S76: No), the process proceeds to step S761.

[0229] <Step S77> In step S74, the control unit 11 identifies the shape type of the tablet as "egg-shaped". That is, as shown in Figure 34, if the upper contour image M12 is elliptical and the lateral contour image M14 is round, the shape type of the tablet is identified as "egg-shaped".

[0230] <Step S761> In step S761, the control unit 11 determines whether the horizontal contour image M14 is an ellipse. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that the horizontal contour image M14 is an ellipse if there are no straight lines in the height direction of the horizontal contour image M14. If the horizontal contour image M14 is determined to be an ellipse (S761: Yes), the process proceeds to step S762. On the other hand, if there are straight lines in the height direction of the horizontal contour image M14 and the horizontal contour image M14 is determined not to be an ellipse (S761: No), the process proceeds to step S763.

[0231] <Step S762> In step S762, the control unit 11 identifies the shape type of the tablet as "bulging (other)". That is, as shown in Figure 34, if the upper contour image M12 is an ellipse and the lateral contour image M14 is also an ellipse, the shape type of the tablet is identified as "bulging (other)". A bulging shape is a shape that has two straight lines parallel to the shorter direction and a curve connecting them, as shown in Figure 34.

[0232] <Step S763> Furthermore, in step S763, the control unit 11 identifies the shape type of the tablet as "elliptical". That is, as shown in Figure 34, if the upper contour image M12 is elliptical and the lateral contour image M14 is flat or bulging, which is neither round nor elliptical, then the shape type of the tablet is identified as "elliptical".

[0233] <Step S78> Next, as shown in Figure 31, in step S78, the control unit 11 determines whether the upper contour image M12 is a circle or not. If it is determined that the upper contour image M12 is a circle (S78: Yes), the process proceeds to step S79. On the other hand, if it is determined that the upper contour image M12 is not a circle (S78: No), the process proceeds to step S81.

[0234] <Step S79> In step S79, the control unit 11 determines whether the horizontal contour image M14 is a circle or not. If it is determined that the horizontal contour image M14 is a circle (S79: Yes), the process proceeds to step S80. On the other hand, if it is determined that the horizontal contour image M14 is not a circle (S79: No), the process proceeds to step S791.

[0235] <Step S80> In step S80, the control unit 11 identifies the shape type of the tablet as "spherical". That is, as shown in Figure 34, if the upper contour image M12 is round and the lateral contour image M14 is also round, the shape type of the tablet is identified as "spherical".

[0236] <Step S791> In step S791, the control unit 11 determines whether the horizontal contour image M14 is an ellipse, similar to step S761. If it is determined that the horizontal contour image M14 is an ellipse (S791: Yes), the process proceeds to step S792. On the other hand, if it is determined that the horizontal contour image M14 is not an ellipse (S791: No), the process proceeds to step S793.

[0237] <Step S792> In step S792, the control unit 11 identifies the shape type of the tablet as "bulging (round)". That is, as shown in Figure 34, if the upper contour image M12 is round and the lateral contour image M14 is elliptical, the shape type of the tablet is identified as "bulging (round)".

[0238] <Step S793> In step S793, the control unit 11 identifies the shape type of the tablet as "round". That is, as shown in Figure 34, if the upper contour image M12 is round and the lateral contour image M14 is not round but flat or bulging, the shape type of the tablet is identified as "round".

[0239] <Step S81> In step S81, the control unit 11 determines whether the horizontal contour image M14 is flat or not. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that the horizontal contour image M14 is flat if there are straight lines in both the vertical and width directions of the horizontal contour image M14. If it is determined that the horizontal contour image M14 is flat (S81: Yes), the process proceeds to step 82. On the other hand, if it is determined that the horizontal contour image M14 is not flat (S81: No), the process proceeds to step S811.

[0240] <Step S82> In step S82, the control unit 11 specifies the shape type of the tablet as "modified tablet". That is, as shown in FIG. 34, when the upper contour image M12 is not oblong, elliptical, or round, and the lateral contour image M14 is not round or elliptical but flat or bulging, etc., the shape type of the tablet is specified as "modified tablet".

[0241] <Step S811> In step S811, the control unit 11 determines whether the lateral contour image M14 is bulging. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that the lateral contour image M14 is bulging when there is a straight line in the vertical direction of the lateral contour image M14 and an arc in the width direction of the lateral contour image M14. Here, when it is determined that the lateral contour image M14 is bulging (on the Yes side of S811), the process proceeds to step 82, and the shape type of the tablet is specified as "modified tablet". That is, as shown in FIG. 34, when the upper contour image M12 is not oblong, elliptical, or round, and the lateral contour image M14 does not correspond to any of round, elliptical, flat, or bulging, the shape type of the tablet is specified as "modified tablet". On the other hand, when it is determined that the lateral contour image M14 is not bulging (on the No side of S811), the process proceeds to step S812.

[0242] <Step S812> In step S812, the control unit 11 specifies the shape type of the tablet as "bulging (others)". That is, as shown in FIG. 34, when the upper contour image M12 is not oblong, elliptical, or round, and the lateral contour image M14 is bulging, the shape type of the tablet is specified as "bulging (others)".

[0243] In this way, the shape type identification process identifies the shape type of the tablet by selecting from nine predetermined shape types, depending on the combination of the shapes of the upper contour image M12 and the lateral contour image M14. This reduces the effort required for the user to measure the shape of the tablet. Furthermore, since the processing for recognizing the shapes of the upper contour image M12 and the lateral contour image M14 can be achieved using only general-purpose processing such as the Hough transform, the configuration required for measuring the shape of the tablet can be made simple and inexpensive.

[0244] <Step S35> Then, returning to Figure 26, in step S35, the control unit 11 performs a setting process to set the driving conditions (pre-driving conditions, driving conditions, and driving stop conditions) for the variable cassette 22 based on the shape of the tablet measured in the drug shape measurement process. Here, the control unit 11 includes a driving condition setting unit 112 (see Figure 2) that performs the driving condition setting process. Specifically, the control unit 11 functions as the driving condition setting unit 112 (an example of a driving condition setting means) by performing a process according to the drug dispensing program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0245] Here, Figure 35 is a diagram showing an example of setting information that illustrates the relationship between the shape of the tablet and the settings of the driving conditions, and this setting information is pre-stored in the memory unit 12 or the like. In the example shown in Figure 35, the settings for each of the driving conditions, namely the height of the dispensing path, the width of the dispensing path, the dispensing speed, the first slowdown, the second slowdown, and the reverse rotation operation, are defined for each shape of the tablet. The control unit 11 then sets the driving conditions corresponding to the tablet based on the shape of the tablet measured in the drug shape measurement process and the setting information.

[0246] For example, the height and width of the dispensing path represent the relationship between the height and width of the tablet measured in the drug shape measurement process and the set values ​​of the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226 and the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 of the variable cassette 22. Specifically, if the shape of the tablet is a capsule tablet, the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226 is set to 1.3 times the height dimension of the capsule tablet. Similarly, if the shape of the tablet is a capsule tablet, the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 is set to 1.4 times the width dimension of the capsule tablet.

[0247] Furthermore, the dispensing speed refers to the dispensing speed of tablets by the variable cassette 22, that is, the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224. Here, the dispensing speed is a value preset for each type of tablet shape to prevent an excess number of tablets from being dispensed from the variable cassette 22. More specifically, tablets that roll easily are more likely to be dispensed in excess if the dispensing speed is fast. Also, tablets that lift up at their side ends may be transported with adjacent tablets overlapping vertically, which narrows the pitch during tablet transport and increases the likelihood of extra tablets being dispensed. Therefore, it is desirable to determine the dispensing speed for each type of tablet shape, taking into consideration factors such as how easily they roll and how easily they overlap.

[0248] Specifically, the dispensing speeds v21 to v24 shown in Figure 35 have the relationship v21 > v22 > v23 > v24. For example, if the shape of the tablet is a spherical or egg-shaped tablet that is easy to roll, the dispensing speed will be set slower compared to the case of a round or irregularly shaped tablet that is difficult to roll. Also, if the shape of the tablet is an elliptical shape that is easy to overlap, the dispensing speed will be set slower compared to the case of a capsule or round tablet that is difficult to overlap.

[0249] Furthermore, it is conceivable that different dispensing speeds may be pre-set for each size of the tablets of the same type and shape. Specifically, even if the shape and type are the same, larger tablets will have a larger pitch when they are lined up and transported along the dispensing path from the variable cassette 22, while smaller tablets will have a smaller pitch. Therefore, it is conceivable that even for tablets of the same shape and type, a corresponding dispensing speed may be set for each size. Specifically, the smaller the size of the tablets and the smaller the pitch between tablets when they are transported along the transport path, the higher the accuracy of the counter in the variable cassette 22 required to count the tablets without counting errors. Therefore, it is conceivable that the relationship between the size of the tablets and the dispensing speed may be set such that the dispensing speed increases with increasing tablet size and decreases with decreasing tablet size. This prevents the dispensing speed from being unnecessarily suppressed when the tablets are large, and prevents counting errors by the counter when the tablets are small. Also, it is possible to use an inexpensive sensor as the optical sensor used in the counter, for example.

[0250] Furthermore, the first slowdown and the second slowdown indicate the timing of the slowdown when the dispensing of tablets by the variable cassette 22 stops. Here, the number of tablets set in the first slowdown and second slowdown items are values ​​predetermined for each type of tablet shape to prevent an excess number of tablets from being dispensed from the variable cassette 22. For example, if the tablet shape is a spherical shape that rolls easily, the number of tablets set for the first slowdown and second slowdown will be higher than in the case of a less rolling shape such as an oblong or oval.

[0251] The reverse rotation operation refers to the setting for whether or not to perform the reverse rotation operation when the dispensing of tablets by the variable cassette 22 stops. Here, the reverse rotation operation is pre-set for each type of tablet shape to prevent an extra number of tablets from being dispensed from the variable cassette 22. For example, the reverse rotation operation is performed for spherical tablets that roll easily, while it is not performed for round or irregularly shaped tablets that do not roll easily.

[0252] <Step S36> Subsequently, in step S36, the control unit 11 performs a storage process to associate the drive conditions set in step S35 with the drug information of the tablets and register them in the drive correspondence information 122. As a result, the drive conditions corresponding to tablets that were not registered in the drive correspondence information 122 are registered in the drive correspondence information 122, so that after the adjustment process is executed, the tablets can be dispensed from the variable cassette 22 in the drug dispensing process (see Figure 11).

[0253] <Step S37> In step S37, the control unit 11 transmits the drive conditions set in step S35 to the control unit 61. As a result, the control unit 61 drives the variable cassette 22 according to the drive conditions. Specifically, the control unit 61 controls the height adjustment unit 226A and the width adjustment unit 227A of the variable cassette 22, and adjusts the height h1 restricted by the height regulating member 226 and the width w1 restricted by the width regulating member 227 according to the drive conditions set in step S35. The control unit 61 also sets the tablet dispensing speed by the variable cassette 22, the timing of the first slowdown and the second slowdown when the tablet dispensing by the variable cassette 22 stops, and whether or not to perform the reverse rotation operation when the tablet dispensing by the variable cassette 22 stops. Furthermore, when performing the adjustment process for the variable cassette 22 to which the aforementioned drug information has been assigned, the control unit 11 transmits the cassette identification information of the variable cassette 22 along with the drive conditions to the control unit 61. Here, the control unit 11, when performing the process of driving the variable cassette 22 according to the drive conditions by transmitting the drive conditions to the control unit 61, may be considered as an example of a drive control means.

[0254] In the adjustment process, step S37 can be omitted. That is, in the adjustment process, only the measurement of the shape of the tablet and the setting of the driving conditions according to the shape of the tablet may be performed. This makes it possible to register the driving conditions corresponding to the tablet in the driving information 122 in advance without driving the variable cassette 22.

[0255] As described above, in the drug dispensing device 100, the adjustment process is performed using the drug imaging device 7, thereby setting the drive conditions even for tablets whose drive conditions are not registered in the drive correspondence information 122, and enabling the dispensing of the tablets from the variable cassette 22. Furthermore, in the adjustment process, the user can easily capture images necessary to identify the shape of the tablets using the drug imaging device 7. In addition, since the drug imaging device 7 obtains an image of the tablet with the part that holds the tablet excluded, the image processing performed by the drug imaging device 7 can be simplified and does not involve difficult image processing. Consequently, there is no need to use expensive image processing software for the drug shape measurement process, and it is possible to measure the shape of the tablets using the drug imaging device 7 at low cost.

[0256] Furthermore, in the drug imaging device 7, the camera 831 and the light source 821 are fixed, and only the drug holding unit 81, which is positioned between them and has a small radius of rotation, is rotatable. Therefore, the drug imaging device 7 can be made smaller compared to a configuration in which the camera 831 and the light source 821 are rotatable. In addition, the only electronic components used in the drug imaging device 7 are the light source 821 and the camera 831, and the other components are realized by mechanical structures, which also allows the drug imaging device 7 to be constructed inexpensively. However, as another embodiment of the present invention, in the drug imaging device 7, the drug holding unit 81 is fixed to the opening / closing unit 72 in a manner that prevents rotation, and a rotating support unit is provided that supports the imaging unit 84, including the camera 831 and the illumination unit 82, so that it can rotate around the drug holding unit 81. In this case, for example, the rotating support portion may include a frame member that supports the camera 831 and the illumination unit 82, and a pivot shaft that supports the frame member so that it can rotate at a position coaxial with the position P1. Alternatively, a configuration may be provided in which rotating support portions are provided to rotatably support the chemical holding unit 81 and the imaging unit 84, respectively.

[0257] [Other uses of the pharmaceutical imaging device 7] Incidentally, using the drug imaging device 7, it is possible to determine not only the driving conditions of the variable cassette 22 for dispensing the tablets, but also the internal structure of the fixed cassette 21. That is, by using the drug imaging device 7, it is possible to easily obtain the shape type and dimensions of the tablets necessary for manufacturing the fixed cassette 21 corresponding to the tablets.

[0258] More specifically, the present invention may be considered as a drug shape measuring device comprising the drug imaging device 7 and an information processing device such as a personal computer. The information processing device then performs the drug shape measurement process (see Figure 27) to measure the shape type and dimensions of the tablet based on the upper contour image M12 and the lateral contour image M14 captured by the drug imaging device 7. This makes it possible to easily design the internal structure of the fixed cassette 21 that matches the shape type and dimensions of the tablet. Furthermore, the effort required to manually measure the dimensions of the tablet is reduced, and errors due to human factors by workers who identify the shape type and dimensions of the tablet by visual inspection and manual measurement are prevented.

[0259] For example, based on the shape type and dimensions of the tablet corresponding to the fixed cassette 21, one or more recesses or protrusions corresponding to the shape of the tablet can be formed on one or more walls within the gap 217, thereby approximating the internal shape of the gap 217 to that of the tablet. This allows the internal shape of the gap 217 of the fixed cassette 21 to be matched to the shape of the tablet, thereby suppressing the oscillation of the tablet within the gap 217.

[0260] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the drug dispensing device 100, in which a relatively small number of usable variable cassettes 22 are available, was used as an example. On the other hand, the present invention can also be applied to a drug dispensing device 300 in which a large number of variable cassettes 22 are available. Herein, Figures 36 and 37 are external views of the drug dispensing device 300. The configuration with a large number of drug cassettes is also described, for example, in International Publication No. 2013 / 118838. As shown in Figures 36 and 37, the drug dispensing device 300 includes the drug imaging device 7, adjustment unit 301, vial dispensing unit 302, and operation monitor 303, etc. The drug dispensing device 300 also includes a control device (not shown) that performs the adjustment process (see Figure 26) in the same way as the control unit 11. Furthermore, the drug dispensing device 300 can be fitted with a plurality of the variable cassettes 22, and the drug dispensing device 300 dispenses vials containing tablets supplied from each of the variable cassettes 22 from the vial dispensing unit 302.

[0261] In the drug dispensing device 300 configured in this way, if a mechanism for changing the width w1 and height h1 of the tablet transport path in each of the variable cassettes 22 were provided, the device would become larger and the cost would increase. Therefore, the drug dispensing device 300 is provided with an adjustment unit 301 that is common to multiple variable cassettes 22. The adjustment unit 301 has the same configuration as the mounting unit 221 of the drug dispensing device 100, and is capable of changing the width w1 and height h1 of the tablet transport path in the variable cassette 22. In the drug dispensing device 300 configured in this way, the control device (not shown) performs the adjustment process on the variable cassette 22 mounted on the adjustment unit 301, making it possible to use the variable cassette 22 in a way that is suitable for any tablet. Thus, the configuration of the drug dispensing device 300 can be made smaller and the cost can be reduced.

[0262] <Third Embodiment> Here, FIGS. 38 and 39 are diagrams showing a modified example of the variable cassette 22 and the mounting portion 221, and are schematic views of a state in which the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the mounting portion 221 as viewed from the front. As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, a front cover 2210 is mounted on the mounting portion 221. Also, for the variable cassette 22 and the mounting portion 221, the description of the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Here, the drug dispensing device 100 will be described, but the drug dispensing device 300 can be configured in the same manner.

[0263] As described above, in the variable cassette 22, the first rotating body 223 can be moved up and down by the lifting mechanism (not shown), and the volume in the tablet storage portion 222 can be changed by moving the first rotating body 223 up and down. Also, in the drug dispensing device 100, a tablet detection unit such as an optical sensor for detecting the tablets placed on the second rotating body 224 is provided, and it is detected by the tablet detection unit whether there are tablets on the second rotating body 224.

[0264] In the drug dispensing device 100 configured as described above, when no tablet is detected by the drug detection unit, the drive gear 228B is driven by the drive motor, and the first rotating body 223 rises in the tablet storage portion 222. As a result, the tablets in the tablet storage portion 222 are supplied from the first rotating body 223 to the second rotating body 224. The driving of the first rotating body 223 is continued, for example, until a tablet is detected by the tablet detection unit or until a preset time has elapsed.

[0265] Furthermore, a configuration is also conceivable in which, when the interval at which the tablet is detected by the counter provided at the dispensing outlet 225 of the variable cassette 22 exceeds a predetermined time, the drive gear 228B is driven by the drive motor to raise the first rotating body 223. In this case, the driving of the first rotating body 223 continues, for example, until a tablet is detected by the counter, or until a preset time has elapsed. The lifting mechanism is also described, for example, in International Publication No. 2013 / 118838.

[0266] However, if the user cannot determine the remaining number of tablets contained in the variable cassette 22 while the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the mounting unit 221, it becomes difficult to determine the timing for replenishing the tablets in the variable cassette 22.

[0267] Therefore, in the drug dispensing device 100 according to the third embodiment, the front portion 2211 and the tablet storage portion 222 that form the exterior of the variable cassette 22 are made of a transparent or translucent material such as resin. The transparency of the front portion 2211 and the tablet storage portion 222 should be such that the vertical position of the first rotating body 223 inside the variable cassette 22 can be visually observed. Furthermore, the gripping portion 2212 provided on the front of the variable cassette 22 for the user to grip may also be transparent or translucent. In addition, the front portion 2211 is provided with a scale 2213 that indicates the position of the first rotating body 223 in the vertical direction D1. The scale 2213 indicates positions that serve as indicators for determining the remaining amount of tablets inside the variable cassette 22 at preset intervals within the vertical range of the first rotating body 223.

[0268] In Figures 38 and 39, the first rotating body 223, which is visible from the outside of the variable cassette 22, is shown by a dashed line. As shown in Figures 38 and 39, in the drug dispensing device 100 according to this third embodiment, even when the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the mounting section 221, the user can visually see the current position of the first rotating body 223 in the vertical direction D1 from outside the variable cassette 22. In particular, as shown in Figures 38 and 39, the variable cassette 22 is provided with a scale 2213 for easily recognizing the position of the first rotating body 223 in the vertical direction R1, so the remaining amount of tablets in the variable cassette 22 can be easily determined by visually observing the scale 2213 and the position of the first rotating body 223.

[0269] Therefore, the user can determine the remaining number of tablets contained in the variable cassette 22 while the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the mounting unit 221. As a result, the user can replenish the variable cassette 22 with tablets at the appropriate time when they notice that the amount of tablets in the variable cassette 22 is running low. This prevents situations where, for example, the number of tablets in the variable cassette 22 runs out during dispensing by the drug dispensing device 100, requiring replenishment work at that time.

[0270] Furthermore, the contents of the variable cassette 22 are visible from the outside, and for example, it is visible that the first rotating body 223 of the variable cassette 22 is rotating, so the user can recognize that tablets are being dispensed from the variable cassette 22. For example, the user recognizes that the variable cassette 22 is in operation when grasping the gripping part 2212 of the variable cassette 22. Therefore, the drug dispensing device 100 prevents the user from removing the variable cassette 22 while it is in operation.

[0271] By the way, in this embodiment, the variable cassette 22 has been described in which tablets can be dispensed by the rotational movement of the first rotating body 223 and the volume of the tablet storage section 222 can be varied by the vertical movement of the first rotating body 223, but it is not limited to this. That is, the concept of the invention extracted from this embodiment includes a configuration in which the variable cassette 22 includes a dispensing operation unit that performs an operation to dispense tablets by receiving a driving force from a predetermined drive source, and a volume changing unit that changes the volume of the tablet storage section 222 by receiving a driving force from a predetermined drive source. An example of the dispensing operation unit includes, in addition to a mechanism that involves the rotational movement of the first rotating body 223, a mechanism that dispenses tablets by using vibration, for example. Furthermore, an example of the volume changing unit includes, in addition to a vertical movement mechanism that performs the vertical movement of the first rotating body 223, a mechanism that can change the volume by moving the inner wall surface or partition plate of the tablet storage section 222 by rotational or sliding movement, for example.

[0272] Furthermore, for the variable cassette 22 equipped with the dispensing operation unit and the volume changing unit, it is preferable that the front portion 2211 is transparent or semi-transparent, as described above, so that the contents of the variable cassette 22 can be seen from the outside. That is, by allowing the user to see whether or not the dispensing operation unit is operating, the removal of the variable cassette 22 during the tablet dispensing operation is prevented, and by allowing the user to see the state of the volume changing unit, the remaining amount of tablets in the tablet storage portion 222 can be easily grasped. In addition, if it does not affect the tablet dispensing function of the variable cassette 22, it is also conceivable that an opening be provided in a part of the exterior of the variable cassette 22 so that the contents of the variable cassette 22 can be seen from the outside. Furthermore, if the top, side, or back surface of the variable cassette 22 is visible from the outside when the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the drug dispensing device 100, it is also conceivable that the surface visible from the outside be transparent or semi-transparent, or that an opening be provided on the surface visible from the outside. Furthermore, the color images of the tablets captured by camera 831 may be registered in the drug master. Each registered color image, along with its drug code, may be transmitted to other drug dispensing devices 100. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0273] 7: Chemical imaging device 71: Cabinet 72: Opening / Closing Section 73:Operation unit 81: Chemical holding section 810: Chemical storage section 810A: Chemical placement surface 811: Sandwiching part 811A: Gripping surface 812: Sandwiching part 812A: Sandwiching surface 813: Mounting Reference Section 813A: Mounting reference surface 82: Lighting Department 821: Light source 822: Light source support part 83: Photography Department 831: Camera 831: Camera support section 100: Chemical dispensing device S1, S2... Processing step numbers

Claims

1. The height and width of the dispensing path for dispensing the chemicals, or both, can be changed, and the second storage section is detachable from the chemical dispensing device. A drive unit that drives a path adjustment means capable of changing either or both the height and width of the dispensing path in the second storage section, A control unit that controls the drive unit according to the shape type or dimensions of the aforementioned drug and changes either or both the height and width of the dispensing path in the second storage unit, A first storage section that can dispense a predetermined type of tablet contained therein and is detachable from the drug dispensing device, A packaging unit for packaging tablets dispensed from either or both of the first and second storage sections, A chemical dispensing device equipped with the following features.

2. The control unit changes either or both the height and width of the dispensing path in the second storage unit according to the shape type or dimensions of the chemical measured by the shape measuring unit, which measures the shape type or dimensions of the chemical outside the second storage unit. The drug dispensing device according to claim 1.

3. The device includes a second drive unit that drives the second storage unit to dispense the chemical from the second storage unit. The drug dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images