Dispensing support system, dispensing support method, and dispensing support program

Abstract

To provide a dispensing support system, a dispensing support method, and a dispensing support program capable of improving the efficiency of a medication filling work in a dispensing facility.SOLUTION: In a medication put-out device 6, a determination unit 615, on the basis of a stock amount of an object medication by each expiration date and a fillable amount of the object medication capable of filling a medication housing area of the medication put-out device 6 therewith, determines the expiration date of the object medication wherein the medication housing area has to be filled with the object medication and the filling amount of the object medication corresponding to the expiration date. An output unit 616 outputs the filling amount of the object medication of the expiration date determined by the determination unit 615.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 44

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing support system, a dispensing support method, and a dispensing support program.

Background Art

[0002] In the dispensing process of drugs in a dispensing facility such as a pharmacy, a drug dispensing device that dispenses drugs based on prescription data may be used. For example, as an example of a drug dispensing device, a sheet dispensing device that dispenses necessary drugs in sheet units based on prescription data is known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] 2]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the inventory of drugs that can be filled in a drug dispensing device may include drugs with different expiration dates. In this case, it is difficult for the filling operator to grasp how much of the drugs with which expiration dates should be filled into the drug dispensing device when performing the filling operation. Therefore, there arises a problem that the efficiency of the filling operation is reduced.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing support system, a dispensing support method, and a dispensing support program that can improve the efficiency of the drug filling operation in a dispensing facility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A dispensing support system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a determination processing unit and an output processing unit. The determination processing unit determines, based on the inventory quantity of the target drug by expiration date and the fillable amount of the target drug that can be filled into the drug storage area of ​​the dispensing device, the expiration date of the target drug that should be filled into the drug storage area among the expiration dates, and the amount of the target drug to be filled corresponding to that expiration date. The output processing unit outputs the amount of the target drug to be filled for the expiration date determined by the determination processing unit.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a dispensing support method in which one or more processors perform a determination step of determining the expiration date of the target drug to be filled into the drug storage area of ​​a dispensing device and the amount of the target drug to be filled corresponding to the expiration date, based on the inventory amount of the target drug by expiration date and the amount of the target drug that can be filled into the drug storage area of ​​a dispensing device, and an output step of outputting the amount of the target drug to be filled for the expiration date determined by the determination step.

[0008] A dispensing support program according to another aspect of the present invention is a dispensing support program that causes one or more processors to execute: a determination step of determining the expiration date of the target drug to be filled into the drug storage area of ​​a dispensing device and the amount of the target drug to be filled corresponding to the expiration date, based on the inventory amount of the target drug by expiration date and the amount of the target drug that can be filled into the drug storage area of ​​a dispensing device; and an output step of outputting the amount of the target drug to be filled for the expiration date determined by the determination step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dispensing support system, a dispensing support method, and a dispensing support program that can improve the efficiency of drug filling operations in dispensing facilities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed by the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed by the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a flowchart showing another example of the steps of a dispensing support process performed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the dispensing support process executed in the dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the dispensing support process executed in the dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the dispensing support process executed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of the dispensing support process executed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a plan view showing the overall layout of the dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of the equipment arranged in the dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the receiving and storage area in the dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27]Figure 27 shows the receiving process at a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] Figure 28 shows the sorting process in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] Figure 29 shows the sorting process in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] Figure 30 shows the sorting process in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] Figure 31 shows an example of an operation screen displayed on a terminal within a center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] Figure 32 shows an example of an incoming label issued from a terminal within the center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33A] Figure 33A shows an example of distribution information stored in a center-side dispensing support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33B] Figure 33B shows an example of distribution information stored in a center-side dispensing support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] Figure 34 shows an example of receiving destination information stored in a center-side dispensing support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows a storage shelf arranged in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] Figure 36 shows a storage shelf arranged in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] Figure 37 shows dispensing equipment arranged in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38A] Figure 38A shows an example of the operation screen of a mobile terminal placed in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38B] Figure 38B shows an example of the operation screen of a mobile terminal placed in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39A]Figure 39A shows an example of the operation screen of a mobile terminal placed in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39B] Figure 39B shows an example of the operation screen of a mobile terminal placed in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39C] Figure 39C shows an example of the operation screen of a mobile terminal placed in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40A] Figure 40A shows an example of the operation screen of a portable terminal placed in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40B] Figure 40B shows an example of the operation screen of a mobile terminal placed in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41] Figure 41 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for drug receiving processing performed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for drug receiving processing performed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for drug receiving processing performed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a dispensing support system applied to a filling process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45] Figure 45 shows an example of prescription data registered in a higher-level system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] Figure 46 is an external view showing an example of a chemical storage unit implemented in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47A] Figure 47A is an external view showing an example of a chemical storage unit implemented in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47B] Figure 47B is an external view showing an example of a chemical storage unit implemented in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48]Figure 48 shows an example of a storage master stored in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] Figure 49 shows an example of prescription data stored in a drug dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50A] Figure 50A shows a specific example of a method for determining the filling amount in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50B] Figure 50B shows a specific example of a method for determining the filling amount in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50C] Figure 50C shows a specific example of a method for determining the filling amount in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50D] Figure 50D shows a specific example of a method for determining the filling amount in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50E] Figure 50E shows a specific example of a method for determining the filling amount in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50F] Figure 50F shows a specific example of a method for determining the filling amount in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50G] Figure 50G shows a specific example of a method for determining the filling amount in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50H] Figure 50H shows a specific example of a method for determining the filling amount in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51] Figure 51 shows an example of the operation screen of a mobile terminal placed in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 52] Figure 52 is a flowchart showing an example of a drug filling procedure performed by a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 53A] Figure 53A shows a specific example of a method for determining the filling amount in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 53B]Figure 53B shows a specific example of a method for determining the filling amount in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 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.

[0012] [Pharmacy support system 10] As shown in Figure 1, the dispensing support system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is composed of a plurality of pharmacies and a dispensing center capable of dispensing medications in response to dispensing requests (commissions) from each pharmacy. Each pharmacy is a facility that dispenses medications based on patient prescription data. The dispensing center is a facility (corresponding to the dispensing facility of the present invention) that can receive dispensing requests from each pharmacy for part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data and dispense medications based on those requests. In the dispensing support system 10 shown in Figure 1, a plurality of pharmacies and one dispensing center capable of receiving dispensing requests from each of the plurality of pharmacies are shown as examples, but the dispensing support system 10 may be composed of one pharmacy and one dispensing center. Alternatively, the dispensing support system 10 may be composed of a plurality of dispensing centers and a plurality of pharmacies associated with each dispensing center. For example, if the dispensing support system 10 includes a plurality of dispensing centers, each pharmacy is assigned a specific dispensing center. Alternatively, one or more of the plurality of pharmacies included in the dispensing support system 10 may function as the dispensing center. For example, a first pharmacy may receive a dispensing request from a second pharmacy and dispense the medication. In other words, the dispensing facility of the present invention includes a facility (pharmacy, hospital, etc.) that dispenses medication based on prescription data.

[0013] The dispensing support system 10 performs the dispensing process for medications at either the pharmacy or the dispensing center, or both. The general flow of the dispensing process will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

[0014] When a patient visits any pharmacy A, they register at pharmacy A. Pharmacy A receives the patient's insurance card information (patient information), medical questionnaire, medication record book, etc., and then obtains the patient's prescription information (prescription data). For example, pharmacy A obtains the patient's prescription data from a higher-level system (not shown), such as an electronic medical record system or a prescription input terminal. Alternatively, pharmacy A may obtain prescription data by having a pharmacy staff member input (register) the information into a terminal device after receiving a paper prescription from the patient.

[0015] The pharmacist at Pharmacy A decides whether to dispense the medication prescribed to the patient within Pharmacy A or at a dispensing center. For example, the pharmacist decides where to dispense the medication (Pharmacy A or dispensing center) based on factors such as whether the medication is needed immediately by the patient, the patient's request, and whether they want to receive the medication immediately.

[0016] When a pharmacist decides to have all medications included in a patient's prescription data dispensed at a dispensing center, Pharmacy A requests the dispensing center to dispense the prescription data. Based on the dispensing request from Pharmacy A, the dispensing center dispenses all medications included in the prescription data. Once the dispensing and inspection are complete, the dispensing center delivers the dispensed medications to Pharmacy A. Upon receiving the dispensed medications, Pharmacy A inspects them and, if there are no problems, hands them over to the patient. Pharmacy A may hand over the medications to the patient when they return to the pharmacy, or it may deliver them to the patient's home or the patient's residence (hospital, nursing home, etc.). Alternatively, the dispensing center may deliver the dispensed medications directly to the patient's home or residence.

[0017] On the other hand, if a pharmacist decides to dispense all the medications included in the patient's prescription data at Pharmacy A, Pharmacy A will use its dispensing equipment to dispense all the medications included in the prescription data. Once Pharmacy A has completed dispensing and verification, it will hand over the dispensed medications to the patient.

[0018] Furthermore, the dispensing support system 10 can also dispense some of the medications included in the prescription data at the dispensing center and the other medications at the pharmacy. For example, if a pharmacist decides to dispense some of the medications M1 included in the patient's prescription data at the dispensing center and the other medications M2 at pharmacy A, pharmacy A will use its dispensing equipment to dispense medications M2 and request the dispensing center to dispense medications M1. Once pharmacy A has completed dispensing and inspection of medications M2, it will hand over the dispensed medications M2 to the patient. The dispensing center will also dispense medications M1 included in the prescription data based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A. Once the dispensing center has completed dispensing and inspection of medications M1, it will deliver the dispensed medications M1 to pharmacy A. Upon receiving the dispensed medications M1, pharmacy A will perform inspections and, if there are no problems, will hand over the medications M1 to the patient. Furthermore, if videos of the dispensing, inspection, and packaging processes within the dispensing center related to drug M1 are stored in association with drug M1, a pharmacist or staff member at pharmacy A may perform the inspection (verification) by reviewing these videos. Patients may receive only drug M2 upon arrival at the pharmacy and receive drug M1 at a later date, or they may receive both drug M1 and M2 together after drug M1 has been delivered to pharmacy A.

[0019] In this way, pharmacies distribute some or all of the prescription data to either the pharmacy or the dispensing center, and the dispensing center dispenses the medications upon receiving a dispensing request from the pharmacy.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the dispensing support system 10 according to this embodiment includes a pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 that supports the dispensing sorting operations at a pharmacy, and a center-side dispensing support device 5 that supports dispensing operations at a dispensing center.

[0021] The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which is located in conjunction with each pharmacy, and the center-side dispensing support device 5, which is located in conjunction with the dispensing center, are connected to each other via a network N0. Network N0 can be a LAN, WAN, the Internet, or an intranet. In this embodiment, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 is located within the pharmacy, and the center-side dispensing support device 5 is located within the dispensing center. In another embodiment, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may be located outside the pharmacy, and the center-side dispensing support device 5 may be located outside the dispensing center. In yet another embodiment, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and the center-side dispensing support device 5 may be configured as a single device (server).

[0022] 1. Dispensing support processing on the pharmacy side. [Pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1] Figure 2 illustrates a single pharmacy, A. Pharmacy A is equipped with a pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, an in-pharmacy terminal 1A, and multiple dispensing machines 1B. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, the in-pharmacy terminal 1A, and the dispensing machines 1B are connected via a network N1. Network N1 can be a LAN, WAN, the Internet, or an intranet.

[0023] Dispensing device 1B is a device that dispenses medicines based on prescription data (e.g., packaging data) input from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1. Dispensing device 1B is, for example, a medicine packaging device that can package medicines in individual packets according to the timing of administration based on the prescription data. The medicine packaging device is either a tablet packaging machine for packaging tablets or a powder packaging machine for packaging powders. Specifically, the tablet packaging machine has multiple drug cassettes containing multiple types of tablets and performs a packaging operation in which it dispenses tablets from the drug cassettes according to the prescription data and packages them in individual packets according to the timing of administration. The powder packaging machine also performs a packaging operation in which it packages the input powder in individual packets according to the timing of administration based on the prescription data.

[0024] Pharmacy terminal 1A is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone. Pharmacists in pharmacy A use pharmacy terminal 1A to check prescription data and allocate prescriptions for dispensing. If the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 is located within pharmacy A, pharmacy terminal 1A may also have the functions of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and pharmacy terminal 1A are examples of operating terminals of the present invention.

[0025] [Pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1] The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 is an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer) equipped with a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication interface 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a drive device 16. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 alone may constitute the dispensing support system according to the present invention. Furthermore, a higher-level system (not shown), such as an electronic medical record system or a prescription input terminal for inputting prescription data to the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, may be connected to the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 via a network N1. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may also be configured to allow prescription data to be input using the operation unit 15 or a pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0026] The communication interface 13 is a communication interface for connecting the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 to network N1, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with dispensing equipment 1B, in-pharmacy terminal 1A, etc., connected via network N1. The communication interface 13 is also a communication interface for connecting the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 to network N0, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with center-side dispensing support device 5, etc., connected via network N0.

[0027] The control unit 11 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that controls the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 by executing processing according to various control programs. The ROM is a non-volatile memory in which programs such as BIOS executed by the CPU are pre-stored. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory used for deploying various control programs by the CPU and for temporary storage of data.

[0028] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage means such as a hard disk or SSD that stores various application programs and various data executed by the control unit 11. Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores a dispensing support program that causes the control unit 11 to execute the dispensing support processing described later (see Figures 5 and 6, etc.).

[0029] The drive device 16 is capable of reading the dispensing support program from a computer-readable recording medium 17 on which the dispensing support program is recorded. The recording medium 17 can be a CD, DVD, BD, or USB memory. Then, in the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, the control unit 11 installs the dispensing support program read from the recording medium 17 by the drive device 16 into the storage unit 12.

[0030] Specifically, the control unit 11 includes various processing units such as the acquisition processing unit 111, the reception processing unit 112, the distribution processing unit 113, the proposal processing unit 114, the dispensing display processing unit 115, the request processing unit 116, the progress display processing unit 117, the correction processing unit 118, and the judgment processing unit 119. The control unit 11 functions as the acquisition processing unit 111, the reception processing unit 112, the distribution processing unit 113, the proposal processing unit 114, the dispensing display processing unit 115, the request processing unit 116, the progress display processing unit 117, the correction processing unit 118, and the judgment processing unit 119 by executing various processes in accordance with the dispensing support program.

[0031] The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the patient's prescription data. For example, when a patient visits pharmacy A, the pharmacy staff receive insurance card information (patient information), a medical questionnaire, a medication record book, etc. from the patient. When the pharmacy staff inputs the patient information into the pharmacy terminal 1A, the pharmacy terminal 1A acquires the patient's prescription data from the higher-level system. The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the patient's prescription data from the pharmacy terminal 1A. Alternatively, the acquisition processing unit 111 may acquire the prescription data from the higher-level system based on the patient information.

[0032] In another embodiment, when a pharmacy staff member receives a paper prescription from a patient, the pharmacy staff member operates the in-pharmacy terminal 1A to input (register) the contents of the prescription (prescription information). In this case, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires prescription data corresponding to the prescription information from the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. Alternatively, the pharmacy staff member may input the contents of the prescription into the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 by operating the operation unit 15.

[0033] In another embodiment, if a patient takes a picture of a paper prescription with a camera on their own operating terminal and sends the captured prescription image to pharmacy A (pharmacy terminal 1A), the pharmacy staff inputs the contents of the prescription based on the prescription image obtained from the operating terminal. In this case, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires prescription data corresponding to the prescription information from pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0034] When the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the prescription data, it displays the prescription details on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Figure 3 shows an example of a prescription screen (prescription details screen) including the prescription details. When the pharmacist presses the "View Details" button on the prescription screen shown in Figure 3, the control unit 11 displays a prescription screen (prescription details screen) including detailed information about the prescription, as shown in Figure 4.

[0035] The pharmacist at pharmacy A checks the patient's medication record book, patient information (allergies, drug side effects, etc.), medical questionnaire, etc., and interviews the patient about their symptoms, etc., and registers the confirmed information. The registered information is stored as the patient's medication history information. The pharmacist also checks the contents of the prescription data (prescription details) acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111. The pharmacist can also check the prescription data on the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. For example, the pharmacist checks whether the medication to be prescribed this time is safe for the patient to take. Specifically, the pharmacist performs a prescription check of past prescription history, allergy history, side effect history, drug interactions, and medication dosage. The above prescription check may be performed automatically on the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. Once the above prescription check is completed, the prescription details are provisionally finalized.

[0036] The reception processing unit 112 receives requests from pharmacists to allocate prescription data for dispensing. For example, the pharmacist checks the prescription details and determines whether it is possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center. For example, if the prescribed medication is one that the patient needs immediately (for example, a medication that should be taken immediately), the pharmacist will determine that it is not possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center. Also, for example, if the patient has a chronic disease, and the prescribed medication is a medication for chronic diseases, and it is the same medication as one prescribed in the past, and there is still some of the previous prescription left, the pharmacist will determine that it is possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center for the current prescription.

[0037] The pharmacist, based on their own judgment, enters into the pharmacy terminal 1A whether or not they can request the dispensing of prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0038] Furthermore, the pharmacist may confirm the patient's request and determine whether or not it is possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. For example, if a patient who comes to pharmacy A wishes to receive their prescribed medication on the spot, the pharmacist will determine that it is not possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. On the other hand, if a patient who comes to pharmacy A agrees that it is acceptable to receive their prescribed medication at a later date (or a few hours later on the same day), the pharmacist will determine that it is possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0039] The pharmacist, based on the patient's request, inputs into the pharmacy terminal 1A whether or not it is possible to request the dispensing of prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0040] The reception processing unit 112 receives the input operation performed by the pharmacist. For example, on the display screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, when the pharmacist presses the "Register as Candidate for Dispensing Center Outsourcing" or "Perform Dispensing in Pharmacy" button, the reception processing unit 112 receives the operation. The pharmacist presses "Register as Candidate for Dispensing Center Outsourcing" if they determine that it is possible to request dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center, and presses "Perform Dispensing in Pharmacy" if they determine that it is not possible to request dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0041] Here, if the prescription data includes multiple medications, the pharmacist can also determine and input whether or not it is possible to request dispensing of each medication from the dispensing center. For example, if of the four medications M1 to M4 included in the prescription data, medications M2 and M4 are immediately needed by the patient, but medications M1 and M3 are not, the pharmacist can determine that it is possible to request dispensing of medications M1 and M3 from the dispensing center, but not M2 and M4.

[0042] The distribution processing unit 113 performs a distribution process to allocate some or all of the prescription data to either pharmacy A or the dispensing center. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 113 performs the distribution process based on the input operation (user operation) by the pharmacist. For example, if the pharmacist determines that it is possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 allocates the prescription data to the dispensing center. If the pharmacist determines that it is not possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 allocates the prescription data to pharmacy A.

[0043] Furthermore, if the pharmacist determines that it is possible to request the dispensing of drugs M1 and M3 from the prescription data from the dispensing center, but that it is not possible to request the dispensing of drugs M2 and M4 from the prescription data from the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the dispensing of a portion of the prescription data (drugs M1 and M3) to the dispensing center and the dispensing of a portion of the prescription data (drugs M2 and M4) to pharmacy A.

[0044] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may perform the distribution process based on the inventory status of drugs stored at the dispensing center. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 113 refers to the current inventory status of the dispensing center and distributes the prescription data to the dispensing center if the inventory amount of drugs included in the prescription data is equal to or greater than the total prescription amount. Here, the inventory number in the inventory status is not limited to the actual number of drugs currently stored at the dispensing center, but may also include the planned number of drugs that are scheduled to arrive at the dispensing center. In other words, based on the inventory status of drugs stored at the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the prescription data to the dispensing center if the drugs included in the prescription data can be secured at the dispensing center.

[0045] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may perform the distribution process based on the scheduled delivery date (scheduled delivery date to the pharmacy or patient's home) (delivery date) of the dispensed medication when a request for dispensing is made to the dispensing center. For example, if the scheduled delivery date of the medication for which dispensing has been requested from the prescription data is before the patient's start date of taking the medication, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of the prescription data to the dispensing center. Conversely, if the scheduled delivery date of the medication for which dispensing has been requested from the prescription data is after the patient's start date of taking the medication, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of the prescription data to pharmacy A.

[0046] Thus, the distribution processing unit 113 may perform the distribution process based on the pharmacist's judgment (the input operation) and information related to dispensing operations at the dispensing center (inventory status, delivery information, etc.). The control unit 11 outputs the distribution result from the distribution processing unit 113.

[0047] If the distribution processing unit 113 distributes part or all of the prescription data to pharmacy A, dispensing takes place within pharmacy A. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescription data and inputs this packaging data into the dispensing device 1B (e.g., a drug packaging device), thereby starting automatic dispensing by the dispensing device 1B. This results in drug packages containing the medications to be taken by the patient. Once the dispensing process by the dispensing device 1B is complete, the pharmacist in charge of inspection then inspects the medications dispensed by the dispensing device 1B. For this inspection, an image inspection system may be used, which images the medications dispensed by the dispensing device 1B and automatically performs inspection based on the captured images. Once the inspection of the medications is complete, the pharmacist provides medication guidance to the patient and hands over the medications to the patient.

[0048] The suggestion processing unit 114 proposes distributing prescription data to the dispensing center. Specifically, the suggestion processing unit 114 proposes distributing prescription data to the dispensing center based on the drug inventory status at the dispensing center. The suggestion processing unit 114 also displays the suggestion information to the pharmacist on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0049] For example, if a drug that the user is requesting to be dispensed at the dispensing center is not available at the dispensing center, or is otherwise unavailable at the dispensing center, and a generic version of that drug is available at the dispensing center, the suggestion processing unit 114 will suggest substituting the drug with the generic version and allocating the prescription to the dispensing center. For example, if the drug in the prescription data is a drug available at pharmacy A but not at the dispensing center, the suggestion processing unit 114 will suggest a generic version that is available at the dispensing center. The suggestion processing unit 114 may also suggest a generic version that is available at the dispensing center if pharmacy A does not have the drug in stock, or it may suggest the generic version regardless of whether pharmacy A has the drug in stock or not.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, the suggestion processing unit 114 may suggest distributing the medication to the dispensing center if, for the medication in the prescription data, pharmacy A can secure split tablets of less than one tablet (half a tablet, quarter tablet, etc.), while the dispensing center can secure whole tablets (one tablet). For example, if, for the medication in the prescription data, pharmacy A needs to perform splitting work such as cutting in half, but the dispensing center can secure whole tablets that do not require splitting work, the suggestion processing unit 114 will suggest whole tablets that can be dispensed at the dispensing center.

[0051] In this way, the suggestion processing unit 114 suggests alternative medications that can be dispensed at the dispensing center for the medications in the prescription data.

[0052] If the pharmacist accepts the proposal made by the proposal processing unit 114, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the medication to the dispensing center.

[0053] Furthermore, if the dispensing center cannot secure the aforementioned substitute medication, or if the pharmacist does not accept the proposal made by the proposal processing unit 114, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the medication to pharmacy A.

[0054] The dispensing display processing unit 115 outputs dispensing information for one or more drugs included in the prescription data to the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Specifically, the dispensing display processing unit 115 displays a screen containing information related to dispensing. For example, the dispensing display processing unit 115 displays on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A a screen for confirming the prescription data and drugs to be requested to the dispensing center, a screen showing the dispensing result (image of the dispensing output), a screen for confirming various forms, a screen showing an image of the packaged products, a screen showing an image of the medication calendar and medication tray, etc. The pharmacist, for example, confirms the contents to be requested to the dispensing center and executes the dispensing request. The information displayed by the dispensing display processing unit 115 is an example of the distribution result.

[0055] The request processing unit 116 requests dispensing from the dispensing center. For example, when a pharmacist performs an operation to make a dispensing request, the request processing unit 116 outputs a dispensing request to the dispensing center (center-side dispensing support device 5). The dispensing request includes patient information, prescription data and information about the medication to be dispensed, and information about the scheduled delivery date (desired delivery date). The request processing unit 116 may output the dispensing request to the dispensing center individually for each patient, or it may output the dispensing requests of multiple patients aggregated at a predetermined time to the dispensing center all at once. The dispensing request is an example of the distribution result. When the dispensing center receives the dispensing request from pharmacy A, it performs the dispensing.

[0056] When the request processing unit 116 outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center, the progress display processing unit 117 outputs the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center to the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Specifically, the progress display processing unit 117 displays the progress of at least one of the following on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A: dispensing of the medication corresponding to the dispensing request, and delivery of the dispensed medication dispensed at the dispensing center. The pharmacist or staff of pharmacy A can check the progress of dispensing as needed to confirm whether the dispensing process is proceeding as scheduled. The pharmacist or staff of pharmacy A can also check the delivery status of the dispensed medication as needed to confirm whether it is being delivered as scheduled.

[0057] Here, for example, if, after the dispensing request has been output to the dispensing center, there is an error in the request details, a change (prescription modification), or the dispensing request is no longer needed, the pharmacist can modify or cancel the dispensing request. In this case, the modification processing unit 118 outputs a modification instruction for the dispensing request or a cancellation instruction for the dispensing request to the dispensing center (center-side dispensing support device 5). For example, if the modification processing unit 118 receives a modification operation for the request details included in the dispensing request, it outputs a modification instruction for the dispensing request to the dispensing center. When the center-side dispensing support device 5 receives the modification instruction from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, it executes processing according to the modification instruction.

[0058] The aforementioned modification operations include at least one of the following: modifying the prescription details in the prescription data; modifying the delivery destination of the dispensed medication dispensed at the dispensing center; and modifying the scheduled delivery date of the dispensed medication. Furthermore, the operations to modify the prescription details include changing the dosage form, changing the content specifications, changing to unit-dose packaging, changing to generic drugs, etc.

[0059] The judgment processing unit 119 determines whether there is an abnormality (problem) in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center. For example, when dispensing is performed at the dispensing center in response to the dispensing request and the dispensed medicine is delivered to pharmacy A, the staff or pharmacist at pharmacy A perform receiving and inspection work, and check the medicine. For example, the pharmacist checks whether the medicine has been dispensed according to the request to the dispensing center. Specifically, the pharmacist checks the medicine (checks the quantity, type, etc.) and checks the dispensing results and evidence information at the dispensing center. In addition, pharmacy A can refer to the final inspection certificate issued by the dispensing center. For example, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 can obtain the final inspection certificate from the center-side dispensing support device 5 based on the prescription data and display it on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. The pharmacist inputs whether there is a problem with the dispensed medicine at the center terminal 5A. The judgment processing unit 119 determines whether there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center based on the input operations of the inspection results by the staff and pharmacists. Since the medicines delivered to pharmacy A are medicines that have undergone final inspection at the dispensing center, non-pharmacists (staff) may perform the confirmation (inspection) of the medicines at pharmacy A. In addition, pharmacy A may omit the confirmation (approval) of evidence information and dispensing information for all medicines. For example, the staff or pharmacists at pharmacy A may perform confirmation of receipt and inspection of dispensed medicines, and may omit the confirmation of evidence information and dispensing information for the medicines.

[0060] If there is an abnormality in dispensing at the dispensing center, the request processing unit 116 outputs a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center, instructing them to perform dispensing again based on the prescription data. Specifically, the request processing unit 116 makes a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center based on the pharmacist's instructions. The request processing unit 116 may also output a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center if there is an abnormality in dispensing at the dispensing center and the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will be within the predetermined deadline. The predetermined deadline is, for example, the date the patient starts taking the medication or the date the patient requests to receive the medication. Furthermore, if there is an abnormality in dispensing at the dispensing center and the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will not be within the predetermined deadline, the control unit 11 will instruct the dispensing center to perform the dispensing of the requested medication at pharmacy A.

[0061] If there are no abnormalities in the dispensing at the dispensing center, the pharmacist hands over the medication to the patient. The pharmacist also provides medication guidance when handing over the medication. The pharmacist may also provide medication guidance on the day the patient submits the prescription. Furthermore, the medication guidance may be conducted online. For example, the patient may connect their own device to the pharmacy terminal 1A via the network and receive medication guidance from a pharmacist operating the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0062] In the above configuration, the request processing unit 116, the dispensing display processing unit 115, and the progress display processing unit 117 included in the control unit 11 may be configured as a single output processing unit, or they may be distributed and located in different devices (such as the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and the in-pharmacy terminal 1A). Furthermore, the request processing unit 116, the progress display processing unit 117, and the correction processing unit 118 included in the control unit 11 may be configured as a single output processing unit, or they may be distributed and located in different devices (such as the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and the in-pharmacy terminal 1A).

[0063] [Pharmacy support device 5 on the center side] The center-side dispensing support device 5 is an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer) that includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication interface 53, a display unit 54, an operation unit 55, and a drive device 56.

[0064] The communication interface 53 is a communication interface for connecting the center-side dispensing support device 5 to the network N5, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with dispensing equipment 5B, in-center terminals 5A, etc., connected via the network N5. The communication interface 53 is also a communication interface for connecting the center-side dispensing support device 5 to the network N0, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, etc., connected via the network N0.

[0065] The control unit 51 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that controls the center-side dispensing support device 5 by executing processing according to various control programs. The ROM is a non-volatile memory in which programs such as BIOS executed by the CPU are pre-stored. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory used for deploying various control programs by the CPU and for temporary storage of data.

[0066] The storage unit 52 is a non-volatile storage means such as a hard disk or SSD that stores various application programs and various data executed by the control unit 51. Specifically, the storage unit 52 stores control programs that cause the control unit 51 to execute predetermined processes.

[0067] The drive device 56 is capable of reading the control program from a computer-readable recording medium 57 on which the control program is recorded. The recording medium 57 can be a CD, DVD, BD, or USB memory. Then, in the center-side dispensing support device 5, the control unit 51 installs the control program read from the recording medium 57 by the drive device 56 into the storage unit 52. The control unit 51 then executes various processes according to the control program.

[0068] For example, when the control unit 51 receives a dispensing request for prescription data from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, it performs dispensing in accordance with the dispensing request.

[0069] For example, the control unit 51 generates packaging data based on prescription data corresponding to a dispensing request obtained from pharmacy A, and inputs this packaging data into the dispensing device 5B (e.g., a drug packaging device), thereby starting automatic dispensing by the dispensing device 5B. This results in drug packages containing the medication to be taken by the patient. Once the dispensing work by the dispensing device 5B is completed, the pharmacist in charge of inspection then inspects the medication dispensed by the dispensing device 5B. For this inspection, an image inspection system may be used, which images the medication dispensed by the dispensing device 5B and automatically performs inspection based on the captured image. The pharmacist also registers evidence information related to dispensing and inspection. This evidence information is registered in association with the prescription data. When the final inspection is performed, the control unit 51 issues a certificate (final inspection certificate) to confirm that the final inspection has been performed, and stores the final inspection certificate in the storage unit 52 in association with the corresponding prescription data. Furthermore, once the drug inspection is complete, the delivery person places the drug packets into the corresponding drug bags for pharmacy A. The delivery person then proceeds with the delivery of the drug bags to pharmacy A or the patient's home. The delivery person ensures that the deliveries arrive on the scheduled delivery date included in the dispensing request.

[0070] Here, the dispensing center can receive dispensing requests from each of the multiple pharmacies, and each time a dispensing request is received, dispensing is carried out within the dispensing center. In this way, when the dispensing center handles a portion of the dispensing operations for multiple pharmacies, it is required to perform dispensing operations efficiently. For this reason, the dispensing center includes, for example, a space for receiving and registering dispensing requests, a space for receiving medicines, a storage space for storing received medicines, a dispensing space for dispensing using dispensing equipment 5B, a transport space for transporting dispensed medicines, an inspection space for inspecting dispensed medicines, and a delivery space for shipping inspected medicines, and the operations in each space are carried out in coordination.

[0071] The dispensing support device 5 on the center side supports a series of operations at the dispensing center by assisting with the dispensing process, as well as the receiving process of medicines, the receiving process of storing the received medicines in storage shelves, the transport process of transporting dispensed medicines within the dispensing center, and the delivery process of delivering dispensed medicines.

[0072] [Dispensing process in dispensing support system 10] Referring to Figure 5, an example of the dispensing process performed in the dispensing support system 10 will be explained. Here, an overview of the overall dispensing process at pharmacy A and the dispensing center will be described.

[0073] <Step S101> First, in step S101, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 acquires the patient's prescription data. For example, when a patient visits pharmacy A, and the pharmacy staff receive insurance card information (patient information), a medical questionnaire, a medication record book, etc. from the patient and input the patient information into the pharmacy terminal 1A, the pharmacy terminal 1A acquires the patient's prescription data from the higher-level system. As a result, the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data from the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0074] <Step S102> In step S102, the control unit 11 distributes the prescription data to either a pharmacy or a dispensing center, or both. The control unit 11 determines the distribution destination of the prescription based on the pharmacist's judgment or the prescription data. If the control unit 11 distributes part or all of the prescription to the dispensing center, it moves the process to step S103. If the control unit 11 distributes part or all of the prescription to pharmacy A, it moves the process to step S121.

[0075] <Step S103> In step S103, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing request to the dispensing center based on the prescription data. For example, if the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of all medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, it outputs a dispensing request for the entire prescription data to the dispensing center. Alternatively, if the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of only some of the medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, it outputs a dispensing request for those specific medications to the dispensing center.

[0076] <Step S104> In step S104, when the control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5 receives the dispensing request from pharmacy A, it executes the dispensing process for the medication based on the dispensing request. For example, the control unit 51 generates packaging data based on the prescription data corresponding to the dispensing request and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing machine 5B. At the dispensing center, dispensing of medications and inspection of dispensed medications are carried out.

[0077] <Step S105> Step S105 involves the dispensing center carrying out the procedure for delivering the dispensed medication. For example, once the dispensing center's delivery staff has completed the inspection of the dispensed medication, they proceed with the procedure for delivering the medication (medication bag) to pharmacy A.

[0078] <Step S106> In step S106, at pharmacy A, the pharmacist receives the medication delivered from the dispensing center and performs inspections, etc.

[0079] <Step S107> In step S107, at pharmacy A, the pharmacist provides medication guidance to the patient and dispenses the medication.

[0080] In step S102, the control unit 11 distributes part or all of the medication to pharmacy A, and in step S121, it performs the dispensing process within pharmacy A. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescription data and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing device 1B. At pharmacy A, dispensing of medications and inspection of the dispensed medications are performed (S122). Then, at pharmacy A, the pharmacist provides medication guidance to the patient and hands over the medication (S107).

[0081] When the control unit 11 distributes a portion of the dispensed medication to the dispensing center and distributes the other portion to the dispensing center, it executes the processes in steps S103 to S107 and steps S121 to S122 in parallel. In this way, when a portion or all of the dispensed medication based on prescription data is distributed to the dispensing center at pharmacy A, the dispensing center dispenses the medication based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A and delivers it to the patient.

[0082] [Pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1: Dispensing support processing (dispensing allocation processing)] Referring to Figure 6, an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed in the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 will be described. The dispensing support processing is performed by the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which corresponds to a pharmacy (here, pharmacy A). The present invention may also be considered as a dispensing support method that performs part or all of the processing procedure for the dispensing support processing, or as an invention of a dispensing support program that causes a computer such as the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 to perform the dispensing support method.

[0083] <Step S1> First, in step S1, the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data. For example, when a patient visits pharmacy A, and the pharmacy staff receive insurance card information (patient information), a medical questionnaire, a medication record book, etc. from the patient and input the patient information into the pharmacy terminal 1A, the pharmacy terminal 1A acquires the patient's prescription data from the higher-level system. As a result, the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data from the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0084] <Step S2> In step S2, the control unit 11 displays the prescription details corresponding to the acquired prescription data on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A (see Figure 3). For example, in the prescription screen shown in Figure 3, the pharmacist at pharmacy A checks the current prescription details and the previous prescription details for the patient. When the pharmacist presses the "Check Details" button to check the details of the prescription details, the control unit 11 displays a prescription screen including detailed information of the prescription details (see Figure 4). In another embodiment, if multiple prescriptions are issued to the same patient, the control unit 11 may perform a process (integration process) to integrate the information of multiple prescriptions into a single prescription. An example of the integration process (see Figure 23) will be described later.

[0085] <Step S3> In step S3, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to request dispensing from the dispensing center based on the prescription data. Specifically, the control unit 11 performs the determination process based on the pharmacist's actions. Here, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to request dispensing from the dispensing center on a prescription data basis.

[0086] For example, if a pharmacist determines that the prescribed medication is one that the patient needs immediately (for example, a medication that should be taken immediately), they determine that they cannot request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. Also, for example, if a patient who has come to pharmacy A wishes to receive the prescribed medication on the spot, the pharmacist determines that they cannot request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. In this case, the pharmacist performs an operation to register pharmacy A as the destination for dispensing the prescription data. For example, in the prescription screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, the pharmacist presses the "Dispensing in Pharmacy" button. When the control unit 11 sees that the pharmacist has registered pharmacy A as the destination, it determines that it will not request the dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (it will be requested to pharmacy A) (S3: No). When the control unit 11 determines that it will not request the dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (S3: No), it distributes the dispensing of the prescription data to pharmacy A and moves the process to step S31.

[0087] <Step S31> In step S31, the control unit 11 confirms that the dispensing of the prescription data will be carried out within pharmacy A. For example, the control unit 11 confirms that all the medications included in the prescription data will be dispensed within pharmacy A. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S32.

[0088] In response to this, in step S3, if the control unit 11 determines that it will request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (S3: Yes), it moves the process to step S4 and distributes the dispensing according to the drugs included in the prescription data. For example, in the prescription screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, when the pharmacist presses the "Register as a candidate for dispensing center outsourcing" button, it determines that it will request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S4.

[0089] When a pharmacist presses the "Register as Candidate for Dispensing Center" button, the control unit 11 registers the prescription data as candidate data to be requested to the dispensing center. Figure 7 shows the candidate list screen (candidate data list screen) which displays a list of the candidate data. On the candidate list screen shown in Figure 7, when a pharmacist selects a candidate for the dispensing request from the list of candidate data and presses the "Confirm Details" button, the control unit 11 displays the candidate details screen (candidate data details screen) which includes the details of the prescription content of the dispensing request to be requested to the dispensing center, as shown in Figure 8.

[0090] <Step S4> In step S4, the control unit 11 determines whether to allocate each of the drugs included in the prescription data to the dispensing center or to pharmacy A.

[0091] For example, if a pharmacist determines that none of the medications included in the prescription data are immediately needed by the patient (for example, medications that should be taken immediately), they can decide to request the dispensing of all medications from the dispensing center. Also, for example, if a patient who has come to pharmacy A agrees that they can receive all medications at a later date (or a few hours later on the same day), the pharmacist can decide to request the dispensing of all medications from the dispensing center. When the pharmacist determines that they can request the dispensing of all medications included in the prescription data from the dispensing center, they perform an operation to register the dispensing center as the destination for the prescription data. For example, on the candidate list screen shown in Figure 7, the pharmacist presses the "Execute Dispensing" button. When the control unit 11 receives the pharmacist's operation to register the dispensing center as the destination, it distributes the prescription data to the dispensing center (S4) and moves the process to step S5.

[0092] For example, if a pharmacist determines that some of the medications included in the prescription data are immediately needed by the patient (for example, medications that should be taken immediately), they can decide to request pharmacy A to dispense those medications and the dispensing center to dispense the other medications. If the pharmacist determines that the dispensing center can dispense some of the medications included in the prescription data, they perform an operation to register the dispensing destinations for the prescription data as the dispensing center and the pharmacy. For example, in the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8, the pharmacist performs an operation to select the medications to be dispensed at the dispensing center.

[0093] For example, if a pharmacist decides to have drugs M1 and M3 dispensed at the dispensing center and drugs M2 and M4 dispensed at pharmacy A from the drugs M1 to M4 included in the prescription data, they delete the information for drugs M2 and M4 to be dispensed at pharmacy A from the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8 and press the "Register" button. Figure 9 shows the candidate details screen (consignment candidate data details screen) with the information for drugs M2 and M4 deleted. As a result, the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of drugs M1 and M3 from the drugs M1 to M4 included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, and the dispensing of drugs M2 and M4 to pharmacy A. The control unit 11 also updates the prescription data to be requested to be dispensed at the dispensing center and registers it in the candidate data (see Figure 7).

[0094] The prescription data registered in the candidate data includes only information on medications dispensed at the dispensing center, and does not include information on medications dispensed at pharmacy A. By removing information on medications dispensed at pharmacy A from the prescription data (request data) sent to the dispensing center in this way, it is possible to prevent duplicate dispensing at both the dispensing center and pharmacy A. The control unit 11 may also compare the information on medications allocated to pharmacy A with the information on medications allocated to the dispensing center, and if the information matches, it may notify the pharmacist of a warning.

[0095] Furthermore, in the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8, the control unit 11 may output in a way that allows identification of the drugs that have been allocated to the dispensing center from among the multiple drugs included in the prescription data. Specifically, the control unit 11 (dispensing display processing unit 115) may display the drugs allocated to the dispensing center and the drugs allocated to pharmacy A in different display fields, or it may display the drugs allocated to the dispensing center and the drugs allocated to pharmacy A in different display modes.

[0096] <Step S42> When the control unit 11 allocates the dispensing of some of the drugs included in the prescription data to pharmacy A (S4), in step S42 it confirms that the dispensing of those drugs will be carried out within pharmacy A. In the example above, the control unit 11 confirms that drugs M2 and M4 included in the prescription data will be dispensed within pharmacy A. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S32.

[0097] <Step S5> When the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of some or all of the medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center (S4), in step S5, it provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center. For example, the control unit 11 provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center for all medications M1 to M4 (see Figure 8) included in the prescription data. Alternatively, the control unit 11 provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center for medications M1 and M3 (see Figure 9) included in the prescription data. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S6.

[0098] Furthermore, once the control unit 11 has tentatively confirmed the dispensing request to the dispensing center, it notifies the dispensing center of information regarding the medication to be dispensed and secures (tentatively reserves) the required quantity of the medication. When the dispensing center's center-side dispensing support device 5 receives the notification from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, it allocates the required quantity (stock) of the medication.

[0099] <Step S6> In step S6, the control unit 11 determines whether the drug to be dispensed at the dispensing center is available at the dispensing center. Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the current inventory status of the drugs stored at the dispensing center and determines whether the inventory quantity of the drug to be dispensed is equal to or greater than the total prescription quantity. The control unit 11 also determines whether the drug to be dispensed is available at the dispensing center.

[0100] The control unit 11 proceeds to step S7 if the drug to be dispensed is available at the dispensing center and the inventory of the drug is equal to or greater than the total prescribed quantity (S6:Yes). Conversely, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S61 if the drug to be dispensed is not available at the dispensing center, or if the drug to be dispensed is available at the dispensing center but the inventory of the drug is less than the total prescribed quantity (S6:No).

[0101] <Step S61> In step S61, the control unit 11 determines whether a substitute drug for the drug to be dispensed has been approved. For example, if the drug to be dispensed is not available at the dispensing center, or is otherwise unavailable at the dispensing center, and a generic version of the drug is available at the dispensing center, the control unit 11 proposes substituting the generic drug for the drug and distributing the drug to the dispensing center.

[0102] For example, if pharmacy A uses drug M3 from company X, and the dispensing center uses drug Y as a generic version of drug M3, the control unit 11 will suggest a generic drug that can be dispensed at the dispensing center. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 will suggest an alternative drug (for example, drug M3 from company Y) on the suggestion screen (details of candidate drug data) which displays information on candidate drugs to be requested to be dispensed at the dispensing center.

[0103] Furthermore, regarding a drug to be dispensed, if pharmacy A can secure split tablets of less than one tablet (half a tablet, quarter tablet, etc.), while the dispensing center can secure whole tablets (one tablet), the control unit 11 proposes to allocate the dispensing of the drug to the dispensing center. For example, regarding drug M1, if pharmacy A requires splitting by cutting the tablet in half, and the dispensing center can secure whole tablets of drug M1 that do not require splitting, the control unit 11 proposes whole tablets that can be dispensed at the dispensing center. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 proposes an alternative drug (for example, drug M1 in 0.5 mg (1 tablet)) on a screen (proposal screen) that displays information on candidate drugs to be dispensed at the dispensing center.

[0104] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 may display the proposed drug (alternative drug) in an identifiable manner on the proposal screen.

[0105] When a pharmacist receives a suggestion for an alternative medication, they confirm with the patient whether or not to accept the suggestion. If the pharmacist accepts the suggestion for an alternative medication, they press the "Register" button on the suggestion screen shown in Figure 10. As a result, the control unit 11 determines that the alternative medication for the requested medication has been accepted (S61: Yes) and proceeds to step S7.

[0106] On the other hand, if the pharmacist does not accept the suggestion of an alternative medication, they press the "Close" button on the suggestion screen shown in Figure 10. As a result, the control unit 11 determines that the alternative medication for the medication requested for dispensing was not accepted (S61: Yes), and distributes the dispensing of the medication to pharmacy A, after which the process moves to step S62.

[0107] <Step S62> In step S62, the control unit 11 confirms that the dispensing of some or all of the prescribed medications will be carried out within pharmacy A. After that, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S32.

[0108] <Step S7> In step S7, the control unit 11 determines the prescription data or medications to be requested from the dispensing center. For example, if the dispensing center can secure all the medications included in the prescription data, the control unit 11 determines all the medications to be requested for dispensing. Alternatively, if the dispensing center can secure some of the medications included in the prescription data, the control unit 11 determines those some medications to be requested for dispensing. Alternatively, if the dispensing center can secure alternative medications (generic drugs, medications that do not require dispensing) for some of the medications included in the prescription data, the control unit 11 determines those some medications (alternative medications) to be requested for dispensing.

[0109] <Step S8> In step S8, the control unit 11 edits the prescription data (request data) to be sent to the dispensing center for dispensing. Specifically, the control unit 11 displays a screen showing the dispensing result (image of the dispensing output) (see Figure 11), a screen for checking various forms, a screen showing the image of the packaged products, and a screen showing the images of the medication calendar and medication tray. The pharmacist checks each of these screens and makes corrections if necessary.

[0110] Furthermore, when a pharmacist presses the "Edit Prescription" button on any of the screens shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8-10, the control unit 11 can accept the editing operation for the prescription content on the editing screen (prescription editing screen) shown in Figure 12. When the pharmacist completes the editing operation and presses the "Issue Prescription" button, the control unit 11 updates the prescription data to be requested from the dispensing center and registers it in the candidate data (see Figure 7).

[0111] <Step S9> In step S9, the control unit 11 confirms the dispensing request to be sent to the dispensing center. For example, the pharmacist checks the request data for the dispensing request to be sent to the dispensing center, the contents of each screen, etc., and if there are no problems, registers the request data. As a result, the control unit 11 confirms the dispensing request to be sent to the dispensing center and moves the process to step S10.

[0112] Here, the control unit 11 may be equipped with the following functions to ensure the reliability of the pharmacy's request for part or all of the dispensing to the dispensing center. For example, as a first function, the control unit 11 may be equipped with a function to check whether the pharmacy staff (pharmacist, etc.) have applied to the dispensing center in advance (notified, reported, etc.) that these tasks have been completed, and to perform prescription review and necessary inquiries at the pharmacy.

[0113] Furthermore, as a second function, the control unit 11 may also be equipped with a function to check whether the pharmacy has applied to (notified, reported, etc.) the dispensing center that face-to-face medication guidance has been completed for the patient.

[0114] Furthermore, as a third function, the control unit 11 may also have a function to check whether it has applied to (notified, reported, etc.) the dispensing center that online medication guidance has been completed for the patient.

[0115] Furthermore, as a fourth function, the control unit 11 may also be equipped with a function to check, either before or after, whether the pharmacy has received a paper copy of the prescription from the patient.

[0116] Furthermore, as a fifth function, the control unit 11 may also include a function to check, either before or after, whether the pharmacy has received the electronic prescription data.

[0117] Furthermore, as a sixth function, the control unit 11 may include a function to check for any details (legal or contractual details) that would prevent the dispensing center from accepting a dispensing request from a pharmacy. In addition, the control unit 11 may include a function for mutual approval between the pharmacy and the dispensing center in the case of a post-check.

[0118] Furthermore, as a seventh function, the control unit 11 may also be equipped with a function to notify an alert if the deadline exceeds the predetermined number of days, even if the above-mentioned various applications are not made when the pharmacy sends request data to the dispensing center (when requesting dispensing), in order to allow applications to be made within a predetermined number of days after the dispensing request.

[0119] Furthermore, as an eighth function, the control unit 11 may include a function to check for consistency between the contents of the request data (contents of the dispensing request) and the contents of the dispensed product, and a function to notify the user of any discrepancies.

[0120] In step S9, the control unit 11 may execute processing (request check processing) corresponding to each of the functions. The control unit 11 may also be able to accept selection operations to enable or disable each of the functions. For example, if a pharmacy performs the above check processing before outputting a dispensing request to the dispensing center, the pharmacist or staff of the pharmacy performs setting operations to enable each of the functions. As a result, the control unit 11 executes the enabled functions for the confirmed dispensing request.

[0121] Figure 6B shows an example of the procedure for the request checking process. In step S91 of Figure 6B, the control unit 11 displays a list of confirmed dispensing requests (the candidate list screen in Figure 7). Next, in step S92, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there are any changes to the content of the dispensing request. If there are changes to the content of the dispensing request (S92: Yes), the control unit 11 modifies the dispensing request in step S921 in response to the modification operation by the pharmacist or other person. If there are no changes to the content of the dispensing request (S92: No), the control unit 11 confirms the dispensing request in step S93.

[0122] Next, in step S94, the control unit 11 checks the laws or contracts, and in step S95, it determines whether there are any changes. If the check has not been performed, the control unit 11 determines whether there are any changes in order to prompt the check.

[0123] Here, the item that confirms the dispensing request in step S93 is defined as "the ability to confirm that the dispensing can be accepted." It is desirable for the pharmacy to take precautions to ensure that the request is not overlooked by the dispensing center, such as whether prior consultation regarding potential issues or checks for drug interactions have been performed.

[0124] For example, the control unit 11 determines whether to check each of the following items as check items to prompt "approval that pharmaceutical analysis has been completed in advance": "analysis and evaluation of patient information, etc.", "pharmaceutical analysis based on prescription, prescribed drug, and patient information", and "inquiries (including inquiries and prescription changes as needed) and responses to prescription changes".

[0125] For example, the control unit 11 may also indicate: "Rp.1 Glycoran Tablets 250mg, 3 tablets per day: OK for typical diabetic patients," and "Renal function decline 30ml / min / 1.73m 2 The following is a check to determine whether the "Contraindications for Administration" box is checked. In this case, the patient's renal function test values ​​should be inquired about with the prescribing physician. If the values ​​are 30 ml or less, it will be necessary to discontinue the medication or to consult with the physician about alternative medications that can be administered and to suggest a prescription.

[0126] For example, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the checkbox for "Rp.1 Febuxostat tablets: Often prescribed to patients with gout" is checked. For instance, suppose the patient was taking azathioprine 50mg tablets for a chronic illness at another pharmacy. In this case, there would be no problem if the dispensing center simply dispensed Febuxostat tablets, but if the patient was also taking azathioprine, then drug interaction contraindications, prescription inquiries, and prescription suggestions would be necessary.

[0127] If there are any changes (S95: Yes), the control unit 11 performs a check in step S951. Alternatively, after pointing out any missed checks in step S951 and requesting checks, the control unit 11 may output an image of the dispensed product ("virtual" screen) to the screen for confirmation and approval. For example, the control unit 11 may display a more realistic image on the screen, such as a virtual or 3D representation, of the package size, the color of the lines drawn on the package paper, or, in the case of a liquid medication bottle, its image. This prevents problems with the final packaging later on, whether the product is delivered directly to the patient's home or to a pharmacy. For example, if a check item is not checked, the control unit 11 determines that the check has not been performed; if a check is performed, it determines that the pharmacist has approved the inspection and pharmaceutical analysis results.

[0128] If there are no changes in step S95 (S95: No), the control unit 11 inputs "checked" in step S96. Then, in step S97, the control unit 11 creates prescription data to be output to the dispensing center. After step S97, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S10 in Figure 6A.

[0129] <Step S10> In step S10, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing request (prescription data) to the dispensing center. For example, when a pharmacist selects the prescription data to be dispensed on the candidate list screen shown in Figure 7 and presses the "Execute Dispensing" button, the control unit 11 displays the screen shown in Figure 13 (execution screen). On the execution screen shown in Figure 13, the control unit 11 displays information such as the scheduled dispatch date when the requested medication will be sent from the dispensing center, and the scheduled delivery date (scheduled arrival date) when it will be delivered to pharmacy A or the patient's home. When the pharmacist presses the "Execute Dispensing" button on the execution screen shown in Figure 13, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing request (request data) to the dispensing center. If the dispensing center sends the requested medication multiple times a day (multiple shipments), the control unit 11 may also display information such as the scheduled dispatch date and time, the scheduled delivery date and time, and the number of shipments (which shipment it is on that day).

[0130] <Step S32> If the control unit 11 determines that dispensing of some or all of the prescribed medications will be carried out within pharmacy A (S31, S42, S62), in step S32, it outputs a dispensing instruction to the dispensing equipment 1B within pharmacy A for the medications to be dispensed. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescribed data and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing equipment 1B (e.g., a medication packaging device).

[0131] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 executes dispensing support processing, including the process of distributing medications, each time it acquires patient prescription data. Once the control unit 11 distributes the prescription data for dispensing, one or both of the dispensing center and pharmacy A, which are responsible for dispensing, perform the dispensing work according to the dispensing instructions.

[0132] As described above, the dispensing support system 10 according to this embodiment performs the following processes: distributing part or all of the dispensing based on prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs to either the pharmacy or a dispensing center (dispensing facility) capable of dispensing part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy; and outputting the distribution result. The distribution result includes information indicating the destination (pharmacy, dispensing center) for dispensing part or all of the prescription data, information indicating the prescription data or drugs to be distributed to the pharmacy, information indicating the prescription data or drugs to be distributed to the dispensing center, and so on.

[0133] According to the above configuration, some or all of the dispensing operations performed at pharmacies can be carried out at the dispensing center. This makes it possible to reduce the burden of dispensing operations at pharmacies. In addition, since the time pharmacists spend shifting from product-oriented tasks to patient-oriented tasks will increase, it can contribute to creating more time for them to interact with patients, such as at their primary care pharmacy.

[0134] [Other embodiments of the sorting process] In the above-described embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes some or all of the prescription data to either pharmacy A or the dispensing center based on the pharmacist's operation. In other words, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the prescription data based on the pharmacist's judgment.

[0135] In contrast, in another embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes part or all of the dispensing to either pharmacy A or the dispensing center based on the prescription data. That is, the distribution processing unit 113 automatically distributes the dispensing of the prescription data based on the prescription data. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of the prescription data based on the type of drug included in the prescription data. For example, if the drug included in the prescription data is a poison, narcotic, or highly toxic drug, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of that drug to pharmacy A.

[0136] Furthermore, for example, if the medication included in the prescription data is the same medication prescribed previously, and the previous prescription was dispensed at a dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the prescription to the dispensing center.

[0137] [Other dispensing support processes (dispensing allocation processes)] Figure 14 shows an example of the dispensing support process procedure when dispensing prescriptions automatically based on the prescription data. Here, explanations of processes identical to those shown in Figure 6 are omitted as appropriate.

[0138] When the control unit 11 acquires patient prescription data (S21), in step S22 it performs a distribution process to distribute medications based on the acquired prescription data. For example, the control unit 11 distributes the medications included in the prescription data to either the dispensing center or pharmacy A, or both, based on the type of medication, past prescription history, etc.

[0139] When the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of some or all of the medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, it provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center in step S23. Next, the control unit 11 checks the inventory of the dispensing center (S24), and if the dispensing center has the medications subject to the dispensing request in stock (S24: Yes), it confirms the dispensing request (S25).

[0140] If the dispensing center does not have the requested medication in stock (S24: No), the control unit 11 will propose an alternative medication and, if the patient agrees (S241: Yes), will confirm the requested medication (S25). The control unit 11 may also automatically determine whether the alternative medication is acceptable by referring to pre-registered patient information (for example, consent to use generic drugs).

[0141] Once the medications to be dispensed are determined (S25), the control unit 11 edits the request data to be sent to the dispensing center (S26), finalizes the dispensing request (S27), and outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center (S28).

[0142] In step S22, if the control unit 11 allocates the dispensing of some or all of the medications included in the prescription data to pharmacy A, in step S221 it confirms that the dispensing of the medications will be carried out within pharmacy A. Also, in step S241, if the patient's consent to the suggestion of an alternative medication is not obtained (S241: No), in step S242 the control unit 11 confirms that the dispensing of the medications will be carried out within pharmacy A. After steps S221 and S242, in step S222 the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing instruction for the medications to be dispensed to the dispensing equipment 1B in pharmacy A.

[0143] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may automatically execute a process to distribute medications each time it acquires patient prescription data.

[0144] [Other dispensing support processes (dispensing allocation processes)] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 may, after acquiring patient prescription data, check the inventory status of the dispensing center and, if the dispensing center can dispense the medications from the prescription data, execute a distribution process to distribute the medications. That is, the control unit 11 may execute a process to check the inventory status before the distribution process. The dispensing support process corresponding to this configuration will be explained with reference to Figure 15. Processes identical to the dispensing support process shown in Figure 6 will be omitted from explanation as appropriate.

[0145] When the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data (S51), in step S52, it checks the inventory status of the dispensing center and determines whether the dispensing center has the requested medication in stock. If the dispensing center has the requested medication in stock (S52: Yes), in step S53, the control unit 11 displays the prescription details corresponding to the acquired prescription data. Note that the inventory may include alternative medications (generic drugs, medications that do not require splitting, etc.).

[0146] If the dispensing center does not have the requested medication in stock (S52: No), the control unit 11 distributes the prescription data to pharmacy A in step S521.

[0147] After step S53, in step S54, the control unit 11 determines whether to request the dispensing of the entire prescription data from the dispensing center based on the pharmacist's actions. Here, if the pharmacist determines that the prescribed medication is a medication that the patient needs immediately (for example, a medication that should be taken immediately), or if the patient who has come to pharmacy A wishes to receive the prescribed medication on the spot, the control unit 11 registers pharmacy A as the destination for dispensing the prescription data. In this case, the control unit 11 determines not to request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (to request it from pharmacy A) (S54: No), and in step S521, confirms that the dispensing of the entire prescription data will be carried out within pharmacy A.

[0148] In step S54, if the control unit 11 determines that it will request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (S54:Yes), then in step S55, it determines whether to allocate each of the drugs included in the prescription data to the dispensing center or to pharmacy A.

[0149] When the control unit 11 allocates the dispensing of some of the drugs included in the prescription data to pharmacy A (S55), in step S551 it confirms that the dispensing of the drugs will be carried out within pharmacy A.

[0150] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of some or all of the drugs included in the prescription data to the dispensing center (S55), in step S56 it provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center, and in step S57 it confirms the prescription data or drugs to be requested to be dispensed to the dispensing center.

[0151] In the following step S58, the control unit 11 edits the request data to be sent to the dispensing center, confirms the dispensing request in step S59, and outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center in step S60.

[0152] After steps S521 and S551, in step S522, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing instruction to the dispensing equipment 1B in pharmacy A for the drug to be dispensed.

[0153] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may check the inventory status of the dispensing center and determine whether or not it is possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center before the pharmacist decides where to allocate the medication.

[0154] [Display progress] Here, when the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center, it outputs the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center to the display unit 14 or the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. For example, on the request screen (consignment data list screen) shown in Figure 16, a pharmacist or staff member of pharmacy A checks the list of request data (consignment data) that has been sent to the dispensing center. On the request screen shown in Figure 16, the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center and the progress of dispensing at pharmacy A are displayed for each request data. In this way, when the dispensing center dispenses the first drug included in the prescription data and pharmacy A dispenses the second drug included in the prescription data, the progress display processing unit 117 displays the progress of dispensing the first drug at the dispensing center and the progress of dispensing the second drug at pharmacy A on the display unit 14 or the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. Furthermore, the progress display processing unit 117 displays the progress of dispensing the first drug at the dispensing center and the progress of dispensing the second drug at pharmacy A side by side on the same screen on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Also, when a pharmacist or staff member of pharmacy A selects the request data to be searched on the request screen shown in Figure 16 and presses the "View Details" button, the control unit 11 displays the request details screen (contract data details screen) shown in Figure 17. The request details screen shown in Figure 17 displays detailed information on the dispensing progress at the dispensing center and the dispensing progress at pharmacy A corresponding to the selected request data. The pharmacist or staff member of pharmacy A can check the progress to confirm whether the dispensing process is proceeding as scheduled.

[0155] Furthermore, in the screen shown in Figure 16 or Figure 17, when a pharmacist or staff member of Pharmacy A presses the "Check Cargo Tracking" button, the control unit 11 accesses the cargo tracking service site and displays the delivery status. The delivery vehicles that transport medicines from the dispensing center to each pharmacy may be vehicles owned by a delivery company, or vehicles owned or managed by the dispensing center, pharmacy, or the business operator providing the dispensing support system 10 service. The dispensing support system 10 allows tracking of the delivery vehicles on the cargo tracking service site. The pharmacist or staff member of Pharmacy A can check the delivery status as needed to confirm whether the delivery is proceeding as scheduled.

[0156] [Dispensing support processing in pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 (displaying progress status)] Referring to Figure 18, an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed in the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 will be described. The dispensing support processing is performed by the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which corresponds to the pharmacy (in this case, pharmacy A).

[0157] <Step S201> First, in step S201, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received an operation to check the progress status. For example, if the control unit 11 receives an operation from a pharmacist at pharmacy A to check the progress status of a prescription that has been requested to be dispensed at the dispensing center (S201: Yes), it proceeds to step S202.

[0158] <Step S202> In step S202, the control unit 11 displays a request screen (see Figure 16) including the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Furthermore, when the "View Details" button is pressed on the request screen, the control unit 11 displays a request details screen (see Figure 17) containing detailed information about the dispensing request.

[0159] <Step S203> In step S203, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received a correction operation for the prescription data (prescription details) that was submitted to the dispensing center. For example, the staff and pharmacists of pharmacy A may perform a correction operation if they discover an error in the prescription details, delivery address, or scheduled delivery date after submitting the prescription request to the dispensing center. If the control unit 11 receives the correction operation (S203: Yes), it proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 receives the correction operation (S203: No), it proceeds to step S205.

[0160] <Step S204> In step S204, the control unit 11 determines whether the dispensed medicine dispensed at the dispensing center has been shipped from the dispensing center. If the dispensed medicine has been shipped from the dispensing center (S204: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if the dispensed medicine has not yet been shipped from the dispensing center (S204: No), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S241.

[0161] <Step S241> In step S241, the control unit 11 outputs a correction instruction for the dispensing request to the dispensing center. When the dispensing support device 5 on the center side receives the correction instruction from the dispensing support device 1 on the pharmacy side, it executes processing according to the correction instruction. For example, the control unit 51 of the dispensing support device 5 on the center side changes the prescribed medication or changes the scheduled delivery date based on the correction instruction. After processing in step S241, the control unit 11 moves the processing to step S201. In this way, if the control unit 11 receives a correction operation for the dispensing request (S203: Yes), it outputs a correction instruction to the dispensing center, provided that the dispensed medication has not yet been shipped from the dispensing center (S204: No). If the control unit 11 receives a correction operation for the dispensing request after the dispensed medication has been shipped from the dispensing center, it does not output a correction instruction to the dispensing center (S204: Yes).

[0162] <Step S205> In step S205, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received the dispensed medicine from the dispensing center. For example, when dispensed medicine shipped from the dispensing center is delivered to pharmacy A, and the staff of pharmacy A perform the receiving process (input operation), the control unit 11 determines that the dispensed medicine has been received. If the control unit 11 determines that the dispensed medicine has been received (S205: Yes), it moves the process to step S206. The control unit 11 repeats the processes in steps S201 to S204 until it has received the dispensed medicine.

[0163] <Step S206> In step S206, the control unit 11 performs an inspection process on the dispensed medications. For example, a staff member at pharmacy A checks the delivery slip and reads the prescription number, QR code, etc., assigned to the dispensed product (medication bag) to confirm the quantity, etc. After the staff member finishes the inspection, they input the inspection results into the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1.

[0164] Furthermore, the pharmacist at Pharmacy A checks whether there are any problems with the dispensing at the dispensing center. For example, the pharmacist checks the received dispensed medication (dispensing result), the evidence information regarding dispensing and inspection registered at the dispensing center, etc., to determine whether the medication has been dispensed correctly. Similarly, when the dispensing center delivers the dispensed medication directly to the patient's home or residence, the pharmacist checks the dispensed medication (dispensing result), the evidence information, etc., to determine whether the medication has been dispensed correctly. Figure 19 shows an example of an evidence screen that includes the aforementioned evidence information. The evidence information includes images of the dispensed product, medication information, etc. If the pharmacist checks the evidence information and finds no problems, they press the "Approve" button. If the pharmacist checks the evidence information and finds a problem, they can press the "Register Comment" button and enter and register a comment on the comment registration screen (see Figure 20). After completing the check, the pharmacist enters the check results into the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 or the in-pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0165] <Step S207> In step S207, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center if it determines that there is a problem in the inspection and verification work performed by the staff and pharmacists of pharmacy A. If the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center (S207: Yes), it moves the process to step S271. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that there is no abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center (S207: No), it moves the process to step S208.

[0166] <Step S271> In step S271, the control unit 11 determines whether the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will be within the predetermined deadline. For example, the control unit 11 determines whether requesting re-dispensing from the dispensing center will be within the predetermined deadline, such as the patient's start date for taking the medication or the date the patient wishes to receive the medication. If the control unit 11 determines that the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will be within the predetermined deadline (S271: Yes), it proceeds to step S272. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will not be within the predetermined deadline (S271: No), it proceeds to step S273.

[0167] <Step S272> In step S272, the control unit 11 outputs a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center. The control unit 11 then proceeds to step S201. When the control unit 51 of the dispensing support device 5 on the center side receives the re-dispensing request from the dispensing support device 1 on the pharmacy side, it executes the re-dispensing process for the medication based on the re-dispensing request. While the re-dispensing is being carried out at the dispensing center, the staff and pharmacists of pharmacy A can check the progress of the re-dispensing.

[0168] <Step S273> In step S273, the control unit 11 instructs pharmacy A to dispense the medication requested from the dispensing center. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescription data corresponding to the dispensing request and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing machine 1B. Once the dispensing of the medication is complete, the pharmacist at pharmacy A inspects the dispensed medication. In this way, if the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center, and the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will not meet the predetermined deadline, it instructs pharmacy A to dispense the medication requested from the dispensing center. After step S273, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S208.

[0169] <Step S208> In step S208, the control unit 11 performs the process of handing over the dispensed medication to the patient. For example, the control unit 11 may notify the patient that the prescribed medication is ready, receive a report from the pharmacist that medication guidance has been given to the patient, or perform accounting processing.

[0170] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 executes dispensing support processing, including processing to display the dispensing progress at the dispensing center.

[0171] As described above, the dispensing support system 10 according to this embodiment performs the following processes: outputting a dispensing request for part or all of the dispensing based on prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs to a dispensing center (dispensing facility) capable of performing part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy; and, when the dispensing request is output to the dispensing center, outputting the progress of the dispensing corresponding to the dispensing request at the dispensing center to the pharmacy's operating terminal (pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, in-pharmacy terminal 1A, etc.).

[0172] According to the above configuration, even if a pharmacy outsources some or all of its dispensing operations to a dispensing center, the pharmacy will still be able to ascertain whether the dispensing of the prescription data is being carried out appropriately.

[0173] [Second Embodiment] This embodiment describes a dispensing support system 20 that allows a single pharmacy to request dispensing from multiple dispensing centers. Note that components similar to those described in the above-described embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0174] The dispensing support system 20 is comprised of multiple pharmacies and multiple dispensing centers capable of dispensing medications in response to dispensing requests received from each pharmacy. In the example shown in Figure 21, two dispensing centers P1 and P2 are shown. Each of the dispensing centers P1 and P2 can receive dispensing requests from each pharmacy for part or all of the medications based on the prescription data, and can dispense medications based on the dispensing requests. In this embodiment, each pharmacy is assigned to an unspecified number of dispensing centers, and each pharmacy can output dispensing requests to any dispensing center.

[0175] For example, the dispensing support system 20 can dispense some of the medications included in the prescription data at dispensing center P1, some other medications at dispensing center P2, and the remaining medications at pharmacy A. For example, if a pharmacist decides to dispense some of the medications M1 included in the patient's prescription data at dispensing center P1, some medications M2 at dispensing center P2, and the remaining medications M3 at pharmacy A, pharmacy A will use dispensing equipment 1B within pharmacy A to dispense medications M3, request dispensing of medications M1 from dispensing center P1, and request dispensing of medications M2 from dispensing center P2. Once pharmacy A has completed dispensing and checking of medications M3, it will hand over the dispensed medications M3 to the patient. Dispensing center P1 will dispense medications M1 included in the prescription data based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A. Once dispensing center P1 has completed dispensing and checking drug M1, it delivers the dispensed drug M1 to pharmacy A. Dispensing center P2, based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A, dispenses drug M2 included in the prescription data. Once dispensing center P2 has completed dispensing and checking drug M2, it delivers the dispensed drug M2 to pharmacy A. Pharmacy A receives the dispensed drugs M1 and M2 from dispensing centers P1 and P2, performs inspections, and if there are no problems, hands over drugs M1 and M2 to the patient. The patient may receive only drug M3 when visiting the pharmacy and receive drugs M1 and M2 at a later date, or they may receive drugs M1, M2, and M3 all together after they have been delivered to pharmacy A.

[0176] Thus, in this embodiment, each pharmacy can allocate a portion of the prescription data to the first dispensing center and the remaining portion to the second dispensing center.

[0177] Specifically, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which corresponds to pharmacy A, extracts from among multiple dispensing centers which will be requested to dispense the prescription data acquired by pharmacy A, and outputs a dispensing request to each of the extracted dispensing centers.

[0178] For example, if a pharmacist determines that a prescription data for a patient does not contain any medications the patient immediately needs and that dispensing can be requested from a dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 searches for a dispensing destination for that prescription data. For example, the distribution processing unit 113 checks the inventory status of medications at each dispensing center and searches for a dispensing center that can dispense the medication.

[0179] For example, if dispensing center P1 is able to dispense drugs M1 and M4 from the prescription data, and dispensing center P2 is able to dispense drugs M2 and M3 from the prescription data, the distribution processing unit 113 will allocate the dispensing of drugs M1 and M4 to dispensing center P1, and the dispensing of drugs M2 and M3 to dispensing center P2.

[0180] Here, the method of dispensing medication using multiple dispensing centers for a single prescription data may be performed when certain conditions are met. For example, if a pharmacist presses the "Prescription Split" button on the screens shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8 to 10, the control unit 11 can distribute the dispensing of the prescription data to multiple dispensing centers.

[0181] For example, in the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8, when a pharmacist presses the "Split Prescription" button, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of drugs M1 and M4 to dispensing center P1, and the dispensing of drugs M2 and M3 to dispensing center P2. The control unit 11 (dispensing display processing unit 115) displays the distribution results on the split screen (prescription split screen) shown in Figure 22. In the split screen shown in Figure 22, "Prescription 1" shows the information of drugs M1 and M4 to be dispensed by dispensing center P1, and "Prescription 2" shows the information of drugs M2 and M3 to be dispensed by dispensing center P2. In the split screen shown in Figure 22, the pharmacist can check the detailed information of prescription 1 and prescription 2 by pressing the "Confirm Split Prescription 1 Details" and "Confirm Split Prescription 2 Details" buttons.

[0182] The pharmacist checks the contents of the divided prescription and, if they determine that there are no problems, presses the "Execute Divided Prescription" button. This causes the control unit 11 to generate prescription data for dispensing requests to the dispensing centers P1 and P2 and register it in the candidate data (see Figure 7). When the pharmacist presses the "Execute Request" button on the execution screen (see Figure 13), the control unit 11 (request processing unit 116) outputs dispensing requests (request data) to each of the dispensing centers P1 and P2.

[0183] In this embodiment, as described above, dispensing is performed at multiple dispensing centers for a single prescription data, and the dispensed medications (medication bags) from each dispensing center are delivered to the requesting pharmacy or the patient's home.

[0184] In the above embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes a prescription based on one prescription data to two dispensing centers P1 and P2. However, in another embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 may distribute the prescription to three or more dispensing centers. In yet another embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 may select one dispensing center from among multiple dispensing centers and distribute the prescription to the selected dispensing center.

[0185] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may determine which dispensing center to distribute the medication to based on information such as the inventory status of each dispensing center, the scheduled delivery date (delivery date), and the location (distance from the pharmacy or patient's home). For example, the distribution processing unit 113 may extract one or more dispensing centers from among multiple dispensing centers that have the medications in stock for the prescription data and are closest to the pharmacy that acquired the prescription data, and then distribute the medication to the extracted dispensing center.

[0186] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may determine which dispensing center to distribute the medication to based on information such as the type of medication (e.g., oral medication and topical medication), the destination of the medication, whether the patient is a regular patient, and the address (postal code classification). For example, if the patient's prescription data includes oral medication, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the oral medication to a dispensing center dedicated to oral medication, and if the patient's prescription data includes topical medication, it will distribute the topical medication to a dispensing center dedicated to topical medication. Also, for example, if the destination of the medication is a pharmacy, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the medication to a dispensing center dedicated to pharmacies, and if the destination of the medication is a facility (such as a nursing home), it will distribute the medication to a dispensing center dedicated to facilities.

[0187] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 11 uses the example of a case where one prescription is issued to the same patient, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the control unit 11 may perform a process (integration process) to integrate the information of multiple prescriptions into a single prescription when multiple prescriptions are issued to the same patient. For example, if a patient visits multiple medical departments and multiple prescriptions are issued, the control unit 11 displays an integrated prescription screen (not shown) that integrates the information of the multiple prescriptions into a single prescription. The control unit 11 checks the patient ID associated with each of the multiple prescriptions to avoid integrating prescription information from different patients, and performs the integration process only if the respective patient IDs match, or it displays only the prescription information of the same patient and performs the integration process only after a pharmacist has confirmed it.

[0188] For example, if a patient visits multiple medical departments and is issued multiple prescriptions, the control unit 11 may perform a process (integration process) to package the medications from the multiple separate prescriptions into a single dose. For example, if a patient is issued prescriptions from both an internal medicine department and an otolaryngology department, the control unit 11 displays a screen (not shown) asking whether to package medications that can be packaged together based on the same administration time or meal category into a single dose, and performs the single-dose packaging according to the patient's request.

[0189] The control unit 11 executes the integration process, for example, when a pharmacist presses the "Integrate" button (not shown) on the prescription screen shown in Figure 4. The conditions for executing the integration process are not limited to this. As another example, the control unit 11 may automatically execute the integration process based on the pharmacy's internal regulations. For example, if pharmacy A has an internal regulation that states "integrate prescriptions if the same patient receives treatment from multiple departments," the control unit 11 will automatically execute the integration process when multiple prescriptions are issued for the same patient.

[0190] As another example, the control unit 11 may automatically execute the integration process based on the patient master. For example, information (flags) identifying whether or not to execute the integration process may be set for each patient. The control unit 11 automatically executes the integration process if multiple prescriptions have been issued to the same patient and the flag to execute the integration process is set for that patient.

[0191] As another example, the control unit 11 may automatically execute the integration process based on the facility master. For example, information (flags) may be set for each facility to identify whether or not a resident of that facility or a resident of a specific room in that facility will perform the integration process. The control unit 11 automatically executes the integration process when multiple prescriptions have been issued to the same patient and the flag to perform the integration process is set for that patient's facility or room.

[0192] Figure 23 shows an example of the procedure for the integration process. The control unit 11 may execute the integration process in step S2 (see Figure 6A) of the dispensing support process (dispensing distribution process). For example, when the control unit 11 obtains the patient's prescription data (S1 in Figure 6A), it displays the prescription details (see Figure 3) (S211). Next, in step S212, the control unit 11 determines whether the patient has prescriptions from other medical departments. If the control unit 11 has prescriptions from other medical departments (S212: Yes), in step S213, it asks whether to integrate the prescriptions. If the pharmacist confirms multiple prescriptions for the same patient and gives an instruction to integrate them (S213: Yes), the control unit 11 executes the prescription integration process in step S214. After step S214, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S3 in Figure 6A. Furthermore, if the patient does not have prescriptions from other medical departments (S212: No), or if the pharmacist did not issue the integrated instruction (S213: No), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S3 in Figure 6A.

[0193] In the embodiments described above, the dispensing center is configured to dispense medication in response to dispensing requests transmitted from pharmacies, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the dispensing request may be transmitted from a patient. For example, when a patient selects a pharmacy on their operating terminal (mobile terminal), the operating terminal transmits the dispensing request to the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1. When the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 receives the dispensing request from the patient's operating terminal, it processes the medication to be dispensed. Once the medication has been dispensed, the dispensing center dispenses the medication based on the patient's dispensing request. Thus, the source of the dispensing request obtained by the dispensing center may be a pharmacy or a patient.

[0194] 2. Dispensing support processing on the dispensing center side. The following describes the dispensing support processes at the dispensing center. As mentioned above, the dispensing center performs dispensing and inspection tasks based on dispensing requests received from individual pharmacies, as well as delivery tasks for dispensing completed medications to pharmacies, patients' homes, and patient residences (hospitals, nursing homes, etc.). The dispensing center also handles receiving (delivering) medications from pharmaceutical wholesalers and warehousing, where the received medications are stored in storage shelves and dispensing equipment.

[0195] The center-side dispensing support device 5 performs processes to support various tasks performed at the dispensing center. Specifically, in addition to the dispensing process, the center-side dispensing support device 5 supports a series of operations at the dispensing center by assisting with drug receiving processes, receiving processes for storing received drugs in storage shelves and dispensing equipment, transport processes for transporting dispensed drugs within the dispensing center, and delivery processes for dispensing and inspected drugs. The center-side dispensing support device 5 may also be configured with masters, IDs, etc., for each drug and drug type so that it can manage the series of movements from "receiving / storage" → "dispensing" → "shipping" for drugs managed at the dispensing center.

[0196] Figure 24 is a plan view showing the overall layout of the dispensing center P1. The dispensing center P1 includes the receiving and storage area AR1 where drug receiving and storage operations take place, the storage shelf area AR2 where storage shelves for received drug products are located, the dispensing area AR3 where dispensing equipment is located and dispensing operations are carried out, the inspection area AR4 where dispensing operations for dispensed drug products take place, the delivery area AR5 where inspection operations for dispensed drug products take place, and the dispensing area AR6 where inspection operations for dispensed drug products take place. Workers are stationed in each area, and each worker performs their duties in their assigned area. In addition, at least one or more pharmacists are stationed in the dispensing area AR3 and the inspection area AR4.

[0197] This section outlines the various tasks performed at the dispensing center P1. In the receiving and storage area AR1, receiving workers inspect the medications received at the dispensing center P1 by pharmaceutical wholesalers (or delivery companies) based on the delivery slip. Once the inspection is complete and the delivery of the medications is finished, the receiving workers place the medications into receiving storage boxes (foldable containers) and hand them over to the sorting workers. The sorting workers then sort the medications from the receiving storage boxes into storage boxes according to their destination and hand them over to the storage workers. The storage workers then place the storage boxes on carts or similar equipment and move them to their destinations (storage shelves, dispensing equipment, etc.) to perform the storage work. Examples of medications include tablets, powders, topical medications, and injectable medications. Medications may also be stored in boxes or bags.

[0198] In the dispensing area AR3, dispensing equipment is used to dispense medications included in prescription data. For example, when dispensing equipment receives a dispensing request from a pharmacy, it dispenses the medications included in the prescription data corresponding to the request. In addition, incoming medications are received into the dispensing equipment by receiving workers. In addition, medications stored in storage shelves are filled into the dispensing equipment by filling workers. The dispensed medications are transported to the inspection area AR4 by transport robot G1 (autonomous vehicle). Dispensing equipment includes, for example, tablet packaging machines, powder packaging machines, PTP drug automatic dispensing devices, powder dispensing robots, ointment automatic dispensing machines, automatic dispensing shelves, and liquid dispensing devices.

[0199] In the inspection area AR4, a drug collection worker (drug collection operator) receives the medications transported to the inspection area AR4 by the transport robot G1 and places them in the designated drug collection shelf. A drug collection worker (pharmacist) takes the medications from the designated drug collection shelf and performs an inspection (final inspection) to confirm that the medications match the prescription. Once the inspection is complete, the inspected medications are transported to the delivery area AR5 or the dispensing area AR6.

[0200] In delivery area AR5, delivery workers receive medications that have been transported to delivery area AR5, and then perform tasks such as packaging and shipping. For example, delivery workers package the medications according to their destination (pharmacy, patient's home, residential facility, etc.) and then ship them out.

[0201] In the medication distribution area AR6, medication distributors receive medications that have been delivered to the area and perform the distribution work. For example, medication distributors group medications by administration period and place them in medication bags, medication boxes, or medication calendars. After completing the distribution work, the medication distributors then carry out the delivery work.

[0202] [1. Incoming Stock Processing] Next, we will describe the specific configuration of the processing that supports the receiving and warehousing operations carried out in the receiving and warehousing area AR1. The center-side dispensing support device 5 performs the receiving processing of pharmaceuticals and the warehousing processing of storing the received pharmaceuticals in storage shelves. Figure 25 shows various equipment corresponding to the dispensing center P1. For example, the dispensing center P1 is equipped with the center-side dispensing support device 5, an in-center terminal 5A, dispensing equipment 5B, a portable terminal 5C, a pharmaceutical sorting device 5D, etc. The portable terminal 5C is an operating terminal that can be carried by workers in the dispensing center P1, and is an example of an operating terminal of the present invention. For example, a warehousing worker uses the portable terminal 5C to perform warehousing operations.

[0203] The dispensing support device 5 on the center side may constitute the drug receiving system according to the present invention. Furthermore, a higher-level system (not shown) for registering and managing drug information related to drugs scheduled for delivery may be connected to the dispensing support device 5 on the center side via a network N5.

[0204] The communication interface 53 is a communication interface for connecting the center-side dispensing support device 5 to the network N5, for example, by wire or wireless connection, and performs data communication with the center terminal 5A, dispensing equipment 5B, mobile terminal 5C, drug dispensing device 5D, etc., which are connected via the network N5.

[0205] The memory unit 52 stores a chemical storage program that causes the control unit 51 to execute the chemical storage process described later (see Figures 41 to 43, etc.).

[0206] The drive device 56 can read the drug storage program from the computer-readable recording medium 57 on which the drug storage program is recorded. In the center-side dispensing support device 5, the control unit 51 installs the drug storage program read by the drive device 56 from the recording medium 57 into the storage unit 52.

[0207] The control unit 51 includes various processing units such as a drug information acquisition processing unit 511, a distribution destination identification processing unit 512, a receiving destination identification processing unit 513, a registration processing unit 514, a distribution information acquisition processing unit 515, a storage information acquisition processing unit 516, and a storage order determination processing unit 517. The control unit 51 functions as a drug information acquisition processing unit 511, a distribution destination identification processing unit 512, a receiving destination identification processing unit 513, a registration processing unit 514, a distribution information acquisition processing unit 515, a storage information acquisition processing unit 516, and a storage order determination processing unit 517 by executing various processes in accordance with the drug storage program.

[0208] Figures 26 to 30 show an example of the sequence of operations for receiving and warehousing goods. Figures 26 to 29 will be used to explain the specific configuration of each processing unit.

[0209] Figure 26 shows the receiving and sorting operations in the receiving and warehousing area AR1. The receiving and warehousing area AR1 includes the receiving area Ar0 where receiving operations are performed and the sorting area Ar1 where sorting operations are performed.

[0210] Figure 27 shows the receiving process in receiving area Ar0. For example, pharmaceutical wholesaler X0 submits the pharmaceuticals to be delivered along with a delivery slip to receiving worker X1 in receiving area Ar0. Upon receiving the pharmaceuticals and delivery slip, receiving worker X1 visually checks whether the pharmaceuticals listed on the delivery slip match the delivered pharmaceuticals (inspection). If there are no problems with the inspection, receiving worker X1 stamps the delivery slip with an approval seal and hands it back to pharmaceutical wholesaler X0, then places the delivered pharmaceuticals into storage box C0 (foldable container).

[0211] On the other hand, if receiving worker X1 finds a problem during inspection, X1 selects the delivery number from the delivery slip on the operation screen of the terminal 5A located in the receiving area Ar0. The terminal 5A retrieves the drug information corresponding to the delivery number from the higher-level system and displays the registered drug information on the operation screen. Receiving worker X1 checks the drug information and determines whether there are any errors in the delivered drug. If the delivered drug is in excess, receiving worker X1 performs the task of returning the drug (return registration) or delivering it as is (unscheduled delivery registration). Also, if there is a shortage of the drug that should be delivered, receiving worker X1 performs the task of registering the missing drug (exception registration). When performing the unscheduled delivery registration, receiving worker X1 adds the drug to the registration, associating it with the delivery number.

[0212] When receiving worker X1 completes the receiving process for the pharmaceuticals, they issue an receiving label L0 on the operation screen D51 (see Figure 31) displayed on terminal 5A within the center. When receiving worker X1 presses the "Issue" button K51 on operation screen D51, terminal 5A within the center outputs (prints) the receiving label L0 shown in Figure 32 from the printing device. The receiving label L0 displays (prints) the delivery number and a two-dimensional code B0 associated with the information of the delivery number. If the number of delivered pharmaceuticals is large and does not fit into one storage box C0, terminal 5A within the center issues the same number of receiving labels L0 as the number of storage boxes C0.

[0213] Receiving worker X1 places the issued receiving label L0 into (or attaches to) the storage box C0 containing the chemicals, and places the storage box C0 on the transport lane H0 to transport it to the sorting area Ar1 (in the direction of the arrow in Figure 27).

[0214] As described above, in the receiving area Ar0, each time a pharmaceutical wholesaler X0 delivers pharmaceuticals, the receiving worker X1 performs the receiving work and places the pharmaceuticals into storage boxes C0, and the terminal 5A in the center executes the receiving process by issuing a corresponding receiving label L0 for each storage box C0. Note that the receiving process may also be performed by the dispensing support device 5 on the center side.

[0215] Figures 28 to 30 show the sorting process in sorting area Ar1. A chemical sorting device 5D is located in sorting area Ar1. The chemical sorting device 5D includes a mounting table F1 (an example of a mounting unit of the present invention) on which a storage box C0 containing delivered chemicals is placed; a detection unit (an example of a detection unit of the present invention) (not shown) that detects the storage box C0 placed on the mounting table F1; a reader Rd1 that, when the storage box C0 is detected by the detection unit, reads a two-dimensional code B0 (delivery information code) on an incoming label L0 to which the delivery information of the chemicals is associated and a two-dimensional code B1 (chemical information code) to which the chemical ID of the chemicals is associated; a notification unit that, when the two-dimensional code B1 is read by the reader Rd1, notifies the position of the sorting lane corresponding to the chemicals; and a transport unit (transport lane H1) that transports the storage box C1 from the upstream side (first area) to the downstream side (second area) when a predetermined amount of chemicals is contained in the storage box C1 placed on the sorting lane.

[0216] For example, the distribution area Ar1 has eight distribution lanes R1 to R8. Distribution lanes R1 to R4 are located on the left side of the mounting platform F1, and distribution lanes R5 to R8 are located on the right side of the mounting platform F1. The mounting platform F1 also has a left-side notification unit Da that points to the left distribution lanes R1 to R4, and a right-side notification unit Db that points to the right distribution lanes R5 to R8. In addition, lane notification units D1 to D8 are located above each of the distribution lanes R1 to R8. Furthermore, lane identification information (such as lane number) may be displayed (affixed) above each of the distribution lanes R1 to R8. Note that the reader Rd1 may be divided into a reader that reads the two-dimensional code B0 (see Figure 32) and a reader that reads the two-dimensional code B1 (see Figures 28 and 30).

[0217] Furthermore, each of the distribution lanes R1 to R8 consists of upstream distribution lanes Ra1 to Ra8 and downstream distribution lanes Rb1 to Rb8 (see Figure 29). The upstream and downstream distribution lanes are interconnected, and the storage boxes C1 placed on the upstream distribution lanes are moved to the downstream distribution lanes by the distribution worker X2 pushing them from the front to the back (see Figures 28 and 29). In other words, each of the distribution lanes R1 to R8 functions as a transport lane H1 (transport section of the present invention) that transports the storage boxes C1 placed on the distribution lanes. For the sake of explanation, the storage box into which the chemicals are taken out from the storage box C0 installed on the mounting table F1 and stored (put in) will be referred to as "storage box C1".

[0218] When sorting worker X2, who performs sorting work in sorting area Ar1, receives a storage box C0 that has flowed down transport lane H0 from receiving area Ar0, he places the storage box C0 on the mounting table F1. The mounting table F1 is equipped with a detection unit that detects when a storage box C0 has been placed on it. When the storage box C0 is placed on the mounting table F1, the reader Rd1 installed on the mounting table F1 reads the two-dimensional code B0 (see Figure 32) of the receiving label L0 that has been placed inside the storage box C0. The reader Rd1 may also read the two-dimensional code B0 when sorting worker X2 holds the receiving label L0 up to the reader Rd1. The control unit 51 obtains the delivery number read by the reader Rd1 from the two-dimensional code B0 and obtains the drug information associated with the delivery number. The drug information includes delivery information, drug details information, drug ID (GS1 code), sorting lane ID, etc. The control unit 51 displays the drug information on the display screen of the placement table F1, and the sorting worker X2 visually confirms that the drug is correct and that the quantity is correct by looking at the drug information. Alternatively, the reader Rd1 may read the two-dimensional code (storage box ID) that has been previously attached to the storage box C0. In this case, the drug information is associated with the storage box ID during the receiving process in the receiving area Ar0.

[0219] Next, sorting worker X2 takes out the chemicals one by one from storage box C0 and has the reader Rd1 read the two-dimensional code B1 attached to the chemical. When the reader Rd1 reads the two-dimensional code B1 of the chemical, the control unit 51 (chemical information acquisition processing unit 511) acquires chemical identification information (chemical ID) that can identify the chemical. In other words, the chemical information acquisition processing unit 511 acquires the chemical ID of the chemical to be sorted in storage box C0.

[0220] The control unit 51 verifies the drug based on the drug ID read from the drug's two-dimensional code B1 and the drug information read from the two-dimensional code B0 on ​​the incoming label L0. If the drug ID does not match the drug ID included in the drug information, the control unit 51 instructs the sorting worker X2 to place the drug in an error box (not shown). Drugs placed in the error box are registered as returned and sent back to the drug wholesaler X0, or they are registered as unscheduled incoming goods and sent back for sorting. For example, the control unit 51 also checks the quantity of delivered drugs, expiration date, sorting lane, etc., based on the drug ID and the drug information.

[0221] The distribution destination identification processing unit 512 identifies the distribution lane corresponding to the drug indicated by the drug ID obtained by the drug information acquisition processing unit 511 from among the multiple distribution lanes. For example, if each distribution lane is associated with a drug type (drug type), the distribution destination identification processing unit 512 identifies the distribution lane corresponding to the drug type indicated by the drug ID. For example, if distribution lane R1 is associated with "tablets", distribution lane R2 is associated with "powders", distribution lane R3 is associated with "PTP sheets", distribution lane R4 is associated with "liquids", and distribution lane R5 is associated with "generic drugs", then if the drug indicated by the drug ID is "tablets", the distribution destination identification processing unit 512 identifies distribution lane R1 for that drug. Alternatively, for example, the distribution destination identification processing unit 512 identifies the distribution lane that can be accommodated in the storage box C1 from among the multiple distribution lanes. For example, each of the sorting lanes R1 to R8 is provided with a weight measuring unit (not shown), and the sorting destination identification processing unit 512 can determine, based on the measurement results from the measuring unit, whether or not a storage box C1 is placed on the sorting lane, whether or not a chemical is stored in the storage box C1, and whether or not it is possible to store a chemical in the storage box C1. The measurement results may also include the size (external dimensions) of the storage box C1 and the chemical.

[0222] For example, the distribution destination identification processing unit 512 identifies a distribution lane among distribution lanes R1 to R8 in which a storage box C1 capable of containing a drug is located. Alternatively, the distribution destination identification processing unit 512 identifies a distribution lane among distribution lanes R1 to R8 in which a storage box C1 capable of containing a drug and which already contains the same or similar drug is located. Furthermore, if the drug is a specific drug (such as a cooling agent, poison, narcotic, or highly toxic drug), the distribution destination identification processing unit 512 identifies a pre-set specific distribution lane (for example, distribution lane R8).

[0223] In the example shown in Figure 28, for example, when sorting worker X2 takes out chemical M1 from storage box C0 and has the two-dimensional code B1 of chemical M1 read by reader Rd1, the chemical information acquisition processing unit 511 acquires the chemical ID of chemical M1 (for example, "m001"), and the sorting destination identification processing unit 512 identifies a sorting lane R1 that can accommodate chemical M1. The sorting destination identification processing unit 512 registers the identification information (sorting lane ID) of the identified sorting lane R1 in sorting information E1 (see Figure 33A) in association with the chemical ID. Here, the sorting destination identification processing unit 512 registers the sorting lane ID "r001" in association with the chemical ID "m001". The sorting information E1 contains the chemical IDs of all chemicals corresponding to the delivery numbers on the incoming label L0, and the sorting lane ID is registered in association with each chemical ID. The distribution information E1 may be stored in the storage unit 52 of the center-side dispensing support device 5, in the terminal 5A within the center, or in a higher-level system.

[0224] Furthermore, the distribution destination identification processing unit 512 causes the left notification unit Da or the right notification unit Db to notify the location of the distribution lane corresponding to the drug indicated by the drug ID obtained by the drug information acquisition processing unit 511. For example, the distribution destination identification processing unit 512 lights up the left notification unit Da because the distribution lane R1 corresponding to drug M1 is located on the left side of the mounting table F1.

[0225] Furthermore, the sorting destination identification processing unit 512 causes the lane notification unit of the sorting lane corresponding to the drug indicated by the drug ID obtained by the drug information acquisition processing unit 511 to broadcast notification information. For example, the sorting destination identification processing unit 512 lights up the lane notification unit D1 located above the sorting lane R1 corresponding to drug M1. This allows the sorting worker X2 to easily understand the sorting destination of drug M1. The sorting worker X2 places drug M1 into the storage box C1 placed on the guided sorting lane R1.

[0226] In another embodiment of the sorting process, the sorting destination identification processing unit 512 may determine the sorting lane according to the operation of the sorting worker X2. For example, the sorting worker X2 takes out the chemical M1 from the storage box C0, has the two-dimensional code B1 of the chemical M1 read by the reader Rd1, and then selects (inputs) the desired sorting lane at the operation terminal of the mounting table F1. For example, the sorting worker X2 checks the storage status (availability) of each sorting lane, the type of chemical already stored, etc., to determine the sorting destination (sorting lane) for the chemical and selects the sorting lane. In this way, the sorting destination identification processing unit 512 may determine the sorting lane selected by the sorting worker X2 as the sorting lane corresponding to the chemical. In this case, the sorting destination identification processing unit 512 associates the chemical ID read by the reader Rd1 with the sorting lane ID of the sorting lane selected by the sorting worker X2 and registers them together. In this configuration, the distribution destination identification processing unit 512 may omit the notification processing of the notification information.

[0227] Another embodiment of the sorting process is that the sorting destination identification processing unit 512 may identify the sorting lane associated with the drug at the time of arrival. For example, in the receiving process, a sorting lane may be associated with the drug at the time the drug is delivered. Specifically, the control unit 51 may assign a sorting lane according to the type of drug (drug type). As a result, the drug information for each drug and the identification information of the sorting lane (sorting lane ID) are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 52. In this case, when the reader Rd1 reads the drug ID in the sorting area Ar1, the sorting destination identification processing unit 512 obtains the sorting lane ID associated with the drug ID, identifies the sorting lane corresponding to the drug, and executes the notification processing of the notification information.

[0228] The control unit 51 determines whether the drug M1 has been properly placed into the designated distribution lane R1's storage box C1. For example, the control unit 51 determines whether the drug M1 has been placed into the storage box C1 based on the weight measured by the measuring unit installed in the distribution lane R1. If the control unit 51 recognizes that the drug M1 has been placed into the storage box C1 of a different distribution lane R1, it displays error information on the display screen of the mounting platform F1. If the control unit 51 recognizes that the drug M1 has been placed into the correct distribution lane R1's storage box C1, it turns off the left-side notification unit Da and the lane notification unit D1. The control unit 51 may also register distribution completion information (flag) in the distribution information E1 (see Figure 33A) in association with the drug ID of the drug M1.

[0229] Sorting worker X2 sorts all the chemicals in storage box C0 into storage box C1 according to the guidance information on the sorting lane. The control unit 51 determines, using the detection unit installed on the mounting table F1, that all the chemicals in storage box C0 have been sorted (that storage box C0 is empty). Sorting worker X2 removes the empty storage box C0 from the mounting table F1 and places the next storage box C0 on the transport lane H0 (see Figure 28) onto the mounting table F1.

[0230] Also, when a predetermined amount of medicine is stored in the storage box C1, the distributor X2 moves the storage box C1 to the downstream sorting lane. For example, when the distributor X2 determines that a predetermined amount of medicine is stored in or the storage box C1 in the sorting lane R1 is full, the distributor X2 pushes the storage box C1 from the upstream sorting lane Ra1 to the downstream sorting lane Rb1 (see Fig. 29). After that, the distributor X2 places an empty storage box C1 on the upstream sorting lane Ra1. Fig. 29 shows the state where the storage box C1 in the sorting lane R1 and the storage box C1 in the sorting lane R5 have moved to the downstream sorting lanes Rb1 and Rb5. Also, an empty storage box C1 is placed on the upstream sorting lane Ra1.

[0231] Here, when the control unit 51 detects that the storage box C1 has moved to the downstream sorting lane based on the measurement result (weight) of the measuring unit, etc., the control unit 51 identifies the storage destination of the medicine stored in the storage box C1. Specifically, the storage destination identification processing unit 513 identifies the storage destination of each medicine. For example, the storage destination identification processing unit 513 identifies the storage destination of the medicine based on the type of the medicine and the inventory status of the storage destination. The storage destinations include storage shelves arranged in the storage shelf area AR2 (see Fig. 35) and dispensing equipment 5B arranged in the dispensing area AR3 (see Fig. 37). Note that the control unit 51 can grasp the inventory status based on the incoming and outgoing inventory information of the medicine in each storage shelf and each dispensing equipment 5B.

[0232] For example, the storage destination specifying processing unit 513 specifies the storage destination (storage shelf or dispensing device 5B) based on the type of medicine and the inventory status of each of the storage shelves and the dispensing device 5B. Also, when the medicine is a medicine adopted by the dispensing device 5B and can be stored in the dispensing device 5B, the storage destination specifying processing unit 513 specifies the dispensing device 5B as the storage destination. Further, when the medicine is not a medicine adopted by the dispensing device 5B, or when the medicine is a medicine adopted by the dispensing device 5B but cannot be stored in the dispensing device 5B, the storage destination specifying processing unit 513 specifies the storage shelf as the storage destination. Note that when the storage destination specifying processing unit 513 determines that the medicine can be stored in either the dispensing device 5B or the storage shelf, it preferentially specifies the dispensing device 5B as the storage destination. Note that information regarding medicines (adopted medicines) that can be stored in the dispensing device 5B may be registered in the medicine master of the dispensing device 5B.

[0233] As an example of the dispensing device 5B that can be specified as the storage destination, the dispensing device DS shown in FIG. 37 will be described. The dispensing device DS includes a medicine storage DS1 and a medicine inlet / outlet section DS2 (picking device). The medicine inlet / outlet section DS2 has an automatic picking function of picking each medicine in the storage box C1 and storing it in the storage area in the dispensing device DS. In this case, the storage worker X3 can improve the work efficiency because the entire storage box C1 can be inserted into the dispensing device DS through the insertion port DS21. Note that the dispensing device DS may include an insertion port DS22 through which the storage worker X3 can insert each medicine into the dispensing device DS. Further, the dispensing device DS shown in FIG. 37 may include a picking table DS11 that picks and dispenses the medicine dispensed from the storage area and the medicine storage DS1. When all the medicines in the storage box C1 are pickable medicines, the storage destination specifying processing unit 513 may specify the dispensing device DS as the storage destination. As an example of a drug storage unit DS1, a well-known device, such as the drug station disclosed in International Publication No. 2020 / 158579, can be applied. For example, the drug station is a drug management system for storing, filling and dispensing drug sheets, and inspecting dispensed drug sheets. The drug station comprises a main unit, a picking unit, an inspection unit, a touch panel, a tray transport unit, a tray storage unit, and the like. The main unit functions as a drug storage shelf capable of storing multiple cassettes containing drug sheets. The picking unit functions as a device (a drug handling device that enables users to handle drug sheets) for a user to take drug sheets from cassettes stored in the main unit or to fill said cassettes with drug sheets. The inspection unit is a device for a user (a qualified person such as a pharmacist) to perform a final inspection of drug sheets dispensed from the main unit. The touch panel is a display device that shows various information related to the drug station and also functions as an input device that accepts user input. The tray transport unit is a device that transports transport trays containing drug sheets dispensed from the picking unit to the storage shelves of the inspection unit. The tray storage unit is a storage unit for storing the transport trays.

[0234] Furthermore, as an example of the drug receiving / discharging unit DS2, for example, the storage device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-150363 can be applied. For example, the storage device is a device for storing drug boxes containing drugs, and for example, it stores drug boxes containing drugs that can be handled at the drug station. For example, when an operator puts a drug box into the input port (input port DS22 in this embodiment (see Figure 37)) of the storage device, the drug box is transported and stored on a storage shelf. In addition, in the drug receiving / discharging unit DS2 according to this embodiment, when an operator puts a storage box C1 into the input port DS21 (see Figure 37), the picking unit picks the drug box from the storage box C1 and stores it on a storage shelf.

[0235] Furthermore, the storage device, for example, if a certain type of drug runs out of stock at the drug station, will send a drug box containing that drug, which is stored in the storage device, to the drug station.

[0236] Furthermore, the operator at the drug station can receive the medicine boxes transported from the storage device. The operator at the drug station can then fill the drug station with the received medicine boxes or the medicines contained in the medicine boxes. The operator at the drug station can also place the medicines contained in the received medicine boxes into a transport tray (not shown) as medicines to be dispensed from the drug station.

[0237] Furthermore, the storage shelf area AR2 contains multiple storage shelves, each separated by type of drug. For example, in the example shown in Figure 35, the storage shelf area AR2 is divided into zones A to F, with 10 storage shelves in each zone. Each zone stores drugs of the same type. For example, zones A to F may be divided according to types of drugs such as tablets, powders, PTP sheets, liquids, ointments, cooling agents, large-sized drugs, generic drugs, poisons, narcotics, and highly toxic drugs. Figure 36 illustrates five storage shelves A1 to A5 in zone A. Each storage shelf has five storage compartments (five shelves wide). Each storage shelf may be divided into multiple storage spaces by partition members or the like. Each storage shelf is marked with a storage shelf number indicating its location (for example, A12 (second shelf from the top of storage shelf A1)) and a two-dimensional code Bs1 that identifies the storage shelf. The two-dimensional code Bs1 is associated with information such as the zone (e.g., Zone A), shelf number (e.g., A1), and storage shelf number.

[0238] The receiving destination identification processing unit 513 identifies the shelf number and storage shelf number of the storage shelf when identifying a storage shelf as the receiving destination. For example, the receiving destination identification processing unit 513 identifies a storage shelf capable of storing the drug when it detects that the storage box C1 has moved to the downstream distribution lane. The receiving destination identification processing unit 513 may identify any storage shelf and storage shelf as the receiving destination as long as they are within the zone corresponding to the drug. For example, the receiving destination identification processing unit 513 identifies any currently empty storage shelf among several storage shelves included in the storage shelf as the storage shelf for the drug. The receiving destination identification processing unit 513 may also identify storage shelves and storage shelves based on the expiration date (or lot) of the drug. Specifically, the receiving destination identification processing unit 513 identifies the storage shelf for the drug to be received based on the expiration date of the drug to be received and the expiration dates of the drugs already stored in the storage shelf. For example, if the expiration date of the drug to be received differs from the expiration date of the same drug already stored in the storage shelf, the receiving destination identification processing unit 513 will identify a storage shelf in a different location. In this case, the receiving destination identification processing unit 513 may also identify the receiving destination such that the storage locations of identical drugs with different expiration dates are far apart, in order to prevent the mistake of picking up the same drug with a different expiration date when retrieving the drug from the storage shelf.

[0239] The registration processing unit 514 registers the information of the receiving location identified by the receiving location identification processing unit 513 in the receiving location information E2, associating it with the drug ID. Figure 34 shows an example of the receiving location information E2. The receiving location information E2 is registered with the drug ID, receiving location, storage shelf number, and receiving order (described later) as associated information. The registration processing unit 514 may assign a new storage shelf number to completely new drugs or drugs that have not been assigned to a storage shelf for some time.

[0240] As described above, when sorting worker X2 performs sorting work in sorting area Ar1 (see Figure 28), the control unit 51 executes each of the above processes. When sorting worker X2 pushes storage box C1 into the downstream sorting lane and storage box C1 is transported to the downstream sorting lane, receiving worker X3 performs the following receiving work.

[0241] For example, when receiving worker X3 confirms that the storage box C1 has been transported to the sorting lane Rb1, he reads the two-dimensional code Br1 (see Figure 30) located above the sorting lane R1 on which the storage box C1 is placed using his mobile terminal 5C. Figure 38A shows an example of the reading screen for reading the two-dimensional code of the sorting lane on the mobile terminal 5C. Receiving worker X3 operates the mobile terminal 5C to perform a reading operation to read the two-dimensional code Br1 of the sorting lane R1 on the reading screen.

[0242] The allocation information acquisition processing unit 515 acquires identification information (allocation lane ID) that can identify the allocation lane. That is, the allocation information acquisition processing unit 515 acquires the allocation lane ID when a two-dimensional code (first information code of the present invention) provided on the allocation lane is read by the mobile terminal 5C.

[0243] When receiving worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code Br1 on the sorting lane R1, he then uses his mobile terminal 5C to read the two-dimensional code Bb1 (see Figure 30) placed (attached) to the storage box C1 located on the sorting lane R1. Figure 38B shows an example of the reading screen for reading the two-dimensional code of the storage box C1 on the mobile terminal 5C. Receiving worker X3 operates the mobile terminal 5C to perform the reading operation to read the two-dimensional code Bb1 of the storage box C1 on the reading screen.

[0244] The storage information acquisition processing unit 516 acquires identification information (storage box ID) that can identify the storage box C1 (an example of a storage unit in the present invention) in which the drug is stored. That is, the storage information acquisition processing unit 516 acquires the storage box ID when a two-dimensional code (second information code in the present invention) provided on the storage box C1 is read by a mobile terminal 5C.

[0245] When the distribution information acquisition processing unit 515 acquires the distribution lane ID and the storage information acquisition processing unit 516 acquires the storage box ID (see Figure 30), the registration processing unit 514 registers the drug ID of the drug corresponding to the distribution lane indicated by the distribution lane ID (see Figure 33A) and the storage box ID in association (see Figure 33B).

[0246] In this way, the control unit 51 associates the drug ID with the distribution lane ID of the distribution lane R1 to which the drug M1 is distributed, when the distribution worker X2 reads the two-dimensional code B1 of the drug M1 in the storage box C0 (see Figure 33A). Subsequently, the receiving worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code Br1 of the distribution lane R1 and the two-dimensional code Bb1 of the storage box C1, thereby associating the drug ID with the storage box ID via the distribution lane ID (see Figure 33B).

[0247] Once the correspondence between the drug ID and the storage box ID is complete, the receiving worker X3 then places the storage box C1 onto the trolley W. If there are multiple storage boxes C1 in the downstream sorting lane, the receiving worker X3 can perform the reading operation for each storage box C1 and then place multiple storage boxes C1 on the same trolley W (see Figure 29). After that, the receiving worker X3 carries out the task of receiving the drugs from the storage boxes C1 placed on the trolley W into storage.

[0248] When receiving work, worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code of the storage box C1 placed on the trolley W using the mobile terminal 5C. Based on the read two-dimensional code, the control unit 51 displays the storage box number and information about the receiving location (receiving information P53) on the mobile terminal 5C (see Figure 39A). In the receiving information P53 shown in Figure 39A, information corresponding to the two storage boxes C1 placed on the trolley W is displayed.

[0249] In the receiving information P53 operation screen shown in Figure 39A, when receiving worker X3 presses the "Start" button, the receiving order determination processing unit 517 determines the receiving order in which multiple chemicals will be placed into the storage shelves.

[0250] Specifically, the storage order determination processing unit 517 determines the storage order based on the positions (storage shelf numbers) of the storage shelves for the respective storage destinations of the plurality of drugs stored in the storage box C1. For example, the storage order determination processing unit 517 determines the storage order that allows the storage shelves for the respective storage destinations of the plurality of drugs to be moved in the shortest distance. Further, when a passage route is preset in the storage shelf area AR2, the storage order determination processing unit 517 determines the storage order in which the moving distance is the shortest distance or the storage order in which the moving time is the shortest time according to the passage route.

[0251] When there are a plurality of storage boxes C1 to be stored, the storage order determination processing unit 517 determines the storage order by combining all the drugs included in the plurality of storage boxes C1. In the example shown in FIG. 39A, the storage order determination processing unit 517 determines the storage order by combining all the drugs included in the two storage boxes C1. For example, when the storage worker X3 reads the two-dimensional codes of the two storage boxes C1 placed on the cart W by the mobile terminal 5C and performs an integration operation on the operation screen, the storage order determination processing unit 517 integrates the information of the drugs in each storage box C1 and determines the storage order. Note that when receiving the integration operation, the control unit 51 may instruct the storage worker X3 to store all the drugs together in any one of the storage boxes C1.

[0252] The registration processing unit 514 registers the storage order information indicating the storage order determined by the storage order determination processing unit 517 in association with the drug ID in the storage destination information E2 (see FIG. 34).

[0253] When the storage order determination processing unit 517 determines the storage order, the control unit 51 causes the mobile terminal 5C to display information indicating the storage route (route information P54) (see FIG. 39B). The route information P54 shown in FIG. 39B includes information such as the order of storage, the storage destination, the number of the storage box C1, the storage shelf number, and the drug name.

[0254] Receiving worker X3 sequentially places multiple chemicals stored in storage box C1 into their designated storage locations while referring to route information P54. For example, when receiving worker X3 to place the first chemical M1 into storage shelf A12, they select chemical M1 in route information P54 and press the "Execute Receiving" button. When receiving worker X3 moves to storage shelf A1, they read the two-dimensional code B1 of chemical M1 with their mobile terminal 5C (see Figure 40A), and then read the two-dimensional code Bs1 placed (attached) to storage shelf A12 (see Figure 36) with their mobile terminal 5C (see Figure 40B). The control unit 51 determines whether the storage shelf number associated with the chemical ID read from the two-dimensional code B1 of chemical M1 (see Figure 34) matches the storage shelf number read from the two-dimensional code Bs1 placed on storage shelf A12. The control unit 51 displays information on the mobile terminal 5C indicating that the storage location is correct when the storage shelf numbers match. This allows the receiving worker X3 to correctly store the drug M1 in storage shelf A12. On the other hand, the control unit 51 displays error information on the mobile terminal 5C indicating that the storage location (receiving destination) is incorrect when the storage shelf numbers do not match. This allows the receiving worker X3 to recognize that the storage location of drug M1 is incorrect. The control unit 51 may also display an image of the drug corresponding to the drug ID on the mobile terminal 5C when it obtains a drug ID read from the two-dimensional code B1. Furthermore, the control unit 51 may display a map image on the mobile terminal 5C showing the location of the storage shelf corresponding to the storage shelf number when it obtains a storage shelf number read from the two-dimensional code Bs1.

[0255] The receiving worker X3 completes the receiving work when all the chemicals in the storage box C1 placed on the trolley W are delivered to the receiving location. The control unit 51 manages the receiving status of the chemicals for each storage box C1, and when it confirms that all the chemicals in storage box C1 have been correctly delivered to the receiving location, it registers the receiving completion information, associating it with the delivery information corresponding to the delivery number, the distribution information E1 (see Figure 33B), the receiving location information E2 (see Figure 34), etc.

[0256] Furthermore, when the dispensing machine DS (see Figure 37) is identified as the receiving destination, and the receiving worker X3 places the storage box C1 into the dispensing machine DS through the input port DS21, the drug receiving / dispensing unit DS2 picks the drug from the storage box C1, reads the drug's two-dimensional code B1, and determines whether the receiving destination (see Figure 34) associated with the read drug ID is the dispensing machine DS. If the drug receiving / dispensing unit DS2 determines that the receiving destination corresponding to the drug is the dispensing machine DS, it stores the drug in a predetermined storage area and notifies the center-side dispensing support device 5 of the completion of drug receiving. On the other hand, if the drug receiving / dispensing unit DS2 determines that the receiving destination corresponding to the drug is not the dispensing machine DS, it dispenses the drug to the outside of the dispensing machine DS and notifies the center-side dispensing support device 5 of error information indicating that the storage location (receiving destination) is incorrect. When the control unit 51 receives the error information, it executes the process of identifying the drug's receiving destination again.

[0257] When the control unit 51 completes the process of receiving drugs in storage box C1, it stores information indicating the drug ID and the destination (storage shelf, dispensing equipment 5B) in the storage unit 52, associating them with each other. This allows the control unit 51 to understand the storage location of each drug, the inventory status of the storage shelf, and the inventory status of the dispensing equipment 5B. The storage location and inventory status are used to identify the destination of the drugs stored in storage box C1.

[0258] In another embodiment, the control unit 51 may perform receiving processing using AR markers. For example, AR markers indicating the location of the storage shelf for each drug are attached to the storage shelves. When receiving worker X3 moves to storage shelf A1, they read the two-dimensional code B1 of drug M1 with the mobile terminal 5C, and then read the AR marker placed (attached) to storage shelf A1 with the mobile terminal 5C. The control unit 51 displays a captured image of storage shelf A1 on the mobile terminal 5C, and overlays an image (such as an arrow image) indicating the storage location of drug M1 onto the captured image. By virtually displaying the storage location on the mobile terminal 5C in this way, receiving worker X3 can easily understand the receiving location. The configuration using AR markers can also be applied to the retrieval operation of drugs from storage shelves.

[0259] [Medication sorting process in the dispensing support device 5 on the center side] Referring to Figure 41, an example of the procedure for drug sorting processing performed in the center-side dispensing support device 5 will be described. The drug sorting processing is performed by the control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5. The present invention may also be considered as a drug storage method that performs part or all of the processing procedure for the drug sorting processing, or as an invention of a drug storage program that causes a computer such as the center-side dispensing support device 5 to execute the drug storage method.

[0260] For example, the control unit 51 starts the drug sorting process when the drugs that have arrived at the dispensing center P1 are placed in the storage box C0 and the storage box C0 is transported from the arrival area Ar0 (see Figure 27) to the sorting area Ar1 (see Figure 28).

[0261] <Step S501> First, in step S501, the control unit 51 determines whether or not it has detected the storage box C0. For example, when the sorting worker X2 places the storage box C0 on the mounting table F1 (see Figure 28), the detection unit provided on the mounting table F1 detects the storage box C0, and the control unit 51 detects the storage box C0 based on the detection signal obtained from the detection unit. If the control unit 51 detects the storage box C0 (S501: Yes), it moves the process to step S502. The control unit 51 waits until it detects the storage box C0 (S501: No).

[0262] <Step S502> In step S502, the control unit 51 determines whether or not a delivery number has been obtained. For example, when sorting worker X2 holds the two-dimensional code B0 (see Figure 32) of the incoming label L0 contained in the storage box C0 placed on the loading platform F1 over the reader Rd1 (see Figure 28), the reader Rd1 reads the two-dimensional code B0, and the control unit 51 obtains the delivery number associated with the two-dimensional code B0. The control unit 51 also obtains drug information (delivery information, drug details information, drug ID (GS1 code), sorting lane ID, etc.) associated with the obtained delivery number. If the control unit 51 obtains a delivery number (S502: Yes), it moves the process to step S503. The control unit 51 waits until a delivery number is obtained (S502: No).

[0263] <Step S503> In step S503, the control unit 51 determines whether or not a drug ID has been acquired. For example, when a sorting worker X2 takes a drug M1 from a storage box C0 placed on a platform F1 and holds the two-dimensional code B1 attached to the drug M1 over the reader Rd1, the reader Rd1 reads the two-dimensional code B1, and the control unit 51 acquires the drug ID associated with the two-dimensional code B1. If the control unit 51 acquires a drug ID (S503: Yes), it moves the process to step S504. The control unit 51 waits until a drug ID is acquired (S503: No).

[0264] <Step S504> In step S504, the control unit 51 determines whether the acquired drug ID matches the drug ID included in the drug information. If the acquired drug ID matches the drug ID included in the drug information (S504: Yes), the control unit 51 proceeds to step S505. On the other hand, if the acquired drug ID does not match the drug ID included in the drug information (S504: No), the control unit 51 proceeds to step S541.

[0265] <Step S541> In step S541, the control unit 51 notifies the sorting worker X2 of the error. Specifically, the control unit 51 instructs the sorting worker X2 to put the chemical corresponding to the acquired chemical ID into the error box (not shown). The chemical put into the error box is registered as returned and returned to the chemical wholesaler X0, or it is registered as an unscheduled arrival and sent back to the sorting process. After step S541, the control unit 51 moves the process to step S508.

[0266] <Step S505> In step S505, the control unit 51 identifies the sorting lane (sorting destination) corresponding to drug M1 indicated by the acquired drug ID. For example, the control unit 51 identifies the sorting lane (e.g., sorting lane R1) among the sorting lanes R1 to R8 (see Figure 28) on which a storage box C1 capable of containing drug M1 is placed. For example, if a drug type is associated with each of the sorting lanes R1 to R8, the control unit 51 identifies the sorting lane corresponding to the drug type of drug M1 and which is capable of containing drug M1. If the same drug type is associated with multiple sorting lanes, the control unit 51 identifies the sorting lane on which a storage box C1 is placed, the sorting lane on which a storage box C1 with available space is placed, the sorting lane corresponding to the weight of storage boxes C1 that have already contained other drugs, and so on, among the multiple sorting lanes.

[0267] Furthermore, the control unit 51 identifies a pre-configured specific sorting lane (for example, sorting lane R8) if the drug M1 indicated by the acquired drug ID is a specific drug (such as a cooling agent, poison, narcotic, or highly toxic drug).

[0268] <Step S506> In step S506, the control unit 51 registers the drug ID and the distribution lane ID in association. For example, the control unit 51 registers the identification information (distribution lane ID) of the identified distribution lane R1 in association with the drug ID in the distribution information E1 (see Figure 33A).

[0269] <Step S507> In step S507, the control unit 51 notifies the identified distribution destination (distribution lane). Specifically, the control unit 51 causes the left notification unit Da or the right notification unit Db (see Figure 28) to notify guidance information indicating the location of the distribution lane corresponding to the drug indicated by the drug ID. For example, the control unit 51 lights up the left notification unit Da where distribution lane R1 corresponding to drug M1 is located. The left notification unit Da and the right notification unit Db may be composed of display panels or LEDs that can be switched on and off.

[0270] Furthermore, the control unit 51 causes the lane notification unit of the distribution lane corresponding to the drug indicated by the drug ID to broadcast notification information. For example, the control unit 51 lights up the lane notification unit D1 corresponding to the distribution destination (distribution lane R1) of drug M1. In the example shown in Figure 28, the control unit 51 displays an arrow image on the lane notification unit D1, but is not limited to this, and may simply light up the lane notification unit D1. Each lane notification unit may be composed of a display panel, or it may be composed of an LED that can be switched on and off. In another embodiment, the control unit 51 may display identification information of the distribution lane (such as a lane number) on the left notification unit Da and the right notification unit Db.

[0271] In this manner, the control unit 51 performs a sorting process (sorting process) in which the sorting worker X2 presents (guides) the sorting destination of the chemical taken out of the storage box C0 by the sorting worker X2 via the left notification unit Da, the right notification unit Db, and the lane notification units D1 to D8. The sorting worker X2 places the chemical M1 into the storage box C1 placed on the sorting lane R1 that has been guided for the chemical M1.

[0272] <Step S508> In step S508, the control unit 51 determines whether the chemical M1 has been correctly placed into the storage box C1 of the specified distribution lane R1. For example, the control unit 51 determines whether the chemical M1 has been placed into the storage box C1 of the distribution lane R1 based on the weight measured by the measuring unit installed in the distribution lane R1. If the control unit 51 determines that the chemical M1 has been correctly placed into the storage box C1 of the specified distribution lane R1 (S508: Yes), it proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, if the control unit 51 determines that the chemical M1 has not been correctly placed into the storage box C1 of the specified distribution lane R1 (S508: No), it proceeds to step S581.

[0273] <Step S581> In step S581, the control unit 51 notifies the sorting worker X2 of an error. Specifically, the control unit 51 notifies the sorting worker X2 of an error indicating that the chemical M1 has been placed in the storage box C1 of a different sorting lane R1. The control unit 51 may display the error information on the display screen of the mounting table F1 or output an error sound. After step S581, the control unit 51 moves the process to step S507. This prevents errors in the chemical sorting operation.

[0274] <Step S509> In step S509, the control unit 51 determines whether the storage box C1 has moved to the downstream sorting lane. For example, if sorting worker X2 determines that a predetermined amount of chemical has been stored in the storage box C1 in sorting lane R1, X2 moves the storage box C1 from the upstream sorting lane Ra1 to the downstream sorting lane Rb1 (see Figure 29). The control unit 51 may also notify sorting worker X2 to move the storage box C1 if it determines that a predetermined amount of chemical has been stored in the storage box C1 based on the measurement result (weight) of the measuring unit in sorting lane R1. The control unit 51 also detects that the storage box C1 has moved to the downstream sorting lane Rb1 based on the measurement result (weight) of the measuring unit. If the control unit 51 determines that the storage box C1 has moved to the downstream sorting lane (S509: Yes), it proceeds to step S510. On the other hand, if the control unit 51 determines that the storage box C1 has not moved to the downstream distribution lane (S509: No), it proceeds to step S503.

[0275] When the process moves to step S503, the control unit 51 continues to perform the sorting process on the chemicals that sorting worker X2 has taken out of storage box C0. In this way, the control unit 51 repeatedly performs the sorting process until storage box C1 containing the chemicals moves to the downstream sorting lane (see Figure 29).

[0276] <Step S510> In step S510, the control unit 51 identifies the destination for each drug stored in the storage box C1. Specifically, the control unit 51 identifies the destination based on the type of drug and the inventory status of the destination. For example, the control unit 51 identifies the destination (storage shelf or dispensing equipment 5B) based on the type of drug and the inventory status of the storage shelf (see Figure 35) and dispensing equipment 5B (see Figure 37).

[0277] Specifically, the control unit 51 identifies dispensing machine 5B as the storage destination if the drugs are drugs used by dispensing machine 5B and can be stored in dispensing machine 5B. For example, the control unit 51 identifies dispensing machine 5B as the storage destination if all the drugs stored in storage box C1 are drugs used by dispensing machine 5B and can be stored in dispensing machine 5B. The control unit 51 obtains the inventory status of dispensing machine 5B and determines whether all the drugs stored in storage box C1 can be stored in dispensing machine 5B.

[0278] Furthermore, if the drug is not a drug accepted by the dispensing machine 5B, or if the drug is a drug accepted by the dispensing machine 5B but cannot be stored in the dispensing machine 5B, the control unit 51 identifies a storage shelf as the storage destination. For example, if the drug M1 stored in storage box C1 is the same type of drug assigned to zone A of the storage shelf area AR2, the control unit 51 identifies a storage shelf in zone A that can accommodate the drug M1, and identifies the shelf number and the storage shelf number of that shelf.

[0279] Furthermore, if the control unit 51 determines that the drug can be stored in either the dispensing machine 5B or the storage shelf, it will prioritize designating the dispensing machine 5B as the storage destination.

[0280] When the control unit 51 identifies the storage location for the chemicals, it registers the storage location information in storage location information E2, associating it with the chemical ID (see Figure 34).

[0281] <Step S511> In step S511, the control unit 51 determines whether or not it has acquired the distribution lane ID. For example, when receiving worker X3 confirms that the storage box C1 has been transported to distribution lane Rb1, it reads the two-dimensional code Br1 (see Figure 30) located above the distribution lane R1 on which the storage box C1 is placed using the mobile terminal 5C. Receiving worker X3 operates the mobile terminal 5C to perform a reading operation on the reading screen (see Figure 38A) to read the two-dimensional code Br1 of distribution lane R1. When the mobile terminal 5C reads the two-dimensional code Br1, the control unit 51 acquires the distribution lane ID associated with the two-dimensional code Br1. If the control unit 51 acquires the distribution lane ID (S511: Yes), it moves the process to step S512. The control unit 51 waits until it acquires the distribution lane ID (S511: No).

[0282] <Step S512> In step S512, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the storage box ID has been acquired. For example, receiving worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code Bb1 (see Figure 30) placed on storage box C1 on the sorting lane R1 using the mobile terminal 5C. Receiving worker X3 operates the mobile terminal 5C to perform a reading operation on the reading screen (see Figure 38B) to read the two-dimensional code Bb1 of storage box C1. When the mobile terminal 5C reads the two-dimensional code Bb1, the control unit 51 acquires the storage box ID associated with the two-dimensional code Bb1. If the control unit 51 acquires the storage box ID (S512: Yes), it moves the process to step S513. The control unit 51 waits until the storage box ID is acquired (S512: No).

[0283] <Step S513> In step S513, the control unit 51 registers the drug ID of the drug corresponding to the distribution lane indicated by the distribution lane ID (see Figure 33A) and the storage box ID in association (see Figure 33B).

[0284] In this way, the control unit 51 associates the drug ID with the distribution lane ID of the distribution lane R1 to which the drug M1 is to be distributed, when the distribution worker X2 reads the two-dimensional code B1 of the drug M1 in the storage box C0 (see Figure 33A). Subsequently, the receiving worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code Br1 of the distribution lane R1 and the two-dimensional code Bb1 of the storage box C1, thereby associating the drug ID with the storage box ID via the distribution lane ID (see Figure 33B).

[0285] As described above, the control unit 51 performs the chemical sorting process. When the receiving worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code Br1 of the sorting lane R1 and the two-dimensional code Bb1 of the storage box C1, he places the storage box C1 on the trolley W. If there are multiple storage boxes C1 in the downstream sorting lane, the receiving worker X3 performs the reading operation for each storage box C1 and then places the multiple storage boxes C1 on the same trolley W (see Figure 29). After that, the receiving worker X3 carries out the task of storing the chemicals in the storage boxes C1 placed on the trolley W at the receiving location.

[0286] [Medication receiving process in the dispensing support device 5 on the center side] Next, an example of the procedure for drug receiving processing performed in the center-side dispensing support device 5 will be described. The drug receiving processing is performed by the control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5. The present invention may also be considered as a drug receiving method that performs part or all of the processing procedure for the drug receiving processing, or as an invention of a drug receiving program that causes a computer such as the center-side dispensing support device 5 to execute the drug receiving method.

[0287] [A. Processing of placing chemicals into storage shelves] Figure 42 shows an example of a chemical receiving process where the receiving destination corresponds to storage box C1, which contains the chemicals on the storage shelf.

[0288] <Step S521> First, in step S521, the control unit 51 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to start the receiving operation. For example, the receiving worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code of the storage box C1 placed on the trolley W using the mobile terminal 5C. Based on the read two-dimensional code, the control unit 51 displays the storage box number and information about the receiving destination (receiving information P53) on the mobile terminal 5C (see Figure 39A). When the receiving worker X3 presses the "Start" button on the receiving information P53 operation screen shown in Figure 39A, the control unit 51 receives an instruction to start the receiving operation. If the control unit 51 receives an instruction to start the receiving operation (S521: Yes), it moves the process to step S522. The control unit 51 waits until it receives an instruction to start the receiving operation (S521: No).

[0289] <Step S522> In step S522, the control unit 51 determines the order in which the chemicals are stored. Specifically, the control unit 51 determines the storage order based on the location (storage shelf number) of the storage shelf to which each of the multiple chemicals to be stored in storage box C1 is to be stored. For example, the control unit 51 determines the storage order that results in the shortest distance traveled to the storage shelf to be stored, or the shortest travel time, according to a pre-set travel route. Furthermore, if the multiple chemicals to be stored include a chemical that needs to be stored preferentially (for example, a cooling agent), the control unit 51 may give a higher priority to the storage order of that chemical. In other words, the control unit 51 may determine the storage order according to the type of chemical. The control unit 51 registers the storage order information indicating the determined storage order in the storage destination information E2 (see Figure 34), associating it with the chemical ID.

[0290] Furthermore, once the control unit 51 has determined the order of receiving goods, it notifies the mobile terminal 5C of information indicating the receiving route (movement route). For example, the control unit 51 displays the route information P54 shown in Figure 39B on the mobile terminal 5C. The control unit 51 may also display the receiving route according to the receiving order on a map of the storage shelf area AR2.

[0291] Receiving worker X3 moves through the storage shelf area AR2 with the trolley W, referring to the route information P54 displayed on the mobile terminal 5C.

[0292] <Step S523> In step S523, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the drug ID has been acquired. For example, when receiving drug M1, the receiving worker X3 selects drug M1 in the route information P54 and presses the "Execute Receiving" button (see Figure 39B). The receiving worker X3 moves to the receiving location (storage shelf) for drug M1 by referring to the route information P54. Then, the receiving worker X3 takes drug M1 from the storage box C0 placed on the trolley W and reads the two-dimensional code B1 attached to drug M1 with the mobile terminal 5C (see Figure 40A). When the mobile terminal 5C reads the two-dimensional code B1, the control unit 51 acquires the drug ID associated with the two-dimensional code B1. If the control unit 51 acquires the drug ID (S523: Yes), it moves the process to step S524. The control unit 51 waits until the drug ID is acquired (S523: No).

[0293] <Step S524> In step S524, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the storage shelf number has been obtained. For example, receiving worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code Bs1 (see Figure 36) placed on storage shelf A12 with the mobile terminal 5C (see Figure 40B). When the mobile terminal 5C reads the two-dimensional code Bs1, the control unit 51 obtains the storage shelf number associated with the two-dimensional code Bs1. If the control unit 51 obtains the storage shelf number (S524: Yes), it moves the process to step S525. The control unit 51 waits until the storage shelf number is obtained (S524: No).

[0294] <Step S525> In step S525, the control unit 51 determines whether the storage location of the chemical is correct. Specifically, the control unit 51 determines whether the storage shelf number associated with the chemical ID read from the two-dimensional code B1 of chemical M1 (see Figure 34) matches the storage shelf number read from the two-dimensional code Bs1 located on storage shelf A12. If the respective storage shelf numbers match, the control unit 51 determines that the storage location of the chemical is correct (S525: Yes) and displays information indicating that the storage location is correct on the mobile terminal 5C. Upon confirming this information, the receiving worker X3 stores the chemical in the storage shelf. After that, the control unit 51 proceeds to step S526.

[0295] In another embodiment, the control unit 51 may perform the receiving process using an AR marker attached to the storage shelf. For example, the receiving worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code B1 of the drug M1 with the mobile terminal 5C, and then reads the AR marker attached to the storage shelf A1 with the mobile terminal 5C. The control unit 51 displays a captured image of the storage shelf A1 on the mobile terminal 5C, and overlays an image (such as an arrow image) indicating the storage location of the drug M1 onto the captured image. The receiving worker X3 stores the drug in the indicated storage location (storage shelf).

[0296] On the other hand, if the storage shelf numbers do not match, the control unit 51 determines that the storage location of the medicine is incorrect (S525: No) and notifies the mobile terminal 5C of error information indicating that the storage location (receiving location) is incorrect (step S551). After step S551, the control unit 51 moves the process to step S524. The control unit 51 repeats the processes of steps S524, S525, and S551 until the storage shelf numbers match.

[0297] When the control unit 51 finds that the storage shelf numbers match, it determines that the chemical has been correctly stored in the storage shelf and registers the storage completion information in association with the chemical ID of the chemical.

[0298] <Step S526> In step S526, the control unit 51 determines whether the receiving operation is complete. For example, the control unit 51 determines that the receiving operation is complete when receiving completion information has been associated with all the chemicals in the storage box C1 placed on the trolley W. If the control unit 51 determines that the receiving operation is complete (S526: Yes), it terminates the receiving process. On the other hand, if the control unit 51 determines that the receiving operation is not complete (S526: No), it moves the process to step S523. When the process moves to step S523, the receiving worker X3 takes the next chemical from the storage box C1, reads the two-dimensional code B1, and performs the receiving operation.

[0299] As described above, the control unit 51 executes the process of receiving chemicals into the storage shelves. When the storage box C1 becomes empty, the receiving worker X3 returns the storage box C1, moves to the sorting area Ar1 with the trolley W, and performs the receiving operation for the next storage box C1.

[0300] [B. Processing of drug storage in dispensing equipment] Figure 43 shows an example of a drug receiving process where the receiving destination corresponds to storage box C1, which stores drugs in the dispensing equipment. The drug receiving process is performed by the control unit of the drug receiving / dispensing unit DS2 (see Figure 37) of the dispensing equipment DS. Alternatively, the drug receiving process may be performed by the control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5.

[0301] The aforementioned drug receiving process is initiated, for example, when a receiving worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code of the storage box C1 placed on the trolley W using a mobile terminal 5C, presses the "Start" button on the operation screen of the receiving information P53 shown in Figure 39C, and the control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5 receives the instruction to start the receiving work. When the control unit 51 receives the start instruction, it may also transmit information about the drugs stored in the storage box C1 to the drug receiving / dispensing unit DS2.

[0302] <Step S531> First, in step S531, the control unit of the chemical storage unit DS2 determines whether or not it has detected the storage box C1. Specifically, when the storage worker X3 places the storage box C1 on the input port DS21 (see Figure 37), the control unit detects the storage box C1. If the control unit detects the storage box C1 (S531: Yes), it proceeds to step S532. The control unit waits until it detects the storage box C1 again (S531: No).

[0303] <Step S532> In step S532, the control unit of the chemical storage unit DS2 determines whether or not a chemical ID has been acquired. For example, the picking unit (picking robot) of the chemical storage unit DS2 picks an arbitrary chemical from the storage box C1, and the reader of the chemical storage unit DS2 reads the chemical's two-dimensional code B1. The control unit acquires the chemical ID associated with the two-dimensional code B1. If the control unit acquires the chemical ID (S532: Yes), it moves the process to step S533. The control unit waits until a chemical ID is acquired (S532: No).

[0304] <Step S533> In step S533, the control unit of the drug receiving / dispensing unit DS2 determines whether the drug corresponding to the acquired drug ID is a drug that should be stored in the dispensing machine DS (a drug to be stored). Specifically, the control unit determines whether the receiving destination (see Figure 34) associated with the drug ID is the dispensing machine DS. If the control unit determines that the drug corresponding to the drug ID is a drug to be stored (S533: Yes), it proceeds to step S534. On the other hand, if the control unit determines that the drug corresponding to the drug ID is not a drug to be stored (S533: No), it proceeds to step S536.

[0305] <Step S536> In step S536, the control unit of the drug receiving / dispensing unit DS2 dispenses the drug, which is not the drug to be stored, to the outside of the dispensing device DS and notifies the center-side dispensing support device 5 of an error indicating that the storage location (receiving destination) is incorrect. Upon receiving the error information, the control unit 51 executes a process to identify the receiving destination of the drug again. After step S536, the control unit proceeds to step S532.

[0306] <Step S534> In step S534, the control unit of the drug receiving / dispensing unit DS2 causes the picking unit to store the drug in a predetermined storage area. The control unit registers the location information of the location where the drug was stored, associating it with the drug ID of the drug. The control unit also registers the storage completion information, associating it with the drug ID of the drug. The control unit also notifies the center-side dispensing support device 5 of the storage completion information.

[0307] <Step S535> In step S535, the control unit of the chemical storage unit DS2 determines whether the storage operation has been completed. For example, the control unit determines that the storage operation has been completed when storage completion information has been associated with all the chemicals in storage box C1. If the control unit determines that the storage operation has been completed (S535: Yes), it terminates the storage process. On the other hand, if the control unit determines that the storage operation has not been completed (S535: No), it moves the process to step S532. When the process moves to step S532, the chemical storage unit DS2 takes the next chemical from storage box C1, reads the two-dimensional code B1, and performs the storage operation.

[0308] As described above, the control unit 51 executes the process of receiving drugs into the dispensing machine DS. When the receiving worker X3 has finished placing the storage box C1 into the dispensing machine DS, he moves to the sorting area Ar1 with the cart W and performs the receiving operation for the next storage box C1.

[0309] In another embodiment, the receiving worker X3 may place the cart W into the chemical receiving / discharging unit DS2. In this case, the picking unit (picking robot) of the chemical receiving / discharging unit DS2 picks chemicals from each storage box C1 placed on the cart W. After the two-dimensional code B1 of the picked chemicals is read by a reader, the chemicals are stored (received) in the chemical storage unit DS1. The specific configuration of the chemical storage unit DS1 can be based on the configuration of the drug station described above (International Publication No. 2020 / 158579).

[0310] As described above, the dispensing support system 10 according to this embodiment acquires drug identification information (drug ID) that can identify the drug to be sorted, and identifies the sorting destination (sorting lane) corresponding to the drug indicated by the acquired drug ID from among a plurality of sorting destinations (sorting lanes). The dispensing support system 10 also acquires a sorting lane ID that can identify the sorting destination, and acquires a storage box ID that can identify the storage box C1 in which the drug is stored. The dispensing support system 10 then registers the drug ID of the drug corresponding to the sorting lane ID indicated by the acquired sorting lane ID and the acquired storage box ID in association.

[0311] With the above configuration, for example, when multiple drugs arrive, each drug can be distributed to storage box C1. Furthermore, the drugs stored in storage box C1 can be easily identified based on the identification information of storage box C1. Therefore, receiving worker X3 can reliably store all drugs stored in storage box C1 at the receiving location. Thus, it is possible to reduce the burden of drug receiving operations at the dispensing center.

[0312] In this embodiment, the distribution destination determination processing unit 512 determines which of the multiple distribution lanes R1 to R8 corresponds to the drug indicated by the drug ID obtained by the drug information acquisition processing unit 511. For example, if a storage box C1 is placed in each of the distribution lanes R1 to R8, and each storage box C1 is in a state where it can accommodate a drug, the distribution destination determination processing unit 512 determines the outermost distribution lane (distribution lane R1) of the distribution lanes R1 to R8 as the distribution lane corresponding to the drug. In another embodiment, the distribution destination determination processing unit 512 may determine the distribution lane randomly.

[0313] In another embodiment, a sorting lane (e.g., sorting lane R8) (dedicated lane) corresponding to the drugs used by the dispensing machine DS (an example of a specific drug) may be pre-set. For example, sorting lane R8 may be pre-stored in the storage unit 52 as the sorting lane corresponding to the drugs used by the dispensing machine DS. Alternatively, dedicated lane information (dedicated lane ID) associated with each specific drug may be stored in the storage unit 52. In this case, if the drug in the storage box C0 is the aforementioned drug, the sorting destination identification processing unit 512 refers to the dedicated lane information to identify the sorting lane R8 corresponding to the drug, and the receiving destination identification processing unit 513 identifies the dispensing machine DS as the receiving destination. In this way, sorting destinations may be pre-set for specific drugs such as the drugs used by the dispensing machine DS. By pre-setting sorting destinations for specific drugs, the receiving operation of the storage box C1 of that sorting destination can be given priority over the storage boxes C1 of other sorting destinations.

[0314] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In other embodiments, the registration processing unit 514 may perform a process to associate the storage box ID with the drug ID and register it in priority to other drugs when the drug is a specific drug. For example, if the drug read by the reader Rd1 is a cooling agent, the control unit 51 instructs the sorting worker X2 to place the cooling agent in the storage box C1 of the specified sorting lane and move the storage box C1 to the downstream sorting lane. As a result, the registration processing unit 514 quickly associates the storage box ID with the drug ID and registers the cooling agent. With this configuration, specific drugs can be quickly stored at the receiving location.

[0315] In another embodiment, the distribution destination of the present invention may include distribution lanes (for example, distribution lanes R1 to R8) and distribution shelves R9 (see Figure 26). Specific chemicals (for example, large chemicals) are distributed to distribution shelves R9. For example, if the chemical read by the reader Rd1 is a large chemical, the control unit 51 identifies distribution shelves R9 as the distribution destination. The specific chemicals distributed to distribution shelves R9 are then individually stored at the receiving location by the receiving worker X3.

[0316] In another embodiment, an upper limit may be set on the number of drugs that can be stored in the dispensing machine 5B. In this case, the control unit 51 (storage destination identification processing unit 513) may identify the storage destination based on the upper limit. For example, suppose the upper limit on the number of drugs M1 that can be stored in the dispensing machine DS (see Figure 37) is set to 15 boxes, and currently 5 boxes of drugs M1 are stored in the dispensing machine DS as inventory. In this case, if, for example, 50 boxes of drugs M1 arrive, the control unit 51 determines that 10 of the 50 boxes will be stored in the dispensing machine DS, and the remaining 40 boxes will be stored in the storage shelves. The control unit 51 also determines, for example, that the destination for the 10 boxes of drugs M1 is distribution lane R1, and the destination for the 40 boxes of drugs M1 is distribution lane R2. This allows the drugs M1 to be distributed to the corresponding storage boxes C1 for each storage destination.

[0317] In another embodiment, for example, if a receiving worker X3 performs an operation to consolidate multiple storage boxes C1 placed on a trolley W, and the destinations for each of the multiple storage boxes C1 are storage shelves and dispensing equipment 5B, there is a possibility that drugs that cannot be stored in dispensing equipment 5B may be stored. For this reason, the control unit 51 may notify the receiving worker X3 of an error when it receives the consolidation operation in a case where the destination includes both storage shelves and dispensing equipment 5B. This can prevent errors in storing drugs.

[0318] In another embodiment, the control unit 51 may associate the distribution lane ID of the distribution lane with the storage box ID of the storage box C1 when an empty storage box C1 is placed on the distribution lane. In this case, when the chemical is read by the reader Rd1 and the chemical ID is obtained, the control unit 51 identifies the distribution lane to which the chemical will be distributed. Then, when the distribution worker X2 places the chemical in the storage box C1 of the identified distribution lane, the control unit 51 registers the chemical ID and the storage box ID in association.

[0319] In another embodiment, each sorting lane may be provided with a reader to read the two-dimensional code Bb1 of the storage box C1. For example, a reader may be provided above the downstream sorting lane Rb1 to read the two-dimensional code Bb1 of the storage box C1 being transported from the upstream to the downstream side. Each reader is pre-associated with a sorting lane ID; for example, the reader provided in sorting lane R1 is associated with the sorting lane ID of sorting lane R1. In this case, when the reader in sorting lane R1 reads the two-dimensional code Bb1 of the storage box C1, the control unit 51 registers the drug ID associated with sorting lane R1 and the storage box ID in association. In this way, the control unit 51 may register the drug ID and the storage box ID in association without the need for a reading operation by the receiving worker X3.

[0320] [2. Filling Process] Next, we will explain the specific configuration of the processes that support the filling work carried out in the dispensing area AR3. Figure 44 shows the various pieces of equipment corresponding to the dispensing center. For example, the dispensing center is equipped with a center-side dispensing support device 5, a drug dispensing device 6, a higher-level system 7, and a portable terminal 6C. The portable terminal 6C is an operating terminal that can be carried by workers within the dispensing center. For example, filling workers use the portable terminal 6C to perform drug filling work.

[0321] As shown in Figure 44, the dispensing support system 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a drug dispensing device 6, a center-side dispensing support device 5, a higher-level system 7, and a mobile terminal 6C. The drug dispensing device 6, the center-side dispensing support device 5, the higher-level system 7, and the mobile terminal 6C are communicated together via a network N5. The dispensing support system 60 also includes one or more drug dispensing devices 6. Note that a drug dispensing device 6 alone may constitute the dispensing support system according to the present invention.

[0322] The higher-level system 7 is an electronic medical record system, ordering system, or claims processing system that accepts registration operations for prescription data showing the details of drug prescriptions. The prescription data includes drug identification information such as the drug name to identify the drug, and drug information such as dosage, administration, dosage form, start date of administration, duration of administration, and end date of administration. The prescription data also includes patient information such as the name, gender, age, ward, attending physician, and attending pharmacist of the patient taking the drug. Furthermore, the prescription data also includes consignment information such as the date on which the dispensing center received a dispensing request (consignment) corresponding to the prescription data from the pharmacy (consignment date), the source of the dispensing request (consigning source), and the scheduled date and time for shipping the drug corresponding to the prescription data to the consigning source (scheduled shipping date and time). Figure 45 shows an example of prescription data registered in the higher-level system 7.

[0323] The center-side dispensing support device 5 is an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer) that reads prescription data from the higher-level system 7 and inputs the prescription data into the drug dispensing device 6. Specifically, the center-side dispensing support device 5 generates dispensing data necessary for dispensing in the drug dispensing device 6 based on the prescription data, and inputs this dispensing data into the drug dispensing device 6 as the prescription data. For example, if multiple drug dispensing devices 6 are provided in the dispensing support system 60, the center-side dispensing support device 5 assigns the drugs that need to be dispensed to each drug dispensing device 6 based on the prescription data. Alternatively, instead of the center-side dispensing support device 5 reading the prescription data from the higher-level system 7, a configuration in which the prescription data is transmitted from the higher-level system 7 to the center-side dispensing support device 5 is also conceivable. Furthermore, the prescription data may be directly input from the higher-level system 7 to the drug dispensing device 6.

[0324] As shown in Figure 2, the center-side dispensing support device 5 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication interface 53, a display unit 54, an operation unit 55, and a drive device 56, among others.

[0325] [Chemical dispensing device 6] As shown in Figure 44, the chemical dispensing device 6 includes a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, a communication interface 63, a display unit 64, an operation unit 65, a drive device 66, a chemical dispensing unit 67, a printing unit 68, and the like. Specifically, the chemical dispensing device 6 according to this embodiment is a sheet dispensing device that dispenses chemicals (PTP sheets) in sheet units or units less than one sheet.

[0326] The drug dispensing device 6 may be a drug box dispensing device that dispenses drugs in drug boxes, or a tablet dispensing device that dispenses drugs in tablet units. Furthermore, the drug dispensing device 6 may be a device in which a personal computer including a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, a communication interface 63, a display unit 64, an operation unit 65, a drive unit 66, and a printing unit 68 is connected to the drug dispensing unit 67. The drug dispensing device 6 is an example of the dispensing equipment (dispensing equipment 5B) of the present invention.

[0327] The communication interface 63 is a communication interface that performs data communication wirelessly or via wired connection with external devices such as the center-side dispensing support device 5 or the higher-level system 7 via the network N5, in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0328] The printing unit 68 is a printer that prints various types of information onto dispensing record paper (journal) such as roll paper. Specifically, in this embodiment, the printing unit 68 is capable of printing various characters and can also print a JAN symbol, which is a one-dimensional symbol capable of representing the 13-digit number of a JAN code, as a barcode symbol. For example, in the chemical dispensing device 6, the dispensing record paper printed by the printing unit 68 is discharged onto a tray that holds PTP sheets and the like dispensed by the chemical dispensing device 6. The printing unit 68 also prints a filling list that lists the chemicals to be filled.

[0329] The display unit 64 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various information according to control instructions from the control unit 61. The operation unit 65 is an operation unit such as a touch panel or operation switches that is operated by the user to input various information into the drug dispensing device 6.

[0330] The drive device 66 is capable of reading various data or control programs from a computer-readable recording medium 661. The recording medium 661 may be a CD, DVD, BD, or USB memory, and the drive device 66 may be a CD drive, DVD drive, BD drive, or USB port.

[0331] The drug dispensing unit 67 includes a drug storage unit 671 (sheet storage unit, PTP cassette) that stores drug sheets, such as PTP sheets, containing multiple tablets of various drugs. For example, a PTP sheet contains a predetermined number of tablets, such as 6, 8, or 10 tablets, and the drug storage unit 671 can store a predetermined number of PTP sheets. Based on the dispensing data input from the center-side dispensing support device 5, the drug dispensing unit 67 dispenses a predetermined number of PTP sheets from the drug storage unit 671. The drug storage unit 671 is an example of the drug storage unit of the present invention.

[0332] Figure 46 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of a chemical storage section 671 that accommodates PTP sheets. The chemical storage section 671 includes a chemical storage area Sp that can accommodate a predetermined number of PTP sheets. The chemical storage section 671 has a preset maximum amount of PTP sheets that can be stored in the chemical storage area Sp (maximum storage capacity). The chemical storage section 671 also displays chemical identification information Na (such as the name of the chemical) indicating the chemical to be stored in the chemical storage section 671, and storage section identification information B2 (storage section code) to identify the chemical storage section 671. The filling operator fills the chemical into the chemical storage area Sp in units of PTP sheets as needed. The filling operator then stores (inserts) the chemical storage section 671 containing the PTP sheets into the chemical dispensing device 6 main body. The chemical storage area Sp is an example of a chemical storage area in the present invention.

[0333] Furthermore, the chemical storage section 671 is equipped with slits for dividing the chemical storage area Sp into multiple storage areas. In the example shown in Figure 46, the chemical storage section 671 is equipped with a pair of slits SL1 in the front-to-back direction and a pair of slits SL2 in the left-to-right direction. As shown in Figure 47A, by inserting a partition plate 672a into slit SL1, the chemical storage area Sp can be divided into two chemical storage areas Sp1 and Sp2. Also, as shown in Figure 47B, by inserting a partition plate 672a into slit SL1 and a partition plate 672b into slit SL2, the chemical storage area Sp can be divided into four chemical storage areas Sp1 to Sp4. For example, a filling worker can set the partition plates according to the size of the PTP sheet to divide the storage area. Alternatively, the filling worker may set the partition plates according to the instructions of the control unit 61. In this case, the control unit 61 detects the size of the PTP sheet and notifies the filling worker of the position of the partition plates based on the detection result. The chemical dispensing device 6 may automatically set the partition plate in the chemical storage section 671 according to the size of the PTP sheet. Each of the chemical storage areas Sp1 to Sp4 is an example of a chemical storage area according to the present invention.

[0334] The chemical dispensing device 6 according to this embodiment may be provided with multiple chemical storage sections 671 having only one storage area, multiple chemical storage sections 671 having multiple storage areas, or multiple chemical storage sections 671 having both one and multiple chemical storage sections 671.

[0335] Here, each chemical storage compartment 671 is designed to contain only one type of chemical, and is controlled to prevent the storage of multiple types of chemicals. For example, by having the filling operator read and compare the storage compartment code (storage compartment identification information B2) of the chemical storage compartment 671 with the code of the medicine box containing the PTP sheets, it is possible to prevent the mistake of filling the chemical storage compartment 671 with different types of chemicals. For example, chemical Ma is stored in the chemical storage compartment 671 shown in Figure 46, chemical Mb is stored in the chemical storage compartment 671 shown in Figure 47A, and chemical Mc is stored in the chemical storage compartment 671 shown in Figure 47B.

[0336] Furthermore, each storage area is designed to contain only one type of chemical, and to ensure that only chemicals with the same expiration date (lot number) are stored there, and that chemicals with different expiration dates (lot numbers) are not stored there. For example, in a chemical storage unit 671 (see Figure 47A) having two chemical storage areas Sp1 and Sp2, multiple chemicals (PTP sheets) with a first expiration date (first lot) are stored in each of the chemical storage areas Sp1 and Sp2. Alternatively, multiple chemicals (PTP sheets) with a first expiration date (first lot) are stored in chemical storage area Sp1, and multiple chemicals (PTP sheets) with a second expiration date (second lot) are stored in chemical storage area Sp2. In this embodiment, the second expiration date is assumed to be later than the first expiration date. Also, in this embodiment, the expiration date of the chemicals in the first lot is the first expiration date, and the expiration date of the chemicals in the second lot is the second expiration date. The drug dispensing device 6 is controlled to dispense drugs with earlier expiration dates first (prioritizing them), for example, dispensing drugs from the first lot before drugs from the second lot.

[0337] Therefore, in the filling process, if the inventory of chemicals to be filled includes both the first lot and the second lot, the control unit 61 controls the process so that the first lot of chemicals is given priority in being filled into the chemical storage unit 671.

[0338] Thus, the chemical storage section 671 is not a dedicated cassette to which a specific chemical is assigned, but rather a free cassette to which any chemical can be assigned. That is, in each chemical storage section 671, once a predetermined amount of a predetermined chemical is stored, the same chemical will be stored in the remaining area. However, if the storage amount then becomes 0 (empty) (free cassette), it becomes possible to store other types of chemicals. Furthermore, each chemical storage section 671 can store chemicals with different expiration dates (lots), in which case each chemical with a different expiration date is stored in a partitioned area (chemical storage area) within the chemical storage section 671. If the amount of chemical stored in each chemical storage area can be managed (lot management), different types of chemicals may be stored in a single chemical storage section 671.

[0339] In another embodiment, if the drug dispensing device 6 is a drug box dispensing device that dispenses drugs in drug boxes, then a large number of drug boxes are stored in each drug storage section 671. In yet another embodiment, if the drug dispensing device 6 is a tablet dispensing device that dispenses drugs in tablet units, then a large number of tablets are stored in each drug storage section 671. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, if the drug dispensing device 6 is a powder dispensing device that dispenses powder drugs by weight, then powder drugs are stored in each drug storage section 671.

[0340] The storage unit 62 is a non-volatile storage means such as a hard disk or SSD that stores various application programs and various data executed by the control unit 61. Specifically, the storage unit 62 stores control programs that cause the control unit 61 to execute predetermined processes. For example, the storage unit 62 stores a chemical filling program that causes the control unit 61 to execute the chemical filling process described later (see Figure 52).

[0341] Furthermore, the memory unit 62 stores various master data, such as a drug master, a patient master, and a storage unit master 621. For example, in the drug master, information such as drug name, generic name, YJ code, JAN code, RSS code, dosage form, unit, specific gravity, drug variety, compatibility, excipients, effects, and precautions are stored in association with each drug identification information, such as a drug code for identifying the type of drug. Similarly, in the patient master, information such as patient name, medical department, ward, attending physician, and attending pharmacist is stored in association with each patient identification information, such as a patient code for identifying the patient.

[0342] Furthermore, the storage unit master 621 stores, in association with each storage unit identification information (storage unit ID), such as a storage unit code for identifying the drug storage unit 671, information such as drug identification information (e.g., drug name) indicating the drug to be stored in the drug storage unit 671, the amount of drug already stored in the drug storage unit 671, the expiration date and lot number of the drug already stored in the drug storage unit 671, and the maximum storage capacity of the drug storage unit 671 (storage area) (storage drug information). In addition, if the drug storage unit 671 includes multiple storage areas, the storage unit master 621 stores the storage drug information in association with each storage area.

[0343] Figure 48 shows an example of a storage unit master 621 corresponding to a sheet dispensing device. The storage unit master 621 shown in Figure 48 includes storage chemical information corresponding to a chemical storage unit 671 (see Figure 46) that stores a PTP sheet of chemical Ma in chemical storage area Sp, and storage chemical information corresponding to a chemical storage unit 671 (see Figure 47A) that stores a PTP sheet of chemical Mb in chemical storage areas Sp1 and Sp2. For example, the storage unit master 621 shown in Figure 48 includes the following storage chemical information.

[0344] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 46) with storage section ID "100001", the chemical storage area Sp contains the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 60 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the chemical Ma of the first lot (lot number "Lt1").

[0345] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 46) with storage section ID "100002", the chemical storage area Sp contains less than the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 40 sheets) of the chemical Ma from the first lot.

[0346] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 46) with storage section ID "100003", the chemical storage area Sp contains the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 60 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the chemical Ma of the second lot (lot number "Lt2").

[0347] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 46) with storage section ID "100004", the chemical storage area Sp contains less than the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 30 sheets) of the chemical Ma from the second lot.

[0348] For example, in the chemical storage unit 671 with storage unit ID "100005" (see Figure 46), no PTP sheet is stored in the chemical storage area Sp. In other words, the chemical storage unit 671 with storage unit ID "100005" is an empty chemical storage unit (free cassette).

[0349] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 47A) with storage section ID "200001", the chemical storage area Sp1 contains the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 30 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the first lot's chemical Mb, and the chemical storage area Sp2 contains the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 30 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the first lot's chemical Mb.

[0350] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 47A) with storage section ID "200002", the chemical storage area Sp1 contains the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 30 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the first lot's chemical Mb, and the chemical storage area Sp2 contains less than the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 10 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the first lot's chemical Mb.

[0351] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 47A) with storage section ID "200003", the chemical storage area Sp1 contains less than the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 20 sheets) corresponding to the first lot's chemical Mb, while the chemical storage area Sp2 contains no PTP sheets.

[0352] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 with storage section ID "200004" (see Figure 47A), no PTP sheets are stored in either the chemical storage area Sp1 or Sp2. In other words, the chemical storage section 671 with storage section ID "200004" is an empty chemical storage section.

[0353] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 47A) with storage section ID "200005", the chemical storage area Sp1 contains the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 30 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the second lot of chemical Mb, and the chemical storage area Sp2 contains the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 30 sheets) of PTP sheets for the second lot of chemical Mb.

[0354] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 47A) with storage section ID "200006", the chemical storage area Sp1 contains the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 30 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the second lot's chemical Mb, and the chemical storage area Sp2 contains less than the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 15 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the second lot's chemical Mb.

[0355] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 47A) with storage section ID "200007", the chemical storage area Sp1 contains less than the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 10 sheets) corresponding to the second lot's chemical Mb, while the chemical storage area Sp2 contains no PTP sheets.

[0356] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 47A) with storage section ID "200008", the chemical storage area Sp1 contains the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 30 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the first lot's chemical Mb, and the chemical storage area Sp2 contains the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 30 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the second lot's chemical Mb.

[0357] For example, in the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 47A) with storage section ID "200009", the chemical storage area Sp1 contains the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 30 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the first lot's chemical Mb, and the chemical storage area Sp2 contains less than the maximum storage capacity (e.g., 10 sheets) of PTP sheets corresponding to the second lot's chemical Mb.

[0358] The storage unit master 621 contains information on stored chemicals (such as storage volume, expiration date, and lot number), which is updated by the control unit 61. For example, the control unit 61 updates the stored chemical information corresponding to each chemical storage unit 671 according to the chemical dispensing process and the filling process. The control unit 61 also refers to the storage unit master 621 to calculate the amount of chemicals in stock within the chemical dispensing device 6 (in-device inventory), the maximum filling capacity of the entire chemical dispensing device 6, and the storage volume and maximum filling capacity for each chemical storage unit 671. The control unit 61 also refers to the storage unit master 621 to identify the identification information and quantity of chemical storage units 671 that can be filled with chemicals. Chemical storage units 671 that can be filled with chemicals include empty chemical storage units (free cassettes) that do not contain any chemicals (PTP sheets) and chemical storage units that can contain at least one chemical (PTP sheet) (the amount of stored chemicals is less than the maximum storage capacity). In the example shown in Figure 48, the chemical storage unit 671 with storage unit ID "100005" and the chemical storage unit 671 with storage unit ID "200004" correspond to empty chemical storage units (free cassettes).

[0359] Alternatively, instead of the storage unit master 621, the chemical master may store storage unit identification information for one or more chemical storage units 671 corresponding to each type of chemical. The various master data stored in the storage unit 62 can be modified by the control unit 61, for example, in response to user operations on the operation unit 65.

[0360] Furthermore, the storage unit 62 stores history information of the drug dispensing process. This history information includes the aggregated results of the amount of each drug dispensed by the drug dispensing device 6 for each predetermined period (for example, on a daily basis).

[0361] The control unit 61 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that controls the chemical dispensing device 6 by executing processing according to various control programs. The ROM is a non-volatile memory in which programs such as a BIOS executed by the CPU are pre-stored. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory used for deploying various control programs by the CPU and for temporary storage of data.

[0362] However, with conventional technology, when the inventory of drugs that can be filled into the drug dispensing device 6 includes drugs with different expiration dates, it is difficult for the filling operator to determine how much of each drug with a different expiration date should be filled into the drug dispensing device 6 when performing the filling work. This leads to a problem of reduced efficiency in the filling work. In contrast, the configuration according to this embodiment makes it possible to improve the efficiency of drug filling work in a dispensing center.

[0363] Specifically, as shown in Figure 44, the control unit 61 includes various processing units such as the aggregation processing unit 611, the drug identification processing unit 612, the inventory quantity acquisition processing unit 613, the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614, the determination processing unit 615, and the output processing unit 616. The control unit 61 functions as the aggregation processing unit 611, the drug identification processing unit 612, the inventory quantity acquisition processing unit 613, the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614, the determination processing unit 615, and the output processing unit 616 by executing various processes according to the drug filling program.

[0364] The aggregation processing unit 611 acquires a predetermined number of prescription data, aggregates the prescribed amount (dispensed amount) of the drugs contained in each of the acquired prescription data, and calculates the total prescribed amount for each drug. For example, when the center-side dispensing support device 5 receives multiple prescription data from the higher-level system 7, it transmits multiple prescription data corresponding to the drugs to be dispensed from the drug dispensing device 6 to the drug dispensing device 6. For example, the center-side dispensing support device 5 transmits multiple prescription data to the drug dispensing device 6 at a predetermined timing. Alternatively, the higher-level system 7 may transmit multiple prescription data to the drug dispensing device 6. The multiple prescription data input to the drug dispensing device 6 are stored in the storage unit 62.

[0365] The aggregation processing unit 611 retrieves a predetermined number of prescription data from multiple prescription data recorded in the storage unit 62 and calculates the prescription amount (total prescription amount) of the drugs contained in each of the predetermined number of prescription data. The predetermined number may be set in advance, for example, to 10 prescriptions. The predetermined number may be set or changed according to user operation or predetermined conditions. For example, the predetermined number may be set according to the processing capacity of the drug dispensing device 6, the quantity (prescription amount) of drugs contained in each prescription data, the number of drug types, etc. For example, as shown in Figure 49, the aggregation processing unit 611 aggregates the total prescription amount for each drug contained in each of the 10 prescription data in the order they were acquired. In this way, the aggregation processing unit 611 aggregates the total prescription amount of drugs in units of 10 prescriptions. For example, the aggregation processing unit 611 calculates the total prescription amount for each drug contained in each of prescription data 1 to 10.

[0366] The drug identification processing unit 612 identifies the drugs (target drugs) that need to be filled into the drug dispensing device 6 based on the prescription data. Specifically, the drug identification processing unit 612 identifies the target drugs based on the total prescription amount for each drug calculated by the aggregation processing unit 611 and the total storage amount (in-device inventory amount) for each drug stored in the drug dispensing device 6. For example, for drug Ma included in the prescription data, the drug identification processing unit 612 refers to the storage unit master 621 (see Figure 48) of the drug dispensing device 6 (sheet dispensing device) that dispenses drug Ma, and calculates the total storage amount (in-device inventory amount) of drug Ma stored in each of the drug storage units 671. The drug identification processing unit 612 also compares the total prescription amount of drug Ma calculated by the aggregation processing unit 611 with the total storage amount. Then, the drug identification processing unit 612 identifies drug Ma as the target drug if the total prescription amount is greater than the total storage amount, and does not identify drug Ma as the target drug if the total prescription amount is less than or equal to the total storage amount. In other words, the drug identification processing unit 612 determines that drug Ma is the drug to be filled if the required prescription amount of drug Ma is insufficient in the drug dispensing device 6.

[0367] The drug identification processing unit 612 may also calculate the total storage volume of drug Ma by taking into account the planned dispensing volume of drug Ma. For example, if the planned dispensing volume of drug Ma has been determined according to the dispensing process at the time the drug identification processing unit 612 calculates the total prescription volume of drug Ma, the drug identification processing unit 612 subtracts the planned dispensing volume from the total prescription volume of drug Ma in the storage unit master 621 to calculate the total prescription volume of drug Ma.

[0368] The drug identification processing unit 612 determines whether each drug included in a predetermined number of prescription data is the target drug. The drug identification processing unit 612 also calculates the required filling amount for the target drug by subtracting the total storage amount from the total prescription amount. The method for calculating the required filling amount is not limited to this and other methods (described later) may be used.

[0369] The inventory acquisition processing unit 613 acquires the inventory quantity of the target drug in the storage unit where the drug is stored, categorized by expiration date or lot number. The inventory quantity refers to the inventory quantity of the drug stored within the dispensing center. For example, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 acquires the inventory quantity of the drug stored on the storage shelves in the storage shelf area AR2 (see Figure 24) and the inventory quantity of the drug stored in the dispensing equipment DS (see Figure 37) from the dispensing support device 5 on the center side.

[0370] Furthermore, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 acquires the inventory quantity of the target drug by expiration date (by lot number). The center-side dispensing support device 5 or the higher-level system 7 manages drug information for each drug in the dispensing center, and this drug information includes the expiration date and lot number. For example, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 queries the center-side dispensing support device 5 or the higher-level system 7, which manages the inventory quantity of the drug, for the inventory quantity of the target drug in the dispensing center, and acquires the inventory quantity of the target drug by expiration date or lot number from the center-side dispensing support device 5 or the higher-level system 7. The center-side dispensing support device 5 or the higher-level system 7 is an example of the management system of the present invention.

[0371] For example, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 inquires with the center-side dispensing support device 5 about the inventory quantity of the target drug, drug Ma. The control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5 refers to the drug information and transmits information to the drug dispensing device 6 regarding drug Ma, specifically the inventory quantity for expiration date "T1" (lot number "Lt1") and the inventory quantity for expiration date "T2" (lot number "Lt2"), which has a later expiration date than "T1". As a result, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 obtains from the center-side dispensing support device 5 the inventory quantity of drug Ma for expiration date "T1" (lot number "Lt1") and the inventory quantity for expiration date "T2" (lot number "Lt2").

[0372] The fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable quantity of the target chemical that can be filled into the chemical storage unit 671 installed in the chemical dispensing device 6. Specifically, the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 calculates the fillable quantity by subtracting the total amount of chemical Ma already stored in each chemical storage unit 671 from the sum of the maximum storage capacities of each chemical storage unit 671 for the chemical Ma installed in the chemical dispensing device 6. In this way, the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 calculates the fillable quantity corresponding to the available space in the chemical storage unit 671. Furthermore, if the chemical dispensing device 6 contains chemicals Ma with different expiration dates (lot numbers), the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 calculates the fillable quantity of chemical Ma for each expiration date. For example, the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 calculates the fillable quantity of chemical Ma with expiration date "T1" and the fillable quantity of chemical Ma with expiration date "T2".

[0373] For example, if the chemical storage units 671 implemented in the chemical dispensing device 6 (sheet dispensing device) include empty chemical storage units 671 that do not contain any chemicals, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 calculates the fillable amount of chemicals based on the maximum capacity of the chemical storage unit 671. For example, if there is one empty chemical storage unit 671 for chemical Ma (see storage unit ID "100005" in Figure 48), the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the maximum capacity "60" as the fillable amount of chemical Ma. If there are multiple empty chemical storage units 671, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 calculates the fillable amount for each unit.

[0374] For example, if the drug storage unit 671 installed in the drug dispensing device 6 (sheet dispensing device) contains a predetermined amount of the target drug with a predetermined expiration date, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 calculates the fillable amount of the target drug with the predetermined expiration date based on the amount obtained by subtracting the predetermined amount from the maximum storage capacity of the drug storage unit 671. For example, if a drug storage unit 671 with a maximum storage capacity of 60 sheets (see storage unit ID "100002" in Figure 48) contains only 40 sheets of drug Ma with an expiration date of "T1", the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 acquires "20" as the fillable amount of drug Ma with an expiration date of "T1" for the drug storage unit 671. For example, if only 30 tablets of drug Ma with an expiration date of "T2" are stored in the drug storage unit 671 (see storage unit ID "100004" in Figure 48), the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 will acquire "30" as the fillable quantity of drug Ma with an expiration date of "T2" for the drug storage unit 671.

[0375] In this way, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 calculates the fillable amount of the drug storage unit 671 as the amount that can be filled into the empty space if there is some empty space in the drug storage unit 671. The fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 also calculates the fillable amount of drugs with the same expiration date (lot number) as the drugs already stored in the drug storage unit 671. In other words, each drug storage unit 671 is filled only with drugs with the same expiration date (lot number).

[0376] Here, if the drug storage unit 671 includes multiple storage areas, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 may acquire the fillable amount for each storage area. Here, we take the case where the drug storage unit 671 includes two drug storage areas Sp1 and Sp2 as an example (see Figure 47A).

[0377] For example, if there is one empty chemical storage unit 671 for chemical Mb (see storage unit ID "200004" in Figure 48), the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 acquires a maximum fillable amount of "30" for chemical Mb corresponding to chemical storage area Sp1, and a maximum fillable amount of "30" for chemical Mb corresponding to chemical storage area Sp2. If there are multiple empty chemical storage units 671, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 calculates the fillable amount for each unit.

[0378] For example, if 30 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" are stored in drug storage area Sp1 of drug storage section 671 (see storage section ID "200002" in Figure 48), and 10 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" are stored in drug storage area Sp2, the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 will acquire "20" as the fillable quantity of drug Mb with expiration date "T1". Note that since drugs with the same expiration date (lot number) are stored in one storage area, in this example, drug Mb with expiration date "T1" will be stored in drug storage area Sp2, and drug Mb with expiration date "T2" will not be stored.

[0379] For example, if 20 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" are stored in drug storage area Sp1 of drug storage section 671 (see storage section ID "200003" in Figure 48), and no drug Mb are stored in drug storage area Sp2, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 will acquire "40" as the fillable amount of drug Mb with expiration date "T1". It should be noted that in one drug storage section 671, drug with a first expiration date may be stored in drug storage area Sp1, and drug with a second expiration date may be stored in drug storage area Sp2. In this case, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 may acquire "10" as the fillable amount of drug Mb with expiration date "T1" corresponding to the empty space in drug storage area Sp1, and "30" as the fillable amount of drug Mb with expiration date "T2" corresponding to drug storage area Sp2.

[0380] In this way, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable amount of chemical that can be filled into the chemical dispensing device 6 based on the current storage status of each chemical storage unit 671 corresponding to the chemical dispensing device 6.

[0381] The decision processing unit 615 determines the amount of the target drug with a predetermined expiration date to be filled into the drug storage unit 671. Specifically, the decision processing unit 615 determines the expiration date (lot) of the target drug to be filled into the drug storage area from among the expiration dates (lots) of the target drug stored (in stock) in the storage unit, and the amount of the target drug to be filled. For example, the decision processing unit 615 determines the expiration date of the target drug to be filled into the drug storage unit 671 from among the expiration dates, and the amount of the target drug corresponding to that expiration date, based on the stock quantity obtained by the stock quantity acquisition processing unit 613 and the fillable quantity obtained by the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614. Furthermore, if the stock quantity of the target drug includes the first stock quantity for the first expiration date (first lot) and the second stock quantity for the second expiration date (second lot), the decision processing unit 615 determines the amount of the target drug with the first expiration date to be filled based on the first stock quantity and the first fillable quantity that can be used to fill the drug storage unit 671 with the target drug with the first expiration date. Furthermore, since the drug dispensing device 6 prioritizes dispensing drugs with shorter expiration dates, the decision processing unit 615 prioritizes allocating the amount of drug stock with the shortest expiration date to the filling quantity. The decision processing unit 615 is an example of the decision processing unit of the present invention.

[0382] The following describes a specific example of the method for determining the filling amount by the determination processing unit 615. For the sake of explanation, this description will focus on one chemical storage section 671. Figures 50A and 50B show a top view of the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 45) including one chemical storage area Sp, and Figures 50C to 50G show a top view of the chemical storage section 671 (see Figure 46A) including two chemical storage areas Sp1 and Sp2.

[0383] In the example shown in Figure 50A, one drug storage compartment 671 capable of being filled with drug Ma is shown. This drug storage compartment 671 contains 25 tablets of drug Ma with an expiration date of "T1" (first lot), and each of the other drug storage compartments 671 that contain drug Ma has a maximum capacity of "60 tablets" of drug Ma. Furthermore, the current inventory of drug Ma in the dispensing center is assumed to be 40 tablets of drug Ma with an expiration date of "T1" (first lot) and 30 tablets of drug Ma with an expiration date of "T2" (second lot).

[0384] In this case, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 acquires the inventory quantity of "40 sheets" for the expiration date "T1" (first lot) and the inventory quantity of "30 sheets" for the expiration date "T2" (second lot), and the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable quantity of "35 sheets" for the drug storage area Sp of the drug storage unit 671. The determination processing unit 615 determines that 35 sheets, which is the fillable quantity out of the inventory quantity of "40 sheets" for the expiration date "T1", will be used as the fillable quantity. That is, the determination processing unit 615 determines (selects) the first expiration date (first lot) of the target drug (drug Ma) already stored in the drug storage area Sp, out of the first expiration date (first lot) and the second expiration date (second lot). Furthermore, the determination processing unit 615 determines the first fillable amount ("35 sheets") corresponding to the first expiration date as the fillable amount of the target drug for the first expiration date if the first fillable amount ("35 sheets") corresponding to the first expiration date is less than or equal to the first inventory amount ("40 sheets") corresponding to the first expiration date.

[0385] In another embodiment, if the drug Ma (25 sheets) stored in the drug storage section 671 has an expiration date of "T2" (second lot), the determination processing unit 615 determines the expiration date of "T2" and determines the stock quantity of "30 sheets" with an expiration date of "T2" as the filling amount.

[0386] In another embodiment, if the required amount of drug Ma calculated by the drug identification processing unit 612 is "20 sheets", the decision processing unit 615 may determine 20 sheets as the required amount to be filled from the inventory of "40 sheets" with an expiration date "T1". In other words, the decision processing unit 615 may determine the maximum amount that can be filled from the inventory as the filling amount, or it may determine the filling amount with the required amount as the upper limit from the inventory. The same applies to the example described later.

[0387] In the example shown in Figure 50B, one drug storage compartment 671 capable of being filled with drug Ma is shown. This drug storage compartment 671 is empty of drug Ma, while each of the other drug storage compartments 671 that contain drug Ma have a maximum capacity of "60 sheets" of drug Ma. In other words, the drug storage compartment 671 shown in Figure 50B is an empty drug storage compartment. Also, the current inventory amount of drug Ma in the dispensing center is the same as in the example shown in Figure 50A.

[0388] In this case, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 acquires the inventory quantity of "40 sheets" for the expiration date "T1" (first lot) and the inventory quantity of "30 sheets" for the expiration date "T2" (second lot), and the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable quantity of "60 sheets" (maximum fillable quantity) of the drug storage area Sp of the drug storage unit 671. The determination processing unit 615 determines the inventory quantity of "40 sheets" for the expiration date "T1" as the fillable quantity. That is, the determination processing unit 615 determines the first expiration date (first lot) to be the earlier of the first expiration date (first lot) and the second expiration date (second lot). Furthermore, if the first fillable quantity corresponding to the first expiration date (here, "60 sheets") is greater than or equal to the first inventory quantity corresponding to the first expiration date (here, "40 sheets"), the determination processing unit 615 determines the first inventory quantity ("40 sheets") to be the fillable quantity of the target drug for the first expiration date.

[0389] In another embodiment, if the required amount of drug Ma calculated by the drug identification processing unit 612 is "30 sheets", the decision processing unit 615 may determine that 30 sheets out of the inventory of "40 sheets" with an expiration date "T1" will be used as the filling amount.

[0390] In the example shown in Figure 50C, one drug storage unit 671 capable of being filled with drug Mb is shown. In this drug storage unit 671, neither drug storage area Sp1 nor Sp2 contains drug Mb. In each of the other drug storage units 671 that contain drug Mb, drug storage area Sp1 contains the maximum capacity of "30 sheets" of drug Mb, and drug storage area Sp2 contains the maximum capacity of "30 sheets" of drug Mb. In other words, the drug storage unit 671 shown in Figure 50C is an empty drug storage unit. Furthermore, the current inventory of drug Mb in the dispensing center is assumed to be 25 sheets of drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) and 15 sheets of drug Mb with expiration date "T2" (second lot).

[0391] In this case, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 acquires the inventory quantity of "25 sheets" for expiration date "T1" (first lot) and the inventory quantity of "15 sheets" for expiration date "T2" (second lot), and the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable quantity of "30 sheets" for the chemical storage area Sp1 of the chemical storage unit 671 and the fillable quantity of "30 sheets" for the chemical storage area Sp2. The determination processing unit 615 determines the inventory quantity of "25 sheets" for expiration date "T1" and the inventory quantity of "15 sheets" for expiration date "T2" as the fillable quantity. That is, the determination processing unit 615 determines the first expiration date (first lot) and the second expiration date (second lot). Furthermore, the determination processing unit 615 determines the first fillable amount (here, "30 sheets") corresponding to the first expiration date to be equal to or greater than the first inventory amount (here, "25 sheets"), and the second fillable amount (here, "30 sheets") that can be used to fill the drug storage unit 671 with the target drug for the second expiration date to be equal to or greater than the second inventory amount (here, "15 sheets"), and determines the first inventory amount ("25 sheets") as the fillable amount of the target drug for the first expiration date, and the second inventory amount ("15 sheets") as the fillable amount of the target drug for the second expiration date.

[0392] In another embodiment, if the required amount of drug Mb to be filled calculated by the drug identification processing unit 612 is "30 sheets", the determination processing unit 615 may determine the amount to be filled to be "25 sheets" of stock with expiration date "T1" and "5 sheets" of stock with expiration date "T2".

[0393] Furthermore, in another embodiment, in the example shown in Figure 50C, if the inventory quantity of drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) is 40 sheets, the determination processing unit 615 determines only the inventory quantity of "40 sheets" with expiration date "T1" as the filling quantity. In this case, 30 sheets of drug Mb from the first lot will be filled into drug storage area Sp1 and 10 sheets of drug Mb from the first lot will be filled into drug storage area Sp2, so drug Mb with expiration date "T2" (second lot) will not be included in the filling quantity.

[0394] Furthermore, in another embodiment, in the example shown in Figure 50C, if the inventory of drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) is 40 units, the inventory of drug Mb with expiration date "T2" (second lot) is 30 units, and the required amount of drug Mb to be filled calculated by the drug identification processing unit 612 is "50 units", the determination processing unit 615 may determine the inventory of drug Mb with expiration date "T1" to be "30 units" and the inventory of drug Mb with expiration date "T2" to be "20 units" as the filling amount. In this case, 30 units of drug Mb from the first lot are filled into drug storage area Sp1, and 20 units of drug Mb from the second lot are filled into drug storage area Sp2, thus satisfying the required filling amount (50 units). Thus, this method of storing drugs with different expiration dates in one drug storage unit 671 may be applied on the condition that, at the time the predetermined number of prescription data is acquired, a prescription using all of the drugs with different expiration dates is secured.

[0395] In the example shown in Figure 50D, one drug storage unit 671 capable of being filled with drug Mb is shown. In this drug storage unit 671, neither drug storage area Sp1 nor Sp2 contains drug Mb. In each of the other drug storage units 671 that contain drug Mb, drug storage area Sp1 contains the maximum capacity of "30 sheets" of drug Mb, and drug storage area Sp2 contains the maximum capacity of "30 sheets" of drug Mb. In other words, the drug storage unit 671 shown in Figure 50D is an empty drug storage unit. Furthermore, the current inventory of drug Mb in the dispensing center is assumed to be 25 sheets of drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) and 35 sheets of drug Mb with expiration date "T2" (second lot).

[0396] In this case, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 acquires the inventory quantity of "25 sheets" for the expiration date "T1" (first lot) and the inventory quantity of "35 sheets" for the expiration date "T2" (second lot), and the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable quantity of "30 sheets" for the drug storage area Sp1 of the drug storage unit 671 and the fillable quantity of "30 sheets" for the drug storage area Sp2. The determination processing unit 615 determines the fillable quantity to be "25 sheets" for the expiration date "T1" and "30 sheets" for the expiration date "T2" (the maximum fillable quantity of the drug storage area Sp2). In other words, the determination processing unit 615 determines the first expiration date (first lot) and the second expiration date (second lot). Furthermore, the determination processing unit 615 determines the first fillable amount (here, "30 sheets") corresponding to the first expiration date to be equal to or greater than the first inventory amount (here, "25 sheets"), and the second fillable amount (here, "30 sheets") that can be used to fill the drug storage unit 671 with the target drug for the second expiration date to be equal to or less than the second inventory amount (here, "35 sheets"), and determines the first inventory amount ("25 sheets") as the fillable amount of the target drug for the first expiration date, and determines the second fillable amount ("30 sheets") as the fillable amount of the target drug for the second expiration date.

[0397] In another embodiment, if the required amount of drug Mb to be filled calculated by the drug identification processing unit 612 is "40 sheets", the determination processing unit 615 may determine the amount to be filled to be "25 sheets" of stock with expiration date "T1" and "15 sheets" of stock with expiration date "T2".

[0398] In the example shown in Figure 50E, one drug storage unit 671 capable of being filled with drug Mb is shown. This drug storage unit 671 contains 25 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) in drug storage area Sp1, and no drug Mb in drug storage area Sp2. Each of the other drug storage units 671 that contain drug Mb has a maximum capacity of "30" drug Mb in drug storage area Sp1 and a maximum capacity of "30" drug Mb in drug storage area Sp2. Furthermore, the current inventory of drug Mb in the dispensing center is assumed to be 25 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) and 15 drug Mb with expiration date "T2" (second lot).

[0399] In this case, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 acquires the inventory quantity of "25 sheets" for expiration date "T1" (first lot) and the inventory quantity of "15 sheets" for expiration date "T2" (second lot), and the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable quantity of "5 sheets" for the chemical storage area Sp1 of the chemical storage unit 671 and the fillable quantity of "30 sheets" for the chemical storage area Sp2. Since chemical storage area Sp1 already contains chemical Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot), the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable quantity of chemical Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) for chemical storage area Sp1. On the other hand, since chemical Mb is not contained in chemical storage area Sp2, the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable quantity of chemical Mb with expiration dates "T1" (first lot) and "T2" (second lot) for chemical storage area Sp2. Since the drug dispensing device 6 prioritizes dispensing drugs with earlier expiration dates, the decision processing unit 615 determines the expiration date "T1" (first lot) out of the expiration dates "T1" (first lot) and "T2" (second lot). The decision processing unit 615 also determines the stock quantity of "25 sheets" for expiration date "T1" as the filling quantity. In this case, 5 sheets of drug Mb out of the 25 sheets are filled into drug storage area Sp1, and the remaining 20 sheets of drug Mb are filled into drug storage area Sp2. Here, even if the required filling quantity of drug Ma calculated by the drug identification processing unit 612 is greater than the stock quantity (for example, if the required filling quantity is "40 sheets"), the decision processing unit 615 prioritizes drugs with earlier expiration dates and determines only the stock quantity of "25 sheets" for expiration date "T1" as the filling quantity.

[0400] In another embodiment, if the required amount of drug Ma calculated by the drug identification processing unit 612 is "20 sheets", the determination processing unit 615 may determine the stock quantity of "20 sheets" with an expiration date of "T1" as the filling amount.

[0401] Thus, the control unit 61 may determine the amount of the target drug with expiration date "T1" (first lot) that can be filled into each of the drug storage area Sp1 and drug storage area Sp2 when the inventory amount of the drug with expiration date "T1" (first lot) exceeds the fillable amount of the drug storage area Sp1 (see Figure 50E). On the other hand, the control unit 61 may determine the amount of the target drug with expiration date "T1" (first lot) that can be filled into the drug storage area Sp1 and the amount of the target drug with expiration date "T2" (second lot) that can be filled into the drug storage area Sp2 when the inventory amount of the drug with expiration date "T1" (first lot) is less than or equal to the fillable amount of the drug storage area Sp1 (see Figures 50C and 50D).

[0402] The example shown in Figure 50F shows one drug storage unit 671 capable of being filled with drug Mb. This drug storage unit 671 contains 25 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) in drug storage area Sp1, and 10 drug Mb with expiration date "T2" (second lot) in drug storage area Sp2. Each of the other drug storage units 671 that store drug Mb contains a maximum capacity of "30" drug Mb in drug storage area Sp1 and a maximum capacity of "30" drug Mb in drug storage area Sp2. Furthermore, the current inventory of drug Mb in the dispensing center is assumed to be 25 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) and 15 drug Mb with expiration date "T2" (second lot).

[0403] In this case, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 acquires the inventory quantity of "25 sheets" for expiration date "T1" (first lot) and the inventory quantity of "15 sheets" for expiration date "T2" (second lot). The fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable quantity of "5 sheets" for expiration date "T1" (first lot) in the drug storage area Sp1 of the drug storage unit 671 and the fillable quantity of "20 sheets" for expiration date "T2" (second lot) in the drug storage area Sp2. The determination processing unit 615 determines the expiration dates "T1" (first lot) and "T2" (second lot), and determines the inventory quantity of "5 sheets" for expiration date "T1" and the inventory quantity of "15 sheets" for expiration date "T2" as the fillable quantity. In this case, 5 sheets of drug Mb from the first lot are filled into drug storage area Sp1, and 15 sheets of drug Mb from the second lot are filled into drug storage area Sp2.

[0404] In another embodiment, if the required amount of drug Ma calculated by the drug identification processing unit 612 is "10 sheets", the determination processing unit 615 may determine the amount to be filled to be "5 sheets" of stock with expiration date "T1" and "5 sheets" of stock with expiration date "T2".

[0405] The example shown in Figure 50G shows two drug storage compartments 671 capable of being filled with drug Mb. The first drug storage compartment 671 contains 25 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) in drug storage area Sp1, and no drug in drug storage area Sp2. The second drug storage compartment 671 contains no drug Mb in either drug storage area Sp1 or Sp2. Each of the other drug storage compartments 671 that can store drug Mb contains a maximum capacity of "30" drug Mb in drug storage area Sp1, and a maximum capacity of "30" drug Mb in drug storage area Sp2. Furthermore, the current inventory of drug Mb in the dispensing center is assumed to be 80 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) and 40 drug Mb with expiration date "T2" (second lot).

[0406] In this case, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 acquires the inventory quantity of "80 sheets" for expiration date "T1" (first lot) and the inventory quantity of "40 sheets" for expiration date "T2" (second lot). The fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires, for the first drug storage unit 671, the fillable quantity of drug storage area Sp1 for expiration date "T1" (first lot) "5 sheets" and the fillable quantity of drug storage area Sp2 "30 sheets". For the second drug storage unit 671, it acquires the fillable quantity of drug storage area Sp1 "30 sheets" and the fillable quantity of drug storage area Sp2 "30 sheets". In other words, the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires "95 sheets" as the fillable quantity of drug Mb for expiration date "T1" (first lot) and "90 sheets" as the fillable quantity of drug Mb for expiration date "T2" (second lot). The decision processing unit 615 determines that the expiration date "T1" (first lot) and the expiration date "T2" (second lot), with the earlier expiration date being the first expiration date (first lot), are used. The decision processing unit 615 also determines that the stock quantity for expiration date "T1" is "80 sheets" as the filling amount. In this case, 5 sheets of drug Mb from the first lot are filled into the drug storage area Sp1 of the first drug storage unit 671, 30 sheets of drug Mb from the first lot are filled into the drug storage area Sp2 of the first drug storage unit 671, 30 sheets of drug Mb from the first lot are filled into the drug storage area Sp1 of the second drug storage unit 671, and 15 sheets of drug Mb from the first lot are filled into the drug storage area Sp2 of the second drug storage unit 671. Even if the required amount of drug Ma calculated by the drug identification processing unit 612 is greater than the inventory amount (for example, if the required amount is "90 sheets"), the decision processing unit 615 will determine the inventory amount of "80 sheets" with an expiration date of "T1" as the amount to be filled.

[0407] In another embodiment, if the required amount of drug Ma calculated by the drug identification processing unit 612 is "90 sheets", the determination processing unit 615 may determine the expiration dates "T1" and "T2", and determine the stock quantity for expiration date "T1" as "65 sheets" and the stock quantity for expiration date "T2" as "15 sheets" as the filling amount. In this case, 5 sheets of drug Mb from the first lot are filled into the drug storage area Sp1 of the first drug storage unit 671, 30 sheets of drug Mb from the first lot are filled into the drug storage area Sp2 of the first drug storage unit 671, 30 sheets of drug Mb from the first lot are filled into the drug storage area Sp1 of the second drug storage unit 671, and 25 sheets of drug Mb from the second lot are filled into the drug storage area Sp2 of the second drug storage unit 671. This satisfies the required amount of 90 sheets.

[0408] The examples shown in Figures 50C to 50G show a case where the drug storage section 671 is divided into two drug storage areas Sp1 and Sp2 (see Figure 46A). However, the filling amount can be determined similarly even when the drug storage section 671 is divided into four drug storage areas Sp1 to Sp4 (see Figure 46B). Figure 50H shows an example of how to determine the filling amount when the drug storage section 671 is divided into four drug storage areas Sp1 to Sp4.

[0409] In the drug storage unit 671a, drug storage area Sp1 contains 20 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot), and drug storage area Sp2 contains the maximum capacity of 30 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot). In addition, there is one empty drug storage unit 671b (free cassette) that does not contain any drug. Furthermore, the current inventory of drug Mb in the dispensing center is as follows: 30 drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot), 80 drug Mb with expiration date "T2" (second lot), and 300 drug Mb with expiration date "T3" (third lot).

[0410] In this case, the inventory acquisition processing unit 613 acquires the inventory quantities of "30 sheets" for expiration date "T1" (first lot), "80 sheets" for expiration date "T2" (second lot), and "300 sheets" for expiration date "T3" (third lot). The fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable quantity for the drug storage area Sp1 of the drug storage unit 671a: "10 sheets", "0 sheets" for drug storage area Sp2, "30 sheets" for drug storage area Sp3, and "30 sheets" for drug storage area Sp4. Since drug storage area Sp1 of the drug storage unit 671a already contains drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot), the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable quantity of drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) for drug storage area Sp1. On the other hand, since no drug Mb is contained in the drug storage areas Sp3 and Sp4 of the drug storage section 671a, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable amounts of drug Mb for the drug storage areas Sp3 and Sp4 with expiration dates "T1" (first lot), "T2" (second lot), and "T3" (third lot).

[0411] Furthermore, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 acquires the fillable amount of "30 sheets" for each of the chemical storage areas Sp1 to Sp4 in the chemical storage section 671b. When the drug dispensing device 6 prioritizes dispensing drugs with the earliest expiration dates, the decision processing unit 615 first determines the stock quantity of drugs with expiration date "T1" to be "30 sheets" as the filling amount. In this case, 10 of the 30 drug sheets Mb are filled into the drug storage area Sp1 of the drug storage unit 671a, and the remaining 20 drug sheets Mb are filled into the drug storage area Sp3 of the drug storage unit 671a.

[0412] Next, the decision processing unit 615 determines the stock quantity of "80 sheets" with an expiration date of "T2" as the filling amount. In this case, 30 of the 80 sheets of drug Mb are filled into the drug storage area Sp4 of the drug storage unit 671a, 30 of the remaining 50 sheets of drug Mb are filled into the drug storage area Sp1 of the drug storage unit 671b, and the remaining 20 sheets of drug Mb are filled into the drug storage area Sp2 of the drug storage unit 671b.

[0413] Next, the decision processing unit 615 determines the stock quantity of "60 sheets" with an expiration date of "T3" as the filling amount. In this case, 30 of the 60 sheets of drug Mb are filled into the drug storage area Sp3 of the drug storage unit 671b, and the remaining 30 sheets of drug Mb are filled into the drug storage area Sp4 of the drug storage unit 671b.

[0414] Thus, in the example shown in Figure 50H, based on the fillable capacity of drug storage compartments 671a and 671b, the amount to be filled from the current inventory in the dispensing center is determined as follows: 30 tablets for expiration date "T1", 80 tablets for expiration date "T2", and 60 tablets for expiration date "T3".

[0415] In addition, in each of the above examples, if the amount of inventory in the drug dispensing device 6, including the filling amount (in-device inventory), is less than the total prescribed amount, the control unit 61 may determine the filling amount again when a new drug storage unit 671 that can be filled appears (for example, when the drug is dispensed from the drug storage unit 671).

[0416] The output processing unit 616 outputs the filling amount of the drug subject to the expiration date determined by the determination processing unit 615. Specifically, the output processing unit 616 outputs the information of the filling amount to the center-side dispensing support device 5. The output processing unit 616 also outputs a filling instruction based on the filling amount to the center-side dispensing support device 5. The output processing unit 616 is an example of the output processing unit of the present invention.

[0417] The control unit 51 of the dispensing support device 5 on the center side acquires the filling instruction from the drug dispensing device 6. Based on the filling instruction, the control unit 51 creates a filling and dispensing instruction (dispensing instruction) that includes identification information indicating the storage location of the drug to be filled (storage shelf, dispensing device DS, etc.), identification information of the drug, the amount to be filled (dispensing amount), and information of the equipment to be filled (drug dispensing device 6, etc.), and transmits it to the filling worker's mobile terminal 6C. If the filling and dispensing instruction includes multiple types of drugs, the control unit 51 may determine the dispensing order based on the location of each storage area for each of the multiple types of drugs. For example, the control unit 51 determines the dispensing order that allows movement to each storage location of multiple types of drugs by the shortest distance. Also, if a travel route is set in advance in the storage shelf area AR2, the control unit 51 determines the dispensing order that results in the shortest travel distance or the shortest travel time according to the travel route.

[0418] The mobile terminal 6C may have the same functions as the mobile terminal 5C used by the receiving worker. When the mobile terminal 6C receives the filling and dispensing instruction (dispensing instruction), it displays the filling operation screen P61. As shown in Figure 51, the filling operation screen P61 displays information indicating the equipment to be filled (in this case, "PTP dispensing device (No. 1)"), identification information of the chemical to be filled (chemical name, etc.), identification information of the storage unit where the chemical to be filled is stored (name, storage shelf number, etc.), and identification information of the storage box that contains the chemical dispensed from the storage unit (storage box number).

[0419] The filling operator checks the filling operation screen P61 and performs the filling operation. For example, when the filling operator moves to the storage location of the chemical M1 included in the filling and dispensing instruction (e.g., storage shelf A1), they read the two-dimensional code Bs1 (see Figure 36) placed (attached) to the chemical storage shelf (e.g., storage shelf A12) with the mobile terminal 6C, and then read the two-dimensional code of the chemical M1 with the mobile terminal 6C. If the storage shelf number read from the two-dimensional code Bs1 placed on storage shelf A12 and the chemical ID read from the two-dimensional code of the chemical M1 match the storage shelf number and chemical ID included in the filling and dispensing instruction, the control unit 51 displays information on the mobile terminal 6C indicating that the dispensing location is correct. This allows the filling operator to correctly dispensing the chemical M1. On the other hand, if the above information does not match, the control unit 51 displays error information on the mobile terminal 6C indicating that the dispensing location is incorrect. This allows the filling operator to recognize that the dispensing location of the chemical M1 is incorrect.

[0420] When the filling worker takes the chemical M1 from storage shelf A12, they read the two-dimensional code placed (attached) to the storage box with their mobile terminal 6C. This associates the storage box identification information with the chemical M1. The control unit 51 then displays the read storage box identification information (storage box number) on the filling operation screen P61. In this way, the filling worker performs the retrieval operation to store each of the multiple types of chemicals displayed on the filling operation screen P61 from the storage unit into the storage box. The storage box used for the filling operation may be the same storage box (foldable container) as either storage box C0 (see Figure 27) used for receiving operations or storage box C1 (see Figure 29) used for receiving operations.

[0421] Once the dispensing operation is complete, the filling operator carries the storage box to the equipment to be filled (in this case, the "PTP dispensing device (Unit 1)") and performs the filling operation. For example, the filling operator fills each chemical in the storage box into the chemical storage section 671 of the sheet dispensing device, and then sets the chemical storage section 671 filled with chemicals into the chemical dispensing device 6.

[0422] When the drug dispensing device 6 is filled, the control unit 61 updates the information in the storage unit master 621 (see Figure 48). In this manner, the control unit 61 executes the filling process. In another embodiment, the control unit 51 may output the filling and dispensing instruction (dispensing instruction) to the dispensing equipment DS. When the dispensing equipment DS receives the filling and dispensing instruction from the drug dispensing device 6, it dispenses the target drug. The dispensing equipment DS may display a screen to confirm the filling destination (drug dispensing device 6) of the dispensed drug. The filling operator fills the drug dispensed from the dispensing equipment DS into the drug dispensing device 6.

[0423] In addition to the above-described processes, the control unit 61 performs drug dispensing processing. For example, the control unit 61 performs processing to dispense drugs from the drug storage unit 671 based on the prescription data. Specifically, the control unit 61 identifies the drug storage unit 671 corresponding to the drug indicated by the drug identification information included in the prescription data, based on the prescription data and the storage unit master 621, etc. Then, the control unit 61 dispenses a number of drugs from the identified drug storage unit 671 corresponding to the prescription amount indicated in the prescription data. When the drugs are dispensed, the control unit 61 updates the information in the storage unit master 621.

[0424] Furthermore, if the total prescription amount corresponding to a predetermined number of prescription data exceeds the total capacity of the drug dispensing device 6, the control unit 61 performs a filling process for the drug (target drug) in the prescription data, and after the filling process, it performs a dispensing process for the target drug. Also, if the total prescription amount corresponding to a predetermined number of prescription data is less than or equal to the total capacity of the drug dispensing device 6, the control unit 61 omits the filling process and performs a dispensing process for the drug in the prescription data.

[0425] Furthermore, the control unit 61 may print a filling list showing a list of chemicals that need to be filled using the printing unit 68. This allows the filling operator to easily determine which chemicals need to be filled into the chemical dispensing device 6 by referring to the filling list.

[0426] [Chemical filling process] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 52, an example of a drug filling process performed by the control unit 61 of the drug dispensing device 6 will be described. The drug filling process is started by the control unit 61 in response to a predetermined start operation after the power to the drug dispensing device 6 is turned on. The present invention may also be considered as a dispensing support method that performs part or all of the processing steps of the drug filling process, or as an invention of a dispensing support program that causes a computer such as the drug dispensing device 6 to execute the dispensing support method.

[0427] <Step S601> First, in step S601, the control unit 61 acquires a predetermined number of prescription data from multiple prescription data input from the center-side dispensing support device 5 or the higher-level system 7. For example, the control unit 61 extracts a predetermined number (e.g., 10 prescriptions) of prescription data from multiple prescription data. Once the control unit 61 has acquired the predetermined number of prescription data, it proceeds to step S602. The control unit 61 executes the subsequent processing each time it acquires a predetermined number of prescription data for multiple prescription data input from the center-side dispensing support device 5 or the higher-level system 7.

[0428] <Step S602> In step S602, the control unit 61 calculates the total prescription amount of the drugs to be prescribed based on a predetermined number of prescription data acquired. Specifically, the control unit 61 aggregates the prescription amounts of the drugs included in each of the predetermined number of prescription data acquired and calculates the total prescription amount for each drug. For example, as shown in Figure 49, the control unit 61 aggregates prescription data for 10 prescriptions (prescription data 1 to 10) and calculates the total prescription amount for each drug.

[0429] <Step S603> In step S603, the control unit 61 identifies the target drug to be filled into the drug dispensing device 6. Specifically, the control unit 61 identifies the target drug to be filled based on the total prescription amount calculated in step S602 and the total amount of drug stored in the drug dispensing device 6 (in-device inventory). For example, for drug Ma included in the prescription data, the control unit 61 refers to the storage unit master 621 (see Figure 48) of the drug dispensing device 6 (sheet dispensing device) that dispenses drug Ma and calculates the total amount of drug Ma stored in each of the drug storage units 671. The control unit 61 also compares the total prescription amount of drug Ma in the 10 prescriptions with the total amount of drug Ma stored in the drug dispensing device 6, and identifies drug Ma as the target drug if the total prescription amount is greater than the total storage amount.

[0430] The control unit 61 determines whether each drug included in a predetermined number of prescription data is a target drug. The control unit 61 determines drugs whose total prescription amount exceeds the total storage capacity as drugs that require filling (target drugs), and drugs whose total prescription amount is less than the total storage capacity as drugs that do not require filling (non-target drugs).

[0431] <Step S604> In step S604, the control unit 61 determines whether the target drug is included in a predetermined number of prescription data. If the control unit 61 determines that the target drug is included in the predetermined number of prescription data (S604:Yes), it proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, if the control unit 61 determines that the target drug is not included in the predetermined number of prescription data (i.e., each drug in the predetermined number of prescription data is a non-target drug) (S604:No), it proceeds to step S612.

[0432] <Step S605> In step S605, the control unit 61 calculates the required amount of the target drug to be filled. Specifically, the control unit 61 calculates the required amount of filling by subtracting the total amount of drug contained in the drug dispensing device 6 from the total prescription amount calculated in step S602. Note that the method for calculating the required amount of filling is not limited to this and other methods (described later) may be used.

[0433] <Step S606> In step S606, the control unit 61 inquires with the center-side dispensing support device 5 or the higher-level system 7 about the inventory quantity of the target drug within the dispensing center. The control unit 61 also inquires about the inventory quantity of the target drug by expiration date. The inquiry includes at least the identification information of the drug dispensing device 6 and the identification information of the target drug. The inquiry may also include information about the required filling quantity.

[0434] For example, when the control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5 receives an inquiry from the drug dispensing device 6 (sheet dispensing device) regarding the inventory quantity of the target drug, drug Ma, it refers to the storage unit 52 to obtain the inventory quantity information included in the drug information of drug Ma and transmits it to the drug dispensing device 6. The drug information includes drug identification information, inventory quantity by expiration date of the drug, and inventory quantity by lot number of the drug. In another embodiment, the higher-level system 7 may receive the inquiry and transmit the inventory quantity information included in the drug information of drug Ma to the drug dispensing device 6.

[0435] <Step S607> In step S607, the control unit 61 determines whether or not it has obtained the inventory quantity of the target drug. If the control unit 61 obtains the inventory quantity of the target drug by expiration date or lot number from the center-side dispensing support device 5 or the higher-level system 7 (S607: Yes), it moves the process to step S608. The control unit 61 waits until it obtains the inventory quantity of the target drug by expiration date or lot number from the center-side dispensing support device 5 or the higher-level system 7 (S607: No).

[0436] <Step S608> In step S608, the control unit 61 calculates the fillable amount of the target chemical that can be filled into the chemical storage units 671 installed in the chemical dispensing device 6. Specifically, the control unit 61 calculates the fillable amount by subtracting the total amount of the target chemical already stored in each of the chemical storage units 671 from the sum of the maximum storage capacities of each of the chemical storage units 671 installed in the chemical dispensing device 6.

[0437] Furthermore, if the drug dispensing device 6 contains the aforementioned target drugs with different expiration dates (lot numbers), the control unit 61 calculates the fillable amount of the target drugs for each expiration date. For example, the control unit 61 calculates the fillable amount of drug Ma with expiration date "T1" and the fillable amount of drug Ma with expiration date "T2". For example, if the drug storage unit 671 contains less than the maximum storage capacity of drug Ma with expiration date "T1", the control unit 61 subtracts the amount contained from the maximum storage capacity and sets that as the fillable amount of drug Ma with expiration date "T1" in the drug storage unit 671. Also, if the drug storage unit 671 contains less than the maximum storage capacity of drug Ma with expiration date "T2", the control unit 61 subtracts the amount contained from the maximum storage capacity and sets that as the fillable amount of drug Ma with expiration date "T2" in the drug storage unit 671. For an empty drug storage unit 671, the control unit 61 sets the maximum storage capacity as the fillable amount of the drug storage unit 671, without limiting the expiration date.

[0438] <Step S609> In step S609, the control unit 61 determines the expiration dates (lots) of the target drugs stored (in stock) in the storage unit that should be filled into the drug storage unit 671 (drug storage area), and the amount of the target drugs to be filled into the drug dispensing device 6. Specifically, based on the stock quantity obtained in step S607 and the fillable quantity calculated in step S608, the control unit 61 determines the expiration dates of the target drugs that should be filled into the drug storage unit 671, and the amount of the target drugs to be filled into the drug storage unit 671 corresponding to the expiration date from the stock quantity.

[0439] Furthermore, if the inventory of the target drug includes a first inventory quantity for the first expiration date (first lot) and a second inventory quantity for the second expiration date (second lot), the control unit 61 determines the amount of the target drug to be filled into the drug storage unit 671 based on the first inventory quantity and the first fillable quantity that can be filled into the drug storage unit 671 with the target drug for the first expiration date. In this way, the control unit 61 prioritizes allocating inventory of drugs with earlier expiration dates (target drugs with the first expiration date) to the drug storage unit 671.

[0440] For example, the control unit 61 allocates the amount of the drug Ma with the earliest expiration date (drug Ma with expiration date "T1" (first lot)) from the total inventory of the target drug (drug Ma) to the amount of drug storage section 671 (drug storage area Sp) that can be filled with drug Ma with expiration date "T1" (first lot) (see Figures 50A and 50B).

[0441] For example, the control unit 61 allocates the amount of drug Mb with the earliest expiration date (drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot)) from the total inventory of the target drug (drug Mb) to the amount of drug storage section 671 (drug storage area Sp1, Sp2) that can be filled with drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) (see Figures 50C to 50G).

[0442] The control unit 61 may prioritize the expiration date element when allocating the stock quantity to the fillable quantity, or it may prioritize the fill quantity element when allocating the stock quantity to the fillable quantity. For example, if the expiration date element is prioritized, the control unit 61 determines the fill quantity to be 40 sheets of stock for drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot), as shown in Figure 53A, and allocates 30 sheets to drug storage area Sp1 and the remaining 10 sheets to drug storage area Sp2. On the other hand, if the fill quantity element is prioritized, the control unit 61 determines the fill quantity to be 30 sheets of stock for drug Mb with expiration date "T1" (first lot) and 30 sheets of stock for drug Mb with expiration date "T2" (second lot), as shown in Figure 53B, and allocates 30 sheets of expiration date "T1" (first lo...

Claims

1. A dispensing support system that outputs the amount of target drug to be filled into each of the multiple drug storage units, each of which includes multiple drug storage areas, which are mounted on a dispensing device, A first chemical storage unit including a first chemical storage area and a second chemical storage area includes an acquisition processing unit that acquires a first fillable amount obtained by subtracting a first amount of the target chemical stored in the first chemical storage area from a first maximum fillable amount which is the capacity of the first chemical storage area, and a second fillable amount obtained by subtracting a second amount of the target chemical stored in the second chemical storage area from a second maximum fillable amount which is the capacity of the second chemical storage area, A determination processing unit determines the expiration date of the target drug stored in the first drug storage area as the expiration date of the target drug to be filled into the first drug storage area, determines the expiration date of the target drug stored in the second drug storage area as the expiration date of the target drug to be filled into the second drug storage area, and determines the amount of the target drug to be filled into the first drug storage unit based on the inventory amount of the target drug by expiration date, the first fillable amount and the second fillable amount, and the determined expiration dates of the target drug to be filled into the first drug storage area and the expiration dates of the target drug to be filled into the second drug storage area. A dispensing support system equipped with the following features.

2. The output processing unit further comprises outputting the amount of the target chemical to be filled, determined by the determination processing unit. The dispensing support system according to claim 1.

3. The determination processing unit determines the amount of the target drug with one expiration date to be filled into each of the drug storage areas. The dispensing support system according to claim 1.

4. If the inventory quantity of the aforementioned drug includes a first inventory quantity with a first expiration date and a second inventory quantity with a second expiration date that is later than the first expiration date, The determination processing unit determines the amount of the target drug with a first expiration date to be filled into the first drug storage area based on the first inventory amount and the first fillable amount that can be filled into the first drug storage area with the target drug with a first expiration date. The dispensing support system according to claim 1.

5. The determination processing unit determines the first fillable amount as the fillable amount of the target drug with a first expiration date when the first fillable amount is less than or equal to the first inventory amount. The dispensing support system according to claim 4.

6. The determination processing unit determines the first inventory amount as the amount to be filled with the target drug with a first expiration date if the first fillable amount is equal to or greater than the first inventory amount. The dispensing support system according to claim 4.

7. The determination processing unit determines the first inventory amount as the amount to be filled with the target drug with the first expiration date, and the second inventory amount as the amount to be filled with the target drug with the second expiration date, when the first fillable amount is equal to or greater than the first inventory amount, and the second fillable amount that can be filled with the target drug with the second expiration date into the second drug storage area is equal to or greater than the second inventory amount. The dispensing support system according to claim 4.

8. The determination processing unit determines the first inventory amount as the amount of the target drug with the first expiration date to be filled, and the second fillable amount that can be filled into the second drug storage area with the target drug with the second expiration date to be less than or equal to the second inventory amount, when the first fillable amount is equal to or greater than the first inventory amount, and the second fillable amount is equal to or less than the second inventory amount. The dispensing support system according to claim 4.

9. The determination processing unit determines the amount of one type of target drug to be filled into each of the drug storage units, and determines the amount of one of the target drugs with one expiration date to be filled into each of the drug storage areas. A dispensing support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. When the inventory quantity of the aforementioned drug includes a first inventory quantity with a first expiration date and a second inventory quantity with a second expiration date that is later than the first expiration date, The aforementioned decision processing unit, If the first inventory quantity exceeds the first fillable amount that allows the first drug storage area to be filled with the target drug having a first expiration date, the fillable amount that allows the first drug storage area and the second drug storage area to be filled with the target drug having a first expiration date is determined. When the first inventory quantity is less than or equal to the first fillable quantity that allows the first drug storage area to be filled with the target drug having a first expiration date, the filling quantity that allows the first drug storage area to be filled with the target drug having a first expiration date and the filling quantity that allows the second drug storage area to be filled with the target drug having a second expiration date are determined. The dispensing support system according to claim 9.

11. The system further includes a specification processing unit that identifies the target drug to be filled into the dispensing device based on the total prescription amount for each drug calculated by aggregating multiple prescription data and the total storage amount for each drug contained in the dispensing device. A dispensing support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. The dispensing device comprises the decision processing unit and the inventory quantity acquisition processing unit which queries the management system for managing the inventory quantity of the target drug for each expiration date, The dispensing device, in response to an inquiry about the inventory quantity, determines the amount of the target drug to be filled into the first drug storage section based on the inventory quantity of the target drug by expiration date transmitted from the management system, the first fillable quantity and the second fillable quantity, and the expiration dates of the target drug to be filled into the first drug storage area and the expiration dates of the target drug to be filled into the second drug storage area, and outputs a filling instruction for the target drug, including the information of the determined filling amount, to the management system. A dispensing support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

13. A dispensing support method for dispensing a plurality of drug storage units mounted on a dispensing device, each of which includes a plurality of drug storage areas, wherein the method outputs the amount of target drug to be filled into each of the plurality of drug storage units, One or more processors In a first chemical storage section including a first chemical storage area and a second chemical storage area, an acquisition step is made to obtain a first fillable amount obtained by subtracting a first amount of the target chemical stored in the first chemical storage area from a first maximum storable amount which is the capacity of the first chemical storage area, and a second fillable amount obtained by subtracting a second amount of the target chemical stored in the second chemical storage area from a second maximum storable amount which is the capacity of the second chemical storage area. A determination step of determining the amount of the target drug to be filled into the first drug storage unit based on the inventory amount of the target drug by expiration date, the first fillable amount and the second fillable amount, and the determined expiration dates of the target drug to be filled into the first drug storage unit and the second drug storage unit, A dispensing support method that performs this task.

14. A dispensing support program that outputs the amount of target drug to be filled into each of the multiple drug storage units, each of which includes multiple drug storage areas, which are implemented in a dispensing device, In a first chemical storage section including a first chemical storage area and a second chemical storage area, an acquisition step is made to obtain a first fillable amount obtained by subtracting a first amount of the target chemical stored in the first chemical storage area from a first maximum storable amount which is the capacity of the first chemical storage area, and a second fillable amount obtained by subtracting a second amount of the target chemical stored in the second chemical storage area from a second maximum storable amount which is the capacity of the second chemical storage area. A determination step of determining the amount of the target drug to be filled into the first drug storage unit based on the inventory amount of the target drug by expiration date, the first fillable amount and the second fillable amount, and the determined expiration dates of the target drug to be filled into the first drug storage unit and the second drug storage unit, A dispensing support program that causes one or more processors to execute.

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