Chemical dispensing device, chemical dispensing program

Abstract

To provide a medicine dispensing device capable of reducing user's work for dispensing an arbitrary kind of a medicine, and to provide a medicine dispensing program, and a computer readable recording medium with a medicine dispensing program recorded thereon.SOLUTION: The medicine dispensing device including a plurality of medicine cassettes from which an arbitrary kind of a medicine can be dispensed allocates the medicine to any of the medicine cassettes in the case where medicine information to be dispensed is inputted by prescription data or the like, drives the medicine cassette according to a drive condition set in advance correspondingly to the medicine information allocated to the medicine cassette to dispense the medicine from the medicine cassette.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medicine dispensing device that automatically dispenses medicines from a plurality of medicine cassettes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a medicine dispensing device including a plurality of tablet cassettes that contain tablets of predetermined types, and automatically dispensing the tablets contained in each of the tablet cassettes based on prescription data (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of medicine dispensing device, since the types of tablets that can be dispensed are predetermined for each tablet cassette, a large number of tablet cassettes are required to handle a large variety of tablets, resulting in an increase in the size of the device.

[0003] On the other hand, there is also known a medicine dispensing device including a manual dispensing unit that can dispense tablets placed in a plurality of cells arranged in a matrix in units of the cells (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of medicine dispensing device, since any type of tablet can be automatically dispensed in units of cells using the manual dispensing unit, it is possible to handle a large variety of tablets without including a large number of tablet cassettes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the process of placing tablets into each compartment of the manual dispensing unit is cumbersome for the user and places a significant burden on them. In particular, the process of placing multiple types of tablets with different administration times into the corresponding compartments is extremely complicated. Furthermore, because the user is responsible for placing the tablets into each compartment, there is a risk of prescription errors due to human error.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a drug dispensing device, a drug dispensing method, a drug dispensing program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the drug dispensing program, which can reduce the user's workload for dispensing any type of drug. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The drug dispensing device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of drug cassettes, an assignment means, and a drive control means. The drug cassettes are capable of dispensing any type of tablet. The assignment means assigns drug information to one of the drug cassettes when drug information to be dispensed is input. The drive control means drives the drug cassettes according to preset drive conditions corresponding to the drug information assigned by the assignment means, and dispenses the drug from the drug cassettes. The drug is, for example, a tablet.

[0008] The drug dispensing method according to the present invention includes an assignment step of assigning drug information to be dispensed to one of a plurality of drug cassettes capable of dispensing any type of drug when drug information to be dispensed is input, and a drive control step of driving the drug cassette according to pre-set drive conditions corresponding to the drug information assigned in the assignment step, and dispensing the drug from the drug cassette.

[0009] The drug dispensing program according to the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute an assignment step in which, when drug information to be dispensed is input, the drug information is assigned to one of a plurality of drug cassettes capable of dispensing any type of drug, and a drive control step in which the drug cassette is driven according to pre-set drive conditions corresponding to the drug information assigned in the assignment step, and the drug is dispensed from the drug cassette.

[0010] The recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the above-mentioned drug dispensing program is recorded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the user's workload for dispensing any type of chemical can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view of a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a fixed cassette. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a variable cassette. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a variable cassette. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a variable cassette. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the variable cassette mounting section. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the results of dispensing tablets. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of allocation information. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of drive-compatible information. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of procedures for medicine dispensing processing and subcontracting control processing. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display unit of a variable cassette. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining another example of procedures for medicine dispensing processing. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of procedures for medicine allocation processing. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining another example of procedures for medicine dispensing processing. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a medicine dispensing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining an example of procedures for next prescription allocation processing. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a transition of allocation information during execution of next prescription allocation processing. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a transition of allocation information during execution of next prescription allocation processing. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a transition of allocation information during execution of next prescription allocation processing. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a transition of allocation information during execution of next prescription allocation processing. [Figure 22] FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining an example of procedures for display control processing. [Figure 23] FIG. 38 is a flowchart for explaining an example of procedures for display control processing. [Figure 24] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of a display during execution of display control processing. [Figure 25] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of a timing of change in an allocation state of a variable cassette. [Figure 26]Figure 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for displaying the continued use indicator. [Figure 27] Figure 27 shows an example of the display when the continuous use display process is executed. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for handling exceptions. [Figure 29] Figure 29 shows an example of the display when the exception display process is executed. [Figure 30] Figure 30 shows an example of the transitions between the state of the variable cassette and the display state of the display unit. [Figure 31] Figure 31 shows an example of the display on the display unit of a variable cassette. [Figure 32] Figure 32 shows an example of a drug packaging sheet dispensed from a dispensing unit. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for reusing leftover medication. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of the results of the residual medication reuse process. [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows an example of the collected information. [Figure 36] Figure 36 shows an example of how collection information is displayed. [Figure 37] Figure 37 shows examples of the display of the usage confirmation screen and the verification screen. [Figure 38] Figure 38 shows an example of how collection information is displayed. [Figure 39] Figure 39 shows examples of the display of the usage confirmation screen and the verification screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] 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.

[0014] <First Embodiment> First, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the general configuration of the chemical dispensing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the drug dispensing device 100 includes a prescription control unit 1, a tablet supply unit 2, a powder supply unit 3, a manual dispensing unit 4, a packaging unit 5, a packaging control unit 6, and a barcode reader 7. The prescription control unit 1, the tablet supply unit 2, the powder supply unit 3, the manual dispensing unit 4, the packaging unit 5, and the packaging control unit 6 are connected by an internal bus N1. The prescription control unit 1 and the barcode reader 7 are wirelessly connected according to a communication standard such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth®. The drug dispensing device 100 is controlled by the prescription control unit 1 and the packaging control unit 6, and dispenses tablets and powders supplied from the tablet supply unit 2, the powder supply unit 3, and the manual dispensing unit 4 in packaging units corresponding to the timing of administration, etc., using the packaging unit 5.

[0016] Although the drug dispensing device 100 includes the powder supply unit 3 and the manual dispensing unit 4, other embodiments may also be considered in which either or both of the powder supply unit 3 and the manual dispensing unit 4 are not included.

[0017] [Tablet supply unit 2] The tablet supply unit 2 comprises a plurality of fixed cassettes 21 (corresponding to drug-specific cassettes) capable of dispensing one tablet (unit quantity) of a predetermined specific type of tablet, and a plurality of variable cassettes 22 (corresponding to drug cassettes) capable of dispensing one tablet (unit quantity) of any type of tablet. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 1, a total of 54 fixed cassettes 21 are provided in a 6x9 grid, and a total of 4 variable cassettes 22 are provided in a 1x4 grid. The tablets that can be dispensed by the fixed cassettes 21 and variable cassettes 22 include solid drugs in various forms such as disc-shaped, spherical, or capsule-shaped.

[0018] Each of the fixed cassettes 21 is configured to be detachably attached to each of the mounting sections 211 provided on the tablet supply unit 2. Each of the mounting sections 211 is equipped with a fixed drive unit 23 that individually drives the fixed cassettes 21. Each of the fixed drive units 23 is equipped with a drive motor 231 that supplies driving force to the drive mechanism of the fixed cassette 21 and an RFID reader / writer 232, which is an information reading means that reads and writes information to an RFID tag (not shown) provided on the fixed cassette 21 using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) wireless communication technology.

[0019] The installation locations for the RFID tag (not shown) and the RFID reader / writer 232 should be determined relatively within a range that allows the RFID reader / writer 232 to read and write information from the RFID tag (not shown) when the fixed cassette 21 is mounted on the mounting section 211.

[0020] The RFID tag (not shown) is a non-volatile recording medium on which cassette identification information for identifying each of the fixed cassettes 21 is stored, and the cassette identification information is written by the prescription control unit 1 during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 100. In another embodiment, the tablet supply unit 2 may not have the fixed cassettes 21, but only have a plurality of variable cassettes 22.

[0021] Furthermore, each of the variable cassettes 22 is configured to be detachably attached to each of the mounting sections 221 provided on the tablet supply unit 2. In addition, a configuration in which each of the variable cassettes 22 can be pulled out from the mounting section 221 is also conceivable as another embodiment. Each of the mounting sections 221 is equipped with a variable drive unit 24 for individually driving the variable cassettes 22. Each of the variable drive units 24 includes a plurality of drive motors 241-244 (an example of drive means) that supply driving force to the drive mechanism of the variable cassette 22, and an RFID reader / writer 245, which is an information reading means that reads and writes information to the RFID tag 26 (see Figure 6) provided on the variable cassette 22 using RFID wireless communication technology.

[0022] The installation locations for the RFID tag 26 and the RFID reader / writer 245 should be determined relatively within a range that allows the RFID reader / writer 245 to read and write information from the RFID tag 26 when the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the mounting section 221.

[0023] The RFID tag 26 is a non-volatile recording medium on which cassette identification information for identifying each of the variable cassettes 22, and chemical information assigned to the variable cassette 22 in the chemical dispensing process described later (see Figure 11), are recorded.

[0024] The aforementioned drug information is information that can identify the type of tablet (drug), and includes, for example, the drug name, drug ID, drug code, JAN code, RSS code, and QR code (registered trademark). The JAN code and RSS code are numerical or character information represented by a one-dimensional code (barcode), and the QR code (registered trademark) is numerical or character information represented by a two-dimensional code.

[0025] Incidentally, the number of variable cassettes 22 and the number of mounting sections 221 do not have to match. For example, it is conceivable that a user can select any variable cassette 22 from a number of variable cassettes 22 greater than the number of mounting sections 221 and mount it in the mounting section 221. In particular, a configuration is conceivable in which multiple variable cassettes 22 can be mounted corresponding to each mounting section 221. The same applies to the fixed cassette 21 and the mounting section 211.

[0026] [Fixed Cassette 21] Here, an example of the fixed cassette 21 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Note that the structure of the fixed cassette 21 described here is merely an example, and other structures with similar functions may be used. Figure 3 is a diagram in which the cover member covering the top of the fixed cassette 21 is omitted.

[0027] Since the type of tablets to be contained in each of the fixed cassettes 21 is predetermined, for example, the front surface of each fixed cassette 21 is pre-printed with drug information for the tablets to be contained in the fixed cassette 21.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the fixed cassette 21 includes a tablet storage section 212 that holds a large number of tablets, and a tablet discharge section 213 that individually discharges the tablets stored in the tablet storage section 212. The tablet discharge section 213 is provided in a recess formed approximately in the center of the tablet storage section 212, and the tablets in the tablet storage section 212 descend sequentially toward the tablet discharge section 213.

[0029] The tablet dispensing unit 213 comprises a rotor 214 rotatably supported by the housing of the fixed cassette 21, and an inner wall 214A covering the outer circumference of the rotor 214. The rotor 214 is connected to the drive motor 231 of the fixed drive unit 23 via a drive transmission system (not shown) such as various gears when the fixed cassette 21 is mounted on the mounting unit 211. In addition, ribs 215 and ribs 216 are formed on the outer circumference of the rotor 214 at predetermined intervals. As a result, a gap 217 is intermittently formed on the outer circumference of the rotor 214, surrounded by the ribs 215, ribs 216, and the inner wall 214A. The width of the gap 217 is determined according to the type of tablet predetermined to be contained in the fixed cassette 21, and corresponds to the width of one tablet.

[0030] Furthermore, a gap 218 is formed between the ribs 215 and 216, extending across the entire outer surface of the rotor 214. Here, the height of the upper end of each of the ribs 215 and 216 is determined according to the type of tablet predetermined to be contained in the fixed cassette 21. Specifically, the height of the upper end of the rib 215 shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the height of three tablets, and three tablets are inserted into each of the gaps 217 of the rotor 213. The height of the upper end of the rib 216 corresponds to the height of one tablet.

[0031] On the other hand, the inner wall 214A has an outlet 219 for discharging tablets from the rotor 214, and the outlet 219 is provided with a partition plate 220 that is inserted into the gap 218. As a result, at the outlet 219, of the three tablets inserted in the gap 217, the upper two tablets are prevented from falling by the partition plate 220, and only the lower tablet is discharged. Therefore, in the fixed cassette 21, the rotor 214 is driven by the drive motor 231, and the tablets stored in the tablet storage section 212 are dispensed one tablet at a time.

[0032] [Variable Cassette 22] Next, an example of the variable cassette 22 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Note that the structure of the variable cassette 22 described here is merely an example; other structures are also acceptable as long as they enable the dispensing of tablets one at a time. For example, other examples of the variable cassette 22 are disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-535683 or Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-115493.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the variable cassette 22 comprises a tablet storage section 222 that holds a large number of tablets, and a first rotating body 223 and a second rotating body 224 that dispense tablets from the tablet storage section 222. Here, the first rotating body 223 and the second rotating body 224 are examples of a dispensing means and a drive mechanism. Note that Figures 4 to 6 are diagrams in which the cover member covering the upper part of the variable cassette 22 is omitted. Furthermore, the variable cassette 22 only needs to be capable of dispensing tablets in predetermined unit quantities, and may be configured to dispense multiple tablets at a time rather than one tablet at a time.

[0034] The first rotating body 223 is a disc-shaped member that forms the bottom surface of the tablet storage section 222. The axis of rotation of the first rotating body 223 is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction, and the upper surface of the first rotating body 223 is inclined by the predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane. In addition, radial ribs 223A are formed on the upper surface of the first rotating body 223 at predetermined intervals. The first rotating body 223 is rotatably supported by the housing of the variable cassette 22 and is connected to the drive gear 223B shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0035] The second rotating body 224 is a hollow annular member arranged around the first rotating body 223 in a plan view, and is an example of a conveying member that conveys tablets from the tablet storage section 222 to the dispensing port 225 and dispenses them from the dispensing port 225. The upper end of the first rotating body 223 is located on the same horizontal plane as the second rotating body 224. The second rotating body 224 is rotatably supported by the housing of the variable cassette 22, and the drive gear 224A shown in Figure 6 is formed on its outer circumferential surface. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, the mounting section 221 includes a drive gear 221A that is connected to the drive gear 223B of the first rotating body 223 when the variable cassette 22 is mounted, and a drive gear 221B that is connected to the drive gear 224A of the second rotating body 224. The drive gear 221A is connected to the drive motor 241 of the variable drive unit 24, and the drive gear 221B is connected to the drive motor 242 of the variable drive unit 24.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the variable cassette 22 includes a height restricting member 226 and a width restricting member 227 positioned on the dispensing path of the tablets, which are transported to the discharge port 225 by the second rotating body 224.

[0037] The height restricting member 226 restricts the height of the tablets that can be transported to the discharge port 225 by the second rotating body 224, and the width restricting member 227 restricts the width of the tablets that can be transported to the discharge port 225 by the second rotating body 224. As a result, in the variable cassette 22, only tablets that fit within the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226 and the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 are dispensed from the discharge port 225. Therefore, in the variable cassette 22, if the height h1 and width w1 are the height and width of one tablet stored in the tablet storage section 222, it is possible to dispense the tablet one at a time.

[0038] The variable cassette 22 includes a height adjustment section 226A for changing the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226, and a width adjustment section 227A for changing the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227. Here, the height adjustment section 226A and the width adjustment section 227A are examples of path adjustment means and drive mechanism. A pinion gear is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the width adjustment section 227A, which meshes with a rack (gear) formed on the inner circumferential surface of an elongated hole 227B formed in the width restricting member 227.

[0039] The height adjustment unit 226A is rotatably supported by the housing of the variable cassette 22 and is connected to the drive gear 226B shown in Figure 6. The height adjustment unit 226A is rotationally driven to move the position of the lower end of the height regulating member 226 up and down, thereby changing the height h1 that is regulated by the height regulating member 226.

[0040] The width adjustment section 227A is rotatably supported by the housing of the variable cassette 22 and is connected to the drive gear 227C shown in Figure 6. By being rotationally driven, the width adjustment section 227A changes the amount by which the width restricting member 227 protrudes toward the tablet storage section 222, thereby changing the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227. Specifically, the amount by which the width restricting member 227 protrudes toward the tablet storage section 222 is changed by the rotation of the width adjustment section 227A, which causes the width adjustment section 227A and the elongated hole 227B to move relative to each other in the direction of arrow R3 (see Figure 4).

[0041] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, the mounting section 221 includes a drive gear 221C that is connected to the drive gear 226B when the variable cassette 22 is mounted, and a drive gear 221D that is connected to the drive gear 227C. The drive gear 221C is connected to the drive motor 243 of the variable drive unit 24, and the drive gear 221D is connected to the drive motor 244 of the variable drive unit 24.

[0042] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the variable cassette 22 and the mounting section 221 are equipped with drive gears 228A and 228B, which are connected when the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the mounting section 221. The drive gear 228A is connected to a lifting mechanism (not shown) that raises and lowers the first rotating body 223 in the vertical direction, and the drive gear 228B is connected to a drive motor (not shown). As a result, when the drive motor is driven, driving force is transmitted from the drive gear 228B to the drive gear 228A, and the lifting mechanism allows the first rotating body 223 to be raised and lowered. Therefore, in the drug dispensing device 100, the number of tablets that can be stored in the tablet storage section 222 can be arbitrarily adjusted by raising and lowering the first rotating body 223.

[0043] In the variable cassette 22, when the first rotating body 223 is rotated in rotational direction R1 (see Figures 4 and 5), the tablets in the tablet storage section 222 are discharged from the first rotating body 223 to the second rotating body 224. Also, in the variable cassette 22, when the second rotating body 224 is rotated in rotational direction R2 (see Figures 4 and 5), the tablets on the second rotating body 224 are conveyed toward the discharge port 225.

[0044] However, among the tablets transported by the second rotating body 224, tablets that are stacked in the height direction come into contact with the height restricting member 226 and are returned to the tablet storage section 222. Also, among the tablets transported by the second rotating body 224 that are transported side by side in the width direction come into contact with the width restricting member 227 and are returned to the tablet storage section 222.

[0045] As a result, in the variable cassette 22, tablets of sizes corresponding to the height h1 restricted by the height restricting section 226 and the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 are transported to the discharge port 225 in a state where they are arranged one by one in the circumferential direction on the second rotating body 224. Therefore, the variable cassette 22 can dispense tablets stored in the tablet storage section 222 one at a time, and the amount of tablets dispensed can be controlled.

[0046] Thus, by using the variable cassette 22, the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226 and the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 can be changed, making it possible to dispense any type of tablet one tablet at a time.

[0047] Furthermore, each of the variable cassettes 22 is provided with a display unit 25 (an example of a drug display means) whose display content can be changed, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. Here, the display unit 25 is an electronic paper that, once the display content is written by power supply, maintains the display of the content even when power is not supplied.

[0048] Specifically, the variable cassette 22 and the mounting section 221 are each provided with a contact-type connector (not shown) to which the variable cassette 22 is connected when it is mounted on the mounting section 221. Here, the display unit 25 is connected to the connector on the variable cassette 22 side, and the formulation control unit 1 is connected to the connector on the mounting section 221 side. When the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the mounting section 221, the display unit 25 and the formulation control unit 1 are electrically connected by the connectors. This allows the formulation control unit 1 to change the display on each of the display units 25. Note that the display unit 25 is not limited to electronic paper, but may be other display means such as a liquid crystal display. It is also conceivable that the display unit 25 be provided on the mounting section 221 to which each of the variable cassettes 22 is mounted, corresponding to each of the variable cassettes 22.

[0049] Furthermore, each of the variable cassettes 22 has a built-in RFID tag 26 for storing various types of information, as shown in Figure 6. The RFID tag 26 is a non-volatile recording medium whose stored information can be rewritten by the RFID reader / writer 245, and as described above, is used to store cassette identification information for each of the variable cassettes 22, and the drug information assigned to each of the variable cassettes 22. The RFID tag 26 is mounted on a control board provided in each of the variable cassettes 22, and the control board also has the function of changing the display on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 according to a control signal from the prescription control unit 1. The control board is equipped with an electrical circuit that is driven by power supplied via the connector, power supplied from a power storage unit such as a battery mounted on the control board, or power supplied when writing information to the RFID tag 26. In another embodiment, each of the variable cassettes 22 may have another recording medium such as an EEPROM in place of the RFID tag 26, which the prescription control unit 1 can read and write information to via the connector.

[0050] [Drug supply unit 3] As shown in Figure 1, the powder supply unit 3 is equipped with two input sections 31 and 32, and the powder placed in each of the input sections 31 and 32 is supplied to the packaging unit 5 in pre-set dose units such as the timing of administration by the prescription control unit 1.

[0051] Specifically, the powder supply unit 3 is equipped with two sets of dispensing units: one dispensing unit that evenly spreads the powdered medicine introduced into the input unit 31 onto a disc and scrapes it out at predetermined angles corresponding to the individual packaging units, and another dispensing unit that evenly spreads the powdered medicine introduced into the input unit 32 onto a disc and scrapes it out at predetermined angles corresponding to the individual packaging units. The powdered medicine introduced into the powder supply unit 3 is pre-weighed using a weighing device as the total amount of prescription medicine to be prescribed to the patient.

[0052] [Hand-dispensing unit 4] The hand-dispensing unit 4 comprises a hand-dispensing storage section with multiple compartments into which tablets are placed in pre-set dosage units, such as a set administration time, and a hand-dispensing dispensing section that dispenses the tablets contained in each compartment to the dispensing unit 5. In the hand-dispensing storage section, the multiple compartments are arranged in a matrix. The hand-dispensing dispensing section can be configured to dispense tablets contained in compartments by, for example, individually opening and closing the bottom surfaces of the compartments in the hand-dispensing storage section. In the drug dispensing device 100, the hand-dispensing unit 4 is used to dispense tablets smaller than one tablet, such as half tablets, and is a well-known example, so no further explanation is provided here. Conventionally, the hand-dispensing unit 4 has also been used to dispense any tablets not pre-stored in the fixed cassette 21, but in the drug dispensing device 100, any tablets can be dispensed using the variable cassette 22. Of course, the hand-dispensing unit 4 can also be used to dispense any tablets not stored in the fixed cassette 21.

[0053] [Dispensing Unit 5] The packaging unit 5 is an example of a packaging means that packages the medicines supplied from the tablet supply unit 2, the powder supply unit 3, and the manual dispensing unit 4 into individual packaging sheets in units corresponding to the timing of administration. For example, the packaging unit 5 packages the medicines in the individual packaging units using a transparent or translucent roll-shaped medicine packaging sheet and seals it by welding or the like. As a result, the medicine packaging sheet containing the medicines in the individual packaging units is discharged from the packaging unit 5.

[0054] Here, Figure 8 shows an example of a drug packaging sheet 51 discharged from the packaging unit 5. As shown in Figure 8, the drug packaging sheet 51 has a continuous arrangement of multiple packaging papers 52, each containing multiple tablets in a single packaging unit, and each packaging paper 52 has a perforation line 52A to easily separate them. If the prescription data includes powdered medicine, the packaging unit 5 can also package the powdered medicine supplied from the powder supply unit 3 into the packaging papers 52. The packaging unit 5 is also provided with a printing unit (not shown) for printing information on each of the packaging papers 52, and prescription information such as the patient's name, timing of administration, prescribed drug, or prescribed amount can be printed on the surface of each packaging paper 52 by the printing unit (not shown).

[0055] [Packaging control unit 6] As shown in Figure 2, the packaging control unit 6 comprises a control unit 61 and a storage unit 62, and controls the tablet supply unit 2, the powder supply unit 3, the manual dispensing unit 4, and the packaging unit 5, etc., to cause the drug dispensing device 100 to perform the packaging operation. The packaging control unit 6 is built into the drug dispensing device 100.

[0056] The control unit 61 is a control means having a CPU, RAM, ROM, and EEPROM. The control unit 61 executes various processes according to various programs pre-stored in the ROM, EEPROM, or storage means such as the storage unit 62, using the CPU. The RAM and EEPROM are used as temporary storage memory (work area) for the various processes executed by the CPU. The control unit 61 may be an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or DSP.

[0057] The storage unit 62 is a storage means such as a hard disk drive or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various types of data. Specifically, the storage unit 62 has a packaging control program pre-stored in it that causes the computer, such as the control unit 61, to execute the packaging control process described later (see the right side of Figure 11). The packaging control program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or semiconductor memory, and is read from the recording medium by a reading device such as a disk drive (not shown) and installed in the storage unit 12. The present invention can be understood as an invention of the computer-readable recording medium on which the packaging control program is recorded.

[0058] [Barcode reader 7] The barcode reader 7 reads a code that identifies a drug, and is a code reading means that reads a JAN code, RSS code, or QR code (registered trademark) written on a tablet container (box, bottle, etc.) or PTP sheet installed on a drug shelf in a pharmacy, and is, for example, a portable terminal such as a PDA. The barcode reader 7 may also be, for example, a conventionally known picking assistance device used by pharmacists or others to pick drugs. The picking assistance device is used when pharmacists or others take drugs from the drug shelf according to a prescription and dispense them manually, and for example reads the drug from the JAN code written on the container and compares the read drug with prescription data.

[0059] The information read by the barcode reader 7 is then input to the prescription control unit 1 via wireless communication from the barcode reader 7. By using wireless communication in this way, the barcode reader 7 can be freely moved to the drug dispensing device 100 or the drug shelf, and the operation of loading tablets into the variable cassette 22 can be performed at any location. Of course, it is also conceivable that the barcode reader 7 be connected to the prescription control unit 1 by a wire. If multiple drug dispensing devices 100 are installed in the pharmacy, each drug dispensing device 100 will be individually equipped with a barcode reader 7 that is pre-associated with it.

[0060] [Prescription Control Unit 1] The prescription control unit 1 is a computer that comprehensively controls the drug dispensing device 100. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the prescription control unit 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a monitor 13, an operation unit 14, and a communication interface 15, etc.

[0061] The control unit 11 is a control means having a CPU, RAM, ROM, and EEPROM. The control unit 11 executes various processes using the CPU according to various programs pre-stored in the ROM, EEPROM, or storage means such as the storage unit 12. The RAM and EEPROM are used as temporary storage memory (work area) for the various processes executed by the CPU. The control unit 11 may be an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or DSP.

[0062] The storage unit 12 is a storage means such as a hard disk drive or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various types of data. Specifically, the storage unit 12 has a drug dispensing program pre-stored in it that causes the computer, such as the control unit 11, to execute the drug dispensing process described later (see left side of Figure 11).

[0063] The drug dispensing program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or semiconductor memory, and is read from the recording medium by a reading device such as a disk drive (not shown) and installed in the storage unit 12. The present invention can be considered as an invention of the computer-readable recording medium on which the drug dispensing program is recorded.

[0064] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 also stores various databases, such as a drug master, patient master, cassette master, and pharmacy master. The control unit 11 can update the various databases stored in the storage unit 12 based on data read from a recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or semiconductor memory by a reading device such as a disk drive (not shown). The control unit 11 can also change the contents of the various databases in response to user operations on the operation unit 14.

[0065] The drug master contains information about each drug, including drug ID, drug code, drug name, JAN code (or RSS code), drug bottle code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, liquid, topical drug, etc.), tablet size (height and width), specific gravity, drug type (common drug, poison, narcotic, potent drug, antipsychotic, therapeutic drug, etc.), compatibility, excipients, and precautions. The patient master contains information about the patient, including patient ID, name, gender, age, medical history, prescription history, family information, medical department, ward, and room. The pharmacy master contains information about the pharmacy, including pharmacy name, pharmacist's name, and pharmacist's ID. The cassette master is information showing the correspondence between the cassette identification information of each fixed cassette 21 and the drug information assigned to each fixed cassette 21. The cassette master is registered by the control unit 11, for example, in response to user operations on the operation unit 14 during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 100.

[0066] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores assignment information 121 indicating the assignment status between the variable cassette 22 and the chemical information, and drive correspondence information 122 indicating the correspondence between the chemical information and the driving conditions of the variable cassette 22. The storage unit 12 is an example of the assignment information storage means and the drive correspondence information storage means. The assignment information 121 and the drive correspondence information 122 are used in the chemical dispensing process, which will be executed by the control unit 11 and will be described later.

[0067] Here, Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the assignment information 121, and Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the drive correspondence information 12.

[0068] As shown in Figure 9, the assignment information 121 stores a drug ID as drug information, which indicates the type of tablet currently assigned to each of the variable cassettes 22. Of course, drug information such as the tablet name, drug code, JAN code (or RSS code) may be stored instead of the drug ID. In this case, it is assumed that the cassette numbers "C1" to "C4" are pre-set as cassette identification information for the four variable cassettes 22 arranged in order from left to right in the tablet supply unit 2. The cassette identification information is also stored in the RFID tag 26 of each of the variable cassettes 22. In addition, the assignment information 121 stores that the variable cassette 22 to which no drug information is currently assigned is marked as unassigned. Specifically, the assignment information 121 shown in Figure 9 indicates that drug information for drug ID "M1" is assigned to cassette number "C1" of the variable cassette 22, drug information for drug ID "M2" is assigned to cassette number "C3", and drug information has not yet been assigned to cassette numbers "C2" and "C4". Note that the data structure of the assignment information 121 shown in Figure 9 is merely an example, and the assignment information 121 may be stored in the storage unit 12 as, for example, one of the items in the drug master. In this case, the cassette identification information of the variable cassette 22 assigned to each drug is stored in association with each drug included in the drug master.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the drive-corresponding information 122 stores pre-set drive conditions corresponding to each drug information. These drive conditions include three types of conditions: pre-drive conditions related to the adjustment of the variable cassette 22 before starting the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22; in-drive conditions related to drive control during the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22; and drive stop conditions related to drive control when stopping the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22.

[0070] Specifically, in the example of the drive-corresponding information 122 shown in Figure 10, information regarding the height of the dispensing path, the width of the dispensing path, the dispensing speed, and reverse rotation control is stored as the corresponding drive conditions for each tablet with drug IDs "M1", "M2", "M3", and "M4". Note that the above drive conditions are merely examples; for example, if the variable cassette 22 dispenses tablets one by one by vibration, the vibration frequency or amplitude of that vibration may be defined as the drive conditions.

[0071] The height and width of the dispensing path are examples of the pre-drive conditions and are values ​​of the height h1 and width w1 (see Figure 5) that are set in advance so that the second rotating body 224 of the variable cassette 22 can dispense one tablet at a time from the dispensing port 225.

[0072] The aforementioned dispensing speed is an example of the driving conditions, and is a rotational speed suitable for each drug information as the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224 when dispensing tablets from the variable cassette 22. For example, if the tablet size is small, and the rotational speed of the drive motor 242 is fast, it is unlikely that extra tablets will be dispensed before the drive motor 242 stops. On the other hand, if the tablet size is large, even if the rotational speed of the drive motor 242 is fast, extra tablets will not be dispensed before the drive motor 242 stops. Therefore, it is conceivable that the tablet dispensing speed set as the driving condition, i.e., the tablet transport speed by the second rotating body 224, will differ depending on the size of the tablet. Specifically, it is conceivable that the dispensing speed when the tablet size is large is set to a slower value than the dispensing speed when the tablet size is small. Furthermore, the dispensing speed is not limited to the format [locks / min] shown in Figure 10, but may also be stored in the format of the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224 or the rotational speed of the drive motor 242. In addition, it is conceivable that the rotational speed of the first rotating body 223, as well as the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224, may also be set as the drive condition.

[0073] Furthermore, the reverse rotation control item is an example of the drive stop condition and relates to whether or not a reverse rotation operation is performed to switch the tablet transport direction by the second rotating body 224 to the reverse direction when the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22 is stopped. For example, for tablets with a shape that is easy to roll, such as a spherical shape, which may roll and be dispensed in excess if the drive of the second rotating body 224 is stopped, the reverse rotation operation is set to "Yes". This prevents tablets from being dispensed in excess when the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22 is stopped. Note that for tablets with a shape that is not easy to roll when the drive of the second rotating body 224 is stopped, the reverse rotation operation is set to "No", and the unnecessary reverse rotation operation is not performed.

[0074] Note that the data structure of the drive-compatible information 122 shown in Figure 10 is merely an example, and the drive conditions defined in the drive-compatible information 122 may be stored in the storage unit 12 as, for example, one of the items in the drug master.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, we will explain using as an example the case in which the drive-corresponding information 122 includes the following items as corresponding drive conditions (see Figure 10) for each of the drug information: the height of the dispensing path, the width of the dispensing path, the dispensing speed, and reverse rotation control.

[0076] On the other hand, in another embodiment, the chemical dispensing device 100 may use one or more of the following items as driving conditions: the height of the dispensing path, the width of the dispensing path, the dispensing speed, and reverse rotation control.

[0077] In other words, in the chemical dispensing device 100, it is conceivable that one or more of the pre-drive conditions, the in-drive conditions, and the drive stop conditions are pre-set as corresponding drive conditions for each piece of chemical information.

[0078] Furthermore, multiple conditions such as pre-drive conditions, in-drive conditions, and drive stop conditions are pre-set as corresponding drive conditions for each piece of chemical information, and the chemical dispensing device 100 can be configured to allow the user to select one or more of these conditions, such as pre-drive conditions, in-drive conditions, and drive stop conditions, as the drive conditions to be used.

[0079] The monitor 13 is a display means such as a liquid crystal monitor that displays various information and operation screens in accordance with control instructions from the control unit 11. For example, the monitor 13 displays various information such as a prescription data input screen and a prescription data selection screen.

[0080] The operation unit 14 is an operating means such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel that accepts user operations and inputs operation signals corresponding to user operations to the control unit 11. The operation unit 14 accepts various operation inputs, such as inputting prescription data on the input screen displayed on the monitor 13, selecting prescription data on the selection screen, and issuing prescription data to request the start of packaging the prescription data.

[0081] The communication interface 15 is a communication interface for connecting the drug dispensing device 100 to a communication network N2 such as a LAN, and performs data communication with a higher-level system such as a prescription input terminal 200 connected via the communication network N2. The prescription input terminal 200 is, for example, an electronic medical record system installed in a hospital or nursing home, or a dispensing management system installed in a pharmacy inside or outside the hospital. The communication interface 15 also includes a wireless communication interface such as a wireless communication card for wireless data communication with various wireless communication devices such as the barcode reader 7.

[0082] The communication IF 15 then acquires prescription data from the prescription input terminal 200 and inputs the prescription data to the control unit 11. For example, the communication IF 15 monitors whether prescription data has been stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​a storage means provided in the prescription input terminal 200, and reads the prescription data from the predetermined storage area if it has been stored in the predetermined storage area. Of course, the communication IF 15 may also receive the prescription data transmitted from the prescription input terminal 200.

[0083] [Medication dispensing and packaging control processing] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 11, an example of the procedures for the drug dispensing process performed by the control unit 11 of the prescription control unit 1 and the packaging control process performed by the control unit 61 of the packaging control unit 6 in the drug dispensing device 100 will be described. Here, the processing procedures (steps) performed by the control unit 11 will be referred to as steps S1, S2, ..., and the processing procedures (steps) performed by the control unit 61 will be referred to as steps S11, S12, .... It is also conceivable that either the control unit 11 or the control unit 61 may perform a series of processes that yield the same processing results as the drug dispensing process and the packaging control process.

[0084] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S1) First, in step S1, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a request for prescription data has been made. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that a request for prescription data has been made when an issuance operation for issuing pre-registered prescription data is performed on the operation unit 14. The prescription data is prescription data acquired from a higher-level system such as the prescription input terminal 200, or registered by a user operation on the operation unit 14, and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0085] Here, the control unit 11 keeps the process in step S1 until a request for the issuance of the prescription data is made (No side of S1). On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that a request for the issuance of the prescription data has been made (Yes side of S1), it moves the process to step S2. In another embodiment, the control unit 11 may also determine that a request for the issuance of the prescription data has been made without requiring the issuance operation and move the process to step S2 when it receives the prescription data from a higher-level system such as the prescription input terminal 200.

[0086] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S2) Next, in step S2, the control unit 11 determines whether there are fixed cassettes 21 corresponding to all the drug information entered as drug information indicating the tablets to be dispensed based on the prescription data. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines, based on the cassette master stored in the storage unit 12, whether there are any tablets that are not in each of the fixed cassettes 21 that are included in the prescription data as prescription drugs. The cassette master is updated by the control unit 11 based on drug information read from RFID tags (not shown) provided on each of the fixed cassettes 21 by a reading device such as the RFID reader / writer 232 provided on each of the mounting units 211. The control unit 11 can also display an editing screen for editing the cassette master on the monitor 13 and update the cassette master according to user operations on the operation unit 14 on the editing screen.

[0087] If it is determined that there is no fixed cassette 21 corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed (No side of S2), that is, if the prescription drug included in the prescription data includes a type of tablet not contained in the fixed cassette 21, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S3.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined that there are fixed cassettes 21 corresponding to all the drug information to be dispensed (Yes side of S2), that is, if all types of tablets included as prescribed drugs in the prescription data are contained in the fixed cassettes 21, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S7. In this case, in step S7, a request to start a conventional dispensing operation is sent to the control unit 61 using each of the fixed cassettes 21, and the control unit 61 executes a process to carry out the dispensing operation.

[0089] In addition, if the drug dispensing device 100 does not include the fixed cassette 21, the processing in step S2 can be omitted, and the control unit 11 can proceed to step S3 if it determines in step S1 that there is a request to issue the prescription data.

[0090] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the storage unit 12 stores pre-set drug exclusion information, which is drug information that will not be assigned to the variable cassette 22. Then, if the control unit 11 determines that there is no fixed cassette 21 corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed, and the drug information to be dispensed falls under the exclusion drug information, it is conceivable that the control unit 11 will display on the monitor 13 that the manual dispensing unit 4 should be used without performing the assignment to the variable cassette 22. For example, if tablets that are likely to have colored powder adhering to them in the variable cassette 22 are set as the exclusion drug information, it is possible to prevent the colored powder from adhering to the tablets that are next placed in the variable cassette 22. It is also conceivable that the monitor 13 will display on the monitor that the manual dispensing unit 4 should be used for drugs with shapes that are not suitable for dispensing from the variable cassette 22. In another embodiment, it is conceivable that the control unit 11 determines whether the drug information to be dispensed falls under the exclusion drug information without determining whether there is a fixed cassette 21 corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed. In this case, another possible embodiment is that the control unit 11 displays on the monitor 13 a message indicating that the manual dispensing unit 4 should be used without assigning it to the variable cassette 22 if the drug information to be dispensed corresponds to the drug information excluded from allocation.

[0091] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S3) In step S3, the control unit 11 assigns drug information to be dispensed, which is entered in the prescription data, to an unassigned variable cassette 22 for which there is no corresponding fixed cassette 21. If the prescription data contains multiple drug information items for which there is no corresponding fixed cassette 21, the control unit 11 performs the assignment of a variable cassette 22 for each of those drug information items. Thus, the control unit 11, when performing the process (assignment step) to assign drug information to be dispensed to the variable cassette 22 when drug information to be dispensed is entered in the prescription data, is an example of an assignment means.

[0092] Specifically, the control unit 11 performs a process to identify which of the variable cassettes 22 is currently able to communicate (controllable). For example, the control unit 11 determines that the variable cassette 22 that has successfully read information from the RFID tag 26 by the RFID reader / writer 232 is in a state where it can communicate.

[0093] The control unit 11 then determines, based on the assignment information 121 (see Figure 9), whether or not the current drug information has been assigned to each of the variable cassettes 22 that are currently able to communicate, and assigns the drug information to be dispensed to an unassigned variable cassette 22. At this time, once the control unit 11 has determined which variable cassette 22 to assign the drug information to, it updates the contents of the assignment information 121 according to the assignment result. The variable cassette 22 that has been assigned the drug information in this way can communicate with the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 can write information to the electronic paper 25. The control unit 11 may also designate each of the variable cassettes 22 as a candidate for assignment without determining whether or not each of the variable cassettes 22 can communicate.

[0094] Here, it is conceivable that there are multiple candidates for the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information will be assigned. In this case, the control unit 11 may, for example, determine whether or not the drug information is assigned to each of the variable cassettes 22 based on a pre-set priority order, and assign the drug information to the variable cassette 22 that is determined to be unassigned first. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not the drug information is assigned to the variable cassettes 22 in order from those with the lowest usage count, so that the usage counts of each variable cassette 22 are evenly distributed, and assign the drug information to the variable cassette 22 that is determined to be unassigned first. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may select the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information that was previously assigned is the same as or has a similar tablet size to the drug information to be assigned this time. If there are no unassigned variable cassettes 22, the control unit 11 will notify the user by displaying this information on the monitor 13.

[0095] Furthermore, in step S3, the control unit 11 controls the RFID reader / writer 232 to record the drug information assigned to each variable cassette 22 on the RFID tag 26 of each variable cassette 22 to which the drug information has been assigned. At this time, the control unit 11 may also record various information such as the amount of tablets dispensed, patient name, assignment date and time, name of the pharmacist in charge, and prescription identification information, along with the drug information, based on the prescription data.

[0096] On the other hand, in another embodiment, the drug information may not be recorded on the RFID tag 26 of the variable cassette 22. Specifically, the cassette identification information may be pre-recorded on the RFID tag 26, and the RFID reader / writer 245 may be an RFID reader capable only of reading information. Even in this case, the control unit 11 can recognize the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 based on the cassette identification information and assignment information (see Figure 9) read from the RFID tag 26.

[0097] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S4) In step S4, the control unit 11 identifies the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed based on the drive correspondence information 122 (see Figure 10), and transmits the drive conditions and the cassette identification information of the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information is assigned to the control unit 61. As a result, the control unit 61 drives the variable cassette 22 according to the drive conditions. The control unit 11 when driving the variable cassette 22 according to the drive conditions by executing the process in step S4 can be considered as a drive control means.

[0098] In another embodiment, the control unit 11 may display the cassette identification information for each of the variable cassettes 22 and the settings of the drive conditions corresponding to each of the variable cassettes 22 on the monitor 13, and change the settings of the drive conditions in response to user operations on the operation unit 14. The changes to the drive conditions are notified from the control unit 11 to the control unit 61. This makes it possible to change the drive conditions of the variable cassettes 22 when dispensing tablets from the variable cassettes 22 by any user input. In addition, the user can check the settings of the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed by referring to the monitor 13.

[0099] (Dispensing control unit 6 side: Step S11) Meanwhile, in the dispensing control unit 6, the control unit 61 determines in step S11 whether or not it has received the drive condition from the control unit 11. Here, if the drive condition is received (Yes side of S11), the control unit 61 moves the process to step S12, and if the drive condition is not received (No side of S11), the process moves to step S13. The control unit 61 stores the drive condition received from the control unit 11 in the storage unit 62 in association with the cassette identification information of the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information is assigned.

[0100] (Dispensing control unit 6 side: Step S12) In step S12, the control unit 61 drives the variable cassette 22 corresponding to the cassette identification information received along with the drive conditions, according to the pre-drive conditions among the drive conditions, and changes the height and width of the dispensing path. Thus, in the drug dispensing device 100, if the drive conditions include the pre-drive conditions, the control unit 61 drives the variable cassette 22 according to the pre-drive conditions (height and width of the dispensing path), and then dispenses tablets from the variable cassette 22 (S14).

[0101] Specifically, the control unit 61 controls the height adjustment unit 226A and the width adjustment unit 227A according to the drive conditions to change the type of tablet that can be dispensed one tablet at a time from the variable cassette 22 to the tablet indicated by the drug information assigned in step S3. First, the control unit 61 drives the drive motors 233 and 234 to return the positions of the height restricting member 226 and the width restricting member 227 to their initial state. Then, the control unit 61 drives the height adjustment unit 226A with the drive motor 233 to change the height h1 of the variable cassette 22 restricted by the height restricting member 226 to the height of the dispensing path determined by the drive conditions. Furthermore, the control unit 61 drives the width adjustment unit 227A with the drive motor 234 to change the width w1 of the variable cassette 22 restricted by the width restricting member 227 to the width of the dispensing path determined by the drive conditions. Of course, if the current state of the height restricting member 226 and the width restricting member 227 can be detected, the control unit 61 can drive the drive motor 233 and the drive motor 234 based on the detection results.

[0102] When the height h1 and width w1 of the dispensing path are changed according to the driving conditions, the variable cassette 22 becomes capable of dispensing tablets one at a time, as indicated by the drug information assigned in step S3, and the amount of tablets dispensed becomes controllable. Here, the control unit 61 when executing the process of step S12 (driving control step) is an example of a driving control means.

[0103] It is also possible that the variable cassette 22 is not mounted on the mounting unit 221 when the drug information is assigned to the variable cassette 22. In this case, the variable cassette 22 cannot be driven in step S12 according to the pre-drive conditions. Therefore, the control unit 61 stores flag information in the storage unit 62 indicating whether or not the drive conditions received from the control unit 11 have been reflected in the variable cassette 22, and updates it as needed. Then, at the start of the dispensing operation in step S14 described later, the control unit 61 refers to the flag information, and if the drive conditions have not been reflected in the variable cassette 22 to be used in that dispensing operation, it drives the variable cassette 22 according to the pre-drive conditions before executing the dispensing operation, and changes the height h1 and width w1 of the dispensing path.

[0104] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the drive conditions do not include the pre-drive conditions, and the height h1 and width w1 of the dispensing path can be arbitrarily adjusted by manually operating the height adjustment section 226A and the width adjustment section 227A of the variable cassette 22. In this case, the user adjusts the height h1 and width w1 of the dispensing path of the variable cassette 22, and then mounts the variable cassette 22 to the mounting section 221 of the tablet supply unit 2. It is conceivable that the height adjustment section 226A and the width adjustment section 227A can be operated by rotational operation using a tool such as a screwdriver.

[0105] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S5) Next, in step S5, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22, to which the drug information was assigned in step S3, to display the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22. Here, the control unit 11 when executing the display process is an example of a display control means.

[0106] For example, the control unit 11 extracts information for pre-set display items from the prescription data and displays it on the display unit 25. Here, Figure 12(A) shows an example of drug information display on the display unit 25. As shown in Figure 12(A), the display unit 25 displays the drug name (drug ID) of the tablet assigned to the variable cassette 22, "A tablet (M1)", the dispensing quantity, "15 tablets", and the JAN code (barcode). Note that the example of drug information display shown in Figure 12(A) is just one example, and various other information such as patient name, assignment date and time, or assigning person may also be displayed on the display unit 25.

[0107] Here, since the display unit 25 is electronic paper, the display state of the display unit 25 is maintained even if the variable cassette 22 is removed from the mounting unit 221 after the drug information is displayed in step S5. Therefore, even if the user moves the variable cassette 22 to a drug shelf or the like, they can confirm the drug information to be placed in the variable cassette 22 by the display on the display unit 25. Thus, human error by the user when placing tablets into the variable cassette 22 can be suppressed. It is also conceivable that the control unit 11 may prevent the removal of the variable cassette 22 by a locking mechanism provided on the mounting unit 221 until the drug information is displayed on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22. It is also conceivable that the control unit 11 may execute step 5 on the condition that the adjustment of the height and width of the dispensing path in the variable cassette 22 has been completed according to the pre-drive conditions in the variable cassette 22.

[0108] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S6) Subsequently, in step S6, the control unit 11 determines whether a filling completion operation indicating that the tablets have been filled into the variable cassette 22 has been performed on the operation unit 14. Specifically, when the drug information is assigned to the variable cassette 22 in step S3 and the drug information is displayed on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22, the user removes the variable cassette 22 from the tablet supply unit 2. The user then puts the required number of tablets into the variable cassette 22, referring to the prescription corresponding to the prescription data or the drug information displayed on the display unit 25. After that, the user attaches the variable cassette 22 to the tablet supply unit 2 and performs the filling completion operation on the operation unit 14. If multiple drug information sets are assigned to multiple variable cassettes 22 in step S3, in step S6, the control unit 11 determines whether the tablet filling completion operation has been performed on all of the variable cassettes 22 corresponding to each of the drug information sets.

[0109] Here, until the filling completion operation is performed (No side of S6), the control unit 11 keeps the process in a waiting state in step S6. On the other hand, when it determines that the filling completion operation has been performed (Yes side of S6), the control unit 11 moves the process to step S7.

[0110] Furthermore, the mounting section 221 is provided with a detachment detection sensor that detects the attachment and detachment of the variable cassette 22, and the control unit 11 may be configured to notify the user that tablets have not been filled into the variable cassette 22 based on the detection result of the detachment detection sensor. That is, the control unit 11 notifies the user of an error if the detachment detection sensor has not detected the removal of the variable cassette 22 even once between the time drug information is assigned to the variable cassette 22 and the completion of the filling operation, and the completion of the filling operation is performed. The notification is made by notification means such as the monitor 13 or a speaker (not shown). In addition, in step S6, the control unit 11 may determine that the filling of tablets into the variable cassette 22 is complete when the insertion or removal of the variable cassette 22 is detected by the detachment detection sensor, and proceed to step S7.

[0111] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S7) In step S7, the control unit 11 transmits a request to the control unit 61 to start the dispensing operation based on the prescription data.

[0112] In particular, with regard to the dispensing operation of tablets that are not present in the fixed cassette 21 among the tablets indicated by the drug information included as dispensable items in the prescription data, the control unit 11 sends a start request, for example, in the following procedure.

[0113] First, the control unit 11 reads the cassette identification information of the variable cassette 22 from the RFID tag 26 of the variable cassette 22 attached to each of the mounting units 221, and identifies the variable cassette 22 currently attached to each of the mounting units 221. As a result, the control unit 11 can identify the variable cassette 22 attached to each of the mounting units 221, and the user can attach each of the variable cassette 22 to any of the mounting units 221. For example, even if multiple drug information is assigned to multiple variable cassettes 22 in step S3, and each of the variable cassettes 22 is removed and then attached in a different location, the control unit 11 can still determine which of the mounting units 221 each of the variable cassettes 22 is attached to. As another example of the tablet supply unit 2, a configuration in which each of the mounting units 221 and each of the variable cassettes 22 can be attached in a structurally one-to-one relationship is also conceivable. For example, it is conceivable that the mounting portion 221 and the variable cassette 22 each have interlocking grooves and protrusions, so that only a specific variable cassette 22 can be mounted on a specific mounting portion 221. In this case, since the variable cassette 22 that can be mounted on the mounting portion 221 is determined, it is conceivable that the storage unit 12 stores information indicating the correspondence between each mounting portion 221 and the drug information as the assignment information 122 (see Figure 9).

[0114] Then, based on the prescription data, the control unit 11 identifies each of the variable cassettes 22 that contains the tablets indicated by each of the drug information, based on the assignment information 121. Subsequently, for each of the drug information indicated in the prescription data, the control unit 11 transmits to the control unit 61 the cassette identification information of the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information is assigned, the identification information of the mounting unit 221 to which the variable cassette 22 is mounted, and information necessary for the dispensing operation, such as the amount of tablets to be dispensed.

[0115] (Dispensing control unit 6 side: Step S13) Meanwhile, in the packaging control unit 6, the control unit 61 determines in step S13 whether or not there is a request from the control unit 11 to start the packaging operation. Here, if the control unit 61 receives a request to start the packaging operation (Yes side of S13), it moves the process to step S14, and as long as no request to start the packaging operation has been received (No side of S13), it moves the process to step S14.

[0116] (Dispensing control unit 6 side: Step S14) In step S14, the control unit 61, in accordance with the request to start the packaging operation, dispenses the necessary medicine from the tablet supply unit 2, the powder supply unit 3, and the manual dispensing unit 4, and performs a packaging operation in which the packaging unit 5 dispenses the medicine into individual packets based on the timing of administration. Note that the control of the powder supply unit 3, the manual dispensing unit 4, and the packaging unit 5 is the same as in the conventional method, so its explanation is omitted here, and only the tablet dispensing operation by the tablet supply unit 2 will be described.

[0117] The control unit 61 changes the rotational speed of the drive motor 242 of the variable drive unit 24, which is driven when dispensing tablets from the variable cassette 22, according to the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information assigned in step S3 for the tablet supply unit 2. That is, the rotational speed of the second rotating body 224 when dispensing tablets from the variable cassette 22 is changed, and the dispensing speed of tablets from the variable cassette 22 is changed according to the type of tablet. Here, the control unit 11 when executing this process is an example of a drive control means.

[0118] Specifically, the control unit 61 drives the drive motors 241 and 242 corresponding to the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information to be dispensed is assigned, and dispenses tablets by rotating the first rotating body 223 and the second rotating body 224. At this time, the control unit 61 drives the drive motor 242 according to the dispensing speed defined as the drive condition corresponding to the drug information in the drive correspondence information 122. As a result, the dispensing speed of the tablets by the second rotating body 224 in the variable cassette 22 is changed to a speed suitable for the tablets. In this way, in the drug dispensing device 100, if the drive condition includes the driving condition, the control unit 61 drives the variable cassette 22 according to the driving condition (dispensing speed) and dispenses tablets from the variable cassette 22. If the variable cassette 22 does not have the height restricting member 226 and the width restricting member 227, it is also possible to change only the dispensing speed of the tablets from the variable cassette 22. Furthermore, the drive speed of the drive motor 231 may be constant or may be changed depending on the type of tablet. In the dispensing operation, the number of tablets dispensed from the variable cassette 22 is counted by a counter (an example of a counting means) having an optical sensor (not shown) provided at the dispensing port 225 of the variable cassette 22 and input to the control unit 61 as the number of tablets dispensed. As a result, the control unit 61 controls the drive of the variable cassette 22 based on the number of tablets dispensed input from the counter and dispenses only the preset dispensing amount (prescription amount) from the variable cassette 22.

[0119] Furthermore, the control unit 61 performs stop control of dispensing tablets from the variable cassette 22 according to the presence or absence of reverse rotation operation, which is defined as the drive condition corresponding to the drug information in the drive correspondence information 122. Here, the control unit 11 when performing the process is an example of a drive control means. In this way, in the drug dispensing device 100, if the drive condition includes the drive stop condition, the control unit 61 drives the variable cassette 22 according to the drive stop condition (presence or absence of reverse rotation operation) when the dispensing of the prescribed amount defined in the prescription data is completed, and then stops driving the variable cassette 22.

[0120] Specifically, if the reverse rotation operation is set to "Yes" in the drive response information 122, the control unit 61 performs a reverse rotation operation to switch the direction of transport of the tablets by the second rotating body 224 in the reverse direction when stopping the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22. For example, when the number of tablets counted by the counter using the optical sensor (not shown) provided in the dispensing port 225 reaches the dispensing amount, the control unit 61 reverses the drive motor 242 for a predetermined time set in advance. This prevents tablets that are prone to rolling from being dispensed in excess from the dispensing port 225 if such tablets are placed on the second rotating body 224. The dispensing port 225 may also be provided with an opening / closing shutter, and the opening / closing shutter may be closed when the number of tablets counted by the counter reaches the dispensing amount.

[0121] On the other hand, if the reverse rotation operation is set to "none" in the drive response information 122, the control unit 61 does not perform the unnecessary reverse rotation operation when stopping the dispensing of tablets from the variable cassette 22. Furthermore, the timing for starting the reverse rotation operation may be when the number of tablets counted by the counter reaches a value that is less than the dispensing amount by a predetermined number. If the reverse rotation operation is started at such a timing, the drive response information 122 can store in advance the predetermined number corresponding to each drug information. This makes it possible, for example, to start the reverse rotation operation before the number of tablets counted by the counter reaches the dispensing amount, thereby preventing the dispensing of excess tablets from the dispensing port 225. Furthermore, after the number of tablets counted by the counter reaches a value that is less than the dispensing amount by the predetermined number, it is conceivable to start the reverse rotation operation each time a tablet is dispensed.

[0122] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the example described was that in step S4, the height h1 of the height restricting member 226 and the width w1 of the width restricting member 227 in the variable cassette 22 are changed according to the driving conditions. On the other hand, in another embodiment, it is also conceivable that the control unit 61 changes the height h1 of the height restricting member 226 and the width w1 of the width restricting member 227 immediately before the start of the packaging operation in step S7. In other words, the reflection of the pre-driving conditions to the variable cassette 22 can be performed at any timing before the start of the packaging operation.

[0123] (Dispensing control unit 6 side: Step S15) Subsequently, when the packaging operation in step S14 is completed, the control unit 61 sends a notification to the control unit 11 in the following step S15 that the packaging operation has been completed.

[0124] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S8) In response to this, in the prescription control unit 1, the control unit 11 awaits a notification from the control unit 61 that the packaging operation has been completed (No side of S8). When it receives the notification that the packaging operation has been completed (Yes side of S8), the control unit 11 moves the process to step S9.

[0125] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S9) In the subsequent step S9, the control unit 11 displays a message indicating that dispensing is complete on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 that has finished dispensing.

[0126] Here, Figure 12(B) shows an example of the display indicating that dispensing is complete. In the example shown in Figure 12(B), the drug information remains displayed on the display unit 25, while a large "X" mark is displayed across the entire display unit 25. This notifies the user that dispensing of the tablets from the variable cassette 22, which is equipped with the display unit 25, is complete. As shown in Figure 12(B), if the "X" mark indicating dispensing completion displayed on the display unit 25 does not interfere with the JAN code, it is also possible to read the JAN code with the barcode reader 7 or the like after dispensing is complete.

[0127] Furthermore, other possible indications of the completion of the dispensing include the display of the words "Dispensing Complete" on the display unit 25, or the display of the drug information on the display unit 25 being erased.

[0128] (Prescription control unit 1 side: Step S10) Once the dispensing operation is complete, there should be no tablets remaining in each of the variable cassettes 22 used in the dispensing operation. However, if the user has mistakenly or intentionally placed an extra number of tablets into the variable cassette 22, those remaining tablets will be dispensed the next time the variable cassette 22 is used. Therefore, if there are tablets remaining in the variable cassette 22, it is necessary to collect them.

[0129] Therefore, in step S10, the control unit 11 sends a request to the control unit 61 to execute a residual drug recovery process, which involves discharging tablets from the variable cassette 22 used in the packaging operation. Note that if the variable cassette 22 was not used in the packaging operation, the control unit 11 does not send a request to the control unit 61 to execute the residual drug recovery process. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may display a selection screen on the monitor 13 for the user to choose whether or not to execute the residual drug recovery process for the variable cassette 22 used in the packaging operation, and switch the presence or absence of the residual drug recovery process execution request in response to user operation on the operation unit 14.

[0130] (Dispensing control unit 6 side: Step S16) On the other hand, in step S16, the control unit 61 determines whether or not there is a request to execute the remaining medication retrieval process. If it receives a request to execute the remaining medication retrieval process from the control unit 11 (Yes side of S16), it proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, as long as it has not received a request to execute the remaining medication retrieval process from the control unit 11 (No side of S16), it proceeds to step S11.

[0131] (Dispensing control unit 6 side: Step S17) In step S17, the control unit 61 drives the first rotating body 223 and the second rotating body 224 of the variable cassette 22 for a predetermined time and performs a residual drug recovery process to dispense the tablets from the variable cassette 22. Here, the control unit 61 when performing this residual drug recovery process is an example of a residual drug recovery means. At this time, the control unit 61 may change the destination of the tablets dispensed from the variable cassette 22 from the packaging unit 5 to a drug discharge tray (not shown) provided in the drug dispensing device 100. This allows tablets remaining in the variable cassette 22 to be discharged to the drug discharge tray within the predetermined time, preventing tablets from remaining in the variable cassette 22. After driving the variable cassette 22 for the predetermined time, the control unit 61 may also display on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 that the recovery of tablets from the variable cassette 22 has been completed. Furthermore, if the only purpose is to indicate that the retrieval of the tablets from the variable cassette 22 has been completed, a simple display means such as an LED capable of indicating this by the way it lights up or the color it lights up may be used.

[0132] Furthermore, instead of discharging the tablets into the drug discharge tray, it is also conceivable that the tablets remaining in the variable cassette 22 may be discharged in packaging paper by the packaging unit 5. In this case, the control unit 61 may control a printing unit (not shown) provided in the packaging unit 5 to print one or more of the following on the packaging paper: the name of the tablet, drug ID, drug code, JAN code, patient name, collection date and time, and collection officer. When tablets are collected from multiple variable cassettes 22, it is desirable that only one type of tablet is packaged in each packaging paper. This allows the control unit 61 to compare the JAN code on the packaging paper read using the barcode reader 7 with the JAN code printed on the tablet container in the drug shelf to which the tablets are returned. Therefore, the user can accurately return the tablets packaged in the packaging paper to the drug shelf. The control unit 61 displays the comparison result on the monitor 13 of the prescription control unit 1 and stores the comparison result in the storage unit 12 as the tablet return history. Furthermore, the display of the verification results is not limited to the monitor 13; for example, the verification results could also be displayed by audio output from a speaker (not shown) provided on the drug dispensing device 100 or the barcode reader 7. In addition, if an information processing device such as a computer is provided on the drug shelf and is communicatively connected to the drug dispensing device 100, the control unit 61 could also cause the verification results to be displayed on a display unit provided on the information processing device.

[0133] Incidentally, it is conceivable that a large number of tablets may remain in the variable cassette 22 after the completion of the packaging operation. In this case, it is possible that the tablets may not fit into a single packaging sheet 52. Therefore, when the control unit 61 collects the tablets remaining in the variable cassette 22 using the packaging sheets 52, it is conceivable that it may package the tablets remaining in the variable cassette 22 into one packaging sheet 52 in predetermined numbers. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control unit 61 may stop the remaining drug collection process when the number of tablets to be collected from the variable cassette 22 reaches a predetermined number. This makes it possible to reduce wasted time and waste of packaging sheets 52 when a large number of tablets remain in the variable cassette 22. In this case, the control unit 61 transmits a control signal to the control unit 11 indicating that a large number of tablets remain in the variable cassette 22. As a result, the control unit 11 can recognize that the remaining medication retrieval process has ended because the number of tablets remaining in the variable cassette 22 exceeds a predetermined number, and can, for example, notify the user using the monitor 13.

[0134] As described above, with the drug dispensing device 100, the user can automatically dispense tablets simply by putting any tablets that are not pre-stored in each of the fixed cassettes 21 into the variable cassette 22. Therefore, compared to the conventional method of putting tablets into each of the cells of the manual dispensing unit 4, the user's workload is reduced and user errors are prevented.

[0135] Furthermore, since the drug dispensing device 100 is equipped with multiple variable cassettes 22, it is possible to assign different drug information to each of the variable cassettes 22. Therefore, even if the prescription data includes multiple tablets that are not in the fixed cassette 21, the drug dispensing device 100 can perform the packaging operation based on the prescription data using multiple variable cassettes 22. In addition, the drug dispensing device 100 can also perform packaging operations based on multiple prescription data continuously using multiple variable cassettes 22.

[0136] [Dispensing method using drug dispensing device 100] Here, a specific example of a dispensing method performed by a user using the drug dispensing device 100 will be described. This example will describe the dispensing of prescription data LP1, which includes one type of tablet contained in the fixed cassette 21 and two types of tablets not contained in the fixed cassette 21 as prescription drugs.

[0137] First, the user operates the control unit 14 to select the prescription data LP1 input to the drug dispensing device 100 and performs the operation to issue the prescription data LP1. As a result, the drug dispensing device 100 assigns the drug information of two types of tablets that are not contained in the fixed cassette 21 from the drug information contained in the prescription data LP1 to the two unassigned variable cassettes 22. At this time, the height h1 of the height regulating member 226 and the width w1 of the width regulating member 227 in each of the variable cassettes 22 are also changed according to the driving conditions corresponding to the drug information. Then, the display unit 25 of each of the variable cassettes 22 displays the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22.

[0138] Next, the user confirms the drug information displayed on the display unit 25 and removes the variable cassette 22 from the drug dispensing device 100. Then, the user places the required number of tablets taken from the drug shelf into the variable cassette 22 and attaches the variable cassette 22 to the mounting unit 221 of the drug dispensing device 100. This process is performed for both variable cassettes 22. At this time, the user can also use the verification function of the drug dispensing device 100, described later, to verify the tablets indicated by the drug information displayed on the display unit 25 against the tablets taken from the drug shelf.

[0139] Subsequently, the user operates the operation unit 14 to perform a filling completion operation indicating that the tablets have been filled into each of the variable cassettes 22. As a result, the drug dispensing device 100 dispenses one type of tablet contained in the fixed cassette 21 and two types of tablets contained in the two variable cassettes 22 into the dispensing unit 5 in units corresponding to the timing of administration, based on the prescription data LP1, and the dispensing unit 5 then dispensing them into dispensing paper in those units.

[0140] [Other functions of the chemical dispensing device 100] The following describes other functions of the chemical dispensing device 100. Note that the methods for realizing the various functions described below are merely examples, and any method that can achieve similar functions is not limited to those described here.

[0141] [Verification function during tablet filling] The drug dispensing device 100 has a verification function that uses the JAN code (barcode) displayed on the display unit 25 to verify the tablets taken from the drug shelf. Specifically, when the user fills the variable cassette 22 with tablets, the barcode reader 7 reads the JAN code displayed on the display unit 25 and the JAN code written on the tablet container or PTP sheet taken from the medicine shelf. The control unit 11 then compares the information of both JAN codes read by the barcode reader 7. The control unit 11 then displays the comparison result on the monitor 13 of the prescription control unit 1. For example, if the prescription data is displayed on the monitor 13 of the prescription control unit 1, the control unit 11 may color the display area of ​​the drug information included in the prescription data that matches the comparison result to indicate that the comparison result is a match.

[0142] In this way, the drug dispensing device 100 can compare the tablets indicated by the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 with the tablets to be placed into the variable cassette 22, thereby suppressing human error by the user when placing tablets into the variable cassette 22. In a configuration where the JAN code is not displayed on the display unit 25, the control unit 11 may also compare whether the tablets indicated by the JAN code read by the barcode reader 7 from the tablet container or PTP sheet match the tablets indicated by the drug information included in the prescription data.

[0143] [Fixing function for variable cassette 22] The chemical dispensing device 100 includes a fixing function for handling the variable cassette 22 in the same way as the fixed cassette 21.

[0144] Specifically, when a predetermined operation input is made to the operation unit 14, the control unit 11 displays an initial setup screen on the monitor 13 for pre-setting drug information corresponding to each of the variable cassettes 22. Then, when an operation input is made on the initial setup screen to select drug information corresponding to one of the variable cassettes 22, the control unit 11 assigns the selected drug information to the variable cassette 22. At this time, the control unit 11 changes the driving conditions of the variable cassette 22 and displays the drug information on the display unit 25, similar to steps S4 and S5 of the drug dispensing process. The control unit 11 also displays a tablet fixing indicator on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 indicating that the tablets to be dispensed have been fixed.

[0145] Here, Figure 12(C) shows an example of the tablet fixing indicator. In the example shown in Figure 12(C), the tablet name, drug ID, and JAN code are displayed on the display unit 25, and a black frame 251 is displayed on the edge of the display unit 25 as the tablet fixing indicator. Other examples of the fixed tablet indicator include the display of the word "fixed," the display of a pre-set fixing mark, or the inversion of the black and white display.

[0146] In this way, the variable cassette 22 (hereinafter referred to as "pseudo-fixed cassette 22A") for which the corresponding drug information has been set in advance on the initial setup screen is excluded from the allocation target in step S3 of the drug dispensing process.

[0147] Specifically, the control unit 11 updates the assignment status of the pseudo-fixed cassette 22A among the variable cassettes 22 to "fixed" in the assignment information 121 stored in the storage unit 12. As a result, in step S3 of the drug dispensing process, the control unit 11 excludes the pseudo-fixed cassette 22A from the candidates for the variable cassette 22 to which the drug information is assigned.

[0148] Of course, the control unit 11 can also, in response to the operation input to the operation unit 14 on the initial setup screen, release the assignment of the drug information to the pseudo-fixed cassette 22A and return the assignment state of the variable cassette 22 to its initial state.

[0149] As described above, in the chemical dispensing device 100, the variable cassette 22 can be treated in the same way as the fixed cassette 21 as needed. Therefore, for example, a user who does not frequently use the variable cassette 22 can effectively utilize a portion of the variable cassette 22 as the pseudo-fixed cassette 22A. Furthermore, if the chemical dispensing device 100 has a configuration that does not have the fixed cassette 21 and only has the variable cassette 22, the system's flexibility is increased because the balance between the advantages of the fixed cassette 21 and the advantages of the variable cassette 22 can be arbitrarily set.

[0150] By the way, in step S9 of the drug dispensing process, when dispensing from the variable cassette 22 is completed, the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 displays the message that dispensing is complete. In contrast, when the variable cassette 22 is used as the pseudo-fixed cassette 22A, even after dispensing of tablets from the pseudo-fixed cassette 22A is complete, the pseudo-fixed cassette 22A continues to be used in other packaging operations, just like the fixed cassette 21. Therefore, the control unit 11 does not display the message that dispensing is complete on the display unit 25 for the pseudo-fixed cassette 22A of the variable cassette 22, even after dispensing is complete.

[0151] [Cassette notification function] The drug dispensing device 100 is equipped with a cassette notification function to easily identify the variable cassette 22 to be filled when filling the variable cassette 22 with tablets. Specifically, when any of the drug information included in the prescription data displayed on the monitor 13 is selected by user operation on the operation unit 14, the control unit 11 changes the display on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 to which that drug information is assigned. For example, the control unit 11 may make the display screen of the display unit 25 blink, or invert the black and white display of the display screen of the display unit 25.

[0152] This allows the user to easily determine which variable cassette 22 should be loaded with the tablets by visually inspecting the display unit 25. It is also conceivable that the variable cassette 22 or the mounting portion 221 of the variable cassette 22 may individually provide light-emitting units such as LEDs corresponding to the variable cassette 22, and that the control unit 11 may change the lighting method (steady, flashing) or lighting color of the light-emitting units.

[0153] [Status display function] The chemical dispensing device 100 has a status display function that displays status information indicating the usage status of the corresponding variable cassette 22 on the display unit 25 of each of the variable cassettes 22.

[0154] Specifically, the control unit 11 displays the usage status of the variable cassette 22 on the display unit 25, such as "Unassigned" if no drug information has been assigned to the variable cassette 22, "Assigned" if drug information has been assigned to the variable cassette 22, "Calibration in progress" while the driving conditions of the variable cassette 22 are being changed, "Dispensing in progress" when a dispensing operation using the variable cassette 22 is being performed, and "Dispensing complete" when the dispensing operation is completed. Here, the control unit 11 when executing such display processing is an example of a display control means. As a result, the user can easily recognize the usage status of each variable cassette 22 by visually checking the display unit 25 of each variable cassette 22. The display method for the various status information may be text, but it is conceivable to use various display forms such as pre-set display marks, numbers, or blinking as the display form to indicate each state.

[0155] [Calibration function] The drug dispensing device 100 has a calibration function for registering the height and width of the dispensing path, which are the pre-drive conditions for dispensing one tablet at a time from each of the variable cassettes 22.

[0156] Specifically, the control unit 11 performs a calibration process in response to a request to perform a calibration operation during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 100. Furthermore, if the control unit 11 determines in step S4 that the height and width of the dispensing path corresponding to the drug information are not registered in the drive-corresponding information 122, it may display on the monitor 13 whether or not the calibration process should be performed, and then perform the calibration process in response to user operation on the operation unit 14. The calibration process may also be performed by the control unit 61.

[0157] In the calibration process, the control unit 11 first displays a selection screen on the monitor 13 for selecting the variable cassette 22, and selects the variable cassette 22 to be used in the calibration process in response to user input to the operation unit 14. Then, once one of the variable cassettes 22 is selected, the control unit 11 displays on the monitor 13 that a tablet should be placed in the selected variable cassette 22, and waits for user input to complete the tablet placement operation to be received by the operation unit 14.

[0158] Subsequently, when the loading completion operation is performed, the control unit 11 drives the height adjustment unit 226A and the width adjustment unit 227A of the selected variable cassette 22, causing the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226 to transition to a preset minimum size, and the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 to transition to a preset maximum size. Then, the control unit 11 drives the first rotating body 223 and the second rotating body 224. At this time, since the height h1 is the minimum size, the transport of tablets on the second rotating body 224 is restricted by the height restricting member 226.

[0159] Next, the control unit 11, while driving the first rotating body 223 and the second rotating body 224, controls the height adjustment unit 226A to gradually increase the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226. At this time, since the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 is the maximum size, the tablets that have passed through the height restricting member 226 are transported to the dispensing outlet 225. When the height h1 reaches the height of one tablet stored in the tablet storage unit 223, the tablets pass through the height restricting member 226 and are dispensed from the dispensing outlet 225. As a result, when the control unit 11 detects that the tablets have been dispensed from the dispensing outlet 225 by the optical sensor (not shown) provided in the dispensing outlet 225, it stops the first rotating body 223 and the second rotating body 224. At this time, the control unit 11 registers the value of the height h1 corresponding to the driving time of the height adjustment unit 226A until the passage of the tablet is detected by the optical sensor (not shown) as the driving condition corresponding to the drug information of the tablet. Of course, the driving time may also be registered as the driving condition.

[0160] Next, the control unit 11 controls the width adjustment unit 227A to transition the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 to a preset minimum size, and drives the first rotating body 223 and the second rotating body 224. At this time, since the height h1 is a height through which the tablets can pass, the tablets on the second rotating body 224 are transported to the width restricting member 227. On the other hand, since the width w1 is the minimum size, the transport of tablets on the second rotating body 224 is restricted by the width restricting member 227. Subsequently, with the first rotating body 223 and the second rotating body 224 driven, the control unit 11 controls the width adjustment unit 227A to gradually increase the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227. When the width w1 reaches the width of one tablet stored in the tablet storage unit 223, the tablets pass through the width restricting member 227 and are dispensed from the dispensing outlet 225. As a result, when the control unit 11 detects that a tablet has been dispensed from the dispensing port 225 using the optical sensor (not shown) provided in the dispensing port 225, it stops the first rotating body 223 and the second rotating body 224. At this time, the control unit 11 registers the value of the width w1 corresponding to the driving time of the width adjustment unit 227A until the passage of the tablet is detected by the optical sensor (not shown) as the driving condition corresponding to the drug information of the tablet. Of course, the driving time may also be registered as the driving condition.

[0161] As described above, the drug dispensing device 100 can automatically register the pre-drive conditions in the drive correspondence information 122 for drug information for which the pre-drive conditions have not been registered, using the calibration function.

[0162] <Second Embodiment> In this second embodiment, with reference to Figure 13, another example of the drug dispensing process performed by the control unit 11 will be described. Specifically, in the drug dispensing process according to this second embodiment (see left side of Figure 13), drug information read by the barcode reader 7 is input as drug information to be dispensed and assigned to the variable cassette 22. Here, the processing procedures (steps) performed by the control unit 11 are referred to as steps S21, S22, ... Note that processes similar to the drug dispensing process and the packaging control process shown in Figure 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0163] (Step S21) First, in step S21, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a JAN code has been input from the barcode reader 7 as information on the drug to be dispensed. That is, the user does not initially perform an issuance operation to issue the prescription data, but rather refers to a prescription or the like containing the prescription data, retrieves a tablet from the drug shelf, and has the barcode reader 7 read the drug information of that tablet from the storage container or PTP sheet in the drug shelf.

[0164] Here, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S25 until the drug information of the tablet to be dispensed is input from the barcode reader 7 (No side of S21). On the other hand, if the drug information of the tablet to be dispensed is input from the barcode reader 7 (Yes side of S21), the control unit 11 moves the process to step S22.

[0165] (Step S22) Next, in step S22, the control unit 11 assigns the drug information to be dispensed, which was input in step S21, to the unassigned variable cassette 22. Thus, the control unit 11, when it performs the process of assigning the drug information to the variable cassette 22 when the drug information to be dispensed is input by reading the drug information with the barcode reader 7, is an example of an assignment means. Note that the assignment of the variable cassette 22 is performed in the same manner as in step S3 (see Figure 11), so the explanation is omitted here.

[0166] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not a fixed cassette 21 corresponding to the drug information input in step S21 exists, and execute the processing from step S22 onward only if a fixed cassette 21 corresponding to the drug information does not exist. If it is determined that a fixed cassette 21 corresponding to the drug information exists, the control unit 11 may, for example, display a message to that effect on the monitor 13 of the prescription control unit 1 and return the process to step S21.

[0167] (Steps S23-S24) In steps S23 to S24, the control unit 11 performs the same processing as in steps S4 to S5 (see Figure 11). That is, the control unit 11 transmits the driving conditions for each of the variable cassettes 22 to which drug information was assigned in step S22, along with the cassette identification information for each of the variable cassettes 22, to the control unit 61 (S23). The control unit 11 also causes the display unit 25 of each of the variable cassettes 22 to which drug information was assigned in step S22 to display the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 (S24).

[0168] (Step S25) Then, in step S25, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a request for prescription data has been made, in the same manner as in step S1 (see Figure 11). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that the request for issuance has been made when an issuance operation for issuing pre-registered prescription data is performed on the operation unit 14.

[0169] Here, if the control unit 11 determines that no request for prescription data issuance has been made (No side of S25), it proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that a request for prescription data issuance has been made (Yes side of S25), it proceeds to step S6 and executes the subsequent processing. It is also conceivable that the mounting unit 221 is provided with a mounting / detachment detection sensor that detects the mounting / detachment of the variable cassette 22, and the control unit 11 notifies the user that tablets have not been filled into the variable cassette 22 based on the detection result of the mounting / detachment detection sensor. That is, if the mounting unit 11 performs the prescription data issuance operation while the mounting / detachment of the variable cassette 22 has not been detected by the mounting / detachment detection sensor between the time drug information is assigned to the variable cassette 22 and the prescription data issuance operation is performed, the control unit 11 notifies the user of an error. The notification is performed by notification means such as the monitor 13 or a speaker (not shown).

[0170] [Dispensing method using the drug dispensing device 100 according to the second embodiment] Here, a specific example of a dispensing method performed by a user using the drug dispensing device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. Here, we will explain using the example of dispensing prescription data LP1, which includes one type of tablet contained in the fixed cassette 21 and two types of tablets not contained in the fixed cassette 21 as prescription drugs.

[0171] First, the user uses the barcode reader 7 to read the JAN codes of two types of tablets that are not contained in the fixed cassette 21 from the storage containers or PTP sheets in the storage shelves where each of the tablets is stored. As a result, the drug dispensing device 100 assigns the drug information of the two types of drugs included in the prescription data LP1 for which there is no corresponding fixed cassette 21 to the two variable cassettes 22. At this time, the display unit 25 of each variable cassette 22 displays the drug information assigned to that variable cassette 22.

[0172] Next, the user confirms the drug information displayed on the display unit 25 and removes the variable cassette 22 from the drug dispensing device 100. Then, the user places the required number of tablets taken from the drug shelf into the variable cassette 22 and attaches the variable cassette 22 to the mounting unit 221 of the drug dispensing device 100. This process is performed for both variable cassettes 22.

[0173] Subsequently, the user operates the control unit 14 to select the prescription data LP1 that has been input to the drug dispensing device 100 and performs the operation to issue the prescription data LP1. As a result, the drug dispensing device 100 dispenses one type of tablet contained in the fixed cassette 21 and two types of tablets contained in the two variable cassettes 22 to the dispensing unit 5 in units corresponding to the timing of administration, and the dispensing unit 5 then dispensing them into dispensing paper in those units.

[0174] <Third Embodiment> In this third embodiment, a chemical dispensing device 300, which is a modified version of the chemical dispensing device 100 described in the first embodiment, will be described. Note that the configuration of the chemical dispensing device 300 is the same as that of the chemical dispensing device 100, and will not be described.

[0175] The drug dispensing device 300 includes an RFID reader / writer 28 provided on a shelf of the drug rack where tablets are stored before being filled into the variable cassette 22. The RFID reader / writer 28 has a wireless communication function that communicates data wirelessly with the prescription control unit 1 of the drug dispensing device 300 via the communication IF 15. The RFID reader / writer 28 detects the RFID tag 26 on the variable cassette 22, detects that the variable cassette 22 is placed on the shelf described above, and notifies the prescription control unit 1. It also receives information transmitted from the prescription control unit 1 and writes it to the RFID tag 26.

[0176] Furthermore, the installation locations of the RFID tags 26 and the RFID reader / writer 28 on the variable cassette 22 and the aforementioned stand should be determined relatively within a range that allows the RFID reader / writer 28 to read and write information on the RFID tags 26 when the variable cassette 22 is placed on the aforementioned stand. In addition, if an information processing device connected to the RFID reader / writer 28 is provided on the drug shelf, the system including the drug dispensing device 300 and the information processing device may be considered as the drug dispensing device according to the present invention.

[0177] In the third embodiment of the chemical dispensing device 300, the control unit 11 performs the chemical allocation process (see Figure 14) and the chemical dispensing process (see left side of Figure 15), which will be described later. The control unit 11 performs the processing procedures shown in Figures 14 and 15 in parallel.

[0178] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 14 and 15, an example of the procedure for drug allocation and drug dispensing processes performed by the control unit 11 in the drug dispensing device 300 will be described. Here, the processing procedures (steps) performed by the control unit 11 will be referred to as steps S31, S32, ... and steps S41, S42, ... Note that processes similar to the drug dispensing process and the packaging control process shown in Figure 11 will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted.

[0179] In another embodiment, the processing procedure shown in Figure 14 is executed by the information processing device provided on the chemical shelf, and the processing procedure shown in Figure 15 is executed by the control unit 11 of the chemical dispensing device 300. In this case, the information processing device refers to and edits the assignment information 121 stored in the storage unit 12 of the chemical dispensing device 300.

[0180] [Drug allocation process] (Step S31) First, in the drug allocation process shown in Figure 14, in step S31, the control unit 11 determines whether the variable cassette 22 is placed on the aforementioned mounting stand on the drug shelf. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that the variable cassette 22 is placed on the aforementioned mounting stand if the RFID tag 26 of the variable cassette 22 is detected by the RFID reader / writer 28 of the drug shelf. It should be noted that in the drug dispensing device 300, only the unassigned variable cassette 22 can be removed from the mounting unit 221, while the assigned variable cassette 22 may be mechanically locked and cannot be removed.

[0181] Here, if the variable cassette 22 is not placed on the mounting platform of the chemical shelf (No side of S31), the control unit 11 puts the process on hold in step S31. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the variable cassette 22 is placed on the mounting platform of the chemical shelf (Yes side of S31), it moves the process to step S32.

[0182] (Step S32) In step S32, the control unit 11 determines, in the same manner as in step S21 (see Figure 13), whether or not the JAN code has been read by the barcode reader 7 as information about the drug to be dispensed. That is, the user takes a tablet from a drug shelf or the like by referring to a prescription or the like on which the prescription data is written, and has the drug information of that tablet read from the storage container or PTP sheet on the drug shelf using the barcode reader 7.

[0183] Here, if the control unit 11 determines that the drug information for the tablet to be dispensed has not been input from the barcode reader 7 (No side of S32), it returns to step S31. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the drug information for the tablet to be dispensed has been input from the barcode reader 7 (Yes side of S32), it moves the process to step S33.

[0184] (Step S33) In step S33, the control unit 11 assigns the drug information to be dispensed, which was input in step S32, to the variable cassette 22 placed on the mounting platform of the drug shelf. Thus, the control unit 11 when it performs the process of assigning the drug information to the variable cassette 22 when the drug information to be dispensed is read by the barcode reader 7 is also an example of an assignment means. At this time, the control unit 11 reflects the assignment status between the drug information and the variable cassette 22 in the assignment information 121.

[0185] (Step S34) Then, in step S34, the control unit 11 communicates data with the RFID reader / writer 28 via the communication IF 15, causing the RFID tag 26 of the variable cassette 22 placed on the mounting base of the drug shelf to record the drug information. At this time, the control board on which the RFID tag 26 is mounted in the variable cassette 22 displays part or all of the drug information recorded on the RFID tag 26 on the display unit 25 (see Figure 12(A)).

[0186] [Medication Dispensing Processing] (Step S41) On the other hand, in the chemical dispensing process shown in Figure 15, in step S41, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the variable cassette 22 has been attached to the mounting section 221 of the chemical dispensing device 300. That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there has been a change from an unattached state to an attached state for each of the mounting sections 221. The presence or absence of attachment or detachment of the variable cassette 22 to the mounting section 221 is determined, for example, by whether or not the RFID tag 26 of the variable cassette 22 is detected by the RFID reader / writer 245 provided on the mounting section 221. Of course, it is also conceivable that the attachment or detachment of the variable cassette 22 may be detected mechanically or optically by an attachment / detachment detection sensor provided on the mounting section 221.

[0187] Here, if the control unit 11 does not detect that the variable cassette 22 is installed (No side of S41), it proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the installation of the variable cassette 22 has been detected (Yes side of S41), it proceeds to step S42. Note that when the control unit 11 does not detect that the variable cassette 22 is installed, this also includes the state in which the variable cassette 22 is already installed.

[0188] (Step S42) Next, in step S42, the control unit 11 reads the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 from the RFID tag 26 of the variable cassette 22, which it determined to have been installed in step S41. At this time, if there is a discrepancy between the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 and the contents of the assignment information 121, the control unit 11 displays an error on the monitor 13 and interrupts the drug dispensing process. It is also possible that the control unit 11 prioritizes the drug information read from the RFID reader / writer 26 and updates the assignment information 121 accordingly.

[0189] (Step S43) Then, in step S43, the control unit 11 transmits the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22, along with the cassette identification information for each of the variable cassettes 22, to the control unit 61. As a result, the control unit 61 changes the height h1 restricted by the height restricting member 226 and the width w1 restricted by the width restricting member 227 of the variable cassette 22, according to the pre-drive conditions among the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22.

[0190] (Step S44) Subsequently, in step S44, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a request for the issuance of prescription data has been made, similar to step S25 (see Figure 13). If the control unit 11 determines that no request for the issuance of prescription data has been made (No side of S44), it returns to step S41. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that a request for the issuance of prescription data has been made (Yes side of S44), it moves the process to step S7. In the drug dispensing device 300, it is assumed that tablets are loaded into the variable cassette 22 at the drug shelf, so step S6 is omitted in the drug dispensing process shown in Figure 15, but step S6 may be executed before step S7.

[0191] [Dispensing method using drug dispensing device 300] Here, a specific example of a dispensing method performed by a user using the drug dispensing device 300 will be described. This example will describe the dispensing of prescription data LP1, which includes one type of tablet contained in the fixed cassette 21 and two types of tablets not contained in the fixed cassette 21 as prescription drugs.

[0192] First, the user removes the two unassigned variable cassettes 22 from the drug dispensing device 300 and moves them to the drug shelf, then places the first variable cassette 22 on the aforementioned stand equipped with the RFID reader / writer 28. The user then uses the barcode reader 7 to read the JAN code of the first of the two types of tablets not contained in the fixed cassette 21 from the storage container or PTP sheet on the storage shelf where the tablets are stored. As a result, the drug dispensing device 300 assigns the first tablet to the variable cassette 22 placed on the aforementioned stand. At this time, the drug information is recorded on the RFID tag 26 of the variable cassette 22, and the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 is displayed on the display unit 25. The user then places the required number of the first tablet taken from the drug shelf into the variable cassette 22.

[0193] Next, the user places the second variable cassette 22 on the aforementioned stand equipped with the RFID reader / writer 28. Then, using the barcode reader 7, the user reads the JAN code of the second tablet, one of the two types of tablets not contained in the fixed cassette 21, from the storage container or PTP sheet on the storage shelf where the tablets are stored. As a result, the drug dispensing device 300 assigns the second tablet to the variable cassette 22 placed on the aforementioned stand. At this time, the drug information is recorded on the RFID tag 26 of the variable cassette 22, and the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 is displayed on the display unit 25. The user then places the required number of the second tablets taken from the drug shelf into the variable cassette 22.

[0194] Subsequently, the user attaches each of the variable cassettes 22 to each of the mounting sections 221 of the chemical dispensing device 300. As a result, the chemical dispensing device 300 reads the chemical information recorded on the RFID tag 26 of each of the variable cassettes 22.

[0195] The user then operates the control unit 14 to select the prescription data LP1 that has been input to the drug dispensing device 300 and performs the operation to issue the prescription data LP1. As a result, the drug dispensing device 300 dispenses one type of tablet contained in the fixed cassette 21 and two types of tablets contained in the two variable cassettes 22 to the dispensing unit 5 in units corresponding to the timing of administration, and the dispensing unit 5 then dispensing them into dispensing paper in those units.

[0196] [Fourth Embodiment] Herein, Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a drug dispensing device 400, which is a modified example of the drug dispensing device 100 described in the first embodiment. Note that the configuration of the drug dispensing device 400 is the same as that of the drug dispensing device 100 and will not be explained. For example, the drug dispensing device 400 performs the next prescription assignment process (see Figure 17) described later, thereby improving the work efficiency of the user of the drug dispensing device 400.

[0197] As shown in Figure 16, in the drug dispensing device 400, the control unit 11 includes a dispensing control unit 111 and an allocation control unit 112. The control unit 11 functions as the dispensing control unit 111 and the allocation control unit 112 by executing processing according to various programs pre-stored in storage means such as the ROM, EEPROM, or storage unit 12 using the CPU. The dispensing control unit 111 executes the drug dispensing process (see Figure 11). The allocation control unit 112 then executes the next prescription allocation process (see Figure 17), which will be described later. The drug dispensing process and the next prescription allocation process are executed substantially in parallel.

[0198] [Next prescription assignment process] The aforementioned next prescription assignment process is a process for controlling the assignment of the next prescription data to the variable cassette 22 when the drug dispensing device 400 issues the next prescription data before the dispensing of the previously issued prescription data is completed. Here, Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the next prescription assignment process executed by the assignment control unit 112 in the drug dispensing device 400.

[0199] <Step S51> First, in step S51, the allocation control unit 112 determines whether or not a request has been made to issue the next prescription data following the currently issued prescription data. Hereafter, the currently issued prescription data will be referred to as the current prescription data, and the next prescription data will be referred to as the next prescription data. If the allocation control unit 112 determines that a request has been made to issue the next prescription data (Yes in S51), it proceeds to step S52. If the allocation control unit 112 determines that no request has been made to issue the next prescription data (No in S51), it keeps the process in a waiting state in step S51. In a configuration where it is possible to make issuance requests for multiple prescription data simultaneously, the allocation control unit 112 proceeds to step S52 if there is prescription data that is the second or later in the issuance order. Similarly, if other prescription data is issued after the next prescription data, the process also proceeds to step S52.

[0200] <Step S52> In step S52, the allocation control unit 112 determines whether the allocation of the drug information to the variable cassette 22 for the current prescription data has been completed. If the allocation control unit 112 determines that the allocation of the drug information has been completed (Yes in S52), it proceeds to step S53. The allocation control unit 112 waits in step S52 until the allocation of the drug information is completed (No in S52). If the current prescription data is dispensed while the process is waiting in step S52, the allocation control unit 112 proceeds to step S51.

[0201] <Step S53> In step S53, the allocation control unit 112 determines whether there is a fixed cassette 21 corresponding to all the drug information entered as drug information indicating the tablets to be dispensed in the next prescription data. That is, in step S53, it is determined whether the prescription drugs included in the next prescription data include any types of tablets that are not contained in the fixed cassette 21. If it is determined that there is no fixed cassette 21 corresponding to all the drug information included in the next prescription data (No side of S53), the allocation control unit 112 moves the process to step S54. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a fixed cassette 21 corresponding to all the drug information included in the next prescription data (Yes side of S53), the allocation control unit 112 returns the process to step S51. That is, if all types of tablets included as prescription drugs in the prescription data are contained in the fixed cassette 21, it is determined that there is no need to assign drug information to the variable cassette 22.

[0202] <Step S54> In step S54, the allocation control unit 112 determines whether or not there is an unassigned variable cassette 22 among the variable cassettes 22. The allocation control unit 112 can determine the presence or absence of an unassigned variable cassette 22 by referring to the allocation information 121 (see Figure 9). If the allocation control unit 112 determines that there is an unassigned variable cassette 22 (Yes side of S54), it proceeds to step S55. If the allocation control unit 112 determines that there is no unassigned variable cassette 22 (No side of S54), it returns to step S51. That is, if there is drug information that requires allocation to the variable cassette 22, and there is no unassigned variable cassette 22, the allocation control unit 112 waits in step S51 until the variable cassette 22 is used and becomes unassigned. Then, if the variable cassette 22 is used in prescription data prior to the next prescription data and becomes unassigned (Yes side of S54), the allocation control unit 112 moves the process to step S55. If the current prescription data is dispensed while the process is waiting in step S54, the allocation control unit 112 moves the process to step S51.

[0203] <Step S55> In step S55, the allocation control unit 112 allocates drug information from the drug information input by the next prescription data for which there is no corresponding fixed cassette 21 to the unassigned variable cassette 22. At this time, if there are multiple drug information items in the next prescription data that require allocation to the variable cassette 22, the allocation control unit 112 allocates the drug information with the highest priority at that time from among the drug information not yet allocated to the variable cassette 22 to the unassigned variable cassette 22, according to a preset priority condition. That is, for the same next prescription data, each time step S55 is executed, the single drug information with the highest priority at that time is allocated to the variable cassette 22.

[0204] Here, an example of the priority conditions will be explained. For example, the assignment control unit 112 executes step S55 using a priority condition selected in advance by user operation to the operation unit 14 during initial setup, from among the first to fourth priority conditions described later. It is also possible to combine two or more of the first to fourth priority conditions. For example, if there are two pieces of drug information that are judged to have the highest priority according to the second priority condition, it is possible to determine the priority level of those two pieces of drug information according to the first priority condition.

[0205] Figures 18 to 21 show the transitions of the assignment information 121 when using the first to fourth priority conditions. As mentioned above, in the assignment information 121, the cassette numbers "C1" to "C4" are pre-set as cassette identification information for the four variable cassettes 22 arranged in order from left to right in the tablet supply unit 2. Also, in Figures 18 to 21, the drug ID in the drug information of the current prescription data is assigned "RP1", and the drug ID in the drug information of the next prescription data is assigned "RP2".

[0206] <First priority condition> First, as an example of the priority conditions, it is conceivable that the first priority condition stipulates that the drug information listed earlier in the prescription data will be given priority in being assigned to the variable cassette 22. For example, consider the case where the current prescription data includes drug information for drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3", and the next prescription data includes drug information for drug IDs "M4" and "M5". Here, the listing order in the next prescription data is such that the drug information for drug ID "M4" is earlier than the drug information for drug ID "M5", and the dispensing quantity for drug information for drug ID "M4" is 10 tablets, and the dispensing quantity for drug information for drug ID "M5" is 30 tablets.

[0207] In this case, as shown in Figure 18(A), drug information for drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3" is assigned to the variable cassettes 22 with cassette numbers "C1" to "C3", respectively. Then, as shown in Figure 18(B), drug information for drug ID "M4", which appears earlier in the notation order, is assigned first to the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C4". Subsequently, as shown in Figure 18(C), once the dispensing of drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3" is complete, drug information for "M5" is assigned to the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C1", which has not yet been assigned, as shown in Figure 18(D). Therefore, by using the first priority condition, the order in which the drug information is assigned to the variable cassettes 22 matches the notation order of the drug information included in the next prescription data, resulting in user-friendly operation.

[0208] <Second priority condition> Furthermore, as another example of the above priority conditions, a second priority condition may be stipulated that drug information with a larger dispensing quantity among the drug information included in the next prescription data should be allocated to the variable cassette 22 first. For example, consider the case where the current prescription data includes drug information with drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3", and the next prescription data includes drug information with drug IDs "M4" and "M5". Here, the notation order in the next prescription data is such that the drug information with drug ID "M4" appears earlier than the drug information with drug ID "M5", and the dispensing quantity for drug information with drug ID "M4" is 10 tablets, and the dispensing quantity for drug information with drug ID "M5" is 30 tablets.

[0209] In this case, as shown in Figure 19(A), drug information for drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3" is assigned to the variable cassettes 22 with cassette numbers "C1" to "C3", respectively. Then, as shown in Figure 19(B), drug information for drug ID "M5", which has a large dispensing volume, is first assigned to the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C4". Subsequently, as shown in Figure 19(C), once the dispensing of drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3" is complete, drug information for drug ID "M4" is assigned to the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C1", which has not yet been assigned, as shown in Figure 19(D). Therefore, by using the second priority condition, it becomes possible to fill the variable cassette 22 with drug information corresponding to drug ID "M5", which has a large dispensing volume, while the dispensing of drug for the current prescription data is being performed, thereby improving the user's work efficiency.

[0210] <Third priority condition> Furthermore, as another example of the above priority conditions, a third priority condition may be stipulated that drug information included in the next prescription data, excluding drug information also included in the current prescription data, should be given priority when assigning to the variable cassette 22. For example, consider the case where the current prescription data includes drug information with drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3", and the next prescription data includes drug information with drug IDs "M4" and "M2".

[0211] In this case, as shown in Figure 20(A), drug information for drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3" is assigned to the variable cassettes 22 with cassette numbers "C1" to "C3", respectively. Then, as shown in Figure 20(B), drug information for drug ID "M4" is first assigned to the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C4". That is, drug information for drug ID "M4", excluding drug information for drug ID "M2" included in the current prescription data, is preferentially assigned to the variable cassette 22. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 20(C), once the dispensing of drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3" is complete, drug information for drug ID "M2" is assigned to the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C2", which was the unassigned cassette number "C1" to "C3", as shown in Figure 20(D). Therefore, by using the third priority condition, the drug information included in the next prescription data that is the same as the drug information in the current prescription data will be assigned to the same variable cassette 22. This prevents, for example, the variable cassette 22 from being filled with a drug of a different color from the previous drug, thus preventing powder or other residues from the previous drug from adhering to the subsequent drug.

[0212] <4th priority condition> Furthermore, as another example of the above priority conditions, a fourth priority condition may be stipulated that, among the drug information included in the next prescription data, the drug information also included in the current prescription data will be given priority and allocated to the unassigned variable cassette 22. For example, consider the case where the current prescription data includes drug information with drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3", and the next prescription data includes drug information with drug IDs "M4" and "M2".

[0213] In this case, as shown in Figure 21(A), drug information for drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3" is assigned to the variable cassettes 22 with cassette numbers "C1" to "C3", respectively. Then, as shown in Figure 21(B), drug information for drug ID "M2" is first assigned to the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C4". That is, drug information for drug ID "M2" included in the current prescription data is preferentially assigned to the variable cassette 22. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 21(C), once the dispensing of drug IDs "M1", "M2", and "M3" is complete, drug information for drug ID "M4" is assigned to the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C1", which has become unassigned. Therefore, by using the fourth priority condition, when filling the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C2" with the drug corresponding to the drug information of drug ID "M2" included in the current prescription data, it becomes possible to fill the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C4" to which the drug information of drug ID "M2" included in the next prescription data is assigned, thereby improving the user's work efficiency.

[0214] In another embodiment, the assignment of the drug information included in the next prescription data to the variable cassette 22 may be performed only when the number of variable cassette 22 corresponding to all the drug information requiring assignment to the variable cassette 22 in the next prescription data is unassigned. This allows the drug dispensing device 100 to avoid assigning the drug information to the variable cassette 22 at different timings for a single prescription data, and enables the user to fill the variable cassette 22 with drug information on a per-prescription data basis.

[0215] <Step S56> Subsequently, in step S56, the assignment control unit 112 transmits to the control unit 61 the drive conditions corresponding to the chemical information assigned to the variable cassette 22 in step S55. Step S56 is the same process as step S4 (see Figure 11).

[0216] <Step S57> In step S57, the allocation control unit 112 displays the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 in step S55 on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22. This allows the user to fill the variable cassette 22 with drugs. Step S57 is the same process as step S5 (see Figure 11). In the next prescription allocation process described here, the allocation control unit 112 executes steps S56 to S57 each time that drug information included in the next prescription data that requires allocation to the variable cassette 22 is allocated to the variable cassette 22. Alternatively, the allocation control unit 112 may execute steps S56 to S57 when all drug information included in the next prescription data that requires allocation to the variable cassette 22 has been allocated to the variable cassette 22.

[0217] <Step S58> Next, in step S58, the allocation control unit 112 determines whether all of the drug information included in the next prescription data for which there is no corresponding fixed cassette 21 has been assigned to the variable cassette 22. If the allocation control unit 112 determines that all of the drug information for which there is no corresponding fixed cassette 21 has been assigned to the variable cassette 22 (Yes side of S58), the process returns to step S54. If the allocation control unit 112 determines that all of the drug information for which there is no corresponding fixed cassette 21 has not been assigned to the variable cassette 22 (No side of S58), the process moves to step S54. As a result, if there are multiple drug information items in the next prescription data that require assignment to the variable cassette 22, the assignment of the drug information to the variable cassette 22 (S55) is repeatedly performed as long as there are unassigned variable cassettes 22. Furthermore, if there are multiple drug information items that require assignment to the variable cassette 22 and there are multiple unassigned variable cassette 22s, the assignment control unit 112 may also assign each of the drug information items to each of the variable cassette 22 in step S55.

[0218] Incidentally, the drug dispensing device 400 may also have an automatic manual dispensing assignment function that automatically assigns drug information to the manual dispensing unit 4 when the drug information requiring assignment to the variable cassette 22 is included in the next prescription data and there are no unassigned variable cassette 22s among the variable cassette 22s.

[0219] Specifically, the allocation control unit 112 may determine whether to enable or disable the manual dispensing automatic allocation function if it determines in step S54 that there are no unassigned variable cassettes 22 (the No side of S54). The setting of enabling or disabling the manual dispensing automatic allocation function is performed by the control unit 11 in response to user operation on the operation unit 14, such as during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 400 or when issuing the next prescription data. It is also possible that the enabling or disabling of the manual dispensing automatic allocation function is predetermined for each drug information. When the manual dispensing automatic allocation function is set to enabled, the allocation control unit 112 assigns one or more drug information items to the manual dispensing unit 4 because there is no corresponding fixed cassette 21 and they could not be assigned to the variable cassette 22. At this time, the allocation control unit 112 displays the result of assigning the drug information to the manual dispensing unit 4 on the monitor 13. On the other hand, if the allocation control unit 112 determines that the allocation setting for the manual dispensing unit 4 is set to invalid, it returns the process to step S54. Also, if the manual dispensing unit 4 is to be used in the current prescription data, the allocation control unit 112 determines that the allocation setting for the drug information to the manual dispensing unit 4 is invalid and returns the process to step S54.

[0220] This allows the user to load tablets corresponding to the drug information in the next prescription data into the manual dispensing unit 4 while the current prescription data is being dispensed, thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, the allocation control unit 112 may, in step S55, allocate each of the drug information included in the next prescription data to the variable cassette 22 in order of the amount to be dispensed, and in step S58, allocate the remaining drug information to the manual dispensing unit 4. This minimizes the amount of drug that the user has to manually dispense into the manual dispensing unit 4.

[0221] In the drug dispensing device 400 according to the fourth embodiment, in step S1 of the drug dispensing process (see Figure 11), the dispensing control unit 111 proceeds to step S2 not only when the prescription data is issued, but also when the next prescription data exists after the dispensing of the current prescription data is completed. In steps S3 to S5, processing is performed on drug information included in the next prescription data that has not been assigned to the variable cassette 22 or the manual dispensing unit 4 in the next prescription assignment process. Subsequently, in step S6, when a filling completion operation is performed for each of the variable cassettes 22 corresponding to each of the drug information included in the next prescription data, a request to start the packaging operation based on the next prescription data is sent to the control unit 61 (S7). Incidentally, in step S6, in addition to determining whether or not the filling completion operation has been performed, the dispensing control unit 111 may also determine that the filling of the drug into the variable cassette 22 is complete when the variable cassette 22 is inserted or removed, based on the detection result from the attachment / detachment detection sensor.

[0222] The following describes other functions of the chemical dispensing device 400 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0223] [Continued Use Feature] In the aforementioned drug dispensing process (see Figure 11), after the packaging operation is completed for the prescription data, the process returns to step S1. At this time, in the drug dispensing process (see Figure 11), a configuration is conceivable in which the variable cassette 22 used when dispensing the previous prescription data can be assigned as the variable cassette 22 to be used when dispensing the next prescription data without removing or inserting it. Hereinafter, this function that allows continuous use without requiring the removal or insertion of the variable cassette 22 after use will be referred to as the continuous use function.

[0224] On the other hand, in the drug dispensing device 400, the control unit 11 can enable or disable the continuous use function in accordance with the user operation of the operation unit 14 during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 400. Furthermore, in the drug dispensing device 400, the control unit 11 can also enable or disable the continuous use function for each variable cassette 22 or for each prescription data in accordance with the user operation of the operation unit 14 when issuing the prescription data.

[0225] Here, if the continuous use function is disabled, the dispensing control unit 111 will not assign the variable cassette 22 that has not been detected as being inserted or removed by the insertion / removal detection sensor to be used when dispensing the next prescription data, after step S10 of the drug dispensing process (see Figure 11). That is, in this case, the user will insert and remove the variable cassette 22 once after the drug dispensing from the variable cassette 22 is complete and before the next drug information is assigned to the variable cassette 22, and then insert and remove the variable cassette 22 again to fill the drug after the next drug information is assigned to the variable cassette 22. As a result, the user will need to insert and remove the variable cassette 22 after using it, prompting the user to check whether there is any remaining drug in the variable cassette 22 or the state of the variable cassette 22 (for example, whether there is any powder).

[0226] Furthermore, the continuous use function provided by the chemical dispensing device 400 includes a same-type continuous use function and a different-type continuous use function. The same-type continuous use function is a function that permits the continued use of the variable cassette 22 when the chemical information that was immediately assigned to the variable cassette 22 and the chemical information that will be assigned to the variable cassette 22 next are the same. However, even if the same-type continuous use function is set to be enabled, if the chemical information that was immediately assigned to the variable cassette 22 and the chemical information that will be assigned to the variable cassette 22 next are different, the same processing will be performed as when the continuous use function is disabled. The different-type continuous use function is a function that permits the continued use of the variable cassette 22 when the chemical information that was immediately assigned to the variable cassette 22 and the chemical information that will be assigned to the variable cassette 22 next are different.

[0227] Furthermore, in the drug dispensing device 400, the control unit 11 can individually change the settings for enabling and disabling the same-type continuation function and the different-type continuation function, respectively, in accordance with the user operation of the operation unit 14 in the initial settings of the drug dispensing device 400. It is also conceivable that a configuration may be possible in which the same-type continuation function is disabled and the different-type continuation function is enabled. Hereinafter, in the drug dispensing device 400, if at least one of the same-type continuation function or the different-type continuation function is enabled, the continuous use function will be considered to be enabled.

[0228] Furthermore, if the same type continuation function is enabled, and the drug information previously assigned to the variable cassette 22 is the same as the drug information next assigned to the variable cassette 22, the control unit 11 may not automatically execute the remaining drug recovery process. That is, the dispensing control unit 111 does not send the remaining drug recovery request to the control unit 61 during the drug dispensing process (see Figure 11). Consequently, since the remaining drug recovery process is not executed by the control unit 61 after the tablets are dispensed from the variable cassette 22, the tablets in the variable cassette 22 can be used continuously when the next prescription data is dispensed. In this case, the dispensing control unit 111 omits steps S4 to S6 of the drug dispensing process (see Figure 11). As a result, when the variable cassette 22 is assigned the same drug information for consecutive prescription data, the drug dispensing process (see Figure 11) can start the packaging operation without going through the drug filling completion operation to the variable cassette 22.

[0229] [Status display function] Next, the status display function of the chemical dispensing device 400 will be described. As mentioned above, with the status display function, the user can easily recognize the usage status of each of the variable cassettes 22 by visually checking the display unit 25 of each of the variable cassettes 22.

[0230] As shown in Figure 16, in the chemical dispensing device 400, each of the variable cassettes 22 is equipped with a status indicator light 27 together with the display unit 25. The display unit 25 is an electronic paper that, once the display content is written when power is supplied, maintains the display of the content even when power is not supplied. The status indicator light 27 is arranged together with the display unit 25, for example, on the front of the variable cassette 22. Note that the chemical dispensing device 400 may also be configured without the status indicator light 27.

[0231] The status indicator light 27 is a light source such as an LED used to indicate the usage status of the variable cassette 22 by its emitted color or emission pattern. The emission pattern includes, for example, states such as off, on, or flashing. The status indicator light 27 is connected to the connector on the variable cassette 22 side, similar to the display unit 25, and when the variable cassette 22 is mounted on the mounting unit 221, the status indicator light 27 and the prescription control unit 1 are electrically connected by the connector. This allows the prescription control unit 1 to change the display of the status indicator light 27. It is also conceivable that the status indicator light 27 be provided on the mounting unit 221 where the variable cassette 22 is mounted.

[0232] Furthermore, in the drug dispensing device 400, the control unit 11 includes a display control unit 113 that controls the display content of the display unit 25 and the status display unit 27. The control unit 11 functions as the display control unit 113 by using the CPU to execute processing according to various programs pre-stored in storage means such as the ROM, EEPROM, or storage unit 12. Here, the display control unit 113 is an example of a display control means. It is also conceivable that the control unit 61 of the dispensing control unit 6 includes the display control unit 113.

[0233] The display control unit 113, by executing the display control processing described later (see Figures 22 and 23), displays dispensing information related to the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22, and status information related to the usage status of the variable cassette 22, using the display unit 25 and the status indicator light 27. The dispensing information includes, for example, one or more pieces of information such as the drug name, drug code, dispensing amount, lot number, expiration date, remaining amount, shortage amount, and the name of the patient to whom the drug is prescribed, corresponding to the drug information. In particular, it is desirable that the display control unit 113 displays at least the drug name, dispensing amount, name of the patient to whom the drug is prescribed, and the status information corresponding to the drug information on the display unit 25. This allows the user to refer to various information regardless of whether the variable cassette 22 is installed or not, thereby increasing work efficiency.

[0234] Furthermore, the display control unit 113 can obtain the dispensing amount and patient name information from the prescription data which includes the drug information. In addition, the display control unit 113 can obtain information such as the lot number and expiration date when the barcode on the container, such as the original medicine bottle in which the drug in the variable cassette 22 was contained, is read by the barcode reader 7. Incidentally, in the drug dispensing device 400 having the status display function, the display unit 25 and the status indicator light 27 are controlled by the display control unit 113, so steps S5 and S9 in the drug dispensing process (see Figure 11) are omitted.

[0235] An example of the display control process performed by the display control unit 113 will be described below with reference to Figures 22 to 24. The display control process is performed in roughly parallel with the drug dispensing process (see Figure 11) and the next prescription assignment process (see Figure 17). The display control unit 113 also performs the display control process individually for each of the variable cassettes 22. Figure 24 shows an example of the display of the display unit 25 and the status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 in the display control process. The differences in the patterns of the status indicator light 27 in Figure 24 indicate differences in the display color or display mode of the status indicator light 27.

[0236] <Step S61> First, in step S61, the display control unit 113 waits for the assignment of the drug information to the variable cassette 22 in the drug dispensing process (see Figure 11) or the next prescription assignment process (see Figure 17) (No side of S61). When waiting for the assignment of the drug information, the display control unit 113 displays an initial screen (see Figure 24(A) or Figure 24(B)) on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22, indicating that the drug information has not been assigned and is in an unassigned state. Then, when the display control unit 113 determines that the drug information has been assigned (Yes side of S61), it moves the process to step S62.

[0237] <Step S62> In step S62, the display control unit 113 causes the display unit 25 and status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 to display the dispensing information and the status information indicating that the variable cassette 22 is in a state of waiting for chemical filling (an example of a state of use).

[0238] Here, Figure 24(C) shows an example of the display of the drug filling waiting state. As shown in Figure 24(C), the display unit 25 includes display areas 252 to 25 where the dispensing information is displayed and a display area 256 where the status information is displayed. Display area 252 is an area where the name of the drug corresponding to the drug information is displayed, and as an example, "Alinamin" is displayed. Display area 253 is an area where the patient name shown in the prescription data containing the drug information is displayed, and as an example, "Yuyama Taro" is displayed. Display area 254 is an area where the JAN code of the drug corresponding to the drug information is displayed as a barcode. Note that the JAN code is an example of a one-dimensional code that indicates the identification information of the drug, and instead of the JAN code, a one-dimensional code such as an RSS code (GS1 DataBar) or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) may be used. Display area 255 is an area where the dispensing amount (prescription amount) of the drug corresponding to the drug information shown in the prescription data containing the drug information is displayed, and as an example, "50 tablets" is displayed. The display control unit 113 reads various types of information to be displayed in the display areas 252 to 256 from the storage unit 12 or the RFID tag 26 and displays them on the display unit 25.

[0239] Furthermore, the status information is displayed in the display area 256 using predetermined numbers, characters (Kanji or alphabet), symbols, figures, or color schemes corresponding to each usage state of the variable cassette 22. In Figure 24(C), the display area 256 shows the characters "D1" indicating that the device is waiting for chemical refilling. Alternatively, the status information could be displayed using characters that allow the user to immediately understand the state, such as the string "refilling" or the single character "recharge" suggesting that the device is waiting for chemical refilling. It is also conceivable that hiding the display area 256 could indicate a single usage state (for example, waiting for chemical refilling).

[0240] Furthermore, in the status indicator lamp 27, the fact that it is in the chemical filling waiting state is indicated by the display color and display mode of the status indicator lamp 27. For example, it is conceivable that the display of the status indicator lamp 27 corresponding to the chemical filling waiting state is a green blinking. Here, the case where the display color and display mode of the status indicator lamp 27 are the same for states that are somewhat similar will be described. On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the content of the display color and display mode of the status indicator lamp 27 differs depending on the usage state of the variable cassette 22.

[0241] <Step S63> In step S63, the display control unit 113 determines whether the variable cassette 22 has been filled with chemicals. For example, the display control unit 113 determines that the variable cassette 22 has been filled with chemicals when a filling completion operation is performed on the operation unit 14 or when the insertion and removal of the variable cassette 22 is detected by the attachment / detachment detection sensor that detects the attachment and detachment of the variable cassette 22. Here, when the display control unit 113 determines that the chemicals have been filled (Yes side in S63), the process proceeds to step S64. The display control unit 113 waits in step S63 until the chemicals are filled (No side in S63).

[0242] <Step S64> In step S64, the display control unit 113 causes the display unit 25 and the status indicator lamp 27 of the variable cassette 22 to display the status information indicating that the variable cassette 22 is in the dispensing state (an example of the usage state).

[0243] Here, FIG. 24(D) shows an example of the display of the dispensing state. In FIG. 24(D), in the display area 256, the fact that it is in the dispensing state is displayed as the character "D2". Also, the status information may be, instead of the character "D2", a character string of "dispensing" or the single character "dispense" suggesting that the drug is being dispensed. Further, in the status indicator lamp 27, the dispensing state is shown by the display color and display mode of the status indicator lamp 27. For example, it is conceivable that the display state of the status indicator lamp 27 indicating the dispensing state is the lighting of green. Also, as shown in FIG. 24(D), even in the dispensing state, as the dispensing information, "Arinamin" is displayed in the display area 252, "Taro Yamanashi" is displayed in the display area 253, the JAN code is displayed in the display area 254, and "50 tablets" is displayed in the display area 255, respectively.

[0244] <Step S65> In step S65, the display control unit 113 determines whether the drug in the variable cassette 22 is insufficient with respect to the dispensing amount of the drug corresponding to the drug information shown in the prescription data including the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22. For example, the display control unit 113 determines that the drug is insufficient when the drug is not dispensed from the variable cassette 22 when the variable cassette 22 is driven for a predetermined time in a state where the amount of the drug dispensed from the variable cassette 22 has not reached the dispensing amount. Here, when the display control unit 113 determines that the drug is insufficient (Yes side of S65), the process proceeds to step S651. Note that when the display control unit 113 determines that the drug is not insufficient (No side of S65), the process proceeds to step S66.

[0245] <Step S651> In step S651, the display control unit 113 causes the display unit 25 and status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 to display status information indicating that the variable cassette 22 is low on chemicals (an example of a usage state) and the amount of chemicals that are running low. Subsequently, the display control unit 113 moves the process to step S63 and waits for the chemicals to be filled into the variable cassette 22 (S63 No. side).

[0246] Here, Figure 24(E) shows an example of the display of the drug shortage state. In Figure 24(E), the display area 256 displays the characters "D3" to indicate that the drug is in short supply. Alternatively, the status information could be the string "Out of Stock" or the single character "Lack" to indicate that the drug is out of stock. Furthermore, the status indicator light 27 indicates the drug shortage state through its display color and display mode. For example, the display state of the status indicator light 27 indicating the drug shortage state is a blinking green, which is the same as the drug waiting to be filled state. Also, as shown in Figure 24(E), even in the drug waiting to be filled state, the dispensing information is displayed as follows: "Alinamin" in the display area 252, "Yuyama Taro" in the display area 253, and the JAN code in the display area 254.

[0247] On the other hand, the display control unit 113 displays the quantity of medicine that needs to be filled into the variable cassette 22, i.e., the amount of medicine that is lacking, in the display area 255 instead of the amount dispensed. In Figure 24(E), "15 tablets" is displayed as the amount of medicine that is lacking. Specifically, the display control unit 113 calculates the amount of medicine that is lacking as the difference between the amount dispensed (prescription amount) shown in the prescription data which includes the medicine information assigned to the variable cassette 22 and the amount that has already been dispensed from the variable cassette 22.

[0248] Furthermore, if the dispensing status is displayed in step S64, the display control unit 113 may decrement the dispensing amount displayed in the display area 255 each time the dispensing of the drug is detected by the counter. As a result, if the drug shortage is reached, the display area 255 will display the amount of the shortage relative to the dispensing amount. It is also possible that the display control unit 113 may display a message indicating that the drug is in short supply but not display the amount of the shortage, or display the amount of the shortage without displaying a message indicating that the drug is in short supply. In addition, if the amount of the shortage is displayed without displaying a message indicating that the drug is in short supply, the display control unit 113 may indicate the drug shortage by flashing the display of the shortage amount, etc.

[0249] <Step S66> In step S66, the display control unit 113 determines whether the dispensing of the drug by the variable cassette 22 has been completed. For example, the display control unit 113 determines whether the dispensing has been completed based on whether it has received a control signal from the control unit 61 indicating that the amount of drug dispensed from the variable cassette 22 as indicated in the prescription data has been dispensed. If the display control unit 113 determines that the dispensing has been completed (Yes side of S66), it proceeds to step S67. If the dispensing has not been completed (No side of S66), the display control unit 113 returns to step S65.

[0250] <Step S67> In step S67, the display control unit 113 branches the process depending on whether or not to perform the residual drug recovery process, which automatically recovers the drugs in the variable cassette 22. The setting regarding whether or not to perform the residual drug recovery process is performed by the control unit 11 in response to user operation on the operation unit 14 during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 400. At this point, the display control unit 113 may also decide not to perform the residual drug recovery process if it determines that the same type continuation function is enabled and that the drug information assigned in the previous prescription data is the same as the drug information assigned in the next prescription data. If the display control unit 113 determines that the residual drug recovery process is set to be performed (Yes side of S67), it moves the process to step S671. On the other hand, if the display control unit 113 determines that the residual drug recovery process is not set to be performed (No side of S67), it moves the process to step S68.

[0251] <Step S671> In step S671, the display control unit 113 causes the display unit 25 and the status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 to display the status information indicating that the variable cassette 22 is in a state of recovering remaining medication (an example of a usage state).

[0252] Here, Figure 24(F) shows an example of the display of the state during the recovery of remaining medication. In Figure 24(F), the display area 256 displays the characters "D4" to indicate that the state of recovery of remaining medication is in progress. Alternatively, the status information could be the string "Recovery" or the single character "Recovery" which indicates that the medication is being recovered. The status information corresponding to the state of recovery of remaining medication may be the same as the status information corresponding to the state of dispensing. Furthermore, the status indicator light 27 indicates the state of recovery of remaining medication by its display color and display mode. For example, the display state of the status indicator light 27 indicating the recovery state is a green light, which is the same as the state of dispensing. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24(F), even while the remaining medication is being collected, the dispensing information displays "Alinamin" in the display area 252, "Yuyama Taro" in the display area 253, the JAN code in the display area 254, and "50 tablets" in the display area 255.

[0253] <Step S672> Then, in step S672, the display control unit 113 waits for the completion of the remaining medication recovery process (No side of S672). When the display control unit 113 determines that the remaining medication recovery process has been completed (Yes side of S672), it moves the process to step S68.

[0254] For example, the display control unit 113 determines the end of the remaining medication retrieval process based on a control signal transmitted from the control unit 61 at the end of the remaining medication retrieval process. The control unit 61 drives the first rotating body 223 and the second rotating body 224 of the variable cassette 22 for a preset retrieval time during the remaining medication retrieval process. As a result, if there are tablets remaining in the variable cassette 22, the tablets are dispensed from the variable cassette 22. At this time, the control unit 61 may terminate the remaining medication retrieval process when a predetermined number of tablets have been dispensed from the variable cassette 22. This makes it possible to terminate the remaining medication retrieval process midway if a large number of tablets remain in the variable cassette 22. The control unit 61 then transmits information indicating whether or not the remaining medication retrieval process was terminated midway, along with the control signal, to the control unit 11 at the end of the remaining medication retrieval process. As a result, the display control unit 113 of the control unit 11 can determine whether the remaining medication recovery process has been terminated midway, that is, whether there is a possibility that tablets remain in the variable cassette 22.

[0255] <Timing of drug information allocation> Incidentally, in the drug dispensing device 400, after dispensing drugs from the variable cassette 22 or after the completion of the remaining drug recovery process, the timing of assigning the next drug information to the variable cassette 22 differs depending on whether the unit of change of the assignment state of the variable cassette 22 is a drug unit or a prescription unit. The setting regarding the unit of change of the assignment state is performed by the control unit 11 in response to user operation to the operation unit 14 during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 400, etc.

[0256] First, if the unit for changing the assignment status of the variable cassette 22 is the drug unit, the dispensing control unit 111 changes the assignment status of one of the variable cassette 22 used in the prescription data to unassigned when the dispensing of drugs from that variable cassette 22 is completed. In this case, the drug dispensing device 400 is individually notified by the control unit 61 of whether or not the dispensing from each of the variable cassette 22 is complete. Therefore, even if multiple variable cassettes 22 are used in a single prescription data, the assignment control unit 112 can, in the next prescription assignment process, assign the drug information of the next prescription data to the variable cassette 22 in order from the variable cassette 22 that has completed dispensing drugs. Note that if the continuous use function is set to disabled, the dispensing control unit 11 may individually set the assignment status of the variable cassette 22 to unassigned based on the insertion and removal operation of the variable cassette 22.

[0257] On the other hand, if the unit for changing the assignment status of the variable cassette 22 is the prescription unit, the dispensing control unit 111 changes the assignment status of each variable cassette 22 to unassigned when the dispensing of drugs from all the variable cassettes 22 used in the prescription data is completed. In this case, the assignment control unit 112 will assign the drug information of the next prescription data in the next prescription assignment process when the dispensing of drugs from all the variable cassettes 22 used in one prescription data is completed. Note that if the continuous use function is set to disabled, the dispensing control unit 111 may individually set the assignment status of the variable cassette 22 to unassigned after the dispensing of drugs from all the variable cassettes 22 used in the prescription data is completed, subject to the insertion and removal operation of the variable cassette 22.

[0258] <Step S68> Then, in the display control process, as shown in Figure 23, in steps S68 to S70, the display on the display unit 25 is changed according to the timing of the next assignment of the drug information to the variable cassette 22. Specifically, in step S68, the display control unit 113 branches the process depending on whether the unit for changing the assignment state of the drug information to each of the variable cassettes 22 is a drug unit or a prescription unit. Here, if the unit for changing the assignment state of the variable cassette 22 is a prescription unit (No side of S68), the display control unit 113 moves the process to step S69. On the other hand, if the unit for changing the assignment state of the variable cassette 22 is a drug unit (Yes side of S68), the display control unit 113 moves the process to step S70.

[0259] <Step S69> In step S69, the display control unit 113 waits for the completion of dispensing the drugs corresponding to all the drug information in the prescription data (No side of S69). For example, when the display control unit 113 receives the dispensing completion notification from the control unit 61, it determines that the dispensing for the prescription data has been completed. Here, when the display control unit 113 determines that the dispensing for the prescription data has been completed (Yes side of S69), it moves the process to step S70.

[0260] <Step S70> Then, in step S70, the display control unit 113 causes the display unit 25 and status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 to display the status information indicating that the variable cassette 22 is in a dispensing completion state (an example of a usage state). That is, in the display control process, when the allocation state of the variable cassette 22 is changed on a drug-by-drug basis, the dispensing completion state is displayed on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 when the dispensing of drugs from the variable cassette 22 is completed. On the other hand, when the allocation state of the variable cassette 22 is changed on a prescription-by-prescription basis, the dispensing completion state is displayed on the display unit 25 of each variable cassette 22 when the dispensing of drugs from all the variable cassettes 22 used in one prescription data is completed.

[0261] Here, FIG. 25(A) is a conceptual diagram showing the change timing of the allocation state when the change unit of the variable cassette 22 is a drug unit, and FIG. 25(B) is a conceptual diagram showing the change timing of the allocation state when the change unit of the variable cassette 22 is a prescription unit. In FIGS. 25(A) and 25(B), an example of the change timing of the allocation state when the variable cassettes 22 with cassette numbers "C1", "C2", and "C3" are used in the prescription data is shown.

[0262] As shown in FIG. 25(A), when the change unit of the allocation state of the variable cassette 22 is a drug unit, when the dispensing from the variable cassette 22 with the cassette number "C1" is completed, it is displayed on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 with the cassette number "C1" that the dispensing is completed. Then, when the variable cassette 22 with the cassette number "C1" is inserted and removed, the allocation state of the variable cassette 22 with the cassette number "C1" is changed to unallocated and the variable cassette 22 becomes available. For each of the variable cassettes 22 with the cassette numbers "C2" and "C3", similar to the variable cassette 22 with the cassette number "C1", the display indicating that the dispensing is completed and the change of the allocation state of the variable cassette 22 are performed independently of the other variable cassettes 22.

[0263] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 25(B), if the unit for changing the assignment status of the variable cassette 22 is the prescription unit, even if the dispensing of the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C1" is completed, the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 with cassette number "C1" will not display that the dispensing is complete. Then, when the dispensing of the variable cassette 22 with cassette numbers "C2" and "C3" is also completed, the display unit 25 of each of the variable cassette 22 with cassette numbers "C1" to "C3" will display that the dispensing is complete. After that, each of the variable cassette 22 with cassette numbers "C1" to "C3" will be removed and inserted, changing the assignment status to unassigned and making the variable cassette 22 usable.

[0264] Furthermore, in step S70, the display control unit 113 switches the display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to the dispensing completion state depending on whether the remaining drug recovery process for the variable cassette 22 has been terminated midway. Here, Figures 24(G) and 24(H) show examples of the display of the dispensing completion state.

[0265] Specifically, if the display control unit 113 receives notification from the control unit 61 that the remaining medication retrieval process has been completed successfully, it displays "D5" in the display area 256, as shown in Figure 24(G), indicating the dispensing completion status corresponding to the successful completion of the remaining medication retrieval process. For example, "D5" could be the string "Dispensed" or the single character "Completed" which suggests the dispensing status has been completed.

[0266] On the other hand, if the display control unit 113 receives notification from the control unit 61 that the remaining medication recovery process has been terminated midway, it displays "D6" in the display area 256, as shown in Figure 24(H), indicating the dispensing completion status corresponding to the termination of the remaining medication recovery process midway. For example, "D6" could be the string "Remaining" or the single character "Remaining," which suggests a state in which there may be a remaining amount.

[0267] As shown in Figures 24(G) and 24(H), the status indicator light 27 indicates the dispensing completion state by its display color and display mode. For example, the status indicator light 27 indicating the dispensing completion state may be illuminated in orange. Also, as shown in Figures 24(G) and 24(H), even in the dispensing completion state, the dispensing information is displayed as follows: "Alinamin" in the display area 252, "Yuyama Taro" in the display area 253, the JAN code in the display area 254, and "50 tablets" in the display area 255.

[0268] <Step S71> In step S71, the display control unit 113 branches the process depending on whether the setting of the continuous use function is enabled or disabled. The display control unit 113 determines that the continuous use function is enabled if at least one of the same type of continuous function and the different type of continuous function is enabled. If the continuous use function is set to enabled (Yes side of S71), the display control unit 113 moves the process to step S711 and executes the continuous use display process (Figure 26) described later. If the continuous use function is set to disabled (No side of S71), the display control unit 113 moves the process to step S72.

[0269] <Step S72> In step S72, the display control unit 113 waits for an insertion or removal operation of the variable cassette 22 (No side of S72). Step S72 is a process for estimating that the user has confirmed that no chemicals remain in the variable cassette 22. The dispensing control unit 111 determines whether or not the variable cassette 22 has been inserted or removed based on the detection result of the insertion / removal detection sensor provided on the mounting unit 221 that detects the insertion and removal of the variable cassette 22. If the display control unit 113 determines that the variable cassette 22 has been inserted or removed (Yes side of S72), it proceeds to step S73.

[0270] <Step S73> In step S73, the display control unit 113 branches the process depending on whether or not there is a previous drug display setting that displays the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 for the previous prescription data as the previous drug information on the display unit 25. The setting regarding the enabling and disabling of the previous drug display setting is performed by the control unit 11 in response to user operation on the operation unit 14 during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 400, etc. If the display control unit 113 determines that the previous drug display setting is disabled (No side of S73), it moves the process to step S74. If it determines that the previous drug display setting is enabled (Yes side of S73), it moves the process to step S731.

[0271] <Step S74> In step S74, the display control unit 113 causes the display unit 25 and status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 to display the status information indicating that the variable cassette 22 is in an unassigned state (an example of a usage state).

[0272] Here, Figure 24(A) shows the initial screen corresponding to the case where the previous drug display setting is invalid and the variable cassette 22 is in the unassigned state. In the initial screen shown in Figure 24(A), the display areas 252 to 256 are not displayed, and only the string "Not registered" is displayed. It is also possible that the display control unit 113 may set the display unit 25 to a non-display state. Furthermore, the status indicator light 27 indicates the unassigned state by its display color and display mode. For example, the status indicator light 27 indicating the unassigned state may be off.

[0273] <Step S731> On the other hand, in step S731, the display control unit 113 causes the display unit 25 and the status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 to display the status information indicating that the variable cassette 22 is in an unassigned state (an example of a usage state).

[0274] Here, Figure 24(B) shows an example of the display when the previous drug display setting is enabled, indicating that the state is unassigned. In Figure 24(B), the drug name "Alinamin," corresponding to the drug information that was previously assigned to the variable cassette 22, is displayed in the display area 252, and the JAN code corresponding to the drug information is displayed in the display area 254. Also in Figure 24(B), "D7" is displayed in the display area 256 as the status information indicating the unassigned state when the previous display setting is enabled. For example, "D7" could be the string "Previous," or the single character "Previous," suggesting a state indicating the previous drug. Furthermore, the status indicator light 27 indicates the unassigned state by its display color and display mode. For example, the display state of the status indicator light 27 indicating the unassigned state could be off.

[0275] Furthermore, if the chemical dispensing device 400 is equipped with a fixing function for fixing chemical information to be assigned to the variable cassette 22, the control unit 11 may be configured to display the name and JAN code of the chemical fixed by the fixing function on the display unit 25. In contrast, in step S731, the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22 displays "D7" indicating that the display area 256 displays information about the chemical used last time. Therefore, it becomes clear whether the chemical information displayed on the display unit 25 is for a chemical that has been fixedly assigned to the variable cassette 22 by the fixing function or for a chemical that was used last time. Furthermore, if chemical information has been fixedly assigned to the variable cassette 22 by the fixing function, the display control unit 113 may display status information in the display area 256 indicating that the chemical information has been fixed by the fixing function.

[0276] As described above, in the chemical dispensing device 400, the display content of the display unit 25 and the status indicator light 27 of each of the variable cassettes 22 is changed as appropriate by the status display function. Therefore, the user can easily understand the status of each of the variable cassettes 22 by referring to the dispensing information and status information of each of the variable cassettes 22 displayed by the display unit 25 and the status indicator light 27 of each of the variable cassettes 22.

[0277] [Continued Use Display Processing] Next, the continuous use indicator processing performed in step S711 will be described with reference to Figures 26 and 27. Here, Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the continuous use indicator processing, and Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the display unit 25 and the status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 in the continuous use indicator processing.

[0278] <Step S75> In step S75, the display control unit 113 determines whether the next prescription data has been issued. If the display control unit 113 determines that the next prescription data has been issued (Yes in S75), it proceeds to step S76. On the other hand, if the display control unit 113 determines that the next prescription data has not been issued (No in S75), it terminates the continued use display process and proceeds to step S72.

[0279] <Step S76> In step S76, the display control unit 113 determines whether the next prescription data will be assigned to the variable cassette 22 the same type of drug information that was assigned to the variable cassette 22 in the previous prescription data. Here, in the drug dispensing device 400, the dispensing control unit 111 determines that if the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 in the previous prescription data is included in the next prescription data, the drug information of the next prescription data will be assigned to the same variable cassette 22. That is, in the drug dispensing device 400, drug information of the same type included in consecutive prescription data will be assigned to the same variable cassette 22. The dispensing control unit 111 obtains the drug information that was assigned to the variable cassette 22 in the previous prescription data from the RFID tag 26 of the variable cassette 22 or from the assignment information 121 stored in the storage unit 12.

[0280] If the display control unit 113 determines that the same type of drug information is assigned to the variable cassette 22 (Yes side of S76), it proceeds to step S761. If the display control unit 113 determines that a different type of drug information is assigned to the variable cassette 22 (No side of S76), it proceeds to step S77.

[0281] <Step S761> In step S761, the display control unit 113 changes the display content of the dispensing state in step S64 to display content indicating that it is the dispensing state (an example of a usage state) when the variable cassette 22 is in continuous use. After that, the display control unit 113 moves the process to step S64. As a result, in step S64, the display content displayed on the display unit 25 by the display control unit 113 becomes the display content corresponding to the dispensing state when the variable cassette 22 is in continuous use.

[0282] Here, Figure 27(A) shows an example of the display of the dispensing state during continuous use of the variable cassette 22. In Figure 27(A), the display area 256 displays the characters "D8" to indicate that the variable cassette 22 is in the dispensing state during continuous use. Alternatively, the status information could be the string "Continue" or the single character "Continue" which suggests a continuous use state. Furthermore, the status indicator light 27 indicates the dispensing state of the variable cassette 22 during continuous use through its display color and display mode. For example, the display state of the status indicator light 27 indicating the dispensing state of the variable cassette 22 during continuous use could be a green light. Furthermore, in Figure 27(A), the dispensing information includes "Alinamin" in the display area 252, "Yuyama Taro" in the display area 253, the JAN code in the display area 254, and "50 tablets" in the display area 255.

[0283] Furthermore, if the dispensing state is displayed in step S64, which is executed after step S761, and then the variable cassette 22 runs out of chemicals, the chemical shortage state is displayed in step S651, as shown in Figure 27(B). On the other hand, after the chemical shortage state is displayed and the variable cassette 22 is filled with chemicals, the display control unit 113 displays the display content on the display unit 25 that indicates the dispensing state for continued use of the variable cassette 22, as set in step S761, as shown in Figure 27(A).

[0284] <Step S77> On the other hand, if the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 is not of the same type (No side of S76), in step S77, the display control unit 113 determines whether the heterogeneous continuation function is enabled or disabled. If the display control unit 113 determines that the heterogeneous continuation function is enabled (Yes side of S77), it proceeds to step S771. If the display control unit 113 determines that the heterogeneous continuation function is disabled (No side of S77), it terminates the continuation use display process and proceeds to step S72.

[0285] <Step S771> In step S771, the display control unit 113 changes the display content of the drug filling waiting state in step S62 to display content indicating that it is in the drug filling waiting state (an example of a usage state) when the variable cassette 22 is in continuous use. After that, the display control unit 113 moves the process to step S62. As a result, the display content displayed in step S62 is the display content corresponding to the drug filling waiting state when the variable cassette 22 is in continuous use.

[0286] Here, Figure 27(C) shows an example of the display of the chemical filling waiting state when the variable cassette 22 is in continuous use. In Figure 27(C), the display area 256 shows the characters "D9" to indicate that the variable cassette 22 is in a chemical filling waiting state when in continuous use. Alternatively, the status information could be the string "Visual Confirmation" or the single character "Visual" to indicate that visual confirmation is required during filling. Furthermore, the status indicator light 27 indicates the chemical filling waiting state when the variable cassette 22 is in continuous use through its display color and display mode. For example, the display state of the status indicator light 27 indicating the chemical filling waiting state when the variable cassette 22 is in continuous use could be a green light. Furthermore, in Figure 27(C), the dispensing information includes "Bufferin" in the display area 252, "Yuyama Taro" in the display area 253, the JAN code in the display area 254, and "50 tablets" in the display area 255.

[0287] Furthermore, if the drug filling waiting state is displayed in step S62, which is executed after step S771, and the variable cassette 22 is filled with drug, the display control unit 113 initializes the display content corresponding to the drug filling waiting state that was changed in step S771. As a result, if the drug filling waiting state is displayed thereafter, "D2," which corresponds to the drug filling waiting state under normal circumstances, will be displayed instead of "D9," which corresponds to the drug filling waiting state when the variable cassette 22 is continuously used, as shown in Figure 27(D).

[0288] [Exception display function] Incidentally, while dispensing medicine using the variable cassette 22 is in progress, an abnormality such as a sudden restart of the medicine dispensing device 400 may occur, or an operation such as deleting the prescription data may be performed. If the prescription data deletion operation is performed, the control unit 11 will delete the prescription data to which the operation was performed, and the dispensing of medicine for that prescription data will be stopped.

[0289] Therefore, it is conceivable that the display control unit 113 has an exception display function that displays the exceptional state using the display unit 25 and status indicator light 27 of each of the variable cassettes 22. Now, with reference to Figures 28 and 29, an example of the procedure for the exception display processing performed by the display control unit 113 to display the exceptional state will be described. The exception display processing is performed in parallel with other processes performed by the control unit 11, such as the drug dispensing process, the next prescription assignment process, and the display control process. Here, Figure 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the exception display processing, and Figure 29 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the display unit 25 and status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 in the exception display processing.

[0290] <Step S81> First, in step S81, the display control unit 113 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred, such as a sudden restart of the chemical dispensing device 400. The abnormality is not limited to a restart of the chemical dispensing device 400, but may include various abnormalities that have been pre-set in the chemical dispensing device 400. If the display control unit 113 determines that an abnormality has occurred (Yes in S81), it proceeds to step S82. If the display control unit 113 determines that no abnormality has occurred (No in S81), it proceeds to step S811.

[0291] <Step S811> Furthermore, in step S811, the display control unit 113 determines whether or not a deletion operation of the prescription data, including the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22, has been performed while the drug is being dispensed by the drug dispensing device 400. The deletion operation of the prescription data is a user operation performed on the operation unit 14, for example, when the prescription data selection screen is displayed on the monitor 13. If the display control unit 113 determines that the deletion operation of the prescription data has been performed (Yes side of S811), it proceeds to step S812. If the display control unit 113 determines that the deletion operation of the prescription data has not been performed (No side of S811), it proceeds to step S81. The deletion operation of the prescription data described herein does not include deletion operations performed before the issuance of the prescription data (before the assignment to the variable cassette 22) or before the dispensing of the drug for the prescription data begins.

[0292] In this way, the display control unit 113 monitors the occurrence of the abnormality and the deletion operation of the prescription data as interrupt events while executing the display control processing (Figures 22 and 23). Then, in response to the occurrence of the interrupt event, the display control processing 113 interrupts the display control processing and executes the processing described later in step S82 or step S812 and onward.

[0293] <Step S82> In step S82, the display control unit 113 causes the display unit 25 and the status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 to display the status information indicating that the abnormality has occurred (an example of a usage state).

[0294] Here, Figure 29(A) shows an example of how the abnormality status is displayed. In Figure 29(A), the display area 256 shows the characters "D10" to indicate that the abnormality has occurred. Alternatively, the status information could be the string "Recovery" or the single character "Time" which indicates that the abnormality requires manual recovery of the medication in the variable cassette 22. Furthermore, the status indicator light 27 indicates the abnormality status by its display color and display mode. For example, the status indicator light 27 indicating the abnormality status could be illuminated in orange (or red). Also in Figure 29(A), the dispensing information shows "Alinamin" in the display area 252, "Yuyama Taro" in the display area 253, the JAN code in the display area 254, and "50 tablets" in the display area 255.

[0295] Furthermore, Figures 29(B) and 29(C) show other display examples indicating the occurrence of the abnormality. In the example shown in Figure 29(B), the display content of the display unit 25 is the same as that shown in Figure 29(A), but the text color and background color of the display areas 252 to 256 of the display unit 25 are inverted, thereby emphasizing the occurrence of the abnormality. As a method of emphasizing the occurrence of the abnormality, a display mode such as flashing the entire display content of the display unit 25 can also be considered. In the example shown in Figure 29(C), the display areas 252 to 256 of the display unit 25 are hidden, and only the string "Abnormality Occurred" is emphasized. In this way, when the abnormality occurs, the display unit 25 displays something that is clearly different from the normal state, making it easy for the user to recognize the occurrence of the abnormality.

[0296] <Step S812> Furthermore, in step S812, the display control unit 113 causes the display unit 25 and the status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 to display the status information indicating that the prescription data has been deleted (an example of a usage state).

[0297] Here, FIG. 29(D) shows an example of displaying the deletion state of the prescription data. In FIG. 29(D), in the display area 256, it is displayed with the characters "D11" that the prescription data is in the deletion state. Also, the status information may be, instead of the characters "D11", a character string of "Deleted" or the single character "Delete" suggesting the state where the prescription data has been deleted. Further, in the status indicator lamp 27, the deletion state of the prescription data is shown by the display color and display mode of the status indicator lamp 27. For example, it is conceivable that the display state of the status indicator lamp 27 indicating the deletion state of the prescription data is the lighting of orange (or red). Also, in FIG. 29(D), as the dispensing information, "Alinamin" is displayed in the display area 252, "Taro Yamanashi" is displayed in the display area 253, the JAN code is displayed in the display area 254, and "50 tablets" is displayed in the display area 255, respectively.

[0298] <Step S83> Thereafter, in step S83, the display control unit 113 waits for the insertion / removal operation of the variable cassette 22 in the same manner as in step S72 (No side of S83). Step S83 is a process for estimating that the state in the variable cassette 22 has been confirmed by the user after the occurrence of the abnormality or the deletion of the prescription data. Here, when the display control unit 113 determines that the insertion / removal operation of the variable cassette 22 has been performed (Yes side of S83), the process proceeds to step S84. In the medicine dispensing device 400, after the occurrence of the abnormality or the deletion of the prescription data, the dispensing control unit 111 does not execute the dispensing of the medicine for the next prescription data until each of the variable cassettes 22 is inserted / removed. Thereby, it is suppressed that the dispensing of the medicine for the next prescription data is started while the state of each of the variable cassettes 22 remains indefinite.

[0299] <Step S84> In step S84, the display control unit 113 branches the process according to whether the previous drug display setting is enabled or disabled, similar to step S73. If the display control unit 113 determines that the previous drug display setting is enabled (Yes side of S84), it proceeds to step S841. If the display control unit 113 determines that the previous drug display setting is disabled (No side of S84), it proceeds to step S85.

[0300] <Step S841> In step S841, the display control unit 113, in the same manner as in step S731, causes the display unit 25 and status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 to display that it is in the unassigned state (see Figure 24(B)). After that, the display control unit 113 returns the process to step S81 and restarts the display control process from step S61.

[0301] <Step S85> Meanwhile, in step S85, the display control unit 113, in the same manner as in step S74, causes the display unit 25 and status indicator light 27 of the variable cassette 22 to display that it is in the unassigned state (see Figure 24(A)). After that, the display control unit 113 returns the process to step S81 and restarts the display control process from step S61.

[0302] As described above, the drug dispensing device 400 has an exception display function that allows it to display on the display unit 25 and the status indicator light 27 when an exceptional situation occurs, such as the occurrence of an abnormality or the deletion of prescription data. Therefore, when such an exceptional situation occurs, the user can be prompted to check the variable cassette 22.

[0303] [Example of display state transitions] Here, with reference to Figures 30 and 31, a specific example of the relationship between the state of the variable cassette 22 in the chemical dispensing device 400 and the display content of the display unit 25 will be described. Here, Figure 30 is a transition table showing the transitions between the state of the variable cassette 22 and the display content of the display unit 25, and Figure 31 is a diagram showing specific display examples of the display unit 25 in each state of the transition table.

[0304] As shown in the transition table in Figure 30, the states of the variable cassette 22 can be broadly classified into 11 stages, from state ST0 to state ST10, and the display content of the display unit 25 and the state indicator light 27 is assigned to each of the states ST0 to ST10.

[0305] Specifically, state ST0 is a "not registered" state in which no drug information has been assigned to the variable cassette 22. The display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to state ST0 is "no display", and the status indicator light 27 is "off". The transition table shown in Figure 30 indicates that when a "prescription registration" event occurs in state ST0, in which drug information corresponding to prescription data is assigned to the variable cassette 22, the system transitions to state ST2.

[0306] Next, state ST1 is a state in which, in state ST7, state ST9, or state ST10, the variable cassette 22 has been inserted and removed, and it has been confirmed that there is no remaining medication in the variable cassette 22. Also, in state ST1, the variable cassette 22 is in a "not registered" state, meaning no medication information has been assigned to it. The display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to state ST1 is "(A)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(A), and the status indicator light 27 is "off". Furthermore, it is indicated that in state ST1, when the event of "prescription registration" occurs, in which medication information corresponding to prescription data is assigned to the variable cassette 22, the system transitions to state ST2.

[0307] Furthermore, state ST2 is a "waiting for replenishment" state until the variable cassette 22 is replenished with medicine. The display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to state ST2 is "(B)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(B), and the state indicator light 27 lights up as "blinking green". If a "power start" event occurs in state ST2, in which the power supply of the medicine dispensing device 400 is reset, the system transitions to state ST10. The same applies to the other states ST3 to ST6 and state ST8 for "power start". Furthermore, if a "medicine replenishment" event occurs, in which it is determined that the variable cassette 22 has been inserted and removed and the medicine has been replenished, the system transitions to state ST3. Furthermore, if a "prescription deletion" event occurs, in which prescription data containing the medicine assigned to the variable cassette 22 is deleted, the system transitions to state ST9. The same applies to the other states ST3 to ST5 and state ST8 for "prescription deletion".

[0308] State ST3 is the "dispensing" state in which the packaging process using the variable cassette 22 is being performed. The display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to state ST3 is "(B)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(B), and the status indicator light 27 is lit "green". If a "shortage" event occurs in state ST3, where there is a shortage of medicine in the variable cassette 22, the system transitions to state ST5. On the other hand, if a "dispensing complete" event occurs in state ST3, where the dispensing of medicine from the variable cassette 22 is completed, the system transitions to state ST6 if the remaining medicine recovery process is performed, or to state ST7 if the remaining medicine recovery process is not performed.

[0309] State ST4 is a state in which, in state ST7, at least one of the same-type continuation function and the different-type continuation function is enabled, and the event of "continuous prescription registration" has occurred, in which the same drug as the previous time is assigned. Also, in state ST4, the dispensing process using the variable cassette 22 is being performed, which is the "dispensing in progress" state. The display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to state ST4 is "(F)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(F), and the status indicator light 27 is lit "green". Then, in state ST4, the state transitions in the same way as in state ST3.

[0310] State ST5 is a "waiting for replenishment" state, which occurs after the chemical in the variable cassette 22 has run out and before the chemical is replenished. The display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to state ST5 is "(C)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(C), and the state indicator light 27 lights up as "blinking green". When the event of "chemical replenishment" occurs in state ST5, if the preceding state to state ST5 was state ST3, the system returns to state ST3, and if the preceding state to state ST5 was state ST4, the system returns to state ST4.

[0311] State ST6 is the "automatic recovery in progress" state in which the residual drug recovery process is being performed on the variable cassette 22. The display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to state ST6 is "(B)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(B) if the preceding state ST6 was state ST3, and "(F)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(F) if the preceding state ST6 was state ST4, and in both cases the status indicator light 27 lights up "orange". Then, in state ST6, if the event of "automatic recovery completed" occurs, ending the residual drug recovery process, the system transitions to state ST7.

[0312] State ST7 is the "packaging complete" state, where the packaging process using the variable cassette 22 has been completed. In state ST7, the variable cassette 22 has not yet been inserted or removed. The display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to state ST7 is "(D)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(D) when the residual drug recovery process has been completed successfully, and "(H)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(H) when the residual drug recovery process has been completed because the maximum number of recoverable tablets has been recovered. In both cases, the status indicator light 27 lights up orange.

[0313] In state ST7, if the variable cassette 22 is inserted or removed and the event of "checking remaining medication in the cassette" occurs, in which it is confirmed that there is no remaining medication in the variable cassette 22, the display unit 25 will transition to state ST0 or state ST1 depending on whether the previous medication display setting is invalid ("X") or enabled ("Y") as the standby display pattern.

[0314] Furthermore, in state ST7, if a "continuous prescription registration (same drug as last time)" event occurs in which prescription data is issued that assigns the same drug to the drug cassette 22 as the drug assigned to the variable cassette 22, the state transitions depending on whether the same-type continuation function and the different-type continuation function are enabled or disabled. Specifically, if at least one of the same-type continuation function and the different-type continuation function is enabled, "(b)" and "(c)" transition to state ST4. On the other hand, if both the same-type continuation function and the different-type continuation function are "disabled", state ST7 continues in "(a)".

[0315] On the other hand, in state ST7, even if a "continuous prescription registration (different medication from the previous one)" event occurs in which prescription data is issued that assigns a different medication to the medication cassette 22 than the one previously assigned to the variable cassette 22, the state transitions depending on whether the same-type continuation function and the different-type continuation function are enabled or disabled. Specifically, if the different-type continuation function is enabled, "(c)" transitions to state ST8. On the other hand, if the different-type continuation function is "disabled", "(a), (b)" continue in state ST7.

[0316] State ST8 is a "waiting for replenishment" state until the chemicals assigned to the variable cassette 22 in state ST7 are replenished. The display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to state ST8 is "(E)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(E), and the status indicator light 27 lights up "orange". When the "chemical replenishment" event occurs in state ST8, the system transitions to state ST3.

[0317] State ST9 is the state of "waiting for confirmation of deleted tablets" after the "deletion of prescription" event has occurred, until the variable cassette 22 has been inserted and removed and the remaining medication in the variable cassette 22 has been confirmed. The display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to state ST9 is "(G)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(G), and the status indicator light 27 lights up "orange". If the "confirmation of remaining medication in cassette" event occurs in state ST9, the system transitions to state ST0 or state ST1 depending on whether the previous medication display setting was invalid ("X") or enabled ("Y").

[0318] State ST10 is the state of "waiting for manual retrieval" after the "power-on" event has occurred, until the variable cassette 22 has been inserted and removed and the remaining medication in the variable cassette 22 has been confirmed. The display content of the display unit 25 corresponding to state ST10 is "(I)" corresponding to the display example in Figure 31(I), and the status indicator light 27 lights up "orange". If the "check remaining medication in cassette" event occurs in state ST10, the system transitions to state ST0 or state ST1 depending on whether the previous medication display setting was invalid ("X") or enabled ("Y").

[0319] [Fixed cassette display function] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, each of the fixed cassettes 21 is provided with a display unit 291 and a status indicator light 292, and the display control unit 113 is thought to have a fixed cassette display function that controls the display of the display unit 291 and the status indicator light 292. It is also thought that the display unit 291 and the status indicator light 292 are provided in the mounting unit 211 to which each of the fixed cassettes 21 is mounted, corresponding to each of the fixed cassettes 21. Here, the display unit 291 is an example of a drug identification display means.

[0320] The display unit 291, like the display unit 25, is an electronic paper display provided on the front of the fixed cassette 21. The display unit 291 may also be a liquid crystal display panel or the like. The status indicator light 292 is a light source such as an LED, provided together with the display unit 291 on the front of the fixed cassette 21, and used to indicate the usage status of the fixed cassette 21 by its emitted color or emission pattern. The emission pattern includes, for example, states such as off, on, or blinking. The display control unit 113 changes the display of the status indicator light 292 according to the usage status of the fixed cassette 21.

[0321] In the chemical dispensing device 400 configured in this way, the display control unit 113 can display various types of information pre-set on the display unit 291 as needed. Here, the display control unit 113 when executing the display process is an example of a specific display control means. The various types of information include information about the chemicals stored in the fixed cassette 21, and include chemical identification information, remaining amount, lot number, and expiration date. The chemical identification information includes the chemical name, chemical code, JAN code (barcode), RSS code (GS1 DataBar), or QR code (registered trademark). It is also conceivable that the JAN code (barcode), RSS code (GS1 DataBar), or QR code (registered trademark) may include information such as the chemical lot number or expiration date. This allows the user to easily check the chemical identification information, remaining amount, lot number, and expiration date of the chemicals stored in the fixed cassette 21.

[0322] In particular, it is desirable that the display control unit 113 be able to display the remaining amount of the medicine contained in the fixed cassette 21 on the display unit 291. For example, when filling the fixed cassette 21 with medicine, the display control unit 113 accepts input of the filling amount through user operation on the operation unit 14. It is also conceivable that when a barcode printed on the container of the medicine to be filled into the fixed cassette 21, such as the original medicine bottle, is read by the barcode reader 7, the display control unit 113 accepts the amount of medicine contained in the barcode information as the filling amount. Here, the display control unit 113 when accepting input of the filling amount is an example of a filling amount receiving means.

[0323] The display control unit 113 then increases the remaining amount of the drug displayed on the display unit 291 according to the filling amount. For example, if the current remaining amount of the drug in the fixed cassette 21 is 0, the filling amount is displayed on the display unit 291 as the remaining amount of the drug. If the remaining amount of the drug in the fixed cassette 21 is not 0, the display control unit 113 adds the filling amount to the remaining amount of the drug and displays the result of this addition on the display unit 291 as the remaining amount of the drug.

[0324] Meanwhile, the display control unit 113 obtains the amount of medication dispensed from the fixed cassette 21 using an optical sensor or the like, and counts the tablets dispensed from the fixed cassette 21 from a counter (an example of a specific counting means). It is also conceivable that the display control unit 113 obtains the amount of medication dispensed from the fixed cassette 21 based on the prescription data issued by the medication dispensing device 400. Then, the display control unit 113 reduces the remaining amount of medication displayed on the display unit 291 according to the amount dispensed. As a result, the current remaining amount of medication is displayed on the display unit 291 of the fixed cassette 21.

[0325] [Drug cassette display function] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the drug dispensing device 400 may also be configured such that the powder supply unit 3 is equipped with a plurality of powder cassettes 33 from which pre-filled powders can be dispensed. With the drug dispensing device 400 configured in this way, the powder can be automatically dispensed from each of the powder cassettes 33, thereby reducing the effort required of the user to weigh and dispense the powder.

[0326] Specifically, the powder supply unit 3 may further include a cassette mounting section, a cassette moving mechanism, and a powder dispensing mechanism. Multiple powder cassettes 33 are mounted on the cassette mounting section. The cassette moving mechanism moves the powder cassette 33 selected by the dispensing control unit 111 in response to the input of prescription data from the cassette mounting section to the input section 31 or input section 32 of the powder supply unit 3. The cassette moving mechanism is, for example, a robotic arm that grasps and moves the powder cassette 33. The powder dispensing mechanism dispenses the powder while measuring the amount of powder dispensed from each of the powder cassettes 33. The powder dispensing mechanism includes a vibrating feeder that dispenses a predetermined amount of powder from the powder cassettes 33 by vibrating the powder cassettes 33, and a weighing unit that weighs the amount of powder transported by the vibrating feeder.

[0327] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, each of the powdered medicine cassettes 33 is provided with a display unit 331 and a status indicator light 332, and the display control unit 113 is thought to have a powdered medicine cassette display function that controls the display of the display unit 331 and the status indicator light 332. It is also thought that the display unit 331 and the status indicator light 332 are provided in the mounting section where each of the powdered medicine cassettes 33 is mounted, corresponding to each of the powdered medicine cassettes 33.

[0328] The display unit 331, like the display unit 25, is an electronic paper display provided on the front of the powdered medicine cassette 33. The display unit 331 may also be a liquid crystal display panel or the like. The status indicator light 332 is a light source such as an LED, provided together with the display unit 331 on the front of the powdered medicine cassette 33, and used to indicate the usage status of the powdered medicine cassette 33 by its emitted color or emission pattern. The emission pattern includes, for example, states such as off, on, or blinking. The display control unit 113 changes the display of the status indicator light 332 according to the usage status of the powdered medicine cassette 33.

[0329] In the drug dispensing device 400 configured in this way, the display control unit 113 can display various types of information pre-set on the display unit 331 as needed. Here, the display control unit 113 when executing the display process is also an example of a display control means. The various types of information include information about the drugs contained in the powdered drug cassette 33, and include drug identification information, remaining amount, lot number, and expiration date. The drug identification information includes the drug name, drug code, JAN code (barcode), RSS code (GS1 DataBar), or QR code (registered trademark). It is also conceivable that the JAN code (barcode), RSS code (GS1 DataBar), or QR code (registered trademark) may include information such as the drug's lot number or expiration date.

[0330] In particular, it is desirable that the display control unit 113 be able to display the remaining amount of medicine contained in the powdered medicine cassette 33 on the display unit 331. For example, when filling the powdered medicine cassette 33, the display control unit 113 accepts input of the filling amount through user operation of the operation unit 14 or the like. It is also conceivable that when the barcode printed on the container of the medicine to be filled into the powdered medicine cassette 33, such as the original medicine bottle, is read by the barcode reader 7, the display control unit 113 accepts the amount of medicine contained in the barcode information as the filling amount. Here, the display control unit 113 when accepting input of the filling amount is an example of a filling amount receiving means.

[0331] The display control unit 113 then increases the remaining amount of the drug displayed on the display unit 331 according to the filling amount. For example, if the current remaining amount of the drug in the powder cassette 33 is 0, the filling amount is displayed on the display unit 331 as the remaining amount of the drug. If the remaining amount of the drug in the powder cassette 33 is not 0, the display control unit 113 adds the filling amount to the remaining amount of the drug and displays the result of this addition on the display unit 331 as the remaining amount of the drug.

[0332] On the other hand, the display control unit 113 obtains the amount of powder dispensed from the powder dispensing cassette 33 from the powder dispensing mechanism. It is also conceivable that the display control unit 113 obtains the amount of powder dispensed from the powder dispensing cassette 33 based on the prescription data issued by the drug dispensing device 400. Then, the display control unit 113 reduces the remaining amount of the drug displayed on the display unit 331 according to the amount dispensed.

[0333] [Remaining drug reuse function] In the drug dispensing device 400, when the residual drug recovery process is executed, any remaining drug in the variable cassette 22 after the required amount of drug has been dispensed from the variable cassette 22 can be recovered. In particular, in the drug dispensing device 400, the control unit 61, in the residual drug recovery process, uses the packaging unit 5 to place the drugs from each of the variable cassettes 22 into different packaging papers 52 according to the type of drug. Specifically, the drugs from one variable cassette 22 are collected and placed into one packaging paper 52. Therefore, in the residual drug recovery process, the same number of packaging papers 52 as the number of variable cassettes 22 used when dispensing drugs for the prescription data are output. Hereinafter, the packaging paper 52 in which the residual drugs recovered from the variable cassette 22 are placed will be referred to as recovery packages 521. The user places the recovery packages 521 in a container provided near the drug dispensing device 400.

[0334] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device 400 has a drug reuse function that supports the reuse of the drug recovered in the recovery package 521 by the drug recovery process, as described below. Specifically, in the drug dispensing device 400, as shown in Figure 16, the control unit 11 includes a drug reuse control unit 114 that performs processing to support the reuse of the drug recovered in the packaging paper 52 by the drug recovery process. The control unit 11 functions as the drug reuse control unit 114 by using the CPU to perform processing according to various programs pre-stored in storage means such as the ROM, EEPROM, or storage unit 12. Here, the drug reuse control unit 114 is an example of drug reuse control means.

[0335] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the drug dispensing device 400 is equipped with a printer 53 (an example of a printing means) capable of printing information such as characters or images on the packaging paper 52 used in the packaging unit 5 based on control instructions from the control unit 11 or the control unit 61. In the drug dispensing device 400, after the drug is dispensed from the tablet supply unit 5 and before the drug is placed in the packaging paper 52, the printer 53 can print on the packaging paper 52 in which the drug is placed. Such a configuration is also disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-62945.

[0336] Specifically, the tablet supply unit 5 is provided with one or more buffer sections that temporarily store the medicine dispensed from the fixed cassette 21 or the variable cassette 22 in front of the packaging unit 5. After the medicine is dispensed from the fixed cassette 21 or the variable cassette 22, the control unit 61 causes the printer 53 to print information such as the amount of medicine dispensed from the fixed cassette 21 or the variable cassette 22 onto the packaging paper 52. Subsequently, the control unit 61 controls the packaging unit 5 so that when the packaging paper 52 is transported to the medicine input section of the packaging unit 5, the medicine that was waiting in the buffer section is packaged in the packaging paper 52.

[0337] At this time, the control unit 61 uses the printer 53 to print information such as the drug name, drug code, JAN code (barcode), recovered quantity, and recovery number of the drug contained in the recovery package 521 from the variable cassette 22 by the residual drug recovery process onto the recovery package 521. This allows the user to easily understand the drug contained in the recovery package 521 or the recovered quantity. Here, the drug name, drug code, and JAN code are examples of identification information for identifying the drug. The JAN code is an example of a one-dimensional code that indicates the identification information of the drug, and a one-dimensional code such as an RSS code (GS1 DataBar) or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) may be used instead of the JAN code. The control unit 61 also obtains the recovered quantity of the drug from the counter that counts the drug dispensed from the variable cassette 22 during the residual drug recovery process. The recovery number is a number assigned sequentially to the recovery package 521 by the control unit 61, for example. Thus, the control unit 61 is an example of a print control means when performing a printing process to print information onto the recovery package 521 using the printer 53.

[0338] Here, Figure 32(A) shows an example of the printing result of the drug packaging sheet 51 output from the drug dispensing device 400 for one prescription data. As shown in Figure 32(A), the packaging paper 52 of the drug packaging sheet 51, which contains the drugs packaged according to the prescription data, has the patient's name, the timing of administration, the drug name, and the number of drugs printed on it. In addition, the first packaging paper 52 of the drug packaging sheet 51 has drug inspection printing information 522 printed on it for inspecting the drugs packaged in each of the packaging papers 52 of the drug packaging sheet 51 according to the prescription data.

[0339] The last part of the drug packaging sheet 51 contains the same number of recovery packets 521 as the number of variable cassettes 22 used when dispensing the drugs from the prescription data. Each recovery packet 521 is printed with a recovery number to identify it and the string "Recovery Packet" to indicate that it contains the remaining drugs recovered from the variable cassettes 22. The recovery packet 521 is also printed with the drug name corresponding to the remaining drugs contained in it, a barcode indicating the JAN code corresponding to the remaining drugs, and the amount of drugs recovered in the recovery packet 521. For example, as shown in Figure 32(A), the recovery packet 521 with recovery number "1" has "Drug M1" printed as the drug name of the remaining drugs and "4 tablets" printed as the amount recovered. Similarly, the recovery packet 521 with recovery number "2" has "Drug M2" printed as the drug name of the remaining drugs and "3 tablets" printed as the amount recovered.

[0340] The following describes an example of the procedure for the remaining medication control process performed by the remaining medication control unit 114, with reference to Figure 33. The remaining medication control process is performed in roughly parallel with other processes performed by the control unit 11, such as the drug dispensing process, the next prescription assignment process, the display control process, and the exception display process.

[0341] In the drug dispensing device 400 having the function for reusing leftover medication, steps S10, S16, and S17 in the drug dispensing process and the packaging control process (see Figure 11) are omitted. In the drug dispensing device 400, the dispensing control unit 111 notifies whether or not the leftover medication recovery process is to be performed when the start of the packaging operation is requested in step S7. Furthermore, if the control unit 61 receives notification from the dispensing control unit 111 that the leftover medication recovery process will be executed, it executes the leftover medication recovery process immediately following the packaging operation in step S14. The control unit 61 then transmits the drug name, drug code, and the number of recovered packages 521 of the leftover medication dispensed from each of the variable cassettes 22, as leftover medication information to the control unit 11 during the leftover medication recovery process. Furthermore, if no remaining medication is dispensed from each of the variable cassettes 22 during the remaining medication recovery process, the control unit 61 may choose not to transmit the remaining medication information to the control unit 11.

[0342] <Step S91> First, in step S91, the remaining medication control unit 114 waits for the remaining medication information to be received from the control unit 61 (No side of S91). Then, when the remaining medication control unit 114 receives the remaining medication information (Yes side of S91), it moves the process to step S92.

[0343] <Step S92> In step S92, the remaining drug control unit 114 stores the remaining drug information in the storage unit 12 as recovery information 123 relating to the drug recovered by the remaining drug recovery process. Here, the remaining drug control unit 114 when executing the storage process is an example of a storage control means. The recovery information 123 includes information on the recovery packets 521 that remain unused after being recovered by the remaining drug recovery process in the drug dispensing device 400. Here, Figure 34(A) shows an example of the recovery information 123. The recovery information 123 shown in Figure 34(A) includes the recovery number of the unused recovery packet 521, the drug code of the remaining drug contained in the unused recovery packet 521, and the drug name of the remaining drug. As a result, the remaining drug control unit 114 can determine the presence or absence of the recovery packets 521 and the number of recovery packets 521 for each drug type based on the recovery information 123. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 34(A), it can be seen that there are two recovery packets 521 for drug name "drug M1" and one recovery packet 521 for drug name "drug M2" remaining.

[0344] <Step S93> Then, in step S93, the remaining medication control unit 114 displays the recovery information 123 on the monitor 13. Here, the remaining medication control unit 114 when performing a display process to display information related to the recovery information 123 is an example of a recovery information display means. Specifically, the remaining medication control unit 114 displays a recovery package monitor screen 131 showing information about unused recovery packages 521 on the monitor 13 based on the recovery information 123. The recovery package monitor screen 131 may be displayed as a pop-up overlaid on the package monitor screen 132 (see Figure 36), which will be described later. Furthermore, the remaining medication control unit 114 can display the recovery package monitor screen 131 showing the recovery information 123 on the monitor 13 in response to the operation of an operation key provided to display the recovery information 123 on the package monitor screen 132 (see Figure 36). This allows the user to refer to the recovery information 123 and determine whether or not the chemicals in the recovery pack 521 can be used when filling the variable cassette 22 with chemicals.

[0345] Here, Figures 35(A) and 35(B) show an example of the recovery package monitor screen 131. Specifically, in the recovery package monitor screen 131 shown in Figure 35(A), the drug code and drug name of the remaining drug, and the number of recovery packages 521 containing the remaining drug are displayed for each type of remaining drug. When any of the remaining drugs is selected and the operation key K1 is operated, the remaining drug control unit 114 displays the recovery package monitor screen 131 shown in Figure 35(B). In the recovery package monitor screen 131 shown in Figure 35(B), the recovery No. of the recovery package 521, the drug code and drug name of the remaining drug, and the number of recovery packages 521 containing the remaining drug are displayed for each recovery package 521 containing the same type of remaining drug.

[0346] Furthermore, when the operation key K2 displayed on the recovery package monitor screen 131 in Figures 35(A) and 35(B) is operated, the remaining medication control unit 114 closes the recovery package monitor screen 131. Also, after one of the recovery packages 521 displayed on the recovery package monitor screen 131 in Figure 35(B) is selected, if the operation key K1 is operated, the remaining medication control unit 114 displays detailed information about the selected recovery package 521. For example, the detailed information about the recovery package 521 includes the identification information of the prescription data when the remaining medication was recovered (such as the prescription ID), the patient name in the prescription data, the recovery date of the remaining medication, the lot number of the remaining medication, and the expiration date of the remaining medication.

[0347] <Step S94> In step S94, the remaining medication control unit 114 determines whether or not the medication information has been assigned to the variable cassette 22 in the medication dispensing process (see Figure 11). If the remaining medication control unit 114 determines that the medication information has been assigned to the variable cassette 22 (Yes side of S94), it proceeds to step S95. On the other hand, until the medication information has been assigned to the variable cassette 22 (No side of S94), the remaining medication control unit 114 returns to step S91.

[0348] <Step S95> In step S95, the remaining medication control unit 114 determines, based on the recovery information 123 stored in the storage unit 12, whether or not there is a recovery package 521 containing the same type of drug as the drug corresponding to the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22. Here, the remaining medication control unit 114 when executing the determination process is an example of a determination means. If the remaining medication control unit 114 determines that there is a recovery package 521 containing the same type of drug as the drug corresponding to the drug information (Yes side of S95), it proceeds to step S96. If the remaining medication control unit 114 determines that there is no recovery package 521 containing the same type of drug as the drug corresponding to the drug information (No side of S95), it returns to step S91.

[0349] <Step S96> In step S96, the remaining medication control unit 114 causes the dispensing monitor screen 132, which includes a prescription display unit 1321 that displays the prescription data information, to display a remaining medication display unit 1322 indicating the presence of a recovery package 521 containing the same type of medication as the medication corresponding to the medication information. This allows the user to easily determine whether or not the medication in the recovery package 521 can be used when filling the variable cassette 22 with medication. In other words, the medication dispensing device 400 supports the reuse of the medication in the recovery package 521 when filling the variable cassette 22 with medication. The remaining medication control unit 114 when executing the display process to display the remaining medication display unit 1322 is also an example of a recovery information display means.

[0350] Here, Figure 36 shows an example of the dispensing monitor screen 132. The prescription display unit 1321 displays information such as patient ID, patient name, medical department, number of packages, and the number of drugs (FT drugs) to be used in the variable cassette 22, as part of the prescription data for the issued dispensing targets. The remaining drug display unit 1322 displays drug information corresponding to the unused recovered package 521 from the drug information included in the prescription data. If the prescription data includes drug information corresponding to multiple drugs of the same type as the unused recovered package 521, the remaining drug display unit 1322 will display multiple drug information entries.

[0351] <Step S97> In step S97, the remaining medication control unit 114 displays a usage confirmation screen 133 on the monitor 13 for the user to select whether or not to use the unused recovery pack 521, based on the drug information corresponding to the same type of drug as the unused recovery pack 521 among the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22. For example, the usage confirmation screen 133 is displayed as a pop-up screen while the dispensing monitor screen 132 is being displayed. In another embodiment, the remaining medication control unit 114 may also display the usage confirmation screen 133 when a selection operation is performed on the drug information displayed on the remaining medication display unit 1322. Furthermore, if there are multiple recovery packs 521, the remaining medication control unit 114 may also display a recovery pack selection screen similar to the recovery pack monitor screen 131 (see Figure 35(B)) and allow the user to select the recovery pack 521.

[0352] Here, Figure 37(A) shows an example of the usage confirmation screen 133. The usage confirmation screen 133 shown in Figure 37(A) displays a message indicating that the chemical to be used in the variable cassette 22 remains as the recovery packet 521, and a message requesting an answer as to whether or not to use the recovery packet 521. The usage confirmation screen 133 also displays operation keys K11 and K12 for selecting whether or not to use the recovery packet 521.

[0353] <Step S98> Then, in step S98, the remaining medication control unit 114 branches the process according to the user's response regarding whether or not to use the recovery packet 521. Specifically, if the remaining medication control unit 114 determines that the user has selected to use the recovery packet 521 by operating the operation key K11 (Yes side of S98), it proceeds to step S99. If the remaining medication control unit 114 determines that the user has selected not to use the recovery packet 521 by operating the operation key K12 (Np side of S98), it proceeds to step S91.

[0354] <Step S99> In step S99, the remaining medication control unit 114 displays a verification screen 134 on the monitor 13 to assist in the verification of the recovery package 521. Here, Figure 37(B) shows an example of the verification screen 134. The verification screen 134 shown in Figure 37(B) displays the procedure for verifying the recovery package 521. Specifically, the verification screen 134 indicates that it is necessary to first read the barcode displayed on the display unit 25 of the variable cassette 22, and then read the barcode printed on the recovery package 521. This causes the user to sequentially read the barcode displayed on the display unit 25 and the barcode printed on the recovery package 521 using the barcode reader 7.

[0355] <Step S100> In step S100, the remaining medication control unit 114 waits for the barcode reader 7 to read information from the barcode (No side of S100). When the remaining medication control unit 114 determines that the barcode reader 7 has read information from the barcode (Yes side of S100), it proceeds to step S101.

[0356] <Step S101> In step S101, the remaining medication control unit 114 displays the drug code and drug name identified based on the information read from the barcode in the drug code and drug name display fields on the matching screen 134.

[0357] <Step S102> In step S102, the remaining medication control unit 114 waits again for the barcode reader 7 to read information from the barcode (No side of S102). If the remaining medication control unit 114 determines that the barcode reader 7 has read information from the barcode (Yes side of S102), it proceeds to step S103.

[0358] <Step S103> In step S103, the remaining medication control unit 114 checks whether the drug information indicated by the barcode read in step S100 matches the drug information indicated by the barcode read in step S102. Here, the remaining medication control unit 114 when executing the matching process is an example of a matching means. It is also conceivable that the remaining medication control unit 114 determines whether the drug information read from two barcodes read in any order using the barcode reader 7 matches.

[0359] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the information indicated by the barcode displayed on the display unit 25 and the information indicated by the barcode printed on the recovery package 521 each contain information that allows them to distinguish from each other. In this case, the remaining medication control unit 114 can determine whether the barcode read by the barcode reader 7 was read from the display unit 25 or the recovery package 521. For example, the remaining medication control unit 114 may display an error if the barcode on the recovery package 521 is read first by the barcode reader 7.

[0360] Furthermore, in step S103, the remaining medication control unit 114 may also confirm that the recovery number included in the barcode read in step S102 is stored in the recovery information 123, that is, that the recovery package 521 corresponding to the recovery number is unused. The remaining medication control unit 114 may also confirm that the recovery package 521 is currently usable based on information such as the lot number or expiration date of the medicine contained in the recovery package 521 corresponding to the recovery number. If the remaining medication control unit 114 has used up the recovery package 521 or if the recovery package 521 is not usable, it may display a message to that effect on the monitor 13 to inform the user.

[0361] <Step S104> Then, in step S104, the remaining medication control unit 114 branches the process according to the matching result in step S103. Specifically, if the matching result is a match (Yes side of S104), the remaining medication control unit 114 moves the process to step S105. If the matching result is not a match (No side of S104), the remaining medication control unit 114 displays "NG" or the like in the matching result display field of the matching screen 134, and then moves the process to step S97.

[0362] <Step S105> In step S105, the remaining medication control unit 114 displays "OK" or the like in the verification result display field of the verification screen 134, informing the user that the recovery packet 521 is usable. As a result, the user fills the variable cassette 22 with the medication contained in the recovery packet 521. This prevents the variable cassette 22 from being filled with the wrong medication.

[0363] <Step S106> Furthermore, in step S106, the remaining medication control unit 114 erases the information of the recovery package 521 corresponding to the barcode read in step S102 from the recovery information 123 in the storage unit 12. As a result, only the information of unused recovery packages 521 remains in the recovery information 123.

[0364] For example, if the barcode on the recovery information 123 and the recovery package 521 does not contain information such as the recovery number that identifies each of the recovery packages 521, the remaining medication control unit 114 may reduce the number of recovery packages 521 containing the drug corresponding to the barcode read in step S102 by one. In addition, in step S92, the remaining medication control unit 114 adds the number stored in the recovery information 123 as the number of recovery packages 521 corresponding to the same type of drug, based on the remaining medication information. The remaining medication reuse function can be realized even with such a simple management method.

[0365] Furthermore, if the barcode on the recovery package 521 contains identification information that can identify the recovery package 521, such as the recovery number of the recovery package 521, the remaining medication control unit 114 can delete the information of the recovery package 521 identified based on the identification information from the recovery information 123 in step S106. It is also conceivable that the remaining medication control unit 114 may save the information of the recovery package 521 as history, along with information such as the prescription data of the time of use and the target of use, even after the recovery package 521 has been used.

[0366] As described above, the drug dispensing device 400, through the residual drug reuse function, can support the reuse of the drugs in the recovery pack 521 that were recovered during the residual drug recovery process when dispensing drugs from prescription data issued in the past. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the waste of drugs in the recovery pack 521, and the effort required of the user to return the drugs in the recovery pack 521 to a storage container (box, bottle, etc.) provided on a drug shelf is also reduced.

[0367] Furthermore, the application of the remaining medication reuse function is not limited to cases where the medication dispensing process described in the first embodiment (see Figure 11) is performed, in which medication information is assigned to the variable cassette 22 upon issuance of the prescription data. For example, the remaining medication reuse function can also be applied when medication information is assigned to the variable cassette 22 before the issuance of the prescription data, as in the second and third embodiments.

[0368] Incidentally, in the drug dispensing device 400, it is conceivable that the recovery package 521 will also be output for the variable cassette 22 to which drug information has been assigned for the prescription data, even if no remaining drug was dispensed during the remaining drug recovery process. However, in the drug dispensing device 400, after the drug has been dispensed from the variable cassette 22 but before the drug is placed in the recovery package 521, the printer 53 can print information on the recovery package 521. Therefore, the control unit 61 may omit the output of the recovery package 521 corresponding to the variable cassette 22 from which no remaining drug was dispensed during the remaining drug recovery process. This prevents waste of the recovery package 521.

[0369] On the other hand, the drug dispensing device 400 may also be configured in such a way that the printer 53 cannot print information on the recovery pack 521 after the drug has been dispensed from the variable cassette 22 but before the drug is placed in the recovery pack 521. In this case, since the number of drugs to be dispensed from the variable cassette 22 is unknown when the printer 53 prints, the control unit 61 omits printing information regarding the amount of drugs to be recovered onto the recovery pack 521. Furthermore, in such a configuration, since it is also unknown whether or not any remaining drugs are dispensed from the variable cassette 22 when the printer 53 prints, the drug pack sheet 51 is always accompanied by the same number of recovery packs 521 as the number of variable cassettes 22 to which drug information has been assigned for the prescription data. That is, if no drugs remain in the variable cassette 22, the recovery pack 521 corresponding to the variable cassette 22 is output as an empty pack.

[0370] Furthermore, in the drug dispensing device 400, the control unit 61 can also use the packaging unit 5 to consolidate the drugs from each of the variable cassettes 22 and place them into a single packaging sheet 52 during the residual drug recovery process. The settings for the residual drug recovery process are set by the control unit 11 according to the user operation of the operation unit 14 during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 400. For example, the control unit 11 can select, according to the user operation of the operation unit 14, either a method of individually packaging the drugs from each of the variable cassettes 22 into the packaging sheet 52, or a method of consolidating the drugs from each of the variable cassettes 22 and packaging them together into the packaging sheet 52.

[0371] Here, Figure 32(B) shows an example of the drug packaging sheet 51 when the remaining medication recovered from one or more of the variable cassettes 22 used in one prescription data is contained in one recovery package 523. As shown in Figure 32(B), the recovery package 523 has only the string "Recovery Package" printed on it, indicating that it is a recovery package containing the remaining medication recovered from the variable cassettes 22. That is, the recovery package 253 does not have information such as the drug name, JAN code, and recovered amount printed on it. In this configuration, where the remaining medication recovered from the variable cassettes 22 used in one prescription data is always recovered in one recovery package 253, the amount of recovery package 253 used is reduced.

[0372] [Other examples of medication control processes] Incidentally, in the remaining medication control process (see Figure 33), it is also conceivable that the remaining medication control unit 114 manages the number of remaining medication tablets contained in each of the recovery packets 521. In this case, the control unit 61 transmits to the control unit 11 the remaining medication information, including the drug name, drug code, and the number of recovery packets 521 of the remaining medication dispensed from each of the variable cassettes 22 during the remaining medication recovery process, as well as the number of tablets contained in each of the recovery packets 521. The control unit 61 obtains the information on the number of remaining medication tablets from the counter that counts the tablets dispensed from each of the variable cassettes 22. Below, an example of the remaining medication control process when the remaining medication contained in each of the recovery packets 521 is managed in units of tablets will be described. Note that the explanation of the process in the remaining medication control process that is the same as when the remaining medication contained in each of the recovery packets 521 is managed in units of packets will be omitted.

[0373] <Step S92> In step S92, the remaining medication control unit 114 stores the remaining medication information in the storage unit 12 as recovery information 123 relating to the medication recovered by the remaining medication recovery process. At this time, the recovery information 123 includes the name of the medication, the medication code, the number of recovery packets 521, and the number of tablets of the remaining medication contained in each of the recovery packets 521 dispensed from the variable cassette 22. Here, Figure 34(B) shows another example of the recovery information 123. In the recovery information 123 shown in Figure 34(B), in addition to the recovery No. of each unused recovery packet 521, the medication code and medication name of the remaining medication contained in each unused recovery packet 521, the number of tablets contained in each of the recovery packets 521 is stored. As a result, the remaining drug control unit 114 can determine, based on the recovery information 123, the presence or absence of the recovery package 521, the number of recovery packages 521, and the total number of tablets contained in each of the recovery packages 521, for each type of drug contained in the recovery package 521.

[0374] <Step S93> Next, in step S93, the remaining medication control unit 114 displays on the recovery package monitor screen 131, based on the recovery information 123, the drug code and drug name of the remaining medication, and the total number of the remaining medications contained in the recovery package 521, as information for unused recovery packages 521. Here, Figures 38(A) and 38(B) show other examples of the recovery package monitor screen 131. Specifically, in the recovery package monitor screen 131 shown in Figure 38(A), based on the recovery information 123, the drug code and drug name of the remaining medication, and the total number of tablets of the remaining medication contained in each of the recovery packages 521 are displayed for each type of remaining medication. Here, when any of the remaining medications is selected and the operation key K1 is operated, the remaining medication control unit 114 displays the recovery package monitor screen 131 shown in Figure 38(B). In the recovery package monitor screen 131 shown in Figure 38(B), for each recovery package 521 containing the same type of remaining medication, the recovery number of the recovery package 521, the drug code and drug name of the remaining medication, and the number of tablets of the remaining medication contained in the recovery package 521 are displayed.

[0375] <Step S95> In step S95, the remaining medication control unit 114 may determine whether the recovery package 521 is usable based on pre-set usage conditions for the recovery package 521. For example, in the drug dispensing device 400, the following first, second, and third usage conditions may be pre-selectable as the usage conditions. The usage conditions are selected by the remaining medication control unit 114 in response to user operation on the operation unit 14 during the initial setup of the drug dispensing device 400 or during the operation settings for each prescription data issuance.

[0376] <1st Terms of Use> First, it is conceivable that the first usage condition stipulates that there is at least one recovery packet 521 containing the same type of chemical as the chemical corresponding to the chemical information assigned to the variable cassette 22.

[0377] For example, if there is no recovery packet 521 containing tablets of the drug name "drug M2" assigned to the variable cassette 22, the remaining drug control unit 114 determines in step S95 that the recovery packet 521 is unavailable. On the other hand, if there is at least one recovery packet 521 containing tablets of the drug name "drug M2" assigned to the variable cassette 22, the remaining drug control unit 114 determines in step S95 that the recovery packet 521 is available (Yes in S95), and displays the usage confirmation screen 133 in step S96. In other words, if there is at least one recovery packet 521 containing a drug corresponding to the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22, the recovery packet 521 is deemed available regardless of whether the number of tablets of the drug contained in the recovery packet 521 has reached the required number of tablets to be dispensed.

[0378] Here, Figure 39(A) shows an example of the usage confirmation screen 133 that is displayed when the first usage conditions are used. In Figure 39(A), the usage confirmation screen 133 displays a message indicating that the chemicals to be used in the variable cassette 22 remain as the recovery packets 521, and a message requesting the user to answer whether or not to use the recovery packets 521. The message also includes the number of recovery packets 521 available for use in the variable cassette 22 (1 packet) and the total number of tablets in each recovery packet 521 (4 tablets). In this way, when the first usage conditions are used, the user is encouraged to use the recovery packets 521 as much as possible, thereby preventing the recovery packets 521 from being stored for a long period of time.

[0379] <Second Terms of Use> Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second usage condition, in addition to the first usage condition, stipulates that the total number of tablets in each of the recovery packets 521 containing the same type of drug as the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 has reached the drug dispensing amount (prescription amount) indicated in the prescription data.

[0380] For example, if the amount of medication to be dispensed corresponding to the medication information of the medication name "Medication M1" assigned to the variable cassette 22 among the medication information included in the prescription data is 9 tablets, and the total number of medication tablets of the medication name "Medication M1" contained in each of the recovery packets 521 is 8 tablets, then in step S95, the remaining medication control unit 114 determines that the recovery packets 521 are unusable.

[0381] On the other hand, if the amount of medication to be dispensed corresponding to the medication information named "Medication M1" assigned to the variable cassette 22 among the medication information included in the prescription data is 9 tablets, and the total number of tablets of the medication named "Medication M1" contained in each of the recovery packets 521 is 12 tablets, the remaining medication control unit 114 will determine in step S95 that the recovery packets 521 are usable, and will display the usage confirmation screen 133 in step S96. In other words, the recovery packets 521 are determined to be usable on the condition that there are recovery packets 521 containing the medication corresponding to the medication information assigned to the variable cassette 22, and that the number of tablets of the medication contained in the recovery packets 521 has reached the required number of tablets to be dispensed.

[0382] Here, Figure 39(B) shows an example of the usage confirmation screen 133 that is displayed when the second usage conditions are used. In Figure 39(B), the usage confirmation screen 133 displays a message indicating that the chemicals to be used in the variable cassette 22 remain as the recovery packets 521, and a message requesting an answer as to whether or not to use the recovery packets 521. The message also includes the number of recovery packets 521 available for the variable cassette 22 (3 packets) and the total number of tablets in each of the recovery packets 521 (12 tablets).

[0383] Thus, when using the second usage conditions, the user is notified that the recovery pack 521 is usable only when the amount to be dispensed to be filled into the variable cassette 22 has been reached by using one or more of the recovery packs 521. Therefore, for example, if the user still needs to retrieve the chemical to be filled into the variable cassette 22 separately from a chemical shelf or the like, even if the recovery pack 521 is used, the user is not prompted to use the recovery pack 521. The user is only prompted to use the recovery pack 521 when it is not necessary to retrieve the chemical to be filled into the variable cassette 22 separately from a chemical shelf or the like.

[0384] <Third Terms of Use> Furthermore, it is conceivable that, as a third usage condition, in addition to the first usage condition, the total number of tablets in each of the recall packets 521 containing the same type of drug as the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 matches the amount of drug dispensed (prescribed amount) shown in the prescription data.

[0385] For example, if the amount of medication dispensed corresponding to the medication name "Medication M1" assigned to the variable cassette 22 among the medication information included in the prescription data is 9 tablets, and the total number of medication tablets when one or more of the recovery packets 521 containing the same type of medication are combined does not amount to 9 tablets (less than 9 tablets or 10 tablets or more), the remaining medication control unit 114 determines in step S95 that the recovery packet 521 is unusable.

[0386] On the other hand, if the amount of medication to be dispensed corresponding to the medication name "Medication M1" assigned to the variable cassette 22 among the medication information included in the prescription data is 9 tablets, and the total number of medication tablets when one or more of the recovery packets 521 containing the same type of medication are combined is 9 tablets, then the remaining medication control unit 114 determines in step S95 that the recovery packet 521 is usable, and displays the usage confirmation screen 133 in step S96. In other words, the recovery packet 521 is determined to be usable on the condition that there is a recovery packet 521 containing the medication corresponding to the medication information assigned to the variable cassette 22, and the total number of medication tablets contained in one or more of the recovery packets 521 matches the required number of tablets to be dispensed.

[0387] Here, Figure 39(C) shows an example of the usage confirmation screen 133 that is displayed when the third usage condition is used. In Figure 39(C), the usage confirmation screen 133 displays a message indicating that the chemical to be used in the variable cassette 22 remains as the recovery pack 521, and a message requesting an answer as to whether or not to use the recovery pack 521. The message also includes the number of recovery packs 521 (3 packs), the number of combinations of recovery packs 521 (2 packs), and the total number of tablets (9 tablets).

[0388] Thus, when using the third usage condition, the user is notified that the recovery pack 521 can be used only if the number of tablets of the drug contained in one recovery pack 521, or the total number of tablets of the drug contained in multiple recovery packs 521, matches the amount to be dispensed and filled into the variable cassette 22. As a result, if there is a surplus when using one or more recovery packs 521, the use of the recovery pack 521 is not encouraged, and the use of the recovery pack 521 is only encouraged if the tablets contained in one or more recovery packs 521 can be used without any surplus.

[0389] <Fourth Embodiment> In the aforementioned residual drug recovery process, a configuration has already been described in which residual drugs in the variable cassette 22 can be automatically packaged into individual packaging paper and recovered using the packaging unit 5. It is conceivable that the necessity of performing such residual drug recovery processing is predetermined in the initial settings. However, if there are a large number of tablets remaining in the variable cassette 22, a large amount of individual packaging paper will be required, so it may not be desirable to automatically recover them in a packaged state. In the fourth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which it is possible to appropriately switch whether or not to perform residual drug recovery processing in which tablets in the variable cassette 22 are recovered in individual packaging paper.

[0390] The tablets to be filled into the variable cassette 22 are taken by the user from individual packaging containers such as PTP sheets in which tablets are individually wrapped, or from multi-packaging containers such as medicine bottles in which many tablets are stored together without being individually packaged. Here, if the tablets to be filled into the variable cassette 22 are stored in the individual packaging containers, it is highly likely that only the number of tablets required for this dispensing will be taken from the individual packaging containers and filled into the variable cassette 22. Therefore, even if the user accidentally fills the variable cassette 22 with extra tablets, the number of extra tablets remaining in the variable cassette 22 is expected to be small (for example, one or two tablets). In this case, it is possible to collect the remaining medication in the variable cassette 22 by storing it in a single dispensing sheet.

[0391] On the other hand, if the tablets to be filled into the variable cassette 22 are contained in the multi-package container, filling a large number of tablets from the multi-package container at once without counting the required number of tablets reduces the user's workload. However, in this case, there is a high possibility that a large number of tablets will remain in the variable cassette 22 after the required number of tablets have been dispensed. Therefore, a large number of individual packaging sheets are required to collect the tablets remaining in the variable cassette 22 by placing them in individual packaging sheets. Furthermore, if there is an upper limit on the number of individual packaging sheets used in a single remaining medication collection process, no more packaging sheets than that upper limit will be consumed. However, since the collection work using the individual packaging sheets and the subsequent manual collection of tablets from the variable cassette 22 by the user are performed simultaneously, the work efficiency becomes poor.

[0392] Therefore, it is conceivable that the drug master stored in the memory unit 12 contains information in advance regarding whether each drug is contained in an individual packaging container or a multi-package container. The tablets contained in the multi-package container are also called loose tablets. The control unit 11 then determines whether the tablets contained in the variable cassette 22 are supplied from an individual packaging container or a multi-package container based on the drug information assigned to the variable cassette 22 and the drug master.

[0393] Here, if the control unit 11 determines that the tablets assigned to the variable cassette 22 are drugs supplied from the individual packaging containers, it will execute the remaining drug retrieval process for the variable cassette 22. Specifically, in step S10 (see Figure 11), the control unit 11 sends a request to the control unit 61 to execute the remaining drug retrieval process. As a result, the tablets in the variable cassette 22 are retrieved using the packaging paper. At this time, since the number of tablets remaining in the variable cassette 22 is likely to be small, it is possible to retrieve the remaining drugs with a single packaging paper.

[0394] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the tablets assigned to the variable cassette 22 are drugs supplied from the multi-package container, it will not execute the remaining drug retrieval process for the variable cassette 22. Specifically, in step S10 (see Figure 11), the control unit 11 will not send a request to the control unit 61 to execute the remaining drug retrieval process. In this way, if there is a high probability that a large number of tablets remain in the variable cassette 22, the tablets in the variable cassette 22 will not be retrieved using the packaging paper, thereby reducing waste of packaging paper or wasted time in executing the remaining drug retrieval process. In this case, the user will manually retrieve the tablets from the variable cassette 22.

[0395] In this manner, the control unit 11 switches whether or not to perform the remaining medication recovery process depending on whether the tablets assigned to the variable cassette 22 are supplied from the individual packaging container or the multi-pack packaging container. Here, the control unit 11 when performing the process is an example of a recovery switching means. If the remaining medication recovery process is not performed for the variable cassette 22, the control unit 11 may display information on the display unit 25 provided on the variable cassette 22 prompting the user to check the remaining medication in the variable cassette 22 and that the remaining medication needs to be recovered.

[0396] Furthermore, the method for determining whether the tablets filled in the variable cassette 22 are contained in the individual packaging container or the multi-package container is not limited to the drug master. For example, as mentioned above, when filling the variable cassette 22 with tablets, the barcode reader 7 or the like may be used to read identification information such as a JAN code written on the container or PTP sheet in which the tablets are contained. In this case, the identification information may include information indicating whether the container in which the tablets are contained is the individual packaging container or the multi-package container. Therefore, the control unit 11 may determine whether the tablets filled in the variable cassette 22 are contained in the individual packaging container or the multi-package container based on the identification information, and determine whether or not to perform the remaining drug recovery process for the variable cassette 22.

[0397] The necessity of performing the residual drug recovery process may be determined by the control unit 61 of the dispensing control unit 6. In this case, the control unit 61 is an example of a recovery switching means. For example, if the control unit 61 receives a request to perform the residual drug recovery process in step S16, it may switch whether or not to perform the residual drug recovery process depending on whether the tablets assigned to the variable cassette 22 are contained in the individual packaging container or the multi-pack packaging container.

[0398] <Overview of the Embodiment> The drug dispensing device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of drug cassettes, an assignment means, and a drive control means. The drug cassettes are capable of dispensing any type of tablet. The assignment means assigns drug information to one of the drug cassettes when drug information to be dispensed is input. The drive control means drives the drug cassettes according to preset drive conditions corresponding to the drug information assigned by the assignment means, and dispenses the drug from the drug cassettes. The drug is, for example, a tablet.

[0399] According to the present invention, in order to dispense any type of tablet, the user only needs to place the tablet to be dispensed into the drug cassette, thus reducing the user's workload compared to the conventional method of placing tablets into each compartment of the manual dispensing unit. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to place tablets into each compartment, prescription errors caused by human error are prevented.

[0400] For example, the chemical dispensing device may include a drive means that transmits driving force to a drive mechanism provided in the chemical cassette, and the drive control means may drive the chemical cassette by controlling the drive means according to the driving conditions.

[0401] Here, the assignment means may assign the drug information to one of the drug cassettes when the drug information to be dispensed is input by prescription data. Alternatively, the drug dispensing device may further include a code reading means for reading the drug information from a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, and the assignment means may assign the drug information to one of the drug cassettes when the drug information to be dispensed is input by the code reading means.

[0402] Incidentally, it is conceivable that the drug dispensing device may further include a plurality of drug-specific cassettes capable of dispensing predetermined specific types of drugs. In this case, the assignment means may assign the drug information to one of the drug cassettes if there is no drug-specific cassette corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed. This prevents the user from having to perform the unnecessary task of putting the drug indicated by the drug information to be dispensed into the tablet cassette when that drug is contained in the drug-specific cassette.

[0403] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device may be configured to include a manual dispensing storage unit with multiple compartments into which drug packets are dispensed, and a manual dispensing unit that dispenses the drug contained in each compartment. In this case, the allocation means may display a message indicating that the manual dispensing storage unit should be used without assigning to the drug cassette if there is no drug-specific cassette corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed, and the drug information to be dispensed is a pre-set drug exclusion information. Alternatively, the allocation means may also display a message indicating that the manual dispensing storage unit should be used without assigning to the drug cassette if the drug information to be dispensed is a pre-set drug exclusion information, regardless of whether there is a drug-specific cassette corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed.

[0404] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device may further include a drive-corresponding information storage means that stores drive-corresponding information indicating the correspondence between the drug information and the drive conditions, and the drive control means may identify the drive conditions corresponding to the drug information to be dispensed based on the drive-corresponding information.

[0405] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device may include an assignment information storage means that stores assignment information indicating the assignment status between the drug cassette and the drug information, and the assignment means may assign the drug information to be dispensed to the unassigned drug cassette based on the assignment information.

[0406] For example, the drive conditions include one or more of the following: pre-drive conditions relating to the adjustment of the chemical cassette before starting to dispense chemicals from the chemical cassette; in-drive conditions relating to drive control during the dispensing of chemicals from the chemical cassette; and drive stop conditions relating to drive control when stopping the dispensing of chemicals from the chemical cassette.

[0407] Furthermore, the drug cassette may have a dispensing means for dispensing the drug from a drug storage section containing the drug, and the driving conditions may include the dispensing speed of the drug by the dispensing means. This makes it possible to dispense the tablets at a dispensing speed suitable for each tablet.

[0408] Furthermore, the drug cassette may have a path adjustment means that changes either or both the height and width of the dispensing path from which the drug is dispensed from the drug storage section containing the drug, and the pre-drive condition may include either or both the height and width of the dispensing path. This makes it possible to dispense the tablets one by one from the drug cassette by changing the dispensing path to a size that allows for the dispensing of one tablet at a time, for example.

[0409] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the chemical cassette has a dispensing means that dispenses the chemical by driving a transport member that transports the chemical from a chemical storage section containing the chemical towards a dispensing outlet, it is conceivable that the drive stop condition includes a condition regarding whether or not a reverse rotation operation is performed to switch the transport direction of the chemical by the dispensing means in the opposite direction when dispensing the chemical from the chemical cassette is stopped. This makes it possible, for example, to perform the reverse rotation operation when dispensing chemicals that tend to roll, and to prevent excessive dispensing when dispensing the chemical by the dispensing means is stopped.

[0410] Furthermore, the chemical dispensing device may include a chemical display means provided on each of the chemical cassettes or on the mounting portion of the chemical cassettes, and a display control means that causes the chemical display means corresponding to the chemical cassette to display either or both of the chemical information assigned to the chemical cassette and status information indicating the usage status of the chemical cassette. This allows the user to easily check either or both of the chemical information assigned to the chemical cassette and status information indicating the usage status of the chemical cassette using the chemical display means.

[0411] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the drug cassettes are detachable from the drug dispensing device, and that the drug display means are electronic paper provided on each of the drug cassettes. It is also conceivable that the display control means includes at least one that displays the drug information on the electronic paper. This allows the user to check the information of the tablets assigned to the drug cassettes by the display on the electronic paper even after removing the drug cassettes from the drug dispensing device, thereby preventing errors in dispensing the tablets. In particular, it is conceivable that the display control means displays the amount of drug dispensed corresponding to the drug information on the electronic paper.

[0412] Furthermore, the display control means may also display the patient name shown in the prescription data containing the drug information on the electronic paper. In addition, if the display control means determines that the amount of drug in the drug cassette is insufficient compared to the amount of drug to be dispensed corresponding to the drug information shown in the prescription data containing the drug information, it may also display on the electronic paper either a statement that the drug is insufficient or the amount of the drug that is insufficient, or both. Furthermore, the display control means may also display on the electronic paper at least one piece of information corresponding to the drug information: the remaining amount of the drug, the lot number, and the expiration date. By displaying various types of information on the electronic paper in this way, users can refer to various types of information regardless of whether the drug cassette is installed or not, thereby increasing work efficiency.

[0413] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device may also be equipped with a residual drug recovery means that drives the drug cassette to dispense the drug after the drug has been dispensed from the drug cassette by the drive control means. This prevents residual drug from remaining in the drug cassette.

[0414] Here, the drug dispensing device may be configured to include a packaging means for storing the drugs supplied from the drug cassettes in predetermined package units on packaging paper. In this case, the remaining drug recovery means may use the packaging means to store the drugs from each drug cassette in different packaging papers according to drug type. As a result, the drugs are stored in one packaging paper for each drug type, making it easy for, for example, the user to return the drugs to a drug storage area such as a drug shelf.

[0415] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device may include a printing means for printing information on the packaging paper, and a printing control means for causing the printing means to print identification information of the drug contained in the packaging paper by the remaining drug recovery means onto the packaging paper. This would allow the user to easily identify the drug contained in the packaging paper.

[0416] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device may be equipped with a counting means for counting the amount of drug dispensed from the drug cassette. In this case, the printing control means may cause the printing means to print the amount of drug recovered, counted by the counting means, and the drug identification information onto the packaging paper when the drug is placed in the packaging paper by the remaining drug recovery means. This allows the user to easily understand the amount of drug recovered and placed in the packaging paper.

[0417] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device may include a storage control means for storing recovery information regarding the drug recovered by the residual drug recovery means in a storage means, and a recovery information display means for displaying the recovery information. This allows the user to refer to the recovery information and determine whether or not the drug recovered by the residual drug recovery means can be used when filling the drug cassette with the drug.

[0418] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device may include a determination means that determines, based on the recovery information, whether or not there is a packaging paper containing the same type of drug as the drug corresponding to the drug information assigned to the drug cassette. In this case, the recovery information display means may display the existence of the packaging paper when the determination means determines that there is a packaging paper containing the same type of drug as the drug corresponding to the drug information. This allows the user to easily determine whether or not they can use the drug recovered by the residual drug recovery means when filling the drug cassette with drug. In other words, the drug dispensing device supports the reuse of the drug in the packaging paper when filling the drug cassette with drug.

[0419] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device may include: a drug display means provided on the drug cassette or the mounting portion of the drug cassette, corresponding to each of the drug cassettes; a display control means for displaying drug identification information corresponding to the drug information assigned to the drug cassette on the drug display means; a printing means for printing information on the packaging paper; a printing control means for printing the identification information of the drug contained in the packaging paper by the remaining drug recovery means onto the packaging paper using the printing means; and a matching means for matching the drug identification information read from the drug display means and the packaging paper. The drug identification information displayed on the drug display means and the drug identification information printed on the packaging paper may be one-dimensional codes or two-dimensional codes. This makes it possible to match the drug to be filled into the drug cassette with the drug contained in the packaging paper, thereby preventing the incorrect drug from being filled into the drug cassette.

[0420] Furthermore, in a configuration where the drug dispensing device includes a packaging means for placing the drugs supplied from the drug cassette into predetermined package units on a packaging paper, the remaining drug recovery means may also use the packaging means to gather the drugs from each drug cassette together and place them into the packaging paper. This allows multiple types of drugs to be recovered together in a single packaging paper, thereby reducing the amount of packaging paper used.

[0421] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device may also be equipped with a recovery switching means that switches whether or not to recover the drug from the drug cassette by the residual drug recovery means, depending on whether the drug corresponding to the drug information assigned to the drug cassette is supplied from an individual packaging container in which drugs are individually packaged or from a multi-packaging container in which many drugs are stored together. This would appropriately reduce the consumption of packaging paper used when the residual drug recovery means recovers the drug.

[0422] Incidentally, it is conceivable that the drug dispensing device further comprises: a plurality of drug identification cassettes capable of dispensing a predetermined specific type of drug; drug identification display means provided on each drug identification cassette or on the mounting part of the drug identification cassette, corresponding to each drug identification cassette; and a specific display control means that causes one or more pieces of information, such as the drug identification information, remaining amount, lot number, and expiration date, corresponding to the drug identification cassette, to be displayed on the drug identification display means. Here, it is conceivable that the drug identification display means is electronic paper. This would allow the user to easily check the drug identification information, remaining amount, lot number, and expiration date of the drug contained in the drug identification cassette.

[0423] Specifically, in a configuration where the drug dispensing device further includes a filling amount receiving means for receiving input of the amount of drug to be filled into the drug-specific cassette, the specific display control means can increase the remaining amount of the drug displayed on the drug-specific display means according to the filling amount received by the filling amount receiving means. On the other hand, in a configuration where the drug dispensing device further includes a specific counting means for counting the amount of the drug dispensed from the drug-specific cassette, the specific display control means can decrease the remaining amount of the drug displayed on the drug-specific display means according to the amount dispensed by the specific counting means. As a result, the current remaining amount of the drug is displayed on the drug-specific display means.

[0424] Incidentally, the present invention may also be understood as a drug dispensing method that includes: an assignment step of assigning drug information to be dispensed to one of a plurality of drug cassettes capable of dispensing any type of drug when drug information to be dispensed is input; and a drive control step of driving the drug cassette according to preset drive conditions corresponding to the drug information assigned in the assignment step, and dispensing the drug from the drug cassette.

[0425] Furthermore, the present invention may be understood as a drug dispensing program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: an assignment step in which, when drug information to be dispensed is input, the drug information is assigned to one of a plurality of drug cassettes capable of dispensing any type of drug; and a drive control step in which the drug cassette is driven according to pre-set drive conditions corresponding to the drug information assigned in the assignment step, and the drug is dispensed from the drug cassette.

[0426] Furthermore, the present invention may be considered as a computer-readable recording medium that stores the aforementioned drug dispensing program.

[0427] According to the present invention, in order to dispense any type of tablet, the user only needs to place the tablet to be dispensed into the drug cassette, thus reducing the user's workload compared to the conventional method of placing tablets into each compartment of the manual dispensing unit. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to place tablets into each compartment, prescription errors caused by human error are prevented.

[0428] Furthermore, in a configuration where the drug information assigned to the drug cassette is displayed on the electronic paper provided in the drug cassette, the drug information can be checked even when the drug cassette is removed from the drug dispensing device, thereby preventing errors in loading the tablets. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0429] 1: Control Unit 11: Control Unit 111: Packaging Control Unit 112: Assignment Control Unit 113: Display Control Unit 114: Drug Remaining Control Unit 12: Storage section 121: Assignment Information 122: Drive Compatibility Information 123: Recovery Information 13: Monitor 14:Operation unit 15: Communication IF 2: Tablet supply unit 21: Fixed cassette 211: Mounting part 22: Variable Cassette 221: Mounting part 222: Tablet storage section 223: First Rotating Solid 224: Second Rotating Body 225: Payout Exit 226: Height regulating member 226A: Adjustment section 227: Width restriction member 227A: Adjustment section 23: Fixed drive unit 231: Drive motor 232: RFID Reader / Writer 24: Variable drive unit 241: Drive motor 242: Drive motor 243: Drive motor 244: Drive motor 245: RFID Reader / Writer 25: Display unit (electronic paper) 26: RFID tags 27: Status indicator light 291: Display section 292: Status indicator light 3: Powdered medicine supply unit 33: Powdered medicine cassette 331: Display section 332: Status indicator light 4: Hand-spreading unit 5: Packaging Unit 53: Printer 6: Packaging control unit 61: Control Unit 62: Storage part 100: Chemical dispensing device 200: Prescription entry terminal 400: Chemical dispensing device S1, S2, ...: Processing step numbers S11, S12, ...: Processing step numbers S21, S22, ...: Processing step numbers S31, S32, ...: Processing step numbers S41, S42, ...: Processing step number

Claims

1. Multiple chemical storage compartments for storing any type of chemical, An assignment means that, in response to a request to issue prescription data, updates the drug information contained in the prescription data as drug information corresponding to one of the drug storage units, and assigns the drug information to the drug storage unit; A chemical dispensing device equipped with, The aforementioned allocation means is If, after the drug information contained in the first prescription data has been assigned to the drug storage unit by the assignment means, a request for issuance of second prescription data is made before the dispensing of the drug corresponding to said drug information is completed, the drug information contained in the second prescription data is assigned to one of the drug storage units, and the operating conditions of the drug storage unit are changed according to the drug information assigned to that drug storage unit. Chemical dispensing device.

2. When a request for the issuance of the second prescription data is made, if there are no unassigned drug storage units, the allocation means waits to execute the allocation process for the drug information included in the second prescription data. The drug dispensing device according to claim 1.

3. The allocation means restarts the allocation process for the drug information if any of the drug storage units become unassigned while the allocation process for the drug information is waiting. The chemical dispensing device according to claim 2.

4. The system further comprises a hand-dispensing storage unit with multiple compartments into which the medicine is dispensed in individual packets, and a hand-dispensing dispensing unit that dispenses the medicine contained in each of the compartments. When a request for the issuance of the second prescription data is made, if there are no unassigned drug storage units, the allocation means allocates the drug information contained in the second prescription data to the manual dispensing storage unit. The drug dispensing device according to claim 1.

5. When a request for the issuance of the second prescription data is made, if the drug information has already been assigned to the manual dispensing container, the assignment means will not assign the drug information included in the second prescription data to the manual dispensing container. The drug dispensing device according to claim 4.

6. A program for causing a control unit of a drug dispensing device, which has multiple drug storage compartments for storing any type of drug, to perform an assignment step of updating drug information corresponding to prescription data as drug information corresponding to any of the drug storage compartments, and assigning the drug information to the drug storage compartment, The aforementioned assignment step is, If, after the drug information contained in the first prescription data has been assigned to the drug storage unit by the assignment step, a request for issuance of second prescription data is made before the dispensing of the drug corresponding to said drug information is completed, the drug information contained in the second prescription data is assigned to one of the drug storage units, and the operating conditions of the drug storage unit are changed according to the drug information assigned to that drug storage unit. program.

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