Drug sorting device, sorting container, and drug return method

Abstract

The drug classification device (1) is equipped with a determination unit (64) that determines the type of drug based on an image captured by a first camera (131), and a return / classification unit (12) that classifies multiple types of drugs received in a mixed state in a first receiving unit (11) by type and stores them in a second receiving unit (14) based on the determination result by the determination unit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug classification device for classifying drugs. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, multiple types of returned medications are sorted by type by pharmacists or doctors. The returned medications are those prescribed to various patients or those that have been dispensed after being prescribed. Therefore, compared to dispensing operations where medications (one or multiple types) are collected (distributed) by single dose time from drug groups (medication cassettes) pre-organized by drug type based on prescription information for one patient, the number of types of medications returned as a single batch of medications prescribed to multiple patients is very large. For this reason, the utility of automatically sorting and reusing returned medications is high. Furthermore, the number of medications dispensed for a single dose is generally about 2 to 3 types, and at most about 10 types.

[0003] In addition, there are pharmacies or hospitals (specifically, in-hospital pharmacy departments) that dispose of returned medications as is to prevent the time and effort required for sorting tasks, or the risk of administration errors caused by sorting mistakes (errors in returning medication to cassettes).

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a drug sorting device that automatically recognizes and stores returned ampoules or vials. This drug sorting device recognizes the orientation and position of the ampoule or vial and the characteristics of the ampoule or vial (e.g., shape, size, type, and expiration date). Then, based on the size of the recognized ampoule or vial, it associates the storage area set for each individual ampoule or vial during storage with the identification information of each individual ampoule or vial, arranges the ampoule or vial individually, and thereby stores the individual ampoule or vial so that it can be retrieved. Prior art literature

[0005] International Release No. 2015 / 170761 (Published November 12, 2015) The problem to be solved

[0006] However, the objects of return in Patent Document 1 are ampoules or vials, and not the drugs that are not contained in containers such as tablets or capsules, or the drugs themselves that are not packaged. Therefore, Patent Document 1 does not envision identifying and automatically classifying such drugs (e.g., tablets or capsules) themselves.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention aims to realize a drug classification device capable of recognizing the drug itself and automatically classifying it. means of solving the problem

[0008] To solve the above problem, a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first receiving unit that receives a plurality of types of drugs in a mixed state, a second receiving unit that receives the drugs in a state classified by type, an imaging unit that captures the drugs, a determination unit that determines the type of the drugs based on the image captured by the imaging unit, and a classification unit that classifies the drugs by type and stores them in the second receiving unit based on the determination result by the determination unit.

[0009] According to the above configuration, regarding the mixed drugs contained in the first receiving section, the drugs can be classified by type by using an image captured to determine their type. Therefore, the drug classification device or user (e.g., medical personnel such as doctors and pharmacists) can perform post-classification processing (visual inspection, distribution, return to the drug shelf (dispensing shelf), etc.) efficiently and more safely.

[0010] In addition, the above-mentioned drug refers not to an ampoule or vial (in other words, a drug contained in a container), but to a drug that is not contained in a container, etc., or to a drug itself that is not packaged, etc. Therefore, according to the above configuration, multiple types of drugs themselves can be automatically classified based on the results of identification.

[0011] In addition, a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a rotating member that rotates the imaging member to rotate around a placement area where the drug to be imaged is placed, and the imaging member may image the drug placed in the placement area from a plurality of positions rotated by the rotating member.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the drug can be imaged from multiple directions while the drug is placed (fixed) in the placement area.

[0013] In addition, a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an image classification unit that classifies images captured by the imaging unit according to the type of drug identified by the discrimination unit.

[0014] According to the above configuration, images of drugs can be classified to match the identification result (classification result) of the drugs. By viewing the images classified in this way, it becomes possible for a user to verify (perform a visual inspection) whether multiple classified drugs are of the same type.

[0015] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discrimination unit may perform the discrimination by extracting the characteristics of the drug from each of the images captured by the imaging unit and comparing the characteristics with a drug database that manages drug data regarding multiple types of drugs.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the discrimination unit performs the discrimination by comparing the extracted features with the drug database, thereby classifying drugs of the same type into the same location of the second receiving unit. Consequently, the drug classification device or user can perform post-classification processing more efficiently and safely.

[0017] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discrimination unit may perform the discrimination by extracting the characteristics of the drug from each of the images captured by the imaging unit and comparing the characteristics with each other to determine whether they are considered to be the same.

[0018] According to the above configuration, drugs considered to have identical characteristics can be classified into the same location of the second receiving part. Therefore, the drug classification device or user can perform processing after classification more efficiently and safely. In addition, even if the drug data regarding the captured drug is not included in the drug database that manages drug data regarding multiple types of drugs (even if the drug data is not registered in the drug database in advance), the drug can be classified.

[0019] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the image of the drug captured by the imaging unit is used as a reference image, the discrimination unit may compare the characteristics of the drug in the image of the drug captured by the imaging unit after acquiring the reference image with the characteristics of the drug in the reference image.

[0020] According to the above configuration, drugs not included in the drug database can also be classified.

[0021] In addition, a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention may have an ultraviolet light irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the drug, and the discrimination unit may perform the discrimination based on the image result of the drug captured while the ultraviolet light is irradiated.

[0022] When ultraviolet light is irradiated onto a drug, it emits different fluorescence depending on the components of the drug. Therefore, by irradiating the drug with ultraviolet light as described above and imaging it, the type of drug can be identified even if the drugs are of the same color (e.g., white). As a result, the performance of the type identification process is improved, making it possible to classify a vast amount of drugs quickly.

[0023] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discrimination unit may perform the discrimination by compressing candidates for drug data regarding the captured drug among a drug database that manages drug data regarding multiple types of drugs.

[0024] According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to compress drug data candidates even for drugs of the same color. In other words, since the compression performance of drug data candidates is improved, it becomes possible to rapidly classify a vast amount of drugs.

[0025] In addition, a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a drug loading platform for loading the drug to be imaged and a moving mechanism for moving the drug loading platform, and the moving mechanism may move the drug loading platform from a loading area where the drug is loaded to a placement area where the drug is arranged to face the imaged unit, and at the same time move it from the placement area to a classification waiting area where classification to the second receiving unit is awaiting.

[0026] According to the above configuration, in the loading area, by simply loading the drug to be photographed onto the drug loading stand, the drug classification device can photograph the drug in the placement area, and after photographing (after determining the type), the drug can be placed in the classification waiting area to wait for classification to the second receiving section. In other words, by providing the drug loading stand and the moving mechanism, the drug classification device can smoothly perform processing from the photographing of the drug to just before classification to the second receiving section.

[0027] In addition, in a drug sorting device according to one embodiment of the present invention, two drug loading platforms are provided, and each of the drug loading platforms is provided at the end of the shaft portion, and the moving mechanism may rotate the shaft portion so that when one of the drug loading platforms is placed in the placement area, the other of the drug loading platforms may be placed in the loading area or the sorting waiting area.

[0028] According to the above configuration, while imaging a drug loaded on one drug loading platform, a new drug to be imaged can be loaded on the other drug loading platform, or the drug loaded on the other drug loading platform after imaging can be classified into a second receiving unit. Therefore, since the drug classification device can perform imaging of the drug and loading or classification of the drug in parallel, processing time can be reduced. In addition, since there is no need to prepare a different loading unit in each of the above areas, the drug classification device can be miniaturized.

[0029] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, if drug data regarding said drug is uniquely identified by visual inspection by a user, said drug data may be registered in a drug database that manages drug data regarding multiple types of drugs.

[0030] According to the above configuration, drug data regarding drugs uniquely identified by visual inspection can be registered in the drug database. Consequently, new drugs can be registered in the drug database, allowing the drug database to be updated at any time. Furthermore, during the initial creation phase of the drug database, it is not necessary to include drug data regarding all drugs in the database.

[0031] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit may exclude the drug from the classification target if the drug whose type has been determined corresponds to a drug that does not require classification.

[0032] According to the above configuration, drugs designated as drugs requiring no classification can be excluded from classification. Consequently, unnecessary processing, such as classification processing or visual inspection, for drugs requiring no classification can be eliminated. Furthermore, the time required for such classification processing and visual inspection can be reduced.

[0033] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the classification unit may be equipped with an adsorption mechanism that moves to the first receiving unit at a position opposite to the first receiving unit and adsorbs the drug contained in the first receiving unit, and a sensor that detects the suction force for adsorbing the drug by the adsorption mechanism, wherein the sensor may be set with a first threshold for determining whether the drug exists near the tip of the adsorption mechanism and a second threshold for determining that the drug has been adsorbed to the tip.

[0034] According to the above configuration, when the drug is adsorbed, the drug accumulated in the first receiving portion can be prevented by the tip portion.

[0035] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discrimination unit performs recognition processing for a plurality of characters assigned to a drug included in an image captured by the imaging unit, and among the plurality of characters recognized by the recognition processing, for a character determined to have a size within a predetermined range and to have a column formed by the character, it may be determined to be a plurality of characters actually assigned to the drug.

[0036] According to the above configuration, the reading precision of multiple symbols assigned to a drug can be improved.

[0037] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, an imaging control unit that controls the imaging unit is provided, and the imaging control unit may determine whether the imaging position of the imaging unit is a predetermined position by comparing the shape of a predetermined part other than the drug included in the image captured by the imaging unit with a predetermined shape included in an image previously captured by the imaging unit.

[0038] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether the imaging location is a predetermined location based on the shape of a specific part included in the captured image. Therefore, the imaging location can be verified in a simple manner.

[0039] In addition, a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with an axial portion that supports a drug loading platform that is placed in the placement area and loads the drug to be imaged, and the axial portion is parallel to the axial direction in which the imaging unit rotates when the drug loading platform is placed in the placement area, and the shape of the predetermined portion may differ in the circumferential direction of the axial portion.

[0040] According to the above configuration, since the shape of a predetermined part differs in the circumferential direction of the shaft part, the imaging unit can capture different shapes at each of a plurality of positions. Therefore, the imaging position can be determined based on the captured shape.

[0041] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the classification unit may classify a drug specified as a target to be extracted from the drug classification device based on return destination information regarding the return destination of the classified drug, to the drug extraction side of the drug classification device.

[0042] According to the above configuration, a drug specified as a target for extraction from a drug classification device can be classified into a location that is easy to extract from the drug classification device based on return destination information (i.e., according to the specifications of the return destination). Therefore, the user can easily extract the drug.

[0043] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a drug loading platform for loading the drug to be captured is provided, and the imaging unit captures the drug from a first direction opposite to the loading surface of the drug loading platform where the drug is loaded, or from a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the determination unit may determine whether the drug is a tablet based on the shape of the drug included in the image captured from the first direction or the second direction.

[0044] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether the drug is a tablet or a capsule by imaging from a first direction or a second direction.

[0045] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, if the determining unit cannot determine whether the drug is a tablet based on an image captured from the first direction or the second direction, the capturing unit may capture the drug from an inclined direction with respect to the loading surface, and the determining unit may determine whether the drug is a tablet based on the shape of the drug included in the image captured from the first direction or the second direction and the inclined direction.

[0046] When the drug is a capsule, the shape captured from the first or second direction and the shape captured from the oblique direction roughly match, but when the drug is a tablet, the two shapes are different from each other. Therefore, by using an image captured from the oblique direction in addition to the image captured from the first or second direction, it is possible to reliably determine whether it is a tablet or a capsule.

[0047] In addition, a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a detection area changing unit disposed in the second receiving unit and changing the detection area for detecting the drug contained in the classification container based on whether at least a portion of the bottom of the classification container is included in an image of the classification container that receives the drug classified by the classification unit, or changing the detection area for detecting the drug contained in the first receiving unit based on whether at least a portion of the bottom of the first receiving unit is included in an image of the first receiving unit.

[0048] If the bottom part is included in the image, it can be determined that there is little remaining of the drug contained in the sorting container or the first receiving part. Therefore, according to the above configuration, by changing the detection area based on whether the bottom part is included in the image, the detection area corresponding to the amount of drug contained in the sorting container or the first receiving part can be specified. Consequently, it becomes possible to extract the drug more reliably.

[0049] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of types of drugs is assigned a plurality of drug-specific information for identifying the drug, and at least one of the plurality of drug-specific information regarding the drug, obtained from a return destination that returns the drug classified by the classification unit or a return assistance device for returning to said return destination, may be stored in (1) an information recording medium provided in a classification container that accommodates the classified drug, or (2) printed in a journal that prints drug data regarding the drug reflecting the results of a visual inspection by a user.

[0050] When multiple unique drug information regarding any drug managed by a return location or return auxiliary device does not completely match multiple unique drug information regarding the said drug managed by a drug classification device, there may be cases where the unique drug information stored in an information recording medium or printed in a journal by the drug classification device cannot be read by the return location or return auxiliary device. According to the above configuration, since the unique drug information used by the return location or return auxiliary device is stored in an information recording medium or printed in a journal, it becomes possible to reliably read the unique drug information by the return location or return auxiliary device.

[0051] In addition, in a drug classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second receiving unit has a plurality of classification containers arranged therein for receiving drugs classified by the classification unit, and for a drug included in a drug database that manages drug data regarding multiple types of drugs by user input, for which the user wishes to classify the drug into a predetermined classification container among the plurality of classification containers, classification identification information is assigned to classify the drug into the said predetermined classification container, and the classification unit may classify the drug to which the classification identification information is assigned into the predetermined classification container to which the classification identification information is assigned.

[0052] According to the above configuration, a specific drug can be classified into a specific classification container according to the user's preference.

[0053] In addition, a classification container according to one embodiment of the present invention is a classification container that receives a drug classified by the drug classification device by being disposed in the second receiving portion of the drug classification device described in any of the above configurations, wherein an opening into which the drug classified by the drug classification device is inserted is formed on the upper surface, and when viewed from the side of the opening, the shape of the classification container is rectangular, and at least one of a plurality of sides constituting a rim portion as the outer circumference of the opening is provided with a convex portion.

[0054] According to the above configuration, by providing a convex portion on any of the multiple sides constituting the rim portion, it is possible to make it easier to remove the sorting container from the second receiving portion. Therefore, the convenience of the sorting container can be improved.

[0055] In addition, in a sorting container according to one embodiment of the present invention, the convex portions are provided so as to be adjacent to each other on each of two adjacent sides, and the height of the adjacent portions of the convex portions may be the same.

[0056] According to the above configuration, the convex portion can be widened, thereby improving the ease of handling of the sorting container.

[0057] In addition, in a sorting container according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rim portion may protrude outwardly beyond the outer wall at the portion connecting to the outer wall of the sorting container.

[0058] According to the above configuration, by providing a protruding part, the ease of handling of the sorting container can be improved.

[0059] In addition, to solve the above problem, a drug return method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a drug classification process for classifying a plurality of types of drugs by type, an audit process for performing a visual audit of the drugs classified in the drug classification process, and a return process for returning the drugs of the visual audit to a return destination based on the audit results in the audit process.

[0060] In addition, to solve the above problem, a drug return method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a drug classification process for classifying a plurality of types of drugs by type, a display process for displaying an inspection image for performing a visual inspection of the drugs classified in the drug classification process, and a return preparation process for performing a process to enable the return of the drugs to a return destination based on the results of the visual inspection using the inspection image displayed in the display process.

[0061] According to the above configuration, the classified drugs can be returned to the return location after undergoing a visual inspection.

[0062] In addition, in a method for returning a drug according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of classification positions in which the drug is classified are prepared in advance, and in the display process, by receiving user input regarding the classification position shown in the classification image representing the classification status of the drug, the inspection image of the drug corresponding to the said classification position may be displayed.

[0063] According to the above configuration, a desired audit image can be displayed based on user input regarding the classification image.

[0064] In addition, in a method for returning a drug according to one embodiment of the present invention, a classification container for receiving the classified drug is disposed at each of the plurality of classification locations where the drug is classified, and data regarding the drug received in the classification container is stored in an information recording medium provided in the classification container, and in the display process, the inspection image of the drug may be displayed by reading the data regarding the drug.

[0065] According to the above configuration, a desired inspection image can be displayed by reading data regarding the drug contained in the classification container.

[0066] In addition, in a method for returning a drug according to one embodiment of the present invention, in the display process, when a drug classified in the drug classification process is distributed, it is acceptable to display an inspection image of the drug by reading drug data regarding the drug assigned to the distribution area where the drug is distributed.

[0067] According to the above configuration, even if the drug is distributed, the desired inspection image can be displayed.

[0068] In addition, in a method for returning a drug according to one embodiment of the present invention, in the return preparation process, (1) drug data regarding the drug reflecting the results of the visual inspection is stored in an information recording medium provided in a classification container that receives the classified drug, (2) a journal containing drug data regarding the drug reflecting the results of the visual inspection is published, or (3) drug data regarding the drug reflecting the results of the visual inspection is assigned to a distribution site where the drug is distributed.

[0069] According to the above configuration, drug data regarding the drug reflecting the results of the visual inspection can be read from the information recording medium, journal, or distribution site of the sorting container. Therefore, the drug can be reliably returned to the desired return destination. Effects of the invention

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a drug classification device has the effect of recognizing the drug itself and automatically classifying it. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0071] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a drug classification device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the drug classification device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the basic configuration of the drug classification area equipped with the drug classification device. FIG. 4(a) is a drawing showing an example of a sheet provided at the bottom of a first receiving portion equipped with the drug classification device, and (b) to (d) are drawings for explaining image analysis processing of the captured sheet. Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are schematic drawings showing an example of a control valve provided by an adsorption mechanism provided by the drug classification device. FIG. 6 (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the overall configuration of the imaging unit equipped with the drug classification device. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the imaging unit. Figures 8 (a) and (b) are drawings for explaining the rotation of the imaging unit. FIGS. 9 (a) and (b) are drawings for explaining the classification process for the classification cup equipped with the drug classification unit. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of a second RFID reader-writer unit equipped with the above-mentioned drug classification device. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of an image display, (a) is an example of a display during drug classification processing, and (b) is an example of an image data display corresponding to a designated classification cup. Figure 12 is a drawing showing another example of image display. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of character recognition processing. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of specific processing of the imaging position. Figures 15 (a) to (c) are drawings to illustrate an example of a specific treatment of an adsorption site. Figures 16 (a) to (d) are drawings to illustrate an example of a specific treatment of the drug adsorption range. Figures 17 (a) and (b) are drawings to illustrate an example of the designation process of a drug and a sorting cup. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an adsorption mechanism provided by a return and sorting unit. Figures 19 (a) to (d) are drawings for explaining an example of determining the number of drugs loaded on a drug loading stand, and are images captured by the first camera. Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing from drug classification to drug return. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a method for displaying an inspection image. Figures 22 (a) and (b) are drawings showing an example of a method for displaying an inspection image. Figures 23 (a) and (b) are drawings showing an example of a return method after the completion of a visual inspection. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a return method after the completion of the inspection. Figure 25 is a drawing showing an example of a journal. Figure 26 (a) is a drawing showing an example of a classification image, and (b) is a drawing showing an example of a classification drug list image showing information about the classified drugs. Figures 27 (a) to (c) are drawings showing examples of images displayed when user input for a classification image is received. Figures 28 (a) to (c) are drawings showing examples of inspection images. Figures 29 (a) to (c) are drawings showing other examples of audit images. FIG. 30 is a drawing showing an example of a display image regarding the aggregation of drugs classified by a drug classification device. Figures 31 (a) to (d) are drawings showing examples of output when the aggregated result is output by the journal. Figure 32 (a) is a drawing showing an example of a specific configuration of a sorting cup, and (b) to (d) are drawings showing variations of a sorting cup. FIG. 33 is a six-sided view of the sorting cup shown in FIG. 32 (a). Figures 34 (a) to (c) are drawings showing another variation of a sorting cup. Figures 35 (a) to (h) are drawings showing another variation of a sorting cup. FIG. 36 (a) to (d) is a drawing for explaining an example of a method for generating symbol-specific information, (a) is a drawing showing an example of an image of a drug that is the target of generating symbol registration information, and (b) to (d) are drawings showing an example of a drug image when acquiring symbol-specific information. FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drug adsorption method, (a) is a diagram illustrating the appearance when a relatively small drug is adsorbed while moving the adsorption mechanism, and (b) and (c) are diagrams illustrating the appearance of a drug being adsorbed when the adsorption method is changed according to the size of the drug. Figures 38 (a) to (c) are drawings for explaining specific treatment of the adsorption location. FIG. 39 is a drawing showing another configuration example of a drug classification device, (a) is a perspective view of the drug classification device, and (b) is a perspective view showing the basic configuration of the drug classification area equipped with the drug classification device. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0072] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0073] [Overview of the drug classification device (1)]

[0074] First, an overview of the drug classification device (1) will be explained using FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2. FIGS. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the drug classification device (1). FIGS. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the drug classification device (1). As shown in FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the drug classification device (1) is equipped with a drug classification area (2), a touch panel (3), a print output unit (4), a first RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​reader / writer unit (5), and a distribution mechanism (6).

[0075] The drug classification device (1) captures images of each of multiple types of drugs, determines the type of drug based on the images obtained as a result of the capture, and classifies the drugs by type. Specifically, this processing is performed in the drug classification area (2). The drug classification area (2) (internal configuration of the drug classification device (1)) will be described later. In addition, the drugs classified by type are distributed or returned to the drug shelf after a visual inspection by a user is performed.

[0076] In this embodiment, multiple types of drugs are drugs that are not contained in containers, etc., or drugs that are not packaged, etc., and are described as tablets or capsules as examples thereof. Additionally, multiple types of drugs are described as drugs that have been returned. The return of drugs includes cases where drugs adopted by a pharmacy or hospital are returned as "drugs brought in" by the said pharmacy or hospital, and cases where "drugs brought in" are returned by the said pharmacy or hospital, which may include drugs issued by other pharmacies or hospitals in addition to the drugs adopted by the said pharmacy or hospital. In other words, the concept of drugs that are returned includes at least one of the above "drugs brought in" and "drugs brought in." The drug sorting device (1) is capable of automatically performing processing from imaging to sorting after the drugs are returned.

[0077] The touch panel (3) receives various user inputs from the control unit (31) and displays various images (e.g., an image showing the trend of drug classification, an image for visual inspection) from the display unit (32).

[0078] The print output unit (4) prints a journal containing drug data (e.g., data indicating the drug name, manufacturer, or ingredients) regarding the drug after the visual inspection, according to user input after the visual inspection. The drug data may include image data indicating an image unique to the drug.

[0079] The first RFID reader / writer unit (5) reads data regarding the drugs stored in each sorting cup (141) (e.g., number of stored drugs, drug data, and image data acquired by the imaging unit (13)) stored in an RFID tag (not shown) provided at the bottom of each sorting cup (141) of the second receiving unit (14). The data may include drug data determined by visual inspection (drug data after visual inspection). Additionally, drug data after visual inspection may be written on the RFID tag. Drug data after visual inspection is used when distributing the drugs stored in the corresponding sorting cup (141) to a distribution mechanism (6) or a distributor different from the drug sorting device (1), or when returning to a drug shelf (2).

[0080] The distribution mechanism (6) distributes the classified drugs. The distribution mechanism (6) is an optional mechanism. When the distribution mechanism (6) is provided in the drug classification device (1), it becomes possible to perform the processing from the classification of returned drugs to distribution after visual inspection in the drug classification device (1). In particular, when drugs are fed into the distribution mechanism (6) by the return / classification unit (12), the processing from classification to distribution can be performed automatically, excluding visual inspection.

[0081] As for the distribution mechanism (6), it is possible to employ the distribution section of a conventional tablet distributor or a medicinal herb distributor. In this case, for example, the medicinal products in the classification cup (141) classified by the same type of medicine can be distributed into one or multiple packets. Additionally, during the distribution process, the name of the medicinal product in the classification cup (141), which is stored in the RFID tag of the classification cup (141), is printed on the distribution sheet by a printing mechanism provided in the distribution mechanism (6). Additionally, a barcode containing information on the name of the medicinal product is printed on each packet. These printings are utilized when returning to the medicine shelf or when returning to the tablet distributor, etc.

[0082] [Basic composition of the drug classification area (2)]

[0083] Next, using FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 3, the basic configuration of the drug classification area (2) (internal configuration of the drug classification device (1)) will be described. FIGS. 3 is a perspective view showing the basic configuration of the drug classification area (2).

[0084] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the drug classification area (2) is equipped with, as hardware, a first receiving section (11), a return / classification unit (12) (classification section), an imaging unit (13), a second receiving section (14), a waiting tray (15), a return tray (16), a drug input port (17), and a second RFID reader / writer unit (18). Each component, excluding the return / classification unit (12), is provided on a base (19). The main functions of the return / classification unit (12), the imaging unit (13), and the second RFID reader / writer unit (18) will be explained in detail in the description of each process described later.

[0085] The first receiving section (11) receives multiple types of medicines returned by the user in a mixed state. In this embodiment, the first receiving section (11) is divided into multiple receiving sections. In this case, for example, when all the medicines received in one receiving section are returned by the return / sorting unit (12), the medicines received in the receiving section adjacent to the said receiving section become the subject of return. Additionally, the first receiving section (11) may be provided to be rotatable about the Z-axis (center of the cylinder shape). In this case, the control unit of the computer (60) (hereinafter simply referred to as the control unit) may rotate the first receiving section (11) so that the return / sorting unit (12) can easily acquire the medicines, for example, at a time when one receiving section is empty.

[0086] The shape of the first receiving portion (11) is a cylinder shape. This shape allows for an increase in the capacity of the receiving portion. If this point is not taken into consideration, it is not limited to a cylinder shape, and any shape capable of receiving multiple types of medicines is sufficient. Additionally, a dot-shaped design or protrusions may be provided on the bottom of the first receiving portion (11). In this case, the control unit can determine that the first receiving portion (11) is empty by analyzing an image captured by the second camera (121).

[0087] When the above dot shape is expressed as a design, for example, it is realized by a sheet (see FIG. 4 (a)) having black dots that are sufficiently smaller than the drug to be detected at equal intervals. The sheet is white paper, and the spacing of the black dots is equal to the size of the black dots. Also, when expressed as an uneven surface, it is realized by a sheet having concave or convex protrusions that are sufficiently smaller than the drug to be detected at equal intervals. The black dots or uneven surface may be provided directly on the bottom of the first receiving portion (11) instead of a sheet. In addition, the same design or uneven surface may be provided on the bottom of the sorting cup (141).

[0088] The second receiving unit (14) is equipped with a plurality of sorting cups (141) that receive the drugs in a sorted state by type. The control unit determines the type of the drug based on an image of the drug captured by the imaging unit (13), and determines the sorting cup (141) that stores the drug based on the determination result. The drug is returned to the determined sorting cup (141) by the return / sorting unit (12) and stored.

[0089] The waiting tray (15) is a receiving section for temporarily storing drugs of a type other than those identified by the control unit when drugs are stored in all of the sorting cups (141). After drugs are removed from the sorting cups (141), they may be returned from the waiting tray (15) to the sorting cups (141).

[0090] The recovery tray (16) is a receiving section for storing items whose type cannot be identified by the control unit (e.g., foreign matter other than medicine). Examples of foreign matter other than medicine include fragments of PTP (Press Through Pack) sheets. Fragments of PTP sheets may be mixed into the first receiving section (11) when the medicine is returned.

[0091] The drug inlet (17) is intended to transfer the drug stored in the second receiving section (14) to the distribution mechanism (6) by the return / classification unit (12) when the drug classification device (1) is equipped with a distribution mechanism (6). Naturally, when the drug classification device (1) is not equipped with a distribution mechanism (6), the drug inlet (17) is an unnecessary component.

[0092] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a computer (60) is provided to collectively control each of the above components (hardware) of the drug classification device (1). The computer (60) is provided with a control unit (software) mainly comprising a return control unit (61), a classification control unit (62), an imaging control unit (63), a discrimination unit (64), an image classification unit (65), an operation input unit (66), a display control unit (67), an RFID control unit (68), and a print output control unit (69). The return control unit (61), the classification control unit (62), the imaging control unit (63), the discrimination unit (64), and the image classification unit (65) will be explained in detail in the description of each process described later.

[0093] The operation input unit (66) and the display control unit (67) each control the operation unit (31) and the display unit (32) of the touch panel (3). The RFID control unit (68) controls the first RFID reader / writer unit (5) and the second RFID reader / writer unit (18). The print output control unit (69) controls the print output unit (4) according to the user input received by the operation input unit (66). In addition, if the drug classification device (1) is equipped with a distribution mechanism (6), the computer (60) is equipped with a distribution control unit that controls the distribution mechanism (6) as a control unit.

[0094] Additionally, the computer (60) is equipped with a memory unit (80). The memory unit (80) stores, for example, a drug database (drug master) that manages drug data regarding multiple types of drugs, and image data captured by the first camera (131). Additionally, the memory unit (80) stores data relating the determination result of the determination unit (64) and the classification location of the drug determined by the classification control unit (62). This data may also be classified status data relating the drug and the classification location from the start of classification to the completion of classification.

[0095] Additionally, the drug database, image data, and classification status data do not need to be managed in the memory unit (80) and may be managed, for example, in an external device. In this case, the control unit may acquire the drug database, image data, and classification status data from the said external device via a communication line such as the internet as needed. Additionally, the drug database may be updated by adding new drug data.

[0096] [Overview of processing in the drug classification device (1)]

[0097] In the drug sorting device (1), the return / sorting unit (12) returns each drug returned to the first receiving unit (11) to the imaging unit (13). The sequential imaging unit (13) captures each returned drug, and the control unit determines the type of each drug based on the captured image, and determines the classification position of each identified drug in the second receiving unit (14). The return / sorting unit (12) returns each drug to the determined classification position. Then, information regarding the drugs stored in the second receiving unit (14) is written to the RFID tag of the sorting cup (141), stored in the memory unit (80), or displayed on the touch panel (3). Additionally, after the classification of the drugs is completed, or during the classification process, processing such as visual inspection and distribution is performed by the user operating the touch panel (3). Subsequently, each processing will be explained in detail.

[0098] [Processing of drug return to imaging unit (13)]

[0099] First, the drug transfer process from the first receiving unit (11) to the imaging unit (13) will be explained using FIGS. 1, FIGS. 3 to 5. FIGS. 4(a) is a drawing showing an example of a sheet provided at the bottom of the first receiving unit (11), and FIGS. 4(b) to 4(d) are drawings for explaining the image analysis process of the captured sheet. FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are schematic drawings showing an example of a control valve provided by the adsorption mechanism. The drug transfer process is mainly carried out by the transfer / classification unit (12) and the transfer control unit (61).

[0100] Specifically, the return and sorting unit (12) returns the drug received in the first receiving unit (11) to the receiving area Ar1 (see Fig. 6 (b)) where the imaging unit (13) receives the drug. The return control unit (61) controls the return processing by the return and sorting unit (12).

[0101] The return / sorting unit (12) is equipped with a second camera (121), an adsorption / shutter mechanism (122), and a return mechanism (123).

[0102] The second camera (121) sequentially captures the first receiving section (11) to identify the drug to be transported. The imaging control section (63) controls the imaging processing of the second camera (121). The second camera (121) is provided at the end of the transport / sorting unit (12) (specifically, a housing including at least an adsorption / shutter mechanism (122)) facing the base (19). The second camera (121) may also be provided at the front end of the adsorption mechanism described later. The imaging control section (63) analyzes the captured image and determines whether the image contains the drug. If the transport control section (61) determines that the image contains the drug, for example, the front end is brought close to the first receiving section (11), and the drug included in the image captured at that time is identified as the drug to be transported.

[0103] More specifically, the second camera (121) captures an entire receiving portion of one of the multiple receiving portions included in the first receiving portion (11). The imaging control unit (63) converts the image including the receiving portion into a brightness image that has been binarized based on the difference in brightness, and specifies the outline and area of ​​a mass consisting of multiple drugs based on the boundary of brightness in the brightness image (method for specifying drug area 1). The imaging control unit (63) adsorbs one drug included in the receiving portion by moving the tip portion closer to a position within the receiving portion that corresponds to the area including the brightest part among the specified areas.

[0104] A visible light source (not shown) is provided near the second camera (121), and when the second camera (121) takes a picture, visible light is irradiated from above the receiving part (+Z-axis direction). Therefore, it can be determined that the brightest part of the brightness image is closest to the tip of the receiving part. Therefore, by bringing the tip of the receiving part closer toward the area containing the brightest part, it becomes possible to acquire the drug closest to the tip of the receiving part first. In addition, the brightness image may be an image obtained by converting any of the image attributes of color, saturation, and brightness with respect to the captured image of the drug.

[0105] Additionally, the imaging control unit (63) may specify the location of the drug included in the first receiving unit (11) by performing image analysis as shown in FIG. 4 (b) to (d) (method for specifying the drug area 2). In addition, black dots sufficiently smaller than the drug to be detected are formed at equal intervals on the bottom of the first receiving unit (11).

[0106] Specifically, the imaging control unit (63) converts an image containing a plurality of drugs contained in one of the receiving units (11) into a brightness image as shown in FIG. 4 (b), and performs a flattening process to generate a flattened image as shown in FIG. 4 (c). The imaging control unit (63) calculates the difference between the grayscale value of the brightness image and the grayscale value of the flattened image, and determines that the area where the difference is smaller than a predetermined value is the area of ​​the drugs included in the image. FIG. 4 (d) is a difference image after calculating the difference.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 4 (c) and (d), in the difference image, the area without the drug has a larger difference in grayscale value compared to the area where the drug is present. Therefore, the imaging control unit (63) can identify the area with a small difference as the area of ​​the drug.

[0108] Generally, in a mechanism for adsorbing and transporting a drug, a backlight (transmitted illumination) emitting visible light from below the receiving portion containing the drug is provided to determine the location of the drug to be transported, and the difference in brightness between the drug and the background is often calculated. However, there are cases where a backlight cannot be provided due to constraints on the size or cost of the device equipped with the mechanism, or due to the method of operating the device. Furthermore, if the colors of the drug and the background are similar, the precision of the above location determination decreases.

[0109] According to the above-described method 2 for specifying the drug area, the position can be specified with high precision without providing a backlight (transmitting light). If the black dot is provided at the bottom of the first receiving portion (11), the same effect can be achieved by the above-described method 1 for specifying the drug area.

[0110] The adsorption and shutter mechanism (122) includes an adsorption mechanism for adsorbing a specific drug designated as a transport target, and a shutter mechanism for preventing the drug adsorbed by the adsorption mechanism from falling. The adsorption mechanism is provided to be movable in the Z-axis direction. The shutter mechanism is provided to be movable in the front of the end portion, approximately parallel to the XY plane.

[0111] When acquiring a drug, the adsorption mechanism extends from the above end, adsorbs a specific drug at its leading end, and then returns to the position of the above end. In this state, the conveying control unit (61) moves the shutter mechanism to a position opposite the above end and maintains the position of the shutter mechanism during drug conveying (closed state). When the conveying control unit (61) moves the adsorption / shutter mechanism (122) to a position opposite the drug loading platform (133a) (see Fig. 6 (b)) of the drug holding support mechanism (133) placed in the storage area Ar1, it moves the shutter mechanism to a position not opposite the above end (open state). Then, after extending the adsorption mechanism from the above end, the adsorption state is released, thereby loading the drug onto the drug loading platform (133a).

[0112] In other words, the adsorption mechanism moves to the first receiving portion (11) at a position opposite to the first receiving portion (11) during the drug transport process to the imaging unit (13) (in other words, moves from above the first receiving portion (11) into the interior of the first receiving portion (11)) and adsorbs the drug contained in the first receiving portion (11).

[0113] The adsorption mechanism has a configuration as illustrated in FIG. 5, for example. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the front end is provided with an adsorption pad (122a) that contacts the drug to be transported. The adsorption pad (122a) is connected to a vacuum pump (122d) that generates a vacuum (suctions air) through an air pipe (122b) through which air flows.

[0114] In FIG. 5(a), a proportional control electromagnetic valve (122c) is provided in the middle of the air pipe (122b) to control the flow rate of air flowing through the air pipe (122b). Meanwhile, in FIG. 5(b), instead of the proportional control electromagnetic valve (122c), an electromagnetic valve (122p) and a flow rate control valve (122q·122r) are provided. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 5(b), a flow rate control valve (122q) is provided in the middle of the air pipe (122b). Additionally, in a branch air pipe (122b') branched from the air pipe (122b), an electromagnetic valve (122p) that controls the flow rate control valve (122q·122r) and a flow rate control valve (122r) that controls the flow rate of air flowing through the branch air pipe (122b') are provided in order from closest to the air pipe (122b). In FIG. 5(a), the flow rate of air flowing through the air pipe (122b) can be controlled by the proportional control electromagnetic valve (122c), and in FIG. 5(b), by the electromagnetic valve (122p) and the flow control valve (122q·122r), thereby allowing the suction force (adsorption pressure) for adsorbing the agent on the adsorption pad (122a) to be adjusted. Additionally, FIG. 5(b) shows the case where the electromagnetic valve (122p) is in the off state.

[0115] Here, when adsorbing a drug with the adsorption pad (122a), it is necessary to increase the air flow rate to generate a relatively strong suction force. Additionally, when adsorbing multiple drugs simultaneously with the adsorption pad (122a), it is necessary to detect that the suction force does not rise above a predetermined value even when the air flow rate is increased, and to attempt to adsorb the drugs again. Furthermore, while adsorbing and transporting, it is necessary to increase the air flow rate to maintain a relatively strong suction force so that the drug can be retained and supported even if it is not completely in contact with the adsorption pad (122a). As such, it is necessary to control the air flow rate to change the suction force during adsorption, but it is not necessary to control it in such a complex manner.

[0116] In the case of FIG. 5(b), by using an electromagnetic valve (122p) to control the flow control valves (122q and 122r), the flow rate of air flowing through the air pipe (122b) is switched to either "strong" or "weak" flow rates. Specifically, the flow rate of the air is reduced by turning on the electromagnetic valve (122p), and the flow rate of the air is increased by turning off the electromagnetic valve (122p). In this case, the control of the air flow rate can be simplified compared to the case of the proportional control electromagnetic valve (122c) of FIG. 5(a). Additionally, the control of these adsorption mechanisms is performed by the return control unit (61) and the classification control unit (62).

[0117] In addition, the return control unit (61) (the classification control unit (62) in the case of drug classification) may change the time from when the drug is attached to the adsorption pad (122a) until the tip is pulled upward (when the drug is lifted) depending on the type of drug.

[0118] In this case, the return control unit (61) determines whether the size or shape of the drug is difficult to adhere to compared with the size of the adsorption pad (122a) by interpreting, for example, an image of the drug captured by the second camera (121). If the return control unit (61) determines that the size or shape of the drug is difficult to adhere to, it extends the time until the drug is pulled up to the leading edge by a predetermined time compared to when the drug is determined to be easy to adhere to. If the drug that is difficult to adhere to is pulled up immediately after adsorption, even if the suction force has reached a specified value sufficient for pulling up, there is a possibility that it will fall because the adsorption to the adsorption pad (122a) is insufficient. By extending the time until the drug is pulled up to the leading edge by a predetermined time, the drug can be sufficiently adhered to the adsorption pad (122a), thereby preventing the drug from falling when being pulled up.

[0119] In addition, when adsorbing in the first receiving section (11), the return control section (61) appropriately colors the drug in the image and determines the size of the drug by comparing the area of ​​the colored part in the image with the size value of the set area.

[0120] The conveying mechanism (123) moves the adsorption shutter mechanism (122) in the X-axis and Y-axis directions under the control of the conveying control unit (61). Through this conveying mechanism (123), movement of the adsorption shutter mechanism (122) during the search for a drug to be conveyed on the first receiving unit (11), or conveying of the drug from the first receiving unit (11) to the drug loading stand (133a) becomes possible. Furthermore, in the drug classification process described later, conveying of the drug from the drug loading stand (133a) to the second receiving unit (14) becomes possible.

[0121] Additionally, the return / sorting unit (12) may be equipped with a distance sensor at the tip of the adsorption mechanism to detect (measure) the distance (distance in the Z-axis direction) from the tip to the drug. Additionally, it may be equipped with a pressure sensor (sensor) to detect the suction force by the adsorption mechanism.

[0122] By measuring the distance in the Z-axis direction by the distance measuring sensor, the return control unit (61) can determine the exact location of the drug without relying on the position of the second camera (121) relative to the first receiving unit (11) and the accumulation state of the drug in the first receiving unit (11).

[0123] The distance sensor may measure the distance to the measurement target based on the average of the area of ​​the captured image. In this case, the return control unit (61) lowers the tip portion within the range of the distance to the measurement target (average height) based on the average of the area acquired by the distance sensor. If a pressure sensor is provided, it becomes possible to lower the tip portion so as not to exceed the drug contained in the first receiving unit (11) through the processing described later.

[0124] Additionally, the distance sensor may measure the distance to the vicinity of the top of the acid of the medicine formed by stacking in the first receiving section (11). In this case, the return control section (61) may lower the leading edge in one go to the immediate front of the top based on the distance.

[0125] Additionally, the suction force detected by the pressure sensor changes depending on whether an object exists in front of the tip portion. When a pressure sensor is provided, the conveying control unit (61) determines whether the tip portion is approaching the drug based on the change in the suction force, and controls the movement of the adsorption mechanism in the Z-axis direction based on the result of the determination. For example, when the suction force changes as the tip portion approaches the drug, the speed of movement of the adsorption mechanism in the Z-axis direction is reduced, thereby preventing the tip portion from colliding with the drug and causing the drug piled up in the first receiving portion (11) to collapse when the drug is adsorbed.

[0126] In addition, for example, the threshold set in the pressure sensor may be set to two levels. In the case where there is only one threshold, the return control unit (61) (the classification control unit (62) in the case of drug classification) determines that the tip is in a position where it can be adsorbed when the suction force exceeds the threshold. However, since the movement speed of the tip is fast, even if the movement speed is reduced and stopped after the determination, there is a possibility that the tip will collide with the drug and collapse the drug piled up in the first receiving unit (11).

[0127] Therefore, as thresholds set in the pressure sensor, a first threshold is set to determine whether an adsorbent object, such as a drug, exists near the tip portion, and a second threshold is set to determine that the drug has been adsorbed to the tip portion. The first threshold is a value lower than the second threshold, and also a value lower than the threshold in the case of a single individual. These two thresholds are set in advance through experiments, etc. When the tip portion drops and the drug enters within a predetermined range of the tip portion (within the range where the drug can be adsorbed), a slight change occurs in the suction force (the suction force increases slightly). The first threshold is set to detect the suction force after this change. On the other hand, when the drug is adsorbed, a suction force greater than the suction force after this change occurs. The second threshold is set to detect the large suction force during this adsorption.

[0128] The return control unit (61) starts suction by the vacuum pump (122d) while lowering the tip. When the return control unit (61) determines that the suction force detected by the pressure sensor has reached or exceeded the first threshold, it determines that the tip has approached the drug to a position where the drug can be adsorbed and stops the tip. After that, the return control unit (61) waits for a predetermined time for the drug closest to the tip to be naturally adsorbed. When the drug is adsorbed to the tip, the suction force increases further, and the suction force after the change becomes or exceeds the second threshold. When the return control unit (61) determines that the suction force after the change has reached or exceeded the second threshold, it determines that the tip has adsorbed the drug, raises the tip, and returns the drug to the next return location.

[0129] Meanwhile, if the return control unit (61) cannot determine that the second threshold has been raised or higher within a predetermined time after stopping the tip, for example, it may attempt the adsorption treatment of the drug again by raising the tip first and then lowering the tip again. In addition, in such cases, the return control unit (61) may determine whether the suction force has been raised or higher by lowering the tip by a predetermined distance (a distance that does not crush the acid of the drug, for example, a few millimeters) from the stopped position. In other words, the tip may be lowered only slightly to adsorb the drug to the tip.

[0130] By setting a two-stage threshold (especially a first threshold) in this way, it is possible to reliably prevent the drug accumulated in the first receiving portion (11) from being destroyed by the tip portion when the drug is adsorbed.

[0131] Additionally, when the return control unit (61) initially lowers the tip portion, it may lower the tip portion at a predetermined speed for a predetermined distance (e.g., to a position where the tip portion does not enter the interior of the first receiving unit (11)) and then decelerate. Then, after decelerating, the return control unit (61) may lower the tip portion until the suction force becomes greater than or equal to the first threshold or the second threshold. The phrase "initially lowering" means lowering the tip portion from the end portion on the side facing the base (19) of the housing including the suction shutter mechanism (122). Additionally, when the suction force becomes greater than or equal to the second threshold at once, the return control unit (61) proceeds directly to the return process.

[0132] [Drug Imaging Processing]

[0133] Next, the drug imaging processing by the imaging unit (13) will be explained using FIGS. 1, FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 6 to 8. FIGS. 6 (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the overall configuration of the imaging unit (13). FIGS. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the imaging unit (13). FIGS. 8 (a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the rotation of the imaging unit (13). The drug imaging processing is mainly performed by the imaging unit (13) and the imaging control unit (63).

[0134] Specifically, the imaging unit (13) images a drug placed in a placement area Ar2, which is loaded on a drug loading platform (133a) and is the target for imaging as shown in FIG. 6 (b) and FIG. 7. The imaging control unit (63) controls the imaging processing by the imaging unit (13), the rotational movement of the first camera (131) and the illuminator (134), and the movement of the drug holding support mechanism (133). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the imaging unit (13) is equipped with a first camera (131) (imaging unit), a rotation mechanism (132) (rotation unit), a drug holding support mechanism (133) (drug loading platform, movement mechanism), and an illuminator (134) (ultraviolet light irradiation unit, visible light irradiation unit).

[0135] The first camera (131) captures a drug placed in a placement area Ar2 opposite to the first camera (131) in order to determine the type of drug in the discrimination unit (64) described later. The drug holding support mechanism (133) is a mechanism for holding and supporting a drug, and as shown in FIG. 6 (a) and (b), it is equipped with a drug loading platform (petal) (133a), a pivoting mechanism (133b) (moving mechanism), and an axle (133c) connecting the drug loading platform (133a) and the pivoting mechanism (133b). The drug loading platform (133a) is for loading a drug to be captured. The pivoting mechanism (133b) moves the drug loading platform (133a), and specifically, while pivoting the drug loading platform (133a) with respect to the XY plane, it also pivots the shaft portion (133c) in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion (133c).

[0136] When the drug transported from the first receiving unit (11) is loaded onto the drug loading platform (133a), the imaging control unit (63) drives the turning mechanism (133b) to move the drug loading platform (133a) from the storage area Ar1 to the placement area Ar2. After that, at least the first camera (131) and the illuminator (134) are controlled to capture the drug placed in the placement area Ar2. The captured image is stored as image data in the memory unit (80). For example, after the imaging is completed, the imaging control unit (63) drives the turning mechanism (133b) to move the drug loading platform (133a) loaded with the captured drug from the placement area Ar2 to the storage area Ar1.

[0137] In other words, the turning mechanism (133b) moves the drug loading platform (133a) from the storage area Ar1 (loading area) where the drug is loaded to the placement area Ar2 under the control of the imaging control unit (63). Additionally, the turning mechanism (133b) moves the drug loading platform (133a) from the placement area Ar2 back to the storage area Ar1 (sorting waiting area) to wait for sorting to the second receiving unit (14). In this embodiment, the storage area Ar1 serves as both the loading area where the drug is loaded and the sorting waiting area where sorting is waited, but the loading area and the sorting waiting area may each be placed at different locations on the base (19).

[0138] In this embodiment, two drug loading platforms (133a) are provided at the leading edge (end) of the shaft (133c). The pivoting mechanism (133b) pivots the shaft (133c) so that when one drug loading platform (133a) is placed in the placement area Ar2, the other drug loading platform (133a) is placed in the storage area Ar1. When imaging drugs in the placement area Ar2, the drug is transported from the first receiving section (11) to the drug loading platform (133a) in the storage area Ar1 by the transport / sorting unit (12), thereby enabling continuous imaging processing of the drug. Furthermore, it is assumed that the drug loading platform (133a) is in a state where no drug is loaded, such as after drug sorting processing for the second receiving section (14).

[0139] In addition, in this embodiment, the drug loading platform (133a) is transparent. Therefore, the first camera (131) can capture images of the drug loaded on the drug loading platform (133a) from various angles by passing it through the drug loading platform (133a).

[0140] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the drug loading stand (133a) may have a cross-sectional V-shape with a concave bottom. Also, as shown in FIG. 6 (b) and FIG. 7, when the drug loading stand (133a) is placed in the storage area Ar1 and the placement area Ar2, the direction of the groove (the elongation direction of the shaft portion (133c)) of the cross-sectional V-shape is approximately parallel to the pivot axis Ay (see FIG. 8 (a)) of the imaging mechanism (described later) by the rotation mechanism (132). Additionally, the cross-sectional V-shape of the bottom does not have to be an acute V-shape, but may be a shape such that the information (imprint information or print information) indicated by the imprint or print of the drug can be recognized even when viewed (imprinted) from the back side of the drug loading stand (133a), and also a shape such that the drug is fixed.

[0141] If the drug is a capsule or a modified tablet (e.g., a rugby ball shape), if the bottom of the drug loading stand (133a) is flat, the direction of the drug is not aligned on the XY plane, and there is a possibility that it will be difficult to obtain a clear image of the drug (imprint information or factor information). If the cross-section is V-shaped, the capsule or modified tablet can be fitted into the bottom part, thereby securing the drug. Therefore, it becomes easier to obtain a clear image of the drug. In addition, in the case of a tablet, for example, by rotating the shaft (133c) in the circumferential direction of the shaft (133c), the flat portion of the drug loading stand (133a) is positioned toward the first camera (131), thereby ensuring that the drug is not moved.

[0142] In addition, the rotation mechanism (133b) may also vibrate (make it move slightly or shake) the drug loading stand (133a). In this case, by applying vibration to the capsule loaded on the drug loading stand (133a) and rolling it, the part of the capsule with the imprint or print can be oriented in a predetermined direction (e.g., the part can be oriented toward the first camera (131) positioned at the initial position described later). Therefore, the imaging control unit (63) can acquire an image of the drug including the imprint or print by the first rotation of the drug (rotation of the first camera (131)). Furthermore, due to the vibration, even if, for example, a cylindrical tablet (with a circular bottom) is loaded in an upright position on the flat surface, the tablet can be tilted horizontally (positioned so that the bottom of the tablet faces the flat surface).

[0143] In addition, a black film may be provided on the lower edge of the drug loading platform (133a). In this case, light irradiated onto the drug during imaging can be prevented from being reflected by the drug loading platform (133a).

[0144] The illuminator (134) emits light that is irradiated onto the drug when the drug is imaged, under the control of the image control unit (63). As shown in FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 7, the illuminator (134) is equipped with a visible light irradiation unit (first irradiation unit (134a) and second irradiation unit (134b)) that irradiates visible light onto the drug, and an ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c) that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the drug. The first irradiation unit (134a) and the second irradiation unit (134b) irradiate white light as visible light onto the drug. The first irradiation unit (134a) is a bar-shaped visible light source (bar illumination), and the second irradiation unit (134b) is a ring-shaped visible light source (ring illumination). The first camera (131) receives visible light reflected from the drug and emitted from the first irradiation unit (134a) or the second irradiation unit (134b), thereby acquiring an image based on visible light (visible light image). The imaging control unit (63) outputs image data representing the visible light image acquired by the first camera (131) to the discrimination unit (64).

[0145] Here, the position where the first camera (131) is positioned facing the placement area Ar2 is defined as the initial position. The initial position is above the placement area Ar2 and can also be described as a position approximately perpendicular to the placement area Ar2. In FIGS. 6, 7, and FIGS. 8 (a), the first camera (131) is in the initial position.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 7, the first irradiation unit (134a) is positioned obliquely upward with respect to the drug loading platform (133a) placed in the placement area Ar2 at the initial position. By positioning the first irradiation unit (134a) in this way, it becomes possible to obtain a clear image of the print applied to the drug.

[0147] Meanwhile, the second irradiation unit (134b) is positioned closer than the first irradiation unit (134a). In its initial state, the second irradiation unit (134b) irradiates visible light from a direction closer to the horizontal direction than the first irradiation unit (134a) onto the drug loading platform (133a) placed in the placement area Ar2. By positioning the second irradiation unit (134b) in this manner, it becomes possible to obtain a clear image of the imprint (irregularity) engraved on the drug.

[0148] The ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c) excites the components contained in the drug by irradiating the drug with ultraviolet light (e.g., light having a peak wavelength of 365 nm or more and 410 nm or less). As a result, fluorescence (e.g., light having a peak wavelength of 410 nm or more and 800 nm or less) is emitted from the drug. Therefore, the ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c) can also be described as an excitation light source that emits excitation light to excite the drug.

[0149] The first camera (131) acquires an image based on ultraviolet light (ultraviolet light image) by receiving fluorescence emitted from the drug. The imaging control unit (63) outputs image data representing the ultraviolet light image acquired by the first camera (131) to the discrimination unit (64). Therefore, the discrimination unit (64) described later can identify the type of drug by using the ultraviolet light image in addition to the visible light image.

[0150] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c) is provided at a location adjacent to the first irradiation unit (134a). The placement location of the ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c) is not particularly limited, as long as it is a location where ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the drug and fluorescence can be efficiently emitted.

[0151] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a polarizing filter (PL filter) (131a) and an ultraviolet light removal filter (131b) are provided in front of the lens of the first camera (131). The polarizing filter (131a) removes light that is unnecessary for imaging (e.g., reflected light from the drug loading platform (133a)) among the light directed toward the first camera (131). The ultraviolet light removal filter (131b) removes ultraviolet light directed toward the first camera (131), for example, ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c) and reflected without being excited by the drug. Additionally, a polarizing filter (134d) is provided in front of the first irradiation unit (134a) to transmit only visible light toward the drug and remove other unnecessary light. In addition, an ultraviolet light transmission filter (134e) is provided in front of the ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c) to transmit only ultraviolet light toward the agent and remove other unnecessary light (e.g., visible light).

[0152] As shown in FIG. 6, the rotating mechanism (132) rotates the first camera (131) to rotate around a placement area Ar2 (a drug loading platform (133a) placed at the said location) where the drug to be captured is placed. The first camera (131) captures the drug placed in the placement area Ar2 from a plurality of positions rotated by the rotating mechanism (132). Specifically, the imaging mechanism including the first camera (131) and the illuminator (134) rotates to rotate around the placement area Ar2. Therefore, the first camera (131) can capture the drug from a plurality of directions while maintaining the positional relationship between the first camera (131) and the illuminator (134) with respect to the placement area Ar2.

[0153] The rotation mechanism (132) includes an imaging mechanism drive unit (132a) and a power transmission mechanism (132b), as illustrated in FIG. 6(a). The imaging mechanism drive unit (132a) generates power to rotate the imaging mechanism around the placement area Ar2. The power transmission mechanism (132b) transmits the power generated by the imaging mechanism drive unit (132a) to the imaging mechanism. The imaging mechanism drive unit (132a) is driven by the control of the imaging control unit (63) to change the position of the imaging mechanism around the placement area Ar2.

[0154] The rotation mechanism (132) rotates the imaging mechanism between an initial position and a position opposite to the initial position. The position opposite to the initial position is a position approximately perpendicular to the placement area Ar2 and is a position below the placement area Ar2. Additionally, the position can be said to be a position where the first camera (131) is opposite to the bottom of the drug loading platform (133a) located in the placement area Ar2.

[0155] As illustrated in FIG. 8, an axis passing through the center of the placement area Ar2 and parallel to the Z-axis is denoted as axis Ax0, and an axis passing through the center of the placement area Ar2 and the center of the imaging mechanism is denoted as axis Ax1. Additionally, the angle formed by axis Ax0 and axis Ax1 is denoted as θ. In this embodiment, the rotation mechanism (132) places the imaging mechanism at any of the positions θ=0° (initial position), 45°, 135°, and 180°. Additionally, FIG. 8 (a) shows the case where the imaging mechanism is at the position θ=0°, and FIG. 8 (b) shows the case where the imaging mechanism rotates from the initial position to the position θ=45°.

[0156] In this way, by rotating the imaging mechanism around the placement area Ar2, the drug can be imaged from multiple directions while the drug is fixed in the placement area Ar2. In addition, even if the drug (tablet) remains standing when the drug loading stand (133a) is shaken, information showing the imprint engraved on the drug can be obtained by imaging from an inclined direction (θ=45° or 135°).

[0157] Additionally, the drug may be imaged from multiple directions by fixing the imaging mechanism and rotating the drug. Also, as described above, the rotating mechanism (133b) may apply vibration to the drug loading platform (133a) and roll the drug on the drug loading platform (133a), thereby allowing the fixed imaging mechanism to acquire the imprinted or printed portion. Furthermore, the configuration for imaged the drug from multiple directions may include the following (A) to (C). (A) A first camera (131) is positioned opposite to the placement area Ar2 above the placement area Ar2, and a first irradiation unit (134a) and an ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c) are positioned obliquely upward relative to the drug loading platform (133a) placed in the placement area Ar2. In other words, the said unit is fixed at the position shown in FIG. 7. (B) A first camera (131) is positioned opposite to the placement area Ar2, and a first irradiation unit (134a) and an ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c) are positioned obliquely downward from the drug loading platform (133a) placed in the placement area Ar2. In other words, the said unit is fixed in a position opposite to (A) with the placement area Ar2 in between. (C) A second irradiation unit (134b) is positioned near the drug loading platform (133a) placed in the placement area Ar2, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0158] (Image position control)

[0159] Next, an example of position control of the imaging mechanism is described. The imaging control unit (63) first sets the imaging mechanism to an initial position and images the drug placed in the placement area Ar2 at the initial position with the first camera (131). At this time, the first camera (131) acquires a visible light image (two visible light images) based on visible light from the first irradiation unit (134a) and the second irradiation unit (134b), and at the same time acquires an ultraviolet light image based on ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c).

[0160] Next, the imaging control unit (63) sets the imaging mechanism at a position opposite to the initial position and images the drug placed in the placement area Ar2 at that position with the first camera (131), thereby acquiring two visible light images and ultraviolet light images. The discrimination unit (64) determines the type of drug by analyzing these six images. If the type of drug cannot be identified as one, the imaging control unit (63) emits visible light from the first irradiation unit (134a) and the second irradiation unit (134b) at positions θ=45° and 135°, and images the drug with the first camera (131). The discrimination unit (64) determines the type of drug by analyzing the visible light image at that time.

[0161] The above is not limited to the above, and various methods may be used for position control of the imaging mechanism. For example, imaging may be performed from a position opposite to the initial position, and then imaging may be performed from the initial position. Additionally, drug identification processing based on the visible light image captured from the position θ=45° may be performed, and only when the type of drug cannot be identified as one may the visible light image captured from the position θ=135° be acquired. Furthermore, only ultraviolet images may be acquired at the initial position and the position opposite to the initial position, and after drug identification processing based on the said ultraviolet images, the visible light image at the said position may be acquired. Additionally, visible light images and ultraviolet images may be acquired at all positions.

[0162] [Image Processing · Discrimination Processing]

[0163] Next, image processing of an image captured by an imaging unit (13) and identification processing of a drug based on the result of image processing will be explained using FIG. 1. The image processing is mainly performed by an imaging control unit (63), and the identification processing is mainly performed by a identification unit (64).

[0164] The identification unit (64) identifies the type of drug based on an image of the drug captured by the first camera (131). Specifically, the identification unit (64) identifies the type of drug based on the image result (visible light image) of the drug captured while visible light is irradiated from the first irradiation unit (134a) or the second irradiation unit (134b). Additionally, the identification unit (64) identifies the type of drug based on the image result (ultraviolet light image) of the drug captured while ultraviolet light is irradiated.

[0165] The identification unit (64) extracts the characteristics of the drug included in the image by performing image analysis on each of the visible light image and / or ultraviolet light image. In other words, the identification unit (64) has the function of a feature extraction unit that extracts the characteristics of the drug. Examples of the characteristics of the drug include size, shape, imprint, print, secant line, and representative color (the color of the area where the imprint or print is applied). When OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is performed, other information such as identification information indicating the drug name or manufacturer displayed by the imprint or print, and expiration date is extracted as characteristics of the drug. In addition, in the case of an ultraviolet light image, the representative color of the drug in the image may be an example of the characteristics of the drug. The identification unit (64) stores each extracted characteristic of the drug in the memory unit (80) in relation to the image data of the drug. In addition, the extraction of drug characteristics may be performed using known techniques.

[0166] The identification unit (64) identifies the type of drug by comparing the characteristics of each drug with the drug database. In other words, the identification unit (64) has the function of a drug data extraction unit that compresses candidate drug data regarding the captured drug from the drug database using pattern matching, etc., based on the extracted characteristics of the drug. In this case, candidate drug data is compressed using, for example, at least one of the size, shape, imprint, print, secant line, and representative color described above. After that, the identification unit (64) performs OCR, etc., reads identification information, etc. displayed on the imprint or print, and further compresses the type of drug among the above candidates using pattern matching, etc.

[0167] Additionally, the discrimination unit (64) determines the type of drug by comparing the characteristics of each drug and determining whether they are considered identical. In other words, the discrimination unit (64) has the function of a comparison unit that determines the type of drug based on the comparison result by comparing the extracted drug characteristics (target characteristics) with the drug characteristics extracted up to that point (comparison characteristics) using pattern matching, etc. Additionally, at least one of the above-described characteristics may be compared as the target characteristics and the comparison characteristics.

[0168] Specifically, when the image of a drug classified into a classification cup (141) by the drug classification process described later is used as a reference image, the characteristics of the drug (target characteristics) included in the subsequently acquired image are compared with the characteristics of the drug included in the reference image (comparison characteristics). When the drug is classified into a classification cup (141) based on the comparison result, the image of the drug also becomes a reference image. In this way, the discrimination unit (64) uses the image of the classified drug as a reference image and compares the characteristics in the image of the drug subsequently captured with the characteristics of the drug in the reference image. By doing so, the comparison can be performed using the reference image instead of the drug database, so that drug classification processing for the classification cup (141) is possible even if the drug is not pre-registered in the drug database.

[0169] Additionally, the first drug (classification target) or the drug (classification target) that does not match the characteristics of the reference image is classified into a classification cup (141), for example, when the characteristics of the classification target are determined to be characteristics of the drug (in the case of the estimated drug described later). Additionally, the classification target may be classified into a classification cup (141) based on the result of comparing its characteristics with the characteristics of the drugs included in the drug database regarding a predetermined number of drugs.

[0170] In addition, in the above compression, the identification unit (64) also uses the results of the analysis of the ultraviolet light image. Here, if the results of the analysis of the ultraviolet light image are not used, and a clear image of the imprint or print applied to the drug cannot be obtained, the type is identified by the color, size, or shape of the drug. In this case, drugs of the same color (e.g., white) and with almost identical size or shape are identified as being of the same type. If identified in this way, the workload of verifying whether they are of the same type during subsequent visual inspection increases.

[0171] The identification unit (64) identifies the type of drug by utilizing the fact that the fluorescence emitted from the drug by ultraviolet light irradiation varies depending on the drug's components. Therefore, even if drugs have the same color, same size, and same shape, they can be accurately identified as different drugs if the drug's components are different. Since the drug's components are unique to each drug, by utilizing the analysis results of the ultraviolet light image, it becomes possible to perform accurate compression and identification of candidates compared to compression using only visible light images.

[0172] Therefore, as a first step in compressing the above candidate, the identification unit (64) preferably compresses the above candidate by comparing the analysis result of the ultraviolet light image (representative color of the drug) with the representative color obtained when ultraviolet light is irradiated on each drug included in the drug database. The identification unit (64) first identifies the drug included in the ultraviolet light image by extracting the outline of the drug (the outline of an area with a different brightness from the surroundings due to fluorescence) in the ultraviolet light image based on the fact that the drug emits fluorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Then, the above candidate is compressed by comparing the representative color of the identified drug in the ultraviolet light image with the representative color of the drug database.

[0173] In this case, since a reduction in the number of candidates after compression is expected compared to when ultraviolet light images are not used, comparison can be performed using other features for the small number of candidates. Therefore, the precision of the comparison can be increased. Furthermore, when the number of candidates is reduced, it is possible to identify the type of drug without specifying identification information, etc., by OCR, etc. In this case, the load of image processing can be reduced. Also, especially in the case of transparent drugs, it is difficult to distinguish between the drug included in the visible light image and the drug loading area (133a) (background) in a visible light image. Therefore, the outline (region) of the drug cannot be extracted, making it difficult to extract the features of the transparent drug. On the other hand, as described above, when ultraviolet light images are used, the outline of the drug can be extracted even for transparent drugs through the emission of fluorescence. Therefore, it becomes possible to extract the features of the drug even if it is a transparent drug.

[0174] Unlike medications used in dispensing, the types of returned drugs are diverse and vast in number. Therefore, the ability to accurately identify drug types becomes a critical factor when considering the workload of subsequent visual inspections. Furthermore, improvements in the performance of this drug type identification process make it possible to rapidly classify a massive volume of drugs.

[0175] Additionally, the determination unit (64) may determine whether the features are considered identical in the same processing order as when using a drug database, even in the case of comparison between features, and may compress the drug data corresponding to the target features.

[0176] Additionally, the discrimination unit (64) may perform comparison between features and comparison using a drug database in parallel, or it may perform as follows. For example, the discrimination unit (64) compares the extracted drug features with the drug database and, based on the features, determines whether there is a candidate for drug data regarding the captured drug in the drug database. Then, if the discrimination unit (64) determines that there is no candidate in the drug database, it may determine the type of drug by performing a comparison between the target feature and the comparison feature.

[0177] Additionally, the discrimination unit (64) may extract multiple color data of the drug as characteristics of the drug from each of the visible light image and ultraviolet light image of the drug captured from multiple directions, and compress the candidates. In this case, the discrimination unit (64) compares the multiple color data with, for example, a representative color included in the drug database (in other words, performs color matching). In addition, in the case of the visible light image, it is compared with the representative color obtained when visible light is irradiated in the drug database, and in the case of the ultraviolet light image, it is compared with the representative color obtained when ultraviolet light is irradiated in the drug database. In addition, it may be compared with color data extracted as a comparison feature.

[0178] In addition, when a logo indicating the manufacturer of the drug is attached to the drug, the logo also serves as identification information and a characteristic of the drug. Therefore, in such cases, the identification unit (64) uses the logo to identify the type of drug. Since the logo is attached to the drug by engraving or printing, the identification unit (64) acquires the logo by analyzing a visible light image. In addition, regarding the logo, the identification unit (64) may use artificial intelligence (machine learning, particularly deep learning) to compare the target characteristic with the drug database or comparison characteristic, thereby compressing the above candidates.

[0179] In this case, the discrimination unit (64) may compress candidates by compressing candidates using ultraviolet light images, and then, in addition to compressing candidates by comparing target features other than the logo with a drug database or comparison features using pattern matching, compress candidates by performing the above comparison with the logo using artificial intelligence. Specifically, in the case of deep learning, a neural network for deep learning is trained on a multi-class classification problem by using an image of a drug that has been given an imprint or print representing the logo of a major manufacturer (multiple types of logos with different sizes, shapes, colors, etc.). For example, if there are 20 manufacturers, the multi-class classification problem becomes a 20-class classification problem.

[0180] Logos are generally modified frequently in terms of size (or font in the case of text), shape, and color to prioritize visibility. Consequently, depending on the sales period, there is a possibility that logos of different sizes may be affixed to the same drug. Furthermore, regarding capsules and tablets, the size of the attached logo may differ even if the manufacturer is the same. Therefore, even if pattern matching is used to compare the target feature with a drug database or control feature, if the size differs from the logo registered in the database or the control feature, it may be impossible to determine that the logos are identical, even if they are of the same type from the same manufacturer.

[0181] As described above, by using artificial intelligence in the comparison of logos, the discrimination unit (64) can learn the method of extracting logo features itself, unlike in the case of pattern matching. Therefore, since robust matching processing can be performed against variations in size, shape, color, or lighting conditions, logos that could not be identified as identical in pattern matching can be identified as identical. As a result, the precision of logo comparison can be increased, and the compression performance of candidates can be improved. In addition, by accumulating the extracted logo features (image data) and using them for the above learning, the precision of comparison by artificial intelligence can be further increased.

[0182] Additionally, the identification unit (64) identifies the type of drug as a presumed drug if, even if the target feature is not in the drug database and is not considered identical to the control feature, it is presumed to be a drug (tablet or capsule) based on at least some of the target features. In this case, the presumed drug can also be classified as a target for the second receiving unit (14) or the waiting tray (15).

[0183] The determination unit (64) outputs the determination result of the type of drug to the classification control unit (62). For example, if the type of drug can be identified as one, or if it is compressed into a number of candidates within a predetermined number, the drug data regarding the drug is output as the determination result. In this case, the determination unit (64) stores the drug data regarding the drug in the memory unit (80) in relation to the image data of the drug.

[0184] Additionally, the discrimination unit (64) controls the number of candidates so that it does not exceed a predetermined number, thereby obtaining a discrimination result. For example, the above predetermined number (e.g., 5) is set as a threshold, and the discrimination unit (64) determines whether the number of compressed candidates exceeds the threshold. If the discrimination unit (64) determines that the number of candidates exceeds the threshold, it ranks the multiple candidates in order of similarity to the characteristics of the drug subject to discrimination. Then, it extracts the number of candidates set as the threshold (e.g., the top 5) from the top and outputs drug data regarding the drug of the candidate as a discrimination result. The similarity order is determined, for example, by the number of matching features. Alternatively, weights may be assigned to each feature, and the similarity order may be determined from the degree of matching of each feature considering the weight assignment.

[0185] If the identification unit (64) identifies the type of drug as a presumed drug, it outputs the characteristics of the drug (characteristics of the item presumed as a presumed drug) as the identification result. Meanwhile, if the identification unit (64) identifies the item received in the first receiving unit (11) as a foreign substance other than a drug, it outputs as the identification result that the type of drug cannot be identified.

[0186] Additionally, after the identification unit (64) identifies and confirms the type of drug, the imaging control unit (63) acquires a visible light image of the drug loading stand (133a) containing the drug by means of the first camera (131) and stores the image data in the memory unit (80). The visible light image is, for example, an image including the surface of the drug to which an engraving or print is applied and an image including the surface on the opposite side. This visible light image is included in the data regarding the drug written on the classification cup (141) and becomes a display target by the display control unit (67) (see FIG. 11 (b)).

[0187] [Image Classification Processing]

[0188] Next, image classification processing based on the result of the above discrimination processing will be explained using FIG. 1. The above image classification processing is mainly performed by an image classification unit (65).

[0189] The image classification unit (65) classifies the images captured by the first camera (131) according to the type of drug identified by the identification unit (64). When the image classification unit (65) receives the identification result from the identification unit (64), it performs the classification by determining whether the same identification result as the identification result is stored in the memory unit (80). For example, if the same identification result is not stored, a new memory area for the identification result is created, and image data in which the type of drug is identified is stored in the memory area. On the other hand, if the same identification result is stored, image data in which the type of drug is identified is stored in the memory area for the identification result.

[0190] The image classification unit (65) assigns a name (Kana characters) to the memory area whenever the memory area is created. As for this name, for example, a specific drug name (the drug name ranked first in similarity if there are multiple candidates) is assigned based on the determination result of the determination unit (64). In the case of a presumed drug, the indication that it is a presumed drug is assigned. The name of each memory area is changed to a uniquely specified drug name during visual inspection.

[0191] Additionally, the image classification unit (65) may determine that the two determination results are identical if, as a result of determination by the determination unit (64), there are multiple drug data candidates for the drug subject to determination, and the multiple drug data match all of the multiple drug data of each drug stored. Additionally, if it is determined to be a presumed drug, the two determination results may be determined to be identical if the characteristics of the presumed drug match all of the multiple characteristics corresponding to one drug stored.

[0192] In this way, by providing an image classification unit (65), image data of the drug can be classified to match the classification result of the drug classification process described later. Therefore, by viewing each image data included in the classified image data group, the user can verify whether multiple drugs classified into any classification cup (141) are of the same type.

[0193] [Drug Classification Processing]

[0194] Next, the drug classification process based on the result of the above-mentioned discrimination process will be explained using FIGS. 1, 9, and 10. FIGS. 9 (a) and (b) are drawings for explaining the classification process for a classification cup (141). FIGS. 10 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the second RFID reader / writer unit (18). The drug classification process is mainly performed by the return / classification unit (12) and the classification control unit (62).

[0195] The return / sorting unit (12) classifies the drugs by type based on the determination result by the determination unit (64) and stores them in the second receiving unit (14) or the waiting tray (15). The classification control unit (62) controls the return / sorting unit (12) to return the drugs placed in the storage area Ar1 after imaging and determination processing to a predetermined classification cup (141) or waiting tray (15) of the second receiving unit (14) based on the determination result.

[0196] When the classification control unit (62) receives a determination result of a drug, it determines a classification location for storing the drug and stores the determination result in relation to the determined classification location in the memory unit (80). Specifically, the classification control unit (62) determines whether a determination result identical to the above determination result is stored in the memory unit (80). In addition, the method for determining whether these two determination results are identical is omitted as it has been explained in [Image Classification Processing] above.

[0197] If a determination result identical to the above determination result is stored, the classification cup (141) associated with the stored determination result is determined as the classification location. Additionally, if the classification location associated with the stored determination result is a waiting tray (15), the waiting tray (15) is determined as the classification location. Meanwhile, if a determination result identical to the above determination result is not stored, the classification cup (141) that does not store the drug (classification cup (141) that is not determined as the classification location) is determined as the classification location. If the drug is stored in all of the classification cups (141), the waiting tray (15) is determined as the classification location.

[0198] When the classification control unit (62) determines the classification location, it controls the return mechanism (123) in the same way as the return control unit (61) to move the return / classification unit (12) upward in the storage area Ar1. The classification control unit (62) controls the second camera (121) and the adsorption / shutter mechanism (122) in the same way as the return control unit (61) to adsorb the medicine placed in the storage area Ar1. After that, the medicine is returned to the determined classification cup (141) or waiting tray (15) by the return mechanism (123). As described above, since the shutter mechanism is in a closed state during the medicine return, it is possible to prevent the medicine from falling into an area other than the determined classification location (e.g., a classification cup (141) other than the determined classification cup (141)). After return, the medicine is stored in the corresponding classification cup (141) or waiting tray (15) by releasing the adsorption. Additionally, the classification control unit (62) counts the number of drugs stored in the classification cup (141) and stores them in the memory unit (80) in relation to the classification position.

[0199] After the classification control unit (62) returns the drug (drug after determination) of the drug loading stand (133a) placed in the storage area Ar1 to the classification position, the return control unit (61) controls the return / classification unit (12) to return and load the drug contained in the first receiving unit (11) to the empty drug loading stand (133a). By doing so, the drug classification device (1) can continuously determine the type of drug.

[0200] Additionally, when the target feature and the comparison feature are compared by the discrimination unit (64), the classification control unit (62) may determine the classification location based on the comparison result of the discrimination unit (64). Specifically, if the classification control unit (62) determines by the discrimination unit (64) that the target feature and the comparison feature match, it returns the drug having the target feature to the same location where the drug having the comparison feature was classified. On the other hand, if the classification control unit (62) determines that the target feature and the comparison feature do not match, it returns the drug having the target feature to a new location different from the location where the drug having the comparison feature was already classified before the classification of the drug.

[0201] Additionally, if the classification control unit (62) receives a determination result indicating that the type of medicine cannot be determined, the item placed in the storage area Ar1 after determination is a foreign object, so the foreign object is returned to the recovery tray (16).

[0202] In this way, the classification control unit (62) stores all of the items received in the first receiving unit (11) in the second receiving unit (14), the waiting tray (15), or the recovery tray (16), regardless of the result of determining the type of drug. Therefore, even if the type of drug cannot be identified as one, or if foreign matter is mixed in the first receiving unit (11), the classification process can be continued without stopping for that reason.

[0203] Additionally, the classification control unit (62) captures the drug loading stand (133a) with the second camera (121) to extract the drug that has been processed for identification from the drug loading stand (133a) placed in the storage area Ar1, and compresses the location of the drug. Additionally, the classification control unit (62) captures the classification cup (141) with the second camera (121) to extract the drug from the classification cup (141) when the drug stored in the classification cup (141) is being transported to the distribution mechanism (6), and compresses the drug to be transported.

[0204] Additionally, when the number of drugs stored in the classification cup (141) is up to the upper limit of the number of drugs stored in the classification cup (141), the classification control unit (62) stores the drug to be classified in an empty classification cup (141) that is different from the classification cup (141), even if the type of drug to be classified is the same as the type of drug classified in the classification cup (141).

[0205] Additionally, the sorting control unit (62) performs a process such as that shown in FIG. 9, for example, to enable more drugs to be loaded into the sorting cup (141). As shown in FIG. 9 (a), the sorting control unit (62) determines a location for storing drugs in the sorting cup (141) that is offset by a predetermined distance D in the horizontal direction from the reference location (here, centerline CL) of the sorting cup (141), and loads the drugs at that location. Meanwhile, when the next drug is to be stored in the sorting cup (141), the sorting control unit (62) determines a location for storing the drugs that is offset by a predetermined distance D from the reference location in the opposite direction to that of FIG. 9 (a), as shown in FIG. 9 (b), and loads the drugs at that location.

[0206] A predetermined distance D (amount of movement from the reference position) is calculated so that the drug is stored in the sorting cup (141) based on the maximum length of the drug obtainable by imaging and the width of the sorting cup (141) in the direction of displacement. For example, if the maximum length of the drug is large, the amount of movement is calculated to be smaller compared to a small drug.

[0207] In this way, by controlling the storage position of the drug in the sorting cup (141), for example, when the drug is stacked along the center line CL, it is possible to prevent the stacked drug from tipping over and rolling out of the sorting cup (141). In addition, it is possible to prevent the tip of the adsorption mechanism of the adsorption shutter mechanism (122) from colliding with the stacked drug.

[0208] Additionally, drug data regarding the drug stored in the classification cup (141) by the classification control unit (62) is stored in an RFID tag provided in the classification cup (141) by the second RFID reader / writer unit (18).

[0209] The second RFID reader / writer unit (18), like the first RFID reader / writer unit (5), performs the writing of drug data to the RFID tag or the reading of drug data stored in the RFID tag. The classification control unit (62) writes data regarding the drug to the RFID control unit (68) whenever the drug is stored in the classification cup (141).

[0210] The second RFID reader / writer unit (18) is provided on the lower side of the second receiving portion (14). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, it is provided to face the bottom of each sorting cup (141) when reading or writing data regarding the drug stored in the RFID tag of each sorting cup (141). In this embodiment, the second RFID reader / writer unit (18) is configured such that a plurality of RFID reader / writers (18a) are arranged in the X-axis direction and can move in the Y-axis direction by means of a guide member (18b) that extends in the Y-axis direction. By doing so, communication with the RFID tag of each sorting cup (141) becomes possible, and data regarding the drug written during drug sorting processing can be used in subsequent processing.

[0211] [Display Processing]

[0212] Next, the display processing will be explained using FIGS. 1, FIGS. 11, and FIGS. 12. FIGS. 11 is a drawing showing an example of an image display, (a) is an example of a display during drug classification processing (an example of an image showing the trend of drug classification), and (b) is an example of a display of image data corresponding to a designated classification cup (141) (an example of an image for visual inspection). FIGS. 12 is a drawing showing another example of an image display.

[0213] As illustrated in FIG. 11 (a), the display control unit (67) generates a display image during drug classification processing based on the classification position determined by the classification control unit (62) and data regarding the drug associated with the classification position, and displays it on the display unit (32). Each rectangular part corresponding to each classification cup (141) and each icon such as display switching can receive user input by passing through the operation unit (31).

[0214] In the display image example of FIG. 11 (a), the name of the drug, the quantity, and whether visual inspection is complete are displayed in the rectangular portion corresponding to each sorting cup (141) in which the drug is stored. Whenever the sorting of one drug is completed, the display control unit (67) reads data regarding the drug from the RFID tag of the sorting cup (141) in which the drug is stored, at least in the immediate vicinity, to the RFID control unit (68). By doing so, the sorting status can be displayed in real time.

[0215] In this display image example, the first row corresponds to a sorting cup (141) provided in the front (+Y-axis direction) and the seventh row corresponds to a sorting cup (141) provided in the inside (-Y-axis direction) of the drug sorting device (1). Also, in this display image example, since 50 tablets (the upper limit of the number that can be stored in one sorting cup (141) in this example) of drugs are stored in the sorting cup (141) of B-1, it can be seen that the 51st tablet and thereafter are stored in the sorting cup (141) of C-1. Additionally, as shown in this display image example, the sorting control unit (62) may store drugs from the sorting cup (141) of the first row in the front and the seventh row in the inside. In this case, the front area of ​​the second receiving section (14) may be set as an area for classifying drugs loaded in the tablet dispenser, and the inner area may be set as an area for classifying drugs not loaded in the tablet dispenser, such as drugs that are returned to the drug shelf. By setting it in this way, drugs loaded in the tablet dispenser can be classified into a position that is easy to extract.

[0216] When user input is received in the rectangular portion corresponding to the classification cup (141) in which the medicine is stored, the display control unit (67) displays the entire image data of the medicine stored in the classification cup (141) as shown in (b) of FIG. 11. Specifically, the display control unit (67) displays a visible light image (a visible light image of the medicine loading stand (133a) obtained after the type of medicine is determined) for all medicines stored in the classification cup (141) selected by the user among the classification cups (141) classified by type based on the determination result.

[0217] Accordingly, since the user can individually visualize the images of all said drugs within said classification cup (141) under the premise that the same or identical drugs are classified into the same classification cup (141), it is possible to detect if there are different drugs or foreign substances.

[0218] In addition, when user input regarding “Batch OK” or “Batch NG” is received in relation to work efficiency, the display control unit (67) switches the rectangular portion corresponding to the sorting cup (141) in FIG. 11 (a) to a display indicating that visual inspection is complete. In addition, the RFID control unit (68) stores (registers) that visual inspection is complete in the RFID tag of the sorting cup (141). At this time, the storage unit (80) may also store that visual inspection is complete.

[0219] In addition, for a drug identified as a drug associated with multiple candidate drug data or a presumed drug, the drug data regarding the drug is uniquely identified during the visual inspection. Therefore, the uniquely identified drug data is registered in the RFID tag or memory unit (80).

[0220] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 12, in the display image during or after drug classification processing, the rectangular portions corresponding to each classification cup (141) may be color-coded according to the return location of the drug (e.g., tablet dispenser or drug shelf). In the example of FIG. 12, the colors are differentiated so that the drug returned to dispenser P, the drug returned to dispenser Q, and the drug returned to the drug shelf can be distinguished. The memory unit (80) stores the return location and the display color set corresponding to the return location.

[0221] For example, when color differentiation is performed before visual inspection, the control unit compares the drug data based on the determination result of the determination unit (64) with the drug data mounted on each tablet distributor, and determines the tablet distributor to which the drug of each classification cup (141) is returned based on the comparison result. If it is determined that the drug is not mounted on the tablet distributor, the return destination is determined to be the drug shelf. The display control unit (67) performs a color differentiation display of the rectangular portion based on the determination result. If the drug data is changed by visual inspection, the control unit changes the display color according to the change result. In the case of an estimated drug, the control unit, for example, reserves color differentiation and determines the final display color after the drug data is confirmed by visual inspection.

[0222] Meanwhile, after the inspection, the control unit can compare the drug data written on the RFID tag of each sorting cup (141) with the drug data held by each tablet dispenser.

[0223] By making color-coded markings in this way, the user can see at a glance which sorting cup (141) to take out depending on the purpose of use of the medicine, etc. This color-coded marking is particularly useful for users who own multiple tablet dispensers. This is because it can reduce the effort required to check the return location when returning the medicine (sorting cup (141)).

[0224] [Other Processing]

[0225] An example of other processing is explained.

[0226] (Creation and updating of drug databases)

[0227] The drug database manages drug data regarding multiple types of drugs. As described above, the drug database is used to specify the type of drug handled in the drug classification device (1).

[0228] Ideally, the drug database should contain data for all drugs of various types, but in reality, it is difficult to include all of them, for example, at the time of shipment of the drug classification device (1). In addition, there is a possibility that new drugs may be developed after shipment of the drug classification device (1). Therefore, the drug database is made capable of adding (updating) drug data regarding new drugs.

[0229] For example, regarding a drug identified as a presumed drug, if the drug data concerning the drug is uniquely identified during the visual inspection as described above, the control unit registers the drug data concerning the drug in the drug database at the time of registration. By doing so, new drugs can be registered in the drug database, and the drug database can be updated at any time. Furthermore, it is not necessary to include all drugs during the drug database creation stage.

[0230] Additionally, the drug data regarding each specific drug based on the determination result of the determination unit (64) can be said to have been predicted by the drug classification device (1) to support visual inspection. Therefore, the drug name displayed by the display control unit (67) is the predicted drug name. By performing a visual inspection based on the image data of each displayed drug and the predicted drug name, the drug data regarding the drug is uniquely determined.

[0231] Furthermore, as described above, when determining the type of drug using a reference image (in other words, using the comparison result between the target feature and the control feature), the drug does not need to be pre-registered in the drug database. In this case, the drug data of the drug uniquely identified by the visual inspection as described above is registered in the drug database as official drug data, along with the reference image.

[0232] (Position detection of suction / shutter mechanism)

[0233] The control unit may detect the position of a housing including a second camera (121) and an adsorption shutter mechanism (122). In this case, the position is detected by, for example, installing a distance sensor on the surface facing the +X-axis direction and the surface facing the +Y-axis direction of the housing, respectively, and measuring the distance to the housing of the drug classification device (1). By doing so, the control unit can determine the position of the adsorption shutter mechanism (122), and thus can, for example, determine whether the adsorption shutter mechanism (122) is moving to an accurate classification position.

[0234] (Obstacle detection device)

[0235] Additionally, the drug sorting device (1) may be provided with an obstacle detection mechanism that detects whether any obstacle is placed in the drug sorting area (2). The obstacle detection mechanism detects, for example, a part of the sorting cup (141) that protrudes beyond the top surface of the sorting cup (141) when it is correctly loaded on the base (19) as the obstacle when the sorting cup (141) is not correctly loaded and is loaded obliquely with respect to the base (19). Additionally, the obstacle detection mechanism detects, for example, a drug that protrudes from the top surface of the sorting cup (141) as the obstacle when the drugs are stacked and protrude from the top surface of the sorting cup (141). The obstacle detection mechanism detects an obstacle when the obstacle is placed in the space between the bottom of the housing (the lowest surface facing the base (19)) which includes, for example, the second camera (121) and the suction / shutter mechanism (122), and the top surface of the sorting cup (141) which is accurately loaded on the base (19).

[0236] The obstacle detection mechanism comprises a laser light source that emits laser light into the space and a sensor that receives the laser light emitted from the laser light source. When an obstacle is placed, the sensor detects that the obstacle is placed by becoming unable to receive the laser light. For example, an obstacle detection mechanism is provided at one end of a base (19), and a reflective mirror is provided at the other end. In this case, the sensor receives the laser light emitted from the laser light source and reflected by the reflective mirror. Additionally, the obstacle detection mechanism may be configured to operate along one end of the base (19).

[0237] (Exclusion of drugs that do not require classification)

[0238] The drug classification device (1) does not need to classify a drug received in the first receiving section (11) if the drug is classified as a drug that does not require classification. Specifically, the determination section (64) excludes the drug from classification if the drug whose type has been determined is classified as a drug that does not require classification.

[0239] Drugs that do not require classification are, for example, drugs that a user determines do not require classification based on the operation of drug classification tasks, and are pre-set in the drug classification device (1). For example, the user sets the conditions for drugs that do not require classification through the classification condition setting screen. For example, the following four conditions may be given as conditions, and the determination unit (64) excludes the drug subject to determination from the classification target as a drug that does not require classification if the drug falls under any of the conditions. (1) A drug whose price is less than or equal to a predetermined fee. (2) A drug whose final distribution date is at least a predetermined date prior to the classification processing date. (3) A drug to which a flag (e.g., a flag indicating a psychotropic drug, a flag indicating an anticancer drug) is assigned. (4) A drug whose name contains a specific string. In addition, the drug price information of (1) and the flag of (3) can be obtained from a comprehensive drug database managed by an external device. The final distribution date of (2) and the drug name of (4) can be obtained by downloading master data from a tablet distributor.

[0240] When the identification unit (64) determines that a drug does not need to be classified, the return control unit (61) controls the adsorption shutter mechanism (122) to remove the drug from the drug loading stand (133a) loaded with the drug, returns it to the recovery tray (16), and organizes it in one place. In this way, by excluding drugs that the user does not want to classify from the classification target, unnecessary processing such as classification processing or visual inspection of the drug can be eliminated.

[0241] (Log of image data)

[0242] When extracting and distributing a drug from a sorting cup (141), an image of the drug when it is extracted from the sorting cup (141) may be preserved so that it can be clearly identified which drug was extracted and distributed (for the purpose of traceability of the process flow). When the drug from the sorting cup (141) is transferred to the distribution mechanism (6) through the drug input port (17) using an adsorption / shutter mechanism (122), the drug is captured, for example, by a second camera (121), and the image data is stored in the memory unit (80). In this case, the image data is recorded as a log whenever the drug is extracted. Therefore, by checking the image data, it becomes possible to verify the legitimacy of the distribution process after the distribution process.

[0243] (Designation of return agent)

[0244] It is permissible to allow the designation of return agents before the classification of drugs begins, and to record the return agents of classified drugs as a history.

[0245] For example, the control unit of the drug classification device (1) obtains information on the return source by downloading master data from a tablet dispenser within the hospital. The information on the return source may be obtained by user input or by reading the barcode (identification information) assigned to the returned drug. In this way, the control unit identifies the return source of the drug received in the first receiving unit (11) before the classification of the drug begins. Additionally, the control unit associates the information on the return source with data regarding the classified drug. In this way, it becomes possible to manage the history of the return source of the classified drug in the drug classification device (1) or in an external device connected to the drug classification device (1).

[0246] In addition, the drug classification device (1) or external device may count the number of returned drugs by ward, medical department, or facility and output the result in the aggregation processing (aggregation task) of returned drugs.

[0247] (Designation of prescribing physician)

[0248] Before the classification of drugs begins, the prescribing physician may be selected, and the physician who prescribed the classified drugs may be recorded as a history.

[0249] For example, the control unit of the drug classification device (1) may obtain information about the prescribing physician through user input, or it may obtain it by reading identification information issued to the physician (e.g., a barcode assigned to an ID card). Alternatively, it may obtain the information by downloading master data from a tablet dispenser within the hospital. By doing so, the control unit identifies the physician who prescribed the drug received in the first receiving unit (11) before the classification of the drug begins. Additionally, the control unit associates the information of the physician who prescribed the drug with the data regarding the classified drug. By doing so, the history of the physician who prescribed the classified drug can be managed in the drug classification device (1) or in an external device connected to the drug classification device (1).

[0250] In addition, the drug classification device (1) or external device may count the number of returned drugs per doctor and output the result in the aggregation processing (aggregation task) of returned drugs.

[0251] [Main components of the drug classification device (1)]

[0252] The drug classification device (1) has various configurations as described above. The following (1) to (4) are examples of particularly major configurations among the various configurations. The following (1) to (4) are merely examples and do not exclude other configurations of the drug classification device (1) from major configurations.

[0253] (1) The drug classification device (1) comprises a first receiving unit (first receiving unit (11)) for receiving multiple types of drugs in a mixed state, a second receiving unit (second receiving unit (14)) for receiving the drugs in a classified state by type, an imaging unit (first camera (131)) for capturing the drugs, a determination unit (determination unit (64)) for determining the type of the drugs based on the image captured by the imaging unit, and a classification unit (return / classification unit (12)) for classifying the drugs by type and storing them in the second receiving unit based on the determination result by the determination unit.

[0254] (2) The drug classification device (1) has an imaging unit that captures a drug, a determination unit that determines the type of the drug based on the image captured by the imaging unit, a classification unit that classifies the drug by type based on the determination result by the determination unit, and an image classification unit (image classification unit (65)) that classifies the image captured by the imaging unit according to the type of drug determined by the determination unit.

[0255] (3) The drug classification device (1) has an imaging unit for imaging a drug, an ultraviolet light irradiation unit (ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c)) for irradiating ultraviolet light onto the drug, and a drug data extraction unit (discrimination unit (64)) for compressing candidate drug data regarding the imaged drug from a drug database that manages drug data regarding multiple types of drugs.

[0256] (4) The drug classification device (1) has an imaging unit that captures a drug, a determination unit that extracts the characteristics of the drug from each of the images captured by the imaging unit and determines the type of the drug by comparing the characteristics with each other and determining whether they are considered identical, and a classification unit that, when the determination unit determines that the characteristics are considered identical, classifies the drug whose type was determined by the determination unit to the same location as the drug whose type was determined by the determination unit up to that point.

[0257] [Example of realization by software]

[0258] The control block of the drug classification device (1) (particularly the return control unit (61), classification control unit (62), image control unit (63), identification unit (64), image classification unit (65), operation input unit (66), display control unit (67), RFID control unit (68), and print output control unit (69)) may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip), etc., or may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0259] In the latter case, the drug classification device (1) is equipped with a CPU that executes instructions for a program, which is software that realizes each function; a ROM (Read Only Memory) or memory device (referred to as a “recording medium”) in which the program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by a computer (or CPU); and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that executes the program. The objective of the present invention is achieved by the computer (or CPU) reading and executing the program from the recording medium. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium,” such as a tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc., may be used. Additionally, the program may be supplied to the computer through any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast wave). Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention may be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, which is implemented by electronic transmission.

[0260] Below, additional configurations and processing of the drug classification device (1) are described. However, please note that in the description below, there are parts that overlap with the above-described content or parts that are specifically described.

[0261] <Various processing or operation examples>

[0262] (Character recognition)

[0263] First, an example of character recognition processing by the discrimination unit (64) will be explained. Figures 13 (a) to (d) are drawings for explaining an example of character recognition processing.

[0264] In this example, the discrimination unit (64) performs recognition processing for a plurality of characters (e.g., numbers) assigned to a drug included in an image captured by the first camera (131). This recognition processing is a process that extracts the characteristics of the drug by performing OCR, etc. as described above.

[0265] The drug subject to the above recognition processing is loaded onto the drug loading platform (133a) by the transport and sorting unit (12). At this time, the drug is not loaded so that the position where the imprint or print of the drug is applied faces a predetermined direction. Therefore, the identification unit (64) performs the above recognition processing while rotating the image of the captured drug. In this case, there is a possibility that the shape of the secant line or logo attached to the drug may also be forcibly recognized as a character.

[0266] Therefore, in this example, the determination unit (64) determines that among the plurality of characters recognized by the recognition process, the character whose size is within a predetermined range and whose character forms a column is actually a plurality of characters assigned to the medicine.

[0267] The determination unit (64), when there are multiple parts recognized as characters (rectangular parts in the drawing) as illustrated in FIG. 13 (a), determines whether the lengths of the long sides h1, h2, and h3 of each of the parts are within a predetermined length range (predetermined range). If the lengths of the long sides h1, h2, and h3 are within the predetermined range, the determination unit (64) determines that each part has a size within the predetermined range.

[0268] The above predetermined range may be set based on the average value of the long side length (height) of the part recognized as a character, for example, by obtaining multiple values ​​in advance. The predetermined range can be adjusted appropriately, but for example, it is set to a range of 0.8 times or more and 1.2 times or less of the average value. The predetermined range is set to a size such that the discrimination unit (64) can recognize the character assigned to the drug.

[0269] In addition, in this example, the length of the longer side is used to determine whether the size of each part falls within a predetermined range, but this is not limited to this, and the determination may also be made using the length of the shorter side or the size (area) of each part.

[0270] The determination unit (64) determines whether there is linearity in the arrangement of each part when it determines that each part has a size within a predetermined range. For example, the determination unit (64) connects the end of any one side of the part being considered with the end of any one side of a part within a predetermined range from the part. This process is performed for all parts. When the plurality of line segments connected in this way are straight or can be considered as straight, the determination unit (64) determines that there is linearity in the arrangement of each part forming the line segment.

[0271] For example, consider the case where an image of a drug is acquired as shown in Fig. 13 (b). In this example, an example is described in which the discriminant (64) accurately reads an arrangement of numbers.

[0272] The discriminant (64), as shown in FIG. 13 (c), recognizes, for example, the actual character “A” as the character “4” (code Ch1 in the drawing) and the actual character “R” as the character “0” (code Ch2 in the drawing) through the recognition process. Additionally, the discriminant (64), through the recognition process, recognizes, for example, a part of the actual character “E” as the character “1” (code Ch3 in the drawing) and a part of the actual secant line as the character “1” (code Ch4 in the drawing). Additionally, the discriminant (64), as shown in FIG. 13 (d), reads the actual character “102” as the character “102” through the recognition process.

[0273] If such recognition processing is performed, a sequence of numbers different from the actually assigned character "102" will be read.

[0274] The determination unit (64) determines whether the size of a character (the above part) is within a predetermined range and whether there is linearity in the arrangement of the character. The part assigned with code Ch3 is excluded from the recognized character because it does not have a size within the predetermined range. Additionally, the parts assigned with codes Ch1, Ch2, and Ch4 are excluded because there is no linearity in their arrangement. Meanwhile, for the actual character "102", it is determined that in the image, the size of each part of "1", "0", and "2" has a size within the predetermined range and there is linearity in their arrangement.

[0275] As a result, the discrimination unit (64) extracts only "102" assigned to the actual medicine as a sequence of numbers from the image. In this way, the discrimination unit (64) of the present example can accurately read the sequence of numbers. In addition, although reading the sequence of numbers was described as an example in FIG. 13 (b) to (d), the same determination can be made for strings of characters other than numbers. That is, the discrimination unit (64) of the present example can improve the reading accuracy of multiple characters assigned to the medicine.

[0276] (Specification of the imaging location)

[0277] Next, an example of specific processing of the imaging position by the imaging control unit (63) will be described. Figures 14 (a) to (e) are drawings for explaining an example of specific processing of the imaging position.

[0278] As illustrated in FIG. 14 (a), a drug loading platform (133a) that is placed in a placement area Ar2 and loads a drug to be imaged is provided with an axis portion (133c) that supports the drug loading platform (133a). Additionally, when the drug loading platform (133a) is placed in the placement area Ar2, the axis portion (133c) becomes approximately parallel to the axis direction in which the first camera (131) rotates.

[0279] In the shaft portion (133c) of the present example, a verification area Cr is provided with a shape to determine whether the shooting position is appropriate using an image captured by the imaging control unit (63). In order to enable this determination, in the present example, different shapes are assigned to the verification area Cr in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion (133c). In addition, in the present example, multiple types of colors are assigned as shapes in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion (133c).

[0280] For example, red, green, blue, orange, and purple are evenly distributed in this order on at least a portion of the circumferential direction of the axis portion (133c) as the verification area Cr. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14 (b) to (e), the ratio of each color present within the verification area Cr included in the image captured by the first camera (131) varies depending on the capturing position of the first camera (131). Therefore, by pre-capturing an image as shown in FIG. 14 (b) to (e) at each capturing position, it is possible to determine whether the first camera (131) is capturing the drug from a predetermined position.

[0281] Specifically, when the image control unit (63) acquires an image captured for determining the type of drug, it determines whether the first camera (131) is positioned in an appropriate location by comparing the shape included in the image with the shape included in a previously captured image (a predetermined shape).

[0282] In this example, the imaging control unit (63) pre-calculates the ratio of each color existing within the verification area Cr included in the image at each imaging position and stores the ratio in the memory unit (80). The imaging control unit (63) calculates the ratio of each color existing within the verification area Cr included in the image captured for determining the type of drug, and compares the ratio of each color (referred to as the target ratio) with the ratio of each color calculated in advance (referred to as the reference ratio). As a result, if the target ratio roughly matches the reference ratio (the difference between the target ratio and the reference ratio is within a predetermined range), the imaging control unit (63) determines that the imaging position is an appropriate position.

[0283] For example, when capturing a drug from a capture position 0° (immediately above the placement area Ar2), the capture control unit (63) places the first camera (131) at the capture position 0° and then captures the drug loaded on the drug loading stand (133a) from the said capture position. The capture control unit (63) obtains the target ratio from the captured image, reads the reference ratio of the capture position 0°, and then compares the target ratio with the reference ratio. By doing so, the capture control unit (63) can determine whether the captured image is an image captured from a specified capture position 0°. That is, it can determine whether the first camera (131) captured the drug from a specified capture position 0°.

[0284] In addition, if the imaging control unit (63) determines that the imaging position is deviated from the prescribed imaging position, it adjusts the imaging position and then determines again whether the imaging position after adjustment is an appropriate position.

[0285] In addition, in this example, multiple types of colors are assigned in the main direction of the axis portion (133c) that falls within the imaging range of the first camera (131), but are not limited thereto; a shape may be assigned within the drug classification device (1) so that the imaging control unit (63) can specify the imaging position. For example, it may be a shape assigned to a part other than the axis portion (133c) of the drug classification device (1) that is projected onto the image captured from each imaging position (e.g., a part of the drug loading stand (133a)). Also, it may not be a color, but an uneven shape, etc. However, the method of projecting the shape at each imaging position must be different from one another. Furthermore, when multiple types of colors are assigned in the circumferential direction of the axis portion (133c), if a uniform ratio is required for each imaging position, it is not limited to the above five colors, and there is no need for multiple types of colors to be evenly distributed.

[0286] In this way, the imaging control unit (63) compares the shape of a specific part other than the medicine, which is included in the image captured by the first camera (131), with a specific shape included in an image previously captured by the first camera (131). By doing so, the imaging control unit (63) can determine whether the imaging position of the first camera (131) is a predetermined position. Furthermore, by a simple method of assigning a shape to the imaging range of the first camera (131), the imaging control unit (63) can recognize whether the first camera (131) is capturing from an appropriate position.

[0287] (Specification of adsorption location)

[0288] Next, an example of specific processing of the adsorption location by the return control unit (61) will be described. Figures 15 (a) to (c) are drawings for explaining an example of specific processing of the adsorption location.

[0289] As described above, the return control unit (61) controls the return and sorting unit (12) that returns the medicine from the first receiving unit (11) to the first camera (131) side (specifically, the storage area Ar1). The return control unit (61) of the present example also specifies a location within a protruding area that includes a protruding part of a medicine estimation area in an image captured by the second camera (121) in which the medicine is presumed to be contained, as the adsorption location where the adsorption mechanism adsorbs the medicine.

[0290] Specifically, the return control unit (61), as shown in FIG. 15 (a), compresses the adsorption area (picking area) of the drug in the image captured by the second camera (121), and then extracts a plurality of drug estimation areas Mr based on the luminance distribution in the captured image. For example, a known Watershed algorithm is used for extracting the drug estimation areas Mr based on this luminance distribution.

[0291] The return control unit (61) identifies the largest maximum drug estimation area Mrmax among the extracted multiple drug estimation areas Mr, as illustrated in FIG. 15 (b). The return control unit (61) determines whether the maximum drug estimation area Mrmax is a predetermined shape or a shape similar to a predetermined shape. The predetermined shape is the inherent shape of the drug, for example, the shape of a tablet or capsule. That is, it is a shape with relatively high roundness or rectangularity in the image.

[0292] The return control unit (61) determines that if the maximum drug estimation area Mrmax is determined to have a shape different from a predetermined shape, multiple drugs are adjacent or overlapping in the maximum drug estimation area Mrmax. For example, if the return control unit (61) determines that the degree of agreement between the maximum drug estimation area Mrmax and the predetermined shape is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the maximum drug estimation area Mrmax is determined to have a shape different from the predetermined shape (i.e., an unnatural shape as a drug).

[0293] When the return control unit (61) determines that the maximum drug estimation area Mrmax is different from the shape of the predetermined shape, it sets an inscribed rectangular area Rr that is inscribed around the specific maximum drug estimation area Mrmax, as shown in Fig. 15 (b). The return control unit (61) then specifies the most protruding protruding part Pp in the predetermined area inscribed around the outer circumference of the set inscribed rectangular area Rr, and then specifies a protruding area Pr that includes the protruding part Pp.

[0294] After that, the return control unit (61) specifies any location within a specific protruding area Pr (e.g., the center of the protruding area Pr) as the adsorption location.

[0295] In the case where multiple drugs are adjacent or overlapping in the first receiving portion (11), even if the area near the center of the drug estimation area Mr is specified as the adsorption location, there is a possibility that the drugs cannot be adsorbed. According to the present example, even if multiple drugs are adjacent or overlapping, a location where there is a high probability of the drugs existing can be specified as the adsorption location. Therefore, it becomes possible to adsorb the drugs more reliably.

[0296] In addition, in this example, the adsorption location was specified using the maximum drug estimation region Mrmax, but it is not limited thereto, and the adsorption location may be specified using a drug estimation region Mr other than the maximum drug estimation region Mrmax. Furthermore, in this example, it is determined whether the shape of the maximum drug estimation region Mrmax is a predetermined shape, but it is not limited thereto, and it is not necessary to perform such determination and to specify the adsorption location using one of the extracted drug estimation regions Mr among the plurality of drug estimation regions Mr.

[0297] (Specific range of drug adsorption)

[0298] Next, an example of a specific treatment of the drug adsorption range by the return control unit (61) or the classification control unit (62) will be described. Figures 16 (a) to (d) are drawings for explaining an example of a specific treatment of the drug adsorption range.

[0299] The classification control unit (62) (detection area changing unit) of the present example changes the detection area for detecting the drug contained in the classification cup (141) based on whether at least a portion of the bottom of the classification cup (141) is included in the image of the classification cup (141) captured by the second camera (121). Likewise, the return control unit (61) (detection area changing unit) of the present example changes the detection area for detecting the drug contained in the first receiving unit (11) based on whether at least a portion of the bottom of the first receiving unit (11) is included in the image of the first receiving unit (11) captured by the second camera (121). This processing may be performed in at least one of the classification control unit (62) and the return control unit (61).

[0300] In order to realize specific processing of this detection area, in this example, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), a mark Mk is provided on the bottom of the sorting cup (141). Also, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), a mark Mk is applied to the bottom of the first receiving portion (11). In this example, a sheet with the mark Mk is inserted into the bottom, but it does not matter if the mark Mk is formed directly on the bottom. Since the specific processing of the detection area is the same for the sorting control unit (62) and the return control unit (61), the processing by the sorting control unit (62) will be explained as an example thereafter.

[0301] When the bottom of the sorting cup (141) is not included in the image captured by the second camera (121), the sorting control unit (62) specifies a range smaller than the size Br of the bottom of the sorting cup (141) as the detection area Dr, as shown in (c) of FIG. 16. In this example, when the sorting control unit (62) cannot recognize the mark Mk in the image, it determines that the bottom is not included in the image.

[0302] If the bottom part is not included in the image, it can be determined that the number of drugs included in the sorting cup (141) is large. Therefore, taking into account that the sorting cup (141) may be placed out of alignment from a predetermined position, the sorting control unit (62) specifies a range smaller than the size Br of the bottom part as the detection area Dr.

[0303] Meanwhile, when the captured image contains at least a portion of the bottom of the classification cup (141), the classification control unit (62) specifies a range approximately equal to the size Br of the bottom of the classification cup (141) as a detection area Dr, as shown in (d) of FIG. 16. This detection area Dr is the detection area Dr that is originally set. In this example, the classification control unit (62) determines that the bottom is included in the image when it can recognize the mark Mk in the image.

[0304] If the bottom part is included in the image, it can be determined that the number of drugs included in the sorting cup (141) is small. Additionally, it can be determined that the drugs exist near the end of the sorting cup (141). Therefore, the sorting control unit (62) specifies a range approximately equal to the size Br of the bottom part as the detection area Dr. Additionally, the size of the detection area Dr may be determined based on the mark Mk.

[0305] In this way, by changing the detection area Dr (specifically its size) based on whether the bottom part is included in the image, the detection area Dr can be specified according to the number of drugs contained in the sorting cup (141) or the first receiving part (11). In addition, the possibility that drugs cannot be extracted due to misalignment of the sorting cup (141) or the first receiving part (11) can be reduced. That is, according to the above process, it becomes possible to extract drugs more reliably.

[0306] The above-described method for extracting the drug (first extraction method) is useful when the sorting cup (141) or the first receiving portion (11) is approximately transparent. When it is approximately transparent, for example, the bottom surface of the sorting cup (141) or the first receiving portion (11) has a fine uneven shape, and the side surface is also approximately transparent. In this case, when the sorting control unit (62) or the return control unit (61) analyzes the image captured by the second camera (121), there is a possibility that the boundary portion between the bottom surface and the side surface may be misidentified as part of the drug. Additionally, when the sorting control unit (62) or the return control unit (61) analyzes the image, there is a possibility that the relatively small drug loaded at the boundary portion may not be detected. According to the first extraction method, such a possibility can be reduced.

[0307] Meanwhile, if the sorting cup (141) or the first receiving part (11) has a color (e.g., black), especially if it is unified into a single color, the sorting control part (62) or the return control part (61) can reduce the possibility of being affected by the boundary part in the interpretation of the image. Therefore, the sorting control part (62) or the return control part (61) can stably detect the drug by brightness or color, etc. That is, even without adopting the first extraction method, the drug can be stably detected from the sorting cup (141) or the first receiving part (11).

[0308] Additionally, if the sorting cup (141) or the first receiving part (11) has a color, the medicine may be extracted from the sorting cup (141) using a second extraction method different from the first extraction method. In this case, for example, the sorting control unit (62) moves the adsorption mechanism to the bottom surface so that the medicine is adsorbed in order, starting from the medicine located near the center of the bottom surface of the sorting cup (141). Specifically, the sorting control unit (62) first specifies a compressed area near the center, including the center of the bottom surface, as the medicine adsorption area, and controls the position of the adsorption mechanism to adsorb the medicine within the said area. After that, the sorting control unit (62) gradually expands the adsorption area to the side (e.g., in two stages). By doing so, even if the medicine has accumulated in the sorting cup (141), it becomes possible to adsorb the medicine while breaking it down from near the center. Additionally, the return control unit (61) may extract the medicine from the first receiving unit (11) in the same manner.

[0309] In addition, when the sorting cup (141) or the first receiving part (11) has a color, the sorting control part (62) or the return control part (61) can stably detect a roughly transparent capsule or a relatively small drug standing upright on the bottom surface, which was difficult to detect on the bottom surface having the fine uneven shape.

[0310] (Designation of medicines and sorting cups)

[0311] Next, an example of the designation process of the drug and the classification cup (141) by the classification control unit (62) will be described. FIG. 17 (a) and (b) are drawings for explaining an example of the designation process of the drug and the classification cup (141). Specifically, FIG. 17 (a) is a maintenance image Im10 when the drug database is changed (e.g., maintenance). FIG. 17 (b) is an initialization image Im11 when the memory contents of the RFID tag (information recording medium) of the classification cup (141) are initialized.

[0312] Additionally, regarding the image to be displayed on the display unit (32), it may be referred to as a screen. For example, the maintenance image and the initialization image may be referred to as the maintenance screen and the initialization screen, respectively. Furthermore, the classification image, audit image, classification drug list image, display color conversion image, return source selection image, enlarged display image, and aggregation image described later may also be referred to as the classification screen, audit screen, classification drug list screen, display color conversion screen, return source selection screen, enlarged display screen, and aggregation screen, respectively.

[0313] The classification group selection area Gr1 of the maintenance image Im10 and the classification container group setting area Gr2 of the initialization image Im11 are areas for receiving user operations to set classification identification information. The classification identification information is information for classifying a drug into a predetermined classification cup (141), which is assigned to the drug that the user wishes to classify into a predetermined classification cup (141).

[0314] Specifically, when a user wants to classify a specific drug into a specific classification cup (141), the user displays the maintenance image Im10 of the drug on the display unit (32) and inputs a classification group number to specify the classification group as classification identification information into the classification group selection area Gr1 of the maintenance image Im10.

[0315] Additionally, the user displays the initialization image Im11 on the display unit (32). Then, as classification identification information, the user inputs the same classification group number as the classification group number entered in the classification group selection area Gr1 of the maintenance image Im10 into the classification container group setting area Gr2 of the initialization image Im11.

[0316] The classification group number entered in the classification group selection area Gr1 and the classification group number entered in the classification container group setting area Gr2 are stored in the memory unit (80). Accordingly, the classification control unit (62) can identify a drug assigned to the classification group number entered in the classification group selection area Gr1 and a classification cup (141) assigned to the same classification group number as the classification group number entered in the classification container group setting area Gr2. That is, the return / classification unit (12) can classify a specific drug into a specific classification cup (141).

[0317] Additionally, the classification identification information may be information for identifying the classification cup (141). In this case, this classification identification information is entered into the classification group selection area Gr1 and the classification container group setting area Gr2.

[0318] Since the sorting cup (141) is reused, it was necessary to clean the sorting cup (141) after use when sorting medications that do not want to come into contact with other medications, such as colored medications or OD tablets (oral disintegrating tablets). In wards where there are many returns of colored medications or OD tablets, cleaning may take time. For such medications, they can be sorted into a specific sorting cup (141) by using sorting identification information. Therefore, cleaning work for sorting the medications can be reduced or made unnecessary.

[0319] (Determination of classification location)

[0320] Next, an example of the determination of the classification position by the classification control unit (62) will be described. The classification control unit (62) may classify the drug specified as the target to be extracted from the drug classification device (1) by controlling the return / classification unit (12) to the drug extraction side of the drug classification device (1) (classification cup (141) placed in the front area of ​​the second receiving unit (14)).

[0321] Specifically, the classification control unit (62) may determine whether a journal containing drug data reflecting the results of a visual inspection by a user is necessary, based on return location information regarding the return location of the classified drug. If the classification control unit (62) determines that a journal is necessary for a drug, it specifies the drug as a target to be extracted from the drug classification device (1).

[0322] Return location information is stored in the memory unit (80) in relation to each drug data concerning the drug. The return location information includes reader information indicating whether, for example, a reader (e.g., RFID reader) for reading drug data is provided in the return location or the return auxiliary device. Additionally, the return location information includes distributor information indicating whether, for example, the distribution mechanism (6) attached to the drug classification device (1) is information indicating the return location.

[0323] The return location includes, for example, a tablet dispenser, a sap dispenser, a pharmaceutical shelf, or a distribution mechanism (6) equipped with a pharmaceutical sorting device (1). The return assisting device is a device for returning to the return location (e.g., a pharmaceutical shelf). Additionally, at least reader information is obtained from other equipment or other devices (e.g., the aforementioned return location or return assisting device) that are different from the pharmaceutical sorting device (1).

[0324] Here, the return assist device comprises a reading unit capable of reading drug data (e.g., drug identification information) and return location information regarding a drug, for example, from a journal, and a display unit that displays the drug data and return location information read by the reading unit. If the drug data and return location information are displayed in at least a barcode or a two-dimensional code, the reading unit is implemented as a barcode reader. Additionally, the display unit displays detailed information, such as the drug shelf (e.g., shelf number), included in the return location information read by the reading unit. Since the return location information is displayed on the display unit, the possibility of a user mistaking the return location can be reduced. Furthermore, it does not matter if shelf identification information is assigned to individual drug shelves serving as return locations. In this case, for example, the return assist device reads the shelf identification information assigned to the drug shelves in addition to the return location information assigned to the journal. The return assist device performs a comparison of these read pieces of information and notifies the comparison result. By doing so, the possibility of a user using the return assist device mistaking the drug shelf serving as the drug return location can be further reduced.

[0325] When classifying a drug, the classification control unit (62) determines whether the return location is a distribution mechanism (6) by referring to the return location information of the drug. Additionally, if the return location is another facility or another device, the classification control unit (62) determines whether an RFID reader is provided at the return location. If the classification control unit (62) determines that the return location is another facility or other device and that an RFID reader is not provided at the return location, it determines that the drug requires a journal. Meanwhile, if the classification control unit (62) determines that the return location is a distribution mechanism (6) or that an RFID reader is provided at the return location, it determines that the drug does not require a journal.

[0326] The sorting control unit (62) controls the return / sorting unit (12) to sort drugs that require a journal into a sorting cup (141) placed in the front area. Whenever the return / sorting unit (12) determines that a journal is required, it takes drugs in order from, for example, the sorting cup (141) placed immediately in front right. Additionally, the sorting control unit (62) controls the return / sorting unit (12) to sort drugs that do not require a journal into a sorting cup (141) placed in the inner area. Whenever the return / sorting unit (12) determines that a journal is not required, it takes drugs in order from, for example, the sorting cup (141) placed in the inner left.

[0327] The journal is inserted into a sorting cup (141) in which the classified drug is received. When the user inserts the journal into the sorting cup (141), the user needs to extract it from the drug sorting device (1). Through the above process, the drug that needs to be extracted (i.e., the drug that requires a journal) can be received in the front sorting cup (141) which is easy to extract.

[0328] In addition, it is acceptable to pre-set a classification cup (141) for classifying the drugs to be extracted (i.e., a predetermined area at the front where the drugs to be extracted are classified).

[0329] In addition, it does not matter if the return location information does not include reader information. In this case, the classification control unit (62) may determine whether a journal is needed by using, for example, only the return location of the drug.

[0330] For example, the classification control unit (62) determines whether a journal is needed for a classified drug by specifying which distributor it is when the return destination is a distributor. Since it is possible to determine in advance whether an RFID reader is provided for each distributor, it is possible to remember whether a journal is needed for each distributor. In this case, the classification control unit (62) classifies drugs for which the return destination is a distributor equipped with an RFID reader into a classification cup (141) placed in the inner area because a journal is unnecessary. On the other hand, when the return destination is a drug shelf, a journal is required. Therefore, the classification control unit (62) classifies drugs for which the return destination is a drug shelf into a classification cup (141) placed in the front area.

[0331] Here, the journal may actually be published as follows. When a user loads a sorting cup (141) into the first RFID reader / writer unit (5), the display control unit (67) reads the information stored in the RFID tag of the sorting cup (141). By doing so, the display control unit (67) displays an inspection image (described later) of the medicine contained in the sorting cup (141). The user performs a visual inspection of the medicine by checking the inspection image. After the visual inspection, the user determines whether a journal is needed based on the return location of the medicine contained in the sorting cup (141), and if a journal is needed, the user inputs for journal publication regarding the image confirming journal necessity. When the print output control unit (69) receives the user input, it publishes the journal by controlling the print output unit (4). The user inserts the published journal into the sorting cup (141) that was inspected visually. In this way, by printing the journal whenever the sorting cup (141) is loaded into the first RFID reader / writer unit (5), it is possible to prevent the user from mistaking the journal and inserting it into a different sorting cup (141).

[0332] Additionally, the classification control unit (62) may classify the drugs loaded in the tablet dispenser into the front area and the drugs not loaded in the tablet dispenser into the inner area, as described above. In this case, information indicating whether the classified drugs are loaded in the tablet dispenser is stored in the memory unit (80), for example, in relation to the drugs in question. Additionally, the classification control unit (62) may determine whether the drugs are loaded in the tablet dispenser based on the return location information.

[0333] Additionally, when the classification control unit (62) classifies drugs in the front area of ​​the second receiving unit (14), it receives drugs in order from the frontmost column of the second receiving unit (14) toward the center. Additionally, when the classification control unit (62) classifies drugs in the inner area of ​​the second receiving unit (14), it receives drugs in order from the innermost column of the second receiving unit (14) toward the center.

[0334] (Specification of the shape of the drug)

[0335] Next, an example of specific processing of the shape of the drug by the identification unit (64) will be described. In this embodiment, the first camera (131) captures the drug from the positions θ=0° and 180° as described above, and if the type of the drug cannot be identified as one, captures the drug from the positions θ=45° and 135°.

[0336] Here, regarding tablets, generally, the shape when viewed in plan is approximately circular, and the shape when viewed from the side is approximately rectangular. On the other hand, regarding capsules, they are generally approximately cylindrical (provided the ends are approximately hemispherical). Therefore, the shape of a capsule when viewed in plan and from the side is approximately rectangular.

[0337] Therefore, when the drug is captured from positions θ=0° and 180° (i.e., from a planar viewpoint), it is possible to determine whether the drug is a tablet or a capsule. Additionally, the shape of the tablet included in the images captured from positions θ=0° and 180° is approximately circular, whereas the shape of the tablet included in the images captured from positions θ=45° and 135° is approximately rectangular. In other words, the shape of the tablet in the image differs when captured from positions θ=0° and 180° compared to when captured from positions θ=45° and 135°. On the other hand, in the case of a capsule, the shape of the capsule in the image is approximately consistent regardless of which position it is captured from.

[0338] Therefore, in this example, first, the determination unit (64) determines whether the drug is a tablet based on the shape of the drug included in the image captured by the first camera (131) from a position at θ=0° (first direction) or a position at 180° (second direction opposite to the first direction). The position at θ=0° is a position (direction) facing the loading surface of the drug loading stand (133a) where the drug is loaded.

[0339] For example, the discrimination unit (64) extracts the shape of the drug from an image captured from these positions and determines whether the drug is a tablet or a capsule by obtaining a degree of agreement with the shape of a general tablet stored in the memory unit (80). The first camera (131) first captures the drug from a position at θ=0° or 180°. Therefore, by compressing whether it is a tablet or a capsule at the initial stage of the drug discrimination process, the drug discrimination process can be accelerated.

[0340] Meanwhile, if the determination unit (64) cannot determine whether the drug is a tablet based on an image captured from a position at θ=0° or 180°, the first camera (131) captures the drug from a position at θ=45° or 135° (i.e., an inclined direction relative to the loading surface). Then, the determination unit (64) determines whether the drug is a tablet based on the shape of the drug included in the image captured from a position at θ=0° or 180° and the image captured from a position at θ=45° or 135°. For example, the determination unit (64) determines whether the drug is a tablet by comparing the first shape of the drug included in the image captured from a position at θ=0° or 180° and the second shape of the drug included in the image captured from a position at θ=45° or 135°.

[0341] As described above, in the case of a tablet, the first shape and the second shape are different, but in the case of a capsule, the first shape and the second shape are approximately identical. Therefore, the determination unit (64) determines that the drug is a capsule when the first shape and the second shape are approximately identical (the difference between the first shape and the second shape is within a predetermined range), and determines that the drug is a tablet when the difference is outside the predetermined range.

[0342] In addition, in this embodiment, since the position facing the loading surface is the position at θ=0°, the imaging direction from the position at θ=0° was described as the first direction, but it is not limited thereto. That is, the imaging direction when shooting from the position facing the loading surface only needs to be the first direction.

[0343] In addition, in this embodiment, the first camera (131) is employed to have a manual focus function, but it may also be employed to have an auto focus function. If the first camera (131) has an auto focus function, it is possible to focus on the drug according to the height of the drug.

[0344] For example, the imaging control unit (63) performs focus adjustment using information indicating the diameter of a previously registered drug. In the case of a capsule, since the diameter of the drug becomes the height of the drug when loaded onto the drug loading stand (133a), the focus is adjusted using the information of the said diameter. Meanwhile, in the case of a tablet, for example, the height of the drug to be applied when the diameter is greater than a predetermined diameter and the height of the drug to be applied when the diameter is less than a predetermined diameter are stored in the memory unit (80). The imaging control unit (63) determines the height of the drug to be applied from the diameter of the previously registered drug and performs focus adjustment according to the height of the said drug.

[0345] (Example of use of fixed drug information)

[0346] Next, an example of using unique drug information to identify a drug (type of drug) will be explained. Generally, unique drug information is assigned individually to each device handling the drug. Therefore, even for the same drug, different unique drug information may be assigned between, for example, a drug classification device (1) and other equipment or devices that are different from the drug classification device (1) (e.g., a tablet distributor or powder distributor serving as a return point, or a return auxiliary device).

[0347] For example, in the drug classification device (1), “001,” “002,” and “003” are stored as unique drug information for any drug, and in other devices or equipment, “002” and “003” are stored as unique drug information for the said drug. In the case where multiple unique drug information is stored for a single drug, and in the case where the unique drug information initially registered is used for inputting into a journal, the drug classification device (1) adopts “001” as unique drug information. That is, the drug classification device (1) publishes a journal in which “001” is printed as unique drug information. In addition, if the unique drug information is, for example, GS1, it is printed as a GS1 barcode in the journal.

[0348] In this case, even if the unique drug information printed in the journal is read by another device or facility, comparison cannot be performed because the other device or facility does not store "001" as the unique drug information. Therefore, the drug cannot be returned to the other device or facility.

[0349] Therefore, in this example, the print output control unit (69) prints at least one of the multiple drug-specific information regarding classified drugs, which is obtained from a return source or return auxiliary device that is different from the drug classification device (1), into a journal.

[0350] Specifically, the control unit obtains in advance all drug-specific information managed by these devices from all of the return locations and return auxiliary devices in relation to the return locations. If the drug-specific information is managed in a drug database, it is acceptable to obtain the drug database instead.

[0351] When the return location of a classified drug is specified, the print output control unit (69) extracts at least one of a plurality of drug-specific information regarding the drug that was managed at the specified return location (in the case where the return location is a drug shelf, a return aid device). If a drug database is acquired, the print output control unit (69) extracts drug-specific information of the drug to be returned from the drug database managed at the specified return location or the return aid device. For example, the data obtained by converting a drug-specific information file extracted from the drug database into text may be used as the drug-specific information to be used as an argument for the journal.

[0352] The print output control unit (69) issues a journal containing the extracted drug unique information, for example, as a GS1 barcode. By doing so, the journal can be issued using the drug unique information that the return location has, so that the return location can reliably perform a comparison, and as a result, the drug can be reliably returned to the return location.

[0353] In particular, when printing unique drug information in a journal using a GS1 barcode, it is common for only one piece of unique drug information to be printed. Therefore, this can be considered a useful process, especially when unique drug information is printed in a journal.

[0354] Additionally, the print output control unit (69) may compare at least one device unique information originally stored by the drug classification device (1) with at least one device unique information obtained from the return source, and specify the matching device unique information as a factor for the journal.

[0355] Additionally, at least one of the unique drug information obtained from the return location may be stored in the RFID tag provided in the sorting cup (141) that holds the sorted drug. Even when the unique drug information stored in the RFID tag is read by the RFID reader at the return location, it can be reliably compared at the return location.

[0356] (Cleaning operation of the medicine storage rack)

[0357] Next, an example of a cleaning operation of the drug loading platform (133a) will be described. FIG. 18 is a schematic drawing showing an example of an adsorption mechanism provided by the conveying and sorting unit (12). The adsorption mechanism shown in FIG. 18 is configured to be suitable for a cleaning operation of the drug loading platform (133a).

[0358] In the example of FIG. 18, the adsorption mechanism is provided with an electromagnetic valve (122p') that controls the flow rate of air flowing through the air pipe (122b) in the middle of the air pipe (122b) connecting the adsorption pad (122a) and the vacuum pump (122d). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 18, the adsorption mechanism is provided with a first path for discharging air from the adsorption pad (122a) and a second path for sucking up air from the adsorption pad (122a) as the air pipe (122b). A filter (122f) is provided between the adsorption pad (122a) and the electromagnetic valve (122p') on the second path to collect dust and the like sucked up from the adsorption pad (122a). The filter (122f) is provided to be replaceable.

[0359] Here, when the drug is introduced into the first receiving section (11), the drug may break, and there is a possibility that the fragments or dust are contained in the first receiving section (11). In this case, the fragments or dust may be attached to the drug loaded in the drug loading section (133a) which is returned from the first receiving section (11). Additionally, dust or the like may be attached to the drug. The drug loading section (133a) placed in the placement area Ar2 becomes the target of the first camera (131) for imaging purposes to determine the type of drug loaded in the drug loading section (133a). Therefore, if a drug with foreign matter such as dust attached is loaded in the drug loading section (133a), or if said foreign matter accumulates in the drug loading section (133a), there is a possibility that the outline or imprint of the drug cannot be accurately read in the captured image. In this case, it affects the determination of the type of drug by the identification section (64). In addition, considering hygiene, it is better to remove foreign substances.

[0360] Therefore, in this example, cleaning of the drug loading platform (133a) is performed using a return / sorting unit (12). Specifically, when cleaning the drug loading platform (133a), the return control unit (61) brings the adsorption pad (122a) close to the inner surface (inner bottom surface) of the drug loading platform (133a) at a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the bottom of the drug loading platform (133a). In this state, the return control unit (61) causes air to be drawn into the vacuum pump (122d). As a result, foreign matter inside the drug loading platform (133a) is collected in the filter (122f) through the adsorption pad (122a). By this operation, the drug loading platform (133a) is cleaned.

[0361] Here, the adsorption mechanism performs the operation of adsorbing the drug and releasing the drug. If there is only one path for the air pipe (122b), when the operation of releasing the drug is performed, there is a possibility that foreign matter collected by the filter (122f) may flow back and be discharged outside the adsorption mechanism. In this case, the collected foreign matter is returned to the inside of the drug classification device (1) (including the classification cup (141)).

[0362] As described above, the adsorption mechanism of this example is provided with a first path for discharging air from the adsorption pad (122a) and a second path for drawing up air from the adsorption pad (122a), as an air pipe (122b). When adsorbing foreign matter, air drawn in by the vacuum pump (122d) flows through the second path, and when releasing the medicine, air discharged by the vacuum pump (122d) flows through the first path. Therefore, as described above, the situation in which foreign matter adsorbed by the filter (122f) is returned to the inside of the medicine classification device (1) can be avoided.

[0363] The return control unit (61) controls the operation of the adsorption mechanism to move the adsorption mechanism over the entire inner bottom surface of the medicine loading stand (133a). By doing so, the entire inner bottom surface can be cleaned. Additionally, the return control unit (61) may clean only at least a portion of the inner bottom surface by analyzing the image captured by the second camera (121).

[0364] Additionally, although the inner bottom surface of the medicine loading stand (133a) was used as the cleaning target in the above description, it is not limited to this, and the inner bottom surface of the first receiving section (11) or the sorting cup (141) may also be used as the cleaning target. If the sorting cup (141) is used as the cleaning target, the sorting control section (62) can perform the processing of the return control section (61).

[0365] (Eye blockage avoidance movement)

[0366] The adsorption mechanism illustrated in FIG. 18 prevents foreign matter, such as dust, from being mixed into the air pipe (122b), electromagnetic valve (122p'), or vacuum pump (122d) at the rear end by providing a filter (122f). However, if the filter becomes clogged due to foreign matter, it is necessary to replace the filter (122f) with a new filter. In addition, in the adsorption mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5, it is also acceptable to prevent the mixing of such foreign matter by providing a filter near the adsorption pad (122a) of the air pipe (122b).

[0367] When a flow sensor (described later) is provided in the adsorption mechanism, the return control unit (61) (or classification control unit (62)) determines whether the flow rate of air in the air tube (122b) when the drug is not adsorbed is less than or equal to a predetermined flow rate. The predetermined flow rate is set to a flow rate at which the drug can be adsorbed (a flow rate that does not affect the adsorption of the drug). If the return control unit (61) determines that the flow rate is less than or equal to the predetermined flow rate, it determines that clogging of the filter has occurred. When this determination is made, the return control unit (61) moves the adsorption mechanism, for example, onto a recovery tray (16), and by controlling the adsorption mechanism, discharges air from the adsorption pad (122a). By doing so, foreign matter attached to the filter can be removed, thereby extending the lifespan of the filter (the period until filter replacement).

[0368] (Detection of contamination in the drug storage rack)

[0369] It is acceptable to determine whether there is contamination (e.g., foreign matter) in the drug loading stand (133a) by capturing the drug loading stand (133a) without the drug being loaded with the first camera (131).

[0370] As described using FIG. 7, the drug classification device (1) is equipped with a visible light irradiation unit (first irradiation unit (134a) and second irradiation unit (134b)) that emits visible light and an ultraviolet light irradiation unit (134c) that emits ultraviolet light. Accordingly, the first camera (131) can acquire a visible light image and an ultraviolet light image. The control unit uses the visible light image and the ultraviolet light image to determine whether there is contamination in the drug loading stand (133a).

[0371] Here, a new drug loading stand (133a) (i.e., a clean drug loading stand (133a)) is captured in advance, and the visible light image and ultraviolet light image (referred to as the reference visible light image and the reference ultraviolet light image, respectively) are stored in the memory unit (80).

[0372] For example, when classification begins, the imaging control unit (63) captures an image of a drug loading stand (133a) that is not loaded with drugs using the first camera (131). The control unit identifies the parts (background parts) of the drug classification device (1) in the background of the drug loading stand (133a) in the target visible light image and the target ultraviolet light image (respective visible light image and target ultraviolet light image, respectively) by comparing the visible light image and the ultraviolet light image (respective visible light image and target ultraviolet light image, respectively) with the reference visible light image and the reference ultraviolet light image.

[0373] Since the drug loading platform (133a) is transparent, the background portion of the drug loading platform (133a) is also projected onto the visible light image. Additionally, depending on the material of the background portion, it may emit light in the ultraviolet light image. Therefore, by comparing the reference visible light image with the target visible light image, or by comparing the reference ultraviolet light image with the target ultraviolet light image, the background portion can be removed from the contamination determination target.

[0374] The control unit determines whether an image distinct from the background exists in the target visible light image. If it is determined that an image distinct from the background exists, the control unit determines whether the size of the image is greater than or equal to a predetermined size. If it is determined that the size is greater than or equal to the predetermined size, the control unit determines that the image is contaminated.

[0375] In addition, the control unit determines whether there is luminescence different from the background portion in the target ultraviolet image. If it is determined that there is luminescence different from the background portion, the control unit determines whether the intensity of the luminescence is greater than or equal to a predetermined size. If it is determined that the intensity is greater than or equal to the predetermined size, the control unit determines that the luminescence is caused by contamination.

[0376] When the control unit determines that contamination exists in the drug loading stand (133a), it provides a notification to urge cleaning of the drug loading stand (133a), for example, through the display unit (32). By doing so, cleaning of the drug loading stand (133a) is performed, thereby reducing the possibility that contamination may affect the determination of the type of drug by the determination unit (64).

[0377] In addition, in the case of visible light images, there is a possibility that dust cannot be recognized. On the other hand, in the case of ultraviolet light images, dust is easy to recognize (dust is easy to emit light when exposed to ultraviolet light), but there is a possibility that dark objects cannot be recognized. By analyzing the visible light images and ultraviolet light images and using the results to determine the presence of contamination in the drug loading area (133a), it becomes possible to identify various types of contamination.

[0378] In addition, a predetermined size for comparison of the size of the image and a predetermined size for comparison of the luminous intensity may be set to a size such that the control unit can recognize contamination that affects the above determination. In addition, if the influence of the background part is small in determining contamination, it is not necessary to compare the captured image with a reference visible light image or a reference ultraviolet light image.

[0379] (Determination of drug adsorption)

[0380] Next, the determination of whether the drug can be adsorbed by the return control unit (61) or the classification control unit (62) will be explained.

[0381] The return / sorting unit (12) may be equipped with a flow sensor (not shown) that detects the flow rate of air flowing through the air pipe (122b) of the adsorption mechanism. In this case, the return control unit (61) (or sorting control unit (62)) can determine whether the drug has been adsorbed by the adsorption pad (122a) based on the change in flow rate detected by the flow sensor. That is, the return control unit (61) can determine the adsorption based on the change in flow rate instead of the change in suction force detected by the pressure sensor.

[0382] Even when there is a change in the adsorption state of the drug (e.g., the state in which the drug is adsorbed, the state in which the drug is released from the adsorption state), it takes time for the pressure inside the air pipe (122b) to change enough so that the pressure sensor can detect the change. Meanwhile, the flow rate changes in real time in accordance with the change in the adsorption state of the drug. Therefore, by using a flow rate sensor instead of a pressure sensor so that the return control unit (61) determines whether the drug is adsorbed, the time required to determine whether the adsorption is adsorbed can be shortened compared to when a pressure sensor is used.

[0383] In addition, similar to the pressure sensor, the return control unit (61) may detect that the drug has approached a predetermined range from the tip of the adsorption mechanism based on the change in flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor. In addition, by appropriately setting a threshold, the return control unit (61) may determine whether the adsorption mechanism is sucking the adsorption pad (122a) itself based on the change in flow rate. Regarding this determination as well, the time can be shortened when using a flow rate sensor rather than when using a pressure sensor.

[0384] (Determination of the number of drugs loaded on the drug storage rack)

[0385] Next, the process of determining the number of drugs loaded in the drug loading stand (133a) by the imaging control unit (63) will be explained. Although one drug that is the target of determination by the determination unit (64) is loaded in the drug loading stand (133a), there is a possibility that a problem may occur in which another drug is loaded while the drug remains in the drug loading stand (133a). When two or more drugs are loaded in the drug loading stand (133a), there is a possibility that the determination of the type of drug by the determination unit (64) cannot be properly performed.

[0386] Therefore, in this example, the imaging control unit (63) determines that an error has occurred when two or more drugs are loaded on the drug loading stand (133a). For example, let’s assume that the imaging control unit (63) determines that there are two or more drugs during the area extraction process for the surface of the drugs (image of the drugs in the image taken from the position θ=0°). In this case, the imaging control unit (63) determines that an error has occurred without performing the area extraction process for the back side of the drugs (image of the drugs in the image taken from the position θ=180°). When an error occurs, the control unit may temporarily suspend the drug classification process, along with notifying the cause through, for example, the display unit (32).

[0387] The imaging control unit (63) determines whether two or more drugs are loaded in the drug loading unit (133a), for example as follows.

[0388] First, because the brightness of the drug in the image varies depending on the color assigned to the drug, the imaging control unit (63) extracts multiple regions based on the luminance distribution in the image captured by the first camera (131). For example, when classifying into regions based on three types of luminance distributions, a first luminance threshold and a second luminance threshold are pre-set. In this case, the imaging control unit (63) classifies into a region R (A) having a luminance greater than or equal to the first luminance threshold, a region R (B) having a luminance less than the first luminance threshold and greater than or equal to the second luminance threshold, and a region R (C) having a luminance less than the second luminance threshold.

[0389] Next, the image control unit (63) performs compression processing on the image using shape feature quantities. The shape feature quantities are pre-set feature quantities for removing the image of an object that is not a drug. Examples of shape feature quantities include, for instance, the area and the degree of engraving formation (roughness, bumpiness) of the edge portion that are assumed to be a drug. By referring to the shape feature quantities, the image control unit (63) removes the area presumed not to be a drug from the image, thereby extracting only the area presumed to be a drug.

[0390] Next, the imaging control unit (63) extracts only one of region R(A), region R(B) and region R(C) in the region presumed to be the drug. Here, region R(A) is presumed to be the region corresponding to the drug with a relatively bright color, region R(C) is presumed to be the region corresponding to the drug with a relatively dark color, and region R(B) is presumed to be the region corresponding to the drug with an intermediate color.

[0391] When region R(A) and region R(B) are extracted in the image, the imaging control unit (63) determines that the region corresponds to a drug with a relatively bright color and extracts region R(A). When region R(B) and region R(C) are extracted in the image, the imaging control unit (63) determines that the region corresponds to a drug with a relatively dark color and extracts region R(C). When region R(A), region R(B), and region R(C) are extracted in the image, the imaging control unit (63) determines that the region corresponds to a drug with an intermediate color and extracts region R(B).

[0392] The imaging control unit (63) extracts any one of region R(A), region R(B) and region R(C), and then performs a segmentation process based on the luminance distribution (e.g., processing using a known Watershed algorithm) on the extracted region. By doing so, if there is a region among the extracted regions that can be segmented by the luminance distribution, it is divided into two or more regions.

[0393] Then, the imaging control unit (63) determines that the area finally obtained corresponds to the area of ​​the drug and counts the number thereof. If the number is 2 or more, the imaging control unit (63) determines that an error has occurred.

[0394] Figures 19 (a) to (d) are drawings for explaining an example of the count determination process and are images captured by the first camera (131).

[0395] In the example of FIG. 19 (a), the imaging control unit (63) extracts region R1 (A) and region R3 (A) as region R (A), extracts region R2 (B) as region R (B), and extracts region R4 (C) and region R5 (C) as region R (C).

[0396] Next, the imaging control unit (63) extracts regions R1 (A) and R2 (B) from which the shape of the drug can be extracted, excluding regions R3 (A), R4 (C), and R5 (C) which are clearly different from the shape of the drug, by referring to the shape feature quantity as shown in (b) of FIG. 19.

[0397] Next, the imaging control unit (63) extracts area R1 (A) as shown in (c) of FIG. 19 because the extracted areas are area R1 (A) and area R2 (B). The imaging control unit (63) performs segmentation processing based on the luminance distribution on the extracted area R1 (A). In the example of FIG. 19, as shown in (d) of FIG. 19, the imaging control unit (63) extracts two areas of area R1 (A). That is, in this case, the imaging control unit (63) determines that two drugs are loaded in the drug loading stand (133a) and determines that an error has occurred.

[0398] Accordingly, the identification unit (64) can perform identification processing only when one drug is loaded in the drug loading unit (133a). That is, it makes it possible to safely perform drug classification processing.

[0399] (Reservation Settings)

[0400] Additionally, the display control unit (67) may display a setting image on the display unit (32) that can receive user input for scheduling the start time for classifying the drugs. In this case, the control unit starts the classification processing of the drugs received in the first receiving unit (11) at the time when the set start time for classification is reached. Therefore, the drug classification device (1) can be set to sleep mode (eco mode) until the start of the classification operation, thereby reducing the power consumption of the drug classification device (1). Furthermore, generally, electricity costs are lower at night than during the day. Therefore, if the start time for classification is set so that the drug classification processing is performed at night, electricity costs can be further reduced.

[0401] (Identification and redistribution of medications brought in by the patient)

[0402] Next, the identification and redistribution processing of medications brought by the patient using the medication classification device (1) will be explained. For example, when accepting a patient who has been receiving outpatient treatment or hospitalization at another hospital, the hospital or pharmacy serving as the receiving point will identify medications prescribed at the other hospital or pharmacy (i.e., medications brought by the patient). In this case, it is necessary to unpack the distribution sheet brought by the patient, perform a visual inspection of the medications brought by the patient, and then perform redistribution based on the results of an examination by a doctor. The medication classification device (1) can be used for the visual inspection and redistribution processing of the medications brought by the patient.

[0403] For example, the user unpacks a distribution sheet brought by any patient and receives the medication contained within the distribution sheet into the first receiving section (11). The medication classification device (1) classifies the medication received in the first receiving section (11) into the second receiving section (14). Afterward, a visual inspection by the user is performed. Additionally, the results of the doctor's examination of the patient are received, and prescription information regarding the patient is entered. The distribution mechanism (6) of the medication classification device (1) redistributes the medication received in the second receiving section (14) based on the entered prescription information.

[0404] Since prescription information is entered, new medications not included in the brought-in medicine can be added and distributed. Additionally, medications that were included in the brought-in medicine but were not entered in the prescription information can be prevented from being distributed.

[0405] (Master Image's Betrayal Judgment)

[0406] Next, the processing of determining whether to distribute a master image by the management device will be explained. The drug classification device (1) can register the image obtained by visual inspection of the returned drug with the first camera (131) as a master image associated with the drug name. Additionally, if the drug classification device (1) is installed in multiple locations (e.g., hospitals), the master image registered in the drug classification device (1) installed in any location may be distributed to the drug classification device (1) installed in another location. However, if the master image is distributed to another drug classification device (1) without verifying its credibility, there is a possibility that the drug classification device (1) may incorrectly determine the type of drug.

[0407] Therefore, in the present example, a master image is collected from a plurality of drug classification devices (1), and a management device (not shown) capable of distributing the master image to a plurality of drug classification devices (1) is used to determine whether to distribute the master image. The management device determines whether to distribute the master image, for example,

[0408] (A1) Registration date when the master image was registered,

[0409] (A2) Number of returns for the drug sorting device (1),

[0410] (A3) The first date of return to the tablet distributor or yam distributor, and

[0411] (A4) It is determined from four perspectives, such as the last return date of the tablet distributor or the yam distributor. The information of (1) to (4) above is managed in the drug classification device (1) and is transmitted to the management device in relation to the registered master image.

[0412] When the management device receives a master image from the drug classification device (1), for example

[0413] (B1) Whether a prescribed number of days have elapsed since the registration date,

[0414] (B2) Whether the number of returns has reached a predetermined number,

[0415] (B3) Whether a specified number of days have elapsed since the first date of return, and

[0416] (B4) Determine whether a specified number of days have elapsed since the last day of return.

[0417] Regarding (B1), if a predetermined number of days have not elapsed since the registration date, it is likely that the number of times the master image has been used in the drug classification device (1) (i.e., the number of times it has been used for visual inspection, in other words, the usage record) is low, so it can be determined that the master image is of low credibility. Therefore, the management device excludes the master image from the list of images to be distributed if a predetermined number of days have not elapsed since the registration date.

[0418] Regarding (B2), if the number of returns has not reached a predetermined number, it can be determined that the master image is of low credibility because the usage history of the master image is low. Therefore, the management device excludes the master image from the list of items to be returned if the number of returns has not reached a predetermined number.

[0419] Regarding (B3), if a specified number of days have not elapsed since the first date of return, even if the usage history of the master image is high (even if the number of returns has reached a specified number), there is a possibility that it may be determined during a subsequent visual inspection that the master image was registered incorrectly. Therefore, to enhance the credibility of the master image, the management device excludes it from the list of master images subject to return if a specified number of days have not elapsed since the first date of return.

[0420] Regarding (B4), if a specified number of days have elapsed since the last day of return, it may be determined that the reliability of the master image is insufficient because it has not been used for some time since it was last returned to the tablet distributor or yam distributor. Therefore, the management device excludes it from the master image subject to distribution if a specified number of days have elapsed since the last day of return.

[0421] In this way, by determining whether the master image is betrayed, a highly credible master image can be betrayed to the drug classification device (1).

[0422] In addition, the predetermined days of (B1), (B3), and (B4) may be set based on experience, etc., in terms of usage performance, and the predetermined days of (B1), (B3), and (B4) may each be set to different days. In addition, the predetermined days of (B2) are set in the same way.

[0423] <Example of Processing from Drug Classification to Drug Return>

[0424] Below, an example of processing from drug classification to drug return (an example of a drug return method) is described. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing from drug classification to drug return. In this example, multiple types of drugs are described as being classified by type in a drug classification device (1).

[0425] As illustrated in FIG. 20, when multiple types of drugs are introduced into the first receiving section (11), the drug classification device (1) classifies and receives them according to the type of drug into each of the classification cups (141) of the second receiving section (14) (drug classification process).

[0426] After that, the drug classification device (1) displays an inspection image Im2 on the touch panel (3) to perform a visual inspection of the drugs classified by the drug classification device (1) (display process). That is, the user performs a visual inspection of the drugs classified by the drug classification device (1) using the inspection image Im2 displayed on the touch panel (3) (inspection process).

[0427] After that, the drug classification device (1) performs a process to enable the drug after visual inspection to be returned to a distribution device (200) or drug shelf (300) based on the results of the visual inspection using the inspection image Im2 (return preparation process). That is, the user returns the drug after visual inspection to the distribution device (200) or drug shelf (300) based on the results of the visual inspection (inspection results) (return process). In addition, the distribution device (200) may be, for example, a tablet distribution device or a sap distribution device.

[0428] By going through the above process, the drugs classified by the drug classification device (1) can be returned to the distribution device (200) or drug shelf (300), which is the return destination, after visual inspection by the user.

[0429] Next, using FIGS. 21 and FIGS. 22, a method for displaying an inspection image Im2 will be described. FIGS. 21 and FIGS. 22 (a) and (b) are drawings showing an example of a method for displaying an inspection image Im2.

[0430] The drug classification device (1) can stop the drug classification operation at any timing. The drug classification device (1) stops the classification operation, for example, when it receives user input to stop the classification operation, or when the classification of the drug received in the first receiving unit (11) for the second receiving unit (14) is completed. When the drug classification device (1) stops the classification operation (e.g., when it is determined that the drug classification operation is completed), it displays a classification image Im1 indicating the classification status of the drug, as shown in FIG. 21. Additionally, the drug classification device (1) may display the classification image Im1 during the classification operation.

[0431] Each of the multiple classification locations where the drug is classified, the classification cup (141) placed at the said classification location, and the drug data regarding the drug contained in the classification cup (141) are associated and stored in the memory unit (80) and the RFID tag provided in the classification cup (141). Accordingly, the drug classification device (1) can display a classification image Im1 that reflects the multiple classification locations in the second receiving unit (14) and the classification situation (e.g., the number of drugs contained) at each of the classification locations.

[0432] As illustrated in FIG. 21, the drug classification device (1) receives user input regarding the classification position shown in the classification image Im1 and displays the inspection image Im2 of the drug corresponding to the classification position on the touch panel (3). By doing so, the inspection image Im2 of the drug that the user wants to visually inspect can be displayed.

[0433] Additionally, the drug classification device (1) performs classification until the drugs contained in the first receiving section (11) are depleted. For example, if the number of classification cups (141) that can be placed in the second receiving section (14) is 40, the drug classification device (1) can contain 40 types of drugs in the second receiving section (14). If 41 or more types of drugs are contained in the first receiving section (11), the drug classification device (1) cannot classify all drugs in the second receiving section (14). Therefore, when drugs are classified in all the classification cups (141) placed in the second receiving section (14), the drug classification device (1) classifies the drugs from the 41st type onwards into a waiting tray (15).

[0434] In this case, the drug sorting device (1) may extract the drug contained in any sorting cup (141) and distribute it through the distribution mechanism (6) in order to receive the drug contained in the waiting tray (15) into the sorting cup (141). For example, the sorting cup (141) containing the drug that has been sorted becomes the target of automatic distribution by the distribution mechanism (6).

[0435] Additionally, in the drug classification device (1), the user may perform a visual inspection of the drugs contained in the classification cup (141) at any time. The drug classification device (1) determines that the classification is complete for the drugs for which a visual inspection has been performed, and may make the drugs after the visual inspection is completed a target for extraction or distribution. Therefore, even if the drug classification device (1) is in the process of classifying drugs, if a visual inspection of the drugs contained in the classification cup (141) is performed, the classification of the drugs is considered complete, and the drugs can be made a target for automatic distribution by the distribution mechanism (6) as described above. However, when the drug classification device (1) performs the drug distribution process, it temporarily stops the drug classification process.

[0436] The distribution mechanism (6), as shown in FIG. 22 (a), distributes the drug to be distributed automatically and then applies a barcode to the distribution sheet for reading the inspection image Im2. The barcode contains, for example, drug data regarding the drug.

[0437] When classified drugs are distributed, the user has a barcode reader (not shown) read drug data regarding the drugs included in the barcode assigned to the distribution area. The drug classification device (1) uses the drug data regarding the drugs read by the barcode reader to read image data stored in the memory unit (80) associated with said data, thereby displaying the inspection image Im2 of said drugs on the touch panel (3).

[0438] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 22 (b), the drug sorting device (1) may display an inspection image Im2 using data stored in an RFID tag provided in a sorting cup (141). In this case, the user takes out a sorting cup (141) containing a drug to be returned to a return location and loads it into the first RFID reader / writer unit (5). The drug sorting device (1) displays an inspection image Im2 of the drug on the touch panel (3) by reading image data stored in the memory unit (80) associated with the data, using data regarding the drug read by the first RFID reader / writer unit (5). If image data is included in an RFID tag, it may display an inspection image Im2 on the touch panel (3) using the image data.

[0439] In this way, the inspection image Im2 of the drug that the user wants to inspect visually can also be displayed by the method shown in FIG. 22.

[0440] Next, the method of return after the completion of the visual inspection will be explained using FIGS. 23 and FIGS. 24. FIGS. 23 (a) and (b) and FIG. 24 are drawings showing an example of the method of return after the completion of the visual inspection.

[0441] If the distribution device (200) that is the return location is provided with a function to read data stored in an RFID tag provided in a sorting cup (141), for example, it becomes a return method as shown in (a) of FIG. 23.

[0442] Specifically, the drug classification device (1) displays an inspection image Im2 based on user input or user operation. By checking the inspection image Im2, the user performs a visual inspection of the drug contained in any classification cup (141). After the visual inspection is completed, the user provides user input to the drug classification device (1) to that effect. The drug classification device (1) receives the user input and stores data regarding the drug for which the visual inspection result was determined in the RFID tag of the classification cup (141).

[0443] After that, the user transports the sorting cup (141) to the distributor (200) and reads the data regarding the drug stored in the RFID tag of the sorting cup (141) using an RFID reader (not shown) provided in the distributor (200). By doing so, the user can receive (return) the drug contained in the sorting cup (141) into a cassette (not shown) containing the drug provided in the distributor (200). At this time, if the cassette of the distributor (200) is provided with a cover with a lock attached, the lock of the cassette of the distributor (200) may be opened on the condition that the user can confirm that the inspection result stored in the RFID tag of the sorting cup (141) is that all inspection results of the sorting cup (141) are OK, based on the inspection image Im2 classified according to the information (imprint information or factor information) indicated by the imprint or print of the drug reliably recognized by the device.

[0444] Meanwhile, if the return destination distributor (200) is not equipped with a function to read data stored in an RFID tag provided in a sorting cup (141), or if the return destination is a pharmaceutical shelf (300), the return method is as shown in (b) of FIG. 23, for example.

[0445] Specifically, the user loads the sorting cup (141) to be inspected via visual inspection into the first RFID reader / writer unit (5). Thereby, the drug sorting device (1) displays an inspection image Im2 based on the data regarding the drug stored in the RFID tag of the sorting cup (141). Afterward, the user performs a visual inspection of the drug contained in the sorting cup (141) by verifying the inspection image Im2. After the visual inspection is completed, the user inputs the details to the drug sorting device (1). The drug sorting device (1) receives the user input and issues a journal Jo containing drug data and return location information regarding the drug, reflecting the results of the visual inspection.

[0446] After that, if the return destination is a distributor (200), the user transports the sorting cup (141) and Journal Jo to the distributor (200). Then, the user reads the drug data regarding the drug contained in the barcode printed on Journal Jo using a barcode reader (not shown) provided in the distributor (200). By doing so, the user can receive (return) the drug contained in the sorting cup (141) into a cassette containing the drug provided in the distributor (200). At this time, if a cover with a lock attached to the cassette of the distributor (200) is provided, the lock of the cassette of the distributor (200) may be opened on the condition that the user can confirm that the inspection image Im2 classified based on the barcode imprinted in the journal Jo, that is, the information (imprint information or imprint information) indicated by the imprint or print of the drug reliably recognized by the device, includes an inspection result in which all inspections of the classification cup (141) are OK.

[0447] Additionally, if the return destination is a drug shelf (300), the user reads the drug data and return destination information regarding the drug contained in the barcode printed on the journal Jo using a reader (e.g., a barcode reader) provided in the return aid device described above. By doing so, the user can transport the sorting cup (141) and the journal Jo to the drug shelf (300) which is the return destination, and receive (return) the drug contained in the sorting cup (141) to a predetermined location on the drug shelf (300). At this time, if the above-mentioned medicine shelf (300) is provided with a door with a lock, the door lock of the above-mentioned medicine shelf (300) may be opened on the condition that the user can confirm that the inspection image Im2 classified based on the barcode imprinted in the journal Jo, that is, the information (imprint information or imprint information) indicated by the imprint or print of the medicine reliably recognized by the device, includes an inspection result in which all inspections of the classification cup (141) are OK.

[0448] Additionally, when the drug distributed by the distribution mechanism (6) is returned to the distributor (200) or drug shelf (300), the return method is as shown in FIG. 24, for example. For example, as described above, when the drug is received in all sorting cups (141) placed in the second receiving section (14) and the drug is also received in the waiting tray (15), the drug from the sorting cup (141) is removed, and the drug from the waiting tray (15) is received into the sorting cup (141). In this case, the drug removed from the sorting cup (141) is distributed by the distribution mechanism (6).

[0449] As in Fig. 23 (a), after the visual inspection is completed, the user makes a user input to the drug classification device (1). The drug classification device (1) receives the user input and stores data regarding the drug, reflecting the results of the visual inspection, in the RFID tag and memory unit (80) of the classification cup (141).

[0450] Afterward, the drug classification device (1) performs the distribution of the drug by the distribution mechanism (6) using data regarding the drug stored in the RFID tag or memory unit (80). At this time, the drug classification device (1) assigns drug data and / or return location information regarding the drug to the distribution site where the drug is distributed, for example, in the form of a barcode. As in FIG. 23 (b), the user reads the drug data and / or return location information regarding the drug contained in the barcode printed on the distribution site by means of a barcode reader provided in the distributor (200) or a reading unit provided in the return assistance device. By doing so, the user can receive (return) the drug contained in the classification cup (141) to a cassette of the distributor (200) or a predetermined location of the drug shelf (300). At this time, if the cassette cover of the distributor (200) or the drug shelf (300) has a door and a locking mechanism thereon, the cassette lock of the distributor (200) or the door lock of the drug shelf (300) may be opened on the condition that the user can confirm that the visual inspection result of the classification cup (141) is all OK, as a result of the user visually inspecting the inspection image Im2 classified based on the barcode included in the distribution sheet, that is, the information (imprint information or printing information) indicated by the imprint or print of the drug reliably recognized by the device.

[0451] (An example of a journal)

[0452] Next, using FIG. 25, an example of a journal issued by a drug classification device (1) will be described. FIG. 25 (a) and (b) are drawings showing an example of a journal. FIG. 25 (a) shows an example of Journal Jo1 issued upon receiving a visual inspection result that all drugs contained in any classification cup (141) are of the same type. The visual inspection result in this case is referred to as "Visual OK". FIG. 25 (b) shows an example of Journal Jo2 issued upon receiving a visual inspection result that at least one type of drug among the drugs contained in any classification cup (141) is different from the type of other drugs. The visual inspection result in this case is referred to as "Visual NG".

[0453] As illustrated in FIG. 25 (a), when the visual inspection result is “visual OK,” barcode and character information are printed in Journal Jo1 as information regarding the drug indicating the visual inspection result. The information included in the barcode may include, for example, unique information about the drug (drug identification code), device unique information for identifying the drug classification device (1), or the number of drugs contained in the classification cup (141).

[0454] By recording device unique information or number information in Journal Jo1, when returning (charging) to the distributor (200), this information can be read by the distributor (200). If device unique information is recorded, the distributor (200) can determine which drug classification device (1) the drug is classified by.

[0455] Character information printed in Journal Jo1 may include, for example, the date of the audit, the name of the auditor, the name of the drug, the imprint engraved on the drug, the total number of drugs contained in the sorting cup (141), the total price of the drugs, unique container information for identifying the sorting cup (141), and information indicating the return location.

[0456] As illustrated in FIG. 25(a), a plurality of return locations that serve as return candidates are specified in Journal Jo1. Specifically, the type of distributor (200) that serves as the return location, the gas number of the distributor (200), and the cassette number of the cassette equipped by the distributor (200) are specified. Additionally, the shelf number of the pharmaceutical shelf (300) is specified.

[0457] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 25 (b), when the visual inspection result is “visually incorrect,” barcode and text information are printed in Journal Jo2 as information regarding the drug indicating the visual inspection result, but it differs from Journal Jo1 in the following respects.

[0458] Journal Jo2 is issued when a "Moxy NG" drug (a drug of a different type from other drugs) is contained in the sorting cup (141), so the number of drugs contained in the sorting cup (141) is not included as information included in the barcode. In this case, the distributor (200) cannot determine the number of drugs to be returned. Therefore, Journal Jo2 contains a sentence prompting the user to input the number of drugs remaining (drugs with an OK result in Moxy auditing) after removing drugs with an NG result in Moxy auditing (the above "Moxy NG" drugs). Additionally, in Journal Jo2, instead of the total number of drugs contained in Journal Jo1, the number of drugs with an OK result in Moxy auditing (Moxy OK count) and the number of drugs with an NG result in Moxy auditing (Moxy NG count) are contained. In addition, in Journal Jo2, as shown in Fig. 25 (b), the text “Moxy NG” is printed so that the results of the visual inspection can be seen at a glance.

[0459] In addition, a barcode is also assigned to the distribution area in the return method illustrated in FIG. 24. The barcode assigned to the distribution area may be the aforementioned barcode. That is, regarding the barcode assigned to the distribution area, it does not matter whether the information included in the barcode differs depending on whether it is "visible OK" or "visible NG".

[0460] (Examples of displayed images: classification image and audit image)

[0461] Next, an example of a display image will be described using FIGS. 26 to 29.

[0462] FIG. 26 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a classification image Im1, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a classification drug list image Im3 showing information regarding classified drugs. In addition, the classification image Im1 shown in FIG. 26 (a) is another example of the display image shown in FIG. 11 (a). In the classification image Im1 shown in FIG. 26 (a), the configuration mainly at the bottom is different from the display image shown in FIG. 11 (a). Here, we will mainly describe the parts of the classification image Im1 that differ from the display image shown in FIG. 11 (a). In addition, FIG. 27 (a) to (c) are diagrams showing examples of images displayed when user input is received for the classification image Im1.

[0463] In the classification image Im1, a plurality of rectangular portions Rs corresponding to each classification cup (141) placed in the second receiving portion (14) can receive user input. The drug classification device (1) displays a verification image Im2 (see FIG. 28 (a)) corresponding to said rectangular portion Rs based on user input regarding the rectangular portion Rs. Also, similar to FIG. 11 (a), the drug classification device (1) displays the number of classified drugs in the rectangular portion Rs corresponding to the classified classification cup (141).

[0464] The “display switching” button Bo1 is an operation button that receives user input for selecting a color separation method for a rectangular portion Rs. When the drug classification device (1) receives user input for the “display switching” button Bo1, it pops up a display color switching image Im4 showing a color separation method as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 27.

[0465] The display color switching image Im4 includes, for example, a "Color separation by return location" button Bo11 and a "Color separation by visual inspection status" button Bo12. The "Color separation by return location" button Bo11 is an operation button that receives user input to separate colors by return location. The "Color separation by visual inspection status" button Bo12 is an operation button that receives user input to separate colors by visual inspection status.

[0466] When user input is provided to the “color separation by return location” button Bo11, the drug classification device (1) performs color separation of the rectangular portion Rs by referring to the return location information associated with the drug data regarding the drug, for example, when determining the name of the drug contained in the classification cup (141). Additionally, the drug classification device (1) displays the rectangular portion Rs where the drug name is not determined and the rectangular portion Rs corresponding to the classification cup (141) where no drug is contained in a different color than when the drug name is determined. The rectangular portion Rs where the drug name is not determined and the rectangular portion Rs corresponding to the classification cup (141) where no drug is contained may be displayed in different colors. An example of displaying the rectangular portion Rs by return location is the display image shown in FIG. 12 described above.

[0467] When user input is provided to the “color separation by visual inspection status” button Bo12, the drug classification device (1) displays, for example, (1) a rectangular area Rs where the visual inspection result is “visual OK,” (2) a rectangular area Rs where the visual inspection result is “visual NG,” and (3) a rectangular area Rs where visual inspection was not performed, each with a different color. FIG. 26 (a) is an example of a classification image Im1 that displays color separation by visual inspection status. Additionally, at least one of the three types of visual inspection statuses may be displayed in a different color from the other types of visual inspection statuses.

[0468] Additionally, the classification image Im1 includes a “classification” button Bo3 for receiving user input to start and stop classification by the drug classification device (1), and a “distribution” button Bo4 for receiving user input to start and stop distribution by the distribution mechanism (6).

[0469] In this embodiment, it is not necessary to have a specification where the drug classification process by the drug classification device (1) and the distribution process by the distribution mechanism (6) cannot be processed simultaneously. In the case of such a specification, as shown in FIG. 26 (a), for example, when the drug classification process is in progress, the “distribution” button Bo4 becomes inactive (only the button to stop classification (square button) becomes active). On the other hand, when the distribution process is in progress, the “classification” button Bo3 becomes inactive (only the button to stop distribution (square button) becomes active). Also, if the drug classification device (1) is not equipped with a distribution mechanism (6), the “distribution” button Bo4 does not need to be displayed.

[0470] Additionally, the “Return Selection” button Bo5 is an operation button that receives user input for selecting the return source of the medicine. The return source is a place where the medicine was stored before being introduced into the medicine classification device (1), such as a ward, a medical department, or a facility (e.g., a medical institution). When user input is received for the “Return Selection” button Bo5, the medicine classification device (1) displays the return source selection image Im5, for example, as shown in Fig. 27 (b). For example, if the medicine classification device (1) is linked with the distributor (200) (connected for communication), the medicine classification device (1) can acquire information (e.g., ward ID) that specifies the ward, etc. where the distributor (200) is installed. Therefore, the medicine classification device (1) can store information specifying the ward ID, etc., in relation to the medicine data regarding the introduced medicine, in the memory unit (80) or the RFID tag of the classification cup (141).

[0471] When the return source displayed in the return source selection image Im5 shown in FIG. 27 (b) is selected, the selected return source is displayed in the return source shown in FIG. 26 (a) (indicated as “not selected” in the drawing).

[0472] The “Select Distribution Target” button Bo6 is an operation button that receives user input for selecting the method of distributing the drug by the distribution mechanism (6). When user input is received for the “Select Distribution Target” button Bo6, the drug classification device (1) performs a popup display as shown in, for example, (c) of FIG. 27. In the example of FIG. 27 (c), (1) a “Total Distribution” button Bo61 that distributes all classified drugs to the distribution mechanism (6), (2) a “Visual Inspection Completed Only” button Bo62 that distributes only drugs for which visual inspection has been completed among all classified drugs to the distribution mechanism (6), (3) a “Not Installed Only” button Bo63 that distributes only drugs for which there are no Depending on the user's selection, the selected distribution method is displayed in the distribution method illustrated in FIG. 26 (a) (indicated as "not selected" in the drawing). Additionally, there may be cases where return location information is associated with drug data regarding classified drugs. In this case, user input to the "Select Distribution Target" button Bo6 may be applied only to the rectangular portion Rs corresponding to the classification cup (141) containing the drug, where the return location indicated by the return location information is the distribution mechanism (6).

[0473] The “Classification List” button Bo7 is an operation button for switching the display image from the classification image Im1 to the classification drug list image Im3. When there is user input on the “Classification List” button Bo7, the drug classification device (1) switches to the display of the classification drug list image Im3.

[0474] The classified drug list image Im3 is a representation of the classification history by drug classification device (1) by type of drug, as shown in FIG. 26 (b). In the RFID tag of the memory unit (80) or the classification cup (141), drug data regarding the drug, container unique information for identifying the classification cup (141), the number of drugs contained in the classification cup (141), and return destination information are associated and stored so as to be able to generate the classified drug list image Im3.

[0475] When any drug included in the classified drug list image Im3 is selected and user input is received for the "visual inspection" button Bo31, the drug classification device (1) displays the inspection image Im2 of the corresponding drug. Additionally, the list of drugs included in the classified drug list image Im3 can be scrolled up and down and sorted by user input. Furthermore, by receiving user input for the "container list" button Bo32 of the classified drug list image Im3, the drug classification device (1) switches from the display of the classified drug list image Im3 to the display of the classified image Im1.

[0476] Additionally, the classification image Im1 is a display image showing the drug classification status (current classification status) during drug classification processing by the drug classification device (1). Meanwhile, the classified drug list image Im3 is a display image that includes the past drug classification status by the drug classification device (1) in addition to the drug classification status during drug classification processing. That is, by displaying the classified drug list image Im3, the user can check information regarding, for example, drugs that were previously classified but whose visual inspection was not completed.

[0477] FIGS. 28 (a) to (c) are drawings illustrating examples of inspection images Im2. Additionally, the inspection images Im2 shown in FIGS. 28 (a) and (b) are other examples of the display images shown in FIG. 11 (b). Mainly, the parts of the inspection image Im2 that differ from the display image shown in FIG. 11 (b) will be described.

[0478] As illustrated in FIG. 28 (a), the drug classification device (1) displays an audit image Im2 of a drug when any drug is selected in the classification image Im1 or the classification drug list image Im3. When user input is received for the “Start Visual Audit” button Bo21 of the audit image Im2, the drug classification device (1) displays an audit image Im2 that can receive the results of the visual audit, as illustrated in FIG. 28 (b).

[0479] The inspection image Im2 shown in FIG. 28 (b) includes a “Batch OK” button Bo22 and an “NG” button Bo23 that allow for batch registration of visual inspection results for the indicated drugs (drugs contained in the classification cup (141)). These “Batch OK” button Bo22 and “NG” button Bo23 are operation buttons that replace the “Register” button included in the display image shown in FIG. 11 (b).

[0480] When user input is received for the “Batch OK” button Bo22, the drug classification device (1) reports that the visual inspection result of all displayed drugs is “Visual OK” and writes the said visual inspection result to the RFID tag of the classification cup (141) in which the said drugs are contained. Meanwhile, when user input is received for the “NG is present” button Bo23, the drug classification device (1) reports that the visual inspection result of at least one of all displayed drugs is “Visual NG” and writes the said visual inspection result to the RFID tag of the classification cup (141) in which the said drugs are contained.

[0481] In addition, when user input is received regarding the image of the drug contained in the classification cup (141) (visible light drug of the drug captured by the imaging unit (13)) in the inspection image Im2 shown in FIG. 28 (a) and (b), the drug classification device (1) displays an enlarged display image Im6 of the drug as shown in FIG. 28 (c).

[0482] In the enlarged display area R21 of the enlarged display image Im6, an enlarged image of the selected drug is displayed. Images of the surface and back of the drug captured by the imaging unit (13) are displayed. Additionally, in the clear image display area R22, an image (master image) (e.g., a bare tablet image) and size of the selected drug registered in the drug database are displayed.

[0483] If the visual inspection result for the selected drug is “Visible OK,” the drug classification device (1) receives “Visible OK” as the visual inspection result of the drug by receiving user input for the “Visible OK” button Bo22. On the other hand, if it is “Visible NG,” the drug classification device (1) receives “Visible NG” as the visual inspection result of the drug by receiving user input for the “NG Available” button Bo23.

[0484] In addition, in the inspection image Im2 shown in FIG. 28 (a) and (b), the image can be enlarged or reduced by user input regarding the captured image of the drug (e.g., pinch in or pinch out). As a result, in the inspection image Im2 shown in FIG. 28 (a) and (b), the “display size” button for changing the display size of the display image shown in FIG. 11 (b) becomes unnecessary.

[0485] In addition, regarding the multiple images of drugs contained in the classification cup (141) in the inspection image Im2, the drug classification device (1) may arrange them in order of high matching precision with the images of the drugs registered in the drug database (e.g., from the top left). Alternatively, they may arrange them in order of low matching precision (e.g., from the top left). By doing so, drugs with low matching precision can be displayed in order from the position that is most visually easy for the operator to see, thereby improving the efficiency and precision of the visual inspection. Additionally, when a user receives (returns) a drug contained in a classification cup (141) into a cassette (not shown) containing the drug in the distributor (200) or receives (returns) it to a predetermined position on a drug shelf (300), if the cover of the cassette or the door of the shelf has a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism of the cover of the cassette or the door of the shelf may be opened on the condition that the matching precision of all drugs contained in the classification cup (141) to be returned is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The matching precision may be set at a level or threshold based on the degree of certainty of recognition of the information (imprint information or factor information) indicated by the imprint or print of the drug recognized by the drug classification device (1).

[0486] Next, FIGS. 29 (a) to (c) are drawings showing other examples of audit images Im2. As illustrated in FIGS. 29 (a) to (c), the drug classification device (1) may display an audit image Im2 that reflects whether a visual audit was performed and the results of the visual audit.

[0487] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 29 (a) and (b), the drug classification device (1) may display a different method depending on whether it receives user input for the “Batch OK” button Bo22 or user input for the “NG is present” button Bo23. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 29 (a), when the drug classification device (1) receives user input for the “Batch OK” button Bo22, it surrounds the entire display area R23 of the drug subject to inspection with a predetermined shape (e.g., green). On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 29 (b), when the drug classification device (1) receives user input for the “NG is present” button Bo23, it surrounds the entire display area R23 with a shape different from the above predetermined shape (e.g., yellow).

[0488] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 29 (c), the drug classification device (1) may display an inspection image Im2, which is given a shape that allows for the determination of whether a visual inspection has been performed and the result of the visual inspection, for each individual drug image displayed in the display area R23. For example, for each drug, a shape is given that allows for the determination of three states: visual inspection not performed, visual inspection result "visual OK," and visual inspection result "visual NG." In FIG. 29 (c), for the images of each drug in the upper two rows of the display area R23, a shape indicating that a visual inspection has not been performed is given (e.g., surrounded by blue), and for the images of each drug in the lower three rows, a shape indicating "visual OK" is given (e.g., surrounded by green).

[0489] (Example of display image: aggregate image)

[0490] Next, an example of a display image is described using FIGS. 30 and FIGS. 31. FIGS. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a display image (aggregation image Im7) regarding the aggregation of drugs classified by a drug classification device (1). The drug classification device (1) receives user input to perform the aggregation of drugs and displays an aggregation image Im7 as shown in FIGS. 30. The aggregation image Im7 can receive user input to specify, for example, "aggregation period," "output classification," "output unit," and "journal output format." The drug classification device (1) performs a display of the aggregation result (e.g., CSV (Common Separated Value) output) or output via a journal according to these user inputs.

[0491] In the "aggregation period," the aggregation period desired by the user is set.

[0492] In the “Output Classification,” the method of outputting the aggregate results is set. As selection items for the “Output Classification,” for example, “Classification Result Aggregation” and “Main Body Error History Aggregation” are displayed as pull-down options. When “Classification Result Aggregation” is selected, the drug classification device (1) performs aggregation regarding the classified drugs. When “Main Body Error History Aggregation” is selected, the drug classification device (1) aggregates the error history in the drug classification device (1). The drug classification device (1) stores logs when problems occur, such as operation errors of the return / classification unit (12), communication errors in the drug classification device (1), or adsorption misses of drugs by the adsorption mechanism, and aggregates the said logs as error history.

[0493] In the “output unit,” the output method for performing aggregation regarding classified drugs is set. As selection items for the “output unit,” for example, “by drug,” “by drug type,” “by drug efficacy classification,” “by return source (ward / medical department / facility),” and “by user” are displayed as pull-down options. The drug classification device (1) performs aggregation regarding classified drugs according to the selected items, by drug, by drug type, by drug efficacy, by return source, or by user.

[0494] In the “Journal Output Format,” the output method for printing and outputting the aggregate results of the classified drugs into a journal is selected. As selection items for the “Journal Output Format,” for example, “Number of classified drugs (by drug),” “Classified drug price (by drug),” “Number of classified drugs and drug price (by drug),” and “Number of classified drugs and drug price (total)” are displayed as pull-down options. The drug classification device (1) performs aggregation on the number of classified drugs, the drug price of classified drugs (total, i.e., number of drugs × unit price of drugs), the number of classified drugs and drug price (total), or the total number of all classified drugs and drug prices, depending on the selected item.

[0495] Figures 31 (a) to (d) are drawings showing examples of output when the aggregated result is output by the journal.

[0496] FIG. 31 (a) is an example in which the number of drugs is printed in the journal for each classified drug. In this example, in the aggregate image Im7, "Journal Output Format" and "Number of Classified Drugs (by Drug)" are selected. FIG. 31 (b) is an example in which the drug prices are printed in the journal for each classified drug. In this example, in the aggregate image Im7, "Journal Output Format" and "Classified Drug Prices (by Drug)" are selected. FIG. 31 (c) is an example in which both the number of drugs and the drug prices are printed in the journal for each classified drug. In this example, in the aggregate image Im7, "Journal Output Format" and "Number of Classified Drugs, Drug Prices (by Drug)" are selected. FIG. 31 (d) is an example in which the total number of classified drugs and their prices are printed in the journal. In this example, for the aggregate image Im7, "Journal Output Format" and "Number of Classified Drugs, Drug Price (Total)" are selected.

[0497] In addition, in the journal output examples of Fig. 31 (a) to (c), the total number of classified drugs and the total drug prices are also included, but these factors are arbitrary.

[0498] When performing aggregation tasks, by receiving user input regarding such aggregated image Im7, the drug classification device (1) can aggregate classified drugs, for example, by "classification processing unit (by ward, medical department, or facility)" and "by designated period." Additionally, the drug classification device (1) can aggregate the number of drugs (classification integer) or drug price (total) by "drug," "drug efficacy," or "drug type." Furthermore, the drug classification device (1) can output the aggregated results as a factor for display or journal. Additionally, regarding drug prices, it is acceptable to output the unit price of each drug. Furthermore, the drug classification device (1) may aggregate and output, for example, the number (total integer) of drugs that could not be classified.

[0499] <Example of sorting cup composition>

[0500] Below, a specific configuration example of the sorting cup (141) will be described. FIG. 32 (a) is a drawing showing an example of the specific configuration of the sorting cup (141). FIG. 33 is a six-sided view of the sorting cup (141) shown in FIG. 32 (a).

[0501] The sorting cup (141) is a sorting container that receives drugs classified by the drug sorting device (1) (specifically, the return / sorting unit (12)) by being placed in the second receiving section (14) as described above.

[0502] As illustrated in FIG. 32 (a) and FIG. 33, the sorting cup (141) has a roughly rectangular shape consisting of a side wall (143) (outer wall) and a bottom (144). That is, when viewed from the side of the opening (142), the shape of the sorting cup (141) (the shape of the opening (142) and the bottom (144)) is roughly rectangular. In this case, compared to the case where the sorting cup (141) is roughly cylindrical, the sorting cup (141) can be placed in the second receiving section (14) without a gap. Therefore, the receiving space for the sorting cup (141) in the second receiving section (14) can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the "rectangular" shape of the sorting cup (141) includes cases where the four corners are connected by curves.

[0503] In addition, particularly when the shape of the sorting cup (141) is approximately rectangular when viewed from the opening (142), the orientation of the sorting cup (141) can be determined when the sorting cup (141) is placed in the second receiving section (14). That is, the sorting cups (141) can be arranged in alignment so that the long side (or short side) of each of the sorting cups (141) faces the same direction. Furthermore, in the second receiving section (14), by forming a loading place for the sorting cup (141) in accordance with the shape of the sorting cup (141), the sorting cups (141) can be arranged uniformly in a predetermined direction without gaps.

[0504] In the sorting cup (141), the opening (142) into which the drug classified by the return / sorting unit (12) is inserted is formed on the upper surface of the sorting cup (141) by the side wall (143). Additionally, the upper part of the side wall (143) defines a rim portion (145) as the outer circumference of the opening (142).

[0505] In addition, so that the size of the opening (142) may be larger than the size of the bottom (144), it is not necessary to make it easier to receive the drug returned by the return / sorting unit (12) into the sorting cup (141) and to make it easier to extract the drug received in the sorting cup (141). That is, the cross-sectional shape of the sorting cup (141) cut by a plane including the perpendicular line of the bottom (144) (the cross-sectional shape of the sorting cup (141) viewed from the side wall (143) side) may be approximately a trapezoidal shape in which the bottom (144) side is smaller than the opening (142) side. It is not limited to this, and the sorting cup (141) may be a rectangular shape (the size of the bottom (144) and the size of the opening (142) are approximately the same).

[0506] In the sorting cup (141), a convex portion (146) is provided on at least a part of the rim portion (145). Specifically, the convex portion (146) is provided on at least one of the multiple sides constituting the rim portion (145). That is, the rim portion (145) is composed of a convex portion (146) and a base portion (148) which is a part other than the convex portion (146).

[0507] The user can lift the sorting cup (141) placed in the second receiving portion (14) by gripping the convex portion (146). That is, by providing the convex portion (146) on the rim portion (145), it is possible to make it easier to extract each of the plurality of sorting cups (141) received in the second receiving portion (14) from the second receiving portion (14).

[0508] In FIG. 32 (a), one convex portion (146) is provided on each of the four sides of the rim portion (145). Additionally, the convex portions (146) provided on each of the two adjacent sides are adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the height (146h) of the adjacent portions (146a) that are adjacent to each other is the same. By doing so, the convex portion (146) can be made wider, thereby improving the ease of handling of the sorting cup (141).

[0509] In addition, in FIG. 32 (a), the convex portions (146) are provided at the corner portions facing each other. Also, as described above, the opening (142) and the bottom portion (144) are approximately rectangular in shape. Therefore, the user can easily place the sorting cup (141) in the second receiving portion (14) by aligning its direction, and as a result, can easily arrange it so that the convex portions (146) provided at the corner portions are not adjacent to each other. That is, the user can arrange it so that it is easy to take out the sorting cup (141) without conscious thought.

[0510] If the opening (142) and the bottom (144) are square, there is a possibility that the convex parts (146) of adjacent sorting cups (141) may become adjacent to each other unless the user consciously places the sorting cup (141). In this case, the user will find it difficult to grasp the convex parts (146), making it difficult to take out the sorting cup (141). However, for example, if the placement location of the sorting cup (141) is determined to make it easier to take out in the second receiving part (14), the shape of the sorting cup (141) when viewed from the opening (142) side may be square.

[0511] In addition, as long as the sorting cup (141) can be easily removed without the user being aware of it, it does not matter if the convex portion (146) is not provided at the corner portion as described above. For example, it does not matter if the convex portion (146) is provided on each side so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the opposing side.

[0512] In addition, without considering the points described above, the shape of the sorting cup (141) may be any shape. For example, the shape of the opening (142) or the bottom (144) may be circular or elliptical, and a part of the outer circumference of the opening (142) or the bottom (144) may be curved. In addition, the convex portion (146) may not be provided on all sides, and may not be provided adjacently or oppositely at the corners. In addition, regarding adjacent convex portions (146), the height of the adjacent part (146a) may differ from each other.

[0513] The rim portion (145) functions as a protrusion (return portion) that protrudes outward from the side wall (143) at the connection portion with the side wall (143) (upper part of the side wall (143)). As a result, the user can hook their finger onto the protrusion, thereby further improving the ease of extraction. However, if this point is not taken into consideration, the rim portion (145) does not necessarily need to protrude outward from the side wall (143) as well.

[0514] Additionally, in FIG. 32 (a), the upper portion (146u) of the convex portion (146) is not sloped and is also straight. The extended portion (146e) of the convex portion (146) extending to the base portion (148) is sloped from the upper portion (146u) toward the base portion (148). The base portion (148) is not sloped and is also straight. The connection portion (146c) between the upper portion (146u) of the convex portion (146) and the extended portion (146e), and the connection portion (146d) between the extended portion (146e) of the convex portion (146) and the base portion (148) are all approximately arc-shaped.

[0515] The classification cup (141) of this example has a color (e.g., black) so that it is easy to identify the drug when imaging by the second camera (121). However, as long as it can image the drug, it may have light transmittance.

[0516] (A variation of the sorting cup (141))

[0517] FIGS. 32 (b) to (d) are drawings showing variations of the sorting cup (141). In the sorting cup (141a) shown in FIG. 32 (b), the shape of the opening (142) and the bottom (144) is a rectangle that is longer horizontally (or longer vertically) than the opening (142) and the bottom (144) of the sorting cup (141) shown in FIG. 32 (a). In the sorting cup (141b) shown in FIG. 32 (c), the height (146h') of the convex portion (146) is higher than the height (146h) of the convex portion (146) of the sorting cup (141) shown in FIG. 32 (a). The sorting cup (141c) shown in Fig. 32 (d) is a sorting cup (141) in which the protrusion (return portion) is not provided on the rim portion (145).

[0518] FIGS. 34 (a) to (c) and FIGS. 35 (a) to (h) are drawings showing another variation of the sorting cup (141). FIGS. 34 (a) to (c) and FIGS. 35 (a) to (h) are illustrated as not having the protrusion provided on the rim portion (145), but it is acceptable for the protrusion to be provided on the rim portion (145) as in the sorting cup (141).

[0519] In the sorting cup (141d) illustrated in FIG. 34 (a), the convex portion (146) (i.e., the upper portion (146u) and the extended portion (146e)) is approximately arc-shaped. That is, in the upper portion (146u), the end opposite to the end connected to the extended portion (146e) (in FIG. 34 (a), the adjacent portion (146a) where the convex portions (146) are adjacent) protrudes most upward. In the sorting cup (141e) illustrated in FIG. 34 (b), in addition to the convex portion (146) and the extended portion (146e), the base portion (148) is also approximately arc-shaped. In the sorting cup (141d), at least the base portion (148) is concave-shaped. That is, in the sorting cup (141d), the curve connecting points Px and Py is point-symmetric with respect to its approximate center Pc. In the sorting cup (141f) shown in FIG. 34 (c), the upper part (146u) is straight, and the extended part (146e) and the base part (148) are approximately arc-shaped. At least the base part (148) is concave.

[0520] In the sorting cup (141g) illustrated in FIG. 35 (a), the central part of the convex portion (146) has a curved shape that is raised upward. That is, in the sorting cup (141g), the part that protrudes most upward in the convex portion (146) is the central part, not the adjacent part (146a), in which case it differs from the sorting cup (141d) illustrated in FIG. 34 (a). Also, the base portion (148) has a curved shape that is raised upward near its center. In the sorting cup (141h) illustrated in FIG. 35 (b), the convex portion (146) has a curved shape similar to that of FIG. 35 (a), but the base portion (148) is straight. In the sorting cup (141i) shown in Fig. 35 (c), the convex portion (146) has a curved shape similar to that of Fig. 35 (a), but the base portion (148) has a concave shape similar to that of the sorting cup (141e) shown in Fig. 34 (b).

[0521] In the sorting cups (141g to 141i) illustrated in FIG. 35 (a) to (c), the convex portion (146) has a curved shape, but as in the sorting cups (141j to 141m) illustrated in FIG. 35 (d) to (g), the convex portion (146) may have a polygonal shape. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 35 (h), the convex portion (146) may have a stepped shape.

[0522] (Other: Bottom shape of the sorting cup)

[0523] It is acceptable to provide fine protrusions on the inner bottom surface of the sorting cup (141). When the sorting cup (141) is sucked in by the suction mechanism in close proximity to the inner bottom surface of the sorting cup (141), there is a possibility that the sorting cup (141) will be lifted. By providing fine protrusions on the inner bottom surface, it may be difficult to suction the sorting cup (141).

[0524] In addition, to prevent the first receiving part (11) from being lifted, it is acceptable for a fine protrusion to be provided on the inner bottom surface of the first receiving part (11).

[0525] <Other various processing or operation examples>

[0526] (Character recognition)

[0527] Next, another example of character recognition processing by the discrimination unit (64) will be described. Here, the memory unit (80) stores image data (master image) representing an image of a drug, including characters, engravings, and secants, in relation to identification information representing, for example, the name of the drug, as master information of the drug. This image data may be managed by a drug database. In addition, in this case, the discrimination unit (64) performs pattern matching with a plurality of image data stored in the memory unit (80) for an image of a drug captured by the first camera (131) in the placement area Ar.

[0528] Generally, when performing OCR processing, the direction and size of the characters included in the target image must be consistent. Therefore, the discrimination unit (64) performs OCR processing while rotating the visible light image. However, in this case, since the visible light image needs to be rotated every time it is analyzed, that much processing time is required. In addition, there is a possibility that the character recognition accuracy by OCR processing may not necessarily be high.

[0529] Therefore, in this example, symbol-specific information for identifying a symbol displayed on a drug, which indicates the type of symbol displayed on the drug (e.g., letters (numbers and English letters, etc.), manufacturer mark, and secant line), size, and angle, is registered in advance in relation to identification information. The identification unit (64) identifies the type of drug by referring to the symbol-specific information.

[0530] A method for generating symbol-specific information is explained based on FIG. 36. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for generating symbol-specific information. FIG. 36 (a) is a diagram showing an example of an image Ima of a drug that is the target for generating symbol registration information, and (b) to (d) are diagrams showing examples of images Imr1 to Imr3 of a drug when acquiring symbol-specific information. Furthermore, the processing for generating symbol-specific information is performed by an information generating device that generates symbol-specific information. It is acceptable to provide the information generating device in the drug classification device (1) and generate symbol registration information in the drug classification device (1). Additionally, the information generating device is assumed to have the master information described above.

[0531] First, the information generating device acquires an image Ima of a drug to be used for generating symbol registration information, as shown in FIG. 36 (a). In this example, the image Ima contains the characters (numbers) 1, 2, and 3.

[0532] Next, the information generating device acquires symbol specific information by performing pattern matching with image data included in the master information of the drug while rotating image Ima, as illustrated in FIGS. 36 (b) to (d). For example, in the state of FIG. 36 (b), "1" is acquired from image Imr1 by performing pattern matching. At this time, the information generating device identifies multiple pixels forming "1" by drawing a line over the "1" in image Imr1. By doing so, the information generating device identifies the size of "1" in image Imr1. Also, at this time, it is acceptable to identify the type of character as a number. Furthermore, the information generating device acquires the angle of image Imr1 from the reference point when the position of image Ima illustrated in FIG. 36 (a) is used as a reference. By doing so, the information generating device identifies the angle of "1" in image Imr1. In the states of (c) and (d) of Fig. 36, the size and angle of "2" in image Imr2 and "3" in image Imr3 are each specified.

[0533] The information generating device stores the type, size, and angle of a specific character as symbol-specific information, associated with identification information (master information), in the memory unit (80) of the drug classification device (1).

[0534] The discrimination unit (64) performs pattern matching with a plurality of image data stored in the memory unit (80) for the captured image of the drug, thereby compressing a plurality of drug types (e.g., 10 types) in order of highest matching score. For each of the compressed drug types, the discrimination unit (64) compares the captured image with symbol specific information (applies symbol specific information to the captured image). The discrimination unit (64) identifies the image of the drug with the highest degree of agreement with the symbol specific information among the captured images of the compressed drug, and identifies that the drug is the type of drug (drug name) associated with the symbol specific information.

[0535] In this way, the identification unit (64) can identify the type of drug simply and accurately compared to OCR processing by performing a comparison using symbol specific information. Therefore, the identification unit (64) can identify the type of drug quickly and with high precision.

[0536] (Drug adsorption method)

[0537] Next, the drug adsorption method will be explained using FIG. 37. FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drug adsorption method. FIG. 37 (a) is a diagram illustrating the appearance when a relatively small drug is adsorbed while moving the adsorption mechanism, and (b) and (c) are diagrams illustrating the appearance of the drug being adsorbed when the adsorption method is changed according to the size of the drug.

[0538] As described above, the adsorption mechanism changes the movement speed in the Z-axis direction (movement speed during descent) during drug adsorption based on, for example, a change in suction force detected by a pressure sensor. For example, when the adsorption mechanism adsorbs the drug of the first receiving portion (11), the adsorption mechanism stops immediately in front of the drug (before contact with the drug) so as not to push the drug in by the descent. In this case, since the adsorption mechanism adsorbs the drug immediately in front of the drug, it descends while sucking air with the vacuum pump (122d).

[0539] Here, relatively small drugs have a relatively light mass. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 37 (a), if the drug is to be adsorbed using the above method, there is a possibility that the relatively small drug will be sucked up obliquely right in front of it. In this case, a gap may form between the adsorption pad (122a) and the drug, or the suction force (flow rate) may differ depending on the position of the adsorption pad (122a), so the suction force becomes unstable. Therefore, it may be difficult to determine whether the drug is adsorbed on the adsorption pad (122a) based on changes in suction force.

[0540] Additionally, when the drug is adsorbed, the drug contained in the drug loading platform (133a) is captured by the second camera (121). Accordingly, the classification control unit (62) can calculate the size (area) of the drug to be adsorbed by analyzing the captured image. In particular, since at least one drug is loaded in the drug loading platform (133a) when the drug is adsorbed, the classification control unit (62) can relatively easily calculate the size of the drug to be adsorbed. The size of the drug is determined, for example, by counting the number of pixels of the drug in the acquired image.

[0541] In this example, the classification control unit (62) changes the adsorption method of the drug by determining whether the calculated size of the drug is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. This predetermined value is set in advance, for example, through experiments.

[0542] Specifically, when the calculated area of ​​the drug is less than a predetermined value (when the drug is relatively small), the classification control unit (62) lowers the adsorption mechanism to a predetermined position PS1 without suction, as shown in FIG. 37 (b). After that, the classification control unit (62) adsorbs the drug by starting suction at the predetermined position PS1. The predetermined position PS1 is a position where the drug can be adsorbed by suction and, for example, roughly coincides with the location where the suction force changes according to the method described above. When adsorbed in this way, the drug can be lifted straight up, so unlike the case in FIG. 37 (a), the suction force in the state where the drug is adsorbed can be stabilized. Therefore, the classification control unit (62) can stably determine the adsorption of a relatively small drug.

[0543] Furthermore, the predetermined position PS1 may be uniformly set to the same position (height), and may be calculated, for example, from the distance to the drug detected by the distance measuring sensor. Additionally, if the type of drug is specified, the predetermined position PS1 may be calculated based on information regarding the size of the drug (e.g., diameter, thickness) included in the drug database.

[0544] Meanwhile, when the calculated area of ​​the drug is greater than a predetermined value (when the drug is relatively large), the classification control unit (62) adsorbs the drug in the above-described manner as shown in Fig. 37 (c). That is, the classification control unit (62) lowers the adsorption mechanism while suctioning, and stops the adsorption mechanism at the point where the suction force changes (i.e., at a predetermined position PS2). That is, the adsorption mechanism stops right in front of the drug. In this state, the adsorption mechanism adsorbs the drug. When the drug is relatively large, the possibility of it being lifted obliquely is low even with this method, so the suction force can be stabilized in the state where the drug is adsorbed. In addition, since the adsorption mechanism is stopped at a predetermined position PS2 based on the change in suction force, the adsorption mechanism can be stopped right in front of the drug (without crushing the drug) in a simple and reliable manner.

[0545] In this way, by changing the adsorption method according to the size of the drug (i.e., the weight of the drug), the drug can be stably adsorbed onto the adsorption pad (122a) regardless of the weight of the drug. Therefore, since the failure of drug adsorption can be reduced, the speed of drug classification processing can be accelerated.

[0546] In addition, even when adsorbing a relatively large drug, as explained using FIG. 37 (b), it is acceptable to move the adsorption mechanism to a predetermined position PS2 without aspirating, and then start aspirating at the predetermined position PS2. In this case, the process of determining the size of the drug becomes unnecessary.

[0547] In addition, regarding the adsorption of the drug in the first receiving section (11) and the sorting cup (141), the method described in (b) and (c) of FIG. 37 may also be adopted. In this case, the return control section (61) identifies the drug to be adsorbed from the captured image and then calculates the size of the drug. In addition, the predetermined position PS1 is calculated, for example, by detecting the distance to the drug to be adsorbed using a distance measuring sensor.

[0548] (Air ejection motion)

[0549] Next, the air ejection operation by the adsorption mechanism will be explained.

[0550] Depending on the location where the drug to be adsorbed by the adsorption mechanism is loaded, or the position of the drug, there is a possibility that the adsorption mechanism may not be able to adsorb the drug. For example, if the drug is loaded at the end of the first receiving section (11), the sorting cup (141), or the drug loading stand (133a), or if it is standing at an angle, there is a possibility that the adsorption mechanism may not be able to adsorb the drug. If the drug to be adsorbed cannot be adsorbed, the adsorption mechanism attempts to adsorb the drug by, for example, repeating the adsorption operation (picking operation) a predetermined number of times. In this case, the number of attempts to adsorb the drug increases.

[0551] Therefore, in this example, when the return control unit (61) or the classification control unit (62) determines that the adsorption of the drug to be adsorbed has failed, it blows air from the adsorption mechanism. By doing so, the position or orientation of the drug can be changed. For example, it becomes possible to make the drug different from when it failed to adsorb, such as by laying down a standing drug or changing the position of the drug to a position away from the end. Because of this, the possibility of adsorbing the drug can be increased, and thus the number of attempts to adsorb the drug can be reduced.

[0552] In addition, if it is determined that the adsorption of the target drug has failed, the adsorption device may blow air a predetermined number of times toward the drug and its vicinity. That is, the adsorption device may blow air a predetermined number of times toward the same location.

[0553] For example, in this case, after the adsorption mechanism ejects air, the second camera (121) captures the first receiving part (11), etc. This ejection and capturing operation is repeated a predetermined number of times, and each time, the image captured by the second camera (121) is stored in the memory unit (80). The return control unit (61) or the classification control unit (62) identifies changes in the image in the area where the adsorption mechanism sprayed air with respect to the images captured multiple times. Then, regarding images excluding the image of the housing of the first receiving part (11), etc., it determines whether there is an image that does not change in the images captured multiple times. If the agent exists in the area where air was sprayed, the position or orientation of the agent changes slightly due to the sprayed air. Therefore, if there is an image that does not change in the images captured multiple times, the return control unit (61) or the classification control unit (62) determines that the image is contamination attached to the first receiving part (11), etc. In addition, when the adsorption of the drug fails, the image acquired by the second camera (121) may also be included to determine whether there is a change in the image.

[0554] In this way, by the multiple air ejection operations, it is possible to determine whether contamination is attached to the first receiving part (11), etc. Accordingly, the user can be notified that there is contamination attached to the first receiving part (11), etc. (that cleaning is required).

[0555] In addition, the multiple air ejection operation is not limited to cases where the adsorption of the drug fails. For example, it is acceptable to perform the multiple air ejection operation even when the drug is not contained in the first receiving section (11), etc. In this case, by comparing the images described above, an object that shows no change in appearance other than the drug loading platform (133a) can be determined to be contamination attached to the drug loading platform (133a).

[0556] In addition, if fragments or dust of the drug are contained in the drug loading stand (133a), the accuracy of drug identification may be reduced by said fragments. For example, depending on the location or size of the fragments, there is a possibility that said fragments may be mistaken for the drug (or part thereof). In particular, the drug loading stand (133a) determines the type of drug based on the captured image, but depending on the location or size of the fragments, there is a possibility that said determination may be affected.

[0557] Therefore, in this example, the adsorption mechanism blows air toward the drug loading platform (133a). This makes it possible to blow away debris and the like to the outside of the drug loading platform (133a). In addition, it prevents debris and the like from adhering to the drug loading platform (133a). The adsorption mechanism performs the air blowing operation, for example, when no drug is loaded in the drug loading platform (133a) (e.g., before loading the drug into the drug loading platform (133a) or after removing the drug from the drug loading platform (133a)).

[0558] In addition, the adsorption mechanism can blow away debris or prevent the attachment of debris by blowing air to the first receiving portion (11) and the sorting cup (141), etc. For example, when the adsorption of the drug fails as described above, the adsorption mechanism can blow away debris and change the position or location of the drug by blowing air. Not limited to this, the adsorption mechanism may perform the air blowing operation even when, for example, the drug is not contained in the first receiving portion (11) and the sorting cup (141).

[0559] (Specific treatment of the adsorption site)

[0560] Next, the specific treatment of the adsorption site is described.

[0561] The return control unit (61) or the sorting control unit (62) determines the location of the drug in the first receiving unit (11) or the sorting cup (141), etc. by interpreting the image captured by the second camera (121). When the first receiving unit (11) has a color (e.g., black, gray), the return control unit (61) determines the location of the drug from the difference between the color of the first receiving unit (11) and the color of the drug in the image captured by the second camera (121), for example. When the sorting cup (141) has a color, the sorting control unit (62) determines the location of the drug by performing the same processing. However, if the drug has a dark color (a drug close to the color of the first receiving unit (11), etc.) or the drug is a transparent drug, there may be a possibility that the location of the drug cannot be determined by this method.

[0562] Therefore, in this example, the return control unit (61) or the classification control unit (62) is irradiated onto the surface of the drug and also specifies the location of the reflected light reflected from the surface as the location of the drug. FIG. 38 (a) to (c) is a diagram for explaining the process of specifying the adsorption location.

[0563] As illustrated in FIG. 38 (a), the conveying and sorting unit (12) of the present example is equipped with a light source (124) that emits light when the second camera (121) takes a picture. The light source (124) is provided near the second camera (121) and emits light toward the first receiving unit (11) or sorting cup (141). By doing so, the second camera (121) can take a picture of an image including the image of reflected light reflected from the surface of the medicine. Therefore, the conveying control unit (61) or the sorting control unit (62) can identify the location of the reflected light included in the image taken by the second camera (121) as the location of the medicine.

[0564] In FIG. 38 (a), the transport / sorting unit (12) is equipped with two light sources (124). However, as long as the location of the drug can be identified in the image captured by the second camera (121), the number of light sources (124) may be one or three or more.

[0565] Here, when two light sources (124) are considered as one light source, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), the position of the reflected light in the medicine varies depending on the location where the medicine is loaded. Specifically, if the position of the medicine is directly below the light source (124), the position of the reflected light becomes the center position of the medicine or the vicinity thereof. On the other hand, as the position of the medicine moves further away from directly below the light source (124), the position of the reflected light becomes a location further away from the center position of the medicine.

[0566] Therefore, in this example, the return control unit (61) or the classification control unit (62) corrects the position of the reflected light in the drug. The memory unit (80) stores correction value information indicating a correction value (correction amount and direction) for correcting the position of the reflected light. Additionally, the correction value information is set by an experiment, etc.

[0567] The correction value is associated with each position of the drug (i.e., each position of the reflected light) that has been pre-captured by changing the position of the drug. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 38 (c), the correction value is set to increase as it moves further away from the direct bottom of the light source (124). Specifically, for drugs at positions P1, P3, and P4 that are offset from the direct bottom of the light source (124), the position of the reflected light Pre is offset from the center position of the drug. Therefore, the correction value is determined such that the position of the reflected light Pre becomes the center position of the drug (the detection position Pde that detects the reflected light). On the other hand, for drugs at position P2 that is directly below the light source (124), the position of the reflected light Pre becomes the same as the center position of the drug, so the correction value becomes 0.

[0568] The return control unit (61) or the classification control unit (62) specifies the position Pre of the reflected light included in the image captured by the second camera (121), and then corrects the position Pre of the reflected light to the detection position Pde of the reflected light by referring to the correction value information. The return control unit (61) or the classification control unit (62) specifies this detection position Pde of the reflected light as the adsorption position of the drug.

[0569] Accordingly, the adsorption location of the drug can be determined with high precision even if the first receiving portion (11) or the sorting cup (141) has a color, or if the color of the drug is similar to that of the first receiving portion (11) or the sorting cup (141), or if it is transparent. Furthermore, since precision in the adsorption location is required when the drug is particularly small, this process allows the adsorption location to be determined with higher precision.

[0570] (Method for determining the rotation direction of the first camera)

[0571] Next, a method for determining the rotation direction of the first camera (131) is explained.

[0572] Consider a case where the position of the first camera (131) is set to 0° when the first camera (131) captures the drug from above, and the information such as identification information assigned to the drug (e.g., capsule) is facing in the direction of 315°, and the drug is loaded onto the drug loading stand (133a). In this case, the imaging control unit (63) can acquire information such as identification information (hereinafter simply referred to as identification information) by interpreting the drug captured by the first camera (131) from the position of 315°.

[0573] Here, consider the case where the first camera (131) is rotated so that the rotating mechanism (132) rotates around the placement area Ar2 in only one direction (e.g., clockwise when viewed from the front side of the drug classification device (1)). When capturing identification information of a loaded drug in the above state, the rotating mechanism (132) needs to move the first camera (131) to three locations at 45°, 135°, and 225°, and also move it to a position at 315° after the first camera (131) has captured the drug. This is because it is difficult to obtain identification information even if images captured from the positions at 45°, 135°, and 225° are analyzed.

[0574] Therefore, in this example, the rotation mechanism (132) rotates the first camera (131) to rotate around the placement area Ar2 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The imaging control unit (63) controls the rotation mechanism (132) based on an image captured from a position of 0° to determine the rotation direction of the first camera (131).

[0575] For example, the imaging control unit (63) sets two regions on the drug by dividing the drug in half in a direction parallel to the direction in which the axis (133c) extends (a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the first camera (131)) in the image when the drug is captured from a position of 0°. The imaging control unit (63) specifies the region among the two regions that contains at least a portion of the identification information assigned to the drug, and determines the direction in which the specified region exists as the rotation direction of the first camera (131). If identification information is included in either of the two regions, the imaging control unit (63) determines the direction in which the region with the larger area of ​​identification information exists as the rotation direction of the first camera (131). In addition, if the image taken from the 0° position does not contain identification information, the imaging control unit (63) rotates the first camera (131) in an initially set direction (e.g., clockwise).

[0576] By doing so, the time required to obtain identification information and the time required to identify the type of drug can be shortened.

[0577] <Example of configuration of a drug classification device>

[0578] Next, an example configuration of the drug classification device (1a) will be described using FIG. 39. FIG. 39 is a drawing showing an example configuration of the drug classification device (1a), (a) is a perspective view of the drug classification device (1a), and (b) is a perspective view showing the basic configuration of the drug classification area (2) provided by the drug classification device (1a).

[0579] In the drug classification device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2, the first RFID reader / writer unit (5) is provided on the drug extraction side (front side), but in the drug classification device (1a), as illustrated in FIG. 39 (b), the first RFID reader / writer unit (5) is provided on the drug extraction side of the base (19). Since the first RFID reader / writer unit (5) is provided on the base (19), when reading the RFID tag information of the classification cup (141), there is no need to extract the classification cup (141) outside the drug classification device (1a). Therefore, the possibility of dropping the classification cup (141) outside the drug classification device (1a) and scattering the drugs inside the classification cup (141) can be reduced. In other words, operational safety can be improved.

[0580] In addition, in conjunction with the change in the installation location of the first RFID reader / writer unit (5), the drug classification device (1a) is provided with an opening / closing door (52) on the drug extraction side, as shown in FIG. 39 (a). In order to move the drug contained in the second receiving section (14) to the distribution mechanism (6), the drug classification device (1a) is provided with, for example, a packaging hopper that temporarily holds and supports the drug and a movement passage that moves the drug held and supported in the packaging hopper to the distribution mechanism (6). In addition, at least the movement passage is made separable. By opening the opening / closing door (52), the movement passage can be extracted to the outside of the drug classification device (1a).

[0581] That is, by providing an opening / closing door (52), it becomes possible to remove and clean the passageway. In addition, with the passageway separated, it becomes possible to clean the component (e.g., packaging hopper) provided between the drug inlet (17) and the distribution mechanism (6).

[0582] Additionally, the drug classification device (1a) is equipped with an opening / closing shutter (51) that enables the extraction side of the drug to be opened and closed. The drug classification device (1) shown in FIG. 2 is also equipped with an opening / closing shutter similar to the opening / closing shutter (51) (in FIG. 2, the opening / closing shutter is shown as being approximately transparent so that the drug classification area (2) can be seen).

[0583] [Supplementary Notes]

[0584] The present invention is not limited to each of the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope set forth in the claims. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in each of the different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0585] 1: Drug sorting device 11: 1st Reception Unit 14: Second Reception Unit 12: Return / Sorting Unit (Sorting Section) 61: Return control unit (detection area change unit) 62: Classification control unit (detection area change unit) 63: Imaging control unit 64: Discrimination unit 65: Image Classification Unit 122: Suction shutter mechanism (suction mechanism) 131: First camera (imaging unit) 132: Rotating mechanism (rotating part) 133a: Drug loading rack 133b: Swivel mechanism (movement mechanism) 133c: Shaft 134: Illuminating device (ultraviolet light irradiation unit, visible light irradiation unit) 134a: 1st irradiation section (visible light irradiation section) 134b: Second Irradiation Section (Visible Light Irradiation Section) 134c: Ultraviolet light irradiation section 141, 141a to 141j: Sort cup (sorting container) 142: Frog 143: Side wall (exterior wall) 145: Border 146: Convex part 146a: Adjacent part Ar1: Storage area (loading area, sorting waiting area) Ar2: Placement area Dr: Detection area Jo, Jo1, Jo2: Journal Im1: Classification Image Im2: Thank you image

Claims

Claim 1 The apparatus comprises a first receiving unit for receiving multiple types of drugs, a second receiving unit for receiving the drugs in a classified state by type, a determining unit for determining the type of drug extracted from the first receiving unit, and a classification unit for receiving the drugs in the second receiving unit by type based on the determination result by the determining unit, wherein the multiple types of drugs are drugs not contained in a container or drugs not packaged, and drugs returned after being prescribed to a patient, wherein the second receiving unit may be equipped with multiple classification containers for storing the drugs classified by the classification unit in a classified state by type, and further comprises a control unit for determining whether the type of drug determined by the determining unit is the same as the type of drug stored in any of the multiple classification containers, wherein if the control unit determines that the type of drug determined by the determining unit is the same as the type of drug stored in any of the multiple classification containers, the classification unit returns the drug to the classification container storing the corresponding type of drug, and wherein the type of drug determined by the determining unit is any of the multiple classification containers A drug sorting device that returns the drug to the sorting container that does not store the drug when the control unit determines that the drug is not the same as the type of drug stored in it. Claim 2 A drug classification device according to claim 1, further comprising a recovery tray that accommodates items whose type could not be determined by the above-mentioned discrimination unit. Claim 3 A drug classification device comprising: a first receiving section for receiving multiple types of drugs; a second receiving section for receiving the drugs in a classified state by type; a determination section for determining the type of drug extracted from the first receiving section; and a classification section for receiving the drugs in the second receiving section by type based on the determination result by the determination section, wherein the multiple types of drugs are drugs not contained in a container or drugs not packaged, and drugs returned after being prescribed to a patient, and wherein the second receiving section may accommodate multiple classification containers for storing the drugs classified by the classification section in a classified state by type, and further comprising a receiving section for temporarily placing drugs of a different type from any of the drugs stored in the multiple classification containers when drugs are stored in all of the multiple classification containers. Claim 4 A drug classification device according to paragraph 3, wherein, in the case where the type of the drug cannot be determined by the above-mentioned determination unit and the drug is presumed to be a tablet or a capsule, the above-mentioned classification unit classifies the drug into the above-mentioned second receiving unit or the above-mentioned receiving unit. Claim 5 A drug classification device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the classification unit classifies drugs temporarily placed in the receiving unit after drugs are removed from the plurality of classification containers. Claim 6 A drug classification device comprising, in any one of claims 1 to 4, a distribution mechanism for distributing a drug contained in the second receiving portion. Claim 7 In claim 6, the second receiving section may be configured to accommodate a plurality of classification containers for storing drugs classified by the classification section in a classified state, and when drugs are stored in all of the plurality of classification containers, the receiving section may further be configured to temporarily store a drug of a different type from any of the drugs stored in the plurality of classification containers, the distribution mechanism distributes the drug contained in any of the plurality of classification containers, and the classification section receives the drug temporarily stored in the receiving section into the classification container in which the drug contained was distributed by the distribution mechanism. Claim 8 In claim 6, the distribution mechanism is a drug classification device that assigns a barcode to the distribution site where the drug was distributed, for reading an inspection image used to perform a visual inspection of the drug after distributing the drug. Claim 9 A drug classification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an imaging unit for imaging a drug extracted from the first receiving unit, and the discrimination unit for determining the type of the drug based on the image captured by the imaging unit. Claim 10 A drug classification device comprising: a first receiving section for receiving multiple types of drugs; a second receiving section for receiving the drugs in a classified state by type; a determining section for determining the type of drug extracted from the first receiving section; and a classification section for receiving the drugs in the second receiving section by type based on the determination result by the determining section, wherein the multiple types of drugs are drugs not contained in a container or drugs not packaged, and drugs returned after being prescribed to a patient, wherein the second receiving section may be configured to accommodate multiple classification containers for storing the drugs classified by the classification section in a classified state by type, and further comprising a distribution mechanism for distributing the drugs received in the second receiving section, wherein the distribution mechanism distributes the drugs classified by the classification section to each of the classification containers. Claim 11 In item 10, the above distribution mechanism is a drug classification device that distributes drugs classified by the above classification unit and also for which a visual inspection has been completed.

Images