Automatic liquid medicine dispensing device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an automatic liquid drug dispensing device according to one embodiment and a method of operation thereof. An automatic dispensing device for automatically dispensing a plurality of types of liquid drugs according to one embodiment comprises: a lower unit comprising a plurality of case holders in which drug cases storing the plurality of types of liquid drugs are mounted at preset intervals, and a plurality of dispensing drawers that are opened and closed by sliding into or out of the automatic dispensing device; a dispensing area in which some of the liquid drugs among the plurality of types are injected into the storage containers through an upper nozzle while the storage containers storing the plurality of types of liquid drugs are mounted; and a display area indicating at least one of the state in which the plurality of types of liquid drugs are injected into the storage containers in the dispensing area or the storage state of the drug cases mounted in the dispensing drawers of the lower unit. It may include a control module that obtains prescription drug information regarding at least one of the type and volume of the liquid drug from an external source, and controls the lower unit, the dispensing area, and the display area so that some of the liquid drugs among the plurality of types of liquid drugs are injected into the storage containers based on the prescription drug information.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automatic liquid drug dispensing device and a method of operating the same. More specifically, it relates to an automatic liquid drug dispensing device that automatically dispenses multiple types of liquid drugs based on drug information included in a prescription, and a method of operating the same. Background Technology

[0002] As defined by its dictionary definition, a dispensing device refers to a device that divides and injects a liquid or semi-liquid, semi-solid substance into equal amounts at multiple points. When utilizing dispensing devices for pharmaceuticals, a stable system is required that not only ensures accurate dosage but also reduces the probability of malfunctions to prevent patients from ingesting medications other than those prescribed. Furthermore, while dispensing devices need to be equipped with functions for rapid preparation to ensure patients receive their medication quickly, small pharmacies face limitations in this area because they cannot utilize large-scale dispensing devices.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for the development of technology regarding a compact automatic liquid drug dispensing device that can accurately and safely dispense medication and be used even in small pharmacies. The problem to be solved

[0004] According to one embodiment, an automatic liquid drug dispensing device may be provided.

[0005] In addition, according to one embodiment, a method of operating an automatic liquid drug dispensing device may be provided. means of solving the problem

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the technical problem described above, an automatic dispensing device for automatically dispensing a plurality of types of liquid medicines comprises: a lower unit including a plurality of case holders in which medicine cases storing the plurality of types of liquid medicines are mounted at preset intervals, and a plurality of dispensing drawers that are opened and closed by sliding into or out of the automatic dispensing device; a dispensing area in which some of the liquid medicines among the plurality of types of liquid medicines are injected into the storage containers through an upper nozzle while the storage containers storing the plurality of types of liquid medicines are mounted; a display area indicating at least one of the state in which the plurality of types of liquid medicines are injected into the storage containers in the dispensing area or the storage state of the medicine cases mounted in the dispensing drawers of the lower unit; and a control module that obtains prescription medicine information regarding at least one of the type and dosage of the liquid medicine from the outside, and controls the lower unit, the dispensing area, and the display area so that some of the liquid medicines among the plurality of types of liquid medicines are injected into the storage containers based on the prescription medicine information. An automatic dispensing device including may be provided.

[0007] According to another embodiment for achieving the technical problem described above, a method of operating an automatic dispensing device for automatically dispensing multiple types of liquid medicines may be provided, comprising: a step of obtaining prescription medicine information including a filling capacity for each liquid medicine type from a server; a step of controlling the length of a nozzle among a plurality of nozzles from which a medicine corresponding to the prescription medicine information is discharged, based on the size of a storage container determined according to the prescription medicine information; a step of identifying whether the storage container is properly mounted in a dispensing area based on at least one sensor value obtained from a proximity sensor provided adjacent to the nozzle; and a step of dispensing medicine into the storage container by controlling a pump module based on the prescription medicine information when it is identified that the storage container is properly mounted in the dispensing area.

[0008] According to another embodiment for achieving the technical problem described above, a method of operating an automatic dispensing device for automatically dispensing multiple types of liquid medicines may be provided, comprising: a step of obtaining prescription medicine information including a filling capacity for each liquid medicine type from a server; a step of controlling the length of a nozzle among a plurality of nozzles from which a medicine corresponding to the prescription medicine information is discharged, based on the size of a storage container determined according to the prescription medicine information; a step of identifying whether the storage container is normally placed in a dispensing area based on at least one sensor value obtained from a proximity sensor provided adjacent to the nozzle; and a step of dispensing a medicine into the storage container by controlling a pump module based on the prescription medicine information when it is identified that the storage container is normally placed in the dispensing area. A computer-readable recording medium may be provided that records a program for executing the method on a computer. Effects of the invention

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the preparation time can be shortened by filling the syrup at a high speed, and the filling speed is automatically set according to the required filling capacity, so that filling can be completed within a preset time regardless of the filling capacity.

[0010] According to one embodiment, multiple types of liquid medicines can be prepared simultaneously, and preparations can be made using medicine bottles (storage containers) of various sizes depending on the required filling volume of the liquid medicines.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing progress status and drug subdivision work can be conveniently performed through linkage with an external terminal.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the inside of the device can be easily cleaned using an automatic cleaning function with a dedicated cleaning solution, and the closed system minimizes the entry of insects or external impurities, allowing for safe and hygienic management.

[0013] According to one embodiment, it has the advantage of being small enough to be easily installed even in pharmacies with limited dispensing space, and the storage space is composed of multiple drawers, allowing for convenient filling and exchange of medicines and the storage of multiple medicines in each drawer. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an automatic dispensing device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an automatic dispensing device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side perspective view illustrating the structure of a pump module of an automatic dispensing device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an automatic dispensing device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process of controlling the height of a plurality of nozzles according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control module according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control module according to another embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a server according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the interface and software functions of a control module according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the structure of an automatic dispensing device according to another embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0016] The terms used in this disclosure have been selected to be as widely used and general as possible, taking into account their functions within this disclosure; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been selected at the applicant's discretion, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, terms used in this disclosure should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0017] When a part of a specification is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" or "module" as used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present disclosure in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an automatic dispensing device according to one embodiment.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing system (10) may include an automatic dispensing device (1000) and a server (2000). However, it is not limited to the configuration described above, and the automatic dispensing system (10) may include fewer components or more components in addition to the configuration described above. According to another embodiment, the automatic dispensing system (10) may further include an electronic device (4000) connected via a network (3000). The electronic device (4000) shown in FIG. 1 may be a terminal or computer device used by a user to monitor the dispensing status of the liquid medicine obtained from the automatic dispensing device (1000) or the remaining amount of the liquid medicine stored in the lower unit (110), or to control the automatic dispensing device (1000).

[0021] According to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing device (1000) has a plurality of types of drug cases mounted on a lower unit (110) that includes a plurality of dispensing drawers, and when prescription drug information including a prescription drug name, prescription drug dosage, etc. is input from a server (2000), it can automatically dispense a predetermined filling amount based on the prescription drug information into a storage container mounted in a dispensing area (120).

[0022] According to one embodiment, an automatic dispensing device (1000) or an automatic dispensing system (10) including an automatic dispensing device may be used to dispense liquid medicine prescribed to a patient in a pharmacy or hospital. However, it is not limited to the above-described example, and it may, of course, be used to dispense a substance composed of liquid in a specific laboratory or research room.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing device (1000) may control the control module (140) by linking with the server (2000). According to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing device (1000) may obtain at least one prescription drug information or patient medical record information (EMR) through the server (2000). According to one embodiment, the server (2000) may include other computing devices capable of transmitting and receiving data and communicating with the electronic device (1000) via a network. For example, the server (2000) may be a prescription computer program used in a pharmacy (e.g., Pharm IT 3000). According to one embodiment, the network (3000) includes a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Value Added Network (VAN), a mobile radio communication network, a satellite communication network, and combinations thereof, and is a data communication network in a comprehensive sense that enables each network constituent entity shown in FIG. 1 to communicate smoothly with each other, and may include wired internet, wireless internet, and mobile wireless communication networks.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing device (1000) may include a lower unit (110), a dispensing area (120), a display area (130), and a control module (140). Additionally, components of a pump module for dispensing multiple types of liquid medicines mounted on the lower unit (110) to the dispensing area (120) may be additionally provided inside the housing surrounding the exterior of the automatic dispensing device. However, the configuration described above is not limited to the above, and the automatic dispensing device (1000) may include fewer components or more components in addition to the above configuration.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing device (1000) is manufactured as a compact device and can be easily installed even in pharmacies with limited dispensing space. According to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing device (1000) can simultaneously produce five or more types of liquid medicines (e.g., syrups). Additionally, the automatic dispensing device (1000) can dispense syrups by automatically dispensing multiple types of liquid medicines into storage containers of various sizes (e.g., medicine bottles).

[0026] According to one embodiment, the display area (130) may indicate the dispensing status, including the type and volume of the dispensing drug per channel of the automatic dispensing device (1000), and the volume of the remaining liquid drug stored in the lower unit (110).

[0027] According to one embodiment, the control module (140) can automatically set the charging speed according to the charging capacity included in the prescription drug information obtained from the server (2000). For example, when the automatic dispensing device (1000) is set to a maximum drug charging time of 5 seconds, the charging speed for each charging capacity is automatically changed, and the charging speed can be controlled to increase as the charging capacity increases.

[0028] In addition, according to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing device allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of the machine interior using a dedicated cleaning solution, and minimizes the entry of insects or dust through a closed system via the door of the rear housing.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an automatic dispensing device according to one embodiment.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing device (1000) may include a lower unit (110), a dispensing area (120), a display area (130), and a control module (140). However, it is not limited to the above-described example, and the automatic dispensing device (1000) may include other necessary components and may be provided with fewer components.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the lower unit (110) may include a plurality of case holders in which drug cases storing multiple types of liquid drugs are mounted at predetermined intervals, and may include a plurality of dispensing drawers that are opened and closed by sliding into or out of the automatic dispensing device (1000). For example, the lower unit (110) may be provided with case holders for each of the plurality of dispensing drawers, each having a groove formed corresponding to the shape of each case so that multiple drug cases can be mounted. According to one embodiment, the plurality of dispensing drawers may include a guide rail that contacts a slide rail installed in the housing of the automatic dispensing device (1000) and guides the dispensing drawers to slide while in contact with the slide rail.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the dispensing area (120) may be configured such that storage containers in which the plurality of liquid drugs are stored are mounted, and some of the liquid drugs among the plurality of liquid drugs may be injected into the storage containers through an upper nozzle. For example, the dispensing area (120) may be formed with a predetermined width and height to accommodate the storage containers, and a plurality of nozzles for discharging the liquid drugs may be provided at the top.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the display area (130) may indicate at least one of the state in which multiple types of liquid medicines are injected into the storage containers on the dispensing area (120) or the storage state of the medicine cases mounted in the dispensing drawers of the lower unit. According to one embodiment, the display area (130) may be provided with an LED module indicating the dispensing state for each of the multiple nozzles and a display indicating the name and filling capacity of the liquid medicine dispensed for each of the multiple nozzles. For example, the LED module may display a dispensing state including at least one of dispensing possible, dispensing impossible, dispensing in progress, or dispensing finished for each of the multiple nozzles using the color of the LED. Additionally, for example, the display may include an LCD panel that displays the name and filling capacity of the liquid medicine dispensed for each of the multiple nozzles.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the control module (140) obtains prescription drug information regarding at least one of the type and volume of the liquid drug from the outside, and can control the lower unit, the dispensing area, and the display area so that some of the liquid drugs among the plurality of types of liquid drugs are injected into the storage containers based on the prescription drug information. For example, the control module (140) can dispense the liquid drug from the lower unit (110) to the dispensing area (120) by controlling the pump module described below of the dispensing channel containing the drug included in the prescription drug information among the plurality of dispensing channels based on prescription drug information obtained from the server (2000) or user input.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the control module (140) may further include a network interface (1500), a memory (1700) for storing one or more instructions, and at least one processor (1300) for executing said one or more instructions. According to one embodiment, the network interface (1500) may transmit information regarding the volume of liquid medicine stored in the lower unit (110) or dispensing area (120) to another electronic device connected to the automatic dispensing device (1000). According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) may control the overall operation of the automatic dispensing device (1000) by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory (1700). According to one embodiment, the memory (1700) may store a program for processing and controlling the processor (1300), and may also store data input to or output from the control module (140).

[0036] Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing device (1000) may further include a plurality of nozzles and a pump module. According to one embodiment, the nozzles and the pump module may be controlled by a control module (140) based on the prescription drug information. For example, the control module (140) may control the length of the nozzle through which the drug is dispensed, along with controlling the pump module of the channel where the drug is stored, by identifying the type and dosage of the drug included in the prescription drug information. According to another embodiment, the length of the plurality of nozzles may be controlled by user input to the control module (140) or by manual operation of the plurality of nozzles.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a plurality of nozzles are positioned above the dispensing area (120) and can be adjusted to different lengths according to the height of each of the storage containers above the dispensing area. For example, the plurality of nozzles can effectively attach and detach storage containers by automatically adjusting their lengths based on the height of the storage container, which is predetermined according to the volume of liquid medicine included in the prescription drug information.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the pump module may include a plurality of channels connected to the plurality of nozzles and at least one pump that controls at least one of the discharge pressure or discharge speed of liquid drugs moving through the channels or the nozzles. For example, the pump module may be provided inside the housing of the automatic dispensing device (1000) and may be formed with a plurality of channels to discharge liquid drugs contained in the lower unit (110) to the upper dispensing area (120). A description of the components and structure of the pump module will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0039] The automatic dispensing device (1000) can rapidly produce a desired liquid-type medicine by dispensing medicines at a high speed. In addition, according to one embodiment, the control module of the automatic dispensing device can dispense liquid medicine at a speed of 20 ml per second, but is not limited thereto, and can produce a liquid-type medicine according to a dispensing speed that is set differently based on the type of medicine to be produced or the size of the container in which the medicine is stored.

[0040] Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, the lower unit (110) may further include a plurality of storage tanks. According to one embodiment, the plurality of storage tanks may store the liquid medicines for each dispensing drawer in a preset amount and may be connected to the medicine cases through a connecting pipe. For example, a check valve may be formed in the connecting pipe connecting the medicine cases and the plurality of storage tanks to prevent backflow. For example, the check valve may function to prevent the medicine from flowing back from the storage tank to the medicine case, and a sensor may be additionally provided to identify whether the medicine is flowing back.

[0041] Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, according to one embodiment, a sensor module and a dispensing start button may be further provided in the dispensing area (120). For example, the sensor module may include a proximity sensor for identifying whether the storage containers are properly mounted, an ultrasonic sensor for measuring the level of the liquid medicine contained in the storage container, and a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the liquid medicine contained in the storage container.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the control module (140) can identify whether storage containers are positioned correctly to be combined with a plurality of nozzles on the dispensing area (120) through a sensor value measured by a proximity sensor. For example, the proximity sensor can be installed adjacent to the plurality of nozzles to transmit a sensor value to the control module (140) regarding whether the upper surface corresponding to the inlet of the storage container containing the liquid medicine is positioned correctly to be combined with the plurality of nozzles.

[0043] According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic sensor is installed adjacent to a plurality of nozzles to measure the liquid level of the liquid medicine dispensed into the storage container. Additionally, according to one embodiment, a weight sensor can measure the weight of the liquid medicine dispensed into the storage container. For example, the weight sensor may be provided at the bottom of each channel-specific dispensing area (120) including a plurality of nozzles.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the control module (140) can accurately identify whether the storage container is properly mounted based on the sensor value measured through the proximity sensor, and can reduce the error of the liquid medicine dispensed by accurately identifying the volume of the liquid medicine dispensed into the storage container based on the sensor value measured through the ultrasonic sensor and the weight sensor.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the control module (140) may transmit an output signal to an output device connected to the automatic dispensing device so that a label containing medication information, including the name, dosage, and method of administration of the medication, is output.

[0046] According to one embodiment, a dispensing start button may be provided for each of the plurality of nozzles at the top of the dispensing area (120), and dispensing may be manually started or stopped based on user input for each channel.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view illustrating the structure of a pump module of an automatic dispensing device according to one embodiment.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the pump module (320) may include a connecting pipe (322), a pump (324), a flow meter (326), and a solenoid valve (328), but is not limited thereto.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the connecting pipe (322) can connect the plurality of storage tanks and the plurality of nozzles. For example, the connecting pipe (322) can provide a passage for the movement of medicine by connecting the medicine cases stored in the lower unit (110) and the plurality of nozzles (330) formed in the dispensing area (120).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the pump (324) can provide pressure to transfer the liquid medicines along the connecting pipe from the plurality of storage tanks to the plurality of nozzles.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the flow meter (326) can measure the amount of liquid medicine transferred from the connecting pipe. For example, the control module can control the pressure of the pump (324) for quantitative discharge by identifying the volume of liquid medicine transferred by the flow meter (326).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the solenoid valve (328) may be configured to open or close a specific point of the connecting pipe by an opening or closing signal obtained from the control module. For example, the control module may control the solenoid valve (328) to close when a transfer capacity greater than the filling capacity included in the prescription drug information is identified.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the structure of the pump module (310) constituting the automatic dispensing device (1000) is designed simply, thereby significantly reducing the probability of malfunction during use.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an automatic dispensing device according to one embodiment.

[0055] In S410, the processor (1300) may obtain prescription drug information including the filling capacity for each liquid drug type from a server. According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) may also obtain the prescription drug information from user input or another electronic device. For example, the processor (1300) may identify the channel in which the liquid drug is stored among each channel included in the automatic dispensing device (1000) by identifying the type and capacity of the liquid drug included in the prescription drug information obtained from the outside.

[0056] In S420, the processor (1300) can control the length of the nozzle from which the drug corresponding to the prescription drug information is dispensed among the plurality of nozzles, based on the size of the storage container determined according to the prescription drug information. According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) can control the length of the nozzle to correspond to the height of the storage container set for each filling capacity included in the prescription drug information. For example, when the filling capacity included in the prescription drug information is 40 ml, the processor (1300) can control the length of the nozzle to correspond to the height of a 50 ml type storage container included in the range of the filling capacity.

[0057] In S430, the processor (1300) can identify whether the storage container is properly mounted in the dispensing area based on at least one sensor value obtained from the proximity sensor provided adjacent to the nozzle. According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) can identify whether the top of the storage container corresponds to the bottom of the nozzle based on the sensor value measured from at least one proximity sensor.

[0058] According to one embodiment, when the storage container is a transparent storage container, the processor (1300) can accurately identify whether the transparent storage container is properly mounted based on the wavelength spectrum distribution of multiple types of reflected light obtained through multiple types of light output devices and light sensors having a predetermined wavelength range additionally provided in the dispensing area. For example, when the phase difference between the first reflected light and the second reflected light obtained from the light sensor is smaller than a preset threshold phase value, the processor (1300) determines the storage container as a transparent storage container and can identify the relative position of the transparent storage container by identifying the reflection angle pattern according to the first reflected light and the second reflected light.

[0059] In S440, when the processor (1300) identifies that the storage container is properly mounted in the dispensing area, it can dispense the drug into the storage container by controlling the pump module based on the prescription drug information. According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) can dispense the drug into the storage container by controlling the pressure of the pump and the opening and closing of the valve of the channel among the plurality of channels where the drug included in the prescription drug information is stored.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) can transmit an opening signal to the solenoid valve when it is identified that the storage container is normally mounted in the dispensing area.

[0061] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the processor (1300) can move the liquid medicine from the lower unit to the dispensing area along the connecting pipe by controlling the operating pressure of the pump based on the filling capacity included in the prescription medicine information.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) identifies the volume of the liquid medicine measured by the flow meter, and if the filling volume included in the prescription medicine information and the volume of the liquid medicine are identified to be within a preset threshold error, it can transmit a closing signal to the solenoid valve.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) can control the pressure of the pump so that the charging speed increases in proportion to the charging capacity, so that the liquid medicine is charged within a preset time regardless of the charging capacity. For example, if the processor (1300) is set to complete the charging within a preset 5 seconds regardless of the required charging capacity according to the prescription medicine information, the charging speed can be controlled by controlling the pressure of the pump so that the charging is completed within the preset 5 seconds.

[0064] According to another embodiment, the processor (1300) may dispense medicine into the storage container by controlling the pump module based on user input for a channel-specific dispensing start button provided in the dispensing area.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) may control the dispensing speed according to the real-time storage capacity dispensed to the storage container. For example, if the dispensing capacity is greater than or equal to a preset capacity, the processor (1300) controls the dispensing speed to be lower than or equal to a preset speed, thereby more accurately identifying the real-time storage capacity dispensed to the storage container.

[0066] For example, the processor (1300) can control the pressure of the pump to charge at a predetermined charging rate according to the size of the storage container when the transfer volume of the liquid medicine measured by the flow meter is identified as being less than a preset threshold transfer volume, and can control the pressure of the pump to charge at a threshold charging rate to measure the real-time level and weight values ​​of the liquid medicine stored in the storage container when the transfer volume of the liquid medicine is identified as being greater than or equal to a preset threshold transfer volume. Through the charging rate control of the processor (1300) as described above, the preset charging rate can be satisfied while effectively performing quantitative dispensing verification.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) can perform quantitative verification of the liquid medicine stored in the storage container based on the moving capacity measured by the flow meter, the water level value and weight value measured by the sensor module, and qualitative verification of the liquid medicine by comparing pixel data regarding the color of the liquid medicine stored in the storage container with preset guide pixel data for the liquid medicine or the combination ratio of the liquid medicine.

[0068] For example, the processor (1300) can acquire an image of the liquid medicine stored in the storage container through a camera additionally provided in the dispensing area (120), and verify whether the liquid medicine is the same liquid medicine as the prescription medicine information based on pixel spectrum analysis of the acquired image.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process of controlling the height of a plurality of nozzles according to one embodiment.

[0070] In S510, the processor (1300) can control the length of the nozzle to a first length based on a predetermined height of the storage container according to the filling capacity included in the prescription drug information, such that the distance between the nozzle and the top of the storage container is included within a critical range. According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) can control the length of the nozzle to be close to the height of the storage container so that the storage container can be easily coupled to the nozzle included in the channel where the drug included in the prescription drug information is stored. For example, when the prescription drug information is acquired, the processor (1300) controls the length of the nozzle to a first length in advance before the storage container is mounted, thereby allowing the user to easily identify the channel corresponding to the height of the storage container and providing a guide to prevent other storage containers from being coupled.

[0071] In S520, the processor (1300) can control the length of the nozzle to a second length that contacts the top of the storage container when it is identified that the storage container is properly mounted in the dispensing area based on at least one sensor value obtained from the proximity sensor. According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) can control the length of the nozzle to a second length so that it automatically connects with the inlet of the storage container when the storage container is properly mounted. For example, when the processor (1300) identifies that the storage container is mounted in the correct channel on the dispensing area (120), it can control the length of the nozzle to a second length so that the storage container and the nozzle are automatically connected without separate connection by the user.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control module according to one embodiment.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control module according to another embodiment.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control module (140) may include a processor (1300), a network interface (1500), and a memory (1700). However, not all of the illustrated components are essential. The control module (140) may be implemented with more components than those illustrated, or with fewer components.

[0075] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a control module (140) according to one embodiment may further include a user input interface (1100), an output unit (1200), a sensing unit (1400), and an A / V input unit (1600) in addition to a processor (1300), a memory (1700), and a network interface (1500).

[0076] A user input interface (1100) refers to a means for a user to input a sequence for controlling an electronic device (1000). For example, the user input interface (1100) may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitive method, pressure resistive method, infrared sensing method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. The user input interface (1100) can receive a sequence of user inputs for a screen output on a display by a control module (140). Additionally, the user input interface (1100) may receive touch input from a user touching the display or key input through a graphic user interface on the display.

[0077] The output unit (1200) can output an audio signal, a video signal, or a vibration signal, and the output unit (1200) may include a display unit (1210), an audio output unit (1220), and a vibration motor (1230).

[0078] The display unit (1210) includes a screen for displaying information processed by the control module (140). The sound output unit (1220) outputs audio data received from the network interface (1500) or stored in the memory (1700). Additionally, the sound output unit (1220) outputs an audio signal related to the function performed by the control module (140). The vibration motor (1230) can output a vibration signal. For example, the vibration motor (1230) can output a vibration signal corresponding to the output of the functions performed by the control module (140).

[0079] The processor (1300) typically controls the overall operation of the control module (140). For example, the processor (1300) can generally control the user input unit (1100), output unit (1200), sensing unit (1400), network interface (1500), A / V input unit (1600), etc. by executing programs stored in memory (1700). Additionally, the processor (1300) can perform the functions of the control module (140) described in FIGS. 1 to 5 by executing programs stored in memory (1700).

[0080] Specifically, the processor (1300) can obtain input from a user touching the screen of the control module by controlling the user input unit. According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) may also control a microphone to obtain the user's voice.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the processor (1300) obtains prescription drug information including a filling capacity for each liquid drug type from a server by executing one or more instructions stored in memory (1700), controls the height of the nozzle among the plurality of nozzles from which the drug corresponding to the prescription drug information is dispensed based on the size of the storage container determined according to the prescription drug information, identifies whether the storage container is properly placed in the dispensing area based on at least one sensor value obtained from the proximity sensor provided adjacent to the nozzle, and if it is identified that the storage container is properly placed in the dispensing area, controls the pump module based on the prescription drug information to dispense the drug into the storage container.

[0082] The sensing unit (1400) can detect state information regarding the state of the control module (140) or the volume of liquid medicine stored in the lower unit and dispensing area, and transmit the detected information to the processor (1300). The sensing unit (1400) may include at least one of a magnetic sensor (1410), an acceleration sensor (1420), a temperature / humidity sensor (1430), an infrared sensor (1440), a gyroscope sensor (1450), a position sensor (e.g., GPS) (1460), a barometric pressure sensor (1470), a proximity sensor (1480), and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor) (1490), but is not limited thereto. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description is omitted.

[0083] The network interface (1500) may include one or more components that enable the control module (140) to communicate with other devices (not shown) and a server (2000). The other devices (not shown) may be computing devices such as the control module (140) or sensing devices, but are not limited thereto. For example, the network interface (1500) may include a wireless communication interface (1510), a wired communication interface (1520), and a mobile communication unit (530).

[0084] The wireless communication interface (1510) may include, but is not limited to, a short-range wireless communication unit, a Bluetooth communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, etc. The wired communication interface (1520) may connect the server (2000) or the control module (140) via a wire.

[0085] The mobile communication unit (1530) transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may include various forms of data such as voice signals, video call signals, or text / multimedia message transmission and reception.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the network interface (1500) may transmit data related to the platform and information regarding personal details to a server. Additionally, the network interface (1500) may receive data regarding prescriptions from a server or other electronic device.

[0087] The A / V (Audio / Video) input unit (1600) is for inputting audio or video signals and may include a camera (1610) and a microphone (1620), etc. The camera (1610) can obtain image frames, such as still images or video, through an image sensor in video call mode or shooting mode. Images captured through the image sensor can be processed through a processor (1300) or a separate image processing unit (not shown).

[0088] The microphone (1620) receives an external acoustic signal and processes it into electrical voice data. For example, the microphone (1620) can receive an acoustic signal from an external device or a user. The microphone (1620) can receive voice input from a user. The microphone (1620) can use various noise removal algorithms to remove noise generated during the process of receiving the external acoustic signal.

[0089] The memory (1700) can store a program for processing and controlling the processor (1300), and can also store data that is input to or output to the control module (140). Additionally, the memory (1700) can store information regarding prescription drug information, maximum charging time, etc., obtained by the control module (140) based on user input.

[0090] The memory (1700) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

[0091] Programs stored in memory (1700) can be classified into multiple modules according to their function, for example, UI module (1710), touch screen module (1720), notification module (1730), etc.

[0092] The UI module (1710) can provide specialized UI, GUI, etc. that are linked with the control module (140) for each application. The touch screen module (1720) can detect touch gestures on the user's touch screen and transmit information regarding the touch gestures to the processor (1300). In some embodiments, the touch screen module (1720) can recognize and analyze touch codes. The touch screen module (1720) may be configured as separate hardware including a controller.

[0093] The notification module (1730) can generate a signal to notify the occurrence of an event in the control module (140). Examples of events generated by the control module (140) include receiving a call signal, receiving a message, inputting a key signal, and receiving a schedule notification. The notification module (1730) may output a notification signal in the form of a video signal through the display unit (1210), output a notification signal in the form of an audio signal through the sound output unit (1220), or output a notification signal in the form of a vibration signal through the vibration motor (1230).

[0094] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a server according to one embodiment.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the server (2000) may include a network interface (2100), a database (2200), and a processor (2300). The network interface (2100) may correspond to the network interface (1500) of the control module (140) shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. For example, the network interface (2100) may obtain data regarding the remaining capacity and drug filling speed by drug type from the control module (140).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the database (2200) may correspond to the memory (1700) of the control module (140) shown in FIG. 6 and 7.

[0097] The processor (2300) typically controls the overall operation of the server (2000). For example, the processor (2300) can control the DB (2200) and network interface (2100), etc., by executing programs stored in the DB (2200) of the server (2000). Additionally, the processor (2300) can perform all or part of the functions of the control module (140) described in FIGS. 1 to 7 by executing programs stored in the DB (2100).

[0098] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the interface and software functions of a control module according to one embodiment.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the control module interface (900) may include a daily patient list (910), prescription drug information (920), label output selection information (930), and dispensing history information (940). However, it is not limited to the above-described example and may include fewer or more components.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the daily patient list (910) may display the number and name of each patient for each day, and may also display patient information including medical record information for the patient based on user input for the number or name.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the prescription drug information (920) may include information regarding a single dose, the number of times per day, the number of days of administration, and the total dosage according to the type of drug. The control module can control the overall operation of the automatic dispensing device (1000) based on the prescription drug information (920).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the label output selection information (930) may provide an interface regarding whether to output a label containing medication information for the dispensed drug along with the dispensing of the drug. For example, if 'syrup + label' is selected, the drug and the label are dispensed and output together, and if 'label' is selected, only the label containing medication information for the drug may be output. According to one embodiment, the dispensing history information (940) may indicate the drug dosage per channel dispensed through the automatic dispensing device (1000).

[0103] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the structure of an automatic dispensing device according to another embodiment.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing device (1000) is configured as a closed system rather than having a lower unit (110) and a dispensing area (120) open to the outside, thereby minimizing the inflow of insects or external impurities, allowing for safe and hygienic management. Additionally, according to one embodiment, the automatic dispensing device (1000) can easily clean the inside of the device using an automatic cleaning function with a dedicated cleaning solution.

[0105] Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, according to one embodiment, a needle unit comprising a plurality of needles, a needle drive system, and a step motor for controlling the needle drive system may be further provided at the upper part of the lower unit (110). For example, when the needle unit identifies that the plurality of dispensing drawers of the lower unit (110) are closed and a medicine case is mounted on a case holder, the plurality of needles may descend to penetrate the center of the medicine case by means of a control signal from a control module.

[0106] According to one embodiment, a plurality of needles are formed in a structure capable of penetrating the interior of the drug case to a predetermined depth, and a number corresponding to the number of grooves formed to support the drug case on the case holder may be provided for each dispensing drawer.

[0107] In addition, according to one embodiment, the needle drive system controls the downward driving of the plurality of needles and can control the downward driving of only the needles containing the medicine mounted on the case holder. For example, if only two medicine cases are mounted on a case holder capable of mounting three medicine cases, the needle drive system can identify the location where the two medicine cases are mounted using a proximity sensor provided on the case holder and drive the needle corresponding to the identified location. According to one embodiment, the step motor can provide rotational force to control the downward driving of the plurality of needles based on a signal obtained from a control module.

[0108] According to another embodiment, the needle unit may be controlled based on user input as well as signals from the control module. Through the control of the needle module as described above, when a medicine case is placed on a case stand, a liquid medicine in the form of syrup can be effectively moved by gravity to a storage tank located at the bottom of the case stand.

[0109] A method according to one embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the present disclosure, or they may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software.

[0110] Additionally, a computer program device may be provided that includes a recording medium storing a program that enables the execution of another method in the above-mentioned embodiment. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0111] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concepts of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

Claim 1 An automatic dispensing device for automatically dispensing multiple types of liquid medicines, comprising: a lower unit including multiple case holders equipped with proximity sensors, wherein medicine cases storing the multiple types of liquid medicines are mounted at preset intervals, and multiple dispensing drawers that are opened and closed by sliding into or out of the automatic dispensing device; a dispensing area in which some of the liquid medicines among the multiple types of liquid medicines are injected into the storage containers through multiple nozzles at the top while the storage containers storing the multiple types of liquid medicines are mounted; a display area indicating at least one of the state in which the multiple types of liquid medicines are injected into the storage containers in the dispensing area or the storage state of the medicine cases mounted in the dispensing drawers of the lower unit; and a control module that obtains prescription drug information regarding at least one of the type and dosage of the liquid medicine from the outside, and controls the lower unit, the dispensing area, and the display area so that some of the liquid medicines among the multiple types of liquid medicines are injected into the storage containers based on the prescription drug information. A needle unit comprising a plurality of needles that are provided on the upper part of the lower unit and penetrate the drug case by descending by a control signal of the control module;An automatic dispensing device further comprising: a control module that, when identified as having placed the drug case on the case holder based on a signal obtained from a proximity sensor provided on the case holder, controls the plurality of needles of the needle unit to descend and penetrate the drug case; identifies whether the storage container is properly placed in the dispensing area based on at least one sensor value obtained from a proximity sensor provided adjacent to the nozzle; when identified as having placed the storage container properly in the dispensing area, controls the dispensing of the drug into the storage containers based on the prescription drug information; controls the length of the nozzle to a first length such that the distance between the nozzle and the top of the storage container is included within a critical range based on a predetermined height of the storage container determined according to the filling capacity included in the prescription drug information; and when identified as having placed the storage container properly in the dispensing area based on at least one sensor value obtained from the proximity sensor, controls the length of the nozzle to a second length that contacts the top of the storage container. Claim 2 The automatic dispensing device according to claim 1 further comprises: a plurality of nozzles located above the dispensing area and having lengths that are adjusted to different lengths according to the height of each of the storage containers above the dispensing area; a plurality of channels connected to the plurality of nozzles and a pump module including at least one pump that controls at least one of the discharge pressure or discharge speed of liquid drugs moving through the channels or the nozzles; wherein the nozzles and the pump module are controlled by the control module based on the prescription drug information. Claim 3 An automatic dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing drawers are in contact with a slide rail installed in the housing of the automatic dispensing device, and a guide rail that guides the dispensing drawers to slide while in contact with the slide rail. Claim 4 An automatic dispensing device according to paragraph 2, wherein the lower unit further comprises a plurality of storage tanks connected to the drug cases to store the liquid drugs in preset amounts for each of the dispensing drawers. Claim 5 An automatic dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the pump module comprises: a connecting pipe connecting the plurality of storage tanks and the plurality of nozzles; a pump providing pressure for transferring the liquid drugs from the plurality of storage tanks to the plurality of nozzles along the connecting pipe; a flow meter for measuring the amount of the liquid drugs transferred in the connecting pipe; and a solenoid valve formed to open and close a specific point of the connecting pipe by an opening / closing signal obtained from the control module. Claim 6 An automatic dispensing device according to claim 5, wherein the dispensing area further comprises: a sensor module including a proximity sensor for identifying whether the storage containers are properly mounted, an ultrasonic sensor for measuring the level of the liquid medicine contained in the storage container, and a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the liquid medicine contained in the storage container; and a dispensing start button formed on the upper part of the dispensing area to transmit a dispensing start signal for each of the plurality of nozzles to the control module based on user input. Claim 7 An automatic dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display area is provided with: an LED module indicating the dispensing status for each of the plurality of nozzles; and a display indicating the name and filling capacity of the liquid medicine dispensed for each of the plurality of nozzles. Claim 8 An automatic dispensing device according to claim 6, wherein the control module comprises: a network interface; a memory storing one or more instructions; and at least one processor executing the one or more instructions; wherein the at least one processor, by executing the one or more instructions, obtains prescription drug information including a filling capacity for each liquid drug type from a server, controls the length of the nozzle among the plurality of nozzles from which the drug corresponding to the prescription drug information is dispensed based on the size of the storage container determined according to the prescription drug information, identifies whether the storage container is properly seated in the dispensing area based on at least one sensor value obtained from the proximity sensor provided adjacent to the nozzle, and, when it is identified that the storage container is properly seated in the dispensing area, dispenses the drug into the storage container by controlling the pump module based on the prescription drug information. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 An automatic dispensing device according to claim 8, wherein at least one processor transmits an opening signal to the solenoid valve when it is identified that the storage container is normally mounted in the dispensing area, controls the operating pressure of the pump based on the filling capacity included in the prescription drug information to move the liquid drug along the connecting pipe from the lower unit to the dispensing area, identifies the moving capacity of the liquid drug measured by the flow meter, and transmits a closing signal to the solenoid valve when the filling capacity included in the prescription drug information and the moving capacity are identified to be within a preset threshold error. Claim 11 An automatic dispensing device according to claim 10, wherein at least one processor controls the pressure of the pump so that the charging speed increases in proportion to the charging capacity, so that the liquid drug is charged within a preset time regardless of the charging capacity. Claim 12 An automatic dispensing device according to claim 11, wherein at least one processor controls the pressure of the pump to charge at a predetermined charging speed according to the size of the storage container when the transfer capacity of the liquid drug is identified as being less than a preset threshold transfer capacity, and controls the pressure of the pump to charge at a threshold charging speed for measuring the real-time liquid level and weight values ​​of the liquid drug stored in the storage container when the transfer capacity of the liquid drug is identified as being greater than or equal to a preset threshold transfer capacity. Claim 13 An automatic dispensing device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one processor performs quantitative verification of the liquid drug stored in the storage container based on the moving capacity measured by the flow meter, the water level value and weight value measured by the sensor module, and performs qualitative verification of the liquid drug by comparing pixel data regarding the color of the liquid drug stored in the storage container with preset guide pixel data for each liquid drug. Claim 14 A method of operation of an automatic dispensing device for automatically dispensing multiple types of liquid medicines comprises: a step of obtaining prescription drug information including a filling capacity for each liquid medicine type from a server; a step of controlling the length of a nozzle among a plurality of nozzles from which a medicine corresponding to the prescription drug information is dispensed, based on the size of a storage container determined according to the prescription drug information; a step of identifying whether the storage container is properly mounted in a dispensing area based on at least one sensor value obtained from a proximity sensor provided adjacent to the nozzle; and a step of dispensing medicine into the storage container by controlling a pump module based on the prescription drug information when it is identified that the storage container is properly mounted in the dispensing area; wherein the step of controlling the length of the nozzle comprises a step of controlling the length of the nozzle to a first length such that the distance between the nozzle and the top of the storage container is included within a critical range, based on a predetermined height of the storage container determined according to the filling capacity included in the prescription drug information. A method comprising: a step of controlling the length of the nozzle to a second length that contacts the top of the storage container when, based on at least one sensor value obtained from the proximity sensor, it is identified that the storage container is normally mounted in the dispensing area. Claim 15 A method of operation of an automatic dispensing device for automatically dispensing multiple types of liquid medicines comprises: a step of obtaining prescription drug information including a filling capacity for each liquid medicine type from a server; a step of controlling the length of a nozzle among a plurality of nozzles from which a medicine corresponding to the prescription drug information is dispensed, based on the size of a storage container determined according to the prescription drug information; a step of identifying whether the storage container is properly mounted in a dispensing area based on at least one sensor value obtained from a proximity sensor provided adjacent to the nozzle; and a step of dispensing medicine into the storage container by controlling a pump module based on the prescription drug information when it is identified that the storage container is properly mounted in the dispensing area; wherein the step of controlling the length of the nozzle comprises a step of controlling the length of the nozzle to a first length such that the distance between the nozzle and the top of the storage container is included within a critical range, based on a predetermined height of the storage container determined according to the filling capacity included in the prescription drug information. A computer-readable recording medium having a program for executing a method on a computer, comprising: a step of controlling the length of the nozzle to a second length that contacts the top of the storage container when, based on at least one sensor value obtained from the proximity sensor, it is identified that the storage container is normally mounted in the dispensing area.

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