Cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products and method for controlling the stock of dental products produced and placed on consignment

Abstract

The present invention provides a cyber-physical device for dispensing a variety of dental products in customer environments, in order to make it possible to supply such items for immediate use within a dental clinic without the need to precisely and pre-emptively forecast demand for specific items. The present invention further provides a method for controlling the stock of dental products dispensed in the customer environment, enabling improved logistical control based on consumption demand, as well as automated billing of the dental products used by the customer.

Description

"CYBER-PHYSICAL DEVICE FOR DISPENSING DENTAL PRODUCTS AND METHOD OF STOCK CONTROL PRODUCED AND ASSIGNED ON CONSIGNMENT OF DENTAL PRODUCTS" Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention falls within the technical field of cyber-physical systems and is practically applicable for dispensing healthcare products (especially dental implants and components) and a functional application for inventory control of consigned products. More specifically, the present invention provides a device for dispensing, on consignment, a variety of dental products conveniently arranged in clinical environments and an inventory control method that enables the management of consumption, replenishment, storage, invoicing, exchange, and technical assistance of dental products. The present invention aims to implement a method for dispensing dental products in clinical environments suitable for dentists, for example, in dental clinics and offices with a high patient turnover, for immediate use and without the need to accurately and in advance predict the use of specific dental parts and their corresponding quantities.Fundamentals of the invention.

[0002] Inventory management is a challenge that can lead to unwanted costs for both suppliers and customers. Inventory problems, demand forecasting, and over-availability or shortages of products are generally critical challenges that affect many suppliers and their customers. Excess inventory can generate additional costs and the risk of obsolescence where products would actually be in demand, while product shortages can result in lost sales and customer dissatisfaction.

[0003] Buying inventory comes with a certain level of risk. If a retailer buys too much merchandise, for example, they may have to lower the price of the products. To sell them or find another way to unload them, the retailer may face losses on the merchandise. A different model—called consignment inventory—reduces the retailer's risk. Consignment inventory is an agreement between the consignor and the consignee. The consignor, which may be a wholesaler, manufacturer, or supplier, provides goods to the consignee, the retailer. In this agreement, the consignor owns the products, and the consignee will pay for them when customers buy them. Applying this to the manufacturer vs. dentist relationship, clinical environments with a high patient turnover generally require a large volume of consigned inventory to meet the needs of surgeries and oral rehabilitation. However, consigning products implies another major problem: controlling consumption and maintaining product replenishment or exchanges, which in most cases depends on human control and counting and recounting.

[0004] Thus, inefficient inventory management and inaccurate forecasts, caused by demand variability and, potentially, insufficient information, can contribute to poor supplier-customer relationships, as well as lead to high risks of product losses. It is clear that supply chain disruptions, insufficient production, and poor planning can hinder the availability of products needed to meet a given demand.

[0005] For example, in the case of dental clinics with a high patient turnover, it is generally necessary to have large quantities and varieties of items readily available for use, since a wide variety of procedures are performed without it being possible to accurately predict in advance the need to use certain dental instruments.

[0006] This scenario ultimately leads to excessive logistics costs, late product deliveries, delivery delays, and even over-dispensing of products without being able to guarantee proper on-site storage. Often, products may be unavailable in situations requiring immediate use, for example, in certain situations. Urgent or delicate procedures, which require the use of multiple components, instruments, and materials, are performed in dental clinics such as those specializing in implants. This becomes even more challenging if the surgical technique used is immediate loading and the oral rehabilitation is planned to take place on the same day as the implant placement surgery, for example.

[0007] In an attempt to mitigate these challenges, the implementation of an automated cyber-physical inventory management system becomes interesting, as it uses more accurate demand forecasting models and offers better supply chain predictability. Solutions like these help improve the operational efficiency of item delivery and customer satisfaction, allowing companies to better meet their needs. Furthermore, ensuring the proper preservation of technical items in a clinical environment, on-site at the client's location, without requiring the physical presence of a specialist supplier to verify ideal logistics and storage conditions, remains essential.

[0008] In light of this, some prior art patent documents attempt to solve the problems of dispensing products through vending machines in environments with consumer demand.

[0009] For example, patent document WO2012000097 describes a vending machine that, in communication with a remote station, delivers a labeled container to a user from storage containing containers of different sizes and shapes and containing different products, such as medicines. A control system is operable to select a container, move it, and apply a label, subsequently moving the labeled container to a dispensing zone accessible to the user.

[0010] Patent document BR102020024530, on the other hand, describes a technology applied to points of sale using refrigerators or freezers. Used as displays or storage locations for products, they allow for the automated sale of items without the need for a payment terminal attached to the equipment for cash or credit card payment. The point of sale identifies which items have been removed by the user, and when the point of sale door is closed, these items are automatically charged to the user by the system.

[0011] Patent document WO2023102321 describes an active feedback system comprising a vending machine. This vending machine or refrigerator system includes product control via image capture and communicates with a cloud server through one or more network or internet interfaces. The vending machine also includes a physical card payment interface and / or wireless payment interfaces.

[0012] Patent document WO2021216717 describes a system that allows vendors to sell items through a vending machine, where several locked compartments are provided, each of which can be authenticated to a single vendor. The vending system allows the consumer to conduct contactless vending transactions, with the consumer's identity verified through biometrics and a camera.

[0013] Although these state-of-the-art documents provide solutions that point to the dispensing of products in environments with consumer demand, there is still room for the development of a practical device and method to control the inventory of dental products dispensed in the client's own environment.

[0014] However, when dispensing certain dental products in the client's environment, many requirements still need to be met. Among them are the need to control the number of products dispensed and to... Products that are actually used, activities that often require counting and recounting materials, the need to ensure that storage conditions are adequate for the products, as defined in the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU), in their individual characteristics – for example, there is a need for climate-controlled compartments, especially those configured for temperature and humidity control. Additionally, there is also the need for a logistical structure that allows for the delivery and collection of dental products in an ideal timeframe to avoid shortages or accumulation of unnecessary products. No less important is the implementation of a mechanism capable of developing a history of specific consumption trends for each client.

[0015] As a result, there is a state-of-the-art need for a device to dispense quantities and varieties of dental products for immediate use in the client's clinical environment and a method for inventory control of the dispensed dental products, in order to enable automated logistical control of replenishment, reducing human intervention and eliminating errors in relation to product counts and invoicing. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The present invention primarily provides a cyber-physical device for dispensing a variety of dental products in clinical settings, enabling proper storage and delivery of such items for immediate use within a client's facility.

[0017] The cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products of the invention comprises at least one compartment configured to store dental products and at least one climate-controlled subcompartment, a user interface unit that displays information about the dental products and allows product selection, a product release unit to release the dental products from the compartments and climate-controlled subcompartment, a A device for capturing images and internal monitoring of the product release unit, a mechanism for accounting for consumed dental products, an information transmission unit that sends information about the accounting of dental products to a central server of the manufacturer, and a smartphone communication unit configured to receive and send instructions and commands for dispensing products and / or opening usage incidents, and an interface connected to a database system that stores information about instructions for use of the dental products allocated in the cyber-physical device.

[0018] The aforementioned cyber-physical device is also capable of capturing and making available to the manufacturer all product withdrawal movements from the device, not only for auditing purposes, but also for carrying out exchange procedures in case of incorrect selection (Usage Incident), as it includes a return compartment allowing the user to initiate a product return procedure, which is then reintegrated into the device's available stock.

[0019] The present invention also provides a method for controlling the inventory produced and assigned on consignment of dental products dispensed in the customer environment, enabling better logistical control in view of consumer demand, as well as enabling automated and accurate invoicing of dental products used by the customer.

[0020] The inventory control method for dental products produced and assigned on consignment of the present invention preferably uses a cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products and comprises the steps of receiving information from the user to withdraw a dental product, identifying the selected dental product, verifying whether it is a new or returned dental product, and confirming that the product The selected dental product actually corresponds to the desired item, release the dispensing of the dental product selected by the user, provide information on the screen about the selected product such as the function and main characteristic / line of the item, count the quantity and dental products that the user removed from the device, send information on the quantity and which products were removed to the manufacturer's central server, update the logistics control regarding the demand consumed for dental products, send the order to replenish the device if the removed dental products reach a predetermined minimum quantity, and perform the invoicing of the dental products that were used by the customer and their corresponding tax reconciliation.

[0021] The capabilities of the present invention method also include controlling and monitoring environmental storage conditions such as temperature and humidity, as well as building a history of consumption trends for each particular customer.

[0022] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description and claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute the patent application, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products.

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates a realization of the cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products in connection with the central server that updates the logistics center and triggers the invoicing of the item.

[0025] Figure 3 illustrates a realization of the cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products while connected to a network with others. Cyber-physical devices for dispensing dental products to other customers.

[0026] Figure 4 illustrates a color-rendered embodiment of the cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, without limiting the invention. In fact, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or essence of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention encompasses such modifications and variations that are within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0028] Firstly, to facilitate understanding of the present invention, "client" should be understood as a user, consumer, dentist, orthodontist, dental technician, among others. "Client's environment," in the context of the invention, should be understood as a dental clinic, dental office, dental prosthesis laboratory, among other places that characterize the work environment of a dental professional. On the other hand, "dental products" can be understood as any material, composition, or part used by dental professionals, such as implants, abutments, instruments, grafts, among others.

[0029] In general, the present invention provides a cyber-physical device for dispensing a variety of dental products in customer environments, enabling the supply of such items for immediate use within a customer facility, and a method for controlling the inventory produced and assigned on consignment of dental products dispensed in customer environments. This allows for better logistical control in view of consumer demand, as well as enabling automated invoicing of dental products used by the customer. The present invention also has the capabilities to remotely control and monitor environmental storage conditions such as temperature and humidity via a central server, in addition to building a history of consumption trends for each individual customer.

[0030] Now, with reference to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products 1, which comprises at least one compartment 2 configured to store dental products. Depending on the demand of each location where the device will be placed, the device 1 may comprise several compartments 2 with different structures, shapes, and sizes within the same device 1, just as the size of the device 1 may have variations and dimensions appropriate to meet the client's needs in the clinical environment.

[0031] Furthermore, compartment 2 may have climate-controlled subcompartments 6, as shown in Figure 1, allowing for adjustments to temperature, light exposure, and humidity, since some dental products need to be stored in special compartments with different needs specific to each product. The temperature and humidity of one or more climate-controlled subcompartments 6 can also be remotely controlled and monitored via the central server 10.

[0032] Each of the compartments 2 and sub-compartments 6 may have a product release unit to release dental products, for example, a door with a lock that is released after the client / user enters the information and selects the dental product they wish to retrieve for consumption. The door of compartment 2 may be made of a transparent material, for example, acrylic or glass, as illustrated in Figure 4.While the door of subcompartment 6 may be made of a material with less or no transparency due to the need to control light exposure. In one embodiment, compartments 2 and / or subcompartments 6 may be fed / filled with dental products, in addition to the front door, also from the back of device 1, or optionally, from the side, through a door that can be locked / latched or containing any other mechanism with the same function (tamper-evident). Another possibility is for device 1 to have spring-loaded release mechanisms that push the dental product to a path to a release chamber or electro-hydraulic shafts with grippers or suction cups to capture the item and transport it to the release chamber.The release chamber, for example, can be positioned by opening the door of compartment 2 and sub-compartments 6 on the front of the device, where the user has access to remove the selected dental product.

[0033] In another embodiment of the cyber-physical device 1 of the present invention, a return compartment 20 can be arranged on the side of the cyber-physical device 1, as illustrated in Figure 1, but it can also be arranged on the front or back, to receive dental products previously removed by the user that were not used or were incorrectly removed for consumption. When an incorrect selection occurs by the user (usage incident or request), whether due to lack of knowledge or error in selection, the return compartment 20 allows the user to initiate a product return procedure to the same device 1. That is, it is possible to return or exchange the dental product, since the return compartment 20 is responsible for managing the reintegration of products into the available stock of the cyber-physical device 1.The product returned in device 1 is identified, accounted for, and may optionally be sent to be made available again, with information on the quantity being sent. updated and which products were removed or returned to the manufacturer's central server 10.

[0034] When initiating the return procedure, the user inserts the dental product into the return compartment 20 of device 1, which is also equipped with sensors and recording systems that confirm the correct return of the item. This process is automatically synchronized with the inventory control method of device 1; that is, the product is accounted for, and information is then sent to the manufacturer's central server 10, resulting in the immediate suspension of the eligibility for invoicing related to the withdrawal of that product. In this way, the initial withdrawal of this specific item is not accounted for as consumption, preventing improper invoicing and ensuring accuracy in consigned inventory audits.

[0035] The return compartment 20 (within the scope of usage incident or request) provides enhanced audit and inventory control capabilities, allowing for rigorous management of returns and maintaining the integrity of the consignment process. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain detailed reports documenting each return incident, providing transparency and traceability, essential for the effective management of consigned stock. This enhances consigned stock management, ensuring that the withdrawal and return of dental products are handled with greater rigor and precision, benefiting both suppliers and customers in the efficient management of their inventories.

[0036] Furthermore, device 1 of the present invention comprises an image capture and internal monitoring device for the product release unit. For example, the image capture device could be a camera capable of recording videos and / or photos.

[0037] In addition to the image capture device, device 1 The present invention may include a mechanism for counting consumed dental products, which may be a sensor, a coded drawer, or any mechanism that fulfills the functionality of counting the dental products selected and removed from device 1. The combined use of these mechanisms is also a possibility. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the image capture device itself may act as a mechanism for counting consumed dental products.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products 1 comprises a user interface unit 3 that displays information about the dental products the user wishes to select for dispensing. The user interface unit 3 also allows the user to select the product via a touch screen 3, buttons 5, a keyboard 7, or any combination thereof, as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0039] Regarding user interface unit 3, device 1 may have an embedded intelligence module for storing and transmitting information. This interface may allow the selection of the dental product via a keyboard, touchscreen, or instructions received from an application installed on a smartphone, which recognizes the instruction to release an item through a code.

[0040] Device 1 of the invention further comprises an information transmission unit 4 that sends information about dental products to a central server of the manufacturer, connected via VPN (virtual private network). When the device for dispensing dental products 1 is placed in the client's environment, a stock of a variety of dental items that the client usually uses in their procedures is consigned, and the quantities used are immediately reported so that the logistics control can replenish device 1.

[0041] Additionally, the present invention provides a theft-reactive security mechanism for the cyber-physical device 1. Specifically, the security mechanism comprises an emergency device equipped with a dedicated battery that is configured to send a signal indicating the geolocation of the storage compartment of device 1 to the manufacturer's central server 10. With this geolocation information, and once the system recognizes the occurrence of the theft, a loss report is automatically opened, which is a mandatory procedure before regulatory bodies, for example in Brazil, ANVISA.

[0042] In device 1 of the present invention, a communication unit 4.1 is also provided with a smartphone configured for sending and receiving system operating instructions via a specific application or application under, but not limited to, MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol, Bluetooth or NFC (near field communication) technology, aiming to dispense products, report incidents, defects of device 1 or complaints, request replacements, as well as request product exchanges, and it is also possible to provide, for example, information, details and instructions for use of the selected part. In a further embodiment, communication with the customer can be either text or audio, should the customer wish to access it more conveniently and quickly.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, the cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products 1 can be configured as a kiosk or self-service machine that automatically dispenses dental products in the customer's environment to facilitate and expedite access to the items.

[0044] Finally, device 1 of the present invention may comprise an interface connected to a database system that stores information about instructions for use of the dental products that are allocated in the device. cyberphysical.

[0045] The inventory control method for dental products produced and assigned on consignment, according to the present invention, enables the dispensing of dental products to the customer using a cyber-physical device to dispense dental products.

[0046] In one embodiment of the inventory control method of the present invention, as the customer / user accesses device 1 through the user interface unit 3, selects and removes a dental product, the removal is recorded and the list of products stored in device 1 is updated. More specifically, device 1 receives information from the user to select a dental product. Upon identifying and selecting a dental product, device 1 confirms that the selected dental product does indeed correspond to the item desired by the user and, subsequently, the dispensing of the selected dental product is authorized. After this, information about the selected product is displayed on the screen, for example, its function and the main characteristic / line of the item. Then, the quantity of dental products that the user removed from device 1 is recorded.

[0047] With reference to Figure 2, the transmission of information regarding the quantity and types of products removed from device 1 to the manufacturer's central server 10 via the internet 14 is illustrated, along with the updated product stock numbers. This information is then accounted for by the logistics control 11, which determines the replenishment of items in device 1 located at the customer's site before they run out. In one embodiment, the replenishment of dental products can be scheduled to occur as soon as a predetermined number of items is reached.

[0048] In other words, logistics control 11 is updated regarding the demand for dental products consumed in device 1, and an order is sent to replenish device 1 if the removed dental products reach [a certain level]. A predetermined minimum quantity. The predetermined minimum quantity for replenishment may vary according to each customer's demand. For example, the predetermined minimum quantity may be reached when a dental item reaches a quantity of one unit in device 1. If this occurs, in this specific case, a replenishment order is sent so that device 1 is replenished with those missing items in advance.

[0049] Once the real-time logistics control system 11 is updated with information about product demand, it allows for more precise sizing of the dental products to be dispensed to the customer, ensuring there are neither shortages nor excess stock.

[0050] Subsequently, the quantity information is also received by the manufacturer's financial center 12, and the dental products used by the client are automatically invoiced and accounted for so that payment can be made. Since the client needs to be registered in the manufacturer's database, billing can be done item by item, when a predetermined quantity of dental products is reached, periodically, or configured in a way that meets the client's needs.

[0051] Advantageously, with the method of the present invention it is possible to identify in real time an excessive supply for a given client due to the non-performance of related procedures, and such unused products can be offered / delivered to another client who is actually in need of consuming the item. Alternatively, such unused products can be stored in another cyber-physical device to dispense dental products located at another client. In addition to controlling the supply, it is possible to control financial information with greater precision, for example, the issuance of invoices, billing times, and any discrepancies between charges. Issued and any amounts eventually claimed by customers.

[0052] The cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products 1, in another embodiment, can be networked with other devices 1 located at different clients 15, 16, 17 to a central computer system 10 of the manufacturer for multiple control and inventory management of various dispensing stations, as shown in Figure 3. This networked construction enables the construction of a comparative history of consumption trends for each particular client, providing a wider range of information and generating greater predictability of demand.

[0053] This report uses examples to describe the present invention, including the improved manner, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to carry out the invention, including by making and using any devices or systems and performing any methods incorporated herein. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that may occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with no material differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Cyber-physical device for dispensing dental products (1), CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: at least one compartment (2) configured to store dental products; at least one climate-controlled subcompartment (6); a user interface unit (3) that displays information about the dental products and allows product selection; a product release unit to release the dental products from the compartments (2) and climate-controlled subcompartment (6); an image capture and internal monitoring device for the product release unit; a mechanism for counting the dental products selected and removed; an information transmission unit (4) configured to send information about the dental products to a central server (10) of the manufacturer; a communication unit (4.1) with a smartphone configured to receive and send instructions and commands for dispensing products and / or opening usage incidents; and an interface connected to a database system that stores information about instructions for using the dental products allocated in the cyber-physical device.

2. Device (1), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the air-conditioned subcompartment (6) is configured to adjust the temperature, humidity and / or light exposure.

3. Device (1), according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that... 2 / 4 fact that the temperature and humidity of the air-conditioned subcompartment (6) are remotely controlled and monitored via the central server (10).

4. Device (1), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the image capture and internal monitoring device of the product release unit is a camera.

5. Device (1), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the mechanism for counting each of the dental products is a sensor, a coded drawer or other electronic interface reading mechanism.

6. Device (1), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the user interface unit is a touch screen (3), buttons (5), a keyboard (7) or another combination thereof. 7.Device (1), according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the user interface unit (3) comprises a screen for displaying instructions about the dental product showing the function and main feature / line of the item.

8. Device (1), according to claim 6 or 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the selection of a dental product in the user interface unit (3) and the release is through a product code.

9. Device (1), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a release chamber that receives the selected dental product for the user to access and remove the product. 10.Device (1), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a safety mechanism comprising an emergency device, equipped with a power supply battery, wherein said device is configured to send a signal indicating the geolocation of the storage compartment to the central server (10).

11. Device (1), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that... 3 / 4 fact that it also includes a return compartment (20) configured to receive dental products that have been improperly removed from the device itself (1).

12. Method of inventory control produced and assigned on consignment of dental products using the cyber-physical device to dispense dental products (1), as defined in claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it includes the steps of: receiving information from the user to select a dental product; identifying the selected dental product; verifying whether it is a new or returned dental product; confirming that the selected dental product actually corresponds to the desired item; releasing the dispensing of the dental product selected by the user; making information available on the screen about the selected product such as the function and main characteristic / line of the item;to count the quantity of dental products that the user removed from the device (1) or returned; to send information on the quantity and which products were removed or returned to the manufacturer's central server (10); to update the logistics control (11) regarding the demand consumed for dental products; to send an order to replenish the device (1) if the removed dental products reach a predetermined minimum quantity; and to carry out the invoicing (12) of the dental products that were used by the client and their corresponding tax reconciliation.

13. Method, according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the authorization for dispensing the dental product is based on; 4 / 4 validation through a product code.

14. Method, according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises connecting with other devices (1) in different clients (15, 16, 17) in a multiple inventory control and management.

15. Method, according to claim 12 or 14, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises the step of updating the history of consumption trends for each particular client.

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