Blister Pack Object Removal Detection Using Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques require specialized blister packs and lack an efficient method for detecting the removal of objects from blister packs, which is essential for medication management.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus comprising light sources and sensors that emit light beams to the containing portions of a blister pack, detecting the presence or absence of objects based on light reception intensities, allowing for timely and accurate monitoring of object removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized blister packs are used for medication management, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with a simple optical detection system using light sources and light receivers. The blister pack structure remains conventional without mechanical sensors, while the detection function is achieved through optical means that can detect the presence or absence of objects in each compartment, thereby improving detection capability without increasing blister pack complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light and its receiver) between the object and the detection system. Instead of directly embedding complex sensors in the blister pack, the system uses light transmission as an intermediary to detect object presence, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining detection precision
2Device complexity
If conventional detection methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but detection accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical detection methods with an optical detection system. By using light sources and light receivers, the system achieves automatic, accurate detection of object presence or absence in each compartment without complex mechanical sensors, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining relative system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system operates autonomously without requiring external intervention. The light sources continuously emit light and the light receivers automatically detect changes in light transmission, enabling self-service detection of object removal from the blister pack, improving both accuracy and operational simplicity
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring of medication removal is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system performs automatic monitoring without human intervention. Light sources and light receivers continuously detect object presence in each compartment, automatically generating detection results that indicate when objects are removed from the blister pack, thereby eliminating manual monitoring time and labor while keeping the system relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system operates continuously with light sources constantly emitting and light receivers continuously monitoring. This continuous optical detection ensures real-time awareness of object removal from the blister pack, eliminating the time loss associated with periodic manual checks while maintaining system simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables straightforward detection of object removal from blister packs, facilitating effective medication management by tracking the timing and quantity of objects taken, ensuring compliance with prescribed medication schedules.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensors 103 respectively receiving the light beams 102 and outputting electric signals 103 corresponding to light reception intensities
Data Source
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AI summary
To readily detect the taking-out of an object contained in a blister pack, there is provided a detection apparatus for detecting a timing at which a contained object is taken out from a blister pack including a plurality of containing portions and a plate-like portion that connects the plurality of containing portions. The apparatus includes a plate on which the blister pack is arranged, a plurality of light sources that emit light beams to the plurality of containing portions of the blister pack arranged on the plate, a plurality of sensors that receive the light beams emitted from the light sources, and also output electrical signals corresponding to light reception intensities, and a detector that detects the presence/absence of contained objects in the respective containing portions based on the electrical signals output from the plurality of sensors.