Automated Dispensary Package Serialization via Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Serialization of medicament packages in automated dispensaries is time-consuming and costly, with risks of loss or damage during transportation and inefficient use of dedicated serializing equipment, especially when dealing with large numbers of distributed kiosks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for handling packages in automated dispensaries that includes an inspection station with illumination and image capture modules to read and encode data, applying machine-readable labels such as bar codes or RFID tags, and integrating remote manual inspection for accurate serialization and inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all products are brought to a central depot for serializing, then serialization can be performed with dedicated equipment, but transportation risks and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the serialization process into two parts: data capture at distributed kiosks using image scanning, and data processing/encoding at a central location. This segmentation allows physical packages to remain at local sites while serialization data is collected and processed separately, eliminating the need to transport physical products to a central depot for serialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where image data of the products serves as a mediator between the physical product at the kiosk and the serialization database. Instead of directly serializing physical products at centralized locations, the system captures images locally, transmits image data, and uses image recognition to derive serialization information, thus avoiding product transportation.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated serializing equipment is installed at each kiosk or taken by service persons, then on-site serialization is enabled, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing kiosk equipment multi-functional by equipping it with image scanning capabilities that serve both inventory management and serialization purposes. The same imaging system used for tracking products also captures data needed for serialization, eliminating the need for separate dedicated serializing equipment at each kiosk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service serialization where the kiosk automatically captures images of products, transmits them for processing, and receives serialization data without requiring service persons or complex dedicated equipment. The automation reduces operational complexity while maintaining on-site serialization capability.
3Measurement precision
If manual reading of images is performed at remote nodes, then accurate source data can be derived, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing high-quality images at the kiosk with proper illumination before transmission. The image capture module takes multiple images from different angles and conditions, ensuring that the source data is already optimized and ready for rapid processing at the remote node, reducing the time needed for manual reading and verification.
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
This solution enables efficient and secure serialization of medicament packages, reducing costs and risks by allowing on-site serialization, minimizing transportation issues, and improving inventory management through accurate and efficient data encoding and labeling.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating the package from several directions and capturing the respective image parts corresponding to the package being viewed from several directions
Implementation Method 2
capturing an image of the package
Data Source
AI summary
A vending machine. In a method and apparatus for handling a package in an automated dispensary, a package is positioned in an inspection station of the dispensary. Images are captured of the package and are read to identify data on labels or on the package itself. The data is encoded as source data in an identifying label which is applied to the package and is used subsequently in handling the package for dispensing and other inventory management procedures.