Pooling-Portion Drug Imaging for Embossing and Quantity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drug imaging devices require separate locations for capturing embossing and drug quantity images, leading to complex structures and prolonged processing times, and struggle with accurate identification of drugs with similar colors to backgrounds.

Innovation Solution

A drug imaging device that captures images of drugs in both non-backlit and backlit states within a pooling portion, using multiple cameras and illumination units to simultaneously identify embossing and count drug quantity, with optional multiple captures to enhance recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate imaging locations are used for capturing embossing and drug quantity images, then the accuracy of drug identification is improved, but the device structure becomes complex and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug identification accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple imaging functions (embossing capture and quantity determination) into a single imaging location - the pooling portion. By using both backlit and non-backlit imaging modes at this one location, the system eliminates the need for separate imaging stations, thereby simplifying device structure while maintaining identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pooling portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the location for capturing embossing details and for determining drug quantity. The imaging unit can switch between backlit and non-backlit modes to perform different measurement tasks at the same physical location, making the pooling portion a universal imaging platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate imaging locations are used for capturing embossing and drug quantity images, then the accuracy of drug identification is improved, but the processing time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug identification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs both backlit and non-backlit imaging simultaneously or in rapid succession at the pooling portion before the drug proceeds to packaging. This preliminary capture of all necessary image data (embossing and quantity) in one location eliminates the need for sequential imaging at multiple locations, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If non-backlit imaging is used for outer shape information, then the structure is simple, but it is difficult to accurately identify drugs with similar colors to background

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging structureVSAvoiddrug color identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different lighting conditions (backlit and non-backlit) to different imaging needs at the same location. Non-backlit lighting is used for capturing outer shape and embossing information, while backlit lighting is used for determining drug quantity through shadow imaging. This local quality approach optimizes each imaging mode for its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If backlit imaging is used for drug quantity determination, then the accuracy of quantity determination is improved, but additional imaging processes are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug quantity determination accuracyVSAvoidimaging process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the backlit imaging process for quantity determination with the existing pooling portion structure. By implementing the backlight unit within or near the pooling portion, the system adds the quantity determination function without requiring a completely separate imaging system, thus reducing overall device complexity while improving quantity measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces processing time and improves accuracy in drug identification and quantity determination by integrating embossing and quantity imaging in a single pooling portion, enhancing recognition rates.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging process of capturing, in a backlit state, an image of the drug in the pooling portion... a shadow image of the drug obtained by the imaging process of capturing an image in the backlit state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShadow: Shadow

Data Source

PatentUS12582577B2Drug imaging device and drug packaging device

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 YUYAMA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A drug packaging device includes a drug accommodating/dispensing unit that supplies various types of drugs, a drug packaging portion in which a drug supplied from the drug accommodating/dispensing unit is packaged in a packaging sheet, a drug packaging introducing member that drops the drug to be packaged into the packaging sheet in the drug packaging portion), a pooling portion that pools, upstream of this drug packaging introducing member, the drug, and a drug imaging device that captures an image of the drug in the pooling portion. The drug imaging device performs an imaging process of capturing an image of the drug in the pooling portion in a non-backlit state, and an imaging process of capturing an image of the drug in the pooling portion in a backlit state.