Drug Portion Image Verification Without Manual Teaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug verification systems require time-consuming and costly manual teaching processes due to variations in camera optics and arrangements, and they fail to accurately identify incorrect drug types when quantity matches specifications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using calibrated cameras in measuring and verification devices to compile and compare normalized characteristic key data for drug portions, eliminating the need for initial teaching by utilizing a centralized storage of these data for multiple verification devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual teaching processes are used to account for camera variations, then verification accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies (characteristic key data) of drug portions that can be stored and reused across multiple verification devices. Instead of manually teaching each device, the system copies reference data from a master verification device to other devices, eliminating repetitive manual teaching while maintaining verification accuracy through consistent digital reference data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of drug portions by capturing images and extracting characteristic key data in advance. This preliminary action creates a reference database that can be quickly deployed to multiple verification devices without requiring time-consuming manual teaching processes for each device.
2Measurement precision
If manual teaching processes are used to account for camera variations, then verification accuracy can be maintained, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies (characteristic key data) of drug portions that can be stored and reused across multiple verification devices. Instead of manually teaching each device, the system copies reference data from a master verification device to other devices, eliminating repetitive manual teaching while maintaining verification accuracy through consistent digital reference data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system develops universal characteristic key data that can be applied across multiple verification devices with different camera configurations. This universal data set serves all devices simultaneously, eliminating the need for device-specific manual teaching and reducing overall system implementation costs while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If quantity-based verification is used, then packaging efficiency is maintained, but incorrect drug types cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image analysis to detect visual characteristics of drug portions including color, shape, and size. By analyzing these visual properties through captured images and comparing them against characteristic key data, the system can identify incorrect drug types beyond simple quantity verification, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing packaging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification methods with automated optical inspection systems. Cameras capture images of drug portions, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze visual characteristics to verify both quantity and drug type correctness, substituting mechanical/manual processes with automated optical-mechanical systems that provide both efficiency and accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for verifying drug portions include using a verification device to receive characteristic key data for a drug based on images of the drug and to receive, from the calibrated camera, a digital image of a package including a drug portion of the drug, the calibrated camera arranged to capture images from above the package, determine individual key data for the drug portion included in the package based at least on a known calibration parameter of the calibrated camera and the digital image of the package including the drug portion, compare the individual key data with the characteristic key data for the drug and verify or reject the package including the drug portion corresponding to the drug based on a result of the comparison. Systems and computer readable medium are also provided.