Drug Sorting Device Image Recognition Unregistered Tablets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug sorting devices are unable to automatically recognize and sort tablets or capsules that are not contained in ampoules or vials, and they lack detailed processing for registering drug data in a drug database.
Innovation Solution
A drug sorting device equipped with an image pick-up unit, a determination unit, and a sorting unit that can identify and sort drugs based on images, regardless of whether their data is registered, by accommodating them into specific areas according to type, and includes a mechanism to discriminate drug types and store them in sorted portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sorting is used for returned drugs, then sorting can be performed with simple equipment, but time consumption and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated system that uses image recognition technology. The image pick-up unit captures images of returned drugs, and the determination unit automatically identifies drug types and determines storage locations, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and physical sorting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service sorting where the determination unit autonomously identifies drugs and assigns storage locations without human intervention. The control unit then automatically conveys drugs to the determined storage locations in the second accommodating portion, creating a self-operating sorting system.
2Extent of automation
If automatic recognition system is implemented for all drug types, then sorting automation is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sorting system into distinct functional modules: a first accommodating portion for receiving returned drugs, an image pick-up unit for capturing drug images, a determination unit for identifying drugs and determining storage locations, and a control unit for managing conveyance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving comprehensive automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit is designed to handle multiple drug types (tablets, capsules, and other forms not in ampoules or vials) using a single image recognition system. The second accommodating portion provides unified storage locations for all drug types, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems for different drug forms.
3Measurement precision
If drug data registration is required before sorting, then accurate identification is possible, but drugs with unregistered data cannot be sorted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image capture and drug identification before storage assignment. The determination unit identifies drugs and determines storage locations based on image recognition results, even for drugs with unregistered data. This preliminary action enables the system to handle both registered and unregistered drugs through the same workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image data as a temporary, disposable identification medium that does not require permanent registration in a database. The determination unit extracts necessary information from images for immediate sorting purposes, allowing drugs to be sorted based on visual characteristics without requiring formal data registration, thus handling both registered and unregistered drugs effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Drugs can be sorted irrespective of whether or not drug data is registered. A drug sorting device includes a conveying/sorting unit configured to: accommodate drugs determined to have drug data corresponding to image data into a confirmed area of a second accommodating portion for each type; and accommodate drugs determined to have no drug data corresponding to the image data into a temporarily determined area.