Medication Dispensing Data Processing via OCR Blister Bag Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medication dispensing systems face challenges in efficiently processing and managing data associated with blister bags, particularly in determining medication plans and intake times, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies in medication administration.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and device for processing data associated with medication dispensing devices, involving the determination of first information characterizing a medication plan, forming second information for controlling the dispensing device, and optionally providing this information for use by the device, using local or remote determination devices, and conveying and reading information from blister bags, with options for manual or automated data entry and recognition, including optical character recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual data entry and recognition processes are used for medication plan information, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but time consumption and processing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry processes with automated optical character recognition (OCR) technology. The reading device captures images of medication plan information from blister packs, and the OCR system automatically converts these images into structured data, eliminating the need for manual typing while maintaining the ability to handle various formats and layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary OCR processing system between the physical medication plan information and the drug dispensing device. This intermediary automatically extracts and structures data from images, serving as a bridge that converts visual information into machine-readable formats without requiring direct manual intervention.
2Productivity
If automated reading devices and OCR technology are implemented, then processing speed and efficiency are improved, but device complexity and initial setup requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional reading device that combines image capture, OCR processing, data validation, and communication capabilities in a single unit. This universal device can handle various types of medication plan information formats and interfaces with different drug dispensing systems, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The OCR system is designed to automatically adjust its parameters and optimize its performance based on the input characteristics. The system self-calibrates by detecting the type of medication plan information being processed and automatically configures appropriate recognition algorithms, reducing the need for complex manual setup and maintenance.
3Reliability
If data is stored locally in the drug dispensing device, then data access speed and operational reliability are improved, but storage capacity requirements and data management complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential and frequently accessed medication plan information for local storage in the drug dispensing device, while storing comprehensive historical data and detailed records in external databases or cloud systems. This selective extraction ensures fast access to critical data for daily operations while minimizing local storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments data storage into multiple levels: frequently accessed medication plan data is stored locally in the dispensing device for rapid access, while less frequently used historical data and detailed records are stored in external databases. This segmented approach optimizes both access speed and storage utilization.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for processing data associated with at least one drug dispensing device, comprising: determining first information that characterizes at least parts of a medication plan associated with at least one drug, generating second information for controlling the drug dispensing device based at least on the first information, and, optionally, providing the second information, for example, for use by the at least one drug dispensing device.