Pharmaceutical Dispenser Scheduling via Disruption Scoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pharmaceutical dispensing systems face challenges in optimizing the distribution of pharmaceuticals between machines to minimize disruption to scheduled dispensing processes and meet non-scheduled demands efficiently, particularly in managing limited storage capacity and user proximity.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that score non-scheduled pharmaceuticals based on expected disruption, user proximity, urgency, frequency, and anticipation of needs to determine the optimal subset for distribution between machines with varying storage capacities, ensuring minimal disruption to the dispensing schedule and efficient access for users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If non-scheduled pharmaceuticals are distributed to the first pharmaceutical dispensing machine, then the storage capacity is utilized, but the scheduled dispensing process is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity utilizationVSAvoidscheduled dispensing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the pharmaceutical dispensing function across two separate machines: the first machine handles scheduled pharmaceuticals while the second machine handles non-scheduled pharmaceuticals. This segmentation allows each machine to operate independently without interfering with the other's primary function, thus utilizing storage capacity while maintaining scheduled dispensing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary scoring mechanism that evaluates non-scheduled pharmaceuticals based on multiple criteria (urgency, disruption potential, storage availability) before determining allocation. This intermediary evaluation process mediates between the competing demands of storage utilization and scheduled dispensing reliability, making intelligent allocation decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple pharmaceutical dispensing machines are used, then the pharmaceutical distribution is optimized, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepharmaceutical distribution efficiencyVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both pharmaceutical dispensing machines are designed with universal capabilities to handle both scheduled and non-scheduled pharmaceuticals, though they specialize in different primary functions. This multi-functionality allows the system to optimize pharmaceutical distribution across multiple machines while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces and processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the server continuously monitors the status of both dispensing machines, including storage capacity, dispensing schedules, and non-scheduled demands. This feedback loop enables dynamic optimization of pharmaceutical distribution while managing system complexity through centralized control and automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If non-scheduled pharmaceuticals are prioritized for immediate dispensing, then user access is improved, but the scheduled dispensing schedule is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser access to pharmaceuticalsVSAvoidscheduled dispensing timeline

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by creating different dispensing priorities for different locations or contexts: the second machine located near users prioritizes immediate access for non-scheduled pharmaceuticals, while the first machine maintains strict scheduling for its designated pharmaceuticals. This localized approach to dispensing priorities improves user access without compromising overall scheduled dispensing timelines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-scoring and pre-evaluating non-scheduled pharmaceuticals based on urgency, user proximity, and potential disruption to scheduled dispensing. This preliminary evaluation allows the system to make rapid decisions about immediate dispensing while having already assessed the impact on scheduled timelines, thus improving user access with minimal delay to schedules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20230307109A1Interaction between pharmaceutical dispensing devices

Publication Date: 2023.09.28 TECH PHARMACY SERVICES LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods of distributing pharmaceuticals in a pharmaceutical dispensing system comprising two or more pharmaceutical dispensers configured to store, package and dispense pharmaceuticals in batches according to a schedule and/or immediately dispense non-scheduled pharmaceuticals in response to at least one non-scheduled demand, where some of the pharmaceutical dispensers comprise a limited pharmaceutical storage capacity. The method comprises distributing pharmaceuticals scheduled to be dispensed in batches to one pharmaceutical dispenser and distributing only a subset of non-scheduled pharmaceuticals to another pharmaceutical dispenser. The determination of the subset is performed by (a) scoring each non-scheduled pharmaceutical by a degree of disruption caused to said schedule by dispensing thereof by the first pharmaceutical dispenser; and (b) finding a subset of said non-scheduled pharmaceuticals which minimizes said disruption based on said scoring and also fits in said limited pharmaceutical storage capacity of the second pharmaceutical dispenser.