Automated Pharmaceutical Labeling with Barcode Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pharmacy systems for filling pharmaceutical orders are labor-intensive and prone to human error, with products being handled excessively, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in the labeling and verification process.

Innovation Solution

An automated system comprising a conveyor with verification and labeling stations that uses barcode scanning to verify and apply patient labels to pharmaceutical products, reducing manual handling and enhancing accuracy through a method that includes product loading, initial verification, label application, and re-verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual verification and labeling methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and error rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorder filling efficiencyVSAvoidmanual handling involvement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification and labeling operations with an automated system that uses barcode scanners, conveyors, and automated label applicators. The system scans product barcodes, verifies them against the order, and automatically applies labels without human intervention, thereby increasing productivity while reducing manual handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables products to verify their own identity through barcode scanning and self-labeling through automated application. The conveyor system automatically moves products through verification and labeling stations, allowing the process to serve itself without continuous human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple manual verification steps are performed, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to excessive handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabeling accuracyVSAvoidproduct handling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple verification and labeling operations into a single integrated automated workflow. The barcode verification and label application occur in sequence on the same conveyor system, eliminating the need for separate manual handling steps between verifications, thus maintaining reliability while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor system maintains continuous motion throughout the verification and labeling process, preventing products from being stopped and repositioned multiple times. The automated system performs all necessary verifications and label applications in a continuous flow, eliminating idle time and excessive handling while preserving accuracy through automated checking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If automated verification and labeling is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorder filling throughputVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: a conveyor system for product movement, barcode scanning stations for verification, and automated label applicators for labeling. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently configured or maintained, which manages overall system complexity while achieving high productivity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of time

If manual handling is reduced, then loss of time decreases, but measurement precision requirements increase for automated verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification cycle timeVSAvoidbarcode reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual visual verification with automated barcode scanning technology. The barcode scanners provide precise, machine-accurate reading of product identifiers, eliminating the imprecision of human visual inspection while operating at high speed, thus reducing verification time while meeting stringent accuracy requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9367981B2Automated label verify systems and methods for dispensing pharmaceuticals

Publication Date: 2016.06.14 OMNICARE INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for filling a prescription order with plurality of products each containing a pharmaceutical. The apparatus and method verifying a barcode on each of the products and printing and applying a patient label with a verified barcode to each of the products. After the patient label is applied, the barcodes are independently verified before the products are released.