RFID Auxiliary Tray Detection for Prescription Error Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auxiliary trays in automatic medicine packaging machines rely on disposable barcode stickers for information storage, which is inconvenient for updating and requires manual scanning, leading to potential prescription errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on the auxiliary tray for automatic, contactless information detection, combined with an electronic shelf label system for real-time information display and error prevention, using a commercial terminal and alarm device to ensure accurate medication dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If barcode stickers are used for information storage on auxiliary trays, then the system is simple and low-cost, but manual scanning is required which reduces efficiency and increases prescription error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical barcode scanning system with an RFID electromagnetic field-based detection system. The RFID reader automatically detects tray information through radio frequency signals without requiring manual scanning operations, thereby eliminating the mechanical interaction and significantly improving detection efficiency while reducing prescription error risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag on the auxiliary tray automatically transmits information when entering the detection zone, eliminating the need for manual scanning operations. The system performs self-detection and information exchange without human intervention, improving productivity and reducing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If disposable barcode stickers are used, then manufacturing cost is low, but information cannot be easily updated and requires replacing the sticker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic information storage system using RFID tags that can be remotely programmed and updated. The information on the auxiliary tray can be modified by writing new data to the RFID tag memory through the reader system, eliminating the need to physically replace stickers and enabling flexible information updates throughout the medication preparation process.
3Reliability
If manual barcode scanning is used, then device complexity is low, but prescription errors may occur due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system where the RFID reader detects tray information, the system compares it with the prescription data, and provides immediate verification. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automatically alerts operators to any mismatches, significantly improving prescription accuracy by eliminating manual verification errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual barcode scanning with automated RFID detection that operates without human intervention. The electromagnetic field-based reading system automatically captures and transmits tray information, eliminating the manual scanning process that is prone to human error while maintaining system simplicity through contactless operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables automatic, precise detection of auxiliary tray information without manual intervention, reducing the risk of prescription errors and improving operational efficiency by allowing easy modification and real-time information updates.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (a sticker type) attached to the auxiliary tray
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency identification information reader to read the information recorded in the radio frequency identification tag without contact
Implementation Method 3
an alarm device connected to the commercial terminal to generate the alarm for preventing the prescription error
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed are an auxiliary tray information detecting apparatus in which an RFID tag (110) is attached to the auxiliary tray (100) employed in the STS compounding the prescription with halves of tablets and/or special medicines not contained in a cassette and auxiliary tray information is automatically detected without contact, and a method thereof. The apparatus includes an RFID tag (110) in which medicine information and patient information are recorded; an RFID information reader (200) to read the information recorded in the RFID tag without contact; a PC (300) to compare the information with prescription information, to determine the auxiliary tray (100) as a predetermined auxiliary tray (100) when the information is identical to the prescription information, and to generate an alarm preventing a prescription error when the information is different from the prescription information; and an alarm device (400) to generate the alarm. The precise auxiliary tray information can be rapidly and conveniently detected without contact.