Rotating Multi-Scanner Imaging System for Medication Code Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
High volume pharmacies face difficulties in detecting and reading machine readable codes on medication containers, leading to slowed throughput due to the varying shapes and sizes of containers.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a rotating element and multiple scanners that can adjust their position to ensure accurate reading of machine readable codes on medication containers, including a pick and place mechanism and a label applicator for correct labeling and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fixed scanner is used to read machine readable codes, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of code detection deteriorates due to varying container shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple scanners (typically three) positioned at different angular locations around the central axis. Each scanner is responsible for detecting codes on specific portions of containers passing through the verification position. This segmentation allows the system to handle various container shapes and sizes reliably while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a rotating element that can dynamically adjust the angular positions of the scanners relative to the central axis. This dynamic positioning allows the scanners to adapt to different container geometries and code locations, improving detection reliability without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration of the entire system
2Measurement precision
If multiple scanners are positioned to scan from different angles, then the measurement precision of code detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple scanners are designed with universal functionality to detect various types of machine readable codes (barcodes, data matrices, etc.) on different container types. Each scanner can independently perform code detection, and the system includes a unified verification logic that processes results from any scanner, reducing overall system complexity despite having multiple scanning components
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point scanning approach to a multi-angular scanning arrangement around the central axis. By distributing scanners in the angular dimension rather than stacking them linearly, the system achieves comprehensive code detection coverage while maintaining a compact and organized device structure
3Productivity
If the scanners are fixed in position, then the ease of operation is high, but the productivity deteriorates due to failed code detections requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated verification logic that receives detection results from multiple scanners and determines whether a code has been successfully read. When code detection fails, the system automatically triggers the rotating element to reposition scanners and attempt detection again, or directs the container to a relabeling station. This feedback mechanism maintains high productivity by eliminating manual intervention while keeping operation simple through automated decision-making
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating element with multiple scanners is implemented, then the adaptability to different container types is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions multiple scanners at different angular locations around the central axis before verification begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that scanners are already in optimal positions to detect codes on various container types as they pass through the verification position, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating element serves as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates the positions of multiple scanners relative to passing containers. Rather than making each scanner independently adjustable and complex, the single rotating element mediates the positioning of all scanners in a synchronized manner, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
The imaging system includes a rotating element that is configured to rotate about a central axis. A plurality of scanners are fixedly attached with the rotating element. Each scanner has a lens that faces generally towards the central axis, and the scanners are spaced apart from one another around the central axis. The scanners are configured to identify an optically readable machine readable code contained on the medication container. An actuator is operably connected with the rotating element and is configured to rotate the rotating element and the scanners around the central axis from respective e first positions to respective second positions to allow the scanners to image different areas of the medication container in response to a failure of the scanners to identify the machine readable code when the scanners were in the respective first positions.