Spill Detection Using Concave Mirror and Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-volume pharmacies face challenges in efficiently managing and consolidating prescription orders that require multiple prescription drugs, often necessitating manual handling and increasing the risk of spills during automated dispensing processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a spill detection system integrated with automated dispensing devices, utilizing a camera and mirror setup to image and analyze the filling area for any spills, and a control unit to direct imaging and analyze captured images for spill detection, ensuring accurate and efficient dispensing of prescription drugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated dispensing devices are used to process large numbers of prescriptions, then productivity is improved, but the risk of spills increases due to high-speed automated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images of the dispensing area and analyzes them in real-time to detect spills. When a spill is detected, the system can alert operators or automatically stop the dispensing process, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that monitors and responds to spill conditions during high-speed automated operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical detection system using cameras and image analysis algorithms. This substitution allows the system to maintain high-speed automated dispensing while continuously monitoring for spills without requiring human operators to visually check each dispensing action
2Reliability
If manual handling is increased to manage complex multi-drug prescriptions, then spill detection capability is improved, but device complexity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-detection and self-monitoring of spill conditions through automated image capture and analysis. The dispensing device independently monitors its own operation area for spills without requiring external manual inspection, maintaining high reliability while avoiding additional operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image analysis system that acts as a bridge between the automated dispensing mechanism and spill detection. The camera and image processing algorithms serve as intermediaries that translate visual information into actionable spill detection data, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining detection accuracy
3Reliability
If manual handling is used for consolidating prescription orders from different areas, then spill detection is improved, but productivity and operational efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture and analysis system operates continuously throughout the dispensing and consolidation process, providing uninterrupted spill detection coverage. This continuous monitoring maintains high reliability without interrupting the flow of automated operations or requiring pauses for manual inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual monitoring during order consolidation with automated optical detection. Cameras positioned to cover consolidation areas continuously capture images that are analyzed for spills, maintaining detection reliability while enabling uninterrupted automated consolidation operations
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
The system effectively detects and mitigates spills, enhancing the efficiency of prescription order fulfillment by reducing manual handling and ensuring accurate dispensing, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing errors in high-volume pharmacy settings.
Implementation Method 1
a camera and mirror setup to image and analyze the filling area
Data Source
AI summary
A pharmaceutical filling system for a high volume pharmacy is described. The system can include a spill detection subsystem and method. The system can include a cameras to take images that a processed to determine presence of a spilled pharmaceutical. A mirror portion is provided so that the camera can take images of the entire field of the filling area. The mirror portion can be a concave mirror that increases the field of view of the camera. A light panel can illuminate the field of view to allow the camera to take high speed images. A controller can receive a series of at least two images captured by the camera and determine whether an object in the captured images is a spilled pharmaceutical.