JP2006519731A - Sealed individual barcode bag - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable sealed bag having a bar code symbol, such as an RSS / CS bar code, is provided. The package preferably contains human readable information. In one embodiment, the package contains a tablet for the patient. In such cases, patient caregiver instructions are received electronically, the tablets are dispensed, the foldable sealed sachet is formed, and the tablets are contained therein. A foldable sealed bag containing the tablet is provided to the patient.

Description

  The present invention relates to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 373,740, filed April 17, 2002, entitled “SEALABLE INDIVIDUAL BAR CODED PACKETS”, US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 390,254 entitled “SEALABLE INDIVIDUAL BAR CODED PACKETS WITH EXTENDED GRAPHICS” filed on May 19th, 2002 “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BAR CODING BLISTER PACK PACKAGING”, filed on May 25, with a system for forming barcodes in blister pack packaging US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 392,060 entitled “Method” and “MODIFIED BAR CODE SUBSTITTING FOR DOUBLE BAR CODE LABEL” (a modified bar in place of the double barcode label) filed on December 17, 2001. "MODIFIED BAR CODE SUBSTITUTING FOR DOUBLE BAR CODE LABEL" (double bar code) filed on December 17, 2002, claiming priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 341,763 Based on PCT patent application number PCT / US02 / 41 named “Modified barcode instead of label” and claims its priority, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  In the prior art, drugs are distributed in containers such as plastic bottles, bottles, and sachets. These containers are potentially expensive to manufacture and result in considerable waste. In addition, in hospitals, private hospitals, outpatient treatment facilities, outpatient facility settings, and other patient treatment facilities (collectively referred to as “patient treatment facilities” here) Generally, it is put into a plastic cup and the tablet is taken later. In general, a piece of paper containing information about the patient and the drug, for example in the form of a tablet, is included in the cup. After the medication is taken, the strip and / or label is affixed to the patient's chart in a hospital or other medical facility.

  In the prior art, a pharmacy attached to a patient treatment facility also provides the patient with a drug in the form of a blister pack, for example, once a month. During rounds, the nurse typically comes to the patient's room to verify that the patient is present. The patient's chart is consulted and the medication and / or patient treatment is noted and prepared. The tablets are removed from the blister pack and placed in a paper cup for administration to the patient.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of how the prior art drug dispensing process described above is confusing and results in mistakes. As shown in the figure, a pharmacy such as a hospital pharmacy prepares a medicine in a blister pack. After the blister pack medication is dispensed to each floor, the nurse or patient caregiver separates the medication from the blister pack packaging and prepares the dose for each patient. When the drug is removed from the original pharmacy package, selected by the nurse or caregiver, and delivered to the patient, there is a high probability of error. Common mistakes include patient, drug, dose, and time mistakes.

  In general, barcodes are printed on each article and on a container that houses several articles. The bar code includes information encoded in bars and spaces of various widths and arranged in a predetermined pattern. When a bar code is scanned by a bar code reader (e.g., a laser scanner), the scanning beam typically traverses the bar and space in a horizontal plane, or is rastered, i.e. scanned in all directions. Bar code technology, including printers, scanners, and decoders, includes a symbolic system (ie, a bar code language) that encodes optically read data, thus capturing a visual image of the symbolic system and computer-compatible digital data. Create a machine-readable symbol that translates to The size of the label from which the barcode is formed is determined in part by the type of encoding used, in part by the size of the individual bars and spaces, and by the data matrix or composite symbology. The amount of information encoded in the barcode is constrained by barcode size limitations.

There are various barcode symbologies. Each symbology has its own set of rules for character (eg, letters, numbers, punctuation) encoding, error checking, printing, and decoding requirements. Various bar code symbologies differ in the way they represent data and the type of data that can be encoded. Some encode only numbers, others encode numbers, letters, and some punctuation characters, and others encode a set of 128 and 256 ASCII characters. Modern symbologies include the option of encoding a number of languages and performing user-defined encoding for special or additional data. With these new symbologies, data can be reconstructed with careful redundancy if the symbols are damaged.

  Conventional bar code symbols are “one-dimensional”. That is, the bar and space extend only in a single direction. One-dimensional barcodes limit the amount of data encoded there. The need for barcodes to contain more information than conventional barcode symbols has gradually increased. In response to this need, space-saving symbol system (RSS) and composite symbol system (CS) barcodes have been developed. RSS barcodes are one-dimensional that extend in one direction. There are several variations of RSS, including stacking, limiting, and extending, with the ability to encode additional data beyond the basic short identifiers that are normally printed with barcodes. The CS, which is the second symbol system, is composed of a one-dimensional symbol that is paired with a two-dimensional symbol printed directly on it or, in some cases, logically linked thereto. Synthetic two-dimensional symbols are known in the art as PDF417 symbols, or specific variants of UCC / EAN-128 of MICRO PDF 417. MICRO PDF 417 is one version of PDF 417 designed for marking small items. Currently, RSS / CS barcodes are defined as having a data capacity ranging from 56 characters to 2,361 characters. Data capacity increases with time.

  An RSS / CS barcode effectively replaces the need for an external computer database to be referenced after a value, eg, the number of UPC items, is extracted from a one-dimensional barcode. Prior to the development of RSS / CS barcodes, after values were extracted from a single dimensional barcode, the data was referenced in a computer database to provide details associated with the extracted values. In contrast, RSS / CS barcodes contain much of the relevant data previously stored in the accompanying database. An RSS / CS barcode is essentially a database itself.

  The present invention relates to a folding dotted line engraved on the packaging bag to define the folding location, a sealing agent for maintaining the shape of the packaging bag after the packaging bag is folded at the folding dotted line, and at least the contents of the packaging bag A foldable sealed wrap including a barcode, such as an RSS / CS barcode, containing information about the object. The wrapping bag is folded and partially sealed, and then formed into a container for containing the contents.

  Other features of the folding and sealing sachet include storing the drug in a sachet, which includes capsules, tablets, gel caps, dissolution strips, caplets. In addition, information that can be read by a person is printed on the foldable sealed bag. Moreover, the human readable information relates to the patient who will receive the wrapper, the contents of the wrapper, and / or instructions for opening the wrapper.

  Further, the foldable sealed wrap includes an image representing the contents of the wrap. The foldable sealed bag further includes a polycoat portion. The foldable sealed bag also includes a cut-away dotted portion for separating individual foldable sealed bags from the strip of foldable sealed bags.

  In one example, the folded and sealed sachet is formed as a blister pack, wherein the blister pack is formed with at least one of a paper and a film portion on which an ink layer is provided, and the ink layer is suitable for removal by a laser. . Furthermore, an RSS / CS barcode is formed on at least one of the paper and the film by removing the ink with the laser.

  Further, the foldable sealed sachet is formed as a plurality of foldable sealed sachets, and the first sachet includes information regarding the remaining foldable sealed sachets of the strip.

  In addition, the foldable sealed bag includes a separable tab portion. The separable tab portion includes the CS portion of the RSS / CS barcode and the RSS portion of the RSS / CS barcode, and the portion of the foldable sealing bag adjacent to the tab portion includes the same CS portion and the RSS portion. And part of. When separated, the separable tab includes a complete copy of the RSS / CS barcode that was in the portion of the foldable seal bag adjacent to the tab portion.

  The foldable sealed bag further includes an at least partially transparent window for allowing a person to view the contents of the foldable sealed bag.

  In addition, the foldable sealed bag further includes at least one shape printed on the foldable sealed bag, which is the content of the foldable sealed bag and the person receiving the foldable sealed bag. Represents information about at least one. The at least one shape is formed as at least one of a polygon, a bar, and a circle.

  The information represented by the shape relates to at least one of the dose, the frequency of use, the time of taking, and the warning regarding the contents of the foldable sealed bag.

  The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a foldable sealed bag, storing electronic patient information in a database, storing electronic dispensing information relating to at least one of a plurality of dispensing, and an electronic patient Providing at least one of information and electronic medication information to the patient caregiver, receiving electronic instructions from the patient caregiver including information about the patient's medication, and providing at least a barcode on the foldable sealed bag Printing, putting at least one medicament into the foldable and sealed wrapping bag, and folding and sealing the foldable and sealed wrapping bag so that the wrapping bag is a container for at least one medicament.

  The present invention further includes referencing at least one internet web page to find information about at least one medication and printing human readable information about the foldable sealed sachets. The human readable information includes at least one drug alert, drug recovery information, batch number, lot number, patient information, drug filling date, drug quantity, dose and instructions for use.

  The present invention further includes electronically receiving caregiver instructions representing information about the medication for the patient, printing the foldable sealed wrapping bag, folding the foldable sealed wrapping bag, and foldable sealed wrapping. Administering the drug to the patient, comprising placing at least one drug in the bag, sealing the foldable sealed bag, and dispensing the foldable sealed bag containing the at least one drug to the patient; Related to the method. The step of dispensing the medicine further includes reading the barcode image of the wristband worn by the patient to extract the wristband information, and reading the barcode image of the foldable sealed bag to read the contents of the foldable sealed bag. Extracting the content information representing the content, comparing the wristband information with the content information, and confirming that the wristband information corresponds to the content information. Providing to the patient.

  Other features and advantages are presented below.

  The present invention relates to systems and methods for improving drug distribution. In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of computer-related hardware and software applications are provided for receiving and processing information related to medication distribution. Further, it relates to providing a sealable bar code label that is itself folded into a container for one or more tablet-shaped medicaments and shaped by gluing or the like.

  Referring to the drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, a first embodiment including a hardware configuration generally designated as system 10 for manufacturing a sealable individual bar code wrapping is shown in FIG. Is shown in FIG. System 10 preferably includes at least one information processor 12 and at least one user terminal 14 each coupled to a communication network 16. Information processor 12 preferably includes all the databases necessary to support the present invention. However, it is contemplated that the information processor 12 can access any required database via the communication network 16 or other communication network to which the information processor 12 is coupled. The communication network 16 is preferably a world-wide public communication network such as the Internet, but is a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or another network in which two or more computers can communicate with each other. There may be.

  In the preferred embodiment, the information processor 12 and the user terminal 14 are devices capable of transmitting and receiving data via the communication network 16, such as large computers, small computers, personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), web TVs. Internet access device such as. In addition, the user terminal 14 preferably includes a web browser such as MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER or NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR. Information processor 12 and user terminal 14 are coupled to communication network 16 using well-known data communication network connection techniques.

  Also, as seen in FIG. 1, it is desirable that the printer 18 be used in the manufacture of sealable individual bar code wrappers, and there are various printer types including thermal printers, laser printers, impact printers and the like. The printer 18 is preferably used at least in part for mass printing. In other words, the printer 18 can print thousands and even millions of labels in one day, including barcodes.

  In accordance with the present invention, the printer 18 produces a sealable individual barcode bag 20 for use in medicine. The term drug as used herein generally refers to a drug that can be taken by a patient. For example, the drugs include tablets, capsules, caplets, gelcaps, and other types of drugs taken orally.

  As can be seen in FIG. 3, the functional elements of each information processor 12 include one or more central processing units (CPUs) 22 used to execute software code and control the operation of the information processor 12, and read-only. A memory (ROM) 24, a random access memory (RAM) 26, one or more network interfaces 28 for transmitting and receiving data to and from other computing devices via a communication network, program code, data and database Storage device 30 such as a hard disk drive, floppy (registered trademark) disk drive, tape drive, CD ROM, and DVD, and one or more input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, trackball, and microphone 32 and a display 34.

  The various parts of the information processor 12 do not need to be physically housed in the same frame, nor even need to be located in one place. For example, the storage device 30 may be located away from the remaining elements of the information processor 12, and may be connected to the CPU 22 through the communication network 16 via the network interface 28. The information processor 12 not only has a sufficient amount of stored information to provide the necessary databases and forums and other community services, but also includes a hypertext markup language (HTML), a Java applet, It also functions as a web server for communicating an active X control program or the like to the user terminal 14. The information processor 12 is preferably composed of components suitable for the expected operating environment of the information processor 12, for example as shown in FIG. The CPU 22, network interface 28, memory and storage are selected to ensure that capacity is adjusted to accommodate the anticipated demand.

  The term “link” as used herein refers to a selectable connection from one or more words, pictures, or other information objects to another that is presented with a selectable connection within a web browser. Information objects include audio and / or video. Selection is typically performed by “clicking” on the link using an input device such as a mouse, trackball, touch screen, or the like. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any method capable of selecting the object shown on the screen is sufficient.

  The functional elements shown in FIG. 3 (designated by reference numerals 22 to 34) are in the same category as the functional elements present in the user terminal 14. However, not all elements need to be present, for example, storage in the case of a PDA, and the capacity of the various elements is configured to handle the anticipated user demand. For example, the CPU 22 of the user terminal 14 may be a CPU having a smaller capacity than the CPU existing in the information processor 12. Similarly, the information processor 12 may include a much higher capacity storage device than the storage device present at the user terminal 14.

  Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the capabilities of the functional elements can be adjusted as needed. The nature of the present invention is that those skilled in the art of computer-executable code (ie, software) writing can use general computer programming languages, C ++, Visual Basic, Java, HTML, Web The described functions can be performed using one or more of a combination of development environments, including but not limited to applications for application development.

  Non-Internet browser viewers combined with local area network protocols such as Internet packet exchanger (IPX), dial-up, third party, private network, value added network (VAN), etc. using known communication and display methods In use, it is contemplated that the user terminal 14 communicates with the information processor 12 and the system 10 is configured to display data received therefrom.

  For example, DOS, WINDOWS (registered trademark) x, WINDOWS (registered trademark) 95, WINDOWS (registered trademark) 98, WINDOWS (registered trademark) NT, WINDOWS (registered trademark) 2000, WINDOWS (registered trademark) ME, WINDOWS (registered trademark) CE, POCKET PC, WINDOWS (registered) (Trademark) XP, MAC OS, UNIX (registered trademark), LINUX, PALM OS, and other suitable operating systems may be used in the information processor 12 and the user terminal 14.

As used herein, the expression of displaying data on the user terminal 14 communicates data to the terminal via the communication network 16 and processes the data so that the data can be seen on the display 34 by using a web browser, for example. To do. In common with web browsing software, the display screen of user terminal 14 presents a site in system 10 so that the user can navigate from site to site in the system by selecting the desired link. As such, each user's experience with the system 10 is based on the order advanced through the display screen. In order to initiate the data process and to provide convenient navigation between the display screen and the modules of the system 10, it is desirable that graphic controls are available on the display screen and modules. In other words, because the system is not completely hierarchical in the display screen configuration, the user proceeds from area to area without having to “backtrack” through a series of display screens. Thus, unless otherwise noted, the following description is not intended to represent successive operation stages, but rather shows each component of system 10.

Sealed individual barcode label shape

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a sealed individual bar code wrapper 20 before it is folded and filled with medication and sealed for transport. The example of the sealed individual bar code wrapper 20 shown in FIG. 4 includes a folding dotted line 36 that defines a location that indicates where the folding and / or sealing process takes place. Further, the sealed individual bar code bag 20 defines where one sealed individual bar code bag ends and the next bag starts in a continuous sealed individual bar code bag 20 strip. A cut dotted line 38 is included. FIGS. 5A and 5B show before and after, respectively, an example of a sealed individual bar code wrapper 20 after folding and sealing has occurred.

  6A, 6B, 6C show the sealed individual bar code wrapper 20 as the folding and sealing process takes place. The sealed individual barcode bag 20 label preferably includes a portion 40 of dry adhesive or other sealant for forming the label into an individual bag (see FIG. 6A). The printer 18 (FIG. 1) preferably includes an attachment device for folding and / or sealing the sealed individual bar code bag 20 that preferably contains the drug. Further, as seen in FIG. 6A, in the sealed individual barcode bag 20, an adhesive or other sealant portion is provided at the periphery, and a polycoat portion 42 is provided near the center of the sealed individual barcode bag 20. It is done. Since the drug is well retained in the polycoat, the polycoat is a suitable material for the sealed individual barcode bag 20.

  The sealed individual barcode bag 20 can be used in a plurality of forms. FIG. 7 shows a plurality of sealed individual bar code wrappers 20 provided as a single roll of preprinted label and suitable for passing through a thermal bar code printer. Each sealed individual barcode wrap 20 is defined between cut dotted lines 38 at predetermined locations on the paper where a person can cut individual labels from the paper with dotted lines.

  In another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of labels are printed in an accordion / fan shape. Each label is preferably cut from a sector shape with a predetermined dotted line 38 separating adjacent labels. The printer includes an auxiliary device for folding the label into an accordion / fan shape after the label is printed. This allows a person to receive multiple sealed individual bar code wrappers 20 together in an accordion / fan shape.

  In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the first sealed individual bar code wrapper 20 of the strip that includes a plurality of printed individual bar code wrappers 20 printed is the remaining seal included in the strip. Information on the individual bar code package 20 is provided. For example, only the first wrapper that functions as a marker contains information about both the first wrapper and the next printed sealed individual bar code wrapper 20.

  In another embodiment, a series of labels are formed on conventional paper that is sent to a laser, impact, or inkjet printer, which separates the labels and allows the labels to be folded, followed by individual wrapping. It is desirable to provide a dotted line and a cut line for bonding. The label can be formed into various sizes and shapes depending on the amount and size of the drug to be introduced.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of blister pack packaging that can be used as an alternative embodiment of a sealed individual barcode wrap. As seen in FIG. 9, an example of a blister pack structure is an example of two card sheets 48, 56 with multiple (eg, 30, 50, 90) holes perforated in a numbered row and column layout. including. On the back, a foil or paper laminate 52 for covering the plurality of holes is adhered. The black ink layer 54 emerging from the perforated holes in the opening 58 of the card paper 56 is preferably printed so as to cover the entire surface of the film / paper 52.

  Further, it is desirable that the front side card paper 48 is perforated with regular patterns of rows and columns for forming 30, 60, and 90 holes. The blister sheet protruding from the card hole is preferably formed from a vacuum-formed sheet of thermoplastic material.

  To use the blister pack, the user removes the drug from the back hole of the card paper 56 and breaks the foil / paper 52 backing in this process. Plastic blisters are preferably thin and flexible to allow this movement.

  The black ink layer 54 printed on the back of the foil / paper 52 is burned out by laser printing, leaving an RSS / CS barcode and a human readable portion in each cell unit.

  Figures 10A-10E illustrate a classification type blister pack package according to the present invention. The present invention can be used with any known type of blister pack packaging.

FIG. 11A shows an individual blister pack according to the present invention. FIG. 11B shows a method of combining a plurality of blister packs.

Sealed individual bar code label contents

  As shown in the example of the sealed individual barcode bag of FIG. 4, the sealed individual barcode bag 20 includes both an RSS / CS barcode shape and preferably a human readable character shape. It is desirable to print a plurality of information. RSS / CS barcodes can hold thousands of characters of information. It is desirable that additional information that can be read by a person is printed on the sealed individual barcode bag 20.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a sealed individual bar code wrapper 20 that includes a separable tab or edge portion 60 bearing both human readable information and machine readable information. When the tab is separated, for example, when it is cut along the dotted line 62 of the sealed individual barcode bag 20, the prescription drug information, patient name, quantity, date / time information, etc. are obtained from the sealed individual barcode bag 20. Human readable information is preferably provided on the tab 60 so that it is removed. The straight section, or RSS barcode, is desirably printed half or partially on the sealed individual barcode wrapper 20 and half or partially on the removable tab 60. The CS part of the barcode is doubled. That is, it is adjacent to the half of the straight line portion and is also adjacent to another half of the straight line portion. After the tabs are cut and separated from the sealed individual barcode wrapper 20, the entire RSS / CS barcode that can be read by the machine remains in both the separated tab and the sealed individual barcode wrapper 20.

  In addition, as seen in FIG. 12, an image 64 of the contents of the sealed individual barcode wrap is preferably printed in color. When the package is opened and the contents are taken out, it can be compared with the image printed on the sealed individual barcode package to confirm that the contents of the package are compatible. An image of the tablet or capsule is printed on the sachet. Other types of printed information, such as pictorial information, can also be printed and may include instructions on the type of food that should be taken or avoided when taking the medication, and other use or avoidance instructions.

  In another alternative embodiment, not shown, at least a portion of the label includes an at least partially transparent window for a person to view the contents of the sealed individual barcode wrapper 20. Through this window, at least the shape and color of the medicine contained in the sealed individual barcode bag 20 can be seen.

  It is desirable that an RSS / CS barcode is printed on the sealed individual barcode bag 20. The bar code preferably includes information about the patient and the medication. For example, patient statistical data, patient medical history, allergies, etc. are included in the barcode. Also included are drug related information, including batch and lot numbers, drug descriptions, and information obtained from a host of medical databases available on a global communications network. In addition, RSS / CS barcodes can contain a large amount of information compared to other types of barcodes, so RSS / CS barcode information can include GTIN, LOT EXPIRY DATE, concentration, drug and patient prescription records. It is desirable to consist of numbers. Also, the sealed individual bar code sachets are printed in human readable form for use and dosing for patients and their caregivers, including time, date, and other instructions for taking medication. Instructions.

  In addition, a roll of pre-printed sealed individual barcode bag 20 is also obtained by the side that fills the prescription or supplies the drug, and the roll can be easily inserted into the printer for printing and / or folding. And / or drug filling is performed at high speed (see FIG. 7). Moreover, it is desirable that multiple sizes of sachets be available in the present invention, thus addressing different environments. For example, the pharmaceutical company decides to ship 500 individually packaged drugs according to the present invention, and puts each individual drug into a small sealed individual barcode bag 20. Alternatively, the use of a relatively large bag is required by mixing a plurality of drugs into a single sealed individual bar code bag 20.

  In addition, as seen in FIG. 13, one or more shapes are printed, and the shapes are selected to give information and meaning to the viewer. For example, stripes and / or numbers can be used alone or in combination to indicate different things. In many conventional drug labels, the available space is so small that the information is printed with a very small point size or omitted entirely. In the present invention, the space problem can be solved by providing a shape representing meaningful information such as dose, frequency of use, time of taking, etc., for example, a single bar based on the relative size of the bar.

  For example, a single bar that is longer than the width of the RSS / CS barcode printed on the label represents a 10 mg dose of a particular drug, such as ibuprofen. A similar bar printed on another label with the same width as the RSS / CS barcode represents a different dose, for example 25 mg of ibuprofen. A single bar that is half the width of the RSS / CS barcode represents 50 mg of drug and a narrow, for example, quarter bar of the width of the RSS / CS barcode represents 100 mg of ibuprofen dose. . In the above example, a single bar can be printed in combination with numbers such as 10, 25, 50, 100, respectively, so that again various doses, times, etc. can be shown. (See page 14).

  The present invention also utilizes different shapes such as circles, squares, and other polygons to represent different types of information. For example, a small circle filled with the number 5 represents the dose, amount, date, or other relevant information needed by a doctor, pharmacist, patient, or other person associated with the drug. The present invention further prints large circles with different numbers representing other information. For example, a slightly larger circle filled with a number of 10, a large circle filled with a number of 15, and a larger circle filled with a number of 20 indicate specific information related to a drug, for example, the type of drug, tablet Each milligram dose level is expressed (see page 14).

  Furthermore, the inscription is not limited to a circle or bar. Various polygons, including hexagons, pentagons, squares, and triangles, each filled with a number, represent multiple information types, such as medication, dose, date, hospital rank, and the like. In this way, the person using the present invention avoids mistakes by finding a pentagon instead of a triangle by looking at the label of the medicine, so that mistakes that frequently occur, for example, by handwriting that is difficult to read, can be avoided. For example, a triangle may represent a lower dose than a hexagon. Nurses and other health care professionals can easily see that the wrong dose has been dispensed to the patient by looking at the triangle.

  Multiple shapes on a single label represent information about the drug. For example, a single circle with a single label represents the first week of the month in which the drug is consumed, whereas three circles with a single label represent the third week of the month in which the drug is taken. To express. Alternatively, the number of shapes on the label may be used to indicate the daily dose. In this way, it is possible to avoid mistakes caused by handwriting that is difficult to read, for example, by simply looking at the label and checking whether the number of shapes on the label is wrong.

  The use of bars and other shapes for labels has many uses in addition to drug labels. For any request to label information, a graphical system can be used as described herein. For example, all labels for parts, components, tools, etc. can be simplified and reduced in error by using the shape and / or number of systems indicated in the present invention.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the use of multiple shapes and numbers, such as bars, circles, and polygons, is printed on the sealed individual bar code bag 20 to provide information, such as instructions and warnings, to the viewer of the label To do. In addition to barcodes, human readable markings are generally provided. In the preferred embodiment, the separable tabs include shapes and / or numbers, and the same shape and / or numbers are printed on the sealed individual bar code wrapper 20. In this way, redundant information is used in the patient's chart and other information sources, greatly reducing the effort of the health manager.

Sealed individual bar code label system and use

  According to the present invention, a plurality of hardware and software modules are integrated to manufacture a sealed individual barcode bag. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the modules of the present invention include a patient information module 64, a medication module 66, a physician instruction module 68, and a worldwide web medical reference module 70. The patient information module 64 preferably includes information about the patient or a person receiving some type of medical care. For example, the patient information module includes information on patient name, address, date of birth, and other statistical data types. The medication module 66 includes information regarding a plurality of medications, including treatment plans, expiration dates, and information associated with individual medications. The doctor instruction module 68 preferably receives information from the doctor via the user terminal 14. For example, while the doctor is in contact with the patient, an instruction is entered into the portable computer and the instruction is sent to the doctor instruction module 68. In addition, a global web medical reference module 70 is included in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Module 70 includes a plurality of worldwide web pages available over the Internet, including, for example, a plurality of information related to medical care.

  It is desirable that the instructions received from the physician are transmitted to the server system, which processes the instructions and sends the instructions to the printing device to produce a sealed individual barcode bag. In a preferred embodiment, a doctor or caregiver at a patient uses a portable device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), as a user terminal 14 to input information and instructions regarding the patient's medication into the portable device. Receive from. Thereafter, information input to the portable device is transmitted from the infrared port to the receiving device, for example, a personal computer via the communication network. The information of the personal computer is transmitted to the server system, and used for an instruction to print the sealed individual barcode bag 20.

  A plurality of databases currently available in the communication network are accessed and information related to a particular patient and / or medication is electronically stored, retrieved, and included in the printing of the sealed individual barcode label 20. For example, drug batch and lot numbers, warnings about combinations with other drugs with potential danger, drug recovery information, etc. are retrieved from multiple databases. Information collected from these multiple sources is compiled and printed on a label in at least one of a human readable form and a machine readable form. Other information, such as special orders received from a physician, is also preferably sent and printed on a sealed individual bar code label.

  In addition, the one or more software modules that produce the sealed individual barcode wrapper also send instructions to at least one printing device that prints the sealed individual barcode wrapper according to one or more rules. For example, a series of sachets for a single patient can be printed. In this example, a sealed individual barcode wrapping bag corresponding to a week's worth of medication is printed in a single printing operation, the wrapping bag is filled with the appropriate medication, and a specific wrapping bag is delivered to the patient. Alternatively, the printing operation may print a plurality of sealed individual barcode sachets for a single drug. In addition to this example, the same sachet has been manufactured many times and a person need only cut off a sealed individual bar code sachet containing the drug and deliver the sachet containing the drug to the appropriate party.

  After the doctor or caregiver prescribes the medication for the patient, the information is sent to the server system, which prints the sealed individual bar code wrapper 20 and dispenses the medication into the wrapper. And finally seal the wrapper. Thus, little human intervention is required to carry out the prescription.

  In dispensing the medication, it is desirable for the caregiver to read the contents of the patient wristband using a barcode reader such as a scanner, wand, or other device. After that, the barcode printed on the sealed individual barcode wrapping bag 20 is read, and a comparison is made to confirm that the patient the caregiver is dealing with is correct and whether the medicine meets the doctor's instructions. Is called. In addition, prior to dispensing the sealed individual bar code bag 20, the patient record is updated electronically. A further comparison with the patient's record is made to see if the drug is correct. Furthermore, in order to determine whether the contents of the package 20 match the image representing the contents printed on the package, the caregiver visually inspects the sealed individual barcode package 20. It is desirable for the patient to receive the medication after an electronic and visual confirmation has been made.

  In the preferred embodiment, it is desirable for the patient to wear a bar code wristband. Generally, 30, 60, or 90 blister pack cells per blister pack are individually formed with barcodes and numbered sequentially. When a caregiver administers a drug, all information is entered into an electronic monitoring database that records the patient wristband, date, time, drug, dose, and other events that may occur during the rounds .

  FIG. 15 is a flow chart identifying several steps associated with the manufacture and distribution of a sealed individual barcode bag 20 according to the present invention. To further describe this example, the doctor meets the patient (step S100). The doctor diagnoses the patient, inputs the prescription together with the accompanying instructions to the personal digital assistant (PDA), and transmits the instructions to the computer system via the infrared port (step S102). In step S104, instructions are received and processed. For example, the instructions are formatted to begin manufacturing the sealed individual bar code wrapper 20. In step S106, the instructions are checked before proceeding with the manufacture of the sealed individual barcode bag 20. For example, a drug may have been collected, and such information is discovered by an instruction check and reported to a doctor. In step S108, the sealed individual barcode bag 20 is manufactured. The details of the contents and the printing, folding and sealing of the sealed individual barcode wrap have already been described. Finally, in step S110, the sealed individual barcode bag 20 is dispensed. To further explain this example, a plurality of drugs, for example, one week's worth of drugs, can be ordered and filled into a sachet without a person touching the sachet.

  The present invention has many advantages over the prior art. For example, the drug is sealed in a cheap, disposable and / or recyclable sachet. This eliminates the need to manufacture more expensive plastic bottles that can contaminate the environment during manufacture and subsequent disposal. Furthermore, the step of applying separate labels is not required to apply labels to separate containers, such as bottles, thus saving operator time and eliminating steps by people who can make mistakes.

  In addition, a plurality of sealed individual barcode wrapping bags 20 can be manufactured with a single sheet, web, and roll, thereby increasing productivity and reducing costs. In addition, many interfaces for accessing drug databases through a global communications network are integrated by the present invention to increase the amount of information presented to physicians and patients. With properly marked and individually packaged bar code medications, the medication is kept sealed and delivered by an automated health care delivery system that includes all of the checks and safety measures that a computer system allows.

  Other advantages of the present invention include efficiency, reduction of errors caused by human intervention, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement.

  Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, other variations and modifications and other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the sealed individual barcode wrapping bag 20 can be used for metal fittings such as screws, nuts, and bolts. Furthermore, a small part included in an article that needs some kind of assembly may be stored in the sealed individual barcode bag 20.

  As such, the present invention is not limited to any particular disclosure.

  For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred, but it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the constructions and instrumentalities shown. The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 2 illustrates the confusion commonly encountered in prior art drug delivery systems. 2 shows an embodiment of hardware according to the present invention. 2 shows sample parts of an information processor and user terminal according to the present invention. 2 shows a sealed individual bar code wrap according to the present invention. Fig. 5 shows a sealed individual bar code bag after folding and sealing. Fig. 5 shows a sealed individual bar code bag after folding and sealing. An example of a sealed individual barcode wrapping during the folding and sealing process is shown. An example of a sealed individual barcode wrapping during the folding and sealing process is shown. An example of a sealed individual barcode wrapping during the folding and sealing process is shown. The example of the roll paper of a seal | sticker type separate barcode bag is shown. Fig. 4 shows an example of a sealed individual bar code wrap strip that can be folded into an accordion shape. 2 shows an example of a blister pack package used according to the present invention. Fig. 3 shows an assembly of blister pack packages that can be used according to the present invention. Fig. 3 shows an assembly of blister pack packages that can be used according to the present invention. Fig. 3 shows an assembly of blister pack packages that can be used according to the present invention. Fig. 3 shows an assembly of blister pack packages that can be used according to the present invention. Fig. 3 shows an assembly of blister pack packages that can be used according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows an individual blister pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a plurality of blister packs combined according to the present invention. Fig. 5 shows an example of a sealed individual barcode sack having a separable tab portion. Fig. 4 shows a plurality of shapes printed on a label according to the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a plurality of software control modules used by the present invention. 6 is a flowchart demonstrating sample stages relevant to the present invention.

Claims (29)

A foldable sealed bag,
Folding dotted line of the sachet to define the folding location,
A sealant that maintains the shape of the sachet after the sachet is folded at the folding dotted line, and the sachet is at least partially sealed after the sachet has been folded and sealed. The sealant shaped to be a container for containing
A barcode on the wrapping bag, the barcode including at least information relating to the contents of the wrapping bag;
Including said sachets.   The foldable sealed bag according to claim 1, wherein the contents include at least one of a medicine and hardware.   The foldable hermetically sealed bag of claim 2, wherein the medicament comprises at least one of a capsule, a tablet, a gel cap, a dissolving strip, and caplets.   The foldable sealed bag according to claim 1, further comprising information readable by a person printed on the bag.   5. The foldable sealed package of claim 4, wherein the human readable information relates to at least one of a patient who is to receive the package, the contents of the package, and instructions for opening the package. bag.   The foldable sealed bag of claim 1, further comprising an image representing the contents of the bag.   The foldable sealed bag of claim 1, further comprising a polycoat portion.   The foldable sealed bag of claim 1, further comprising a cut dotted line portion that allows separation of the individual foldable sealed bags in the strip of foldable sealed bags.   The foldable sealed bag according to claim 1, wherein the barcode is an RSS / CS barcode.   The foldable sealed bag of claim 1, wherein the bag includes a blister pack.   The foldable sealed bag according to claim 10, wherein at least one of a paper and a film portion on which an ink layer is provided is formed in the blister pack, and the ink layer is suitable for removal by a laser.   The foldable sealed bag according to claim 10, further comprising an RSS / CS barcode formed on at least one of the paper and the film by removing the ink by the laser.   The foldable sealed sachet of claim 1, wherein a first sachet of a plurality of foldable sealed sachets includes information regarding the remaining foldable sealed sachets of the strip.   The foldable sealed bag of claim 1, further comprising a detachable tab portion.   The separable tab portion includes a CS portion of the RSS / CS barcode and a part of the straight portion of the RSS / CS barcode, and the portion of the foldable sealing bag adjacent to the tab portion is substantially the same. The foldable sealed bag of claim 13, comprising another CS portion and another portion of the straight portion.   15. The foldable sealed bag of claim 14, wherein the detachable tab includes a copy of the RSS / CS barcode in a portion of the foldable sealed bag of the claim adjacent to the tab portion when separated.   The folding and sealing bag of claim 1, further comprising an at least partially transparent window for a person to confirm the contents of the folding and sealing bag.   The foldable and sealed wrapping bag according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of foldable and sealed wrapping bags formed on roll paper of the foldable and sealed wrapping bag.   And further comprising at least one shape printed on the foldable hermetic bag, wherein the shape represents information about at least one of the contents of the foldable hermetic bag and the person receiving the foldable hermetic bag. The foldable sealed bag according to claim 1.   The foldable sealed bag of claim 18, wherein the at least one shape is formed as at least one of a polygon, a bar, and a circle.   19. The foldable sealed bag of claim 18, wherein the information relates to at least one of a dose, a frequency of use, a dose time, and a warning regarding the contents of the foldable sealed bag. A method for manufacturing a foldable sealed bag, comprising:
Storing electronic patient information in a database wherein the patient information at least represents the patient;
Storing electronic drug information representing information on at least one of a plurality of drugs in at least one of the database and the other database;
Providing at least one of the electronic patient information and the electronic drug information to a patient caregiver;
Receiving electronic instructions from the patient caregiver including instructions regarding medications for the patient;
Printing at least a barcode on the foldable sealing bag;
Putting at least one drug into the foldable sealed bag; and
Folding and sealing the foldable sealed bag so that the sachet becomes a container for the at least one drug;
Including methods.   24. The method of claim 21, further comprising: discovering information about the at least one drug with reference to at least one internet web page.   23. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of receiving an electronic indication comprises receiving information sent electronically from a personal digital assistant.   24. The method of claim 21, further comprising printing human readable information on the foldable sealed bag.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein the human readable information includes at least one of drug warning, drug collection information, batch number, lot number, patient information, drug filling date, drug amount, dose, instructions for use. A method for administering a drug to a patient comprising:
Electronically receiving caregiver instructions representing information about medications for the patient;
Printing foldable hermetic bag,
Folding the foldable sealing bag;
Putting at least one medicine into the foldable sealing bag;
Sealing the folding and sealing bag; and
Dispensing the foldable sealed bag containing the at least one medicament to the patient;
Including methods. The step of dispensing the drug comprises:
Reading the wristband barcode image worn by the patient to extract wristband information;
Reading the barcode image of the foldable sealed bag and extracting content information representing the contents of the foldable sealed bag;
Comparing the wristband information with the content information; and
Providing the patient with the foldable sealed bag containing the drug after confirming that the wristband information corresponds to the content information;
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising:   15. The method of claim 14, wherein the straight portion bar extends continuously from the foldable sealed bag to the separable tab portion.

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