EP3685815B1 - Medication dispensing device and method for operating same - Google Patents

Description

field of invention

The disclosure relates to a medication dispensing device.

The disclosure also relates to operating methods for such a device. U.S. 2011/121019 A1 describes a medication dispensing device. U.S. 5,945,651A describes a remotely programmable medication dispensing device.

Description of the invention

Preferred embodiments relate to a medication delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a primary controller for controlling at least a first component of the device and a secondary controller for controlling at least a second component of the device.

In preferred embodiments, the first component is, for example, a component of the device that is (absolutely) necessary for dispensing the medicaments, e.g. a transport device for conveying the medicaments. In further preferred embodiments, the second component is, for example, a component of the device that is not or not absolutely necessary for dispensing the medication, e.g. a communication interface that enables data exchange between the device and at least one other unit (not shown) allows. This advantageously enables flexible operation of the device, and in particular an essential function of the device, namely the dispensing of medication, can be carried out or maintained if necessary solely under the control of the primary control device, e.g. when the secondary control device fails or is inoperative . Furthermore, in further preferred embodiments, which are described below, there is advantageously the possibility of mutual checking or monitoring of the control devices, e.g. for proper operation, which further increases the reliability of the device.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device is designed to dispense medicines arranged in blister bags. A blister tube is a product that is essentially in the form of a strip, in which a number of individual packaging units, which are also referred to as blister bags or tubular blisters, are arranged one behind the other. A blister tube can be designed, for example, as a medication blister tube, which has one or more medications, such as tablets, in each of the individual blister bags. According to further preferred embodiments, the device can advantageously output one or more blister tubes.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device has a storage container for medication to be dispensed, in particular blister bags, and a transport device for conveying the medication, in particular blister bags, out of the storage container.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device is designed to control the transport device.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device has at least one computing device, at least one memory device assigned to the computing device for at least temporarily storing a first computer program, the first computer program being designed in particular to control an operation of the primary control device.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device is designed to store first control information at least temporarily, the first control information having in particular information on taking medications and/or medications characterizing administration times or medication information characterizing the medications.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device has a first data interface for the preferably bidirectional exchange of data with at least the secondary control device, wherein the first data interface in particular also has a serial data interface, preferably of the Universal Serial Bus, USB, type .

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device has at least one control interface acting on the secondary control device.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device is designed to reset (i.e. reset) the secondary control device a) via the at least one control interface, in particular to put it into a reset state, and/or b) via to move the at least one control interface from a first operating state to a second operating state, wherein in particular the first operating state is an energy-saving state and the second operating state is an active operating state.

Provision is advantageously made for the primary control device to be designed to periodically receive data from the secondary control device and to initiate a first error response if no data is received from the secondary control device for a specifiable first waiting time, with the first error response including in particular one or comprises resetting the secondary controller. The secondary control device can preferably send the data periodically to the primary control device in order to signal to it that it is (still) functional.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device is designed to switch the secondary control device, in particular repeatedly, more particularly periodically, from an energy-saving state to an active operating state.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device has at least one first reading device for reading in a machine-readable code, in particular the machine-readable code containing information from characterized by the medication processed or processable by means of the device, wherein in particular the first reading device has a barcode reader or is designed as a barcode reader. The primary control device is preferably designed to control an operation of the first reading device. For example, barcodes arranged on blister bags can be detected by means of the first reading device and evaluated, for example, by the primary control device. As a result, for example, the barcode, which generally characterizes the contents of the blister bag, can be compared with control information, on the basis of which the device or the primary control device controls the dispensing of the blister bag. If, for example, there is a discrepancy between the mentioned control information and the data of the barcode, the blister bag can be dispensed with and/or another error reaction can be initiated.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device is designed to control the transport device autonomously, in particular without the involvement of the secondary control device.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device is designed to control the transport device as a function of the first control information.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device has an openable housing and/or an openable housing part and a locking device for locking and/or unlocking the openable housing and/or the openable housing part, with the primary control device being designed to activate the locking device , in particular for locking and/or unlocking the openable housing and/or the openable housing part.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device has at least one computing device, at least one memory device assigned to the computing device for at least temporarily storing a second computer program, the second computer program being designed in particular to control an operation of the secondary control device.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device has a first data interface for the preferably bidirectional exchange of data with at least the primary control device, wherein the first data interface in particular also has a serial data interface, preferably of the Universal Serial Bus, USB, type .

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the secondary control device has at least one control interface acting on the primary control device.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the secondary control device is designed to reset the primary control device via the at least one control interface.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device is designed to periodically receive data from the primary control device and to initiate a second error response if no data is received from the primary control device for a specifiable second waiting time, with the second error response in particular or resetting the primary controller. The primary control device can preferably send the data periodically to the secondary control device in order to signal to it that it is (still) functional.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device has at least one of the following elements: a display device, a device for outputting and/or inputting acoustic signals, in particular speech, a digital image acquisition device.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the secondary control device has at least one of the following elements: an interface for controlling a display device, an interface for controlling a device for outputting and/or inputting acoustic signals, an interface for Control of a or the digital image acquisition device, at least one data interface for establishing a data connection with at least one external unit, in particular a server and/or a cloud server system. In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device is designed to a) monitor operation of at least one component of the device and/or b) send information characterizing an operating state of at least one component of the device to an external unit.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device is designed to store second control information at least temporarily, the second control information having in particular information on taking medication and/or medication that characterizes administration times or medication information that characterizes the medication.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device is designed to receive third control information from an external unit and to control operation of at least one component of the device depending on the third control information, with the device being designed in particular to dispense medication execute depending on the third control information.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device has a primary electrical energy supply unit and a secondary electrical energy supply unit, with the primary electrical energy supply unit in particular being designed for connection to a power grid, in particular an AC grid, with the secondary electrical energy supply unit in particular having at least one of the following elements includes: battery, accumulator, ultracapacitor. More preferably, chargeable electrical energy stores of the secondary electrical energy supply unit can be charged by the primary electrical energy supply unit. In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary electrical energy supply unit is designed to at least temporarily supply at least some components of the device with electrical energy, wherein in particular the secondary electrical energy supply unit is designed to at least temporarily supply at least the primary control device and the transport device with electrical to supply energy.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device is designed to detect a fault and/or failure of the power grid and to switch from a first operating mode, in which the device can be supplied by the power grid using the primary electrical energy supply unit, to a second operating mode change, wherein in the second operating mode at least some components of the device can be supplied with electrical energy by means of the secondary electrical energy supply unit.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device is designed to signal the disruption and/or failure of the power grid to at least one external unit.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device is designed to determine future dispensing times at which medication is to be dispensed by the device as a function of the first control information and/or the second control information.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device is designed to determine a minimum remaining operating time of the device in the second operating mode, the future output times being taken into account in particular for this purpose.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device is designed to determine a first number that characterizes how many of the future output times for which operation of the device in the second operating mode can be maintained.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device is designed to output the minimum remaining operating time and/or the first number to a user of the device and/or to signal at least one external unit.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device is designed to determine whether the minimum remaining operating time allows medication to be dispensed for a predeterminable second number of dispensing times of the future dispensing times.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device is designed to, if the minimum remaining operating time no longer allows medication to be dispensed for a specifiable second number of dispensing times of the future dispensing times, medicaments corresponding to a specifiable third number of future dispensing times an unscheduled dispensing of medication before these future dispensing times, in particular within the minimum remaining operating time, more particularly immediately after it has been determined that the minimum remaining operating time no longer allows medication to be dispensed for the predefinable second number of dispensing times.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device is designed to obtain approval for the unscheduled dispensing of medication from an external unit and/or a user of the external unit before the unscheduled dispensing of medication.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device is designed to put at least one component of the device into an energy-saving state or to deactivate it in the second operating mode. In further preferred embodiments it is provided that an electrical capacity of the secondary electrical energy supply unit is so large that the minimum remaining operating time is at least approximately 12 hours, preferably at least approximately 24 hours.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that a or the electrical capacity of the secondary electrical energy supply unit is at least approximately 2000 milliampere hours.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a method for operating a device for dispensing medication according to claim 15, in particular a device according to the embodiments, wherein the device has a primary control device for controlling at least a first component of the device and a secondary control device for controlling at least a second Having component of the device, wherein the primary controller controls the at least one first component, and wherein the secondary controller controls the at least one second component.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device has a reservoir for medication to be dispensed, in particular blister bags, and a transport device for conveying the medication, in particular blister bags, out of the reservoir, with the device dispensing medication arranged in blister bags in particular.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device controls the transport device.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device at least temporarily stores first control information, with the first control information having in particular information on taking medication and/or medication characterizing administration times or medication information characterizing the medication, with the secondary control device in particular storing second control information at least temporarily, wherein the second control information includes, in particular, information on taking medication that characterizes administration times and/or medication or medication information that characterizes the medication.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device has a first data interface for the preferably bidirectional exchange of data with at least one further unit, in particular with the secondary control device.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the first data interface has a serial data interface, preferably of the Universal Serial Bus, USB, type, the primary control device having at least one control interface acting on the secondary control device, the primary control device controlling the secondary control device a) via resets the at least one control interface, in particular to a reset state, and/or b) sets it from a first operating state to a second operating state via the at least one control interface, with the first operating state in particular being an energy-saving state and the second operating state being on active operating state.

It is advantageously provided that the primary control device periodically receives data from the secondary control device and initiates a first error response if no data is received from the secondary control device for a specifiable first waiting time, with the first error response in particular including a resetting of the secondary control device .

In further preferred embodiments, provision is made for the primary control device to switch the secondary control device, in particular repeatedly, more particularly periodically, from an energy-saving state into an active operating state.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device controls the transport device autonomously at least at times, in particular without the involvement of the secondary control device.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device has a first data interface for the preferably bidirectional exchange of data with at least the primary control device, wherein the first data interface in particular also has a serial data interface, preferably of the Universal Serial Bus, USB, type , wherein the secondary control device has at least one control interface acting on the primary control device, wherein the secondary control device resets the primary control device via the at least one control interface, in particular into a reset state.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device periodically receives data from the primary control device and initiates a second error response if no data is received from the primary control device for a second, specifiable waiting time, with the second error response in particular including a resetting of the includes primary controller.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the secondary control device a) monitors operation of at least one component of the device and/or b) sends information characterizing an operating state of at least one component of the device to a or the external unit.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device receives third control information from an external unit and controls operation of at least one component of the device depending on the third control information, with the device dispensing medication in particular depending on the third control information.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device has a primary electrical energy supply unit and a secondary electrical energy supply unit, with the primary electrical energy supply unit in particular being designed for connection to a power grid, in particular an AC grid, with the secondary electrical energy supply unit in particular having at least one of the following elements comprises: battery, accumulator, ultracapacitor, wherein the secondary electrical energy supply unit at least temporarily supplies at least some components of the device with electrical energy, wherein in particular the secondary electrical energy supply unit at least temporarily supplies at least the primary control device and the transport device with electrical energy.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device detects a fault and/or failure of the power grid and switches from a first operating mode, in which the device can be supplied by the power grid using the primary electrical energy supply unit, to a second operating mode, in which second operating mode, at least some components of the device are supplied with electrical energy by means of the secondary electrical energy supply unit, with the device in particular signaling the disruption and/or failure of the power grid to at least one external unit.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device determines future dispensing times at which medication is to be dispensed by the device as a function of the first control information and/or the second control information.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device determines a minimum remaining operating time of the device in the second operating mode, the future output times being taken into account in particular for this purpose.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device determines a first number that characterizes how many of the future output times for which operation of the device in the second operating mode can be maintained, in particular the device determining the minimum remaining operating time and/or the first number outputs to a user of the device and/or signals to at least one external unit.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device determines whether the minimum remaining operating time allows medication to be dispensed for a predeterminable second number of dispensing times of the future dispensing times, with the device in particular when the minimum remaining operating time no longer permits dispensing of medication for a predeterminable second number of dispensing times of the future dispensing times, dispenses medication corresponding to a predeterminable third number of future dispensing times as part of an unscheduled dispensing of medication before these future dispensing times, in particular within the minimum remaining operating time, more particularly immediately after it has been determined is that the minimum remaining operating time no longer allows medication to be dispensed for the predefinable second number of dispensing times.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device obtains a release for the unscheduled dispensing of medication from an external unit and/or a user of the external unit before the unscheduled dispensing of medication.

Further preferred embodiments relate to the use of at least one device according to the embodiments and/or the method according to the embodiments for dispensing medication, in particular to a user, and/or for supplying one or more people with medication, in particular for supplying to people with medications located in several different geographic locations. Further features, application possibilities and advantages of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figures of the drawing. All of the described or illustrated features form the subject matter of the invention, either alone or in any combination, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims or their back-reference and regardless of their wording or representation in the description or in the drawing.

Figur 1

schematisch ein vereinfachtes Blockdiagramm einer Vorrichtung gemäß bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,

Figur 2

eine Seitenansicht eines Blisterschlauchs gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,

Figur 3

schematisch eine Seitenansicht eines teilweise aufgewickelten Blisterschlauchs gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,

Figur 4

schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,

Figur 5

schematisch ein vereinfachtes Blockdiagramm einer primären Steuereinrichtung gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,

Figur 6

schematisch ein vereinfachtes Blockdiagramm einer sekundären Steuereinrichtung gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,

Figur 7

schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,

Figur 8

schematisch ein vereinfachtes Blockdiagramm gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,

Figur 9

schematisch ein vereinfachtes Zustandsdiagramm gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,

Figur 10

schematisch ein vereinfachtes Zeitdiagramm gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen,

Figur 11

schematisch ein vereinfachtes Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen, und

Figur 12 bis 22

jeweils schematisch ein vereinfachtes Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens gemäß weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsformen.

In the drawing shows:

figure 1

schematically a simplified block diagram of a device according to preferred embodiments,

figure 2

a side view of a blister tube according to further preferred embodiments,

figure 3

schematically a side view of a partially coiled blister tube according to further preferred embodiments,

figure 4

schematically a side view of a device according to further preferred embodiments,

figure 5

schematically a simplified block diagram of a primary control device according to further preferred embodiments,

figure 6

schematically a simplified block diagram of a secondary control device according to further preferred embodiments,

figure 7

schematically a side view of a device according to further preferred embodiments,

figure 8

schematically a simplified block diagram according to further preferred embodiments,

figure 9

schematically a simplified state diagram according to further preferred embodiments,

figure 10

schematically a simplified timing diagram according to further preferred embodiments,

figure 11

schematically a simplified flowchart of a method according to further preferred embodiments, and

Figure 12 to 22

each schematically a simplified flow chart of a method according to further preferred embodiments.

figure 1 FIG. 1 schematically shows a simplified block diagram of an apparatus 100 for dispensing medication. The device 100 has a primary control device 110 for controlling at least one first component K1 of the device 100, cf. the double arrow A1. The device 100 also has a secondary control device 120 for controlling at least one second component K2 of the device 100, cf. the double arrow A2.

In preferred embodiments, the first component K1 is, for example, a component of the device 100 that is necessary for dispensing the medication, for example a transport device 132 ( 4 ) to convey the medicines. In further preferred embodiments, the second component K2 ( 1 ) For example, such a component of the device 100 that is not or not absolutely necessary for dispensing the medication, e.g. a communication interface that enables data exchange between the device 100 and at least one other unit (not in 1 shown) allows. This advantageously enables flexible operation of the device 100, and in particular an essential function of the device 100, namely dispensing medication, can be carried out or maintained if necessary solely under the control of the primary control device 110, for example when the secondary control device 120 fails or has no function. Furthermore, in further preferred embodiments, which are described further below, there is advantageously the possibility of mutual checking or monitoring of the control devices 110, 120, for example for proper operation, whereby the reliability of the device 100 is further increased.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device 100 has a primary electrical power supply unit 180, the primary electrical power supply unit 180 being designed in particular for connection to a power grid (not shown), in particular an AC power grid (e.g. with a nominal voltage of approximately 230 volts). .

In further preferred embodiments, a secondary electrical energy supply unit 181 is optionally provided, which has at least one of the following elements: battery, accumulator, ultracapacitor (or supercapacitor, eg double-layer capacitor). In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the optional secondary electrical energy supply unit 181 is designed to supply at least some components K1, K2, 110, 120 of the device 100 with electrical energy, at least temporarily, with the secondary electrical energy supply unit 181 in particular being designed for this at least temporarily at least the primary control device 110 and said transport device 132 ( 4 ) to supply with electrical energy. As a result, particularly in combination with the two control devices 110, 120, the operational safety and reliability of the device 100 with regard to dispensing medication to one or more users B can be significantly increased compared to conventional devices.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device 100 is designed to be placed in blister bags 200, cf. 2 to dispense ordered medication. A blister tube 200 is a substantially band-shaped one Product in which a plurality of individual packaging units, which are also referred to as blister bags 210, 211, 212 or tubular blisters, are arranged one behind the other. A blister tube 200 can be designed, for example, as a drug blister tube, which has one or more drugs, such as tablets, in each of the individual blister bags 210, 211, 212. Advantageously, the device 100 ( 1 ) output one or more blister tubes according to further preferred embodiments.

figure 2 1 schematically shows a side view of a blister tube 200 according to preferred embodiments. In the present case, the blister tube 200 is designed as a medication blister tube and has, for example, three blister bags 210 , 211 , 212 which are connected to one another by connecting elements 202 . The connecting elements 202 can, for example, be welded sections of the same material (eg a plastic film) from which the blister bags 210, 211, 212 are also made.

A longitudinal direction of the blister tube 200 extends according to FIG figure 2 along a coordinate axis y, the length of an individual blister bag 211 being indicated by the reference L. A height of the blister tube 200 extends in figure 2 in the vertical direction, compare the coordinate axis z, and a width of the blister tube 200 extends in figure 2 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, see the coordinate axis x.

The first blister bag 210 has two different tablets 210a, 210b, the second blister bag 211 has a total of three essentially identical tablets 211a, and the third blister bag 212 has three different tablets 212a, 212b, 212c.

figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a partially wound up blister tube 200a, of which the blister bags that have already been at least partially unwound are denoted by reference numerals 213, 214, 215 and a portion that is still wound up is denoted by reference numeral 216. Similar to that referred to above figure 2 described embodiment, the blister tube 200a according to figure 3 Blister bags containing similar and/or different medications, in particular tablets. In the figure 3 The configuration of the blister tube 200a shown can be provided, for example, in a transport container (not shown) and distributed in this form to customers, for example patients, for whom the medication in the blister bags is intended, for example in order to be incorporated into the device 100 ( 1 ) to be inserted according to the embodiments, which causes an output of individual (or several) blister bags, for example depending on a medication plan or correspondingly stored control information, in particular at predeterminable output times.

figure 4 FIG. 1 schematically shows a side view of a device 100a for dispensing medicines or medicinal products arranged in blister bags 200b according to further preferred embodiments. The device 100a has a housing 102 that defines an interior space 102a that is essentially protected from external influences. A reservoir 130 for medication to be dispensed, in particular blister bags 200b, is arranged in the interior space 102a and can be filled with new blister tubes 200a ( 3 ) can be refilled. The device 100a also has a transport device 132 for conveying the medicaments, in particular the blister bags 200b, out of the storage container 130 and more preferably through a dispensing opening 134 in the housing 102, see arrow A3. In further preferred embodiments, the transport device 132 can have, for example, one or more transport rollers and/or conveyor belts (not shown) or the like, which are driven, for example, by an electric motor.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device 110 is designed to control the transport device 132, for example one or more electric motors (not shown) of the transport device 132.

figure 5 11 schematically shows a simplified block diagram of a primary controller 1100 according to further preferred embodiments. For example, the primary controller 110 from 1 , 4 the configuration 1100 according to figure 5 exhibit. Primary control device 1100 has at least one computing device 1102, at least one storage device 1104 assigned to computing device 1102 for at least temporarily storing a first computer program PRG1, wherein the first computer program PRG1 is designed in particular to control an operation of primary control device 1100.

In further preferred embodiments, the computing device 1102 has at least one of the following elements: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (e.g. FPGA, field programmable gate array), an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Combinations of these are also conceivable in further preferred embodiments.

In further preferred embodiments, the computing device 1102 of the primary control device 1100 has a microcontroller, in particular a 32-bit microcontroller, preferably based on the ARM Cortex-M4 architecture.

In further preferred embodiments, the memory device 1104 has at least one of the following elements: a volatile memory 1104a, in particular main memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory 1104b, in particular flash EEPROM. The first computer program PRG1 is preferably stored in the non-volatile memory 1104b.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device 1100 is designed to store first control information SI1 at least temporarily (present, for example, in the non-volatile memory 1104b), the first control information SI1 being in particular administration information El characterizing administration times of medication 210a, 210b, . ., 212c ( 2 ) and/or medication or the medication 210a, 210b, .., 212c have medication information MI characterizing them. The administration times correspond, for example, to those times at which a user has to take specific medication. Dispensing times, for example, at which the device dispenses the specific medication, correspond to the administration times.

In further preferred embodiments, the primary control device 1100 is designed to dispense medication at one or more dispensing times, the dispensing times being e.g. ascertainable as a function of the intake information El, e.g. under control of the first computer program PRG1.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device 1100 has a first data interface 1106 for the preferably bidirectional exchange A4 of data with at least the secondary control device 120 ( 1 ), wherein the first data interface 1106 in particular also has a serial data interface, preferably of the Universal Serial Bus, USB, type, for example compatible with the USB 1.1 standard and/or with the USB 2.0 standard and/or with the USB 3.0 standard and /or to the USB 3.1 standard.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device 1100 has at least one on the secondary control device 120 ( 1 ) acting control interface 1108 ( figure 5 ) having. Control information A5 or control commands can be transmitted to the secondary control device 120 via the control interface 1108, which, for example, allow the operation of the secondary control device 120 to be influenced by the primary control device 110 make possible. In further preferred embodiments, the control interface 1108 has a serial data connection and/or a parallel data connection or individual data lines to the secondary control device 120 .

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device 1100 has at least one transport device interface 1109, via which the primary control device 1100 sends a transport device 132 (see Fig. 7 ) of device 100 for dispensing medication, in particular blister bags, can control, for example, one or more electric motors of transport device 132.

figure 6 12 schematically shows a simplified block diagram of a secondary controller 1200 according to further preferred embodiments. For example, the secondary controller 120 may be off 1 , 4 the configuration 1200 according to 6 exhibit.

Secondary control device 1200 has at least one computing device 1202, at least one storage device 1204 assigned to computing device 1202 for at least temporarily storing a second computer program PRG2, the second computer program PRG2 being designed in particular to control the operation of secondary control device 1200.

In further preferred embodiments, the computing device 1202 has at least one of the following elements: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (e.g. FPGA, field programmable gate array), an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Combinations thereof are also conceivable in further preferred embodiments. In further preferred embodiments, the computing device 1202 of the secondary control device 1200 has a microprocessor, in particular a microprocessor with a computing core (“single core”) or multiple computing cores (“multi-core”), more particularly a 64-bit microprocessor with four computing cores .

In further preferred embodiments, the memory device 1204 has at least one of the following elements: a volatile memory 1204a, in particular main memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory 1204b, in particular flash EEPROM. The second computer program PRG2 is preferably stored in the non-volatile memory 1204b.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device 1200 has a first data interface 1206 for the preferably bidirectional exchange A6 of data with at least the primary control device, with the first data interface in particular also being a serial data interface, preferably from the Universal Serial Bus, USB , type has. For example, the first data interface 1206 of the secondary controller 1200 is of the same type as the first data interface 1106 of the primary controller 1100 or is compatible therewith.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the secondary control device 1200 has at least one control interface 1208 ( 6 ) having. Control information A7 or control commands can be transmitted to the primary control device 110, 1100 via the control interface 1208, which, for example, enable the operation of the primary control device 110, 1200 to be influenced by the secondary control device 120, 1200.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device 1200 is designed to at least temporarily store second control information SI2 (present, for example, in the non-volatile memory 1204b), the second control information SI2 characterizing in particular administration times Intake information EI' of medication and/or medication or medication information MI' characterizing the medication.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the secondary control device 1200 transmits the intake information EI' and/or the drug information MI' or generally the second control information SI2 or at least parts thereof to the primary control device 1100, e.g. via the first data interface 1106, 1206, which, in further preferred embodiments, is embodied, for example, as a USB data connection. As a result, the primary control device 1100 can be supplied, preferably repeatedly, in particular periodically, with the second control information SI2, which can be stored at least temporarily by the primary control device 1100 in the form of the first control information SI1.

In further preferred embodiments, the primary control device 1100 can first process the second control information SI2 transmitted from the secondary control device 1200 to the primary control device 1100 (e.g. via the USB interface 1106, 1206), and at least parts of the second control information SI2 received during this processing store processed second control information SI2 as first control information Si1 locally (in the primary control device 1100, for example in the flash memory 1104b). This makes it possible for the primary control device 1100 to be able to dispense medication independently at least temporarily, that is to say independently of the secondary control device 1200, as a function of the locally stored first control information SI1, for example under the control of the transport device 132 ( 4 ) depending on the first control information SI1.

In further preferred embodiments, the first control information SI1 is at least partially organized or stored in the form of a table and/or list or the like, for example in the form of a list of future administration times and/or dispensing times of the drugs 200b that can be dispensed ( 4 ), to which the device 100 - at least under the control of the primary control device 1100 - is to dispense the corresponding medication 200b. In further preferred embodiments, such a list can contain, for example, approximately 10 to approximately 1000 elements or lines, in particular between approximately 20 to approximately 100 elements or lines, i.e. times of administration or times of dispensing and possibly information associated with the respective times of administration (e.g. medication information MI). exhibit.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device 100, 100a ( 1 , 4 ) is designed to be controlled by an external entity (not in 1 , 4 shown) to receive third control information and to control an operation of at least one component 110, 1100, 120, 1200 of the device 100, 100a depending on the third control information, wherein in particular the device 100, 100a is designed to dispense medication 200b ( 4 ) to execute depending on the third control information.

In further preferred embodiments, the device 100, 100a from the third control information, for example, the second control information SI2 ( 6 ) and/or the first control information SI1 ( figure 5 ) derive. In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device 100a ( 4 ) has at least one first reading device 140 for reading in a machine-readable code, with the machine-readable code in particular characterizing information on medication 200b processed or capable of being processed by means of device 100a, with first reading device 140 in particular having a barcode reader or being embodied as a barcode reader. The primary control device 110, 1100 is preferably designed to control an operation of the first reading device 140. For example, in further preferred embodiments by means of the barcode reader 140 at a blister pack to be dispensed 213 ( 3 ) Attached information (e.g. one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode) can be recorded, and the information recorded can be compared with the first and/or second control information SI1, SI2 or information derived therefrom. In this way it can be ensured, for example, that only correct medication or blister bags are dispensed, with incorrect medication being able to be discarded, for example.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device 1100 ( figure 5 ) is designed to move the transport device 132 ( 4 ) depending on the first control information SI1 to drive.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device 100a has an openable housing 102 and/or an openable housing part and a locking device 104 for locking and/or unlocking the openable housing 102 and/or the openable housing part, with the primary control device 110 being configured for this purpose is to actuate the locking device 104, in particular for locking and/or unlocking the openable housing 102 and/or the openable housing part. In further preferred embodiments, the locking device 104 can also be controlled, for example, by an external unit which can send appropriate commands to the device for this purpose, for example via a data interface 1216 ( 6 ).

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device 100a is designed to unlock the openable housing 102 and/or the openable housing part, in particular to unlock it automatically (without interaction with a user B) if at least one of the following conditions is present: a ) an electrical power supply of the device 100a and/or at least one component 110 of the device 100a can no longer be maintained for a predeterminable required first operating time (or one or the minimum remaining operating time is less than the predeterminable required first operating time), b) a malfunction of the device 100a and/or at least one component of the device 100a. In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device 100a is designed to check, in particular to check periodically, the presence of at least one of the aforementioned conditions a), b).

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device 110, 1100 has a maximum electrical power consumption of 40 watts, in particular 32 watts.

In further preferred embodiments, which are described below with reference to FIG 7 are described, it is provided that the device 100b has at least one of the following elements: a display device 150 (e.g. flat screen, in particular touch-sensitive flat screen), a device 160 for outputting and/or inputting acoustic signals, in particular speech, a digital image acquisition device 170 ( e.g. digital camera or webcam).

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the secondary control device 1200 ( 6 ) has at least one of the following elements: an interface 1210 for controlling a display device 150 ( 7 ), an interface 1212 ( 6 ) for controlling a device 160 for outputting and/or inputting acoustic signals, an interface 1214 for controlling a digital image acquisition device 170, at least one data interface 1216 for establishing a data connection with at least one external unit, in particular a server 252 and/or a cloud server system 250.

The secondary control device 1200 is preferably designed to provide a graphical user interface via the display device 150, for example under the control of the second computer program PRG2.

In further preferred embodiments, the device 100b has an optional input element 152, for example an input button or button, in particular a push button.

In further preferred embodiments, the device 100b has an illumination device 152a for illuminating the input element 152 and/or other components or areas of the device 100b. In further preferred embodiments, the lighting device 152a has one or more semiconductor light sources, in particular LEDs (preferably RGB LEDs), which are designed and arranged in particular in such a way that they cover at least part of the optional pushbutton 152 (and/or one surrounding the pushbutton 152 Area of the housing 102, in particular a housing wall in which the push button 152 is preferably installed) can illuminate at least temporarily.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the lighting device 152a or at least one light source of the lighting device 152a surrounds the optional pushbutton 152, e.g. in the form of a ring or rounded rectangle, at least partially, preferably completely.

In further preferred embodiments, the LEDs of the lighting device 152a can alternatively or additionally also illuminate a symbol on an actuation surface of the optional push button 152 . In further preferred embodiments, the device 100b can also be designed to use or to control the lighting device 152a to illuminate the optional push button 152 for the visual signaling of information to a user B.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device 100b is designed to signal at least one operating state of the device 100b and/or at least one component of the device 100b by means of the lighting device 152a, for example using light of different colors (e.g. red, green, etc., possibly also by flashing).

In further preferred embodiments, the primary control device 110, 1100 is designed to determine and/or monitor the state of the pushbutton 152. Inputs made by a user B of the device 100b using the pushbutton 152 can thus preferably be recognized directly by the primary control device 110, 1100 and, if necessary, processed.

In further preferred embodiments, the primary control device 110, 1100 is designed to assume an energy-saving state at least temporarily. In further preferred embodiments, the primary control device 110, 1100 is designed to be switched from its energy-saving state to a different operating state when the push button 152 is actuated. For example, a signal from the push button 152 and/or a signal derived therefrom can be used in further preferred embodiments to apply to an interrupt request (interrupt) input of the primary control device 110, 1100, which enables an efficient change of operating state.

In further preferred embodiments, the primary control device 110, 1100 is designed to control the lighting device 152a.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device 110, 1100 is designed to signal at least one operating state of the device 100b and/or at least one component of the device 100b by means of the lighting device 152a, for example using light of different colors (e.g. red , green, etc., possibly also by flashing). This advantageously ensures that eg Operating states of the device 100b can also be signaled by the primary control device 110, 1100 via the lighting device 152a if, for example, the secondary control device 120, 1200 is currently not operational or is currently not able to output information to a user B, for example by means of the display device 150, for example in the form of the graphical user interface.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device 100b is designed to signal a forthcoming and/or currently available dispensing time for the dispensing of medication, in particular in the form of a blister bag. In this way, the user B can be made aware that it may be necessary to remove the blister bag from the device 100b and/or to take the corresponding medication.

In further preferred embodiments, the signaling can take place, for example, by outputting corresponding information via the graphical user interface on the display device 150, in particular under the control of the secondary control device 120, 1200.

In further preferred embodiments, the signaling can take place, for example, by outputting corresponding information using lighting device 152a (e.g. flashing with a specifiable light color), in particular under the control of primary control device 110, 1100.

In further preferred embodiments, the signaling can also take place by outputting corresponding information via the graphical user interface on display device 150, in particular under the control of secondary control device 120, 1200, and by outputting corresponding information by means of lighting device 152a (e.g. flashing with a specifiable light color), in particular under the control of the primary controller 110, 1100.

In further preferred embodiments, the signaling described above can optionally be supplemented by an acoustic signal.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device 100b is designed to inform a user B by means of a signal, for example by means of the display device 150 and/or the lighting device 152a (and/or acoustically), that a blister bag is about to be issued to wait for an input from user B (whereby the input from user B is, for example, a confirmation of the previous signaling and/or a request for the blister bag to be dispensed), and (in particular only) after the input from user B the blister bag also to the user to spend B. In further preferred embodiments, the blister bag can be held within the housing 102 of the device for possible dispensing prior to dispensing, but in this situation the blister bag thus held is not already removable from the outside.

In further preferred embodiments, waiting for user B's input can include, for example, at least one of the following elements: waiting for user B's input on the (touch-sensitive) display device 150, waiting for user B's input using the optional push button 152.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device 1200 also has at least one transport device interface (not in 6 shown, comparable to item 1109 figure 5 ), via which the secondary control device 1200 can control the transport device 132 of the device 100, 100a, 100b for dispensing medication, in particular blister bags.

figure 8 12 shows a simplified block diagram in accordance with further preferred embodiments. Control devices 110, 120 are shown, with data interface 1216 of secondary control device 120 or 1200 having a first, in particular IP (Internet Protocol)-based interface 1216a, which, for example, has a data connection A11 via LAN and/or WLAN to at least one private and/or public network 254 (e.g. internet or cloud). The data interface 1216 of the secondary control device 120 or 1200 also has an optional second interface 1216b, which establishes, for example, a wireless data connection A12 using a mobile (cellular) communication system 256, the communication system 256 being a 3G system or a 4G system, for example (e.g. LTE) or a 5G system.

Data interface 1216 enables efficient data exchange between device 100 or its secondary control device 120, 1200 with at least one unit located remotely from device 100 or a system located remotely from device 100, in particular an information technology (IT) system, e.g. cloud system 250 and/or the server 252 and/or a computer or terminal 258 of a nursing service and/or doctor B′, which can at least temporarily control or influence or monitor the operation of the device 100 remotely (from a distance). The corresponding data connections, which are preferably also IP (Internet Protocol)-based or generally packet data-based data connections, are in 8 with the arrows A13 (eg connection of the server 252 to the Internet 250 or the cloud), A14 (connection of the doctor's terminal 258 to the Internet 250 or the cloud), A15 (direct data connection between the server 252 and the doctor's Terminal 258, eg via a local area network (LAN) or private network (eg virtual private network, VPN)), A16 (connection of the doctor's terminal 258 via, for example, an LTE communication system 256).

Furthermore, in 8 a data communication (e.g. realized by the USB data connection between the interfaces 1106 ( figure 5 ), 1206 ( 6 )) between the primary control device 110 and the secondary control device 120 indicated by the arrow A8. The USB data connection A8 can be used to periodically exchange data between the devices 110, 120, for example, in order to allow for a failure of at least one of the devices 110, 120 by the other device, for example after the absence of the data to be sent periodically for a predefinable waiting time. Alternatively or additionally, further data can also be exchanged via the USB data connection A8. For example, the primary control device 110 can request new control information SI1, SI2 from the secondary control device 120 via the USB data connection A8, and the secondary control device 120 can send the new control information SI1, SI2 to the primary control device 110 via the USB data connection A8, etc .

Furthermore, in 8 at least temporarily controlling or influencing the operation of primary control device 110 by secondary control device 120 by arrow A9 and at least temporarily controlling or influencing the operation of secondary control device 120 by primary control device 110 by arrow A10. In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device 110 ( 8 ) or 1100 ( figure 5 ) is designed to control the secondary control device 120 ( 8 ) or 1200 ( 6 ) via the at least one control interface 1108 ( figure 5 ) to reset (i.e. to reset), in particular to put it into a reset state. This can be brought about, for example, by the primary control device 110, 1100 sending a reset signal A10 via its control interface 1108 to a reset input (not shown) of the secondary control device 120 or its computing device 1102 ( figure 5 ) outputs. As a result, for example, software-related error states of the secondary control device can be ended and, in particular, a restart of the secondary control device 120 can be effected.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device 110 ( 8 ) or 1100 ( figure 5 ) is designed to switch the secondary control device 120, 1200 from a first operating state to a second operating state via the at least one control interface 1108, with the first operating state in particular being an energy-saving state (e.g. standby mode) and the second operating state being an active operating state. This can be brought about, for example, by the primary control device 110, 1100 sending a "wake-up signal" A10 via its control interface 1108 to an interrupt input of the secondary control device 120 or its computing device 1202 ( 6 ) outputs, as a result of which a corresponding interrupt request (interrupt) can be transmitted to the secondary control device 120 or its computing device 1202, which puts the secondary control device 120 into the active operating state.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device 110, 1100 is designed to periodically receive data A8 from the secondary control device 120, 1200 and to initiate a first error response if no data is received from the secondary control device 120 for a specifiable first waiting time , 1200 are received, wherein the first error reaction includes in particular a resetting or the resetting of the secondary control device.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the primary control device 110, 1100 is designed to switch the secondary control device 120, 1200, in particular repeatedly, more particularly periodically, from an energy-saving state to an active operating state. This makes it possible for the secondary control device 120, 1200 to be regularly put into an energy-saving state, as a result of which the electrical power consumption of the device is reduced. At the same time, the secondary control device 120, 1200 can be activated or woken up again by the primary control device 110, 1100 if required.

For example, in further preferred embodiments, the primary control device 110, 1100 can then wake up the secondary control device 120, 1200 or activate it again from an energy-saving state if a function is required for the operation of the primary control device 110, 1100 or the device 100, 100a, 100b of the secondary controller 120, 1200 is required. In further preferred embodiments, this can be the case in particular in the following exemplary situations: a) the data interface 1216 is required for communication with at least one external unit 250, 252, 258, for example to signal an error and/or new control information SI3 ( 8 ) from the external unit 250, 252, 258 (e.g. for planning a future medication issue), b) an interaction with the user B is to be carried out (display of information on the display device 150, compare figure 7 , and/or audio output or audio input), c) new control data SI2 from the storage device 1204 of the secondary control device 1200 are to be retrieved or transmitted to the primary control device 1100.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device 120, 1200 is designed to reset the primary control device 110, 1100 via the at least one control interface 1208. This can be done, for example, if there is an error or a malfunction in the operation of the primary control device 110, 1100. As a result, for example, software-related or firmware-related error states of the primary control device can be ended and, in particular, a restart of the primary control device 110, 1100 can be effected.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary control device 120, 1200 is designed to periodically receive data A8 from the primary control device 110, 1100 (for example again via the USB interface 1106, 1206 already described above) and to initiate a second error response if no data is received from the primary control device 110, 1100 for a second, specifiable waiting time, with the second error response involving in particular a resetting of the primary control device 110 , 1100 includes. In further preferred embodiments, the second waiting time can be at least approximately equal to the first waiting time. In further preferred embodiments, however, the second waiting time can also be larger or smaller than the first waiting time.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the secondary control device 120, 1200 is designed to a) operate at least one component 110, 1100, 180, 181, 104, 130, 132, 134, 140, 150, 160, 170 of the device 100, 100a, 100b and/or b) information characterizing an operating state of at least one component 110, 1100, 180, 181, 104, 130, 132, 134, 140, 150, 160, 170 of the device 100, 100a, 100b to send a or the external unit 250, 252, 258.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b, as already mentioned above with reference to FIG figure 1 described, has a primary electrical power supply unit 180 and a secondary electrical power supply unit 181, with the primary electrical power supply unit 180 in particular being designed for connection to a power grid, in particular an AC power grid, with the secondary electrical power supply unit 181 in particular having at least one of the following elements includes: battery, accumulator, ultracapacitor (e.g. double-layer capacitor).

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondary electrical energy supply unit 181 is designed to at least temporarily supply at least some components of the device with electrical energy, with the secondary electrical energy supply unit 181 in particular being designed to at least temporarily supply at least the primary control device 110, 1100 and to supply the transport device 132 with electrical energy. This advantageously ensures that operation of the device 100, 100a, 100b for dispensing medication can be maintained even in the event of a fault in the primary electrical energy supply unit 180 or in the mains supply feeding it.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b is designed to detect a fault and/or a failure of the power grid and from a first operating mode in which the device 100, 100a, 100b is powered by the primary electrical energy supply unit 180 can be supplied by the power grid to switch to a second operating mode, in which case at least some components of the device 100, 100a, 100b can be supplied with electrical energy by means of the secondary electrical energy supply unit 181 in the second operating mode. figure 9 shows an example of a simplified state diagram with the first operating mode BA1, the first operating mode BA1 corresponding, for example, to a properly operating mains power supply of the device by means of the primary electrical energy supply unit 180, and the second operating mode BA2 corresponding to battery operation, for example, in which the device 100, 100a , 100b is operated by means of the secondary electrical energy supply unit 181, in particular using workable electrical charge stored at least temporarily in at least one "electrical energy store" (for example accumulator and/or battery and/or supercapacitor or any combination thereof) of the secondary electrical energy supply unit 181. A first state transition T12 from the first operating mode BA1 to the second operating mode BA2 occurs, for example, when a mains power supply fails, and a second state transition T21 from the second operating mode BA2 to the first operating mode BA1 occurs, for example, when a mains power supply fails after a previous failure is recovered. In further preferred embodiments, chargeable electrical energy stores of the secondary electrical energy supply unit 181 can be (re)charged in the first operating mode BA1.

In further preferred embodiments, the state transitions T12, T21 between the different operating modes BA1, BA2 or a monitoring of the electrical energy supply by the components 180, 181 can be controlled or executed either by the primary control device 110, 1100 or by the secondary control device 120, 1200 become. In further preferred embodiments, it is also conceivable that the control of the state transitions and/or the monitoring of the components 180, 181 or their electrical energy supply (presence or level of the mains voltage and/or determination of the state of charge of the accumulator) is carried out both by the primary control device 110 , 1100 and also by the secondary control device 120, 1200, for example using a redundancy principle. In other preferred embodiments, the control device(s) 110, 120, 1100, 1200 can be controlled accordingly, for example by the functionality of the first computer program PRG1 and/or the second computer program PRG2.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b is designed to signal the disruption and/or failure of the power grid to at least one external unit 250, 252, 258.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b is designed to, depending on the first control information Si1 ( figure 5 ) and/or the second control information SI2 ( 6 ) to determine future output times AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4 at which drugs 200b ( 4 ), for example in the form of one or more blister bags, to be dispensed by the device 100, 100a, 100b. This is shown schematically in the timing diagram figure 10 shown. Without restricting the generality, it is assumed for the present example that the device 100, 100a, 100b is in the first operating mode BA1 (for example mains operation) at the time t0. Then, at time t1, there is a disruption in the power grid, for example a power failure, with device 100, 100a, 100b switching to the second operating mode BA2 ( 9 ) (e.g. battery operation or accumulator operation) changes. Device 100, 100a, 100b then determines, as already described above, depending on first control information SI1 ( figure 5 ) and/or the second control information SI2 ( 6 ) the future issue times AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4 at which the drugs 200b ( 4 ) are to be output by the device 100, 100a, 100b. The determination takes place, for example, immediately after the power failure, or shortly thereafter, for example at the point in time t2>t1. For example, the first output time AZP1 determined in this way corresponds to time t3>t2, the second output time AZP2 to time t4>t3, the third output time AZP3 to time t5>t4, and the fourth output time AZP4 to time t6>t5.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b is designed to set a minimum remaining operating time BDmin of the device 100, 100a, 100b in the second operating mode BA2 ( 9 ) to be determined, whereby the future issue times are taken into account in particular. This means that the device 100, 100a, 100b takes into account, in particular, a possibly increased electrical energy consumption for the relevant output times (compared to an energy-saving state, for example caused by the operation of the transport device 132). For example, if a comparatively large number of output times has been determined, the minimum remaining operating time BDmin will turn out to be comparatively small compared to another application example in which a comparatively small number of output times for battery operation has been determined. Knowing the minimum remaining operating time BDmin of the device 100, 100a, 100b in the In the second operating mode BA2, the further operation of the device 100, 100a, 100b can be controlled particularly precisely, in particular with the aim of ensuring an uninterrupted or as long as possible proper supply of the user B with his medication 200b.

Analogously to the monitoring of components 180, 181 described above, the determination of the output times or the minimum remaining operating time BDmin can also be carried out by primary control device 110 and/or by secondary control device 120.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b is designed to have a first number N1 ( 8 ) that characterizes for how many of the future output times operation of the device can be maintained in the second operating mode BA2. For example, with the example in figure 10 illustrated situation of battery operation BA2 can be maintained at least up to time t5, so that a total of three future output times AZP1, AZP2, AZP3 can be maintained in battery operation BA2. In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b is designed to output the minimum remaining operating time BDmin and/or the first number N1 to a user B of the device 100, 100a, 100b (for example via the display device 150 or a corresponding graphical user interface and/or in the form of an audio signal, for example a voice output or a signal tone, or by means of combinations thereof) and/or to at least one external unit 250, 252, 258. In this way, the user B and/or a nursing service or medical staff B' can efficiently be informed of the possibly critical operating situation and a possible impending shortage (e.g. if the power failure persists beyond time t5) of medication, so that countermeasures can be taken in good time can be initiated.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b is designed to determine whether the minimum remaining operating time BDmin allows medication to be dispensed for a predefinable second number N2 of dispensing times of the future dispensing times. The predefinable second number N2 can be configured or parameterized, for example, and can also be predeter- mined or selected depending on the medication to be dispensed or the medication plan.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b is designed to do this when the minimum remaining operating time BDmin requires medication to be dispensed for the predefinable second number N2 (for example N2=4) of dispensing times AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4 of future dispensing times no longer allows a predefinable third number N3 (e.g. N3>=4) of future dispensing times to dispense medication corresponding to an unscheduled dispensing of medication before these future dispensing times AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4, in particular within the minimum remaining operating time BDmin, in particular immediately after it has been determined that the minimum remaining operating time BDmin no longer allows medication to be dispensed for the predefinable second number N2 of dispensing times. For example, the unscheduled dispensing of medication can take place directly after the aforementioned evaluation, for example shortly after time t2.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b is designed to receive a release for the unscheduled dispensing of medication from an external unit 250, 252, 258 and/or a user B' of the external unit 258 ( doctor's terminal). On the doctor's terminal 258, a treating or caring doctor B 'for example, the current operating situation Device are signaled, preferably together with the request for approval for the unscheduled drug delivery, whereupon the doctor B 'make an appropriate decision and grant or deny the approval. After the release has been granted, the unscheduled dispensing of medication can take place as described above by way of example. In particular, as part of the unscheduled dispensing of medication, the entire stock of medication in the reservoir 130 of the device 100, 100a, 100b can also be dispensed, for example as a precaution in the event of a prolonged interruption in the electrical power supply of the device.

In further preferred embodiments, if the attending doctor B' refuses the unscheduled dispensing of medication, corresponding information can be output to the user B of the device 100, 100a, 100b, for example again in a visually perceptible form via the display device 150 and/or by means of a Speech output, compare unit 160 and/or a combination of the above measures. In further preferred embodiments, the information to user B can also include further information in this case, for example about alternative remedial measures that the attending physician B' may have initiated (e.g. sending a nursing service to user B or to device 100, 100a , 100b, e.g. for maintenance).

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b is designed to, in the second operating mode BA2 ( 9 ) to put at least one component of the device into a power-saving state or to deactivate it. In the second operating mode BA2, all components of the device that are not absolutely necessary for the secure dispensing of medication at future dispensing times (for example components that enable comfort functions such as the output of a time on the display device 150) are particularly preferably deactivated or put into an energy-saving state and/or communication via the interface 1216 and/or other electrical consumers).

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that at least temporarily the primary control device 110 is put into an energy-saving state. In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the primary control device 110 has a maximum electrical power consumption of 60 mW (milliwatts) in this energy-saving state, in particular 50 mW or less.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that an electrical capacitance of the secondary electrical energy supply unit 181 (or its storage devices such as batteries or accumulators, for example, in relation to two supercapacitors) ( 1 ) is so great that the minimum remaining operating time BDmin is at least about 12 hours, preferably at least about 24 hours. When designing the electrical storage capacity, the future dispensing times that are dependent on a given medication plan and, associated therewith, at least part-time operation of the transport device 132 can advantageously be taken into account.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that a or the electrical capacity of the secondary electrical energy supply unit 181 is at least approximately 2000 milliampere hours (mAh), in particular at least 3000 mAh at a preferably 15 volt nominal voltage.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a method for operating a device 100, 100a, 100b for dispensing medication 200b according to the above with reference to FIG Figure 1 to Figure 10 exemplary embodiments described figure 11 Figure 12 shows a simplified flow chart according to preferred embodiments

In step 300, the primary control device 110, 1100 controls at least the first component K1 of the device 100, 100a, 100b, in step 302 the secondary control device 120, 1200 controls at least the second component K2 of the device 100, 100a, 100b, and in the optional In step 304, the device 100, 100a, 100b dispenses medication, preferably in the form of one or more blister bags, to the user B at dispensing times selected as a function of control information SI1 and/or SI2 and/or SI3. For this purpose, for example, the transport device 132 ( figure 4 ) controlled by the primary control device 110, 1100.

In other preferred embodiments, compare the flow chart of FIG figure 12 , it is provided that the primary control device 110 at least temporarily stores the first control information SI1, see step 310, the first control information having in particular administration information characterizing administration times of medication and/or medication or medication information characterizing the medication. In the optional step 312, the primary control device 110 controls the transport device 132 depending on the first control information SI1. As already described above, the first control information SI1 contains further information PI, M1 that enable the primary control device 110 and/or the secondary control device 120 to determine future dispensing times for medication to be dispensed by means of the device 100, 100a, 100b.

In other preferred embodiments, compare the flow chart of FIG figure 13 , it is provided that the secondary control device 120 at least temporarily stores the second control information SI2, compare step 320, the second control information SI2 having in particular administration information characterizing administration times of medicines and/or medicines or medicine information characterizing the medicines. In the optional step 322, the second control information SI2 or at least parts thereof can be transmitted to the primary control device 110, for example via a USB interface A8 (compare also the elements 1106, 1206 from figure 5 , 6 ).

For other preferred embodiments, see figure 14 , it is provided that the primary control device 110 periodically receives data from the secondary control device 120, see step 330, and initiates a first error reaction, see step 332, if no data is received from the secondary control device for a predeterminable first waiting time, the first Error reaction includes in particular a resetting of the secondary control device 120 . In optional step 334, the primary control device 110 can control the transport device 132 autonomously, i.e. in particular without a data connection that may exist to the secondary control device 120 and/or without the involvement of the secondary control device 120. This advantageously ensures that the primary control device 110 is at least temporarily can maintain the operation of the device 100, 100a, 100b for dispensing medication even in the event of malfunctions of the secondary control device 120 alone.

For other preferred embodiments, see figure 15 , it is provided that the secondary control device 120 periodically receives data from the primary control device 110, cf. step 340, and initiates a second error reaction, step 342, if no data is received from the primary control device 110 for a specifiable second waiting time, the second Error reaction includes in particular a resetting of the primary control device 110 .

In further specific embodiments, it can be provided in optional step 344 that the error state of primary control device 110 detected in step 342 is signaled to at least one external unit 250, 252, 258. This is particularly expedient in further preferred embodiments in which the secondary control device 120--in contrast to the primary control device 110--does not trigger the transport device 132 and thus cannot cause medication to be dispensed because the error state is escalated by the signaling according to step 344, as a result of which countermeasures can be introduced efficiently.

In other preferred specific embodiments, in which the secondary control device 120 can also directly trigger the transport device 132 itself, the same procedure can be used, ie a signaling according to step 344 can be carried out. Alternatively or additionally, in step 344, the secondary control device 120 can be operated independently at least temporarily and, in particular, can be operated in such a way that it controls the transport device 132 in order to cause medication to be dispensed, in particular during the failure of the primary control device 110.

In further preferred embodiments, for the method according to Figure 14, 15 provision can also be made for the relevant control device to be reset several times, for example for a predetermined number of reset processes, if data or information that is usually to be received periodically is absent from the respective other control device. If no data is received from the control device concerned even after it has been reset several times for the specified number of times or no other indications of renewed proper functioning of the control device concerned can be determined (e.g. characteristic pattern of a time profile of an electrical power consumption that indicates proper function of the relevant control device), the persisting error state of the relevant control device is signaled to at least one external unit 250, 252, 258 and/or displayed to the user B. In these cases, too, in further preferred embodiments medication can be dispensed unscheduled (possibly after prior approval by doctor B′).

For other preferred embodiments, see figure 16 , it is provided that the secondary control device a) monitors operation of at least one component of device 100, 100a, 100b, step 350, and/or b) transmits information characterizing an operating state of at least one component of device 100, 100a, 100b to one or the external unit 250, 252, 258 sends, see step 352.

Provision is optionally made in further preferred embodiments for the device 100, 100a, 100b to receive third control information SI3 ( 8 ) receives, step 354, and controls an operation of at least one component of the device, in particular an operation of the primary control device 110, depending on the third control information SI3, step 356, with the device in particular dispensing medication depending on the third control information SI3.

For example, secondary control device 120 can use its data connection to the at least one external unit 250, 252, 258 to receive third control information SI3 from external unit 250, 252, 258, on the basis of which device 100, 100a, 100b generates second control information SI2 and determines or forms the first control information SI1, which controls the operation of the primary control device 110 with regard to the activation of the transport device 132 and thus the dispensing of medication.

In further preferred embodiments, steps 354, 356 can be carried out after 16 can also be carried out independently, i.e. in particular without the 16 previous steps 350, 352.

figure 17 shows schematically a simplified flow chart of a method according to further preferred embodiments. In step 360 the device 100, 100a, 100b has its first operating mode BA1 ("mains operation"), in step 362 the device 100, 100a, 100b switches on, for example due to a power failure of a power grid that the device is connected to its second operating mode BA2 ("battery operation"), and in the optional step 364 the device 100, 100a, 100b changes from the second operating mode BA2 back to the first operating mode BA1 because the mains power supply has been restored . In step 364, for example, an accumulator of the secondary electrical energy supply unit 181 ( 1 ) to be recharged.

figure 18 shows schematically a simplified flow chart of a method according to further preferred embodiments. In step 370 the device 100, 100a, 100b detects a failure of the power grid and then changes in step 372 from its first operating mode BA1 to its second operating mode BA2. In the optional step 374, the device 100, 100a, 100b signals the disruption and/or failure of the power grid to at least one external unit 250, 252, 258 ( 8 ) and/or the user B.

figure 19 shows schematically a simplified flow chart of a method according to further preferred embodiments. Device 100, 100a, 100b determines, cf. step 380, future output times AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, .. ( 10 ) for which medication is to be dispensed by the device 100, 100a, 100b. In further embodiments, this can preferably be done by the primary control device 110, for example under the control of the first computer program PRG1. Alternatively or additionally, however, this can also be done by the secondary control device 120, for example under the control of the second computer program PRG2. In further preferred embodiments, a redundant execution of step 380 by both control devices 110, 120 is also conceivable. In the optional further step 382, the device 100, 100a, 100b determines a or the minimum remaining operating time BDmin ( 10 ) of the device in the second operating mode BA2, with future dispensing times AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, . . In further embodiments, step 382 can preferably be carried out by the primary control device 110, for example under the control of the first computer program PRG1. As an alternative or in addition, however, step 382 can also be executed by the secondary control device 120, for example under the control of the second computer program PRG2. In further preferred embodiments, a redundant execution of step 382 by both control devices 110, 120 is also conceivable.

In other preferred embodiments, compare the flow chart of FIG figure 20 , It is provided that the device 100, 100a, 100b determines a first number N1, see step 390, which characterizes how many of the future output times an operation of the device 100, 100a, 100b can be maintained in the second operating mode BA2, where in particular the device 100, 100a, 100b outputs the minimum remaining operating time BDmin to a user B of the device 100, 100a, 100b and/or signals it to at least one external unit 250, 252, 258, cf. the optional step 392, and/or outputs the first number N1 to a user B of the device 100, 100a, 100b and/or signals it to at least one external unit 250, 252, 258, cf. the further optional step 394.

figure 21 shows schematically a simplified flow chart of a method according to further preferred embodiments. In step 400 the device 100, 100a, 100b is in its second operating mode BA2. In step 402, the device 100, 100a, 100b determines whether the minimum remaining operating time BDmin allows medication to be dispensed for a predeterminable second number N2 of dispensing times of the future dispensing times, with the device 100, 100a, 100b in particular then when the minimum remaining Operating time BDmin one no longer permits dispensing of medication for a predeterminable second number of dispensing times of the future dispensing times, dispenses medication corresponding to a predeterminable third number of future dispensing times as part of an unscheduled dispensing of medication before these future dispensing times, in particular within the minimum remaining operating time, more particularly immediately after it has been determined is that the minimum remaining operating time no longer allows medication to be dispensed for the predefinable second number of dispensing times, cf. optional step 404.

figure 22 shows schematically a simplified flow chart of a method according to further preferred embodiments. Steps 400, 402 correspond to the corresponding steps in FIG figure 21 . In contrast to figure 21 fetches the device in accordance with the method figure 22 in step 403 before the unscheduled drug delivery, compare step 404` figure 22 , a release for the unscheduled medication delivery 404` from an external unit 250, 252, 258 and/or a user B' of the external unit 258. If the release is granted, the unscheduled dispensing of medication takes place in step 404'.

In further preferred embodiments, one or more of the above examples with reference to Figures 1 to 22 described embodiments can be combined with each other.

Further preferred embodiments relate to the use of at least one device 100, 100a, 100b according to the embodiments and/or the method according to the embodiments for dispensing medication 200b, in particular to a user B, and/or for the care of one or more persons B with medicaments, in particular for the supply of medicaments to persons located at several different geographical locations.

The principle according to the embodiments enables a particularly safe and reliable operation of the device, in particular even when some components of the device fail at least temporarily or their operation is restricted in some other way. In particular, in further preferred embodiments, an emergency operation for the regulated dispensing of medication can be maintained, preferably under the control of the primary control device 110, in particular even when the secondary control device 120 is not working or is not working properly.

Claims (25)

1. A device (100; 100a; 100b) for dispensing medicaments, the device (100; 100a; 100b) comprising a primary control means (110; 1100) for controlling at least one first component (K1) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) and a secondary control means (120; 1200) for controlling at least one second component (K2) of the device (100; 100a; 100b), wherein the device is adapted to dispense medicaments (210a, 210b, 211a, 212a, 212b, 212c) arranged in blister bags (210, 211, 212), wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) comprises a storage container (130) for medicaments, in particular blister bags, to be dispensed, and a transport means (132) for conveying the medicaments, in particular blister bags, out of the storage container (130), wherein the primary control means (110; 1100) is adapted to periodically receive data from the secondary control means (120; 1200) and to initiate a first error reaction if no data is received from the secondary control means (120; 1200) for a predeterminable first waiting time.
2. The device (100; 100a: 100b) according to claim 1, wherein the primary control means (110; 1100) is adapted to at least temporarily store first control information (SI1), wherein the first control information (SI1) comprises intake information (EI) of medicaments characterizing intake times and/or medicaments or medicament information (MI) characterizing the medicaments, respectively.
3. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, a) wherein the primary control means (110; 1100) comprises a first data interface (1106) for a, preferably bidirectional, exchange (A4) of data with at least the secondary control means (120; 1200), wherein in particular the first data interface (1106) comprises a serial data interface, preferably of the type Universal Serial Bus, USB, and/or b) wherein the secondary control means (120; 1200) comprises a first data interface (1206) for a, preferably bidirectional, exchange of data with at least the primary control means (110; 1100), wherein further in particular the first data interface (1206) comprises a serial data interface, preferably of the type Universal Serial Bus, USB.
4. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein

   A) the primary control means (110; 1100) comprises at least one control interface (1108) acting on the secondary control means (120, 1200), wherein the primary control means (110; 1100) is adapted to

   Aa) reset the secondary control means (120; 1200) via the at least one control interface (1108), in particular to set it into a reset state, and/or

   Ab) set the secondary control means (120; 1200) via the at least one control interface (1108) from a first operating state to a second operating state, wherein in particular the first operating state is an energy saving state and the second operating state is an active operating state, and/or wherein

   B) the secondary control means (120; 1200) comprises at least one control interface (1208) acting on the primary control means (110; 1100), wherein in particular the secondary control means (120; 1200) is adapted to reset the primary control means (110; 1100) via the at least one control interface (1108), in particular to set it into a reset state.
5. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first error reaction comprises in particular a or the resetting of the secondary control means (120; 1200), and/or wherein the secondary control means (120; 1200) is adapted to periodically receive data from the primary control means (110; 1100) and to initiate a second error reaction if no data is received from the primary control means (110; 1100) for a predeterminable second waiting time, wherein the second error reaction comprises in particular a or the resetting of the primary control means (110; 1100).
6. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary control means (110; 1100) is adapted to autarkically control the transport means (132), in particular without any cooperation of the secondary control means (120; 1200), in particular depending on the first control information (SI1).
7. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein

   A) the secondary control means (120; 1200) comprises at least one of the following elements: an interface (1210) for controlling a or the display device (150), an interface (1212) for controlling a or the means (160) for outputting and/or inputting acoustic signals, an interface (1214) for controlling a or the digital image acquisition means (170), at least one data interface (1216) for establishing a data connection with at least one external unit (250), in particular a server (252) and/or a cloud server system (250), and/or wherein

   B) the secondary control means (110; 1100) is adapted to

   Ba) monitor an operation of at least one component (110, 120, 130, 132, 134, 140, 150, 160, 170) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) and/or

   Bb) send information characterizing an operating state of at least one component (110, 120, 130, 132, 134, 140, 150, 160, 170) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) to an or the external unit (250, 252, 258), and/or wherein

   C) the secondary control means (120; 1200) is adapted to store, at least temporarily, second control information (SI2), wherein the second control information (SI2) in particular comprises intake information (EI') of medicaments characterizing intake times and/or medicaments or medicament information (MI') characterizing the medicaments, respectively.
8. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to receive third control information (S13) from an external unit (250, 252, 258) and to control an operation of at least one component (K1, K2) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) depending on the third control information (SI3), wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to execute the dispensing of medicaments depending on the third control information (S13).
9. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) comprises a primary electrical power supply unit (180) and a secondary electrical power supply unit (181), wherein in particular the primary electrical power supply unit (180) is adapted to be connected to an electrical power grid, in particular an AC power grid, wherein in particular the secondary electrical power supply unit (181) comprises at least one of the following elements: a battery, an accumulator, an ultracapacitor, wherein in particular the secondary electrical power supply unit (181) is adapted to at least temporarily supply at least some components of the device (100; 100a; 100b) with electrical power, wherein in particular the secondary electrical power supply unit (181) is adapted to supply at least the primary control means (110; 1100) and the transport means (132) with electrical power.
10. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to claim 9, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to detect a fault and/or a failure of the electrical power grid and to change from a first operating mode (BA1), in which the device (100; 100a; 100b) can be supplied by the electrical power grid by means of the primary electrical power supply unit (180), to a second operating mode (BA2), wherein in the second operating mode (BA2) at least some components of the device (100; 100a; 100b) can be supplied with electrical power by means of the secondary electrical power supply unit (181), wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to signal the fault and/or the failure of the electrical power grid to at least one external unit (250, 252, 258).
11. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the claims 2 to 10, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to determine, depending on the first control information (SI1) and/or the second control information (SI2) and/or the third control information (SI3), future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4) at which medicaments are to be dispensed by the device (100; 100a; 100b).
12. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the claims 10 to 11, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to determine a minimum remaining operating time (BDmin) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) in the second operating mode (BA2), wherein in particular the future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4) are taken into account for this purpose, wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to output the minimum remaining operating time (BDmin) to a user (B) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) and/or to signal the same to at least one external unit (250, 252, 258).
13. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the claims 11 to 12, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to determine a first number (N1) characterizing for how many of the future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4) an operation of the device (100; 100a; 100b) in the second operating mode (BA2) can be maintained, wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to output the first number (N1) to a user (B) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) and/or to signal the same to at least one external unit (250, 252, 258).
14. The device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the claims 12 to 13, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to determine whether the minimum remaining operating time (BDmin) allows dispensing of medicaments for a predeterminable second number (N2) of dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3) of the future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4), wherein

    in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to dispense medicaments corresponding to a predeterminable third number (N3) of future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4) within the scope of an extraordinary dispensing of medicaments prior to these future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4), if the minimum remaining operating time (BDmin) no longer allows dispensing of medicaments for a predeterminable second number (N2) of dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3) of the future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4),

    in particular within the minimum remaining operating time (BDmin),

    further in particular immediately after it has been determined that the minimum remaining operating time (BDmin) no longer allows dispensing of medicaments for the predeterminable second number (N2) of dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3), wherein

    in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) is adapted to obtain a clearance for the extraordinary dispensing of medicaments from an external unit (250, 252, 258) and/or a user (B') of the external unit (250, 252, 258) prior the extraordinary dispensing of medicaments.
15. A method for operating a device (100; 100a; 100b) for dispensing medicaments arranged in blister bags, in particular a device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) comprises a primary control means (110; 1100) for controlling at least one first component (K1) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) and a secondary control means (120; 1200) for controlling at least one second component (K2) of the device (100; 100a; 100b), wherein the primary control means (110; 1100) controls (300) the at least one first component (K1), and wherein the secondary control means (120; 1200) controls (302) the at least one second component (K2), wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) comprises a transport means (132) for conveying the blister bags, in particular out of a storage container (130), and wherein in particular the primary control means (110; 1100) controls (312) the transport means (132) for conveying the medicaments, in particular blister bags, wherein the primary control means (110; 1100) periodically receives (330) data from the secondary control means (120; 1200) and initiates (332) a first error reaction if no data is received from the secondary control means (120; 1200) for a predeterminable first waiting time.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the primary control means (110; 1100) at least temporarily stores (310) first control information (SI1), wherein the first control information (SI1) comprises in particular intake information (EI) of medicaments characterizing intake times and/or medicaments or medicament information (MI) characterizing the medicaments, respectively, wherein in particular the secondary control means (120; 1200) at least temporarily stores (320) second control information (SI2), wherein the second control information (SI2) in particular comprises intake information (EI') of medicaments characterizing intake times and/or medicaments or medicament information (MI') characterizing the medicaments, respectively.
17. The method according to at least one of the claims 15 to 16, wherein the primary control means (110; 1100) comprises a first data interface (1106) for, preferably bidirectional, exchange of data with at least the secondary control means (120; 1200), wherein further in particular the first data interface (1106) comprises a serial data interface, preferably of the type Universal Serial Bus, USB, wherein in particular the primary control means (110; 1100) comprises at least one control interface (1108) acting on the secondary control means (120; 1200), wherein the primary control means (110; 1100) a) resets the secondary control means (120; 1200) via the at least one control interface (1108), in particular sets it into a reset state, and/or b) sets the secondary control means (120; 1200) via the at least one control interface (1108) from a first operating state to a second operating state, wherein in particular the first operating state is an energy saving state and the second operating state is an active operating state.
18. The method according to at least one of the claims 15 to 17, wherein the first error reaction comprises a or the resetting of the secondary control means (120; 1200).
19. The method according to at least one of the claims 15 to 18, wherein the primary control means (110; 1100) controls (312; 334) the transport means (132) at least temporarily autarkically, in particular without the cooperation of the secondary control means (120; 1200).
20. The method according to at least one of the claims 15 to 19, wherein

    A) the secondary control means (120; 1200) comprises a first data interface (1206) for, preferably bidirectional, exchange of data with at least the primary control means (110; 1100),

    B) wherein further in particular the first data interface (1206) comprises a serial data interface, preferably of the type Universal Serial Bus, USB,

    C) wherein in particular the secondary control means (120; 1200) comprises at least one control interface (1208) acting on the primary control means (110; 1100),

    D) wherein in particular the secondary control means (120; 1200) resets the primary control means (110; 1100) via the at least one control interface (1208), in particular sets it into a reset state, and/or

    E) the secondary control means (120; 1200) periodically receives (340) data from the primary control means (110; 1100) and initiates (342) a second error reaction if no data is received from the primary control means (110; 1100) for a predeterminable second waiting time,

    F) wherein the second error reaction in particular comprises a or the resetting of the primary control means (110; 1100), and/or wherein in particular

    G) the secondary control means (110; 1100)

    G1) monitors (350) an operation of at least one component (110, 120, 130, 132, 134, 140, 150, 160, 170) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) and/or

    G2) sends (352) information characterizing an operating state of at least one component (110, 120, 130, 132, 134, 140, 150, 160, 170) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) to a or the external unit (250, 252, 258), and/or

    G3) the device (100; 100a; 100b) receives (354) third control information (SI3) from an external unit (250, 252, 258) and controls (356) an operation of at least one component (K1, K2) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) depending on the third control information (SI3), wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) executes the dispensing of medicaments depending on the third control information (S13).
21. The method according to at least one of the claims 15 to 20, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) comprises a primary electrical power supply unit (100) and a secondary electrical power supply unit (181), wherein in particular the primary electrical power supply unit (180) is adapted for connection to an electrical power grid, in particular an AC power grid, wherein in particular the secondary electrical power supply unit (181) comprises at least one of the following elements: a battery, an accumulator, an ultracapacitor, wherein the secondary electrical power supply unit (181) at least temporarily supplies at least some components of the device (100; 100a; 100b) with electrical power, wherein in particular the secondary electrical power supply unit (181) supplies at least the primary control means (110; 1100) and the transport means (132) with electrical power.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) determines (370) a fault and/or a failure of the electrical power grid and changes (372) from a first operating mode (BA1), in which the device (100; 100a; 100b) can be supplied by the electrical power grid by means of the primary electrical power supply unit (180), to a second operating mode (BA2), wherein in the second operating mode (BA2) at least some components of the device (100; 100a; 100b) are supplied with electrical power by means of the secondary electrical power supply unit (181), wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) signals (374) the fault and/or the failure of the electrical power grid to at least one external unit (250, 252, 258) .
23. The method according to at least one of the claims 16 to 22, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) determines (380) future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4) at which medicaments are to be dispensed by the device (100; 100a; 100b) depending on the first control information (SI1) and/or the second control information (SI2) .
24. The method according to at least one of the claims 22 to 23, wherein the device (100; 100a; 100b) determines (382) a minimum remaining operating time (BDmin) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) in the second operating mode (BA2), wherein in particular the future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4) are taken into account for this purpose, wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) determines (390) a first number (N1) which characterizes for how many of the future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4) an operation of the device (100; 100a; 100b) in the second operating mode (BA2) can be maintained, wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) outputs (392) the minimum remaining operating time (BDmin) and/or the first number (N1) to a user (B) of the device (100; 100a; 100b) and/or signals (394) the same to at least one external unit (250, 252, 258), wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) determines (402) whether the minimum remaining operating time (BDmin) allows dispensing of medicaments for a predeterminable second number (N2) of dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3) of the future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4), wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b), if the minimum remaining operating time (BDmin) no longer allows dispensing of medicaments for a predeterminable second number (N2) of dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3) of the future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4), dispenses (404; 404') medicaments corresponding to a predeterminable third number (N3) of future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4) within the scope of an extraordinary dispensing of medicaments prior to these future dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3, AZP4), in particular within the minimum remaining operating time (BDmin), further in particular immediately after it has been determined that the minimum remaining operating time (BDmin) no longer allows a dispensing of medicaments for the predeterminable second number (N2) of dispensing times (AZP1, AZP2, AZP3), wherein in particular the device (100; 100a; 100b) obtains (403) a clearance for the extraordinary dispensing of medicaments from an external unit (250, 252, 258) and/or a user (B') of the external unit (250, 252, 258) prior to the extraordinary dispensing of medicaments (404, 404').
25. Use of at least one device (100; 100a; 100b) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 14 and/or of the method according to at least one of the claims 15 to 24 for dispensing medicaments, in particular to a user (B), and/or for supplying medicaments to one or more persons, in particular for supplying medicaments to persons located at a plurality of different geographical positions.

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