EP3750521A1 - Medication auditing support system - Google Patents
Medication auditing support system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3750521A1 EP3750521A1 EP18905390.3A EP18905390A EP3750521A1 EP 3750521 A1 EP3750521 A1 EP 3750521A1 EP 18905390 A EP18905390 A EP 18905390A EP 3750521 A1 EP3750521 A1 EP 3750521A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- machine
- packaging
- auditing
- sachets
- medication
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 111
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 title claims abstract description 111
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 331
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 111
- 238000012550 audit Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 abstract description 33
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 39
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 21
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 16
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 13
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000002483 medication Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000015654 memory Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
- B65B57/02—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
- B65B43/12—Feeding flexible bags or carton blanks in flat or collapsed state; Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
- B65B43/123—Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
- B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
- B65B5/101—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity
- B65B5/103—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity for packaging pills or tablets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
- B65B61/26—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for marking or coding completed packages
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/06—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
- B65B9/08—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it in a web folded and sealed transversely to form pockets which are subsequently filled and then closed by sealing
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a medication auditing support system provided with a dose-packaging machine and an auditing machine.
- the dose-packaging machine automates packaging work to put medication into packaging sachets based on prescription data. Further, the auditing machine automates auditing work to check whether the medications are put in packaging sachets according to the prescription data or not.
- PTL 1 discloses: a packaged medication dispensing part having a discharging unit; a post-process part having a conveying unit and a packaged medication inspecting part; and a controlling part.
- the controlling part associates a conveyance speed of the conveying unit and a discharge speed of the discharging unit, and controls at least one of the conveying unit and the discharging unit so that a post-process is performed without a bundle of packaged medications being damaged.
- Patent Literature1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-209499
- the present invention has been made in consideration of such a situation, and aims to provide a medication auditing support system capable of adjusting a difference between processing speeds of a dose-packaging machine and an auditing machine.
- a medication auditing support system of a first aspect is provided with: a dose-packaging machine configured to package medication based on prescription data and discharge continuous packaging sachets; a conveying machine configured to receive the continuous packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine and feed the continuous packaging sachets in a length direction; an auditing machine configured to receive the continuous packaging sachets fed from the conveying machine and audit the medication packaged in the packaging sachets based on the prescription data; and a controlling machine configured to control the dose-packaging machine, the conveying machine and the auditing machine; and the conveying machine is provided with a buffer unit configured to store the continuous packaging sachets.
- the controlling machine when an amount of the packaging sachets stored in the buffer unit reaches a maximum permissible range, the controlling machine temporarily stops an operation of the dose-packaging machine.
- the buffer unit includes a dancer roller mechanism.
- the buffer unit includes a turret mechanism having a plurality of rotating shafts and configured to switch positions of the plurality of rotating shafts, the turret mechanism being configured to wind a part of the packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine by one of the rotating shafts and feed another part of the packaging sachets to the auditing machine by another one of the rotating shafts.
- the conveying machine receives the packaging sachets in synchronization with discharge of the packaging sachets from the dose-packaging machine.
- the conveying machine imparts certain tension to the continuous packaging sachets and receives only the packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine.
- a detector configured to detect a movement of one of the continuous packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine is provided, and the conveying machine receives the one of the packaging sachets based on a result of the detector.
- the controlling machine instructs the dose-packaging machine to package the medication based on an audit result of the auditing machine.
- a perforation forming machine configured to form perforations on the continuous packaging sachets that have been audited by the auditing machine is provided.
- the dose-packaging machine is provided with a switching mechanism configured to switch between a route to feed the packaging sachets to the auditing machine and a route to feed the packaging sachets to a place other than the auditing machine.
- a buffer unit is provided, it is possible to adjust a difference between processing speeds of a dose-packaging machine and an auditing machine.
- Medication prescribing work performed in hospitals, pharmacies and the like includes prescription data inputting work, picking work, automatic packaging work, dispensing auditing work, and administration guiding and prescribing work, when being roughly classified.
- administration guiding and prescribing work a pharmacist performs administration guidance to a patient, and prescribes packaged medication, after the dispensing auditing work.
- the prescription data includes, for example, a patient's name and age, a medication type of a medication or a name of the medication, an amount of the medication, usage of the medication, or a dose of the medication and the like.
- medication type of a medication in the present specification is synonymous with a classification of the medication or a kind of the medication.
- the pharmacist operates the receipt computer to print the prescription data from a printer connected to the receipt computer.
- the pharmacist picks a medication corresponding to the prescription data from a medication shelf.
- the medication includes, for example, tablets, capsules and the like.
- an automatic picking device configured to automatically pick the medication based on the prescription data inputted to the receipt computer may be used.
- FIG 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a medication auditing support system.
- a medication auditing support system 10 is provided with: a dose-packaging machine 100; a conveying machine 200; an auditing machine 300; and a controlling machine 500 configured to control the dose-packaging machine 100, the conveying machine 200 and the auditing machine 300.
- up/upward and “down/downward” indicating directions respectively mean “up/upward” and “down/downward” when the medication auditing support system is installed in a normal use state.
- vertical (longitudinal) and “horizontal (lateral) with reference to a folded portion of a long (continuous) packaging paper, respectively mean a direction orthogonal to the folded portion and a direction parallel to the folded portion.
- orthogonal includes “substantially orthogonal”
- parallel includes “substantially parallel”.
- upstream and downstream with regard to a conveyance direction of packaging paper or packaging sachets (packaging sachets), a conveyance destination direction side relative to a certain reference means “downstream”, and a side opposite to the conveyance destination direction means “upstream”.
- controlling machine 500 for example, a personal computer is given. Prescription data is inputted to the controlling machine 500 from a receipt computer online.
- the controlling machine 500 is provided, for example, with a displaying unit 502 having a display device and an operating unit 504 having a keyboard.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the medication auditing support system 10.
- the controlling machine 500 is electrically connected to the dose-packaging machine 100, the conveying machine 200, the auditing machine 300, the displaying unit 502 and the operating unit 504.
- the controlling machine 500 includes: a processing unit 506 configured to perform various kinds of controls; a storing unit 508 configured to store various kinds of data; and a communication interface 510 configured to perform data communication with an external network.
- the controlling machine 500 is connected to the receipt computer via the communication interface 510.
- the dose-packaging machine 100 has a casing 102.
- the dose-packaging machine 100 is provided with a plurality of feeders 104 for storing a plurality of medications.
- the plurality of feeders 104 are arranged in a vertical direction (longitudinal direction) and in a horizontal direction (lateral direction).
- the plurality of feeders 104 can be arranged on a back side when seen from a front.
- the feeders 104 can drop the medications stored therein one by one, to the lower side.
- the controlling machine 500 can select necessary feeders 104 based on prescription data and cause the feeders to drop stored medication to the lower side from the feeder 104. Medication corresponding to one sachet is dropped to the lower side.
- Each feeder 104 can include: a cassette configured to accommodate medication; and a shooter or the like configured to guide the medication from the cassette to the lower side.
- the dose-packaging machine 100 is provided with a hopper 106 on the lower side of the feeders 104.
- the hopper 106 is a tubular member having openings on both sides. The opening on the upper side is wide, and the opening on the lower side is narrower than the upper-side opening.
- the hopper 106 collects medication dropped from feeders 104 on the upper side thereof and gathers the medication in one place on the lower side thereof.
- a feeding pipe 108 is provided on the lower side of the hopper 106.
- the dose-packaging machine 100 has a packaging mechanism 110 on the lower side of the feeding pipe 108. Tablets gathered by the hopper 106 are guided to the packaging mechanism 110 by the feeding pipe 108.
- the feeding pipe 108 is a tube-shaped member that extends in a vertical direction. A cross-section of the feeding pipe 108 may be in a circular shape or in an oval shape. Further, the feeding pipe 108 may be in a cylindrical shape or in a frustum shape. The shape of the feeding pipe 108 is not especially limited so long as the feeding pipe 108 can guide tablets to the packaging mechanism 110.
- the packaging mechanism 110 is provided with a supplying mechanism 114 configured to feed packaging paper 112 and a heat sealing mechanism 116 configured to heat-fuse the packaging paper 112.
- the packaging paper 112 is formed of a heat fusible material.
- the packaging paper 112 is in a state where a continuous sheet is two-folded in a lateral direction, and then wound in a roll shape.
- the heat sealing mechanism 116 has, for example, a vertical heating head (longitudinal heating head) 116A that is vertically (longitudinally) arranged and a horizontal heating head (lateral heating head) 116B that is horizontally (laterally) arranged.
- the heat sealing mechanism 116 can form vertical seal portions (longitudinal seal portions) and horizontal seal portions (lateral seal portions) on the packaging paper 112 that is being conveyed.
- the supplying mechanism 114 includes, for example, a shaft configured to hold the packaging paper 112 in a roll shape, a drive motor configured to rotate the shaft and the like.
- the controlling machine 500 can intermittently or continuously drive the drive motor to rotate.
- the packaging paper 112 is conveyed in a state in which the folded portion is located on the lower side.
- the vertical seal portion is formed on the packaging paper 112 by the vertical heating head 116A of the heat sealing mechanism 116.
- the packaging paper 112 is in a state of being half closed.
- the half-closed packaging paper 112 passes below the feeding pipe 108.
- Medication corresponding to one sachet is supplied to the half-closed packaging paper 112 from the feeding pipe 108.
- the horizontal seal portion is formed by the horizontal heating head 116B of the heat sealing mechanism 116.
- the heat sealing mechanism 116 heat fuses packaging paper 112 to form packaging sachets 118 which individually packages the medication.
- the dose-packaging machine 100 discharges continuous packaging sachets 118 from a discharge port 120.
- the vertical heating head 116A of the heat sealing mechanism 116 may be provided with a perforation forming machine (not shown).
- the perforation forming machine is provided, for example, with a plurality of blades or the like capable of penetrating the packaging paper 112.
- the perforation forming machine can form perforations on the vertical seal portion.
- the packaging mechanism 110 may include a print head 122.
- the print head 122 performs printing on an area in the packaging paper 112 where packaging sachets are formed, after the packaging paper 112 passes through the heat sealing mechanism 116.
- Printed information includes, for example, a patient's name, a name and usage of the medication, and the like.
- the auditing machine 300 has a casing 301.
- the casing 301 is provided with an introduction port 302 configured to receive the continuous packaging sachets 118 and a discharge port 334 configured to discharge the continuous packaging sachets 118.
- the auditing machine 300 is provided with a pair of first conveying rollers 304 on the upstream side and a pair of second conveying rollers 306 on the downstream side.
- the first conveying rollers 304 and the second conveying rollers 306 sandwich (hold therebetween) the horizontal seal portions of the continuous packaging sachets 118 from upward and downward directions. By sandwiching the horizontal seal portions, it is possible to avoid medication from being caught between the first conveying rollers 304 and the second conveying rollers 306 so that the medication is not damaged.
- An imaging area is provided on a conveying path between the first conveying rollers 304 and the second conveying rollers 306.
- a first camera 308 is arranged on the upper side of the conveying path
- a second camera 310 is arranged on the lower side of the conveying path.
- the first camera 308 and the second camera 310 are, for example, digital cameras.
- a plurality of light sources 312 are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the conveying path. On the upper side of the conveying path, four light sources 312 are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference around an imaging optical axis of the first camera 308. Similarly, on the lower side of the conveying path, four light sources 312 are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference around an imaging optical axis of the second camera 310.
- the imaging area of the conveying path is formed of a transparent member.
- the first camera 308 and the second camera 310 image medications packaged in each conveyed packaging sachet 118 from the upward and downward directions.
- the packaging sachet 118 is in a horizontal state.
- the horizontal state means that a plane surrounded by the vertical seal portions, horizontal seal portions and folded portion of each packaging sachet 118 is horizontal.
- a spreading mechanism (not shown) is provided in the imaging area.
- the spreading mechanism eliminates overlap among medications in each packaging sachet 118. By causing the spreading mechanism to operate, the first camera 308 and the second camera 310 can accurately image the medications in each packaging sachet 118.
- a guide 314 is arranged downstream of the imaging area.
- the guide 314 guides the packaging sachets 118 to the conveying path on the lower side.
- the auditing machine 300 is provided with a label printer mechanism 316.
- a third camera 330 is arranged at a position facing the label printer mechanism 316, with the conveying path interposed between the third camera 330 and the label printer mechanism 316.
- the third camera 330 images perforations formed on the vertical seal portions of each packaging sachet 118 to detect positions of the perforations. Positions where labels are attached are adjusted based on the detected positions of the perforations.
- the label printer mechanism 316 includes: a supplying mechanism 320 configured to feed labeled backing paper 318; a label printer 322; a label peeling mechanism 324; and a winding mechanism 326 configured to wind the backing paper.
- the supplying mechanism 320 includes, for example, a shaft configured to hold the labeled backing paper 318 in a roll shape, a drive motor configured to rotate the shaft, and the like.
- the label printer 322 includes, for example, a thermal head printer.
- the winding mechanism 326 includes a shaft configured to wind the backing paper 318 that is unlabeled, a drive motor configured to rotate the shaft, and the like.
- the label peeling mechanism 324 includes a pair of belt conveying mechanisms. The labeled backing paper 318 is caused to pass through between the pair of belt conveying mechanisms and folded so as to peel a printed label from the backing paper. The peeled label is attached to the packaging sachet 118.
- the print head 122 of the packaging mechanism 110 and the label printer mechanism 316 of the auditing machine 300 can be used in parallel with each other, or only one of the print head 122 and print head 122 can be used.
- a pair of third conveying rollers 332 is arranged downstream of the label printer mechanism 316.
- the third conveying rollers 332 discharge the continuous packaging sachets 118 to which the labels are attached, from the discharge port 334.
- the packaging sachets 118 discharged from the discharge port 334 are accommodated into an accommodation box 400.
- a winding device may be arranged instead of the accommodation box 400.
- the winding device includes a winding shaft, a drive motor configured to drive the winding shaft, and the like.
- the conveying machine 200 has a casing 201.
- the casing 201 is provided with an introduction port 202 configured to receive the continuous packaging sachets 118 and a discharge port 224 configured to discharge the continuous packaging sachets 118.
- the conveying machine 200 is provided with a pair of first conveying rollers 204, a turret mechanism 208 and a pair of second conveying rollers 206 in this order from the upstream side toward the downstream side.
- the turret mechanism 208 is provided with a disk-shaped turn table 210, and a table rotating shaft 212 configured to rotatably support the turn table 210.
- the table rotating shaft 212 is connected to a drive motor (not shown).
- the turn table 210 is provided with a plurality of rotating shafts (a winding rotating shaft 214 and a feeding rotating shaft 216).
- the winding rotating shaft 214 and the feeding rotating shaft 216 are arranged in point symmetry with each other, with the table rotating shaft 212 as a center.
- Each of the winding rotating shaft 214 and the feeding rotating shaft 216 is connected to a drive motor (not shown).
- the winding rotating shaft 214 and the feeding rotating shaft 216 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise by the drive motor.
- the turret mechanism 208 is a mechanism configured to switch positions of the winding rotating shaft 214 and the feeding rotating shaft 216 by rotating the turn table 210.
- the structure of the turn table 210 is not limited if it is possible to switch the positions.
- the turret mechanism may have a structure provided with a linear arm, an arm rotating shaft configured to rotatably support the center of the arm, and rotating shafts configured to wind and feed packaging sachets, the rotating shafts being on both ends of the linear arm.
- the winding rotating shaft 214 is located on a side near to the dose-packaging machine 100.
- the position is referred to as a winding position.
- the winding rotating shaft 214 can rotate clockwise to wind packaging sachets 118 discharged from the dose-packaging machine 100 in a roll shape via the first conveying rollers 204.
- the packaging sachets 118 discharged from the dose-packaging machine 100 are wound by the winding rotating shaft 214 corresponding to one rotating shaft among the plurality of rotating shafts (the winding rotating shaft 214 and the feeding rotating shaft 216).
- the feeding rotating shaft 216 is located on a side near to the auditing machine 300.
- the position is referred to as a feeding position.
- the feeding rotating shaft 216 can rotate counterclockwise to feed other packaging sachets 118 wound in a roll shape to the auditing machine 300 via the second conveying rollers 206 and the discharge port 224.
- the packaging sachets 118 discharged from the dose-packaging machine 100 are wound by the feeding rotating shaft 216 corresponding to one rotating shaft among the plurality of rotating shafts (the winding rotating shaft 214 and the feeding rotating shaft 216).
- outer circumferences of the first conveying rollers 204 and the second conveying rollers 206 are configured with soft members (sponges, brushes or the like) so as not to damage medication packaged in packaging sachets 118.
- All packaging sachets 118 are fed from the feeding rotating shaft 216 that is at the feeding position. Dividing and packaging sachets 118 wound by the winding rotating shaft 214 that is at the winding position are targeted by the next feeding.
- packaging sachets 118 are wound around the winding rotating shaft 214 until a certain diameter is reached, or winding is ended in a state that packaging sachets 118 have not been wound until the certain diameter is reached.
- the turn table 210 is caused to rotate at 180° around the table rotating shaft 212.
- the winding rotating shaft 214 moves to the feeding position, and the feeding rotating shaft 216 moves to the winding position. Having moved to the feeding position, the winding rotating shaft 214 becomes the feeding rotating shaft 216. On the other hand, having moved to the winding position, the feeding rotating shaft 216 becomes the winding rotating shaft 214.
- the feeding rotating shaft 216 By rotating the feeding rotating shaft 216 counterclockwise, the packaging sachets 118 that have been already wound are unwound and fed to the auditing machine 300.
- the winding rotating shaft that has fed the packaging sachets 118 rotates clockwise and winds packaging sachet 118 discharged from the dose-packaging machine 100.
- the conveying machine 200 can be provided with a diameter detecting sensor 220 for a wound roll at the winding position, and a diameter detecting sensor 222 for a feed roll at the feeding position.
- a roll diameter of the wound packaging sachets 118 is acquired at the winding position by the diameter detecting sensor 220.
- a winding amount of packaging sachets 118 is calculated.
- a roll diameter of the packaging sachets 118 at the feeding position is acquired by the diameter detecting sensor 222.
- a feeding amount of the packaging sachets 118 is calculated.
- a timing to drive the turn table 210 can be controlled based on the winding amount and the feeding amount of the packaging sachets 118.
- the diameter detecting sensors 220 and 222 are, for example, non-contact type ultrasonic sensors, laser sensors or the like.
- the dose-packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300 are different in processing speed.
- the processing speed means a length of packaging sachets 118 discharged from each of the dose-packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300 per unit time.
- the processing speed of the auditing machine 300 is slower than the processing speed of the dose-packaging machine 100.
- the conveying machine 200 shown in Figure 1 can wind packaging sachets 118 at a speed suitable for the processing speed of the dose-packaging machine 100 and feed packaging sachets 118 to the auditing machine 300 at the processing speed of the auditing machine 300.
- the turret mechanism 208 functions as a buffer unit.
- the buffer unit has a function of temporarily storing packaging sachets 118, and the structure is not limited so long as the function can be realized.
- the buffer unit is effectively works to adjust the difference between the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300 while being conveyed.
- the maximum permissible range means a maximum value of a storage amount of packaging sachets 118, and the maximum permissible range can be arbitrarily decided in advance according to the structure of the conveying machine 200.
- the amount of the packaging sachets 118 reaches the maximum permissible range, temporarily stop the operation of the dose-packaging machine 100.
- the temporary stop of the operation can suppress the packaging sachets 118 from getting stuck in the dose-packaging machine 100.
- FIG 4 is a block diagram of the controlling machine 500.
- the controlling machine 500 is provided with the processing unit 506 and the storing unit 508.
- the processing unit 506 is provided with a dose-packaging machine controlling unit 512 configured to control the dose-packaging machine 100 (not shown), a conveying machine controlling unit 520 configured to control the conveying machine 200 (not shown) and an auditing machine controlling unit 530 configured to control the auditing machine 300 (not shown).
- Functions of these components are realized by a device, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various kinds of electronic circuits, referring to data stored in an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory: a non-transitory recording medium) or the like. Further, the functions of these components are performed by executing a medication test supporting program stored in an ROM (Read Only Memory: a non-transitory recording medium) or the like. At the time of processing, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like is used as a temporary storage area and a working area.
- the devices such as the CPU are not shown in Figure 4 .
- the dose-packaging machine controlling unit 512 is provided, for example, with a feeder unit 512A and a packaging unit 512B.
- the feeder unit 512A controls the operation of feeders 104 of the dose-packaging machine 100 based on prescription data.
- the packaging unit 512B controls the operations of the supplying mechanism 114 and heat sealing mechanism 116 of the packaging mechanism 110.
- the conveying machine controlling unit 520 is provided with, for example, a buffer controlling unit 520A, a conveying unit 520B and a warning unit 520C.
- the buffer controlling unit 520A controls the operation of the turret mechanism 208.
- the conveying unit 520B controls the operations of the first conveying rollers 204 and the second conveying rollers 206.
- the warning unit 520C issues a stop signal to the dose-packaging machine controlling unit 512.
- the auditing machine controlling unit 530 is provided, with an imaging unit 530A, an auditing unit 530B, a printing unit 530C and a conveying unit 530D.
- the imaging unit 530A controls the first camera 308 and the second camera 310 to image audit-target medication packaged in each packaging sachet 118 and acquires an imaged image.
- the auditing unit 530B outputs information showing whether the audit-target medication shown by the imaged image and medication shown by an image obtained based on the prescription data are the same or not.
- the printing unit 530C controls the label printer mechanism 316 to perform printing on a label and paste the printed label to the packaging sachet 118.
- the conveying unit 530D controls the operations of the first conveying rollers 304, the second conveying rollers 306 and the third conveying rollers 332.
- the function of the processing unit 506 can be realized using various kinds of processors.
- the various kinds of processors include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is a general-purpose processor configured to execute software (a program) to realize various kinds of functions.
- a programmable logic device PLD which is a processor the circuit configuration of which is changeable after production, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), is also included.
- a dedicated electrical circuit which is a processor having a circuit configuration specially designed to execute particular processing, such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), is also included in the various kinds of processors described above.
- each unit may be realized by one processor or may be realized by a combination of a plurality of processors. Further, a plurality of functions may be realized by one processor.
- a processor includes a combination of one or more CPU's and software, and this processor realizes the plurality of functions as represented by a computer such as a client and a server.
- a processor that realizes functions of a whole system by one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is used, as represented by System On Chip (SoC) or the like.
- SoC System On Chip
- a computer-readable code of a program that causes a dispensing auditing support device (a computer) to execute a dispensing auditing support method according to the present invention is recorded to a non-transitory recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) not shown.
- the storing unit 508 includes a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a hard disk and various kinds of semiconductor memories, and a controlling unit thereof.
- the storing unit 508 can store, for example, prescription data 508A, medication data 508B, medication images 508C, an audit result 508D and the like.
- the prescription data 508A is information related to medical prescription and includes, for example, a patient's name, and a name, usage and amount of the medication.
- the medication data 508B includes an external appearance image of the medication, and a type, shape and size of the medication.
- the medication images 508C are images of the audit-target medication.
- the audit result 508D is information showing an audit result created by the processing unit 506.
- Medications are prepared in the plurality of feeders 104, and the packaging paper 112 is prepared in the supplying mechanism 114.
- the feeder unit 512A controls the feeders 104 based on the prescription data 508A, and the feeders 104 supply medication corresponding to one sachet to the packaging mechanism 110.
- the packaging unit 512B controls the packaging mechanism 110.
- Pieces of packaging paper 112 are intermittently conveyed from the supplying mechanism 114, and the heat sealing mechanism 116 forms the vertical seal portions on each piece of packaging paper 112 and forms perforations.
- the medication is supplied to the packaging paper 112 from the feeding pipe 108.
- the pieces of packaging paper 112 are intermittently conveyed, and the heat sealing mechanism 116 forms the horizontal seal portions on each piece of packaging paper 112.
- the dose-packaging machine 100 discharges packaging sachets 118.
- the conveying machine 200 receives the packaging sachets 118 from the introduction port 202.
- the conveying unit 520B controls the first conveying rollers 204 to convey the packaging sachets 118 to the turret mechanism 208.
- the buffer controlling unit 520A controls the turret mechanism 208.
- the winding rotating shaft 214 is rotated at the winding position, and the packaging sachets 118 are wound at a speed suitable for the processing speed of the dose-packaging machine 100.
- the turn table 210 is rotated.
- the wound packaging sachets 118 are moved to the feeding position.
- the packaging sachets 118 are unwound at a speed suitable for the processing speed of the auditing machine 300 by the feeding rotating shaft 216.
- the conveying unit 520B controls the second conveying rollers 206 to feed the packaging sachets 118 to the auditing machine 300 at a speed suitable for the auditing machine 300.
- the packaging sachets 118 are fed to the auditing machine 300. While the packaging sachets 118 are being fed, the packaging sachets 118 are wound by the winding rotating shaft 214.
- the warning unit 520C calculates the storage amount of packaging sachets 118 from a signal of the diameter detecting sensor 220.
- the warning unit 520C issues a stop signal as necessary.
- the auditing machine 300 receives the packaging sachets 118 from the introduction port 302.
- the conveying unit 530D controls the first conveying rollers 304 and the second conveying rollers 306 to convey the packaging sachets 118 to the imaging area.
- the imaging unit 530A controls the light sources 312, the first camera 308 and the second camera 310 to image medication of each packaging sachet 118 from the upward and downward directions and acquires the medication images 508C.
- the auditing unit 530B acquires the medication data 508B including images, from the prescription data 508A.
- the auditing unit 530B determines whether the audit-target medication is the same as medication shown in the prescription data 508A or not from the medication data 508B and the medication images 508C, and outputs information about the audit result 508D.
- the printing unit 530C controls the label printer mechanism 316 to attach a label on which the prescription data and the information obtained by the auditing unit 530B are printed, to the packaging sachet 118.
- the conveying unit 530D controls the third conveying rollers 332.
- the third conveying rollers 332 discharge labeled packaging sachets 118 into the accommodation box 400 via the discharge port 334.
- the conveying machine 200 adjusts the difference between the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300.
- the controlling machine 500 instructs the dose-packaging machine 100 to package medication, based on the audit result 508D of the auditing machine 300.
- the packaging sachet 118 determined not to correspond (referred to as an improper packaging sachet) is not used.
- the controlling machine 500 controls the dose-packaging machine 100 based on the audit result 508D, and the dose-packaging machine 100 newly packages medication in the packaging paper 112 based on the prescription data of the improper packaging sachet in order to make up for the shortage of the packaging sachets 118.
- shortage of packaging sachets 118 is automatically supplemented.
- FIG 5 is a partially enlarged diagram of the auditing machine 300.
- the same components as those of the auditing machine 300 shown in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals, and description of the components is omitted.
- the auditing machine 300 is provided with a passage detecting sensor 342 and a perforation forming machine 344 in this order from the upstream to the downstream, between the discharge port 334 and the third conveying rollers 332.
- the dose-packaging machine 100 is provided with the perforation forming machine.
- the perforations between the packaging sachets 118 may cause unintended cutting of the packaging sachets 118 during conveyance in the dose-packaging machine 100, the conveying machine 200 and the auditing machine 300.
- the packaging sachets 118 may get stuck in the dose-packaging machine 100, the conveying machine 200 and the auditing machine 300.
- the jam may cause failure of the dose-packaging machine 100, the conveying machine 200 and the auditing machine 300.
- the throughput of the medication auditing support system 10 decreases.
- the auditing machine 300 shown in Figure 5 is provided with the perforation forming machine 344 configured to form perforations on the continuous packaging sachets 118 that have been audited.
- the perforation forming machine 344 of the auditing machine 300 can suppress the packaging sachets 118 from being cut due to the perforations while being conveyed. It is preferable that the perforation forming machine 344 is arranged upstream or downstream of the third conveying rollers 332 which are discharge rollers. Since the packaging sachets 118 on which perforations are formed are discharged from the downstream discharge port 334, tension applied to the perforations of the packaging sachets 118 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress unintended cutting of the packaging sachets 118.
- the third camera 330 detects vertical seal portions. Since each packaging sachet 118 is conveyed by the conveying unit 530D based on the position of the vertical seal portion, the packaging sachets 118 can be aligned with the positions where labels are attached and perforation forming positions.
- the perforation forming machine 344 includes a first perforation blade (not shown) having a plurality of protruding edges and a second perforation blade (not shown) having holes to receive the protruding edges of the first perforation blade.
- the vertical seal portion of each packaging sachet 118 is held between the first perforation blade and the second perforation blade so that perforations are formed on the vertical seal portion.
- the passage detecting sensor 342 shown in Figure 5 is a detector configured to detect a movement of one packaging sachet 118.
- the passage detecting sensor 342 can detect a label attached on the packaging sachet 118 and confirm passage of the one packaging sachet 118.
- a reflection-type sensor and a transmission-type sensor is applicable.
- each of the reflection-type sensor and the transmission-type sensor is provided with a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit.
- the auditing machine controlling unit 530 detects passage of one packaging sachet 118, information is transmitted to the conveying machine controlling unit 520. Based on a result of the passage detecting sensor 342, the conveying machine controlling unit 520 controls the conveying machine 200.
- the conveying machine 200 receives the one packaging sachet 118 from the dose-packaging machine 100.
- FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged diagram of the dose-packaging machine 100 and the conveying machine 200.
- the dose-packaging machine 100 is provided with a switching mechanism 130 configured to switch between routes of packaging sachets 118.
- the switching mechanism 130 is provided with an introduction port 132 for packaging sachets 118, a discharge port 134 for packaging sachets 118, and a movable conveying path 136 between the introduction port 132 and the discharge port 134.
- the movable conveying path 136 has a fulcrum 138 on the dose-packaging machine 100 side.
- the movable conveying path 136 can move up and down within a predetermined range, with the fulcrum 138 as a center.
- the route can be switched to a route to feed the packaging sachet 118 to a place other than the auditing machine 300.
- a second embodiment is described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 .
- the same reference numerals are given, and detailed description of the components is omitted.
- a configuration of a buffer unit that is different from the other embodiments is mainly described.
- Figure 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the conveying machine 200 of the medication auditing support system 10.
- the dose-packaging machine 100, the auditing machine 300 and the controlling machine 500 are omitted.
- the conveying machine 200 is provided with the casing 201 having the introduction port 202 and the discharge port 224, and the pair of first conveying rollers 204, the pair of second conveying rollers 206, a dancer roller mechanism 230 and a pair of third conveying rollers 240 in this order from the upstream toward the downstream side.
- the dancer roller mechanism 230 is provided with two guide rollers 232 and a dancer roller 234 arranged between the two guide rollers 232.
- the dancer roller mechanism 230 is a mechanism configured to change a relative distance between the guide rollers 232 and the dancer roller 234.
- the dancer roller 234 is movably configured.
- the two guide rollers 232 are fixed, and the dancer roller 234 can move in the upward and downward directions.
- a rotating shaft supporting the dancer roller 234 is movable up and down, and can be fixed to a frame or the like in a rotatable state.
- the dancer roller mechanism 230 functions as a buffer unit. By adjusting the amount of packaging sachets 118 accumulated in the dancer roller mechanism 230, it is possible to adjust the difference between the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 (not shown) and the auditing machine 300.
- the storage amount of packaging sachets 118 is increased by lowering the dancer roller 234. It is possible to feed the packaging sachets 118 at a conveyance speed suitable for the processing speed of the auditing machine 300 by the third conveying rollers 240.
- the buffer controlling unit 520A shown in Figure 4 controls the operation of the dancer roller mechanism 230.
- the dose-packaging machine controlling unit 512 can stop the dose-packaging machine 100.
- the dose-packaging machine 100 is not stopped as necessary.
- FIG 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the conveying machine 200 according to a modification of the second embodiment.
- the dancer roller mechanism 230 of the conveying machine 200 is provided with four guide rollers 232 and three dancer rollers 234.
- the dancer roller mechanism 230 can accumulate more packaging sachets 118 because of a relationship with the operation of the dose-packaging machine 100. Therefore, it is preferable that the guide rollers 232 and the dancer rollers 234 are arranged at a plurality of stages as shown in Figure 8 .
- the plurality of stages means that the dancer roller mechanism 230 is provided with two or more dancer rollers 234. Though the four guide rollers 232 and the three dancer rollers 234 are shown in Figure 8 , the numbers are not limited thereto.
- the numbers of guide rollers 232 and dancer rollers 234 can be decided in consideration of the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300.
- Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of the dancer roller mechanism 230 according to the modification of the second embodiment.
- Reference numeral 901 in Figure 9 shows a state in which all the three dancer rollers 234 are located at the highest points. The packaging sachets 118 are not conveyed.
- Reference numeral 902 in Figure 9 shows a state in which the packaging sachets 118 start to be conveyed from the dose-packaging machine 100 (not shown) to the dancer roller mechanism 230 of the conveying machine 200 (not shown).
- the dancer roller 234 near to the auditing machine 300 (not shown) is moved toward the lower side.
- the packaging sachets 118 start to be accumulated.
- Reference numeral 903 in Figure 9 shows a state in which the packaging sachets 118 are continuously being conveyed to the dancer roller mechanism 230.
- the dancer roller 234 nearest to the auditing machine 300 reaches the lowest point, the dancer roller 234 in the center is moved toward the lower side.
- the packaging sachets 118 are further accumulated in the dancer roller mechanism 230.
- Reference numeral 904 in Figure 9 shows a state in which the packaging sachets 118 are continuously being conveyed to the dancer roller mechanism 230.
- the dancer roller 234 near to the auditing machine 300 and the dancer roller 234 in the center reach the lowest point, the dancer roller 234 near to the dose-packaging machine 100 is moved toward the lower side.
- the dancer roller mechanism 230 accumulates the packaging sachets 118 by an amount of the maximum permissible range.
- Reference numeral 905 in Figure 9 shows a state in which conveyance of packaging sachets 118 from the dose-packaging machine 100 is stopped, and the packaging sachets 118 accumulated in the dancer roller mechanism 230 start to be conveyed to the auditing machine 300.
- the dancer roller 234 near to the auditing machine 300 is moved toward the upper side, and the accumulated packaging sachets 118 are conveyed to the auditing machine 300.
- Reference numeral 906 in Figure 9 shows a state in which the packaging sachets 118 are continuously being conveyed to the auditing machine 300.
- the dancer roller 234 near to the auditing machine 300 reaches the highest point, the dancer roller 234 in the center is moved toward the upper side, and the accumulated packaging sachets 118 are conveyed to the auditing machine 300.
- FIG 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another operation according to the modification of the second embodiment.
- the dancer roller 234 near to the auditing machine 300 (not shown) is moved toward the upper side so that the packaging sachets 118 accumulated in the dancer roller mechanism 230 are conveyed to the auditing machine 300.
- the dancer roller 234 near to the dose-packaging machine 100 is moved toward the lower side so that the packaging sachets 118 conveyed from the dose-packaging machine 100 are accumulated in the dancer roller mechanism 230.
- a third embodiment is described with reference to Figure 11 .
- components having the same operation as the first and second embodiments the same reference numerals are given, and detailed description of the components is omitted.
- a configuration of a buffer unit that is different from the other embodiments is mainly described.
- Figure 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the conveying machine 200 of the medication auditing support system 10.
- the dose-packaging machine 100, the auditing machine 300 and the controlling machine 500 are omitted.
- the conveying machine 200 is provided with the casing 201 having the introduction port 202 and the discharge port 224, and the pair of first conveying rollers 204, the pair of second conveying rollers 206, a folding mechanism 250, the pair of third conveying rollers 240 and a pair of fourth conveying rollers 246, in this order from the upstream toward the downstream side.
- the folding mechanism 250 is provided with a pair of movable conveying rollers 252 and a position detecting sensor 254.
- the folding mechanism 250 functions as a buffer unit.
- the folding mechanism 250 is a mechanism configured to form a folding edge on packaging sachets 118 for each predetermined length of the packaging sachets 118, to stack the packaging sachets 118.
- the predetermined length can be appropriately set according to the size and the like of the conveying machine 200.
- the pair of movable conveying rollers 252 can reciprocate in the horizontal direction.
- the packaging sachets 118 conveyed from the dose-packaging machine 100 pass through the pair of movable conveying rollers 252 that continuously reciprocate in the horizontal direction, and are fed to the lower side of the conveying machine 200. As a result, the packaging sachets 118 are accumulated in the folding mechanism 250, being stacked in a zigzag shape by the movable conveying rollers 252.
- the packaging sachets 118 are conveyed to the auditing machine 300 (not shown) by the third conveying rollers 240 and the fourth conveying rollers 246.
- the position detecting sensor 254 can detect whether the packaging sachets 118 have reached the maximum permissible range or not.
- a tension adjusting mechanism (not shown) in the conveying machine 200 to impart certain tension to packaging sachets 118.
- the tension adjusting mechanism is operated to impart the certain tension to the packaging sachets 118.
- the packaging sachets 118 are pulled to the conveying machine 200 and received into the conveying machine 200. Therefore, the conveying machine 200 can receive the packaging sachets 118 in synchronization with discharge of the packaging sachets 118 from the dose-packaging machine 100.
- a dancer roller is applicable as the tension adjusting mechanism.
- the tension on the packaging sachets 118 is decided.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a medication auditing support system provided with a dose-packaging machine and an auditing machine.
- Recently, in hospitals, pharmacies and the like, a dose-packaging machine and an auditing machine have been introduced. The dose-packaging machine automates packaging work to put medication into packaging sachets based on prescription data. Further, the auditing machine automates auditing work to check whether the medications are put in packaging sachets according to the prescription data or not.
- In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2017-209499 - Patent Literature1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2017-209499 - However, even when the conveyance speed of the conveying unit and the discharge speed of the discharging unit are associated, there is a concern that, in a case where a difference between the conveyance speed and the discharge speed is large and the like, the difference in speed cannot be absorbed.
- The present invention has been made in consideration of such a situation, and aims to provide a medication auditing support system capable of adjusting a difference between processing speeds of a dose-packaging machine and an auditing machine.
- A medication auditing support system of a first aspect is provided with: a dose-packaging machine configured to package medication based on prescription data and discharge continuous packaging sachets; a conveying machine configured to receive the continuous packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine and feed the continuous packaging sachets in a length direction; an auditing machine configured to receive the continuous packaging sachets fed from the conveying machine and audit the medication packaged in the packaging sachets based on the prescription data; and a controlling machine configured to control the dose-packaging machine, the conveying machine and the auditing machine; and the conveying machine is provided with a buffer unit configured to store the continuous packaging sachets.
- In a medication auditing support system of a second aspect, when an amount of the packaging sachets stored in the buffer unit reaches a maximum permissible range, the controlling machine temporarily stops an operation of the dose-packaging machine.
- In a medication auditing support system of a third aspect, the buffer unit includes a dancer roller mechanism.
- In a medication auditing support system of a fourth aspect, the buffer unit includes a turret mechanism having a plurality of rotating shafts and configured to switch positions of the plurality of rotating shafts, the turret mechanism being configured to wind a part of the packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine by one of the rotating shafts and feed another part of the packaging sachets to the auditing machine by another one of the rotating shafts.
- In a medication auditing support system of a fifth aspect, the conveying machine receives the packaging sachets in synchronization with discharge of the packaging sachets from the dose-packaging machine.
- In a medication auditing support system of a sixth aspect, the conveying machine imparts certain tension to the continuous packaging sachets and receives only the packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine.
- In a medication auditing support system of a seventh aspect, a detector configured to detect a movement of one of the continuous packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine is provided, and the conveying machine receives the one of the packaging sachets based on a result of the detector.
- In a medication auditing support system of an eighth aspect, the controlling machine instructs the dose-packaging machine to package the medication based on an audit result of the auditing machine.
- In a medication auditing support system of a ninth aspect, a perforation forming machine configured to form perforations on the continuous packaging sachets that have been audited by the auditing machine is provided.
- In a medication auditing support system of a tenth aspect, the dose-packaging machine is provided with a switching mechanism configured to switch between a route to feed the packaging sachets to the auditing machine and a route to feed the packaging sachets to a place other than the auditing machine.
- According to the present invention, since a buffer unit is provided, it is possible to adjust a difference between processing speeds of a dose-packaging machine and an auditing machine.
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Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a medication auditing support system according to a first embodiment. -
Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the medication auditing support system. -
Figure 3 is an enlarged diagram of a packaging mechanism provided in a dose-packaging machine. -
Figure 4 is a block diagram of a controlling machine. -
Figure 5 is a partially enlarged diagram of an auditing machine. -
Figure 6 is a partially enlarged diagram of the dose-packaging machine and the auditing machine. -
Figure 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conveying machine according to a second embodiment. -
Figure 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conveying machine according to a modification of the second embodiment. -
Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation according to the modification of the second embodiment. -
Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another operation according to the modification of the second embodiment. -
Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another operation according to a modification of a third embodiment. - Preferable embodiments of the present invention are described below according to accompanying drawings. The present invention is described by the preferable embodiments below. It is possible to make changes by many methods without departing from the scope of the present invention, and it is possible to use embodiments other than the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the claims include all the changes which fall within the scope of the present invention.
- Here, components designated by the same reference numeral are similar components having similar functions in the figures. When a numerical range is represented with "_ to _", it means that the upper limit numeric value and the lower limit numeric value represented by "_ to _" are included in the numerical range in the specification.
- Medication prescribing work performed in hospitals, pharmacies and the like includes prescription data inputting work, picking work, automatic packaging work, dispensing auditing work, and administration guiding and prescribing work, when being roughly classified. In the administration guiding and prescribing work, a pharmacist performs administration guidance to a patient, and prescribes packaged medication, after the dispensing auditing work.
- In the prescription data inputting work, the pharmacist inputs the prescription data written on a medical prescription to a receipt computer (not shown). The prescription data includes, for example, a patient's name and age, a medication type of a medication or a name of the medication, an amount of the medication, usage of the medication, or a dose of the medication and the like. The term medication type of a medication in the present specification is synonymous with a classification of the medication or a kind of the medication.
- Next, the pharmacist operates the receipt computer to print the prescription data from a printer connected to the receipt computer.
- In the picking work, based on the prescription data written on a printed matter outputted from the printer, the pharmacist picks a medication corresponding to the prescription data from a medication shelf. The medication includes, for example, tablets, capsules and the like. Here, in the picking work, for example, an automatic picking device configured to automatically pick the medication based on the prescription data inputted to the receipt computer may be used.
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Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a medication auditing support system. As shown inFigure 1 , a medicationauditing support system 10 is provided with: a dose-packaging machine 100; aconveying machine 200; anauditing machine 300; and a controllingmachine 500 configured to control the dose-packaging machine 100, theconveying machine 200 and theauditing machine 300. - In the present specification, "up/upward" and "down/downward" indicating directions, respectively mean "up/upward" and "down/downward" when the medication auditing support system is installed in a normal use state. In addition, as to "vertical (longitudinal)" and "horizontal (lateral)", with reference to a folded portion of a long (continuous) packaging paper, respectively mean a direction orthogonal to the folded portion and a direction parallel to the folded portion. "Orthogonal" includes "substantially orthogonal", and "parallel" includes "substantially parallel". Further, as to "upstream" and "downstream", with regard to a conveyance direction of packaging paper or packaging sachets (packaging sachets), a conveyance destination direction side relative to a certain reference means "downstream", and a side opposite to the conveyance destination direction means "upstream".
- As the controlling
machine 500, for example, a personal computer is given. Prescription data is inputted to the controllingmachine 500 from a receipt computer online. The controllingmachine 500 is provided, for example, with a displayingunit 502 having a display device and anoperating unit 504 having a keyboard. -
Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the medicationauditing support system 10. As shown inFigure 2 , the controllingmachine 500 is electrically connected to the dose-packaging machine 100, theconveying machine 200, theauditing machine 300, the displayingunit 502 and theoperating unit 504. The controllingmachine 500 includes: aprocessing unit 506 configured to perform various kinds of controls; astoring unit 508 configured to store various kinds of data; and acommunication interface 510 configured to perform data communication with an external network. The controllingmachine 500 is connected to the receipt computer via thecommunication interface 510. - As shown in
Figure 1 , the dose-packaging machine 100 has acasing 102. The dose-packaging machine 100 is provided with a plurality offeeders 104 for storing a plurality of medications. The plurality offeeders 104 are arranged in a vertical direction (longitudinal direction) and in a horizontal direction (lateral direction). The plurality offeeders 104 can be arranged on a back side when seen from a front. Thefeeders 104 can drop the medications stored therein one by one, to the lower side. - The controlling
machine 500 can selectnecessary feeders 104 based on prescription data and cause the feeders to drop stored medication to the lower side from thefeeder 104. Medication corresponding to one sachet is dropped to the lower side. Eachfeeder 104 can include: a cassette configured to accommodate medication; and a shooter or the like configured to guide the medication from the cassette to the lower side. - The dose-
packaging machine 100 is provided with ahopper 106 on the lower side of thefeeders 104. Thehopper 106 is a tubular member having openings on both sides. The opening on the upper side is wide, and the opening on the lower side is narrower than the upper-side opening. Thehopper 106 collects medication dropped fromfeeders 104 on the upper side thereof and gathers the medication in one place on the lower side thereof. A feedingpipe 108 is provided on the lower side of thehopper 106. - The dose-
packaging machine 100 has apackaging mechanism 110 on the lower side of thefeeding pipe 108. Tablets gathered by thehopper 106 are guided to thepackaging mechanism 110 by the feedingpipe 108. Thefeeding pipe 108 is a tube-shaped member that extends in a vertical direction. A cross-section of thefeeding pipe 108 may be in a circular shape or in an oval shape. Further, the feedingpipe 108 may be in a cylindrical shape or in a frustum shape. The shape of thefeeding pipe 108 is not especially limited so long as thefeeding pipe 108 can guide tablets to thepackaging mechanism 110. - As shown in
Figure 3 , thepackaging mechanism 110 is provided with a supplyingmechanism 114 configured to feedpackaging paper 112 and aheat sealing mechanism 116 configured to heat-fuse thepackaging paper 112. Thepackaging paper 112 is formed of a heat fusible material. Thepackaging paper 112 is in a state where a continuous sheet is two-folded in a lateral direction, and then wound in a roll shape. - The
heat sealing mechanism 116 has, for example, a vertical heating head (longitudinal heating head) 116A that is vertically (longitudinally) arranged and a horizontal heating head (lateral heating head) 116B that is horizontally (laterally) arranged. Theheat sealing mechanism 116 can form vertical seal portions (longitudinal seal portions) and horizontal seal portions (lateral seal portions) on thepackaging paper 112 that is being conveyed. - The supplying
mechanism 114 includes, for example, a shaft configured to hold thepackaging paper 112 in a roll shape, a drive motor configured to rotate the shaft and the like. The controllingmachine 500 can intermittently or continuously drive the drive motor to rotate. - The
packaging paper 112 is conveyed in a state in which the folded portion is located on the lower side. For example, the vertical seal portion is formed on thepackaging paper 112 by thevertical heating head 116A of theheat sealing mechanism 116. Thepackaging paper 112 is in a state of being half closed. Then, the half-closedpackaging paper 112 passes below the feedingpipe 108. Medication corresponding to one sachet is supplied to the half-closedpackaging paper 112 from the feedingpipe 108. Then, the horizontal seal portion is formed by thehorizontal heating head 116B of theheat sealing mechanism 116. Thereby, theheat sealing mechanism 116 heatfuses packaging paper 112 to formpackaging sachets 118 which individually packages the medication. The dose-packaging machine 100 dischargescontinuous packaging sachets 118 from adischarge port 120. - The
vertical heating head 116A of theheat sealing mechanism 116 may be provided with a perforation forming machine (not shown). The perforation forming machine is provided, for example, with a plurality of blades or the like capable of penetrating thepackaging paper 112. When thevertical heating head 116A heat-fuses thepackaging paper 112 from both sides, the perforation forming machine can form perforations on the vertical seal portion. By cutting off thecontinuous packaging sachets 118 along the perforations, thecontinuous packaging sachets 118 are separated intoindividual packaging sachets 118. - The
packaging mechanism 110 may include aprint head 122. Theprint head 122 performs printing on an area in thepackaging paper 112 where packaging sachets are formed, after thepackaging paper 112 passes through theheat sealing mechanism 116. Printed information includes, for example, a patient's name, a name and usage of the medication, and the like. - The
auditing machine 300 has acasing 301. Thecasing 301 is provided with anintroduction port 302 configured to receive thecontinuous packaging sachets 118 and adischarge port 334 configured to discharge thecontinuous packaging sachets 118. Theauditing machine 300 is provided with a pair of first conveying rollers 304 on the upstream side and a pair of second conveyingrollers 306 on the downstream side. The first conveying rollers 304 and the second conveyingrollers 306 sandwich (hold therebetween) the horizontal seal portions of thecontinuous packaging sachets 118 from upward and downward directions. By sandwiching the horizontal seal portions, it is possible to avoid medication from being caught between the first conveying rollers 304 and the second conveyingrollers 306 so that the medication is not damaged. - An imaging area is provided on a conveying path between the first conveying rollers 304 and the second conveying
rollers 306. In the imaging area, afirst camera 308 is arranged on the upper side of the conveying path, and asecond camera 310 is arranged on the lower side of the conveying path. Thefirst camera 308 and thesecond camera 310 are, for example, digital cameras. - A plurality of
light sources 312 are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the conveying path. On the upper side of the conveying path, fourlight sources 312 are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference around an imaging optical axis of thefirst camera 308. Similarly, on the lower side of the conveying path, fourlight sources 312 are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference around an imaging optical axis of thesecond camera 310. - The imaging area of the conveying path is formed of a transparent member. The
first camera 308 and thesecond camera 310 image medications packaged in each conveyedpackaging sachet 118 from the upward and downward directions. In the imaging area, thepackaging sachet 118 is in a horizontal state. The horizontal state means that a plane surrounded by the vertical seal portions, horizontal seal portions and folded portion of eachpackaging sachet 118 is horizontal. - It is preferable that a spreading mechanism (not shown) is provided in the imaging area. The spreading mechanism eliminates overlap among medications in each
packaging sachet 118. By causing the spreading mechanism to operate, thefirst camera 308 and thesecond camera 310 can accurately image the medications in eachpackaging sachet 118. - A
guide 314 is arranged downstream of the imaging area. Theguide 314 guides thepackaging sachets 118 to the conveying path on the lower side. - The
auditing machine 300 is provided with alabel printer mechanism 316. Athird camera 330 is arranged at a position facing thelabel printer mechanism 316, with the conveying path interposed between thethird camera 330 and thelabel printer mechanism 316. Thethird camera 330 images perforations formed on the vertical seal portions of eachpackaging sachet 118 to detect positions of the perforations. Positions where labels are attached are adjusted based on the detected positions of the perforations. - The
label printer mechanism 316 includes: a supplyingmechanism 320 configured to feed labeledbacking paper 318; alabel printer 322; alabel peeling mechanism 324; and a windingmechanism 326 configured to wind the backing paper. The supplyingmechanism 320 includes, for example, a shaft configured to hold the labeledbacking paper 318 in a roll shape, a drive motor configured to rotate the shaft, and the like. Thelabel printer 322 includes, for example, a thermal head printer. The windingmechanism 326 includes a shaft configured to wind thebacking paper 318 that is unlabeled, a drive motor configured to rotate the shaft, and the like. Thelabel peeling mechanism 324 includes a pair of belt conveying mechanisms. The labeledbacking paper 318 is caused to pass through between the pair of belt conveying mechanisms and folded so as to peel a printed label from the backing paper. The peeled label is attached to thepackaging sachet 118. - The
print head 122 of thepackaging mechanism 110 and thelabel printer mechanism 316 of theauditing machine 300 can be used in parallel with each other, or only one of theprint head 122 andprint head 122 can be used. - A pair of third conveying
rollers 332 is arranged downstream of thelabel printer mechanism 316. The third conveyingrollers 332 discharge thecontinuous packaging sachets 118 to which the labels are attached, from thedischarge port 334. Thepackaging sachets 118 discharged from thedischarge port 334 are accommodated into anaccommodation box 400. Though theaccommodation box 400 is shown in the embodiment, a winding device may be arranged instead of theaccommodation box 400. The winding device includes a winding shaft, a drive motor configured to drive the winding shaft, and the like. - The conveying
machine 200 has acasing 201. Thecasing 201 is provided with anintroduction port 202 configured to receive thecontinuous packaging sachets 118 and adischarge port 224 configured to discharge thecontinuous packaging sachets 118. The conveyingmachine 200 is provided with a pair of first conveyingrollers 204, aturret mechanism 208 and a pair of second conveyingrollers 206 in this order from the upstream side toward the downstream side. - The
turret mechanism 208 is provided with a disk-shaped turn table 210, and atable rotating shaft 212 configured to rotatably support the turn table 210. Thetable rotating shaft 212 is connected to a drive motor (not shown). - As shown in
Figure 1 , the turn table 210 is provided with a plurality of rotating shafts (a windingrotating shaft 214 and a feeding rotating shaft 216). The windingrotating shaft 214 and the feedingrotating shaft 216 are arranged in point symmetry with each other, with thetable rotating shaft 212 as a center. - Each of the winding
rotating shaft 214 and the feedingrotating shaft 216 is connected to a drive motor (not shown). The windingrotating shaft 214 and the feedingrotating shaft 216 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise by the drive motor. - The
turret mechanism 208 is a mechanism configured to switch positions of the windingrotating shaft 214 and the feedingrotating shaft 216 by rotating the turn table 210. - Though the disk-shaped turn table 210 is shown in
Figure 1 , the structure of the turn table 210 is not limited if it is possible to switch the positions. For example, the turret mechanism may have a structure provided with a linear arm, an arm rotating shaft configured to rotatably support the center of the arm, and rotating shafts configured to wind and feed packaging sachets, the rotating shafts being on both ends of the linear arm. - As shown in
Figure 1 , the windingrotating shaft 214 is located on a side near to the dose-packaging machine 100. For convenience, the position is referred to as a winding position. The windingrotating shaft 214 can rotate clockwise to windpackaging sachets 118 discharged from the dose-packaging machine 100 in a roll shape via the first conveyingrollers 204. In other words, thepackaging sachets 118 discharged from the dose-packaging machine 100 are wound by the windingrotating shaft 214 corresponding to one rotating shaft among the plurality of rotating shafts (the windingrotating shaft 214 and the feeding rotating shaft 216). - On the other hand, the feeding
rotating shaft 216 is located on a side near to theauditing machine 300. For convenience, the position is referred to as a feeding position. The feedingrotating shaft 216 can rotate counterclockwise to feedother packaging sachets 118 wound in a roll shape to theauditing machine 300 via the second conveyingrollers 206 and thedischarge port 224. In other words, thepackaging sachets 118 discharged from the dose-packaging machine 100 are wound by the feedingrotating shaft 216 corresponding to one rotating shaft among the plurality of rotating shafts (the windingrotating shaft 214 and the feeding rotating shaft 216). - It is preferable that outer circumferences of the first conveying
rollers 204 and the second conveyingrollers 206 are configured with soft members (sponges, brushes or the like) so as not to damage medication packaged inpackaging sachets 118. - All
packaging sachets 118 are fed from the feedingrotating shaft 216 that is at the feeding position. Dividing andpackaging sachets 118 wound by the windingrotating shaft 214 that is at the winding position are targeted by the next feeding. - It is waited that
packaging sachets 118 are wound around the windingrotating shaft 214 until a certain diameter is reached, or winding is ended in a state that packagingsachets 118 have not been wound until the certain diameter is reached. The turn table 210 is caused to rotate at 180° around thetable rotating shaft 212. The windingrotating shaft 214 moves to the feeding position, and the feedingrotating shaft 216 moves to the winding position. Having moved to the feeding position, the windingrotating shaft 214 becomes the feedingrotating shaft 216. On the other hand, having moved to the winding position, the feedingrotating shaft 216 becomes the windingrotating shaft 214. - By rotating the feeding
rotating shaft 216 counterclockwise, thepackaging sachets 118 that have been already wound are unwound and fed to theauditing machine 300. On the other hand, the winding rotating shaft that has fed thepackaging sachets 118 rotates clockwise andwinds packaging sachet 118 discharged from the dose-packaging machine 100. - The conveying
machine 200 can be provided with adiameter detecting sensor 220 for a wound roll at the winding position, and adiameter detecting sensor 222 for a feed roll at the feeding position. A roll diameter of thewound packaging sachets 118 is acquired at the winding position by thediameter detecting sensor 220. A winding amount ofpackaging sachets 118 is calculated. - A roll diameter of the
packaging sachets 118 at the feeding position is acquired by thediameter detecting sensor 222. A feeding amount of thepackaging sachets 118 is calculated. A timing to drive the turn table 210 can be controlled based on the winding amount and the feeding amount of thepackaging sachets 118. Thediameter detecting sensors - The dose-
packaging machine 100 and theauditing machine 300 are different in processing speed. Here, the processing speed means a length ofpackaging sachets 118 discharged from each of the dose-packaging machine 100 and theauditing machine 300 per unit time. In general, when the dose-packaging machine 100 and theauditing machine 300 are compared, the processing speed of theauditing machine 300 is slower than the processing speed of the dose-packaging machine 100. By having the plurality of rotating shafts (the windingrotating shaft 214 and the feeding rotating shaft 216), the conveyingmachine 200 shown inFigure 1 can windpackaging sachets 118 at a speed suitable for the processing speed of the dose-packaging machine 100 andfeed packaging sachets 118 to theauditing machine 300 at the processing speed of theauditing machine 300. In the embodiment, theturret mechanism 208 functions as a buffer unit. The buffer unit has a function of temporarily storingpackaging sachets 118, and the structure is not limited so long as the function can be realized. - Especially, in a case where the
packaging sachets 118 have perforations formed thereon, unintended separation easily occurs on perforations due to a speed difference while thepackaging sachets 118 are being conveyed. Therefore, providing the buffer unit is effectively works to adjust the difference between the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 and theauditing machine 300 while being conveyed. - It is possible to determine whether the amount of the
packaging sachets 118 at the winding position is within a maximum permissible range or not from the winding amount of thepackaging sachets 118. The maximum permissible range means a maximum value of a storage amount ofpackaging sachets 118, and the maximum permissible range can be arbitrarily decided in advance according to the structure of the conveyingmachine 200. - It is preferable to, when the amount of the
packaging sachets 118 reaches the maximum permissible range, temporarily stop the operation of the dose-packaging machine 100. The temporary stop of the operation can suppress thepackaging sachets 118 from getting stuck in the dose-packaging machine 100. -
Figure 4 is a block diagram of the controllingmachine 500. The controllingmachine 500 is provided with theprocessing unit 506 and thestoring unit 508. Theprocessing unit 506 is provided with a dose-packagingmachine controlling unit 512 configured to control the dose-packaging machine 100 (not shown), a conveyingmachine controlling unit 520 configured to control the conveying machine 200 (not shown) and an auditingmachine controlling unit 530 configured to control the auditing machine 300 (not shown). - Functions of these components are realized by a device, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various kinds of electronic circuits, referring to data stored in an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory: a non-transitory recording medium) or the like. Further, the functions of these components are performed by executing a medication test supporting program stored in an ROM (Read Only Memory: a non-transitory recording medium) or the like. At the time of processing, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like is used as a temporary storage area and a working area. Here, the devices such as the CPU are not shown in
Figure 4 . - The dose-packaging
machine controlling unit 512 is provided, for example, with afeeder unit 512A and apackaging unit 512B. Thefeeder unit 512A controls the operation offeeders 104 of the dose-packaging machine 100 based on prescription data. Thepackaging unit 512B controls the operations of the supplyingmechanism 114 andheat sealing mechanism 116 of thepackaging mechanism 110. - The conveying
machine controlling unit 520 is provided with, for example, abuffer controlling unit 520A, a conveyingunit 520B and awarning unit 520C. Thebuffer controlling unit 520A controls the operation of theturret mechanism 208. The conveyingunit 520B controls the operations of the first conveyingrollers 204 and the second conveyingrollers 206. When packagingsachets 118 stored in theturret mechanism 208 reaches the maximum permissible range, thewarning unit 520C issues a stop signal to the dose-packagingmachine controlling unit 512. - The auditing
machine controlling unit 530 is provided, with animaging unit 530A, anauditing unit 530B, aprinting unit 530C and a conveyingunit 530D. Theimaging unit 530A controls thefirst camera 308 and thesecond camera 310 to image audit-target medication packaged in eachpackaging sachet 118 and acquires an imaged image. Theauditing unit 530B outputs information showing whether the audit-target medication shown by the imaged image and medication shown by an image obtained based on the prescription data are the same or not. Theprinting unit 530C controls thelabel printer mechanism 316 to perform printing on a label and paste the printed label to thepackaging sachet 118. The conveyingunit 530D controls the operations of the first conveying rollers 304, the second conveyingrollers 306 and the third conveyingrollers 332. - The function of the
processing unit 506 can be realized using various kinds of processors. The various kinds of processors include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is a general-purpose processor configured to execute software (a program) to realize various kinds of functions. Further, in the various kinds of processors described above, a programmable logic device (PLD) which is a processor the circuit configuration of which is changeable after production, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), is also included. Furthermore, a dedicated electrical circuit which is a processor having a circuit configuration specially designed to execute particular processing, such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), is also included in the various kinds of processors described above. - The function of each unit may be realized by one processor or may be realized by a combination of a plurality of processors. Further, a plurality of functions may be realized by one processor. As an example of configuring a plurality of functions with one processor, first, there is a form in which one processor includes a combination of one or more CPU's and software, and this processor realizes the plurality of functions as represented by a computer such as a client and a server. Second, there is a form in which a processor that realizes functions of a whole system by one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is used, as represented by System On Chip (SoC) or the like. Thus, the function of each unit includes one or more of the various kinds of processors described above as a hardware structure. Further, in order to cause these processors to operate, a computer-readable code of a program that causes a dispensing auditing support device (a computer) to execute a dispensing auditing support method according to the present invention is recorded to a non-transitory recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) not shown.
- The storing
unit 508 includes a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a hard disk and various kinds of semiconductor memories, and a controlling unit thereof. The storingunit 508 can store, for example,prescription data 508A,medication data 508B,medication images 508C, anaudit result 508D and the like. Theprescription data 508A is information related to medical prescription and includes, for example, a patient's name, and a name, usage and amount of the medication. Themedication data 508B includes an external appearance image of the medication, and a type, shape and size of the medication. Themedication images 508C are images of the audit-target medication. Theaudit result 508D is information showing an audit result created by theprocessing unit 506. - An operation of the medication
auditing support system 10 according to the embodiment is described with reference toFigures 1 to 4 . Medications are prepared in the plurality offeeders 104, and thepackaging paper 112 is prepared in the supplyingmechanism 114. Thefeeder unit 512A controls thefeeders 104 based on theprescription data 508A, and thefeeders 104 supply medication corresponding to one sachet to thepackaging mechanism 110. Thepackaging unit 512B controls thepackaging mechanism 110. Pieces ofpackaging paper 112 are intermittently conveyed from the supplyingmechanism 114, and theheat sealing mechanism 116 forms the vertical seal portions on each piece ofpackaging paper 112 and forms perforations. The medication is supplied to thepackaging paper 112 from the feedingpipe 108. The pieces ofpackaging paper 112 are intermittently conveyed, and theheat sealing mechanism 116 forms the horizontal seal portions on each piece ofpackaging paper 112. The dose-packaging machine 100 dischargespackaging sachets 118. - The conveying
machine 200 receives thepackaging sachets 118 from theintroduction port 202. The conveyingunit 520B controls the first conveyingrollers 204 to convey thepackaging sachets 118 to theturret mechanism 208. Thebuffer controlling unit 520A controls theturret mechanism 208. The windingrotating shaft 214 is rotated at the winding position, and thepackaging sachets 118 are wound at a speed suitable for the processing speed of the dose-packaging machine 100. The turn table 210 is rotated. Thewound packaging sachets 118 are moved to the feeding position. Thepackaging sachets 118 are unwound at a speed suitable for the processing speed of theauditing machine 300 by the feedingrotating shaft 216. The conveyingunit 520B controls the second conveyingrollers 206 to feed thepackaging sachets 118 to theauditing machine 300 at a speed suitable for theauditing machine 300. Thepackaging sachets 118 are fed to theauditing machine 300. While thepackaging sachets 118 are being fed, thepackaging sachets 118 are wound by the windingrotating shaft 214. - The
warning unit 520C calculates the storage amount ofpackaging sachets 118 from a signal of thediameter detecting sensor 220. Thewarning unit 520C issues a stop signal as necessary. - The
auditing machine 300 receives thepackaging sachets 118 from theintroduction port 302. The conveyingunit 530D controls the first conveying rollers 304 and the second conveyingrollers 306 to convey thepackaging sachets 118 to the imaging area. Theimaging unit 530A controls thelight sources 312, thefirst camera 308 and thesecond camera 310 to image medication of eachpackaging sachet 118 from the upward and downward directions and acquires themedication images 508C. - The
auditing unit 530B acquires themedication data 508B including images, from theprescription data 508A. Theauditing unit 530B determines whether the audit-target medication is the same as medication shown in theprescription data 508A or not from themedication data 508B and themedication images 508C, and outputs information about theaudit result 508D. Theprinting unit 530C controls thelabel printer mechanism 316 to attach a label on which the prescription data and the information obtained by theauditing unit 530B are printed, to thepackaging sachet 118. The conveyingunit 530D controls the third conveyingrollers 332. The third conveyingrollers 332 discharge labeledpackaging sachets 118 into theaccommodation box 400 via thedischarge port 334. - As described above, the conveying
machine 200 adjusts the difference between the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 and theauditing machine 300. - Next, a preferable mode of the medication
auditing support system 10 is described. It is preferable that the controllingmachine 500 instructs the dose-packaging machine 100 to package medication, based on theaudit result 508D of theauditing machine 300. - For example, in a case where the
audit result 508D is "the medication of thepackaging sachet 118 does not correspond to theprescription data 508A", thepackaging sachet 118 determined not to correspond (referred to as an improper packaging sachet) is not used. As a result, there are not a required number ofpackaging sachets 118. The controllingmachine 500 controls the dose-packaging machine 100 based on theaudit result 508D, and the dose-packaging machine 100 newly packages medication in thepackaging paper 112 based on the prescription data of the improper packaging sachet in order to make up for the shortage of thepackaging sachets 118. According to the medicationauditing support system 10, shortage ofpackaging sachets 118 is automatically supplemented. -
Figure 5 is a partially enlarged diagram of theauditing machine 300. The same components as those of theauditing machine 300 shown inFigure 1 are given the same reference numerals, and description of the components is omitted. - As shown in
Figure 5 , theauditing machine 300 is provided with apassage detecting sensor 342 and aperforation forming machine 344 in this order from the upstream to the downstream, between thedischarge port 334 and the third conveyingrollers 332. - In general, the dose-
packaging machine 100 is provided with the perforation forming machine. However, there is a concern that the perforations between thepackaging sachets 118 may cause unintended cutting of thepackaging sachets 118 during conveyance in the dose-packaging machine 100, the conveyingmachine 200 and theauditing machine 300. In a case where thepackaging sachets 118 is cut during conveyance, thepackaging sachets 118 may get stuck in the dose-packaging machine 100, the conveyingmachine 200 and theauditing machine 300. The jam (clogging) may cause failure of the dose-packaging machine 100, the conveyingmachine 200 and theauditing machine 300. In order to eliminate the jam, it is necessary to stop any of the dose-packaging machine 100, the conveyingmachine 200 and theauditing machine 300. The throughput of the medicationauditing support system 10 decreases. - The
auditing machine 300 shown inFigure 5 is provided with theperforation forming machine 344 configured to form perforations on thecontinuous packaging sachets 118 that have been audited. Theperforation forming machine 344 of theauditing machine 300 can suppress thepackaging sachets 118 from being cut due to the perforations while being conveyed. It is preferable that theperforation forming machine 344 is arranged upstream or downstream of the third conveyingrollers 332 which are discharge rollers. Since thepackaging sachets 118 on which perforations are formed are discharged from thedownstream discharge port 334, tension applied to the perforations of thepackaging sachets 118 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress unintended cutting of thepackaging sachets 118. - The
third camera 330 detects vertical seal portions. Since eachpackaging sachet 118 is conveyed by the conveyingunit 530D based on the position of the vertical seal portion, thepackaging sachets 118 can be aligned with the positions where labels are attached and perforation forming positions. - The
perforation forming machine 344 includes a first perforation blade (not shown) having a plurality of protruding edges and a second perforation blade (not shown) having holes to receive the protruding edges of the first perforation blade. The vertical seal portion of eachpackaging sachet 118 is held between the first perforation blade and the second perforation blade so that perforations are formed on the vertical seal portion. - The
passage detecting sensor 342 shown inFigure 5 is a detector configured to detect a movement of onepackaging sachet 118. For example, thepassage detecting sensor 342 can detect a label attached on thepackaging sachet 118 and confirm passage of the onepackaging sachet 118. As thepassage detecting sensor 342, a reflection-type sensor and a transmission-type sensor is applicable. For example, each of the reflection-type sensor and the transmission-type sensor is provided with a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. - When the auditing
machine controlling unit 530 detects passage of onepackaging sachet 118, information is transmitted to the conveyingmachine controlling unit 520. Based on a result of thepassage detecting sensor 342, the conveyingmachine controlling unit 520 controls the conveyingmachine 200. The conveyingmachine 200 receives the onepackaging sachet 118 from the dose-packaging machine 100. By causing the speed ofpackaging sachets 118 discharged from theauditing machine 300 and the speed of discharge from the dose-packaging machine 100 to almost correspond to each other, the difference between the processing speeds can be adjusted. -
Figure 6 is a partially enlarged diagram of the dose-packaging machine 100 and the conveyingmachine 200. As shown inFigure 6 , the dose-packaging machine 100 is provided with aswitching mechanism 130 configured to switch between routes ofpackaging sachets 118. Theswitching mechanism 130 is provided with anintroduction port 132 forpackaging sachets 118, adischarge port 134 forpackaging sachets 118, and a movable conveyingpath 136 between theintroduction port 132 and thedischarge port 134. The movable conveyingpath 136 has afulcrum 138 on the dose-packaging machine 100 side. The movable conveyingpath 136 can move up and down within a predetermined range, with thefulcrum 138 as a center. - In
Figure 6 , when the movable conveyingpath 136 is at a horizontal position,packaging sachets 118 discharged from the dose-packaging machine 100 pass through the movable conveyingpath 136 and are received by the conveyingmachine 200 via theintroduction port 202. Thepackaging sachets 118 are fed from the conveyingmachine 200 to theauditing machine 300. Therefore, the route of thepackaging sachets 118 is switched to a route to feed thepackaging sachets 118 to theauditing machine 300. - When the movable conveying
path 136 is inclined diagonally downward from the horizontal position, with thefulcrum 138 as a center, thepackaging sachets 118 discharged from the dose-packaging machine 100 pass through the movable conveyingpath 136 and are accommodated into theaccommodation box 400. Therefore, the route can be switched to a route to feed thepackaging sachet 118 to a place other than theauditing machine 300. - When the
auditing machine 300 cannot be used because of a failure or the like, a user can use only the dose-packaging machine 100. - A second embodiment is described with reference to
Figures 7 to 10 . Here, as for components having the same operation as the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given, and detailed description of the components is omitted. A configuration of a buffer unit that is different from the other embodiments is mainly described. -
Figure 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the conveyingmachine 200 of the medicationauditing support system 10. InFigure 7 , the dose-packaging machine 100, theauditing machine 300 and the controllingmachine 500 are omitted. - As shown in
Figure 7 , the conveyingmachine 200 is provided with thecasing 201 having theintroduction port 202 and thedischarge port 224, and the pair of first conveyingrollers 204, the pair of second conveyingrollers 206, adancer roller mechanism 230 and a pair of third conveyingrollers 240 in this order from the upstream toward the downstream side. - The
dancer roller mechanism 230 is provided with twoguide rollers 232 and adancer roller 234 arranged between the twoguide rollers 232. - The
dancer roller mechanism 230 is a mechanism configured to change a relative distance between theguide rollers 232 and thedancer roller 234. In thedancer roller mechanism 230, thedancer roller 234 is movably configured. In the embodiment, the twoguide rollers 232 are fixed, and thedancer roller 234 can move in the upward and downward directions. For example, a rotating shaft supporting thedancer roller 234 is movable up and down, and can be fixed to a frame or the like in a rotatable state. - By increasing the distance between the two
guide rollers 232 and thedancer roller 234, it is possible to increase the amount ofpackaging sachets 118 accumulated in thedancer roller mechanism 230. In the second embodiment, thedancer roller mechanism 230 functions as a buffer unit. By adjusting the amount ofpackaging sachets 118 accumulated in thedancer roller mechanism 230, it is possible to adjust the difference between the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 (not shown) and theauditing machine 300. - For example, when the processing speed of the dose-
packaging machine 100 is fast, the storage amount ofpackaging sachets 118 is increased by lowering thedancer roller 234. It is possible to feed thepackaging sachets 118 at a conveyance speed suitable for the processing speed of theauditing machine 300 by the third conveyingrollers 240. - The
buffer controlling unit 520A shown inFigure 4 controls the operation of thedancer roller mechanism 230. When thedancer roller 234 reaches the lowest point, it is determined that the maximum permissible range has been reached, and the dose-packagingmachine controlling unit 512 can stop the dose-packaging machine 100. However, there may be a case where, when thedancer roller 234 reaches the lowest point, the dose-packaging machine 100 is not stopped as necessary. -
Figure 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the conveyingmachine 200 according to a modification of the second embodiment. Thedancer roller mechanism 230 of the conveyingmachine 200 is provided with fourguide rollers 232 and threedancer rollers 234. - When the processing speed of the dose-
packaging machine 100 is fast, it is preferable that thedancer roller mechanism 230 can accumulatemore packaging sachets 118 because of a relationship with the operation of the dose-packaging machine 100. Therefore, it is preferable that theguide rollers 232 and thedancer rollers 234 are arranged at a plurality of stages as shown inFigure 8 . The plurality of stages means that thedancer roller mechanism 230 is provided with two ormore dancer rollers 234. Though the fourguide rollers 232 and the threedancer rollers 234 are shown inFigure 8 , the numbers are not limited thereto. The numbers ofguide rollers 232 anddancer rollers 234 can be decided in consideration of the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 and theauditing machine 300. -
Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of thedancer roller mechanism 230 according to the modification of the second embodiment.Reference numeral 901 inFigure 9 shows a state in which all the threedancer rollers 234 are located at the highest points. Thepackaging sachets 118 are not conveyed. -
Reference numeral 902 inFigure 9 shows a state in which thepackaging sachets 118 start to be conveyed from the dose-packaging machine 100 (not shown) to thedancer roller mechanism 230 of the conveying machine 200 (not shown). When thepackaging sachets 118 are conveyed to thedancer roller mechanism 230, thedancer roller 234 near to the auditing machine 300 (not shown) is moved toward the lower side. Thepackaging sachets 118 start to be accumulated. -
Reference numeral 903 inFigure 9 shows a state in which thepackaging sachets 118 are continuously being conveyed to thedancer roller mechanism 230. When thedancer roller 234 nearest to theauditing machine 300 reaches the lowest point, thedancer roller 234 in the center is moved toward the lower side. Thepackaging sachets 118 are further accumulated in thedancer roller mechanism 230. -
Reference numeral 904 inFigure 9 shows a state in which thepackaging sachets 118 are continuously being conveyed to thedancer roller mechanism 230. When thedancer roller 234 near to theauditing machine 300 and thedancer roller 234 in the center reach the lowest point, thedancer roller 234 near to the dose-packaging machine 100 is moved toward the lower side. Thedancer roller mechanism 230 accumulates thepackaging sachets 118 by an amount of the maximum permissible range. - Reference numeral 905 in
Figure 9 shows a state in which conveyance ofpackaging sachets 118 from the dose-packaging machine 100 is stopped, and thepackaging sachets 118 accumulated in thedancer roller mechanism 230 start to be conveyed to theauditing machine 300. Thedancer roller 234 near to theauditing machine 300 is moved toward the upper side, and the accumulatedpackaging sachets 118 are conveyed to theauditing machine 300. -
Reference numeral 906 inFigure 9 shows a state in which thepackaging sachets 118 are continuously being conveyed to theauditing machine 300. When thedancer roller 234 near to theauditing machine 300 reaches the highest point, thedancer roller 234 in the center is moved toward the upper side, and the accumulatedpackaging sachets 118 are conveyed to theauditing machine 300. - By causing the
dancer roller mechanism 230 to operate, it is possible to adjust the difference between the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 and theauditing machine 300. The operation is not limited to the operation ofFigure 9 so long as it is possible to adjust the difference between the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 and theauditing machine 300. -
Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another operation according to the modification of the second embodiment. As shown inFigure 10 , thedancer roller 234 near to the auditing machine 300 (not shown) is moved toward the upper side so that thepackaging sachets 118 accumulated in thedancer roller mechanism 230 are conveyed to theauditing machine 300. At the same time, by causing thedancer roller 234 near to the dose-packaging machine 100 to move toward the lower side, thepackaging sachets 118 conveyed from the dose-packaging machine 100 are accumulated in thedancer roller mechanism 230. - It is preferable to control the operations of the
dancer rollers 234 in consideration of the difference between the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 and theauditing machine 300. - A third embodiment is described with reference to
Figure 11 . Here, as for components having the same operation as the first and second embodiments, the same reference numerals are given, and detailed description of the components is omitted. A configuration of a buffer unit that is different from the other embodiments is mainly described. -
Figure 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the conveyingmachine 200 of the medicationauditing support system 10. InFigure 11 , the dose-packaging machine 100, theauditing machine 300 and the controllingmachine 500 are omitted. - As shown in
Figure 11 , the conveyingmachine 200 is provided with thecasing 201 having theintroduction port 202 and thedischarge port 224, and the pair of first conveyingrollers 204, the pair of second conveyingrollers 206, afolding mechanism 250, the pair of third conveyingrollers 240 and a pair of fourth conveyingrollers 246, in this order from the upstream toward the downstream side. - The
folding mechanism 250 is provided with a pair of movable conveyingrollers 252 and aposition detecting sensor 254. Thefolding mechanism 250 functions as a buffer unit. Thefolding mechanism 250 is a mechanism configured to form a folding edge onpackaging sachets 118 for each predetermined length of thepackaging sachets 118, to stack thepackaging sachets 118. The predetermined length can be appropriately set according to the size and the like of the conveyingmachine 200. - As shown in
Figure 11 , the pair of movable conveyingrollers 252 can reciprocate in the horizontal direction. - The
packaging sachets 118 conveyed from the dose-packaging machine 100 pass through the pair of movable conveyingrollers 252 that continuously reciprocate in the horizontal direction, and are fed to the lower side of the conveyingmachine 200. As a result, thepackaging sachets 118 are accumulated in thefolding mechanism 250, being stacked in a zigzag shape by the movable conveyingrollers 252. - From the lower side of the
folding mechanism 250, thepackaging sachets 118 are conveyed to the auditing machine 300 (not shown) by the third conveyingrollers 240 and the fourth conveyingrollers 246. - By accumulating the
packaging sachets 118 in thefolding mechanism 250 in the zigzag shape, it is possible to adjust the difference between the processing speeds of the dose-packaging machine 100 (not shown) and the auditing machine. Theposition detecting sensor 254 can detect whether thepackaging sachets 118 have reached the maximum permissible range or not. - In the first to third embodiments, it is preferable to provide a tension adjusting mechanism (not shown) in the conveying
machine 200 to impart certain tension topackaging sachets 118. When packagingsachets 118 are fed from the dose-packaging machine 100, thepackaging sachets 118 sag down. The tension adjusting mechanism is operated to impart the certain tension to thepackaging sachets 118. Thepackaging sachets 118 are pulled to the conveyingmachine 200 and received into the conveyingmachine 200. Therefore, the conveyingmachine 200 can receive thepackaging sachets 118 in synchronization with discharge of thepackaging sachets 118 from the dose-packaging machine 100. - As the tension adjusting mechanism, for example, a dancer roller is applicable. By applying a load to a rotating shaft supporting the dancer roller, the tension on the
packaging sachets 118 is decided. - In the embodiments described above, description has been made on a case where each of the dose-
packaging machine 100, the conveyingmachine 200 and theauditing machine 300 has a separate casing. However, without being limited to the case, a case where the dose-packaging machine 100, the conveyingmachine 200 and theauditing machine 300 are accommodated in one casing is also possible. -
- 10
- medication auditing support system
- 100
- dose-packaging machine
- 102
- casing
- 104
- feeder
- 106
- hopper
- 108
- feeding pipe
- 110
- packaging mechanism
- 112
- packaging paper
- 114
- supplying mechanism
- 116
- heat sealing mechanism
- 116A
- vertical heating head
- 116B
- horizontal heating head
- 118
- packaging sachet
- 120
- discharge port
- 122
- print head
- 130
- switching mechanism
- 132
- introduction port
- 134
- discharge port
- 136
- movable conveying path
- 138
- fulcrum
- 200
- conveying machine
- 201
- casing
- 202
- introduction port
- 204
- first conveying roller
- 206
- second conveying roller
- 208
- turret mechanism
- 210
- turntable
- 212
- table rotating shaft
- 214
- winding rotating shaft
- 216
- feeding rotating shaft
- 220
- diameter detecting sensor
- 222
- diameter detecting sensor
- 224
- discharge port
- 230
- dancer roller mechanism
- 232
- guide roller
- 234
- dancer roller
- 240
- third conveying roller
- 246
- fourth conveying roller
- 250
- folding mechanism
- 252
- movable conveying roller
- 254
- position detecting sensor
- 300
- auditing machine
- 301
- casing
- 302
- introduction port
- 304
- first conveying roller
- 306
- second conveying roller
- 308
- first camera
- 310
- second camera
- 312
- light source
- 314
- guide
- 316
- label printer mechanism
- 318
- backing paper
- 320
- supplying mechanism
- 322
- label printer
- 324
- label peeling mechanism
- 326
- winding mechanism
- 330
- third camera
- 332
- third conveying roller
- 334
- discharge port
- 342
- passage detecting sensor
- 344
- perforation forming machine
- 400
- accommodation box
- 500
- controlling machine
- 502
- displaying unit
- 504
- operating unit
- 506
- processing unit
- 508
- storing unit
- 508A
- prescription data
- 508B
- medication data
- 508C
- medication image
- 508D
- audit result
- 510
- communication interface
- 512
- dose-packaging machine controlling unit
- 512A
- feeder unit
- 512B
- packaging unit
- 520
- conveying machine controlling unit
- 520A
- buffer controlling unit
- 520B
- conveying unit
- 520C
- warning unit
- 530
- auditing machine controlling unit
- 530A
- imaging unit
- 530B
- auditing unit
- 530C
- printing unit
- 530D
- conveying unit
Claims (10)
- A medication auditing support system comprising:a dose-packaging machine configured to package medication based on prescription data and discharge continuous packaging sachets;a conveying machine configured to receive the continuous packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine and feed the continuous packaging sachets;an auditing machine configured to receive the continuous packaging sachets fed from the conveying machine and audit the medication packaged in the packaging sachets based on the prescription data; anda controlling machine configured to control the dose-packaging machine, the conveying machine and the auditing machine, whereinthe conveying machine comprises a buffer unit configured to store the continuous packaging sachets.
- The medication auditing support system according to claim 1, wherein
when an amount of the packaging sachets stored in the buffer unit reaches a maximum permissible range, the controlling machine temporarily stops an operation of the dose-packaging machine. - The medication auditing support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the buffer unit includes a dancer roller mechanism. - The medication auditing support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the buffer unit includes a turret mechanism comprising a plurality of rotating shafts and configured to switch positions of the plurality of rotating shafts, the turret mechanism being configured to wind a part of the packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine by one of the rotating shafts and feed another part of the packaging sachets to the auditing machine by another one of the rotating shafts. - The medication auditing support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the conveying machine receives the packaging sachets in synchronization with discharge of the packaging sachets from the dose-packaging machine. - The medication auditing support system according to claim 5, wherein
the conveying machine imparts certain tension to the continuous packaging sachets and receives only the packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine. - The medication auditing support system according to claim 6, comprising a detector configured to detect a movement of one of the continuous packaging sachets discharged from the dose-packaging machine, wherein
the conveying machine receives the one of the packaging sachets based on a result of the detector. - The medication auditing support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein
the controlling machine instructs the dose-packaging machine to package the medication based on an audit result of the auditing machine. - The medication auditing support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising
a perforation forming machine configured to form perforations on the continuous packaging sachets that have been audited by the auditing machine. - The medication auditing support system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein
the dose-packaging machine comprises a switching mechanism configured to switch between a route to feed the packaging sachets to the auditing machine and a route to feed the packaging sachets to a place other than the auditing machine.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2018022236 | 2018-02-09 | ||
PCT/JP2018/048330 WO2019155788A1 (en) | 2018-02-09 | 2018-12-27 | Medication auditing support system |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3750521A1 true EP3750521A1 (en) | 2020-12-16 |
EP3750521A4 EP3750521A4 (en) | 2021-03-31 |
EP3750521B1 EP3750521B1 (en) | 2022-01-26 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP18905390.3A Active EP3750521B1 (en) | 2018-02-09 | 2018-12-27 | Medication auditing support system |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP3750521B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6911160B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019155788A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
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JP7301988B2 (en) * | 2019-09-10 | 2023-07-03 | 富士フイルム富山化学株式会社 | Conveyor and drug audit support system |
Family Cites Families (12)
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JPH07265382A (en) * | 1994-03-29 | 1995-10-17 | Tokyo Shokai:Kk | Inspection system for cartridge body for medicine |
JP3779773B2 (en) * | 1996-07-30 | 2006-05-31 | 高園産業株式会社 | Inspection device for medicine in storage and inspection method for medicine in storage |
JPH11309198A (en) * | 1999-03-23 | 1999-11-09 | Yuyama Seisakusho:Kk | Medicine wrapping machine |
JP2001212207A (en) * | 2000-02-07 | 2001-08-07 | Tosho Inc | Device for packaging divided medicine |
US9334096B2 (en) * | 2004-10-01 | 2016-05-10 | Edge Medical Properties, Llc | Multiple inspection system and method that inspects different medications |
JP4752595B2 (en) * | 2006-04-27 | 2011-08-17 | 横浜ゴム株式会社 | Sheet rubber material supply device |
JP5159716B2 (en) * | 2009-07-01 | 2013-03-13 | Ckd株式会社 | PTP sheet manufacturing equipment |
JP6287844B2 (en) * | 2012-10-03 | 2018-03-07 | 株式会社湯山製作所 | Drug inspection system |
EP3265386B1 (en) * | 2015-03-03 | 2018-06-13 | PFM Iberica Packaging Machinery S.A. | Device for continuous compensation of stretching of film during drawing applicable on packaging machines |
EP3275419A4 (en) * | 2015-03-23 | 2018-10-10 | Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd. | Drug portion packaging device |
JP7023597B2 (en) * | 2016-03-28 | 2022-02-22 | 株式会社Screenホールディングス | Printing equipment, printing system, printing method and operation control program |
KR101971319B1 (en) | 2016-05-26 | 2019-04-24 | (주)제이브이엠 | Control apparatus |
-
2018
- 2018-12-27 WO PCT/JP2018/048330 patent/WO2019155788A1/en unknown
- 2018-12-27 EP EP18905390.3A patent/EP3750521B1/en active Active
- 2018-12-27 JP JP2019570329A patent/JP6911160B2/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP3750521B1 (en) | 2022-01-26 |
WO2019155788A1 (en) | 2019-08-15 |
JP6911160B2 (en) | 2021-07-28 |
JPWO2019155788A1 (en) | 2020-12-03 |
EP3750521A4 (en) | 2021-03-31 |
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