FR3068600A1 - DISPENSING DEVICE FOR NON-PURE GAS PRODUCTS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH PRODUCTS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) dispensing non-purely gaseous products, comprising: - a receiving zone of a container (11), the container being able to be taken from the receiving zone for the administration of non-gaseous products purely gaseous; characterized in that it comprises an imaging device adapted to form at least one digital image; and in that it comprises a digital image processing unit adapted to be able to analyze each image formed by the imaging device.

Description

DEVICE FOR DISPENSING NON-PURE GAS PRODUCTS

AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH PRODUCTS

The invention relates to a device for dispensing non-purely gaseous products, in particular solid products in the form of at least one particle, in particular products intended to be administered to a human or animal such as medicaments and / or food and / or food supplements. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a method of administering non-purely gaseous products, in particular products intended to be administered to a human or animal such as medicaments and / or foods and / or food supplements in which such a dispensing device is implemented. The invention relates in particular to such a dispensing device for use at home.

In general, the distribution - in particular the automated distribution - of products which are not purely gaseous, in particular solid products in the form of at least one particle - in particular products intended to be administered to a human or animal such as medicaments and / or food and / or food supplements - and controlling the distribution of such products is a major issue for the health and / or development of a human or animal left alone and in the absence of a third party person.

Regarding animal feed, such as pets or farm animals, it is essential to be able to control the timing of food rations and to ensure control of the regular intake of these rations. The good health and the harmonious development of animals depend on it.

Regarding the medical field, it is commonly accepted that keeping a patient at home in his personal and / or family environment contributes at least in part to the success of pharmacological treatment of a large number of pathologies. A current trend is even to seek to carry out, at the patient's home, treatments usually administered on an outpatient basis in health establishments.

However, in addition to the psychological impact of home care on the patient, the pharmacological treatment itself and the rigor with which the medical prescription is respected - in particular the hours of medication intake - contribute for the other part to the success of such treatments. . This is particularly the case with drug treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and cancers treated orally. Thus, reliable solutions are sought which allow not only to distribute the drugs of a treatment to a patient maintained at home, but also to establish the traceability of the acts of distribution of drugs relating to this treatment carried out in the patient's home outside the context of a healthcare facility, to ensure real-time or near-real-time monitoring of the proper administration of this treatment and to control the times taken for medication. This is in particular the case of therapeutic or diagnostic treatments in which a given action is linked to a previous action by a deadline which must be strictly observed.

There is known from US 4,573,606 an automatic personal device for dispensing a unit dose of medication. This device comprises a wheel with radial partitions forming twelve compartments for storing medicaments, the wheel being rotatably mounted and adapted to be able to deliver medicaments in a receptacle forming a collection funnel held vertically in a chute for guiding medicaments dispensed to from a storage compartment. A photocell is located under and vertical to the funnel tube and light radiation is reflected by a mirror back to the photocell via the funnel and the funnel tube. In this configuration, the fall of the drugs into the funnel leads to an obstruction of the funnel tube and to an interruption in the transmission of light radiation towards the photoelectric cell. This interruption causes the closure of an electrical circuit and the activation of an audible alarm indicating to the patient that a unitary medication intake is available in the funnel.

This known device poses several problems.

On the one hand, the funnel tube must have a sufficient diameter to allow the passage of light radiation reflected by the mirror. As a result, only drugs larger than the diameter of the funnel tube are likely to be retained in the funnel and provide a lasting, audible audible signal to the patient. The use of this device is therefore limited to the distribution of large drugs.

On the other hand, to facilitate alignment of the longitudinal axis of the funnel tube and the axis of the light radiation, the container forming the funnel should be guided horizontally on grooves cooperating in guiding in horizontal translation with ribs of the container. Such guidance is binding and requires the patient a concentration effort to position the container relative to the support and to guide the container on the support to its position for receiving the drugs. This device is therefore not suitable for patients suffering from pathologies involving attention disorders and / or motor disorders, such as neurodegenerative pathologies.

On the other hand, this known device does not allow the presence or absence of the medication collection container to be determined. Indeed, the photoelectric cell does not make it possible to distinguish a case in which the receptacle is present and free of medicaments from a case in which the receptacle is absent. This results in a risk that drugs are dispensed from the device while the receptacle is not in position on the dispensing device, so that the dispensed drugs are dispersed on the ground and lost to the patient. This results in a loss of effectiveness of the treatment.

This known device also does not provide and does not make it possible to determine the duration of the period extending between the actual taking of the drugs and the replacement of the container on the dispensing device. When medication is delivered to the receptacle and the alarm sounds, the patient turns off the alarm and takes the medication. Thus, the alarm being deactivated, this device does not make it possible to determine the moment when the patient withdraws the container and the drugs from the support of the device and actually takes the drugs. This known device does not make it possible to evaluate certain behavioral aspects of the patient, in particular the evolution over time of the duration of the period extending between taking the drugs and replacing the container on the dispensing device. However, the inventor has determined that this data constitutes an essential indication of the regular and faithful monitoring of the medical prescription.

Finally, this known device requires a photoelectric cell located under the support, a source of light radiation and a mirror for orienting this light radiation located above the support. Such a device therefore poses congestion problems.

The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

The invention therefore aims to provide a device for dispensing non-purely gaseous products and such a method of controlling a method of administering non-purely gaseous products making it possible to control the distribution of non-purely gaseous products.

The invention aims to propose such a dispensing device and such a control method allowing increased monitoring of geographically and / or family-isolated patients.

The invention aims to propose such a dispensing device and such a control method making it possible to exchange information related to pharmacological treatment relating to pharmacological treatment with persons authorized to receive them - in particular doctors, nurses, nurses, nursing aides, family - patient attendance to follow his treatment.

The invention aims in particular to propose such a drug dispensing device and such a control method allowing or facilitating the maintenance at home of patients receiving pharmacological treatment.

The invention also aims to propose such a dispensing device and such a control method constituting an essential extension of the medication distribution circuit at the home of a patient.

The invention also aims to propose such a dispensing device allowing a patient at home to comply as precisely as possible with a medical prescription.

The invention aims in particular to propose such a dispensing device making it possible to control compliance with the medical prescription by the patient.

The invention also aims to provide such a dispensing device which is at least as simple to use as the known medication dispensing devices, which is ergonomic, compact and reassuring for the patient.

The invention also aims to propose such a dispensing device and a control method making it possible to establish or strengthen monitoring between a patient and his entourage, medical and / or family.

The invention also relates to such a dispensing device and such a method of controlling the distribution of narcotic products for their medical and / or veterinary use, the traceability of which must be ensured.

In particular, the invention aims to propose such a dispensing device and such a control method making it possible to exchange with persons authorized to receive them - in particular doctors, nurses, nurses, nursing assistants, family -, information related to the pharmacological treatment relating to the patient's attendance to follow his treatment.

To do this, the invention relates to a device for dispensing non-purely gaseous products, in particular solid products in the form of at least one particle - in particular products intended to be administered to a human or animal such as drugs and / or food and / or food supplements, comprising:

- a receiving area for a container, the container being able to be removed from the receiving area for the administration of products which are not purely gaseous;

characterized in that it comprises an imaging device capable of forming at least one digital image adapted to be able to be representative:

o the presence of a container in the reception area, o the absence of any container in the reception area, o the presence of non-purely gaseous products in a container placed in the reception area, o an absence of any product which is not purely gaseous in a container placed in the reception area;

and in that it comprises a digital image processing unit adapted to be able to analyze each image formed by the imaging device, so as to detect in each image:

- the presence of a container in the reception area,

- the absence of a container in the reception area,

- the presence of a container in the reception area and the absence of non-gaseous products in the container,

- the presence of a container in the reception area and the presence of at least one non-gaseous product in the container.

The invention applies to products which are not purely gaseous, that is to say for products in a purely solid state or for products in a purely liquid state or for products in an intermediate state to a solid state and in a liquid state (paste). The invention applies to products of which a part is in the solid state and a part is in the liquid state. Nothing prevents a part of the products from being in the gaseous state, in particular trapped in the heart of a product in the solid state and / or trapped in the heart of a product in the liquid state.

The invention applies in particular to products intended to be consumed - in particular ingested - by humans or animals according to a predetermined or determinable sequence of intake of products and for which the control of the administration and / or the product traceability must be ensured. These may be products (drugs) formulated for medical use (in humans) or for veterinary use (in animals). It can also be food products, such as dry food (kibble) for animal feed. It can be food supplements, such as vitamins, trace elements for human or animal food. They may also be products for which traceability must be ensured, for example narcotic products - in particular products listed in one of the tables of the 1961 Convention on Narcotic Drugs -, in particular for their medical use and / or veterinary.

The invention applies to any non-purely gaseous drug, that is to say to any drug in a solid or liquid dosage form suitable for dispensing to a patient. It can be a drug in a solid dosage form such as, for example, tablets, cachets, capsules, capsules, pills, lozenges, dragees, suppositories. Medicines dispensed by means of a medication dispensing device according to the invention can be identical or distinct. These may be separate medicinal products, separate dosage forms and / or comprising separate active substances and / or dosages of separate active substances. It can also be identical drugs, that is to say drugs comprising the same (s) active substance (s), with the same dosage of the active substance (s) ( s) and in the same dosage form (s). It may be a medicament in a solid galenical form in the divided state such as a powder whose presence is capable of being able to be detected in a medicament dispensing device according to the invention. It may also be a solid in the form of a paste capable of being able to be dispensed in a drug dispensing device according to the invention. It can also be a liquid medicine.

The dispensing device according to the invention is an electronic device. It comprises an imaging device able to form and store in memory at least one digital image and at least one processor adapted to allow analysis of such digital images.

A dispensing device according to the invention makes it possible to distribute products securely in a container. It allows in particular to avoid the delivery of products while the container is not positioned in the reception area so as to be able to receive the products. It also makes it possible to check that the products have been correctly distributed in the container. Thus, the products are not delivered in a form scattered around the dispensing device, or even ashore remote from the dispensing device and are not lost for their co-consumption. A dispensing device according to the invention therefore makes it possible to secure the distribution of products and control the intake of these products.

A dispensing device according to the invention comprising a zone for receiving a container which can be withdrawn from the zone for receiving the administration of the products, an imaging device capable of forming at least one digital image and a unit for digital image processing is suitable for controlling the automatic or manual distribution by a person of products in the container.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, the digital image processing unit is also adapted to be able to analyze each image formed by the imaging device and detect in each image formed the presence of the products in the container.

A dispensing device according to the invention comprises a container adapted to be able to receive at least one product dispensed from a reservoir. Any container can be used as soon as it is sized to be able to be placed in the zone for receiving non-gaseous products from the dispensing device and when it allows a digital image of the products to be acquired by the imaging device. It can be a cup for receiving non-gaseous products. It can be a saucer, a plate, a dish, a trough for the distribution of a food ration for an animal.

The container forms a single compartment for receiving products. The container is intended to receive products - in particular medicines - distributed extemporaneously by the dispensing device according to the invention so as to be made available to a human or animal - in particular a patient - for taking products - including immediate medication. The container is not a medicine storage container intended to be closed by a lid, labeled, stored for distribution to a patient in a care facility.

The container may be formed from one or more material (s) compatible with its (their) contact with the products, in particular drugs. The container can be formed from one or more material (s) chosen from the group formed by glass, ceramics, polymeric materials, in particular thermoplastic materials and thermosetting materials. The material forming the container can be chosen from the group consisting of polyethylenes (PE), polypropylenes (PP), polycarbonates (PC), poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), polylactic acids (PLA), polyoxymethylenes (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) -in particular natural ABS-, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene modified with reduced butadiene content (M-ABS), polystyrenes (PS) in the expanded state or not (in the dense state), poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polycaprolactam (PA-6), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyamides (PA) and copolymers, for example styrene-butadiene (SBR or impact polystyrene) and styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) and mixtures of at least two of these polymeric materials in all proportions. There is nothing to prevent the container from being made from recycled material.

According to certain embodiments of a dispensing device according to the invention, the material (s) forming the container are chosen from the group formed by transparent materials and translucent materials. Such materials allow detection of non-purely gaseous products by transparency through the material (s) forming the wall of the container. According to these embodiments of a dispensing device according to the invention, the imaging device can be positioned facing any of the transparent / translucent faces of the container.

According to other embodiments of a dispensing device according to the invention, the material (s) forming the container are chosen from the group formed of opaque materials, the container having an upper opening for receiving products which is not purely gaseous, the imaging device then being positioned substantially perpendicular to the container.

The container can have any varied shape adapted to be able to contain non-purely gaseous products. It may have a generally cylindrical shape of revolution along a substantially vertical axis when the container is in the position for receiving products in the dispensing device. It can also be of generally frustoconical shape, that is to say in the shape of a truncated cone. In particular, such a container may have, in any cross section orthogonal to the vertical axis, a decreasing section from the opening towards the bottom of the container.

The container preferably has an upper opening for receiving non-gaseous products. The opening of the container may have an opening edge extending in a horizontal plane when the container is in the position for receiving non-purely gaseous products in the dispensing device.

According to certain embodiments of a dispensing device according to the invention, the imaging device comprises at least one matrix sensor. Any type of matrix sensor can be used. According to certain embodiments, at least one matrix sensor comprises a plurality of photomultiplier tubes, each photomultiplier tube of the plurality of photomultiplier tubes acting as photosite (pixel) of the matrix sensor. According to certain embodiments, at least one matrix sensor comprises a plurality of photodiodes, each photodiode of the plurality of photodiodes acting as photosite (pixel) of the matrix sensor. According to certain embodiments, at least one matrix sensor is chosen from the group formed by CCD matrix sensors, CMOS (“Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor”) matrix sensors and high definition matrix sensors (HD sensors). The matrix sensor used has a photosite density (number of photosite per cm) sufficient to produce digital images of sufficient resolution to allow their analysis by the digital image processing unit.

According to certain embodiments of a dispensing device according to the invention, the matrix sensor is a matrix sensor capable of forming a monochromatic image of at least part of the container. However, nothing prevents that, according to certain other embodiments of a dispensing device according to the invention, the matrix sensor is a matrix sensor capable of forming a polychromatic image of at least part of the container.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the digital image processing unit is adapted to detect in the image:

- an absence of a container in the reception area or an inadequate positioning of the container to receive non-purely gaseous products if no part of an image, known as a reference image, representative of the container free of non-purely gaseous products is identified in the digital image;

- positioning of the container suitable for receiving non-purely gaseous products, the container being free from non-purely gaseous products, if the whole of said reference image is identified in the digital image, and;

- positioning of the appropriate container, the container containing at least one product which is not purely gaseous if only part of said reference image is identified in the digital image.

The digital image processing unit of a dispensing device according to the invention makes it possible to compare any digital image formed by the imaging device with said reference image.

According to certain embodiments, advantageously and according to the invention, the imaging device extends substantially vertically and above the container. Advantageously, the imaging device is arranged to be able to form a digital image of the area for receiving non-gaseous products or of the container positioned in this area for receiving non-gaseous products. Thus, the container being of cylindrical shape of revolution or frustoconical along a vertical axis, the imaging device makes it possible to form a digital image of the container - in particular the bottom of the container in which non-gaseous products rest.

According to certain embodiments, advantageously and according to the invention, the container has a pattern, called the reference pattern, arranged so that the imaging device forms a digital image, called the reference image, of the container free of product not purely gaseous, said reference image being representative of the container free of non-purely gaseous product. Any reference pattern can be used as soon as an image formed from said reference pattern is modified - notably distorted - by the presence of non-purely gaseous products in the container. Said reference pattern can be a pattern visible under illumination in visible light (natural or artificial), that is to say visible under illumination in light having a wavelength spectrum between 400 nm and 800 nm. Said reference pattern can be a monochrome pattern or a polychrome pattern. Said reference pattern can be a pattern printed on an internal face of the container. Said reference pattern can also be a reference pattern printed on an external face of the container, the container being formed from a transparent or translucent material. Said reference pattern can also be a reference pattern formed in the mass of the container, the container being formed of a transparent or translucent material. Said reference pattern may be an authorized reproduction of a drawing, a painting, a photograph, etc. Said reference pattern may be formed from at least one geometric shape, in particular from a plurality of geometric shapes. . It can be a checkerboard pattern, in the shape of a target formed by alternately black and white concentric circles or white and black ribbons wound in a spiral. Said reference motif may also be an authorized reproduction of a logo.

Said reference pattern is adapted to be able to be identified by T digital image processing unit and to allow detection, by T digital image processing unit, of a modification, a deformation or a masking of 'at least part of said reference pattern, in particular by at least one product (s) not purely gaseous contained (s) in the container, whereby the presence of at least one product in the container is detected.

Nothing prevents said reference pattern from being a reference pattern visible under illumination in non-visible light, that is to say in light having a spectrum in T ultraviolet or in infrared. Nothing prevents said reference pattern from being a photoluminescent pattern, the dispensing device having a light source suitable for viewing said photoluminescent reference pattern.

The reference pattern can be chosen to allow identification of a patient. The reason for reference can be an inscription of the patient's surname, first name or nickname. It can be a photograph of the patient, an identification number, etc. Such a reference motif for identifying a patient is particularly suitable for allowing the distribution of medicines, in particular analgesic medicines (opiates or opioids) - for example analgesics registered in one of the tables of the 1961 convention on narcotics - to a plurality of patients while ensuring the traceability of the drugs - including analgesics - distributed.

According to certain embodiments, advantageously and according to the invention, the container having a substantially horizontal plane bottom, said reference pattern is formed at the bottom of the container. The container has a substantially horizontal flat bottom when the container is in the position for receiving non-gaseous products in the dispensing device.

According to certain embodiments, advantageously and according to the invention, the container is formed from an opaque material.

According to certain embodiments, advantageously and according to the invention, the dispensing device comprises at least one device for lighting at least part of the container. Such lighting devices are arranged and oriented so as to be able to illuminate at least part of the container, in particular the bottom of the container. Any lighting device can be used. It can be a visible light source, a non-visible light source, or a visible and non-visible light source. There is nothing in particular to prevent the lighting device from including a light source that is not visible in the ultraviolet. It can be an incandescent bulb, a light emitting diode (LED), or other.

According to certain embodiments, advantageously and according to the invention, the dispensing device comprises at least one electronic control card of the dispensing device adapted to produce digital image analysis data from the image processing unit. digital and order at least one motor device for distributing non-gaseous products according to the analysis data.

The analysis data are chosen from the group made up of representative data:

- the presence of a container in the reception area;

- an absence of a container in the reception area;

- the presence of a container in the reception area and the absence of non-gaseous products in the container;

- the presence of a container in the reception area and the presence of at least one non-purely gaseous product in the container.

The electronic control card of the dispensing device is also adapted to be able to receive identification data from a removable cassette for storing and distributing non-gaseous products - in particular drugs - assembled with the dispensing device, from a identifier carried by the removable cassette, the identification data of the removable cassette being transmitted by an identifier reader communicating with said electronic card. The identification data of the removable cassette include:

- data identifying the type of removable cassette to which the removable cassette assembled with the dispensing device belongs;

- data relating to a treatment - in particular to a therapeutic treatment - to which the products which are not purely gaseous - in particular the drugs - from the removable cassette assembled with the dispensing device are attached;

- data relating to the identity of the recipient - in particular the patient to whom non-purely gaseous products are administered - in particular the drugs - contained in the removable cassette assembled with the dispensing device.

The electronic control card of the dispensing device is adapted to control, as a function of the identification data of the removable cassette, at least one motor device for dispensing non-purely gaseous products. It can control, as a function of said identification data and in particular of a predetermined and programmed sequence of distribution of products which are not purely gaseous - in particular of the drugs contained in the identification data - a motor device for driving in step-by-step rotation of the drum in relation to the housing. It can also command the activation of a motor device for actuating a shutter / opening valve of a non-gaseous product passage orifice formed in the casing, the opening of which leads to a release of the products. not purely gaseous contained in a storage and distribution compartment and its (their) transfer - notably by gravity - into the container.

According to certain embodiments, a dispensing device according to the invention comprises a reservoir for the storage and distribution of products which are not purely gaseous - in particular drugs -. A dispensing device according to the invention is adapted to be able to deliver products that are not purely gaseous - in particular drugs - to the container from the storage and distribution tank of products that are not purely gaseous - especially drugs -. A dispensing device according to the invention may include any type of storage tank and dispensing of non-gaseous products - in particular of drugs -. It may be a reservoir mounted integral with the dispensing device. Such a reservoir is preferably adapted to be able to be refilled with products which are not purely gaseous - in particular in drugs -. It can be a tank containing non-purely gaseous products - notably drugs - placed in a single storage enclosure. The dispensing device according to the invention is then adapted to deliver the same non-purely gaseous product - in particular a drug -, for example, several times a day, in accordance with a medical prescription.

It may also be a reservoir containing non-purely gaseous products - in particular drugs - distributed in a plurality of storage chambers, each storage enclosure containing a different non-gaseous product - in particular a drug -. The dispensing device is then adapted to deliver intakes of non-purely gaseous products - in particular of drugs - formed by mixing non-purely gaseous products - in particular of drugs - from non-gaseous products - in particular of drugs - from each enclosure. Thus, such a dispensing device according to the invention makes it possible to distribute intakes of products which are not purely gaseous - in particular drugs - prepared from a plurality of storage chambers for different products which are not purely gaseous - in particular different drugs -.

However, nothing prevents the tank for storing and distributing non-gaseous products, in particular drugs, from containing a plurality of product intakes, each product intake comprising at least one product, in particular a plurality of products, in particular a plurality of drugs- and being stored in the storage tank ready to be dispensed.

According to certain advantageous embodiments, a dispensing device according to the invention can be equipped with a removable reservoir for storage and distribution of non-purely gaseous products - in particular drugs - containing a plurality of product intakes. According to this advantageous embodiment, each intake of products can be prepared in advance - that is to say not extemporaneously - in the storage and distribution tank, the storage and distribution tank thus prepared being assembled in the dispensing device according to the invention.

According to certain embodiments of a dispensing device according to the invention, the reservoir for storing and dispensing products which are not purely gaseous - in particular drugs - is a removable cassette comprising:

- a casing - in particular a rigid casing - adapted to be immobilized in the dispensing device and having an orifice for the passage of non-gaseous products - in particular of drugs - extending in the low position of the casing when the removable cassette is assembled with the device distributor (so that products which are not purely gaseous

- in particular drugs - are driven by gravity towards the container), and;

a drum formed of at least one disc supporting a plurality of radial partitions, the drum being driven in rotation relative to the casing along an axis of rotation passing through the center of the drum by a rotary shaft of the dispensing device, the disc and the a plurality of radial partitions being arranged to form with the casing a plurality of compartments for storing and distributing non-gaseous products, in particular drugs.

In these embodiments of a dispensing device according to the invention, the axis of rotation of the drum of the removable cassette is substantially horizontal and the orifice extends in the low position of the casing when the removable cassette is assembled with the dispensing device so that the products are likely to be carried by gravity towards the container. In these embodiments of a dispensing device according to the invention, the removable cassette therefore extends vertically in the dispensing device.

In these embodiments of a distributor device according to the invention, the rotary shaft of the distributor device is positioned so that a free end of the rotary shaft can cooperate with the drum and cause it to rotate when the cassette removable is assembled to the dispensing device and the rotary shaft is rotated.

In these embodiments of a dispensing device according to the invention, one of the compartments for storing and distributing products which are not purely gaseous - in particular medication - being brought by angular displacement of the drum relative to the casing in an angular position such that it opens onto the passage orifice formed in the casing, the products which are not purely gaseous - in particular the medicaments - contained in said compartment are driven - notably but not necessarily at the opening of an opening / closing valve from the medication passage opening - by gravity out of the compartment and up to the container. In these embodiments, a dispensing device according to the invention does not require a specific device for driving non-purely gaseous products - in particular drugs - to the container.

In these embodiments, advantageously a device for dispensing non-gaseous products - in particular drugs - according to the invention comprises a drive device for driving the drum step by step relative to the casing. In these embodiments, each angular movement of the drum relative to the casing corresponds to a predetermined angle value, suitable for placing one of the storage and distribution compartments opposite the passage orifice formed in the casing. In these embodiments, each angular displacement of the drum relative to the casing is carried out according to a time sequence of distribution of non-purely gaseous products - in particular of drugs - conforming to a prescription - in particular to a medical prescription -. The motor device for driving the drum step by step with respect to the casing is adapted to allow the drum to rotate relative to the casing at a date and at a time predetermined by the prescription and also allow the drum to be blocked in rotation by report to the housing outside these predetermined dates and times. The angular displacement of the drum relative to the casing consists of a rotation of an angle value determined as a function of the number of compartments for storing and distributing the removable cassette, from a predetermined position of the drum relative to the casing established during the installation of the removable cassette in the dispensing device. This angle value is generally equal to 2π / η, n being a natural whole number equal to the number of compartments of the removable cassette.

Any type of motor device for driving the drum step by step relative to the casing can be used. Such a drive device for driving the drum step by step relative to the casing according to a predetermined angle value comprises:

- an electric geared motor for rotating along a first axis of rotation of a wheel, called the driving wheel, provided on one of its main faces with a peripheral lug and a central cylinder in relief. Said driving wheel also has a peripheral notch adapted to be able to cooperate with a photoelectric sensor with fork for interrupting the rotation drive of said driving wheel after a rotation of said driving wheel by an angle value of 2π (one turn on herself) ;

a “Maltese cross” mounted to rotate on a second axis of rotation, integral with a coaxial toothed wheel having a whole number (p) of teeth and having a plurality (r) of radial grooves uniformly distributed on the Maltese cross and driven in rotation by the lug of said driving wheel cooperating in translation with one of the radial grooves. The rotation of said driving wheel with an angle value of 2π is accompanied by a rotation of the Maltese cross with a value of 2π / ιτι, m being a natural number representing the number of grooves in the cross from Malta. The central cylinder of said driving wheel also cooperates with the Maltese cross to block any rotation of the Maltese cross and the coaxial gear when said driving wheel is stationary;

- a pinion rotatably mounted on a third axis of rotation and carrier integral with a member for driving the drum in rotation relative to the casing. The pinion has a number (d) of teeth chosen so that the ratio d.r / p is equal to the number of compartments of the cassette.

In certain embodiments, the distributor device comprises a fork photoelectric sensor arranged to be able to cooperate with a peripheral light of the pinion and to communicate to the electronic control card of the distributor device data representative of the angular position of the pinion and of the rotary shaft for driving the drum relative to the casing during assembly of the removable cassette in the dispensing device.

According to certain embodiments, a dispensing device according to the invention comprises a manual command for activating a motor device for actuating a shutter / opening valve of the passage opening of the casing. In these embodiments, a motor device for driving the drum step by step relative to the casing brings one of the storage and distribution compartments opposite the passage orifice, in accordance with a predetermined distribution program. of non-purely gaseous products - in particular of drugs - and the dispensing device solicits the recipient of non-purely gaseous products - in particular the patient so that he manually activates the motor device for actuating the obstruction / opening valve and the opening of said valve. and the delivery of non-purely gaseous products - notably drugs - to the container.

The obstructing / opening valve can be actuated by any suitable means. It can be actuated by an electric servomotor of the "fractional turn" rotary servomotor type suitable for placing the shutter / opening valve alternately in a shutter position and in an open position. According to certain embodiments, the motor device for actuating the obstruction / opening valve also comprises means for detecting the position of said valve and for communicating to the electronic control card of the device distributing data relating to the position of said valve. . Such detection means may for example consist of two forked photoelectric sensors arranged to be able to cooperate with a radial notch for angular location of the position of a wheel integral in rotation with the axis of rotation of the fractional turn rotary actuator, l one of the sensors detecting the first position for closing the valve, the other sensor detecting the second position for opening the valve.

In certain embodiments, a dispensing device according to the invention comprises an interface for communicating at least one piece of information. The communication interface can include any type of screen. Nothing prevents the communication interface from including an information printing printer. In certain embodiments, the communication interface makes it possible, in cooperation with the electronic control card of the dispensing device, to assist the patient for regular monitoring of a drug treatment.

According to certain embodiments, a dispensing device according to the invention advantageously comprises a unit for connection to at least one digital data communication link with at least one remote server. The communication link can be a digital data communication link from the distributor device to a remote server and / or a digital data communication link from a remote server to the distributor device. It is therefore possible to predict that digital data chosen from the group formed:

- data representative of the composition of the products which are not purely gaseous - in particular drugs - delivered in the container;

- data representative of the time elapsing between the provision of non-gaseous products - in particular drugs - in the container and the withdrawal of the container from the reception area;

- data representative of the time elapsing between the withdrawal of the container containing non-purely gaseous products - in particular drugs - from the reception area and the placement of the container free of non-gaseous product - in particular drugs in the area of reception;

- data representative of the position of the shutter / opening valve;

- data representative of the angular position of the drum relative to the casing;

- data representative of the position of the pinion of the drive motor for the step-by-step rotation of the drum relative to the casing;

- data representative of the position of the rotary drive shaft of the drum with respect to the casing, drive motor device for stepping rotation of the drum with respect to the casing;

- data representative of the angular position of said driving wheel of the drive device for driving the drum step by step relative to the casing;

- data representative of the closed / open state of a loading flap for the removable cassette in the dispensing device;

either received, evaluated and stored by a device distinct from the dispensing device according to the invention, for example by a remote computing device to which the dispensing device according to the invention is connected by a digital data communication link (for example by the Internet network, said digital data being recorded on the Internet (in the cloud “Cloud”)). Such data is likely to be consulted remotely by a third party and provides the latter with an assessment of the regularity of the functioning of the dispensing device and of the assiduity of the recipient of the products to obey the instructions dictated by the dispensing device according to the invention.

According to certain embodiments, a dispensing device according to the invention comprises at least one reader of an identifier carried by the removable cassette with which the dispensing device is assembled, said identifier reader being adapted to be able to read - in particular reading without contact. - an identifier of the removable cassette when it is assembled to the dispensing device.

In certain embodiments, advantageously and according to the invention, the identifier comprising at least one component chosen from the group formed:

- electronic components capable of transmitting data by radio frequency - in particular microcircuits or RFID tags -;

- code components with optical readings - in particular bar codes, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes, three-dimensional codes -, and;

- components with magnetic reading codes;

the corresponding identifier reader is a reader - in particular a contactless reader - of the identifier, chosen from the group formed:

- electronic readers capable of receiving data by radio frequency - notably RFID readers -,

- optical code readers - in particular bar code readers, QR code readers, three-dimensional code readers, in particular optical readers comprising a high definition matrix sensor -, and;

- magnetic readers.

In certain embodiments in which transmission takes place by radio frequency, at least one identifier of the removable cassette is adapted to be able to communicate with the dispensing device according to any communication protocol, for example chosen from the group formed by BLUETOOTH® protocols , WI-EI protocols and radio protocols, known as "UNB", multi-kilometric ultra narrow band allowing data transmission by radio frequency between the removable cassette and the dispensing device and low speed exchange protocols for remote monitoring distributor devices.

In these embodiments of a dispensing device according to the invention, the electronic control card of the dispensing device is adapted to receive from an identifier reader at least one piece of identification data from the removable cassette - in particular at least one data relating to a therapeutic treatment for which the drugs contained in the removable cassette are intended - carried by an identifier of the removable cassette with which the dispensing device is assembled and to control at least one motor device - in particular a motor drive device in rotation step by step of the drum in relation to the casing - allowing a distribution of products which are not purely gaseous - in particular of drugs - organized over time in accordance with a prescription - in particular a medical prescription -.

According to certain embodiments, the device for dispensing products which are not purely gaseous - in particular drugs according to the invention is autonomous. According to these embodiments of the invention, the dispensing device comprises an independent electrical supply circuit. Advantageously and according to the invention, the electrical supply circuit is chosen from the group formed by supply circuits comprising a source of continuous electrical energy and circuits comprising a connection to a connection cord to a distribution network of electrical energy (sector), and combinations thereof. The electrical supply circuit of the dispensing device can incorporate at least one electric battery or at least one accumulator. It can be fitted with a mains connection cord for recharging. The independent power supply circuit is connected to the various components and circuits of the dispensing device to deliver the appropriate electrical energy to them. It can be a voltage source and / or a current source, preferably stabilized. The dispensing device according to the invention is therefore an autonomous device, that is to say that it incorporates its own electrical supply.

The invention also relates to any use of a device for dispensing non-gaseous products, in particular drugs, according to the invention. The invention also relates to any method of controlling a method of administering non-gaseous products in which a dispensing device according to the invention is used.

The invention also relates to a method for controlling a method of administering non-purely gaseous products, in particular solid products in the form of at least one particle, for example products intended to be administered to a human or animal. -in particular drugs and / or food and / or food supplements-, said control method being characterized in that:

- at least one image is taken so as to be representative of at least one of the following situations:

o the presence of a container in a reception area, o the absence of any container in the reception area, o the presence of non-purely gaseous products in a container placed in the reception area, o the absence of any non-purely gaseous product in a container placed on the reception area;

- each image is analyzed in order to detect in the image:

o the presence of a container in the reception area, o the absence of a container in the reception area, o the presence of a container in the reception area and the absence of non-purely gaseous products in the container, o a presence of a container in the reception area and the presence of at least one non-gaseous product in the container,

- and that the administration is authorized according to the result of this analysis.

The invention relates in particular to such a method of controlling a method of administering medicaments to at least one patient.

In such a control method according to the invention of a method for administering non-gaseous products - in particular drugs -, the method of administration comprising at least the following steps:

- a container capable of containing non-purely gaseous products - in particular of drugs - to be administered is placed in a reception area of a dispensing device for this container,

- products which are not purely gaseous - in particular drugs - are placed in the container;

- the container is removed from the reception area and the non-purely gaseous products - in particular drugs - contained in the container are administered;

- at least one - in particular at each - of the stages, the completion of the preceding stage is checked, and;

- at least one piece of data, called control data, representative of a compliant or non-compliant nature of the process for the administration of products which are not purely gaseous - in particular of drugs - vis-à-vis a prescription - in particular a prescription medical- is produced.

In a control method according to the invention, depending on the stage in which we are, we generate at least one control data representative of the normal or abnormal nature of the situation. In a control method according to the invention, there can be a temporal monitoring of the situation during which successive digital images are produced.

At least one control datum can be a datum representative of the appropriate or inappropriate positioning (absence) of the container in the reception zone. If said control datum is representative of the appropriate positioning of the container in the reception area, non-purely gaseous products, in particular drugs in the container, are delivered. If the said control data is representative of the inappropriate positioning - in particular of the absence - of the container in the reception area, non-purely gaseous products - in particular of the drugs - will not be delivered into the container and a message alert is issued to the patient. Following the alert message, a new image is produced and analyzed so as to detect in the image the presence of a container in the reception area. This sequence is repeated until the container is placed in the reception area at the end of which the non-gaseous products - in particular the drugs - are delivered. Data representative of the time elapsed for the appropriate placement of the container in the reception area is generated.

At least one control datum can be a datum representative of the products which are not purely gaseous - in particular of drugs dispensed into the container by the dispensing device. If the products which are not purely gaseous - in particular the drugs - comply with the prescription, an alert message is sent to the patient's attention so that he takes the non-gaseous products - in particular the drugs - delivered.

At least one control datum may be a datum representative of the withdrawal of the container and of the products which are not purely gaseous - in particular medicaments - from the reception zone. If the said control data is representative of the effective withdrawal of the container and of the products which are not purely gaseous - in particular drugs - from the reception area, the dispensing device sends a message of encouragement to the attention of the recipient - in particular the patient - to take the non-gaseous products - especially the drugs - and place the container in the receiving area. If the said control data is representative of the maintenance of the container and of the products which are not purely gaseous - in particular of the drugs - in the reception area, the dispensing device emits an alert message urging the recipient - in particular the patient - to take the non-gaseous products. purely gaseous - especially drugs -.

Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one digital data item is transmitted to a remote server by a unit for connection to at least one digital data communication link. At least one digital data may be able to be consulted remotely from the patient by a practitioner and / or by a caregiver and / or by a caregiver for the purpose of controlling the regular monitoring of the medical prescription.

The invention also relates to a device for dispensing non-purely gaseous products - in particular drugs - and a method for controlling a method of administering non-gaseous products - in particular drugs - characterized in combination by all or some of the characteristics mentioned. above or below.

Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description given by way of illustration only and without limitation and which refers to the appended figures, in which:

- Figure 1 is a general perspective view of a drug dispensing device according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 is a top view of a container shown without (2a) and with (2b) drugs from a drug delivery device;

FIG. 3 is a view in median sagittal section of a drug dispensing device according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 4 is a sagittal sectional view passing through the removable cassette of a drug dispensing device assembled to such a removable cassette according to a particular embodiment of the invention, and;

- Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view passing through the axis of rotation of the drum relative to the casing of a removable cassette assembled with a drug dispensing device according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an electronic card supporting the digital image processing unit, and

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a method for controlling a method of administering drugs.

In the figures appended to the detailed description which follows, the proportions of the dispensing device, of the removable cassette and of the elements - in particular the mechanical elements - of the dispensing device are not necessarily observed.

A device 1 dispenser according to the invention shown in Figure 1 is a self-supporting device comprising a housing 2 resting integral on a base 3 for stabilizing the device 1 dispenser. The base 3 is adapted to be able to rest on a piece of furniture, for example on a kitchen piece of furniture. It can be fitted on its underside with a non-slip material. The housing 2 and the base 3 are formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The housing 2 has a front face 4 having a screen 5 as a man / machine interface. Screen 5 is adapted to be able to display any type of information which may be useful to the patient, for example reminders concerning the treatment in progress, a summary of the hours taken for medication, or any information, in particular appointment reminders. you medical or other. The front face 4 of the housing 2 has an inclination relative to the vertical so that the reading of the screen 5 is facilitated closely but also at a distance from the device 1 dispenser. The front face 4 of the housing also has a push button 6 sized to be able to be actuated by the patient in response to the instructions transmitted to the patient via the screen 5. In particular, the push button 6 allows, when actuated and in agreement with the instructions transmitted to the patient by the screen 5, the release of medicaments in a container 11 positioned on a zone 10 for receiving the device 1 dispenser. The device 1 dispenser also has on one of the two lateral faces a flap 7 for loading a removable cassette (not shown in FIG. 1) for storing and distributing drugs. The device 1 distributor shown in FIG. 1 has a loading wing 7 extending on its left face, said left face being determined relative to the front face 4 of the housing 2. However, nothing prevents the provision of the loading wing extends over the right side of the housing, the internal members of the dispenser device 1 being adapted accordingly.

The loading flap 7 has on its internal face directed towards the inside of the dispenser device 1, a basket 18 for receiving a removable cassette secured to the loading flap 7. The basket 18 has at least one keying device adapted to cooperate with the removable cassette and guide it so that the removable cassette can only be placed in the basket 18 in a single orientation adapted to allow:

- closing the loading wing 7,

- the appropriate positioning of the cassette with respect to the motor member for driving the drum in rotation with respect to the casing when the loading flap 7 is closed,

- the reading of an identifier of the cassette by an identifier reader positioned in the dispensing device, and;

- immobilization of the housing relative to the distributor device in an appropriate position allowing the rotation of the drum relative to the housing.

The loading wing 7 is also equipped with at least one pin for guiding an arc 20 for guiding the wing 7 moving between an open position of the loading wing 7 into which a cassette can be inserted in an appropriate orientation in the basket 18 and a closed position of the loading wing 7.

The dispenser device 1 is equipped with a member 19 for locking / unlocking the loading flap 7 in the closed position when the dispenser device is assembled with a removable cassette so that, in an operating state of the dispenser device in which the dispenser device is assembled with a removable cassette and cooperates with the removable cassette for dispensing medicament according to a predetermined sequence of dispensing medicaments for therapeutic treatment, the loading flap 7 in the closed position is locked by the actuated locking member 19 by an electromagnet, itself controlled by a processor of the distributor device. In a second state of the dispensing device 1 in which the medication dispensing sequence has ended, the locking member 19 is unlocked and the loading flap 7 can be opened by the patient by a simple pressure exerted on an opening tab resiliently returned to the locked position. Thus, when a drug distribution sequence for a therapeutic treatment is in progress, the locking member 19 is locked by the electromagnet, the loading flap 7 being in the closed position without the possibility for the patient to open the swinging 7 loading and accessing the removable cassette. The result is a secure distribution of medicines.

In a third state of the dispensing device 1 in which the dispensing device 1 is not assembled with a removable cassette, that the identifier reader does not detect a cassette in the dispensing device and that no medication dispensing sequence n 'is therefore initiated in progress, the locking member 19 is unlocked and the loading leaf 7 can be opened by the patient by a simple pressure exerted on the opening tongue. The patient can then extract the empty cassette from the dispensing device.

When the patient receives a removable cassette containing the drugs relating to his therapeutic treatment, the latter opens the dispensing device 1, introduces the removable cassette into the dispensing device 1, returns the closing flap 7 to the closed position so that the identifier of the removable cassette is detected and read by the identifier reader of the dispensing device 1, whereby the electromagnet of the locking member 19 is brought into the locking position of the closing flap 7 and the dispensing sequence is initiated. Neither the cassette nor the drugs contained in the cassette are then accessible to the patient. At the end of the treatment, when all the medicaments of the removable cassette have been dispensed, the processor of the electronic control card of the dispensing device controls the operation of the electromagnet, the unlocking of the locking member 19, thereby causing the flap 7 closure can be opened by the patient by a simple pressure on the opening tab. The patient extracts the removable cassette from the dispensing device 1 and can send the removable drug-free cassette by any means to a doctor, in particular to his attending physician, to a pharmacist or to any person authorized to supervise his treatment or to fill the the cassette for further processing.

The base 3 for stabilizing the dispensing device forms a zone 10 for receiving a container 11, the container being dimensioned and positioned on the receiving zone 10 so as to be able to receive medicines dispensed by the device 1 dispenser. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the container 11 is formed of a transparent material. The container 11 is of substantially cylindrical shape of revolution and has an upper opening 12 sized to allow the passage of drugs and a bottom 13 adapted to receive drugs. The bottom 13 forms a recess 14 adapted to be able to cooperate with an increased thickness of the receiving area 10 and laterally hold the container 11 on the receiving area 10. However, nothing prevents the reception area 10 itself forming a reception bowl sized to receive and laterally hold the container 11, the bottom 13 of the container 11 cooperating with the reception bowl.

A container 11 of a medication dispensing device according to the invention is shown in FIG. 2a in a state in which it does not contain any medication. The container 11 is of symmetrical shape of revolution along a vertical axis when the container is in the position for receiving medicaments on the zone 10 for receiving the dispensing device according to the invention. It has a side wall 46 forming an upper opening 12 and a bottom 13 forming a recess 14 adapted to cooperate with an increased thickness of the receiving zone 10 and laterally hold the container 11 on the receiving zone 10. The side wall 46 and the bottom 13 of the container 11 can be formed of a transparent material, a translucent material or an opaque material or a combination of such materials. The bottom 13 of the container 11 shown in FIG. 2a has a reference pattern 25 in the form of a checkerboard. Any other pattern is of course possible as soon as they are capable of allowing the formation of said reference image by the imaging device, said reference image being analyzed by the digital image processing unit of the dispensing device as being representative of the state of the dispensing device in which the container 11 is placed in the receiving area of the dispensing device, the container 11 being free of medication and ready to receive medication. It can be a target formed by alternating black and white concentric circles. It can also be two white and black ribbons wound in a spiral.

The container 11 of a drug dispensing device according to the invention shown in Figure 2a is also shown in Figure 2b in a state in which it contains two drugs. In this state of the container 11, the image of the bottom 13 of the container 11 formed by the imaging device is distinct from said reference image, part of the reference pattern being masked (deformed) by the drugs, that is to say ie distorted by the onset of medication. The digital image processing unit analyzes that part of the reference pattern is present in the image and that the container 11 is present in the reception area of the dispensing device and also analyzes that said reference image is not not reproduced and that medicaments are present in the container 11. Consequently, the processor of the dispensing device according to the invention analyzes the "normal" or "abnormal" nature of the situation and issues, if necessary, an alert message locally for the attention of the patient or remotely for the attention of a person authorized to receive this alert message.

A device 1 for dispensing the medication according to the invention is shown in FIG. 3 in median sagittal section. It has an electrical power supply circuit comprising a power supply card 21, a connector 22 for connection to a cord for connection to an electrical energy distribution network (sector) and an electric battery or an accumulator 23. It may be equipped with a mains connection cord for recharging. The power supply circuit is connected to the various components and circuits of the dispensing device to deliver the appropriate electrical energy to them. The device 1 drug dispenser according to the invention is therefore autonomous. The dispenser device 1 also includes a device (on / off) for energizing the dispenser device and a USB connection port.

The dispenser device 1 shown in FIG. 3 comprises an imaging device 15 comprising a matrix sensor supported by an electronic card 24 extending in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the bottom 13 of the container 11. The matrix sensor 24 is positioned at the vertical of the detection zone 10 and of the upper opening 12 of the container 11. The matrix sensor can be a high-definition camera adapted to form at least one image of the bottom 13 of the container 11 and allow monitoring over time of the presence or absence of container 11 and of drugs in container 11. The matrix sensor communicates with processor 81 of unit 16 for processing digital images. The digital images formed by the matrix sensor of the imaging device 15 are transferred to the processing unit 16 where they are stored and analyzed by the processor 81 of the electronic card 67. The matrix sensor is adapted to be able to form at least one image of the container 11, in particular the bottom 13 of the container 11, which is capable of being identified by the processor 81 of the digital image processing unit 16 as being representative of the presence of the container 11 free of medication and in an appropriate position on the zone 10 for receiving the device 1 dispenser.

The dispenser device 1 shown in FIG. 3 comprises a light-emitting diode 47 positioned so as to be able to illuminate the reception area 10 and, if necessary, the bottom 13 of the container 11. In general, such a diode 47 also allows the container 11 to be lit facilitating the gripping of the container 11 by the patient when the dispensing device requests the patient to take the drugs.

The dispenser device 1 shown in FIG. 3 comprises a unit 27 for controlling a device 26 for driving in stepwise rotation of the drum relative to the casing of a removable cassette. The control unit 27 is carried by an electronic card 27. The drive device 26 integrated in a casing 43 for protecting said drive device 26 comprises an electric geared motor for driving in rotation along a first axis 28 of rotation of a wheel, said driving wheel 29, provided on one of its main faces of a peripheral lug 30 and of a central cylinder 31 in relief. Said driving wheel 29 also has a peripheral notch 32 adapted to be able to cooperate with a photoelectric sensor 33 with a fork for interrupting the rotation of said driving wheel 29 when notch 32 peripheral passes through the fork of the photoelectric sensor 33, that is to say ie after a rotation of said driving wheel 29 with an angle value of 2π (one revolution on itself).

The drive device 26 also comprises, cooperating with said driving wheel 29, a Maltese cross 34 rotatably mounted along a second axis 35 of rotation of the Maltese cross 34 secured to a coaxial toothed wheel having an integer (p) teeth. The Maltese cross 34 has a plurality (r) of radial grooves 37 uniformly distributed over the Maltese cross and rotated by the lug 30 of said driving wheel 29 cooperating in translation with one of the radial grooves 37. The rotation of said driving wheel 29 with an angle value of 2π is accompanied by a rotation of the Maltese cross 34 with a value of 2π / 4. The central cylinder 31 of said driving wheel 29 also cooperates with the Maltese cross 34 to block any rotation of the Maltese cross 34 and of the coaxial toothed wheel when said driving wheel 29 is stationary and the lug 30 does not cooperate with a radial groove 37.

The drive device 26 also comprises, cooperating with the coaxial toothed wheel, a pinion 38 rotatably mounted along a third axis 39 of rotation, the pinion 38 being mounted integral with a member 66 for driving the drum in rotation relative to to the casing of a medication storage cassette. The pinion 38 has a number (d) of teeth chosen so that the ratio d.r / p is equal to the number of compartments for storing and dispensing medicaments of the removable cassette. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the dispensing device is programmed so that when said driving wheel 29 rotates by 2π (one revolution on itself), the Maltese cross 34 comprising (r) four radial grooves 37 performs a rotation of π / 2 (quarter turn) or a rotation of an angular sector corresponding to 4 of the 16 (p) teeth of the coaxial gear. The pinion 3 driven in rotation by the coaxial toothed wheel of the Maltese cross 34 performs a rotation of an angular sector corresponding to 4 teeth of the pinion 38 including 88, ie a rotation of an angular sector of value 2π / 22 corresponding an angular displacement of the drum in the casing by an angular sector value corresponding to a storage compartment. All other values of number of teeth of pinion 38, number of teeth of coaxial gear, number of grooves 37 of the Maltese cross 34 are possible.

The device 1 dispenser according to the invention shown in FIG. 3 also includes a device 42 for actuating a shutter / opening valve for a medication passage orifice formed in the low position of the casing when the cassette is assembled with the dispensing device, comprising a rotary actuator 51 by a fraction of a turn along an axis 48 of rotation and tilting of the shutter / opening valve between a first shutter position and a second position for opening the passage orifice of drugs. According to certain embodiments, the device 42 for actuating the shutter / opening valve also comprises means for detecting the position of the shutter / opening valve and for communicating data relating to the position of the shutter valve 41 / opening to the electronic control card 67 of the dispensing device. Such detection means may for example consist of two forked photoelectric 49.50 sensors arranged to be able to cooperate with a radial notch 82 for angular location of the position of a wheel 42 integral in rotation with the axis 48 of rotation of the booster 51 rotary, one of the sensors 49.50 detecting the first position for closing the valve, the other sensor 49.50 detecting the second position for opening the valve.

The device 1 dispenser according to the invention shown in FIG. 3 also includes a photoelectric sensor 80 with a fork arranged so as to be able to detect the closing of the leaf in cooperation with a finger extending from the basket for receiving the loading leaf.

A device 1 for dispensing the medicament according to the invention is shown in FIG. 4 in the assembled state with a removable cassette 52 for storing and distributing medicaments in sagittal section passing through said removable cassette 52. It has an identifier reader 53 comprising a matrix sensor supported by an electronic card 54 and positioned so as to be able to detect an identifier 55 of a removable cassette 52 assembled with the device 1 dispenser. The matrix sensor can be a high definition camera adapted to form at least one image of the identifier 55 of the removable cassette 52. The electronic card 27 of the matrix sensor is connected to the digital image processing unit 16. The digital images formed by the matrix sensor of the imaging device 15 are transferred to the processor 81 of the processing unit 16 where they are stored and analyzed. The image of the identifier 55 of the removable cassette 52 assembled with the device 1 distributor is adapted to be able to be identified by the unit 16 for processing digital images as being representative:

- the identity of the removable cassette 52 assembled with the dispensing device;

- the type of removable cassette to which the removable cassette 52 assembled with the dispensing device belongs;

- the therapeutic treatment to which the drugs of the removable cassette 52 assembled with the dispensing device are attached;

- the identity of the patient to whom the drugs contained in the removable cassette 52 assembled with the dispensing device are administered.

The identifier reader 53 can be a contactless reader of the identifier, chosen from the group formed:

- electronic readers capable of receiving data by radio frequency - in particular RLID readers -, and;

- optical code readers - notably bar code readers, QR code readers, three-dimensional code readers, in particular optical readers comprising a high definition matrix sensor -.

The identifier 55 of the removable cassette 52 assembled with the device 1 dispenser must be compatible with the reader 53 of corresponding identifier. It can include components with optical reading codes - notably bar codes, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes, three-dimensional codes -, components with magnetic reading codes, or components transmitting data by radio frequency (RLID) .

The device 1 drug dispenser according to the invention shown in FIG. 4 comprises a leaf 7 for loading the removable cassette 52 provided with a basket 18 for receiving said removable cassette 52 and a window 9 for viewing the cassette 52 removable assembled in the device 1 distributor. The receiving basket 18 is mounted integral with guides 56 adapted to cooperate with the removable cassette 52 and allow its centering relative to the axis 39 of rotation of the pinion and relative to the shaft 40 for driving in rotation. The loading wing 7 comprises two arcs 20 for guiding the loading wing 7 during its opening / closing, adapted to cooperate with two guide pins 69 integral with the housing 2.

The removable cassette 52 assembled to the dispensing device 1 comprises a casing 57 and a drum 58 movable in rotation in the casing 57 under the effect of the actuation of the shaft 40 and formed of a disc having a plurality of radial partitions 59, the drum 58 and the housing 57 forming a plurality of compartments 60 for storing and dispensing medicaments. The housing 57 forms fins 61 for gripping the removable cassette 52 with a view to extracting it from the distributor device 1 and for adjusting the positioning of the removable cassette 52 in the distributor device 1. The casing has an orifice 62 for the passage of medicaments extending in the low position of the casing 57 when the removable cassette 52 is assembled with the device 1 dispenser so as to allow dispensing of medicaments by gravity into the container. The orifice 62 shown in FIG. 4 is obstructed by a shutter / opening valve 41. The orifice 62 for the passage of medicaments opens onto a chute 67 for guiding the medicaments delivered from the removable cassette 52 towards the container 11. The removable cassette 52 has a shutter compartment 63 which is free of medicament and adapted to be able to extend opposite the orifice 62 of the casing 57 so that when the shutter compartment 63 extends opposite the orifice 62 no medication can be dispensed from the removable cassette 52. Such a shutter compartment 63 obstructing the orifice 62 of the casing 57 allows the transport of the removable cassette 52 outside the device 1 dispenser without risk of loss of medication (s).

The removable cassette 52 assembled to the dispenser device 1 shown in FIG. 4 comprises an axial brake 64 adapted to be able to:

o in a first position, called the locking position, preventing rotation of the drum 58 relative to the casing 57, and;

o in a second position, called the rotation position, allow the rotation of the drum 58 relative to the casing 57.

A device 1 dispenser according to the invention is shown in Figure 5 in the assembled state with a removable cassette 52 for storage and distribution of drugs, in cross section passing vertically through the axis 39 of rotation of the shaft 40 of rotary drive of the drum 58 in the casing 57. The device 1 distributor has a base 3 housing an accumulator 23 for supplying electrical energy to a device 26 motor for driving the step-by-step rotation of the drum 58 relative to the casing 57. The base 3 is surmounted by the housing 2 housing the removable cassette 52 and a device 26 for driving the drum 58 stepwise in rotation relative to the casing 57 contained in the protective casing 43. The drive device 26 comprises an electric gear motor 44 for driving in rotation along a first axis 28 of rotation of a wheel, called the driving wheel 29, provided with a peripheral lug 30 and a central cylinder 31 in relief.

The drive device 26 also comprises, cooperating with said driving wheel 29, a Maltese cross 34 rotatably mounted along a second axis 35 of rotation of the Maltese cross 34 secured to a coaxial toothed wheel 36 having an integer (p ) of teeth. The Maltese cross 34 is rotated by the lug 30 of the said driving wheel 29. The rotation of said driving wheel 29 with an angle value of 2π is accompanied by a rotation of the Maltese cross 34 with a value of 2π / 4.

The drive device 26 also comprises, cooperating with the coaxial toothed wheel 36, a pinion 38 rotatably mounted along a third axis 39 of rotation, the pinion 38 being mounted integral with a member 66 for rotationally driving the drum 58 by relative to the casing 57 of a removable medication storage cassette 52.

The removable cassette 52 is shown in section in FIG. 5 comprises a casing 57 and a drum 58 rotatable relative to the casing 57. It also includes a brake 64 moved to the unlocking position by the drive member 66, itself adapted in order to be able to be driven in rotation by the device 26 drive motor for stepping in rotation of the drum 58 relative to the casing 57 whereby, the drum 58 is moved in the casing 57 so as to place a compartment of the cassette 52 removable opposite the medication passage opening of the housing 57.

The removable cassette 52 has an axial passage 65 extending along the axis 39 of rotation of the pinion 38, the brake 64 comprising at least one pusher 64 arranged relative to the axial passage 65 so that it can be moved by a drive member 66 for rotating the drum 58 introduced into the axial passage 65 to a position of the pusher, called the unlocking position, in which the brake 64 is in said unlocking position.

A diagram of an electronic card 67 supporting the digital image processing unit is shown in FIG. 6. The electronic card 67 comprises a connector 68 adapted to allow communication between the electronic card 67 and the imaging device 15 and transmission of digital images formed from the reception area 10. The electronic card 67 also includes a processor 81 for analyzing the images received from the imaging device. The processor 81 is adapted to allow transmission of instructions to the electronic card 27 forming the control unit 27 of the motor device for dispensing non-purely gaseous products and to implement a method for controlling a method of dispensing not purely gaseous products.

The electronic card 67 also includes:

- a connector 71 to an electrical supply circuit comprising a power supply card 21, a connector 22 for connection to a connection cord to an electrical energy distribution network (sector). The electronic card 67 also comprises connectors 79 for connecting the electronic card 67 to an electric battery or an accumulator 23;

- connectors 69 for supplying and controlling container lighting devices, arranged and oriented so as to be able to illuminate at least part of the container and allow digital images of the container to be formed. The connectors 69 can be connectors for powering and controlling a light-emitting diode (LED);

- A connector 70 from the electronic card 67 to the electronic card 27 forming the engine control unit 27;

a connector 72 of the electronic card 67 on the screen 5 for displaying information for the patient and a power supply port 76 of the screen 5. The electronic card 67 also includes connectors 78 to audible alerting devices;

- Two organs 73 for connection to at least one digital data communication link with at least one remote server. The electronic card 67 also includes a member 77 for connection to an external USB port;

- A connector 74 for communication of a matrix sensor 54 of the reader 53 of an identifier of a removable cassette 52 assembled with the device 1 distributor;

- A connector 75 for communication of the electronic card 67 with the locking / unlocking member 19 of the leaf 7 for loading the dispensing device.

In a method for controlling a method of administering medicaments to a patient illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 7, in which a medicament dispensing device according to the invention is used, a removable cassette containing medication intakes is introduced into the apparatus distributor. The drum of the removable cassette is positioned relative to the casing so that the shutter compartment obstructs the medication passage opening and that the drugs do not escape from the removable cassette, the drum being locked in rotation relative to to the housing.

Installation of the removable cassette

The positioning 100 of the removable cassette containing medicaments in the basket for receiving and positioning the removable cassette in the flap of the dispensing device, the shutter compartment extending opposite the orifice of the casing, closing the loading flap moving the pusher of the removable cassette so that the brake is in its unlocked position allowing the rotation of the drum in the casing, the drum being integral in rotation with the rotary drive member moving the pusher, the identification 101 - by the identifier reader - of the removable cassette determines the programmed sequence of actions to be carried out by the dispensing device for the distribution of the drugs contained in the removable cassette and initializes the programmed sequence. The information provided by the identifier reader relating to the date and time of the installation of the removable cassette is transmitted to a remote server. Until the scheduled date and time of the start of treatment, the dispensing device is in a state 102 of time delay.

Initiation of administration, control of the presence of the container and absence of medication in the container

In a method of monitoring a method of administering drugs to a patient, on a predetermined date (day, time) for the provision of drugs, a digital image of the drug (s) receiving area is formed during a step 104 by the imaging device and transmitted to the digital image processing unit for analysis. An alert is also issued to the patient to indicate that he or she is about to take medication. A test 105 of the presence of a container in the medication reception area is carried out from the image formed.

If no part of an image, called the reference image, representative of a container free of medication is identified in the digital image, the digital image processing unit produces data representative of a defect in the container in the reception area. The drugs are not dispensed by the dispensing device. The patient is alerted to the absence of the container in the reception area. The dispensing device initiates a procedure 106 for alerting this defect by any appropriate means. It may be a message displayed (absence of the container) on the screen of the dispensing device. It can also be an audible message - notably a message produced by voice synthesis - emitted by the dispensing device. Such a displayed and / or audible message prompts the patient to position the container in the medication reception area. It can also be a message transmitted via a GSM communication network on a mobile phone of an accredited person. It is also possible that an alert is transmitted to a remote server via any digital data communication link. The dispensing device repeats the steps 104 of producing a digital image of the medication reception area, 105 of testing the presence of a container in the medication reception area and alerting as long as necessary as long as the container is not positioned in the receiving area.

When the presence of the container is detected, information relating to the date and time of the presence of the container in the dispensing device is transmitted to a remote server. When the presence of the container is detected, a test 107 of the presence of medicaments in the container is also carried out. During test 107, if all of said reference image is not identified in the digital image, the digital image processing unit produces data representative of the appropriate positioning of the container in the reception area but of presence inappropriate medication (s) in container. An alert step 108 is triggered requesting the intervention of a nursing and / or helping staff. If all of said reference image is identified in the digital image, the digital image processing unit produces data representative of the appropriate positioning of the container in the reception area and of absence of drug (s) in the container. Information relating to the date and time of the appropriate positioning of the container in the reception area and of the absence of medication (s) in the container is transmitted to a remote server.

During a step 109, the dispensing device invites the patient to press a push button located on the front face of the dispensing device in order to request the dispensing of the drugs. If the dispensing is not requested (step 110), an alert 111 is sent to the patient's attention urging him to proceed with the dispensing of the drugs or to the attention of a nursing staff and / or aiding and assisting an intervention.

If delivery is requested, this request 110 generates a displacement 103 of the rotating drum relative to the casing with an angle value of 2π / η, n being a natural whole number equal to the number of identical compartments for storing medicines of the removable cassette. A first compartment comprising medicaments is brought into position to open facing the medicament passage orifice of the casing obstructed by the shutter / opening valve.

The opening of the shutter / opening valve leads to the delivery 112 of the drugs. Information relating to the date and time of the request for dispensing of medication (s) in the container is transmitted to a remote server. The dispensing device alerts the patient of the provision of medication in the container and encourages the latter to take his medication. The dispensing device places the shutter / opening valve in the shutter position. The dispensing device alerts the patient of this availability by any means, in particular by a displayed message and / or by an appropriate sound signal. The dispensing device also notifies the date and time of delivery of the drugs to a remote server via any digital data communication link.

Control of medication distribution in the container

In the variant represented in FIG. 6, the imaging device optionally (step 113), following the delivery of medication (s), an image representative of the medications delivered in the container. An analysis 114 of the image is carried out in order to determine the conformity (in particular by the shape, the color and the number) of the drugs delivered with respect to the medical prescription. If this analysis 114 detects that the drugs delivered do not comply, an alert 115 is issued and the intervention of a nursing and / or assisting staff is requested. The steps (113, 114 and 115) are optional. If the analysis 114 does not detect any abnormality, an audible and / or visual prompt 116 to take the container and take the medication is given to the patient. Information about the date and time of delivery of medication (s) to the container is transmitted to a remote server.

An image of the reception area is produced 117 by the imaging device and analyzed (step 118) by the digital image processing unit. If data representative of the container containing the medicinal products (the corresponding digital image comprising only part of the reference pattern) is emitted, an audible and / or visual prompt 119 to take the container and take the medicinal products is sent to the attention of the patient. The imaging device 117 produces a new image of the reception area. This new image is analyzed (step 118). If the collection of the container is not carried out, an alert and a request 119 for intervention by a nursing and / or assisting staff may be requested. If a data item representative of the absence of the container and of the drugs (the corresponding digital image comprising no part of the reference pattern) is emitted (step 118), an audible and / or visual signal 120 of prompting to take the drugs and to replace the container on the receiving area is produced. Information relating to the date and time of removal of the container is transmitted to a remote server.

Control of container removal and replacement of empty container

An image of the reception area is produced (step 121) by the imaging device and analyzed (step 122) by the digital image processing unit. If a data item representative of the absence of the container (the corresponding digital image comprising no part of the reference pattern) is emitted), an audible and / or visual alert 123 prompting to take the drugs and to replace the container on the reception area is produced. A new image of the reception area is produced 121 by the imaging device and analyzed (step 122). If the container is not replaced in the reception area, an alert and intervention by a nursing and / or assisting staff may be requested. If data representative of the presence of the container (the corresponding digital image comprising at least part of the reference pattern) is emitted, the image is analyzed 124 so as to detect the presence of medicaments. If drugs are detected, an audible and / or visual alert 125 prompting them to take the drugs is issued and intervention by a nursing and / or caregiver may be requested. If no drug is detected in the container, a message announcing the next action to be performed is displayed (step 126). Information relating to the date and time of placement of the drug-free container is transmitted to a remote server.

The dispensing device goes into timer 102 state until the date and time scheduled for the next medication intake. The process comprising a succession of steps 102 to 126 (possibly excluding optional steps 113, 114 and 115 continues until the distribution of all the medicaments contained in the 21 compartments of the cassette. of this distribution, the dispensing device issues an alert 127 informing that the cassette is empty, unlocks the leaf allowing the extraction of the empty removable cassette and the possible installation 100 of a new removable cassette. date and time of the end of dispensing of drugs from the removable cassette is transmitted to a remote server.

According to a variant not shown of a method for controlling a dispensing method according to the invention, the medication can be dispensed automatically without inviting the patient to press the push button.

It goes without saying that the invention can be the subject of numerous variant embodiments and applications. In particular, the sizing and design of the cassette - in particular the number, the size of the compartments and their medicinal content - are subject to infinite variations which do not depart from the subject of the invention.

Claims (15)

1 / - Device (1) distributor of non-purely gaseous products, comprising: - a zone (10) for receiving a container (11), the container (11) being able to be withdrawn from the zone (10) for receiving for the administration of products which are not purely gaseous; characterized in that it comprises an imaging device (15) capable of forming at least one digital image adapted to be able to be representative: o a presence of a container (11) in the receiving area (10), o an absence of any container (11) in the receiving area (10), o a presence of products not purely gaseous in a container (11) placed in the receiving zone (10), o an absence of any non-gaseous product in a container (11) placed in the receiving zone (10); and in that it comprises a digital image processing unit (16) adapted to be able to analyze each image formed by the imaging device (15), so as to detect in each image: - the presence of a container (11) in the receiving area (10), - the absence of a container (11) in the reception area (10), - the presence of a container (11) in the receiving zone (10) and the absence of non-purely gaseous products in the container, - The presence of a container (11) in the receiving zone (10) and the presence of at least one non-purely gaseous product in the container (11). 2 / - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the imaging device (15) comprises at least one matrix sensor. 3 / - Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the imaging device (15) extends substantially vertically from the container (11). 4 / - Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the container (11) has a pattern, called reference pattern, arranged so that the imaging device (15) forms an image, called image reference, of the container (11) free of non-purely gaseous product, said reference image being representative of the container (11) free of non-purely gaseous product. 5 / - Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the container (11) having a substantially horizontal plane bottom, said reference pattern is formed at the bottom of the container (11). 6 / - Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one device (47) for lighting at least part of the container (11). 7 / - Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one electronic control card (67) of the device (1) distributor adapted to produce data for analysis of digital images to starting from the digital image processing unit (15) and controlling at least one motor device for distributing non-gaseous products as a function of the analysis data. 8 / - Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a communication interface of at least one piece of information. 9 / - Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a unit for connection to at least one digital data communication link with at least one remote server. 10 / - Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a storage tank and distribution of non-purely gaseous products. 11 / - Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the storage and distribution tank for products which are not purely gaseous is a removable cassette (52) comprising: - A housing (57) adapted to be immobilized in the device (1) distributor and having an orifice (62) for passage of non-gaseous products extending in the low position of the housing (57) when the removable cassette (52) is assembled with the device (1) dispenser, and; - A drum (58) formed of at least one disc supporting a plurality of radial partitions (59), the drum (58) being rotated relative to the casing (57) along an axis (39) of rotation passing through the center of the drum (58) by a rotating shaft (40) of the dispensing device, the disc and the plurality of radial partitions (59) being arranged to form with the casing (57) a plurality of compartments (60) for storage and distribution non-purely gaseous products. 12 / - Device according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a device (26) drive motor in stepwise rotation of the drum (58) relative to the housing (57). 13 / - Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the device (26) drive motor in stepwise rotation of the drum (58) relative to the casing (57) according to a predetermined angle value comprises: - An electric geared motor (44) for rotational drive along a first axis of rotation of a wheel, called a driving wheel (29), provided on one of its main faces with a peripheral lug (30) and a central cylinder (31) in relief; - a Maltese cross (34) rotatably mounted on a second axis of rotation, integral with a coaxial toothed wheel (36) having a whole number (p) of teeth and having a plurality (r) of grooves (37) uniformly radial distributed on the Maltese cross (34) and driven in rotation by the peripheral lug (30) of said driving wheel (29) cooperating in translation with one of the radial grooves (37); - A pinion (38) rotatably mounted on a third axis of rotation and carrier integral with a member (66) for driving the drum in rotation relative to the casing. 14 / - Process for controlling a process for administering non-gaseous products, said control process being characterized in that: - at least one image is taken so as to be representative of at least one of the following situations: o the presence of a container in a reception area, o the absence of any container in the reception area, o the presence of non-purely gaseous products in a container placed in the reception area, o the absence of any product which is not purely gaseous in a container placed in the reception area; - each image is analyzed in order to detect in the image: o the presence of a container in the reception area, o the absence of a container in the reception area, o the presence of a container in the reception area and the absence of non-purely gaseous product in the container, o a presence of a container in the reception area and the presence of at least one non-gaseous product in the container, - and that the administration is authorized according to the result of this analysis. 15 / - Method according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one digital data is transmitted to a remote server by a connection unit to at least one communication link for digital data.