JP7372584B2 - Medicine storage and dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a drug storage and dispensing device.

Medications prescribed to patients may be returned to the department that manages drug prescriptions within a medical institution due to prescription changes or other reasons (returned medications). Patent Document 1 discloses a returned medicine storage device that automatically recognizes and stores returned medicines in order to improve the efficiency of processing work for returned medicines and prevent human errors in this work.

JP2013-215343A

Generally, returned medicines have various properties such as type, shape, size, and expiration date. However, in conventional returned medicine storage devices, including the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to store returned medicines with various properties while ensuring a high degree of freedom in consideration of factors such as efficiency of subsequent dispensing operations. No particular consideration has been given to this. More specifically, no special consideration has been given to storing returned drugs with various properties with a high degree of freedom, so that they can be dispensed freely according to prescription information, for example. .

Further, the returned medicine storage device can also store new medicines delivered by a pharmaceutical manufacturer and taken out from the storage box. In other words, the returned medicine storage device can operate as a medicine storage device for general medicines including new medicines and returned medicines. However, even in this case, no special consideration has been given to storing drugs with a high degree of freedom so that drugs with various properties can be dispensed freely according to prescription information. Become.

The present invention provides a drug storage and dispensing device that automatically recognizes drugs that have various properties such as type, shape, size, expiration date, etc., and is supplied in an unaligned state, thereby ensuring a high degree of freedom. The challenge is to store it.

The drug storage and dispensing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes:
a recognition unit that recognizes drug data including at least first information that is identification information or specific information and second information that is attribute data of the drug;
a storage section for storing drugs;
a storage information storage unit that stores storage status data of drugs in the storage unit;
comprising a storage unit that stores a drug master that records drug data, including drug data recognized by the recognition unit and first information for each drug;
updating storage status data of the drug stored in the storage information storage unit by associating drug data of the drug whose storable area in the storage unit has been identified with data on a storage position of the storable area;
In the drug storage and dispensing device that stores the drug,
For any drug in the drug master, an upper limit value that is the upper limit number that can be stored in the storage section, a constant value that is a constant that is stored in the storage section, and a lower limit number that can be stored in the storage section. At least one of the lower limit values can be set,
These set values are recorded in association with at least drug data in the drug master.

According to the drug storage and dispensing device of the present invention, it is possible to automatically recognize the orientation and posture of the drug, as well as its properties such as shape, size, type, and expiration date, and to freely dispense the drug according to prescription information. It is possible to store drugs with a high degree of freedom.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a stored medicine management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a first configuration diagram of a stored medicine dispensing device and a dispensing line system including the stored medicine dispensing device. FIG. 2 is a second configuration diagram of a stored medicine dispensing device and a dispensing line system including the stored medicine dispensing device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional cassette dispensing machine. It is a partially enlarged perspective view of a conventional cassette dispensing machine. FIG. 6(1) is a diagram showing a part of the layout of a drug master stored in the drug storage control device in the stored drug management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6(2) is a diagram showing a part of the layout of the inventory list stored by the drug storage control device in the stored drug management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a diagram showing the layout of a local database connected to an instruction terminal in the stored medicine management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 8(1) is a conceptual diagram of a storage situation of medicines in which no upper limit of storage is set. FIG. 8(2) is a conceptual diagram of a storage situation of medicines in which an upper limit of storage is set. FIG. 9(1) is a conceptual diagram of a drug storage situation in which an upper limit, a constant, and a lower limit of storage are set. FIG. 9(2) is a conceptual diagram of a medicine storage situation in which a storage constant and a lower limit are set. FIG. 9(3) is a conceptual diagram of a drug storage situation in which a storage constant is set. It is a virtual conceptual diagram of the accommodation situation of medicine in the storage part of the accommodation medicine dispensing device. This is an example of a screen for cassette settings. This is an example of a screen for cassette settings. It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in which the stored medicine management system updates the actual stock number and the effective stock number when the stored medicine dispensing device stores medicine. This is an example of a screen display of a drug inventory list. This is an example of the main screen. This is an example of a screen for cassette inquiry. This is an example of a screen for cassette inquiry. This is an example of a screen for cassette inquiry. This is an example of a screen for inventory inquiry. FIG. 20(1) is a flow diagram of dispensing processing in a conventional stored medicine management system. FIG. 20(2) is a flow diagram of the dispensing process in the stored medicine management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 21(1) is a flowchart of the temporary tightening process. FIG. 21(2) is a flowchart of the closing process. FIG. 22(1) is an example of a screen display showing the overall inventory status in the storage section of the medicine dispensing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 22(2) is an example of a screen display showing the overall inventory status in the storage section of the conventional medicine dispensing device.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the following description of the embodiment, new drugs delivered from pharmaceutical manufacturers and unused returned drugs at hospitals, etc. will be taken up as drugs stored in the stored drug management system (drug storage and dispensing device). There is. Thus, in embodiments of the present invention, the stored medication may be either a new medication or an unused returned medication.

[Embodiment 1]
1. Configuration 1.1. Configuration of a stored medicine management system (medicine storage and dispensing device) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stored medicine management system (drug storage and dispensing device) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The stored medicine management system according to the first embodiment includes a stored medicine dispensing device 2, an instruction terminal 4, and a medicine storage control device 6.

The instruction terminal 4 shown in FIG. 1 includes a control section (processor), an input section, a display section, a storage section, an external device interface section, and a communication interface section. The control unit (processor) performs arithmetic processing and controls the entire system. The control unit includes a processor such as a CPU and an MPU, and implements the functions described below by executing a predetermined program. The input unit is a part that generates or receives input data to the device, and is usually configured with a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like. The display section is a section that displays processing results etc. by the processor (control section), and is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, etc. The storage unit stores programs that run on the control unit (processor), parameter data necessary for model generation, and the like. The external device interface unit is a part that operates as an interface with an external device such as a printer. The communication interface unit is a part that operates as an interface for communicating with an external network. These processors (control units), input units, display units, storage units, external device interface units, and communication interface units are interconnected by appropriate buses. The instruction terminal 4 is composed of an information processing device such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a workstation, or a tablet terminal. Furthermore, the instruction terminal 4 includes a local database 3 as a storage unit for data regarding drugs.

The drug accommodation control device 6 also includes a control section (processor), an input section, a display section, a storage section, an external device interface section, and a communication interface section. The control unit (processor) performs arithmetic processing and controls the entire system. The control unit includes a processor such as a CPU and an MPU, and implements the functions described below by executing a predetermined program. The input unit is a part that generates or receives input data to the device, and is usually configured with a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like. The display section is a section that displays processing results etc. by the processor (control section), and is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, etc. The storage unit stores programs that run on the control unit (processor), parameter data necessary for model generation, and the like. The external device interface unit is a part that operates as an interface with an external device such as a printer. The communication interface unit is a part that operates as an interface for communicating with an external network. These processors (control units), input units, display units, storage units, external device interface units, and communication interface units are interconnected by appropriate buses. The drug accommodation control device 6 is configured with an information processing device such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a workstation, or a tablet terminal. The drug storage control device 6 is further connected to a database 5 that stores a plurality of tables 7a, 7b, 7c, . . . as a storage unit for data related to drugs.

The database 5 includes drug-related data tables such as a drug master 7a, an inventory list table 7b, and an inventory drug file 7c. On the other hand, the local database 3 attached to the instruction terminal 4 includes drug-related data tables such as a stored drug inventory table 9.

The drug master 7a is a master file that uses a drug code as a key item (key field) and includes characteristic data and attribute data of each drug. As shown in Figure 6 (1), each record has fields (items) such as drug name, inventory upper limit (upper limit amount), inventory constant (maximum mounting amount), inventory lower limit (filling standard amount), and size. include. Note that the drug master of the first embodiment may be a master file for drugs adopted by each hospital.

In addition, in this Embodiment 1, the medicine master 7a may be provided with "dispensing target/non-target flag" data. This "delivery target/non-target flag" is data for controlling whether or not individual drugs of the same type are to be accommodated (stored) and dispensed by the stored medicine dispensing device 2.

The inventory list table 7b is a table that uses a drug code as a key item (key field) and stores data on the inventory status of each drug stored in the stored medicine dispensing device 2 in real time. As shown in FIG. 6(2), each record includes at least fields (items) such as drug name, actual stock quantity (accommodated quantity), and effective stock quantity. When a certain medicine is stored (accommodated) in the stored medicine dispensing device 2, the actual inventory quantity (accommodated quantity) and the effective inventory quantity in the record having the medicine code corresponding to the medicine increase. When a medicine is dispensed or collected from the stored medicine dispensing device 2, the actual inventory quantity (accommodated quantity) and effective inventory quantity in the record having the medicine code corresponding to the medicine decrease. The relationship between the actual inventory quantity and the effective inventory quantity will be explained later.

The stock drug file 7c is a file (table) in which one record is generated for each drug stored in the stored drug dispensing device 2. Each record includes data items related to individual drugs such as "drug identification code," "drug code," and "dispensing completion date and time." As will be explained later, this "drug identification code" is assigned to each stored drug, and is composed of, for example, "date and time of storage of the storage tray in the stored medicine dispensing device" + "serial number". A unique identification code.

Note that the "collection" operation in the first embodiment is an operation of dispensing medicines that meet specific conditions from the storage section 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2, and the specific conditions include "expiration date". This includes various conditions such as ``the drug has expired'' and ``the drug must be of a specific type.'' Therefore, the "recovery" operation and the drug "dispensing" operation performed based on prescription data are similar in that the stored drug dispensing device 2 discharges the corresponding drug to the outside, but they are different operations. be.

The stored medicine inventory table 9 of the local database 3 is a local database that stores data such as storage position (address) (that is, shelf, row, horizontal position) in the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2, expiration date (use-by date), etc. This is a file, and a new record is generated when the stored medicine dispensing device 2 performs the storing operation. FIG. 7 shows the layout of the stored medicine inventory table 9.

The storage information storage section is a storage area that stores the storage status of medicines in the storage section 15 of the medicine dispensing device 2, and may be included in the storage section of the instruction terminal 4, or may be included in the storage section of the medicine storage control device 6. may be included in the section.

The stored medicine dispensing device 2 exchanges necessary data with the medicine storing control device 6 and the instruction terminal 4, and returns new medicines and unused returned medicines stored in the stored medicine management system (medication storing and dispensing device) ( The medicines are recognized by the recognition unit 14 (described later), and according to the recognition, the stored medicines are sorted and stored in their own storage unit 15 (described later). That is, based on the recognition operation of the recognition unit 14, the stored drug dispensing device 2 uses the "drug barcode" (attached to each drug), "expiration date", "drug diameter and overall length", "drug orientation and It grasps data related to drug properties such as "posture" and notifies the stored drug management system to search for a storage position in the storage unit 15 based on these data. Based on the data from the stored medicine dispensing device 2, the stored medicine management system searches for the filling position in the storage section 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2, that is, the empty position and how to place it, using the stored information storage section.

The vacant positions and how to place the stored medicines in the storage section 15 will be explained. As will be described later, the storage section 15 is provided with a plurality of shelves in the vertical direction, and a storage tray is arranged on each shelf. The storage trays of each shelf are provided with multiple rows, and each row further includes multiple lateral positions. The storage trays are classified into those for S size (medication), M size (medicine), and L size (medicine). When the stored medicine management system receives the size (data) of the stored medicine from the stored medicine dispensing device 2, it determines whether the stored medicine is of the size S, M, or L, and specifies the corresponding storage tray. do. Then, the stored medicine management system uses the stored information storage unit to try to find (i.e., search) whether there is an area (including a margin area between medicines) in which a medicine of the relevant size can be placed, If so, filling position information (that is, "shelf, row, horizontal position" data (described later)) will be determined. At this time (described later), positions where masks are set are not searched.

The stored medicine management system notifies the stored medicine dispensing device 2 of the filling position information determined as a result of the search, that is, "shelf, row, horizontal position" data (to be explained later) together with data such as "drug barcode". do. The stored medicine dispensing device 2 sorts and stores the stored medicines in the storage section 15 based on the received filling position information.

After sorting and storing the stored medicines in the storage section 15, the stored medicine management system masks the filling position in the storage information storage section. This prevents drugs from being placed (stored) in the same position in the future. In this way, in the storage information storage unit, a mask is set at a position in the storage tray where a medicine is placed, and at a position where no medicine is present (due to dispensing or collection), the mask is removed and the position can be placed (filled). It exists as a territory. As described above, when searching for a placement possible area, the stored drug management system attempts to find a location where the drug to be placed can be placed (stored) most efficiently. Therefore, no wasted storage space is created in the storage section 15.

In addition, the drug storage control device 6 extracts a drug code from the "drug barcode" received from the stored drug dispensing device 2, searches the drug master in the database 5 using this drug code as a key item, and searches for the drug type and name. , understand data such as classification (cold storage, anti-cancer drugs, powerful drugs, etc.). Furthermore, data indicating the occurrence of storage in the storage unit 15 of the medicine dispensing device 2 is immediately notified from the medicine dispensing device 2 to the medicine accommodation control device 6 and the instruction terminal 4, and the medicine accommodation control device 6 ( As will be explained later,) the inventory status for each stored drug in the inventory list table 7b is updated, and a new record is created in the inventory drug file 7c. At the same time, the instruction terminal 4 creates a new record in the stored medicine inventory table 9 (see FIG. 7) in the local database 3. At this time, the stored drug inventory table 9 in the local database 3 stores data related to the stored drugs, data related to the filling position in the storage section 15, and data related to the expiration date in association with each other.

At the time of dispensing or collecting medicine, the medicine accommodation control device 6 generates a dispensing instruction or a collection instruction specifying the conditions of the dispensing medicine or the recovered medicine, and transmits the generated instructions to the stored medicine dispensing device 2 . The stored medicine dispensing device 2 performs dispensing and collecting operations according to the dispensing and collecting instructions received from the drug accommodation control device 6.

The stored medicine dispensing device 2 and the instruction terminal 4, and the stored medicine dispensing device 2 and the medicine accommodation control device 6 are respectively connected via RS-232C or the like. Further, the instruction terminal 4 and the drug accommodation control device 6 are connected via a LAN or the like.

In this embodiment, each data can be classified as follows. First, for example, a drug identification code is identification information of a drug. Further, for example, the name (of the drug) and the drug code are specific information of the drug. Further, for example, the size, total length/diameter, and shape of the drug are attribute data of the drug. Further, for example, the medicinal ingredients and efficacy of a drug are characteristic data of the drug.

1.2. Configuration of Dispensing Line System The diagram shown in the upper part of FIG. 2 is a first overall configuration diagram of the dispensing line system 101 including the stored medicine dispensing device 2 of the first embodiment. A tray for dispensing and collecting stored medicines passes through the dispensing line system 101. The dispensing line system 101 can have various equipment configurations depending on the user's specifications. For example, in FIG. It is composed of a cold place dispensing machine 111, a bagging machine 113, a printer unit 115, a discharge lifter (with rewrite) 117, a stacking lifter 119, and the like.

The supply lifter 103 is a device that fills the trays flowing through the dispensing line system 101 from left to right. The bottle dispenser 105 is a device that dispenses an infusion bag (physiological saline). The cassette dispenser 200 is a device that dispenses ampules packed in a cassette from the cassette. The special dispensing machine 109 is a device for dispensing ampules of special shapes (such as 5-unit ampoules). The cold place dispensing machine 111 is a dispensing device exclusively for ampoules that need to be stored in a cold place. The bagging machine 113 is a device that fills a bag (medicine bag) with the medicine dispensed up to the bagging machine 113. The printer unit 115 is a device that prints an injection prescription (a list of medicines dispensed in a tray based on a prescription) and a label (attached to a medicine bag or the medicine itself) with patient information to be administered. The cassette dispensing machine 200 and the special dispensing machine 109 dispense new ampoules (that is, new medicines that are non-returnable medicines). Note that the cassette dispensing machine 200 and the special dispensing machine 109 in the dispensing line system 101 may be configured with any dispensing machine.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional cassette dispenser 200. A cassette 202 storing medicine is inserted into the cassette dispensing machine 200 from the front to the rear and held within the cassette dispensing machine 200. As shown in FIG. 4, a large number of cassettes 202 are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions of the cassette dispensing machine. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the conventional cassette dispensing machine 200, particularly the interior 204 of the cassette 202. Inside 204 of the cassettes 202, drugs corresponding to each cassette 202 are stored. When the cassette dispensing machine 200 receives a signal for dispensing a specific drug from the drug storage control device 6 or the instruction terminal 4, it dispenses the specific drug from the cassette 202 that stores the specific drug.

The dispensing line system 101 may be configured differently from that shown in FIG. 2, and may include two or more stored medicine dispensing devices 2, for example.

The diagram shown in the upper part of FIG. 3 is a second overall configuration diagram of the dispensing line system 100 including the stored medicine dispensing device 2 of the first embodiment. The dispensing line system 100 shown in FIG. 3 includes only the stored medicine dispensing device 2 according to the first embodiment as a dispensing machine. In this way, the dispensing line system 100 may include only the stored medicine dispensing device 2 according to the first embodiment as a dispensing machine.

In the present embodiment, the dispensing line system 100 will be mainly described below with a configuration including only the stored medicine dispensing device 2 according to the first embodiment as a dispensing machine.

1.3. Configuration of the stored medicine dispensing device The diagram shown in the lower part of FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 in the stored medicine management system according to the first embodiment. The stored medicine dispensing device 2 performs a storage operation for storing new medicines (such as ampoules and vials) and unused returned medicines, a dispensing operation for dispensing the stored medicines, and a collection operation for collecting the stored medicines. You can perform actions, etc. The stored medicine dispensing device 2 includes a receiving section 12 , a recognizing section 14 , a storing section 15 , and a dispensing section 16 .

The receiving section 12 is configured to receive, for example, seven storage trays. The receiving tray is, for example, a tray that initially receives new drugs (such as ampoules or vials) or unused returned drugs. The recognition unit 14 recognizes the medicine contained in the medicine storage and dispensing device. That is, the recognition unit 14 recognizes the orientation, posture, shape, diameter, and overall length of the medicines (new medicines, unused returned medicines, etc.) placed on each storage tray, the barcode including the medicine code, and the expiration date. Recognize data such as through image processing. The stored medicine recognized by the recognition unit 14 is stored in the storage unit 15.

The stored medicines such as ampoules and vials are transferred from the storage tray to the recognition unit 14 by the first robot while being absorbed by the first suction nozzle and the first suction pad provided by the first robot included in the stored medicine dispensing device 2. be transported to. Further, the stored medicines are transferred from the recognition unit 14 to the storage unit 15 by the second robot while being absorbed by a second suction nozzle and a second suction pad provided in the second robot included in the stored medicine dispensing device 2. be transported to. The first suction nozzle and the second suction nozzle releasably adsorb the contained drug using a vacuum supplied from a vacuum source, and have a first suction pad and a second suction pad made of rubber at their tips, respectively. installed.

The dispensing unit 16 dispenses the medicine stored in the storage unit 15 onto a tray that passes through the dispensing line system 100 in accordance with prescription instructions from the medicine storage control device 6 . Further, the dispensing unit 16 collects the stored medicine stored in the storage unit 15 into a tray passing through the dispensing line system 100 in accordance with a collection instruction inputted from the instruction terminal 4 and generated by the medicine accommodation control device 6.

Note that, as will be explained later, the recognition unit 14 may read only barcodes, and in that case, the size (diameter, overall length, etc.) data of the drug must be recorded in the drug master 7a. become.

Furthermore, as will be explained later, the recognition unit 14 may be a hand-held barcode reading device. Here, the handy type barcode reading device is a conventional reading device that reads information related to a barcode by manually moving a scanner close to the barcode. In this case, the size (diameter, overall length, etc.) data of the medicine is recorded in the medicine master 7a, and furthermore, as will be explained later, the medicine is manually transported from the storage tray to (the filling position of) the storage section 15. It will be moved.

Furthermore, as will be explained later, a medicine dispensing device may also be constructed in which the recognition section is a hand-held barcode reading device, and the storage section and dispensing section are conventional cassette dispensing machines.

1.3.1. Configuration of virtual cassette in stored medicine dispensing device In the stored medicine management system (contained medicine dispensing device 2, medicine accommodation control device 6, and instruction terminal 4) according to the first embodiment, the cassette dispensing machine 200 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 A virtual cassette (concept) is constructed that virtually corresponds to the cassette. Although the storage unit 15 of the medicine dispensing device 2 is not constructed from an actual cassette, it virtually or logically stores the medicine according to the concept of a cassette.

As described above, the drug master 7a included in the database 5 connected to the drug storage control device 6 includes data on the inventory upper limit, inventory constant, and inventory lower limit for each drug (drug code) (see FIG. 6 (1) )reference). In the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2, individual drugs (medicines) are stored in various storage positions (storage addresses), but when summarized for each drug, the same drug is virtually stored in the entire storage unit 15. A certain area is provided within the storage area. The concept of virtual cassettes is to manage the same area for each drug by adding constraints using an upper inventory limit (in terms of quantity), an inventory constant, and a lower inventory limit. Note that the inventory upper limit, inventory constant, and inventory lower limit are also referred to as an upper limit amount, maximum mounting amount, and filling reference amount, respectively.

It should be noted that the prerequisite for a drug that is a target of the virtual cassette concept is that it is set as a "dispensing target" in the "dispensing target/non-target flag" in the medicine master 7a described above.

Here, the "inventory constant (maximum mounting amount)" is the number corresponding to the virtual allocation area where only the drug can be placed. This "inventory constant (maximum mounting amount)" is a basic value in the concept of virtual cassettes. Next, the "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)" is the upper limit value of the number of drugs that can virtually occupy the storage unit 15. However, other chemicals may enter the area that could be hypothetically occupied by the upper limit. Furthermore, the "inventory lower limit (filling standard amount)" is a boundary value for notifying the outside that the amount of medicine remaining is small.

In the record for each drug (drug code) in the drug master, all of the inventory upper limit (upper limit amount), inventory constant (maximum mounting amount), and inventory lower limit (filling standard amount) may be set, or any of the following may be set. does not need to be set. However, if none of the inventory upper limit (upper limit amount), inventory constant (maximum mounting amount), or inventory lower limit (filling standard amount) is set, it is assumed that no virtual cassette has been set for that drug. Become.

Examples of settings for the inventory upper limit (upper limit amount), inventory constant (maximum mounting amount), and inventory lower limit (filling standard amount) will be explained. Figure 8 (1) is a conceptual diagram of the storage situation of chemicals when none of the inventory upper limit (upper limit amount), inventory constant (maximum mounting amount), or inventory lower limit (filling standard amount) is set. show. In this case, if there is at least one stock quantity, the stock quantity is "appropriate". FIG. 8(2) shows a conceptual diagram of the storage situation of medicines when only the inventory upper limit (upper limit amount) is set. In this case, if the number of items in stock exceeds the "upper limit", the number of items in stock is "excess". If the number of items in stock is one or more than the "upper limit", the number of items in stock is "appropriate". Since an "upper limit" is set, the virtual cassette concept is applied to this drug.

Figure 9 (1) shows a conceptual diagram of the storage status of chemicals when the inventory upper limit (upper limit amount), inventory constant (maximum mounting amount), and inventory lower limit (filling standard amount) are all set. . In this case, if the number of items in stock exceeds the "upper limit", the number of items in stock is "excess". If the number of items in stock is greater than or equal to the "constant" and less than or equal to the "upper limit," the number of items in stock is "appropriate." If the number of stocks is greater than or equal to the "lower limit" and less than the "constant", the number of stocks is "insufficient". If one or more stock quantities are less than the "lower limit", the stock quantity is "remaining". If the number of items in stock is less than one, the number of items in stock is "out of stock." Since a "constant" and "upper limit" are set, the concept of a virtual cassette is applied to this drug.

FIG. 9(2) shows a conceptual diagram of the storage situation of medicines when an inventory constant (maximum mounting amount) and an inventory lower limit (filling reference amount) are set. In this case, if the number of items in stock is equal to or greater than a "constant", it is considered to be an "appropriate" number of items in stock. If the number of stocks is greater than or equal to the "lower limit" and less than the "constant", the number of stocks is "insufficient". If one or more stock quantities are less than the "lower limit", the stock quantity is "remaining". If the number of items in stock is less than one, the number of items in stock is "out of stock." Since a "constant" is set, the concept of a virtual cassette is applied to this drug.

FIG. 9(3) shows a conceptual diagram of the storage status of medicines when only the inventory constant (maximum mounting amount) is set. In this case, if the number of items in stock is equal to or greater than a "constant", it is considered to be an "appropriate" number of items in stock. If the number of stocks is less than the "constant" by one or more, the number of stocks is "insufficient". If the number of items in stock is less than one, the number of items in stock is "out of stock." Since a "constant" is set, the concept of a virtual cassette is applied to this drug.

FIG. 10 is an example of a schematic diagram showing a virtual entire storage area included in the storage unit 15 of the medicine dispensing device 2. As shown in FIG. Area 1 is a virtual area that stores drugs that are not included in the virtual cassette. Area 2 is a virtual area that stores the target drug of the virtual cassette. The hatching in the "virtual cassette (drug A)" indicates that the drug A up to a "constant" is stored in the hatched area. The area defined by the dotted line on the left side of the hatched area of "Virtual Cassette (Medicine A)" indicates the existence of an "appropriate" region and an "upper limit." Similarly, hatching in the "virtual cassette (drug B)" or "virtual cassette (drug C)" indicates that drugs B or C up to a "constant" are stored in the hatched area, respectively. The area delineated by the dotted line to the left of the hatched area of "Virtual Cassette (Drug B)" or "Virtual Cassette (Drug C)" indicates the existence of the "appropriate" area and the "upper limit" (for Drug B or Drug C). show. As indicated by the arrows at the top of FIG. 10, the "upper limit" and "constant" for each drug are values that can vary depending on the registration settings in the drug master 7a. Furthermore, as indicated by the arrows at the bottom of FIG. 10, the ratio between region 1 and region 2 can be varied by increasing or decreasing the target drug in the virtual cassette.

1.3.1.1. Effective stock quantity in virtual cassettes The stock list table 7b included in the database 5 connected to the drug storage control device 6 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has two items as the stock quantity for each drug code, namely, "actual stock quantity". ``Number of inventory'' and ``Number of effective inventory'' are managed. The “actual stock number” is the stock number for each drug code actually stored in the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2. On the other hand, the "effective stock quantity" is the number of drugs (stock) within the expiration date (use-by date) out of the "actual stock quantity". That is, the effective stock quantity is the number of medicines (in stock) that can be dispensed among the medicines in the storage section 15.

When a certain drug is subject to the above-mentioned virtual cassette concept, the "effective inventory quantity" can be used as the inventory quantity. In other words, assume that in a virtual cassette for a certain medicine, "20 bottles" is assigned as the "maximum mounting amount (inventory constant)" and the actual stock quantity and effective stock quantity at a certain point in time are "20 bottles". After that, if "three" of them are removed from the "valid inventory" due to expiration (end of expiration date), the actual inventory will not change, but the effective inventory will be 17. Therefore, at a later point in time, three new drugs can be stored in the storage section 15 of the stored drug dispensing device 2 up to the "maximum mounting amount (inventory constant)".

11 and 12 are examples of screens used by the instruction terminal 4 to set various numerical values in the virtual cassette. In FIG. 11, data for each drug is shown in each row. On the screen shown in FIG. 11, when a row of drugs for each "drug name" is selected and the "setting" button 20 is clicked, a drawing for setting specific numerical values shown in FIG. 12 is further displayed. In FIG. 12, the maximum mounting amount (inventory constant), filling reference amount (inventory lower limit), and upper limit amount for each drug can be set (that is, (virtual) cassette settings can be performed). What is compared with the maximum mounting amount, the filling standard amount, and the upper limit amount in FIGS. 11 and 12 is the "effective inventory quantity." That is, the value of the effective inventory quantity can be compared with the inventory upper limit (upper limit amount), the inventory constant (maximum mounting amount), and the inventory lower limit (filling standard amount).

In addition, on the screen in Figure 11, in the "Extraction conditions" area, by entering the conditions of "Yes"/"No" (pull-down bar menus 22, 24) for the "Maximum mounting amount" and "Upper limit amount" settings. , it is possible to narrow down the search for drug data. Further, in the "cassette area area 40", the current storage state of the storage section 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 is displayed.

Note that the data on the expiration date in the medicine inventory table 9 of the local database 3 and the data on the number of valid stocks in the inventory list table 7b of the database 5 are synchronized. In other words, at the end of the day, when a record of "expiration date" expired (end) occurs in the stored drug inventory table 9 of the local database 3, the expiry date of the drug with which drug code has expired is determined. The medicine storage control device 6 is notified via the instruction terminal 4. In response to the notification, the drug storage control device 6 updates (reduces) the value of the "effective inventory quantity" of the record of the target drug code in the inventory list table 7b of the database 5 to which it is connected.

Furthermore, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process flow in which the stored medicine management system updates the actual stock number N1 and the effective stock number N2 when the stored medicine dispensing device stores medicine. First, it is determined whether the drug type can be read (for example, whether the drug barcode can be obtained) (ST52). If it is not possible (ST52, NO), there is no stocking and nothing is updated in the inventory list table 7b of the database 5. If the drug type can be read (ST52, YES), then it is determined whether the expiration date can be read (ST54). If the medicine can be read (ST54, YES), the medicine is stored (ST56), the actual stock quantity is added by +1 (ST58), and it is then determined whether the medicine is within the expiration date (ST60). If the drug is within its expiration date (ST60, YES), +1 is added to the number of available stocks (ST62). If the medicine is not within its expiration date (ST60, NO), the number of valid stocks in the stock list table 7b of the database 5 is not updated.

If it is determined in ST54 that the expiration date cannot be read (ST54/NO), then it is determined whether or not the medicine whose expiration date cannot be read is to be stored in the first place (ST64). If it is determined that the stock is not to be stocked (ST64, NO), no stock is made and nothing is updated in the inventory list table 7b of the database 5. If it is determined that the medicine should be stored (ST64, YES), the medicine is stored (ST66) and the actual stock quantity is added by 1 (ST68), and the medicine with an unknown expiration date is subject to withdrawal (i.e., actual use). It is determined whether or not to do so (ST70). If it is determined that the item is to be put out (that is, for actual use) (ST70, YES), the effective stock quantity is set to the same number as the actual stock quantity (ST72, YES). Note that the decision as to whether or not to store medicines whose expiration dates cannot be read is registered in advance in the medicine master for each medicine type based on internal regulations within the hospital.

If it is determined in ST70 that a drug with an unknown expiration date is not subject to dispensing (that is, actual use) (ST70, NO), it is then determined whether or not an expiration date is to be entered thereafter. (ST74). If it is determined that no input has been made (ST74, NO), the effective inventory quantity in the inventory list table 7b of the database 5 will not be updated. If it is determined that the drug has been input (ST74, YES), the expiration date is input (ST76), and it is determined whether the drug is within the expiration date (ST78). If the drug is within its expiration date (ST78, YES), +1 is added to the number of available stocks (ST62). If the medicine is not within its expiration date (ST78, NO), the number of valid stocks in the stock list table 7b of the database 5 is not updated.

In addition, in determining whether the drug is within its expiration date (in ST60 and ST78), it is generally determined by comparing the expiration date with the current (time), but the method of determination is limited to this. It's nothing. For example, in order to prevent the accumulation of drugs in the storage of the drug dispensing device and to effectively utilize the inventory, or to ensure safety, the expiry date of the drug can be deducted by a certain period, and the current (time) ). Alternatively, the determination may be made by comparing the expiration date with the sum of the current (time) and a certain period of time. At this time, it is determined whether or not the drug is within its expiration date based on the period input from the input unit, the expiration date of the drug, and the current time (time). The period inputted into the input section is, for example, a period determined by the hospital's internal regulations. In addition, the value input from the input section may be a set date instead of a period. At this time, it is determined whether the drug is within its expiration date based on the set date, the expiration date of the drug, and the current time (time).

In addition, as mentioned above, at the end of the day, if a record with an expired "expiration date" occurs in the stored medicine inventory table 9 of the local database 3, the medicine with which medicine code has expired will be displayed. It has been explained that the medicine storage control device 6 is notified via the instruction terminal 4. In response to the notification, the drug storage control device 6 updates (reduces) the value of the "effective inventory quantity" of the record of the target drug code in the inventory list table 7b of the database 5 to which it is connected. In determining whether the expiration date has expired, the current (time) may be compared with the date obtained by subtracting the period determined by the internal regulations of the hospital from the expiration date of the medicine, as described above. At this time as well, it is determined whether the drug has expired or not based on the period determined by the hospital's internal rules, the expiration date of the drug, and the current time (time) inputted from the input unit.

As described above, the expiration date data of stored medicines, that is, the expiration date data in the stored medicine inventory table 9 of the local database 3, and the data of the number of valid stocks in the inventory list table 7b of the database 5 are synchronized. It is being

1.3.1.2. An example of a screen display of an inventory list table FIG. 14 shows, for example, instructions based on the inventory list table 7b and the medicine master 7a included in the database 5 connected to the medicine accommodation control device 6 in the medicine management system according to the first embodiment. This is an example of a screen display of a drug inventory list displayed on the display of the terminal 4. In the inventory list table, "drug code" and "drug name" are items common to the inventory list table 7b and the drug master 7a. "Actual stock quantity" and "effective stock quantity" are data items stored in the stock list table 7b (see FIG. 6(2)). "Constant", "Upper limit", "Lower limit", and "Size" are data items set in the drug master 7a, and "Inventory constant (maximum mounting amount)", "Inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)", "Inventory This corresponds to the item ``Lower limit (filling reference amount)'' (see Figure 6 (1)). In addition, if the value of "inventory constant (maximum mounting amount)" or "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)" is stored for a certain drug in the drug master 7a, the storage section of the stored drug dispensing device 2 for that drug This means that the virtual cassette is set to 15. The "o" mark in the "virtual cassette" item in the inventory list table of FIG. 14 indicates this. In the inventory list table shown in Figure 14, only the first line (drug code: A Yak) has values for "inventory constant (maximum mounting amount),""inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)," and "inventory lower limit (filling standard amount)." Since it is not stored, a virtual cassette is not set for "drug code: A Yaku" (virtual cassettes are set for all other drugs).

Furthermore, the contents of the "inventory status" item in the inventory list table of FIG. 14 are determined by the relationship between the current "valid inventory quantity" and the "constant", "upper limit", and "lower limit". For example, in the first line (drug code: A Yak), values are not stored for any of the "inventory constant (maximum mounting amount)", "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)", and "inventory lower limit (filling standard amount)", so If the "effective stock number" is 1 or more, the "inventory status" is "appropriate". In the second and third lines (drug code: B Yaku, C Yaku), only the value of "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)" is stored, so (as in the second line) "effective inventory quantity" is If one or more items are below the "upper limit", the "inventory status" will be "appropriate", and if the "effective inventory" exceeds the "upper limit" (as in the third line), the "inventory status" will be "excess". .

In the 4th to 8th lines, values are stored for each of "inventory constant (maximum mounting amount)", "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)", and "inventory lower limit (filling standard amount)". In the fourth line (drug code: D Yaku), the "effective stock quantity" is greater than or equal to the "constant" and less than or equal to the "upper limit", so the "inventory status" is "appropriate". In the 5th line (drug code: E-yak), the "effective inventory quantity" exceeds the "upper limit", so the "inventory status" becomes "excess". In the 6th line (drug code: F Yak), the "effective inventory quantity" is greater than or equal to the "lower limit" and less than the "constant", so the "inventory status" is "shortage". In the 7th line (drug code: G Yaku), the "effective stock quantity" is less than the "lower limit" by one or more, so the "inventory status" is "low stock". In the 8th line (drug code: G Yaku), the "effective stock quantity" is less than one, so the "inventory status" is "out of stock".

As described above, in the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 according to the first embodiment, the area for each medicine is determined by the inventory upper limit (upper limit amount), the inventory constant (maximum mounting amount), and the inventory lower limit (filling standard amount). ) is managed based on the concept of virtual cassettes, which are managed with restrictions added.

Below is an example of the screen of the instruction terminal 4 that displays the inventory upper limit (upper limit quantity), inventory constant (maximum mounting quantity), inventory lower limit (filling standard quantity), effective stock quantity, and actual stock quantity in virtual cassettes ( Main screen, cassette inquiry screen, inventory inquiry screen) will be explained.

FIG. 15 is an example of the main screen of the stored medicine management system displayed on the instruction terminal 4. On the main screen shown in FIG. 15, the inventory status of medicines stored in virtual cassettes in the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 is displayed using the "cassette medicine stock" button 42. First, among the virtual cassettes, if there is at least one virtual cassette with an effective stock quantity of zero, "out of stock" is displayed. Even if there is no virtual cassette that corresponds to "out of stock", if there is at least one virtual cassette whose effective inventory number is less than the filling standard amount (inventory lower limit) and is 1 or more, "out of stock" is displayed. There are no virtual cassettes that correspond to "out of stock" or "low stock", and for all virtual cassettes, the number of effective stocks is equal to the maximum mounting amount (inventory constant) and filling standard amount (lower limit of inventory). If there is a difference, "appropriate" will be displayed. Also. The "Presence of Excess Medicine" button 46 displays "excess medicine" if there is at least one virtual cassette with an effective stock number exceeding the upper limit amount, and if there is no virtual cassette with an effective stock number exceeding the upper limit amount. ``No excess chemicals'' is displayed.

FIG. 16 is an inquiry screen for each cassette (cassette inquiry) in the stored medicine management system in which virtual cassettes are set, which is displayed on the instruction terminal 4. On the cassette inquiry screen, when the "cassette list" button 52 of "extraction conditions" is clicked, the inventory status of medicines and various setting values in all virtual cassettes are displayed. That is, the drug name, inventory amount, maximum mounting amount, filling standard amount, upper limit amount, and status are displayed. The inventory amount here is the inventory amount of medicines that can be used for dispensing, that is, the "effective inventory quantity." Further, if the effective stock quantity is 0, the "status" is displayed as "out of stock", and if the effective stock quantity is less than the filling standard amount (inventory lower limit) and 1 or more, "remaining quantity" is displayed. If the effective stock quantity is between the maximum mounting quantity (inventory constant) and the filling standard quantity (inventory lower limit), it will be displayed as "appropriate", and if the effective stock quantity exceeds the upper limit quantity, it will be displayed as "excess". be done.

FIG. 17 shows the screen when the "filling table all cassettes" button 54 of "extraction conditions" is clicked on the cassette inquiry screen (shown in FIG. 16). As shown in FIG. 17, when the "filling table all cassettes" button 54 of "extraction conditions" is clicked on the cassette inquiry screen, chemicals whose effective stock quantity is less than the maximum mounting amount are displayed. In other words, a list of chemicals whose filling amount should be replenished until the maximum mounting amount is reached is displayed. Note that the "replenishment amount" in FIG. 17 is the number obtained by subtracting the effective stock number from the maximum mounting amount (that is, "replenishment amount" in FIG. 17 = "maximum mounting amount" - "effective stock number").

FIG. 18 shows a screen when the "less than filling table standard amount" button 56 of "extraction conditions" is clicked on the cassette inquiry screen (shown in FIG. 16). As shown in FIG. 18, when the "Less than filling table standard amount" button 56 of "Extraction conditions" is clicked on the cassette inquiry screen, drugs whose effective stock quantity is less than the filling standard amount are displayed. In other words, a list of drugs whose filling amount should be replenished until the filling reference amount is reached is displayed. Note that the "replenishment amount" in FIG. 18 is the number obtained by subtracting the effective inventory quantity from the filling reference amount (that is, the "replenishment amount" in FIG. 18 = "filling reference amount" - "effective inventory quantity").

FIG. 19 is an inventory inquiry screen displayed on the instruction terminal 4 in the stored medicine management system in which a virtual cassette is set. Regarding the medicine in each virtual cassette, the inventory amount (inventory quantity) etc. are shown in one line, but in this screen shown in FIG. 19, the actual inventory amount is shown in "inventory amount". Note that the "upper limit quantity" indicates the upper limit of inventory. In this way, the value of the actual inventory quantity may be compared with the inventory upper limit (upper limit quantity), inventory constant (maximum installed quantity), and inventory lower limit (filling standard quantity). .

2. Operation 2.1. Accommodation operation of the stored medicine dispensing device The stored medicine dispensing device 2 receives a storage tray on which new medicines and unused returned medicines are placed in the receiving section 12, recognizes these medicines with the recognition section 14, and dispenses the medicines according to the recognition. By sorting and storing the medicines in the storage section 15, new medicines and unused returned medicines can be accommodated. The stored medicine management system is configured such that the user of the stored medicine management system can issue an instruction to start the storage operation using either the stored medicine dispensing device 2 or the instruction terminal 4.

The receiving unit 12 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 receives, for example, seven storage trays on which new medicines (such as ampoules and vials) and unused returned medicines are placed. Each of these seven storage trays is stacked and temporarily stored within the receiving section 12.

Among the seven storage trays that are stacked and temporarily stored, the lowest storage tray can also function as an NG (No Good) tray. That is, the stored medicine dispensing device 2 can also perform an operation of marking a stored medicine that is determined not to need to be put into the storage unit 15 as "NG" and transferring it to the NG tray. Examples of objects to be moved to the NG tray include the following.
[1] Drugs whose shape is not a typical ampoule or vial shape.
[2] Items that are set as "not eligible for dispensing" in the "subject to dispensing/not applicable flag" in the aforementioned medicine master 7a.
The recognition unit 14 and the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 determine whether each drug corresponds to the above-mentioned [1]. Note that accommodation trays other than the lowest accommodation tray may function as NG trays. At this time, the lowermost storage tray may function as a non-NG tray.

The medicines placed on each storage tray (excluding NG trays) are recognized by the recognition unit 14 through image processing. At that time, data such as barcodes containing drug codes and expiration dates are obtained.

Note that a "drug identification code" is assigned to each stored drug. This "drug identification code" is a unique identification code composed of, for example, "date and time of accommodation of the accommodation tray in the accommodation medicine dispensing device" + "serial number".

The stored medicine dispensing device 2 transmits the recognized data to the medicine storage control device 6 and the instruction terminal 4. Based on the transmitted data, the drug accommodation control device 6 updates the actual inventory number and/or the effective inventory number (by drug) in the inventory list table 7b (see FIG. 6 (2)), and updates the inventory drug file 7c. Create a new record containing "drug identification code" and "drug code". At the same time, the instruction terminal 4 creates a new record including a "drug identification code" and a "drug code" in the stored drug inventory table 9 (see FIG. 7) in the local database 3.

The drugs recognized by the recognition unit 14 are sorted and stored in the storage unit 15. The storage section 15 is provided with a plurality of shelves in the vertical direction, and each shelf is provided with a plurality of rows. Additionally, each column includes multiple lateral (directional) positions. That is, in the storage unit 15, the storage position (storage address) of the drug is uniquely determined by (shelf, row, horizontal position). This information (shelf, row, horizontal position) is stored in the stored medicine inventory table 9 shown in FIG. Recorded within the record.

Note that when the drug storage control device 6 updates the actual stock number and/or effective stock number for each drug in the inventory list table 7b based on the transmitted data, the "effective stock number" is changed to the "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)". )", the stored medicine dispensing device 2 may be configured to return the excess amount of the medicine to the NG tray. Here, if the "effective stock number" exceeds the "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)", the stored medicine dispensing device 2 is configured to store the medicine in the storage section 15, or return it to the NG tray (i.e. , not stored in the storage unit 15), it is desirable to be able to input selection data from the outside via the instruction terminal 4 or the drug storage control device 6.

2.1. (1) Return operation and filling operation The accommodation operation can also be divided into return operation and filling operation. The return operation is an operation of storing the returned medicine in the stored medicine dispensing device 2. The filling operation is an operation of storing a medicine that is not a returned medicine into the stored medicine dispensing device 2. As described above, the user of the stored medicine management system issues an instruction to start the storing operation on the screen of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 or the instruction terminal 4. For example, if the accommodation operation start button is pressed once (one click) on the accommodation operation start instruction screen, the subsequent accommodation operation will be recognized as a "return operation" by the contained drug management system, and the accommodation operation will be performed. The stored medicine management system is configured such that when the start button is pressed twice (double clicked), the subsequent storage operation is recognized by the stored medicine management system as a "filling operation."

In addition, in the stored medicine management system, it is defined that the filling operation has priority over the dispensing operation (described later), and the dispensing operation has priority over the returning operation. First, the fact that the dispensing operation has priority over the return operation means that when the stored medicine dispensing device 2 is performing the dispensing operation, the return operation will not be performed intrusively. This is to give priority to payout operations that are often performed regularly (as will be explained later).

Next, the fact that the filling operation has priority over the dispensing operation means that the filling operation may interrupt and be performed while the stored medicine dispensing device 2 is performing the dispensing operation. By this, the following effects can be obtained.

Under the premise that "the dispensing operation has priority over the storing operation (including the return operation)", if there is no medicine when dispensing the medicine from the stored medicine dispensing device 2 (when a shortage occurs), the stored medicine dispensing It is not possible to perform an operation in which the device 2 takes in chemicals each time to resolve a shortage. Therefore, by setting the filling operation to have priority over the dispensing operation, when a stockout occurs, the necessary medicine is taken into the stored medicine dispensing device 2 by executing the filling operation, and this allows the medicine to be delivered from the stored medicine dispensing device 2 each time. You will be able to pay out.

Since the priority order of operations in the stored medicine dispensing device 2 is "filling operation>dispensing operation>returning operation", the filling operation interrupts the returning operation. As described above, the stored medicine management system recognizes the distinction between the return operation and the filling operation based on the number of times the storage operation start button (on the screen of the instruction terminal 4, etc.) is pressed (clicked).

In addition, when filling after a stockout (error) occurs, if the filled medicine is a medicine to be dispensed, if it is in a dispensable state (i.e., not expired), the storage The stored drug management system may be configured such that the drug does not enter the storage shelf 15 (stock shelf) and is directly dispensed onto a tray (for dispensing).

Note that the stored medicine management system may be configured such that when the storage section 15 becomes full during the filling operation, the medicine to be filled (accommodated) is subsequently transferred to the NG tray. In addition, if the storage section 15 is full during the return operation, the return operation is then stopped and the stopped state continues until the medicine in the storage section 15 is dispensed or collected. , a stored drug management system may be configured.

2.1.1. Accommodation operation of the medicine dispensing device when the recognition unit reads only barcodes Next, the accommodation operation of a plurality of medicine dispensing devices depending on the configuration of the recognition unit 14 will be explained. First, the accommodation operation when the recognition unit 14 reads only barcodes will be explained. At this time, the recognition unit 14 reads only the barcode. The read barcode data is sent from the stored drug dispensing device 2 to the drug storage control device 6, and the drug master 7a is searched using the drug code included in the barcode as a key item, and the size (diameter, overall length, etc.) data of the drug is retrieved. is understood. Based on the obtained data on the properties of the drug such as the diameter and overall length of the drug, the stored drug management system determines the filling position in the storage section 15 of the stored drug dispensing device 2, that is, the empty position and how to place it. Search using the stored information storage unit. The stored medicine management system notifies the stored medicine dispensing device 2 of the filling position information determined as a result of the search, that is, "shelf, row, horizontal position" data together with data such as "drug barcode". The stored medicine dispensing device 2 stores the stored medicine in the storage section 15 based on the received filling position information. Note that what the recognition unit 14 reads may be identification information that identifies the medicine.

2.1.2. Accommodation operation of the medicine dispensing device when the recognition unit is a handy type barcode reading device The accommodation operation of the medicine dispensing device 2 when the recognition unit 14 is a handy type barcode reading device will be described. First, at this time, the first robot that transfers the drug from the receiving section 12 to the recognition section 14 and the second robot that transfers the drug from the recognition section 14 to the storage section 15 are not included in the stored drug dispensing device 2. Good too.

Furthermore, at this time, the barcode of the drug is manually read by the operator using a barcode reading device which is the recognition unit 14. The read barcode data is transmitted from the barcode reading device and the stored drug dispensing device 2 to the drug storage control device 6, and the drug master 7a is searched using the drug code included in the barcode as a key item, and the size of the drug is determined. (diameter, total length, etc.) data is grasped. Based on the obtained data on the properties of the drug such as the diameter and overall length of the drug, the stored drug management system determines the filling position in the storage section 15 of the stored drug dispensing device 2, that is, the empty position and how to place it. Search using the stored information storage unit. The stored medicine management system notifies the stored medicine dispensing device 2 of the filling position information determined as a result of the search, that is, "shelf, row, horizontal position" data together with data such as "drug barcode". Note that what the recognition unit 14 reads at this time may also be identification information for identifying the medicine.

Here, in the storage tray of the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2, a notification light composed of a minute LED or the like is provided for each medicine storage address represented by "shelf, row, horizontal position". ing. Further, the stored medicine dispensing device 2 is configured so that when the stored medicine dispensing device 2 receives the "shelf, row, horizontal position" data, a notification light corresponding to the storage address of the "shelf, row, horizontal position" lights up. has been done. The operator manually stores the medicine whose barcode has been read using the barcode reader at the storage address where the glowing notification light is located.

Note that the above-mentioned notification light may not be provided, and instead, the data of the storage address "shelf, row, horizontal position" may be displayed on the display section of the instruction terminal 4 or the like. Furthermore, at this time, a sensor is provided for each drug storage address represented by "shelf, row, lateral position", and the operator selects the storage address "shelf, row, lateral position" shown on the display section of the instruction terminal 4 etc. '', the sensor may detect the absence of the drug and warn of this by flashing a light source provided in conjunction with the sensor. Conversely, when the operator stores a drug at the storage address "shelf, row, horizontal position" shown on the display of the instruction terminal 4, etc., the sensor detects the presence of the drug and indicates this. The notification may be made by blinking a light source provided in conjunction with the notification.

2.1.3. Accommodating operation of a medicine dispensing device in which the recognition unit is a hand-held barcode reading device and the storage section and dispensing section are conventional cassette dispensing machines. One of the modified examples of the ``medicine dispensing device in which the recognition section is a hand-held barcode reading device, and the storing section and the dispensing section are conventional cassette dispensing devices.'' This embodiment can also be configured. In this case, the cassette dispensing machine is provided with a plurality of cassettes of a plurality of types corresponding to the sizes of medicines (such as S, M, and L sizes, and total lengths of 20 mm and 35 mm) as storage parts.

For example, when 10 drug cassettes with a total length of 35 mm are provided,
[1] Of these, 6 are used to store medicine A and 4 are used to store medicine B, or
[2] All 10 are used for storing medicine A,
The cassette can be configured as follows. The correspondence between this medicine (type) and the position of each cassette is recorded in the storage section of the medicine accommodation control device 6.

At this time, similarly to the "accommodated drug dispensing device when the recognition unit is a hand-held barcode reader", the first robot that transfers the medicine from the receiving unit 12 to the recognition unit 14, and the storage unit from the recognition unit 14 are used. The second robot that transfers the medicine to the section 15 does not need to be included in the stored medicine dispensing device 2.

Furthermore, at this time, the barcode of the drug is manually read by the operator using a barcode reader which is a recognition unit. The read barcode data is transmitted from the barcode reading device and the stored drug dispensing device to the drug storage control device 6, and the drug master 7a is searched using the drug code included in the barcode as a key item, and the size of the drug ( (diameter, total length, etc.) data is grasped. Based on the obtained data on drug properties such as the diameter and total length of the drug, the stored drug management system determines the filling position in the storage section of the drug dispensing device, that is, the position of the corresponding cassette in the cassette dispensing machine. is searched using the storage unit. The stored medicine management system notifies the stored medicine dispensing device (i.e., the cassette dispensing machine) of the filling position determined as a result of the search, that is, the position data of the cassette, together with data such as a "drug barcode".

Here, each of the plurality of cassettes provided in the cassette dispensing machine is provided with a notification light composed of a minute LED or the like. Further, the cassette dispenser (i.e., the medicine dispenser) is configured such that when the cassette dispenser receives position data of the corresponding cassette, a notification light corresponding to the position data of the cassette lights up. The operator manually stores the medicine whose barcode has been read using the barcode reading device into a cassette with a flashing notification light.

Note that the above-mentioned notification light may not be provided, and instead, the position data of the corresponding cassette may be displayed on the display section of the instruction terminal 4 or the like. Furthermore, at this time, a sensor is provided in each of the plurality of cassettes, and if the operator does not store the drug in the position of the cassette indicated on the display section of the instruction terminal 4, etc., the sensor detects the absence of the drug. The configuration may be such that a warning is given by blinking a light source provided together with the sensor. Conversely, when the operator stores the drug in the cassette at the position indicated on the display of the instruction terminal 4, etc., the sensor detects the presence of the drug and indicates this by blinking the light source provided in conjunction with the sensor. It may also be configured such that the notification is made based on the notification.

Note that the dispensing operation is performed under the control of the drug accommodation control device 6, similar to the conventional cassette dispensing machine.

2.2. Dispensing operation of the stored medicine dispensing device As described above, the dispensing unit 16 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 transfers the medicine stored in the storage unit 15 through the inside of the dispensing line system 100 in accordance with the prescription instruction from the medicine accommodation control device 6. Dispense it onto a passing tray.

FIG. 20(1) is a flow diagram of dispensing processing in a conventional stored medicine management system. FIG. 20(2) is a flow diagram of the dispensing process in the stored medicine management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Further, FIG. 21(1) is a flowchart of the temporary tightening process (described below), and FIG. 21(2) is a flowchart of the tightening process (described below).

As shown in FIG. 20(2), first, the drug storage control device 6 periodically (for example, once a day) performs a temporary tightening process. In this temporary tightening process, the drug accommodation control device 6 receives prescription data (for example, once a day) from an external system (for example, a hospital comprehensive system) (ST04 in FIG. 21 (1)), and lists the inventory data. With reference to table 7b (see FIG. 6(2)), it is checked whether the drug with the target drug code is in stock (FIG. 21(1) ST06). If there is a shortage of medicine, the medicine storage control device 6 outputs a "shortage form" via the printer unit 115 (ST08 in FIG. 21(1)). The shortage ticket displays a combination of "drug code", "drug name", and "number of missing items" for that drug.

Here, the difference between the required quantity and the "effective inventory quantity" may be displayed as the "out-of-stock quantity". If the "inventory lower limit (filling reference amount)" or "inventory constant (maximum mounting amount)" is set, the difference between the required quantity and the "inventory lower limit (filling reference amount)" may be displayed. , the difference between the required number and the "inventory constant (maximum mounting amount)" may be displayed. All of these difference values may be displayed.

The user of the stored medicine management system stores the missing medicine in the stored medicine dispensing device by the above-mentioned storage operation based on the "shortage ticket".

Subsequently, the medicine accommodation control device 6 performs a tightening process (for example, the first time), as shown in FIG. 20(2). In this closing process (first time), some prescription data from an external system (for example, hospital comprehensive system) is accepted (FIG. 21(2) ST24). "Some prescription data" refers to, for example, prescription data for some wards in the entire hospital. The prescription data includes data regarding medicines to be dispensed. The drug accommodation control device 6 reduces the effective stock number and the actual stock number of the target drug (code) data in the stock list table 7b (FIG. 21(2) ST26). In addition, the drug storage control device 6 searches the inventory drug file 7c to obtain a record of the target drug (code), and updates the "dispensing completion date and time (dispensing completion date, dispensing completion time)" of the record ( Figure 21 (2) ST28). Furthermore, the stored drug management system (or instruction terminal 4) that has received the prescription data for closing processing searches the stored drug inventory table 9 of the local database 3, obtains the record of the target drug (code), Completion date and time (payout completion date, payout completion time)" is updated (FIG. 21(2) ST30).

The stored medicine dispensing device 2 receives prescription instruction data (drug code, number of medicines) based on the prescription data, and procures medicines (Procurement 1). In addition, the drug storage control device 6 and the stored drug management system (or instruction terminal 4) handle the case where there is still insufficient drug even after adding the filled drug immediately after the temporary tightening process (FIG. 21 (2) ST34 - If YES), the "difference slip" is outputted via the printer unit 115 (FIG. 21(2) ST36). Thereafter, the stored medicine dispensing device 2 performs a dispensing process (dispensing 1) for the arranged medicines.

In addition, upon receiving the dispensed medicine from the stored medicine dispensing device 2, the stored medicine management system removes the mask from the position where the medicine no longer exists due to dispensing in the stored information storage unit. Therefore, in the storage information storage unit, the position becomes an area that can be placed (filled).

After the first closing process, procurement process, and payout process, the closing process, procurement process, and payout process are performed multiple times (three times in FIG. 20(2)). Through multiple closing processes, procurement processes, and dispensing processes, a dispensing operation for the entire prescription data that substantially corresponds to the target prescription data of the first provisional closing process is performed.

In addition, when the stored medicine management system outputs the "difference slip" via the printer unit 115, the stored medicine dispensing device 2 temporarily stops the procurement process and the dispensing process and stops filling (accommodating) the target medicine. You can also wait.

2.3. Medicine collection operation of the stored medicine dispensing device The medicine collection operation of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 will be explained. The medicine recovery operation is approximately the same as the dispensing operation. When the stored medicine management system receives prescription data from an external system, the stored medicine dispensing device 2 performs the dispensing operation, whereas the stored medicine dispensing device 2 performs the collection based on the input of instruction data from the instruction terminal 4. perform an action.

The drug recovery operation is performed in the order of (a) setting of drug recovery processing conditions, (b) extraction of a drug to be recovered, and (c) execution of recovery. In the first embodiment, these operations are configured to be similar to the payout operation.

Note that when the drug storage control device 6 updates the actual stock number and/or the effective stock number for each drug in the inventory list table 7b based on the data read by the recognition unit 14 of the stored drug dispensing device 2, the “active stock number” The stored medicine dispensing device 2 may be configured so that when the "number" exceeds the "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)", the stored medicine dispensing device 2 collects the excess amount of medicine. Here, if the "effective inventory number" exceeds the "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)", the stored medicine dispensing device 2 is configured to continue storing the medicine in the storage section 15, or is configured to collect it. It is desirable to be able to input selection data from the outside via the instruction terminal 4 or the drug storage control device 6.

Further, the instruction terminal 4 may be configured such that medicines set as "not to be dispensed" in the "to be dispensed/not eligible flag" in the medicine master 7a described above are to be collected.

2.4. Display operations of the stored medicine management system The stored medicine management system performs various display operations based on the data stored in the inventory list table 7b, the stocked medicine file 7c, and the stored medicine inventory table 9.

2.4.1. Display operation when there is a drug whose "effective inventory quantity" exceeds the "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)" In the inventory list table 7b, the virtual cassette whose "effective inventory quantity" exceeds the "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)" If there is a drug to be accommodated, the drug accommodation control device 6 notifies the instruction terminal 4 of its drug code and the excess quantity (i.e., the value of "effective inventory quantity" - "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)"). . The instruction terminal 4 displays the drug code, the excess quantity, and the fact that "the 'effective inventory quantity' exceeds the 'inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)'" and, for example, manages the collection operation of the excess quantity. Prompt system users.

In the screen display of the drug inventory list table shown in FIG. It may be configured to emphasize and display "exceeds upper limit (upper limit amount)". Furthermore, as explained earlier, if there is a drug whose effective stock number exceeds the upper limit, the instruction terminal 4 displays the "excess drug presence" button 46 on the main screen shown in FIG. It may be configured to display "Yes".

2.4.2. Display operation when there is a drug whose "effective stock quantity" does not meet the "inventory constant (maximum mounting quantity)" In the inventory list table 7b, the "effective stock quantity" satisfies the "inventory constant (maximum mounting quantity)" If there is a drug to be stored in a virtual cassette, the drug storage control device 6 instructs the drug code and the number of shortages (i.e., the value of "inventory constant (maximum mounting amount)" - "effective inventory number"). Notify terminal 4. The instruction terminal 4 displays the drug code, the number of shortages, and the fact that "the 'effective inventory quantity' is less than the 'inventory constant (maximum quantity installed)'" and, for example, controls the storage operation for the shortages to manage the stored medicines. Prompt system users.

In the screen display of the drug inventory list table shown in FIG. It may be configured to emphasize and display the message "Constant (maximum implementation amount)". Further, as explained previously, when the inventory status is appropriate for all virtual cassettes, the instruction terminal 4 displays “appropriate” on the “cassette drug inventory” button 42 on the main screen shown in FIG. It may be configured as follows.

2.4.3. Display operation when there is a drug whose "effective stock quantity" does not meet the "inventory minimum limit (filling standard amount)" In the inventory list table 7b, the "effective stock quantity" satisfies the "inventory minimum limit (filling standard quantity)" If there is a drug to be stored in a virtual cassette, the drug storage control device 6 instructs the drug code and the number of shortages (i.e., the value of "inventory constant (maximum mounting amount)" - "effective inventory number"). Notify terminal 4. The instruction terminal 4 displays the drug code, the number of shortages, and the fact that "the 'effective inventory quantity' does not meet the 'inventory minimum limit (filling standard amount)'" and, for example, manages the storage operation for the shortages. Prompt system users. When the user of the stored drug management system fills the missing drug and resolves the situation where the "effective stock quantity" does not meet the "inventory minimum (filling standard amount)", the drug will be returned to the "effective stock quantity" state again. The above-mentioned display (notification) will not occur until a situation occurs in which the "inventory limit (filling standard amount)" is not reached.

On the screen display of the drug inventory list table shown in FIG. The display may be configured to emphasize "lower limit (filling standard amount)". Furthermore, as explained earlier, if there is a virtual cassette whose effective stock quantity is less than the filling standard amount (inventory lower limit) and is greater than or equal to 1, the instruction terminal 4 displays the "cassette drug" on the main screen shown in FIG. The "in stock" button 42 may be configured to display "low stock".

2.4.4. Display operation when there is a drug whose "effective stock number" is 0 If there is a drug whose "effective stock number" is 0 and which is to be stored in a virtual cassette in the inventory list table 7b, the drug The accommodation control device 6 notifies the instruction terminal 4 of the drug code and the number of shortages (ie, the value of "inventory constant (maximum quantity mounted)" - "effective inventory quantity"). The instruction terminal 4 displays the medicine code, the number of shortages, and a message to the effect that "the 'effective stock quantity' has become 0", and prompts the user of the stored medicine management system, for example, to accommodate the shortage.

At this time, other drugs that may be out of stock due to one prescription (data) may also be displayed on the screen (not shown) notifying the out of stock. In other words, when the drug storage control device 6 is dispensing drugs according to one prescription data, if the effective stock number of the drug to be dispensed becomes 0, the stored drug management system Even if the stored drug management system is configured to simultaneously identify (identify) other drugs that are out of stock in good.

When the user of the stored medicine management system fills up the missing medicine and resolves the situation where the "effective stock quantity" is 0, the "effective stock quantity" is 0 bottles again for that drug. The above-mentioned display (notification of out-of-stock items) will not occur until this occurs.

On the screen display of the drug inventory list table shown in FIG. 14, the instruction terminal 4 emphasizes that for a drug whose "effective stock number" has become 0, "the "effective stock number" has become 0". It may be configured to display the information as follows. Furthermore, as described above, if there is a virtual cassette with an effective inventory count of zero, the instruction terminal 4 displays a message "Out of stock" on the "Cassette medicine inventory" button 42 on the main screen shown in FIG. It may be configured to display.

2.4.5. Screen display operation showing the overall inventory status in the storage unit of the stored medicine dispensing device FIG. This is an example of a screen display shown in FIG. FIG. 22 is a display example in which specific values for individual drugs of the same kind are set and displayed collectively for the entire storage section 15 in the conceptual diagrams of the drug storage conditions shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The screen display example shown in FIG. 22(1) is created based on data stored in the inventory list table 7b. The "virtual cassette area" and the "general-purpose area" in FIG. 22(1) correspond to area 2 and area 1 in FIG. 10, respectively.

In the virtual cassette area, "stock" and "vacant" are first displayed separately. Preferably, the "inventory" in the "virtual cassette area" corresponds to the actual inventory. “Vacancy” is divided into “out of stock,” “remaining stock,” and “shortage.” In the general-purpose area, "inventory", "excess" and "vacant" are displayed separately.

Note that FIG. 22(2) is an example of a screen display showing the overall inventory status in the storage section of the conventional medicine dispensing device. Conventional medicine dispensing devices are not provided with a "virtual cassette area", and as shown in the figure, "stock" and "vacancy" are simply displayed separately.

The stored medicine dispensing device 2 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can display more detailed storage status data to support the user's filling operation.

2... Accommodated drug dispensing device, 3... Local database, 4... Instruction terminal, 5... Database, 6... Drug accommodation control device, 12... Receiving unit, 14... Recognition Part, 15... Storage unit, 16... Dispensing unit, 100, 101... Dispensing line system, 103... Supply lifter, 105... Bottle dispensing machine, 107... Random dispensing machine, 109 ...Special payout machine, 111...Cold place payout machine, 113...Bagging machine, 115...Printer unit, 117...Discharge lifter (with rewrite), 119...Stacking lifter.

Claims (3)

A system for controlling the dispensing operation of medicines by one or more dispensing devices, the system comprising:
means for outputting the number of drugs in short supply based on a plurality of prescription data to be subject to temporary tightening processing and inventory data of drugs stored in one or more of the dispensing devices;
After the shortage number is output, means for outputting the shortage number of medicines based on a plurality of prescription data to be subject to closing processing and data on inventory of medicines stored in one or more of the dispensing devices; ,
A system equipped with. A processor included in a system that controls drug dispensing operations by one or more dispensing devices,
outputting the number of drugs in short supply based on a plurality of prescription data to be subject to temporary tightening processing and inventory data of drugs stored in one or more of the dispensing devices;
After the shortage number is output, outputting the shortage number of medicines based on a plurality of prescription data to be subject to closing processing and inventory data of medicines stored in one or more of the dispensing devices; ,
A control method for executing. A processor included in a system that controls drug dispensing operations by one or more dispensing devices,
outputting the number of drugs in short supply based on a plurality of prescription data to be subject to temporary tightening processing and inventory data of drugs stored in one or more of the dispensing devices;
After the shortage number is output, outputting the shortage number of medicines based on a plurality of prescription data to be subject to closing processing and inventory data of medicines stored in one or more of the dispensing devices; ,
A control program to run.

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