JPH0417664B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a tablet number determining device for determining the number of tablets packaged by a tablet packaging machine.

[Prior Art] Generally, a tablet packaging machine has a large number of tablet feeders and one tablet that is discharged from any tablet feeder.
The device is comprised of a packaging device that sequentially forms sachets by packaging a predetermined number of tablets per package.

Each tablet feeder is provided with a sensor that detects the ejected tablets, and an appropriate counter counts the output of this sensor.
The number of tablets discharged from each package, that is, the number of tablets to be packed in each sachet is counted.

On the other hand, a tablet packaging machine does not include a tablet feeder, but instead consists of a dividing square for manually distributing tablets and a packaging device for dividing the tablets discharged from each square of the dividing square into individual packages. Some are structured as such.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in a tablet packaging machine equipped with a tablet feeder, even if a predetermined number of tablets (for example, 3 tablets) are definitely discharged from the tablet feeder, the tablets are not transferred from the tablet feeder to the packaging device. Since the tablets are introduced from the hopper into the packaging device through an appropriate passage leading to the hopper, for example, if one of the tablets gets caught in a part of the passage, If the remaining two tablets are not reached, only the remaining two tablets will be divided into one package. Moreover, in this case, the sensor and counter of the tablet feeder confirm that the predetermined number of tablets (i.e., 3 tablets) have been ejected without fail, so it is possible to detect that only 2 tablets are packed in the packaging bag. The packaging machine cannot recognize it.

On the other hand, tablet packaging machines that are not equipped with a tablet feeder are not equipped with sensors and counters that detect whether or not a predetermined number of tablets have been scattered in each divided square, so the operator may think that they have spread the tablets correctly. However, if the tablets that should be distributed in one square are mistakenly distributed in the next square, there will be an excess or shortage of tablets from the prescribed number of tablets in both squares, and even in this case, the tablet packaging machine will recognize the excess or deficiency. Can not do it.

Therefore, in order to avoid dispensing medicine to a patient using a packaging bag with a shortage of tablets or a packaging bag with an excess or deficiency of tablets between adjacent tablets, the tablets that have been divided into tablets using a tablet packaging machine are used. Pharmacists must conduct an audit on all sachets to confirm that the number of tablets is the correct number according to the prescription. Problems arose, such as the higher the processing capacity, the greater the burden on pharmacists in auditing the number of tablets in each sachet.

This invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the conventional method, and determines whether the number of tablets packaged by a tablet packaging machine is the correct number according to the prescription, and allows the pharmacist to dispense each tablet. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tablet number discriminating device that can reduce the burden of inspecting tablets in packages.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a device for determining the number of tablets packaged by a tablet packaging machine, which determines the number of tablets in each packaging bag. a means for optically detecting, a means for recording in advance the number of tablets to be stored in each sachet, and a means for recording in advance the number of tablets detected by the detection means and the number of tablets to be stored by the recording means. The device is equipped with processing means for comparing the number of tablets contained in the tablet and determining whether the two match or do not match.

[Operation] By employing the above means, the present invention compares the number of tablets detected by the detection means with the number of tablets recorded by the recording means, thereby allowing the tablet packaging machine to detect the number of tablets. It is determined whether the number of tablets in each sachet and the appropriate number of tablets as per the prescription match or do not match.Therefore, the pharmacist must audit the number of tablets only for the sachets for which it has been determined that there is a discrepancy. As a result, the burden on pharmacists in auditing the number of tablets in each sachet can be significantly reduced.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention shown in the drawings will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, in which tablets 1 are divided into packets with a predetermined number of tablets each, and a sachet 2,
This is a packaging device for a tablet packaging machine that has come to form sequentially 2, 2,..., and a large number of sachets 2, 2, . . . are output from the packaging device 1 in a series.
Except for the part indicated by 2a in the figure, it is illustrated by wide arrows for simplification. As is clear from the display of these arrows, the sachets 2, 2, ... are outputted from the packaging device 1, and then conveyed by the conveying device 4 via the alignment device 3. .

The alignment device 3 eliminates the overlapping of the tablets in the sachets 2, 2, ..., the standing state of each tablet, etc., and separates each tablet into one in the sachets 2, 2, ...
It is a device for arranging tablets one by one in a flat position, for example, by applying an appropriate external force such as vibration to the sachets 2, 2, etc., or by other appropriate means. I'm starting to be able to do it.

5 is a positioning device that is disposed between the alignment device 3 and the conveyance device 4 and positions the tablets aligned in the sachets 2, 2, ... at a predetermined position,
The sachets 2, 2, ... are temporarily stopped each time one of them reaches a predetermined position on the positioning device 5, and after the tablet in the sachet 2a at this position is optically detected. , the next one is the positioning device 5
It is designed to be conveyed until it reaches a predetermined position above.

That is, the light source 6 irradiates light from one side of the sachet 2a stopped at a predetermined position on the positioning device 5, and in response, for example, light is emitted from the other side of the sachet 2a. A detection device 7 composed of a CCD camera or the like is adapted to optically detect a projected image of the tablet inside the sachet 2a.

8 is an image processing device for data processing the projected image of the tablet detected by the detection device 7,
The image processing device 8 calculates the number of detected tablets as image data based on the area of the projected image of the tablet and other factors.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a storage device that stores in advance the number of tablets to be accommodated as data regarding the tablets accommodated in the sachets 2, 2, . . . , ie, tablet data.

10 is image data of the tablets in the sachets 2, 2, . The processing device 10 compares the tablet data (the number of tablets to be accommodated) of the packaging bags 2, 2, etc., and the processing device 10 compares the image data (the number of detected tablets) and the tablet data based on the comparison. (number of tablets to be accommodated) matches.
The determination result is output.

11 is arranged after the conveyance device 4, and receives the output from the processing device 10 to check whether the image data of the tablets (the number of tablets detected) matches the tablet data in the storage device 9 (the number of tablets to be accommodated). This is a marking device that marks the determination result of the processing device 10 indicating whether or not the sachet 2 is present at an appropriate location on the sachet 2.

12 is arranged after the mark device 11,
The sachets 2, 2, ... are placed in a predetermined sachet group 13, 13,
... (for example, 3 packages corresponding to 3 doses per day), and the cutting device 12
Also, the empty packets formed between the sachets 2, 2, . . . are separated at the prescription cut.

14, the group of sachets 13, 13, . The marking device 11 stores the image data of the tablets (the detected number of tablets) in the storage device 9. They are classified into groups of inappropriate sachets 13b, 13b, etc. that are marked as not matching the tablet data (the number of tablets that should be stored), and sachets that should be discarded, including empty sachets. This is a sorting device that sorts items into designated locations.

Next, the operation of the above will be explained.

First, a large number of sachets 2, 2, ... outputted in a series from the packaging device 1 are arranged in the alignment device 3.
After the overlapping of the tablets and the standing state of each tablet are eliminated and the tablets are arranged one by one in a flat position, the transport device 4 transports the tablets to a predetermined position on the positioning device 5. Then, the packages are stopped one by one at that position.

The projection image of the tablet in the sachet 2a stopped at this position is optically detected by the detection device 7.

The projected image of the tablets in the sachet 2a detected by the detection device 7 is data-processed by the image processing device 8, and the resulting image data (the number of detected tablets) and the memory are stored. The tablet data (the number of tablets to be stored) of the sachet 2a stored in the device 9 is compared in the processing device 10, and it is determined whether the two match or not, and the determination result is processed. It is output from the device 10.

When the sachet 2 detected at this time is conveyed to the marking device 11 by the conveying device 4, the marking device 11 transfers the determination result of the processing device 10 based on the detection to the corresponding sachet 2. Mark the appropriate places.

The sachets 2, 2, . Appropriate sachet groups 13a, 13a, . . . marked that the number) matches the tablet data (number of tablets to be stored)
Group 13 of inappropriate sachets marked with the fact that the image data of the tablets (the number of tablets detected) does not match the tablet data (the number of tablets that should be stored)
The packages are sorted into packets b, 13b, etc. and packaging paper that should be discarded, including empty packages, and are sorted into designated locations.

Therefore, pharmacists do not have to audit the number of tablets in all of the large number of sachets 2, 2, etc. that have been divided by the tablet packaging machine, but rather check the number of tablets that have been sorted by the sorting device 14. Sachet group 13b, 13
It is only necessary to audit the number of tablets for items b, .

In the above embodiment, only the number of tablets is detected and compared to determine whether they match or do not match. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to detect and compare them to determine whether they match or do not match.

Further, in the above embodiment, the light source 6 and the detection device 7 are arranged on both sides of the sachet 2a to optically detect the projected image of the tablet inside the sachet 2a. For example, the light source 6 and the detection device 7 may be arranged on one side of the sachet 2a to optically detect the reflected image of the tablet inside the sachet 2a. In this case, not only the area of the tablet image but also its color can be added to the image processing elements, and as a result, the type of tablet can be detected more clearly.

Further, in the above embodiment, the storage device 9 is used as a means for recording in advance the number of tablets to be stored in each sachet, but the storage device 9 is not limited to this. The number of tablets to be detected is printed on the sachet in advance, this printing is read by an appropriate means, and the number of tablets read is compared with the number of tablets detected in the sachet. It's okay.

Furthermore, this tablet number discriminating device may be constructed separately outside the tablet packaging machine, or may be constructed by being incorporated inside the tablet packaging machine. It goes without saying that changes and modifications are possible.

[Effects of the Invention] Since the present invention is configured as described above, by comparing the number of tablets detected by the detection means and the number of tablets recorded by the recording means,
It is possible to determine whether the number of tablets in each sachet packaged by the tablet packaging machine matches or does not match the appropriate number of tablets as per the prescription. It is only necessary to inspect the number of tablets in the bag, and as a result, the burden on the pharmacist in inspecting the tablets in each sachet can be significantly reduced, which has excellent effects.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Packaging device, 2, 2a...Saving bag, 3...Aligning device, 4...Transporting device, 5...Positioning device, 6...Light source, 7...Detection device, 8...Image processing device, 9...Storage device, 10... Processing device, 11...Mark device, 12
... Cutting device, 13, 13a, 13b... Group of sachets, 14... Sorting device.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1 A device for determining the number of tablets divided by a tablet packaging machine, which includes a means for optically detecting the number of tablets in each packaging bag, and a device for determining the number of tablets to be stored in each packaging bag. means for recording the number of tablets in advance, and comparing the number of tablets detected by the detection means with the number of tablets recorded by the recording means to determine whether they match or do not match. A tablet number discriminating device characterized by comprising a processing means.