JPS6265804A - Automatic article supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently operate an automatic article supply device for supplying a predetermined article to each designated person in a hospital dispensary, a bank, a municipal office, etc. by providing two kinds of storage devices having different storage configurations. CONSTITUTION:When a container 7 containing articles is introduced through an inlet port 1 provided in a hospital dispensary or the like, the container 7 is sent to a first storage device 3 in which the container 7 is stored in one of storage spaces in accordance with identification data relating to the above- mentioned articles and inputted at an ID input device 3. When the storage time of these articles exceeds a predetermined time, they are conveyed into a second storage device 9 to be stored therein. When a dispensing request accompanied by identification data according to an ID card inserted into an ID inserting slot 18 in either one of dispensing units 2a, 2b, a sectioned opening 20 of the corresponding storage space in the first storage device 3 is released from its locking stage, or the corresponding article in the second storage device 9 is conveyed to a dispensing port 17.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an automatic article supply system for automatically supplying each predetermined article to a person who is to receive and receive the article.

(Prior art and its problems) Hospital pharmacies, banks, city halls, etc. exist as facilities that must supply predetermined goods to predetermined persons. For example, in a hospital pharmacy, it is necessary to dispense medicines based on prescriptions received from patients and to reliably supply the medicines to the patients. For this reason, conventionally, when a prescription is received from a patient, the patient is given a number tag, etc., and the number is read out in order of completion of dispensing to notify the patient that the dispensing of the drug has been completed. A method has been adopted in which people receive medicine in exchange for a number tag handed to them.

However, in cases where there are many patients who need to dispense medication, it takes a considerable amount of time to dispense the medication, and patients have to wait in the waiting room for a long time until they are called after their medication has been dispensed. Not only is it mentally painful, but it is also a medical problem for patients who require bed rest.

Additionally, they are unable to go to other departments for treatment because they do not know when they will be called.

On the other hand, from the standpoint of the pharmacy, there is a burden of having to shout out to call the patient each time the drug is dispensed, and such calls also break the silence in the hospital.

Additionally, due to the dispensing process, the order in which prescriptions are received and the order in which the dispensing is completed do not necessarily match, so if a patient who should receive prescription-style medicine is away from his/her seat, medicine bags and other items may be left at the counter. This accumulates, and the task of searching for the necessary medicine bag from among the bags during subsequent delivery becomes quite troublesome. Furthermore, the time lost in waiting for a patient to come to the counter from his/her seat in the waiting room cannot be ignored, leading to a decline in the efficiency of pharmacies, which should be focused on dispensing drugs.

The situation is similar in banks, city halls, etc., and although there are many facilities where such problems occur, means or devices that can fundamentally solve the problem have not yet been fully put into practical use. This is the reality.

(Object of the invention) This invention is intended to overcome the above problems,
The main object of the present invention is to provide an automatic article supply system that can automatically and efficiently supply articles.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on both the supplier and the supplied party when supplying goods.

(Means for Achieving the Object) In order to achieve the above object, the automatic article supply system according to the present invention inputs an input port into which the article to be supplied is input and identification information of the article to be input into the input port. comprising a first identification information input means and first and second storage devices having a required number of storage spaces for storing the article, each of the storage spaces of the first storage device responding to an unlock command; and a second identification information input means for inputting identification information of the article to be dispensed from the outlet; a transfer means for transferring the article between required ones of the input port, the first and second storage devices, and the discharge port; and a control for controlling the transfer, storage, and discharge of the article. means, and the control means is configured to transfer the article to the first storage device by the transfer means in response to the article being put into the input port, and to transfer the article to the first storage device by the transfer means. The article is stored in one of the storage spaces of the first storage device in accordance with the identification information of the article inputted from the identification information input means, and the article is stored in the first storage device for a predetermined time. When the amount exceeds the limit, the article is transferred to the second storage device by the transfer means, and the article is stored in one of the storage spaces of the second storage device in correspondence with the identification information of the article, and when the delivery of goods is requested,
Searching for the location of the item in accordance with the identification information input from the second identification information input means, and when the item exists in the first storage device, issuing an unlock command to the corresponding storage space. The article is enabled to be taken out from the outside, and when the article is present in the second storage device, the article is controlled to be transferred to the outlet by the transfer means.

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a mechanical explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the automatic article supply system according to the present invention. This article automatic supply system includes one input port 1, two dispensing devices 2a and 2b, and a first storage device 3 having a required number of storage spaces that functions as a dispensing device. 1 is automatically supplied to a person who should receive the article through the first storage device 3 or one of the dispensing devices 2a, 2b. For example, if this system is used as an automatic supply system for prescription drugs in a hospital pharmacy, the input port 1 is installed inside the pharmacy,
On the other hand, the dispensing devices 2a, 2bj5 and the first storage device 3 will be arranged on the side of the patient waiting room.

The input slot 1 includes an ID input device 4, which is made up of, for example, a numeric keypad, as a first identification information input means for inputting identification information of the article to be input, and an ID input device 4, which is used to display necessary information to the operator. A display device 5 is provided. Further, a laser scanner type barcode reader device 6 is provided as a first identification information input means, and a barcode display label representing identification information is affixed to each container 7 in which goods are stored, and this is automatically read. It's okay. In either case, the operator stores the article in the container 7 and inserts it into the system.

The loaded container 7 is taken into the system by an introduction conveyor 8 extending from the front of the input port 1.

This introduction conveyor 8 and various conveyors described later are:
Any existing desired ones can be used, such as roller conveyors and belt conveyors.

This article automatic supply system includes, in addition to the first storage device 3 described above, a second storage device 9 having a required number of storage spaces in order to store the containers 7 put into the system.

The container 7 is carried into the first storage device 3 via the accumulation conveyor 10, and the container 7 is moved from the first storage device to the second storage device.
This is done via a warehousing conveyor 12 extending from the first storage device to the second storage device and the warehousing port 11 of the storage device. Moreover, the container 7 is unloaded from the second storage apparatus 9 via an unloading conveyor 14 extending from the unloading port 13 of the second storage apparatus 9. introduction conveyor 8,
Accumulate conveyor 10 and delivery conveyor 14
are interconnected by a merging device 15, which is formed by a known so-called orthogonal converter which can be transferred in either orthogonal direction. Further, in order to collect empty containers 7, a return conveyor 16 is extended from the first storage device 3 to the vicinity of the input port 1, passing under the introduction conveyor 8.

The dispensing bags fit 2a and 2b have an automatically opening 11-type dispensing port 17 for dispensing goods, and an ID card as a second identification information input means for inputting identification information of the goods by the person who is to receive the dispensing. It is configured with an insertion slot 18 and a display device 19 for displaying a required message to the operator, and more specifically, a speaker for giving voice messages and a conversation device for communicating with the goods supplier. A communication device or the like may be provided as necessary.

The first storage device 3 has a required number of partition windows 20 for storing articles, and the partition windows 20 are normally locked, but can be opened from the outside in response to an unlock command. It is formed. In addition, each section counter 2
0 is provided with a display panel 21 that displays identification information (in the case of illustration, a number) of the items stored therein, and an indicator lamp 22 that indicates that the lock has been released. .

The first storage device 3 and the dispensing devices 2a, 2b are integrally formed, and the accumulation conveyor 10. A transfer machine for moving the container 7 between each of the warehousing conveyor 12 and the return conveyor 16 and each section window 20 and outlet 17 is built-in. Further, the second storage device 9 has a well-known configuration as a three-dimensional automatic warehouse.

The operation of the automatic article supply system described above is controlled by a control system as shown in FIG. 2, in which each component of the system is placed under the unified control of a central control unit W23. The flow of main control information or signals is as shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the system of the present invention is applied to an automatic supply system for dispensing medicines in a hospital pharmacy. Also, the signal IN1. to the merging device 15 is sent. IN2 is for indicating from which conveyor (namely, the inlet conveyor 8 and the outgoing conveyor 14) the container 7 is carried into the merging device 15, and the container passage signal from the merging device 15 to the central control device 23 is , to notify that the next new container can be inserted into the system.

Next, referring to the flowcharts in Figures 3 and 4,
The operation of the automatic article supply system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be explained. In the following, a case will be described in which the system of the present invention is applied to an automatic supply system for prescription drugs in a hospital pharmacy.

The pharmacist stores the dispensed medicine in the container 7, places it on the introduction conveyor 8 in front of the input port 1, and enters the ID information (for example, patient number) of the patient who should receive the medicine from the ID input device 4. Enter.

Then, in step S1, it is determined that the ID has been input, and the process proceeds to step S2, where the container 7 is transferred to the accumulation conveyor 10 through the introduction conveyor 8 and the merging device 15, and is temporarily accumulated on the accumulation conveyor 10. The process then proceeds to step S3, where it is checked whether there is any empty space in the first storage device 3. If there is no empty space, the process advances to the container transfer subroutine of step S4, and the container is transferred from the first storage device 3 to the second storage device i9.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing this container transfer subroutine. First, in step S5, a payout signal and a division counter number information signal are given to the first storage device 3 to take out the corresponding container onto the warehousing conveyor 12, and to take out the corresponding container. Start working. The oldest container in the first storage device 10 is selected as the corresponding container.

At the same time, the number display on the display panel 21 of the section counter is turned off. Then, in step S6, it waits for a completion signal to be sent from the first storage device 3, and if it is sent, it is determined that the work is completed (that is, the corresponding container has been delivered onto the warehousing conveyor 12), and step S7 Proceed to.

In step S7, the warehousing conveyor 12 is driven to transport the corresponding container to the second storage device 9. Then, in the next step S8, a warehousing instruction signal and a location information signal are given to the second storage device 9 to start warehousing the container into the empty location. Thereafter, in step S9, the process waits for a completion signal to be returned from the second storage device 9, and when the completion signal is returned, it is determined that the work is completed and the container transfer subroutine ends. At this time, the central control unit M23 stores the ID information of the container 7 and the storage location information in the second storage device 9 in association with each other.

At this point, the determination in step S3 is that there is empty space, and the process proceeds from step S3 to step S10, where the accumulation conveyor 10 is turned on and an intake instruction signal and compartment counter number information signal are sent to the first storage device 3. Then, the corresponding container 7 temporarily accumulated on the accumulation conveyor 10 starts to be taken into the first storage device 3. At the same time, the corresponding container 7 is displayed on the display 5II!21 of the compartment counter. The display lights up the patient number.Then, in step S11, the first stage 1 to the storage device 3
The process waits for a completion signal to be returned from the machine, and if there is a return, it is determined that the work is completed (that is, the container 7 has been accommodated at the empty section window 20), and the process returns to step S1 to proceed to the next process.

When there is no ID input at the input port 1, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S12, and the dispensing device @2a, 2
It is determined whether there is an ID input from b, that is, whether there is a request for drug delivery from the patient. If there is no payout request, the process advances from step S12 to step S13, and one of the partition counters 20 in the first storage device 3 is processed.
In other words, whether the time limit has exceeded the first
It is determined whether there is a container stored in the storage device 3 for a predetermined period of time or more. If it exists,
Proceeding to the container transfer subroutine of step 814, the process illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is executed in the same manner as described with respect to step S4 above.

Then, the process returns to step S1 again. Further, if it is determined in step 313 that the time limit has not exceeded, the process immediately returns to step S1.

In exchange for submitting a prescription to a pharmacy, the patient receives an ID card displaying, for example, a patient number.After confirming that his or her number is displayed on the medication display panel (not shown), the patient presses the dispensing device. Insert the [D card] into the ID card insertion slot 018 of either 2a or 2b and make a drug delivery request. At this time, the determination in step S12 is "ID input present", and the process proceeds to step 815, where it is determined in which of the first storage device 3 and the second storage devices 1 to 9 the corresponding container exists.

The corresponding container to be dispensed is the first storage device 3
If the storage device is stored in the storage device, the process proceeds to step 816, and provides the first storage device 3 with a partition window information signal, an unlock signal, and an instruction lamp lighting signal to unlock the corresponding compartment window. , turn on the indicator lamp and instruct the patient to take the medicine. Then, in step 17, it waits for a completion signal to be sent back from the first storage device 3, and if it is sent back, it is determined that the medication has been completed, and the process proceeds to step 818, where it sends a lock signal to the first storage device 3,
Give the indicator lamp extinguishing signal and the display panel extinguishing signal,
The number display on the display panel 21 and the instruction lamp 22 of the corresponding section counter 20 are turned off, and the corresponding section counter is locked. Next, in step 819, the first storage device 3
A delivery instruction signal is given to the return conveyor 1.
6 is driven to collect the empty container to the vicinity of the input port 1 through the return conveyor 16. After that, the process returns to step S1.

On the other hand, when the corresponding container to be dispensed is stored in the second storage device 9, the process proceeds to step 815.
Proceeding to step 820, the second storage device 9
by giving an exit instruction signal and a location information signal to
Start shipping the corresponding container. Next, step S21
Then, the process waits for a completion signal to be sent back from the second storage device 9, and when the completion signal is sent back, it is determined that the work is completed and the process proceeds to step S22. In step 822, the output conveyor 142 merging device 15. Accumulate conveyor 10.
Then, the transfer machine (not shown) in the first storage device 3 is driven to transfer the corresponding container to the corresponding dispensing device 2a or 2b.

Then, the process advances to step 823, and the corresponding dispensing device f2
Wait for a completion signal to be returned from a or 2b. In the dispensing devices 2a and 2b, when the corresponding container is transferred, the dispensing port 17 is automatically opened and a required message is displayed on the display device 19. When the patient receives the medicine in the container through the outlet 17,
For example, a detection means such as a reflective optical sensor detects this, the payout port 17 is automatically closed, and a completion signal is sent to the central controller 2.
It will be sent to 3. This causes the process to proceed to step 82.
3 to step 819, the return conveyor 16
is driven to collect the empty container near input port 1.

Then, the process returns to step S1 and moves on to the next process.

Note that the present invention can be used not only for the automatic supply system of pharmaceutical drugs in hospitals as described above, but also for a wide range of systems for automatically supplying articles.

(Effects of the Invention) As explained above, according to the present invention, it is possible to supply goods automatically and efficiently, and to reduce the burden on both the supplier and the supplied party when supplying goods. becomes possible.

For example, in a typical hospital, approximately 60 to 80% of outpatients receive medication, but the number of patients is in the hundreds, and at peak times 200 to 400 cases/hour must be processed. Under these conditions, it is impractical to uniformly store all drugs in a storage device for long-term storage, and a more efficient system can be created by storing all drugs uniformly in a storage device that also serves as a dispensing device for a specified period of time. It can be realized. For example, in a hospital pharmacy, 50 to 60% of people respond to calls immediately, so a storage device that also serves as a dispensing device can quickly respond to dispensing requests, and the capacity of the storage device for long-term storage can be set small. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the entire system.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of an automatic article supply system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing its control system, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are flow charts showing automatic supply processing. 1... Input port, 2a, 2b... Dispensing device, 3...
First storage device, 4... ID input device 9... Second storage device,

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) An input port into which the article to be supplied is input, a first identification information input means for inputting identification information of the article input into the input port, and a first identification information input means having a required number of storage spaces for storing the article. 1
and a second storage device, each of the storage spaces of the first storage device is configured so that articles can be taken out from the outside in response to an unlock command, and the loaded articles are stored in the storage space of the first storage device. A dispensing outlet, a second identification information input means for inputting identification information of the article to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet, and a space between the input port, the first and second storage devices, and necessary items of the dispensing outlet. further comprising: a transfer means for transferring the article; and a control means for controlling the transfer, storage, and dispensing of the article, the control means being responsive to the input of the article into the input port. The article is transferred to the first storage device by the transfer means, and the article is transferred to the first storage device in accordance with the identification information of the article inputted from the first identification information input means.
When the storage of the article in the first storage device exceeds a predetermined time, the article is transferred to the second storage device by the transfer means, and the article is stored in one of the storage spaces of the storage device. When the article is stored in one of the storage spaces of the second storage device in accordance with the identification information of the article, and when a request is made to take out the article, the identification information input from the second identification information input means is stored. Search for the location of the item according to the information,
When the article exists in the first storage device, a lock release command is given to the storage space to enable the article to be taken out from the outside, and when the article exists in the second storage device, the article is transferred. controlling the article to be transferred to the outlet by a means;
Automatic goods supply system.