KR101202862B1 - Method and device for inspecting a string of drugs - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for inspecting the heat of a pack. Each pack contains medication and consumer data such as patient data is provided in each pack. Certain features of the drug being scanned are supplied to the central processing unit. This feature is compared to the drug present in the actual pack. According to the present invention, a graphical image of the pack, drug and patient data is generated and stored. In order to optimally scan a group of drugs, dispersing operations are provided by an elastic cam that rotates in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the carrier. Such a cam is mounted in a bush and can elastically move in the cam perpendicular to the plane of the carrier, the bush being rotated. It is possible to provide multiple such structures adjacent to each other.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INSPECTING A STRING OF DRUGS}

The present invention relates to a method of testing a group of drugs,

Supplying patient and drug data;

Transferring the medicine through the camera;

Optically scanning the drug with a camera;

Comparing the scanned drug with the supply data;

Allowing or denying the drug;

And storing data related to the drug in a memory.

WO 02/25568 A2 discloses a method in which a group of drugs is scanned under the camera. A processor / memory is provided to maintain a database of patients, including a history of proof of dosing sessions and prescription information. Each dosing proof session involves scanning a group of pills, analyzing the tablet images to extract the tablet identification features, including size, shape, color, texture, and marking, and comparing the captured images with images stored in a database or library. It includes. U. S. Patent No. 6,601, 729 B1 relates to a drug inspection apparatus having a camera, a camera monitor for sequentially displaying pictures taken with the camera, and a graphic monitor for recalling image data previously recalled from a database. will be. The photograph of the drug in each batch and the image data of the drug corresponding to the drug in each batch are simultaneously displayed on each monitor for a predetermined time, and by visually checking the monitor, the pharmacist can easily examine the drug.

Drugs are packed in pack strings (eg Baxter strings).

Typically, such pack rows are produced in large pharmacies and the like. These pack rows consist of, for example, seven compartments (client unit packs) each, in which case one or more drugs are present in the compartments for daily or some days. It is very important that the correct medication is placed in the pack, and a checking system for this is known. This checking system consists of supplying the desired drug to the central processing unit. With the help of cameras and vision technology, the number of drugs actually present in the pack is scanned so that specific data for them is supplied to the central processing unit. By comparison, it is determined whether these data correspond to each other and then whether additional handling of the pack or heat is applied or not.

In view of the seriousness of the error and the increasing level of demand for damage, increasingly high requirements are being placed on the checking process. On the other hand, due to the increase in labor costs, all efforts have been made to limit human participation as much as possible. Finally, if there is an error, it is important to be able to prove what the pack was like during the later checks.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method which allows in a simple and efficient manner a later step to determine whether a pack being transported is correct.

This object is achieved by the above-described method of checking a group of drugs, in which each group is provided in a pack, where multiple packs are connected to provide a patient string. Data is provided, the camera checks the pack and the group of drugs in the pack, and an image of scanning the pack containing the patient's data and group of drugs is recorded in the memory.

According to the invention, the pack is optionally scanned by a camera and the associated image is stored. In addition, the patient's data is scanned by the same camera or another camera and similarly stored with the image of the pack. In this way, evidence of the state of the pack is obtained upon inspection, which is completely independent of and separate from the data in the central memory. By storing this image in a memory, ie optical memory, the packager can later prove that the product placed in the packing station was in good condition.

It will be understood that the group of drugs may include any number of drugs.

Unlike WO 02/25568 A2, images of both patient data on the pack and the contents of the pack are registered. In WO 02/25568 A2 only sessions were stored and images obtained from the sessions were not stored. According to the present invention, despite the conclusive evidence of the presence or absence of certain drugs, the requirements for storage capacity of the memory are only slightly higher.

Data on the consumer of the patient on the end of the row or on each pack may be provided. In turn, each pack may have various data regarding the patient and the contents of that pack. Generally, a pack corresponds to the amount of medication you take at one time. For example, if a patient takes medication three times a day, it means that three packs must be opened per day. The column may include a plurality of packs corresponding to one day, or may include a plurality of packs corresponding to several days such as a week. The pack preferably consists of transparent and opaque portions. The opaque portion acts as a background during scanning of the drug while the transparent portion does not block the scanning. Since the data for the patient is preferably located on the opacity, these data are easily read. In practice, this opacity will be the "rear side" of the pack. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, scanning these data from the top through the transparent portion and along the drug (generally in a mirror image), and possibly processing these data in a processing step, means that these data are processed in a standard manner. For example, it can be stored so that it can be read by the bitmap.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the input file is present when the relevant pack / column is introduced into the device according to the subtopic of the invention.

When extracting packs / rows, data is counted in the output file to count the number of items, such as data in the input file, scanned images, and tablets (if available). Since this output file contains all relevant data, the input file can be removed from memory. If the pack / heat is rejected by the device, the input file will not be deleted. This means that as long as there is an input file in the system, not all packs / rows have been processed, for example requiring further action by the operator.

Scanning of the drug may include determining the number of drugs. However, according to an advantageous embodiment, the shape and / or color of the drug is determined (in addition). For this purpose, black and white cameras suitable for determining the number of drugs are not sufficient, and color cameras should be used with appropriate special lighting. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, not only counting the number of drugs, but also determining the shape or other data of the drug, further optimization of the scanning and identification process can be obtained. This means that a group of drugs of two characteristics are determined, which together check whether the required drugs are present in the pack. Such features may include the properties of the drug. It is also possible to start with one feature and continue with another feature. For example, the shape of an individual pill may first be determined, followed by a counting process that counts the number of drugs. If the difference is too large, this may mean that the device needs further adjustment.

It is also possible to determine whether the pack is rejected by one of the two characteristic values. In order to closely examine the drug, it is proposed according to the invention to prevent the drug from being placed on top of the other during the scanning process as much as possible by vibrating and / or brush, ie to keep the drug away from the other. Such spreading can be accomplished by methods known in the art, for example by brush. The brush is arranged to move and drop the pills in the pack by extending its central axis of rotation substantially parallel to the carrier to perform a brushing motion.

However, it has been found that such a method of dispersal is satisfactory in many cases, but it does not absolutely guarantee that the tablets are fully dispersed.

The present invention provides an improved method of dispersing an object directly adjacent to and / or on top of another object and an object that needs to stand sideways and lay flat. The present invention is not limited to dispersing an object, such as a pill described above, on top of another in a pack.

Such an object is achieved in the above-described way, wherein the above-mentioned engagement comprises an annular motion in a plane substantially parallel to the carrier.

According to the invention, the dispersion operation is effected by an annular motion (optionally reciprocating) along a path in a plane parallel to the plane of the carrier. This, in contrast to the prior art, leads to a more prolonged contact between the part of the dispersing device that provides the engagement with the object and the object itself. This longer engagement allows full separation under all conditions. The continuous annular path described above is preferably a compound circular path, ie a path consisting of various circular motions.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, dispersion takes place when the object moves. This can be achieved very easily when the object is placed on the conveyor belt and moved for some reason.

It will be appreciated that the method of dispersing the drug may be used in combination with any other drug testing device, unlike the method described in claim 1.

If the pack is allowed or rejected, it is desirable to mark the pack with marks such as paint dots.

This test can be based on color and shape. In addition, the number of drugs involved should be checked. Metal detection can also be performed.

The invention also includes a supply of heat of the pack, a means for transporting the pack, a camera for scanning the medicine in the pack, a release of the heat of the pack and an input of patient / drug data, and for inspecting the heat of the interconnected medicine packs. Apparatus, further comprising a comparison device for comparing the patient / drug data with the scanning of the camera, a scanning means being present for scanning the patient data, and a storage means for the patient and drug scanning. It exists to save. The conveying means may comprise any configuration known in the art, but consists of a belt according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention. As mentioned above, data relating to the pack contents can be input from the outside or integrated into the pack itself, eg in the form of a barcode. Likewise, patient data can be directly scanned or present on the wall of the pack placed away from the camera. In that case, the patient data will appear mirrored on the storage medium. On the other hand, these data may not be a problem because they can be reversed again at the time of inspection. On the other hand, the mirror image can be easily rotated using optical techniques at the time of storing the patient data in advance.

The relevant data should preferably be taken from the files in their original order. In other words, it is preferable not to use the data processed by the packaging machine.

According to the invention, the camera can be operated with different types of light. The wavelength of the light used to scan the number and / or form of the drug may be different from the wavelength of the light to “take” the pack. This applies in particular when scanning of the form and / or color of the drug is required. In this case, special lighting is needed. To simply determine the number and / or name of the user, illumination from the opposite side of the camera will suffice. In determining shape and color, it is necessary to use additional illumination from the camera position. If necessary, an adjustable filter may be provided on the camera or lighting means used to illuminate the pack.

In addition, the present invention is a device for dispersing drugs disposed adjacent to each other, the carrier comprising a carrier of the drug, and a dispersing device disposed on the carrier and engaged with the object, the dispersing device includes a cam-shaped portion The cam portion is disposed directly above the carrier at intervals when it is not loaded, and is configured in such a manner that the cam portion is fixed to the driving portion so as to follow a continuous path located on a plane parallel to it on the carrier. It is about an inspection apparatus which is.

The circular motion described above is achieved by the drive motor.

According to a very advantageous embodiment of the invention, a dual rotational movement is used. A cam-shaped portion or pin is disposed on the arm or bush, which arm or bush can rotate about the first central axis. The cam portion is at a distance from the central axis and thus follows a circular motion. The bush or arm is mounted to a support plate, which can rotate about a second central axis. The first central axis and the second central axis are generally parallel, but at a distance from each other. This makes it possible to achieve a compound rotational motion.

It will also be appreciated that such drug dispensing device can be used independently from the device described above, ie in combination with any drug testing device.

1 shows a very schematic device for inspecting a drug pack.

2 shows one example of a medication pack.

3 shows another device for inspecting a drug pack.

4 schematically shows a side view of the dispersing means according to the invention.

5 is a plan view of a drive unit of various dispersing devices.

6 shows the dispersing device in detail.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 designates an apparatus for introducing a medicine pack 10 into the inside to perform an inspection operation. The supply part is indicated by the reference numeral 6, and the discharge part is indicated by the reference numeral 7. The conveying is achieved by the belt 4. The brush 17 and the diaphragm 18 are provided behind the supply part 6. Brush 17 or diaphragm 18 may not be present if desired. By this means, the drugs that may be arranged on top of each other have a position where they are placed next to each other next to each other. The camera 2 and the mirror 16 which interact with this camera are provided. This camera is provided with one or two light sources.

A paint dot dispensing apparatus (not shown in the drawing) is provided. This dispensing device can apply paint dots to the pack as they approach the discharge 7. Reference numeral 3 designates a camera 2, a paint dot dispensing apparatus, and a central processing unit connected to the central input unit 19. As shown in FIG. The central processing unit 3 is connected to the DVD burner 5, and the DVD burner can burn the DVD 8.

2, a medicine pack is shown. This chemical | medical agent pack is indicated by the code | symbol 10 as a whole, and is comprised from seven division parts 15 in which the chemical | medical agent 11-13 is arrange | positioned. Such drugs vary in shape, color, and / or number. The medicine pack consists of two film lengths, one on top of the other. The upper length of the film in the figure is a transparent structure while the lower length is an opaque structure so that patient data 14 can be placed in the lower length by the printer. Since these data are placed externally, they will generally be placed underneath. Bar code containing patient data is reference numeral 23.

The apparatus described above operates as follows. After the series of packs 15 are introduced into the supply section 6, the series of packs is transferred to the belt 4. If desired, grip means (not specifically shown) may be provided to grip and secure a series of packs. The device may be operated, for example, with the aid of an electronic eye, but the device may be operated continuously. After moving along the brush 17 and diaphragm 18, it can be assumed that the medications are placed in parallel positions next to each other. Subsequently, the medicine is transferred below the camera 2. On the other hand, the data concerning the medicine to be placed in the pack was supplied to the central processing unit 3 via the input unit 19. In this central processing unit or at an early stage, the shape and number of the desired drug is determined from the data, in other words, it is determined that the camera 2 should read in the central processing unit. This limit target value is compared with the value delivered by the camera 2. Of course, similarly, the data of the medicines can be determined from the reading of the camera 2, and these can then be compared with the input unit 19. The pack is then moved further and, according to the result, the paint dots which decide to allow or reject are fed by the paint dot dispensing apparatus.

According to the invention, a lower light source 16 is provided, by which light reaches the camera through the pack so that the camera can also observe the back of the pack. This makes it possible to scan the patient data by the camera 2. The mirror image obtained in this way can be reversed electronically if desired.

According to the invention, the above-described comparison is not only carried out with the aid of the first light source, but also preferably makes an image of both the upper and lower sides of the pack by means of the second light source 24 (located on the back / side of the camera). You can also pay. This picture is stored on the DVD 8, which then provides evidence of what is in the pack along with the consumer's data. This data is completely independent of the input at 19.

If a problem arises later, it is possible for the DVD 8 to see how the pack has left the packing station in a simple manner. All of this is made easier by operating the tracking system.

Instead of a DVD storage medium, any other storage medium known in the art may be used.

As a variant of the device described above, after supply, the data of the relevant row can be determined immediately, for example by a barcode. By this means, patient data can be obtained.

A variant of the invention, indicated generally by 31, is shown in FIG. 3. In the case of this embodiment, a series of chemical packs are conveyed by first placing a pack on the roll 32, unpacking and delivering the pack to the roll 33. If desired, a cutting station (not shown in detail) may be provided near the conveying end of the device to cut the endless web into a series of packs and possibly separate from the carrier. However, a series of packs coming from the roll 33 may be sent to a large consumer (eg, a hospital). Corresponding parts are indicated with the same reference numerals as used in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 37 denotes a printer, while reference numeral 38 denotes a metal detection unit. Reference numeral 39 denotes a bar code reader capable of reading the data present in each pack. Transfer is aided or accomplished by belt 34 as a whole.

With such a device, also with the aid of a camera, more specifically the patient data is collected by the light from the lower light source. Similarly, the number of drugs is counted and the color and shape are measured. They are all stored optically by bitmaps.

4 shows a number of dispersing devices 41 arranged on a carrier 42 which is a conveyor belt in this embodiment. By this means, the pack 43 containing the pill 44 can be moved. As is apparent from FIG. 4, some of these pills are superimposed on top of each other. In some processes, such as inspection, the pills must be placed next to one another adjacent to each other, for which purpose a dispersing device 41 according to the invention is provided.

As is apparent from the figure, each dispersing device is composed of a cam-shaped portion or pin 46. 4 and 6 show that the pin is elastically movable by a spring 47 in the arm or bush 48. In the unloaded state, the pin 46 is not in contact with the carrier 42 and is at a very narrow distance, for example from 3 mm to 5 mm from the carrier surface. This distance will of course depend on the product to be distributed.

Each bush 48 is arranged on an auxiliary arm or plate 54 so as to be rotatable about a first central axis of rotation 53. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of bushes 48 are rotatably disposed on the plate 54. The plate 54 is likewise rotatable about a fixed shaft 55.

The bushings 49 are provided at their upper portions, respectively. The teeth 49 engage with the central gear 56 which is fixedly mounted to the fixed shaft 55. The drive motor 52 (FIG. 5) is provided with a transmission 51, which meshes with the gear 50, which is connected to the plate 54.

When the gear 50 rotates, the plate 54 and the rotation shaft 53 rotate. Since the bush 48 is coupled with the stationary tooth 56 via the tooth 49, the bush 48 is further rotated about the central axis 53.

In this way, certain areas of the carrier are completely covered. By arranging such a plurality of dispersing devices next to each other, the surface of the carrier is completely covered in the transverse direction. In addition, by arranging a plurality of dispersing devices in succession with each other, it provides the advantage that the full dispersion of the pills can always be guaranteed. Thus, when separating pills from a drug pack, for example, four such dispersers may be installed, each of which dispensing some of the packs and in each case there may be an overlap.

Reading the foregoing detailed description of the invention, one skilled in the art will be able to immediately devise a variant. For example, the color of the drug or other data of the drug may be scanned. Likewise, to prevent the presence of metal particles in the drug, a device for detecting metal particles can be connected upstream. It is also possible to scan only very limited portions of the pack. Such and further variations are apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (25)

In the method of testing a group of drugs, Drugs in each group are provided in packs, multiple packs are linked together to provide one patient string, and each pack is provided with patient data, Supplying patient and drug data; Transferring the medicine through the camera; Dispersing the drug prior to scanning the drug; Optically scanning the drug with a camera and the camera inspecting the pack and a group of drugs in the pack; Comparing the scanned drug with the supplied data; Accepting or denying the drug based on these tests Wherein the drug-related data is stored in a memory, a scanned image of a pack having patient data and a drug group therein is entered into the memory to provide evidence of the status of each pack at the time of examination, And an engagement for movement to the drug from above, the test method comprising an annular motion in a plane generally parallel to the carrier on which the drug is disposed. The method of claim 1, wherein the scanning of the drug comprises a number of drugs. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the scanning of the drug comprises one or more of the color and shape of the drug. The test method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both the number and shape of the drugs are compared. The test method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said allowing or rejecting comprises applying a color marking. The test method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the patient data is provided in each pack. delete The method of claim 1, comprising vibrating. The method of claim 1, comprising moving the brush over the pack. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the engagement comprises elastically engaging in a direction perpendicular to the carrier. The method of claim 1, wherein the annular motion comprises circular motion. The method of claim 12, wherein the central axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to the carrier. The inspection method according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined object is moved while being dispersed in the plane of the carrier. In the device for examining the interconnected medication pack 15 of one patient alignment row 10, A supply unit 6 for a pack of rows 15 in which patient data is provided in each pack, a transfer means 4 of the pack, a camera 2 for scanning the pack's medicines, and a pack of rows Discharge portion 7 and patient / drug data input portion 19, Scanning means for scanning the patient data is provided, further comprising a comparing device 3 for comparing the patient / drug data with the scanning of the camera, Storage means (3, 5, 8) are provided for storing the scanning of the patient and the scanning of the drug to provide evidence of the status of each pack during the examination, A dispersing means for dispersing drugs disposed adjacent to each other, the carrier 42 of the medicine and a dispersing device 41 disposed on the carrier and engaged with the object, wherein the dispersing device comprises a cam And a cam 46, which, when unloaded, is disposed directly above the carrier with a gap a, and the cam die can follow a continuous path located in a plane parallel to it on the carrier. Inspection device is configured to be fixed to the drive unit 52 so that. 16. An inspection apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said conveying means comprises a circulation belt having a supply portion (6) and a discharge portion (7) provided near each other. 18. An inspection apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said scanning means comprises said camera (2) and means (16) for storing the scanning in a mirror image. 17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the camera comprises a first light source 16 for measuring patient data and the number of drugs, and a second light source 24 for measuring one or more of the color and shape of the drug scanning. An inspection device that includes. delete The inspection apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the dispersing means comprises two dispersing apparatus disposed adjacent to each other. The inspection apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the cam portion is elastically movable in a direction perpendicular to the carrier. The inspection apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the driving portion includes a rotary motor 52 provided with an arm 48, the arm is perpendicular to the rotational direction and connected to a rotational axis, and the cam-shaped portion is disposed on the arm. . 23. The drive according to claim 22, wherein the drive includes a rotary motor, a transmission (51) connected to the axis of rotation thereof, and an auxiliary arm (54), wherein the auxiliary arm is driven by the transmission and extends generally perpendicular to the carrier. And fitted to the arm (48) on which the cam portion (46) is disposed. 16. The cam according to claim 15, wherein the cam portion (46) is disposed on an arm (48), the arm is rotatable about a first central axis of rotation (53), and the arm is disposed on an auxiliary arm (54), And the auxiliary arm is rotatable about a second central axis of rotation (55), wherein the first center axis of rotation and the second center axis of rotation are at a distance from each other and extend in parallel to each other. The inspection apparatus according to claim 24, wherein two arms having a cam-shaped portion are arranged on the auxiliary arm.

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