JPH0445404B2 - - Google Patents

Description

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

(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 reliably supply the medicines to the patients. For this reason, conventionally, when a prescription is received from a patient, a number plate or other item is handed to the patient.
A method has been adopted in which the numbers are read out in order of completed dispensing to announce the completion of the dispensing of the medicine, and the patient receives the medicine in exchange for the number tag handed to him/her.

However, in cases where there are many patients who require medication, it takes a considerable amount of time to prepare the medication.
Patients have to wait in the waiting room for a long time until they are called when their medicine has been dispensed, which is not only mentally painful but also medically dangerous for patients who need to rest. It becomes a problem.
Also, because they do not know when they will be called, they are unable to go to other departments for treatment.

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. In addition, due to the dispensing process,
Because the order in which prescriptions are received and the order in which the prescriptions are completed do not necessarily match, if the patient to whom the prescribed medicines are to be supplied is away from his/her seat, medicine bags and the like may accumulate at the counter, causing problems in subsequent deliveries. , the task of searching for the necessary medicine bag among them 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 them have not yet been fully put into practical use. This is the reality.

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

Another object of the invention is to provide the following:
The goal is to reduce the burden on both suppliers and suppliers.

(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 input 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 time required to store the article in the first storage device is 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, When the item is requested to be dispensed, the location of the item is searched according to the identification information input from the second identification information input means, and the item is located in the first storage device. Sometimes, a lock release command is given to the corresponding storage space to enable the article to be taken out from the outside, and when the article is present in the second storage device, the article is transferred to the outlet by the transfer means. control.

(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 has 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, the article is automatically supplied to the 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 located inside the pharmacy, while the dispensing devices 2a, 2b and the first storage device 3 are located on the side of the patient waiting room. It will be placed in

The input slot 1 includes an ID input device 4 including, for example, a numeric keypad, which serves as a first identification information input means for inputting identification information of the article to be input.
A display device 5 is provided for displaying necessary information to the operator. Also the first
A laser scanner type barcode reader device 6 is provided as a means for inputting identification information, and barcode display labels representing identification information are affixed to each container 7 for storing goods, and the labels are read automatically. good. 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. As this introduction conveyor 8 and various conveyors to be described later, existing desired conveyors such as a roller conveyor and a belt conveyor can be used.

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 transferred from the first storage device to the second storage device. This is done via a warehousing conveyor 12 extending to a warehousing port 11. 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. The inlet conveyor 8, the accumulation conveyor 10, and the outgoing conveyor 14 are interconnected by a merging device 15, which is formed by a well-known so-called orthogonal converter capable of transferring in either orthogonal direction. There is. 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 devices 2a and 2b include an automatic opening/closing dispensing port 17 for dispensing goods, and an ID card insertion means as a second identification information input means for the person to receive the dispensing to input the identification information of the article. Mouth 18 and
It is configured to include a display device 19 for displaying necessary messages to the operator, and further includes a speaker for giving voice messages, a communication device for carrying out a conversation with the goods supplier, etc. It may be provided as necessary.

The first storage device 3 has a required number of partition windows 20 for storing articles, and these partition windows 20 are normally locked, but can be opened from the outside in response to an unlock command. It is formed in Each compartment counter 20 also has a display board 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. is provided.

The first storage device 3 and the dispensing devices 2a and 2b are integrally formed, and between each conveyor of the accumulation conveyor 10, the warehousing conveyor 12, and the return conveyor 16 and each section window 20 and dispensing port 17. A transfer machine for moving the containers 7 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 controller 23. 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, a signal to the merging device 15
IN1 and IN2 are used to indicate 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 7 is conveyed from the merging device 15 to the central control device 23. The passing signal is for notifying that the next new container can be introduced into the system.

Next, the operation of the automatic article supply system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In addition, below,
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 proceeds to the container transfer subroutine of step S4, and transfer of the container from the first storage device 3 to the second storage device 9 is executed.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing this container transfer subroutine. First, in step S5, a payout signal and a section window number information signal are given to the first storage device 3 to take out the corresponding container onto the receiving conveyor 12, and Start dispensing work. The oldest container in the first storage device 10 is selected as the corresponding container.
At the same time, the display panel 21 of the section counter
Turn off the number display. Then, in step S6, the process 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 the process proceeds to 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 device 23 uses the ID information of the container 7 and the second
It is stored in association with storage location information within the storage device 9.

At this point, the judgment in step S3 is that there is an empty space, and the process moves from step S3 to step S10.
and turns on the accumulation conveyor 10, and gives the first storage device 3 an intake instruction signal and a division counter number information signal to remove the corresponding data temporarily accumulated on the accumulation conveyor 10. The loading of the container 7 into the first storage device 3 is started. At the same time, the corresponding patient number is displayed and lit on the display panel 21 of the section counter. Then, in step S11, the process waits for a completion signal to be returned from the first storage device 3, and if there is a return signal, it is determined that the work is completed (that is, the container 7 has been accommodated in the empty compartment window 20), and the process is again performed in step S1. Return to and move on 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 checks whether there is an ID input from the dispensing devices 2a, 2b (that is, whether there is a request for drug dispensing from the patient).
Determine. If there is no withdrawal request, step S12
Proceeding to step S13, it is determined whether the time limit has expired in any of the partition counters 20 of the first storage device 3, in other words, whether there is a container stored in the first storage device 3 for a predetermined period of time or longer. judge whether If it exists, the process advances to the container transfer subroutine of step S14, and the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is executed in the same manner as described in connection with step S4 above. Then, the process returns to step S1 again. If the time limit does not exceed in step S13, 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 issues the dispensing device 2a, 2b
Insert the ID card into one of the ID card insertion slots 18 and make a drug delivery request. At this time, the determination in step S12 is "ID input is present", and the process proceeds to step S15, where it is determined whether the corresponding container exists in the first storage device 3 or the second storage device 9.

When the corresponding container to be dispensed is stored in the first storage device 3, the process proceeds to step S16, and the first storage device 3 receives a section counter information signal, a lock release signal, and an instruction lamp lighting signal. The patient is given the following to unlock the counter in the corresponding section, turn on the instruction lamp, and instruct the patient to receive the medicine. Then, in step S17, the first storage device 3 waits for a completion signal to be sent back, and if it is sent back, it is determined that the medication has been completed, and the process proceeds to step S18, in which a lock signal is sent to the first storage device 3, and an instruction lamp is sent to the first storage device 3. A light-off signal and a display board light-off signal are given to turn off the number display and instruction lamp 22 on the display board 21 of the corresponding section counter 20, and to lock the corresponding section counter. Subsequently, in step S19, a delivery instruction signal is given to the first storage device 3, and the return conveyor 16 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 from step S15 to step S20, and the second container is stored in the second storage device 9.
A shipping instruction signal and a location information signal are given to the storage device 9 to start shipping the corresponding container. Next, in step S21, the process waits for a completion signal to be returned from the second storage device 9.
If it is returned, we consider the work complete and proceed to the next step.
Proceed to S22. In step S22, the outgoing conveyor 14, the merging device 15, the accumulation conveyor 1
0 and the transfer machine (not shown) in the first storage device 3 are driven to transfer the corresponding container to the corresponding dispensing device 2a or 2b.

The process then proceeds to step S23 and waits for a completion signal to be returned from the corresponding payout device 2a 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 corresponding container through the dispensing port 17, this is detected by a detection means such as a reflective optical sensor, the dispensing port 17 is automatically closed, and a completion signal is sent to the central controller 23. Sent. As a result, the process proceeds from step S23 to step S19, and the return conveyor 16 is driven to collect the empty container near the 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 normal hospitals, about 60 to 80% of outpatients
of people receive medication, numbering in the hundreds;
At peak times, 200 to 400 cases/hour need to be processed. Under such conditions, it is impractical to uniformly store all drugs in a storage device for long-term storage, and it is more efficient to store them for a specified period of time in a storage device that also serves as a dispensing device. system can be realized. For example, in a hospital pharmacy,
Since 50 to 60% of people respond to calls immediately, 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, increasing the overall system efficiency. It is possible to measure efficiency.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an 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 flowcharts showing automatic supply processing. 1... Input port, 2a, 2b... Dispensing device, 3...
...First storage device, 4...ID input device, 9
...Second storage device, 18...ID card insertion slot, 23...Central control device.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. An input port into which an article to be supplied is input, first identification information input means for inputting identification information of the article to be input into the input port, and storage for a required number of the articles. first and second storage devices each having a space, each of the storage spaces of the first storage device being configured such that articles can be taken out from the outside in response to a lock release command; a dispensing port for dispensing the inserted articles; a second identification information input means for inputting identification information of the articles to be dispensed from the dispensing port; the dispensing port, the first and second storage devices, and the dispensing port; further comprising: a transfer means for transferring the article between the necessary ones; and a control means for controlling the transfer, storage, and dispensing of the article, and the control means is configured to transfer the article to the input port. In response to the input, 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 input 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. searching for the location of the article in accordance with the information, and when the article is present in the first storage device, giving a lock release command to the corresponding storage space to enable the article to be taken out from the outside; An automatic article supply system that performs control such that when the article exists in the second storage device, the transfer means transfers the article to the outlet.