JP6823033B2 - Medication support device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a medication support device and a medication support method.

Patent Document 1 is a medication alarm system in which a patient's mobile information terminal and a management server are connected via a network to notify the patient of medication related to dispensing, and the patient's mobile information terminal is described as a medication alarm system. A predetermined medication program is downloaded from the management server, and the medication information code written on the instruction sheet issued by the dispensing pharmacy or the like is read by the built-in code reader, and is included in the medication information code by the medication program. A medication alarm system is disclosed, which comprises an alarm notification of medication by voice or vibration when a predetermined time is reached based on medication information.

JP-A-2009-125386

The present invention is to provide a medication support device particularly suitable for assisting the medication of a patient with dementia.

In the case of dementia, many things can be done, even with symptoms such as lack of time and severe forgetfulness, until the symptoms progress to the point where assistance is always needed.

For example, when I go shopping, I forget what I intended to buy. You can shop, but when you get home, you forget what you intended to cook. If you make a note of what you intend to make, you will not have any trouble shopping, you can cook, and even dementia patients can do many things with appropriate support.

It would be good if a caregiver such as a family member or a caregiver could always provide support for dementia patients, but technical support is desired due to the burden on the caregiver. An object of the present invention is to provide a support device for taking medication of a dementia patient in particular.

By the way, if you forget to take the medicine, the symptom may worsen (do not improve), but it does not immediately lead to a serious situation. On the other hand, many types of drugs are also poisons that suppress their action, and if taken too much, they may cause serious problems. For this reason, it is important not to overdose on medication rather than forgetting to take it. Especially in the case of dementia patients, they may forget to take the medicine and try to take it many times, and it is important to solve this problem.

In addition, for patients with dementia, it is necessary to keep in mind that it takes time to understand, so "do not hurry", and because the amount of information that can be processed at one time decreases, "express simply".

Although the present invention has been invented as a device that first considers medication support for patients with dementia, it goes without saying that medication support with few mistakes can be provided to patients other than dementia.

The present application includes a plurality of means for solving at least a part of the above problems, and examples thereof are as follows. In order to solve the above problems, the medication support device according to the present invention has a plurality of cassettes for accommodating a plurality of pill cases for accommodating drugs, a dosing time for taking the drug, and an effective time for taking out the drug to be taken. a storage unit for storing a medication effective time, a display unit for displaying a screen for notification to the user, based on said stored medication time in the storage unit, sends to the pill case of one of said cassette outlet A cassette control unit for arranging the cassette at a predetermined position is provided, and the storage unit receives the medication time and the medication effective time via the display unit. And.

According to the present invention, the taking person can take the medicine appropriately. Issues, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

It is a perspective view of the medication support device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the insertion or taking out of a cassette of a medication support device. It is a perspective view of a cassette and a pill case. It is a perspective view of the pill case in an open state. It is a figure explaining the filling to the cassette of a pill case. It is a top view which showed the state of the cassette inserted in the medication support device. It is a figure explaining the ejection of a pill case and the position of a cassette. It is a perspective view of the medication support device explaining the discharge of a pill case. It is a figure which showed the functional block composition example of the medication support device. It is a figure which showed the data structure example of the storage part. It is a flowchart which showed the processing example of setting of a dosing time. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a flowchart which showed the processing example of setting of the medication effective time. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a flowchart which showed the processing example of setting of the first-time medication cassette. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a flowchart which showed the taking-out processing example of a medicine. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a flowchart which showed the processing example of taking out medicine at the time of going out. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a figure which showed the hardware configuration example of the medication support device. It is a figure which showed the screen example which is displayed on the display device. It is a perspective view of the medication support device 10. It is a front view of the medication support device 10. It is a top view of the medication support device 10. It is a rear view of the medication support device 10. It is a bottom view of the medication support device 10. It is a right side view of the medication support device 10. It is a left side view of the medication support device 10.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medication support device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The medication support device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is used, for example, in a hospital, a nursing care facility, a home, or the like. A supporter (which may be a caregiver, depending on the situation) who assists the person taking the drug in a hospital, care facility, or home, for example, pills the drug the person taking the drug at different times. And put it in (set) into the medication support device 10 as described below. At that time, the supporter sets the time for taking the medicine of the person taking the medicine in the medicine taking support device 10. The medication support device 10 discharges the injected medicine at a time set by the supporter. It is designed so that the person taking the medicine simply presses the medicine take-out button and takes the medicine taken out according to the medicine display and voice guidance prompted by the medicine-taking support device. If the medication support device has already taken the medicine during that time, it will not guide you to take the medicine until the next medication time, and even if you press the take-out button, the medicine will not come out. This prevents the taker from taking the wrong type of medicine, forgetting to take it, or taking too much. Of course, as long as the medication person has no problem in cognitive function, the medication recipient may set the time for inputting and discharging the medicine to the medication support device 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the medication support device 10 includes a display device 11, an eject button 12, a discharge port 13, an audio output port 14, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) insertion panel 15, and a lid 16. Have.

The display device 11 displays a predetermined screen. For example, the display device 11 displays a screen informing the person taking the medicine of taking the medicine, a screen showing that the medicine is not contained in the medicine taking support device 10 (the medicine has run out), and the like.

The eject button 12 is a button for ejecting the pill case described below from the medication support device 10. For example, the medication person or supporter must press the eject button 12 to eject the pill case from the medication support device 10.

A pill case described below is delivered from the inside to the discharge port 13. The pill case is designed so that only a part of the pill case appears from the discharge port 13 so that the user can pick it up and take it out from the discharge port 13. Further, as described below, the pill case delivered to the discharge port 13 is returned to the medication support device 10 if it is not taken out by the medication user even after a lapse of a predetermined time.

The discharge port 13 has discharge doors 13a and 13b. When the pill case described below is sent out from the inside, the discharge doors 13a and 13b open to the front side of the medication support device 10, and a part of the pill case appears.

Audio is output from the audio output port 14. For example, a speaker is provided inside the portion of the medication support device 10 where the voice output port 14 is provided. The speaker outputs, for example, a voice informing the person taking the medicine of taking the medicine, a voice indicating that the medicine is not contained in the medicine taking support device 10 (the medicine has run out), and the like.

The USB insertion panel 15 is an insertion slot into which a USB memory is inserted. For example, in order to insert the USB memory into the medication support device 10, the USB insertion panel 15 is pulled upward. Then, a connector for inserting the USB connector appears, and the USB memory can be inserted into the connector.

The lid 16 is a lid that opens and closes when the cassette described below is inserted or taken out. For example, when the cassette described below is inserted into the medication support device 10 or when the cassette is taken out from the medication support device 10, the supporter or the medication person opens the lid 16 and inserts the cassette into the medication support device 10. Or take it out.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating insertion or removal of a cassette of the medication support device 10. FIG. 2 shows the medication support device 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the cassette 20 described below. In FIG. 2, the same ones as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

To insert the cassette 20 into the medication support device 10 or remove the cassette 20 from the medication support device 10, the lid 16 is opened as shown in FIG. When the lid 16 is opened, as shown in FIG. 2, a cassette insertion slot 17 into which a cassette is inserted appears.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cassette 20 and the pill case 30. The pill case 30 shown in FIG. 3 is housed in the cassette 20 as described below. A predetermined number (for example, up to 7) of pill cases 30 are stored in one cassette 20. In FIG. 3, seven pill cases 30 are shown in a stacked state.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cassette 20 has a discharge port 21. The pill case 30 housed in the cassette 20 is discharged from the discharge port 21 of the cassette 20 and delivered to the discharge port 13 shown in FIG. The pill case 30 is delivered by, for example, a drive device including a motor or the like.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pill case 30 in an open state. FIG. 4 shows a pill case 30 and an example 31 of a drug contained in the pill case 30.

The pill case 30 can be opened and closed. FIG. 4 shows the pill case 30 in the open state. The opened pill case 30 accommodates the medicine 31 to be taken by the recipient. The pill case 30 contains the medicine 31 to be taken at one time.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating filling of the pill case 30 into the cassette 20. FIG. 5 shows the cassette 20 and the pill case 30 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the cassette 20 has an inner storage portion 22 and an outer storage portion 23.

The inner storage portion 22 slides with respect to the outer storage portion 23. Further, the inner storage portion 22 is stored in the outer storage portion 23.

The inner storage portion 22 has a shape that can store the pill case 30. The inner storage portion 22 can store, for example, a maximum of seven pill cases 30. The pill case 30 can be stored in the cassette 20 by storing the pill case 30 in the inner storage portion 22 and sliding the inner storage portion 22 toward the outer storage portion 23.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state of the cassette 20 inserted in the medication support device 10. In FIG. 6, the arrow A1 side is the front panel side (the side where the display device 11 is provided) of the medication support device 10. The lower right cassette 20 shown in FIG. 6 is a cassette located at the cassette insertion slot 17 shown in FIG. 2 (the dotted line frame shown in FIG. 6 indicates the cassette insertion slot 17).

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the cassette 20 is inserted into the medication support device 10 in a state of being arranged on the circumference. For example, a maximum of four cassettes 20 are inserted into the medication support device 10. The four cassettes 20 arranged on the circumference rotate, for example, clockwise around the point B1 shown in FIG. The four cassettes 20 are rotated by, for example, a drive device including a motor or the like.

For example, when the cassette 20 is inserted into the cassette insertion slot 17 (dotted line frame in FIG. 6), the cassette 20 rotates clockwise and moves to the position of the cassette 20 shown in the lower left of FIG. As a result, the next cassette 20 can be inserted through the cassette insertion port 17.

When the next cassette 20 is inserted into the cassette insertion slot 17, the lower left cassette 20 moves to the position of the upper left cassette 20, and the cassette 20 inserted into the cassette insertion slot 17 moves to the position of the lower left cassette 20. To do. Similarly, when the cassette 20 is inserted into the cassette insertion slot 17, four cassettes can be inserted into the medication support device 10 as shown in FIG. In the above, the rotation direction of the cassette 20 is clockwise, but it may be counterclockwise.

Each of the four cassettes 20 contains a pill case 30 containing a medicine to be taken every time the medicine is taken. For example, the cassette 20 shown in the lower right of FIG. 6 contains a maximum of seven pill cases 30 containing medicines to be taken at 8:00 in the morning. Further, in the cassette 20 shown in the lower left, a maximum of seven pill cases 30 containing medicines to be taken at 12:00 noon are stored. Further, in the cassette 20 shown in the upper left, a maximum of seven pill cases 30 containing medicines to be taken at 18:00 at night are stored. Further, in the cassette 20 shown in the upper right, a maximum of seven pill cases 30 containing medicines to be taken at 22:00 before going to bed are stored.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the discharge of the pill case and the positions of the cassettes 20a to 20d. In FIG. 7, the arrow A1 side is the front panel side (the side where the display device 11 is provided) of the medication support device 10.

It is assumed that the cassette 20a shown in FIG. 7 is, for example, a cassette containing a pill case 30 for a medicine to be taken in the morning. It is assumed that the cassette 20b is, for example, a cassette containing a pill case 30 for a medicine to be taken in the daytime. It is assumed that the cassette 20c is, for example, a cassette containing a pill case 30 for a medicine to be taken at night. It is assumed that the cassette 20d is, for example, a cassette containing a pill case 30 of a medicine to be taken before going to bed.

The four cassettes 20a to 20d are rotated based on the medication time stored in the storage unit described later. Then, the four cassettes 20a to 20d are arranged at predetermined positions so that the pill case 30 of one of the cassettes is delivered to, for example, the discharge port 13 shown in FIG.

The predetermined position is, for example, the position of the cassette insertion slot 17 (dotted line frame in FIG. 7). For example, during the morning dosing time, the cassette 20a containing the pill case 30 containing the medicine to be taken in the morning is arranged at the position of the cassette insertion port 17 (the position of the dotted frame in FIG. 7). Then, the pill case 30 is sent out to the discharge port 13 from the cassette 20a arranged at the position of the cassette insertion port 17.

Further, during the daytime medication time, the four cassettes 20a to 20d are rotated 90 degrees clockwise, and the cassette 20b containing the pill case 30 containing the medicine to be taken in the daytime is the position of the cassette insertion port 17 (FIG. It is arranged at the position of the dotted frame of 7. Then, the pill case 30 is delivered to the discharge port 13 from the cassette 20b arranged at the position of the cassette insertion port 17.

Further, during the nighttime dosing time, the four cassettes 20a to 20d rotate 90 degrees clockwise, and the cassette 20c containing the pill case 30 containing the medicine to be taken at night is located at the position of the cassette insertion port 17 (FIG. It is arranged at the position of the dotted frame of 7. Then, the pill case 30 is delivered to the discharge port 13 from the cassette 20c arranged at the position of the cassette insertion port 17.

In addition, during the medication time before going to bed, the four cassettes 20a to 20d are rotated 90 degrees clockwise, and the cassette 20d containing the pill case 30 containing the medicine to be taken before going to bed is located at the cassette insertion port 17. It is arranged at (the position of the dotted frame in FIG. 7). Then, the pill case 30 is delivered to the discharge port 13 from the cassette 20d arranged at the position of the cassette insertion port 17.

In this way, the cassettes 20a to 20d containing the pill cases 30 containing the medicines for one day rotate once a day. As a result, the pill case 30 corresponding to each medication time is delivered from the cassettes 20a to 20d to the discharge port 13. Further, when seven pill cases 30 are stored in each of the cassettes 20a to 20d, the medication support device 10 can discharge the medicine for one week.

The cassettes 20a to 20d and the pill case 30 are colored according to, for example, the time of taking the medicine so that the person taking the medicine does not mistake the type of the medicine to be taken. For example, the pill case 30 containing the medicine to be taken in the morning is colored red, the pill case 30 containing the medicine to be taken in the daytime is colored blue, and the pill case 30 containing the medicine to be taken in the evening is colored. The pill case 30, which is colored green and contains the medicine to be taken before going to bed, is colored gray. Further, the cassette 20a for storing the red pill case 30 is colored red, the cassette 20b for storing the blue pill case 30 is colored blue, and the cassette 20c for storing the green pill case 30 is colored green. The cassette 20d that houses the gray pill case 30 is gray.

As a result, the supporter who supports the medication recipient, for example, accommodates the medicine to be given to the medication recipient in the morning in the pill case 30 colored in red, and the pill case 30 in red is placed in the cassette 20a in red. You can store it in.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the medication support device 10 for explaining the discharge of the pill case 30. In FIG. 8, the same ones as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The medication support device 10 displays information indicating that it is the medication time on the display device 11 soon after a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) from the medication time. Further, when the medication time comes, the medication support device 10 displays information indicating that the medication time has come on the display device 11. When the information indicating that it is time to take medication is displayed on the display device 11 or the information indicating that it is time to take medication is displayed on the display device 11, the medication support device 10 is ejected by the taking person. When 12 is pressed, the pill case 30 housed in the cassette 20 is sent out to the discharge port 13, and the discharge doors 13a and 13b of the discharge port 13 are opened.

The medication support device 10 may output a voice guidance notifying that the medication can be taken at a predetermined time before the medication time. For example, the medication support device 10 may provide voice guidance every 5 minutes or 10 minutes.

Further, the medication support device 10 may provide voice guidance when a person is detected by the motion sensor at a predetermined time before the medication time. As a result, the medication support device 10 can provide voice guidance when the medication person is near the medication support device 10 (for example, when the medication person is in the room where the medication support device 10 is installed). it can.

As shown in FIG. 8, a part of the pill case 30 appears from the outlet 13 so that the recipient (or supporter) can pick it up and take it out. As a result, the medication user can take out the pill case 30 from the medication support device 10 by picking and pulling out a part of the pill case 30 that appears.

Further, the medication support device 10 can confirm the intention of the recipient to take the medicine by having the recipient (or supporter) pick a part of the pill case 30 and take out the pill case 30, and has the medication taken? Whether or not it can be determined with high reliability. For example, if the pill case 30 is not taken out from the discharge port 13 even though the take-out button 12 is pressed by the taking person, the taking-medication support device 10 determines that the taking person is not taking the medicine. Can be done.

As will be described below, the medication support device 10 returns the pill case delivered to the discharge port 13 to the device when the medication person (or supporter) does not take it out even after a lapse of a predetermined time.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a main functional block of the medication support device 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the medication support device 10 has a cassette control unit 41, an input unit 42, a display unit 43, and a storage unit 44 as main functional blocks.

The cassette control unit 41 rotates a plurality of cassettes 20 based on the medication time stored in the storage unit 44, and determines the cassette 20 so that the pill case 30 of one cassette 20 is sent to the discharge port 13. Place in position. For example, the cassette control unit 41 places the cassette 20 containing the pill case 30 to be discharged to the taking person based on the medication time stored in the storage unit 44 at the position of the dotted frame (pill case of the cassette 20) shown in FIG. 30 is arranged at the position where it is sent to the discharge port 13. The cassette control unit 41 controls, for example, a drive device including a motor or the like to rotate a plurality of cassettes 20 and arrange the cassettes 20 at predetermined positions. Further, the cassette control unit 41 controls, for example, a drive device including a motor or the like to send the pill case 30 from the cassette 20 to the discharge port 13.

The input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the eject button 12. Further, the display device 11 has, for example, a touch panel, and the input unit 42 accepts the operation of the touch panel.

The display unit 43 generates image information and displays it on the display device 11. For example, the display unit 43 generates image information indicating that the medication time is about to come, and displays it on the display device 11. In addition, the display device 11 generates image information indicating that it is time to take the medicine and displays it on the display device 11.

The storage unit 44 stores the setting information set by the supporter. For example, the storage unit 44 stores the medication time for each cassette 20 set by the supporter. Of course, the medication person may set the setting information. In the following, in order to unify the explanation, it is assumed that the supporter sets the setting information.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data configuration of the storage unit 44. As shown in FIG. 10, the storage unit 44 has a cassette No. It has 44a, a medication time 44b, a medication effective time 44c, and a next medication cassette 44d.

Cassette No. Reference numeral 44a is information for identifying the cassette 20 inserted into the medication support device 10. For example, cassette No. “1” corresponds to the morning cassette 20a described with reference to FIG. 7. Cassette No. “2” corresponds to the daytime cassette 20b described with reference to FIG. 7. Cassette No. “3” corresponds to the night cassette 20c described with reference to FIG. Cassette No. “4” corresponds to the pre-sleep cassette 20d described with reference to FIG. 7.

The medication time 44b is the corresponding cassette No. It is the medication time of the medicine (pill case 30) contained in the cassette 20 of 44a. For example, in the case of the example of FIG. 10, the cassette No. The medication time of the cassette 20 of "1" is "8:00 AM".

The medication time 44b is set by the supporter on the touch panel of the display device 11.

The medication effective time 44c is an effective time during which the medication recipient can take out the medication to be taken from the medication support device 10. For example, the medication user may not press the eject button 12 even when the medication time has come, and may press the eject button 12 later. In this case, when the medication effective time 44c has elapsed from the medication time 44b, the cassette control unit 41 ejects the pill case 30 from the cassette 20 to the discharge port 13 even if the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the eject button 12. Do not send to. That is, by setting the medication effective time 44c, it is possible to prevent the medication from being taken except during a predetermined time zone, such as in the morning, noon, night, and before going to bed.

More specifically, in the case of the example of FIG. 10, when "2 hours" of the medication effective time 44c elapses from "8:00 AM" (after 10:00), the medication user takes out the cassette control unit 41. Even if the button 12 is pressed, the pill case 30, which should have been discharged at "8:00 AM", is not sent to the discharge port 13. By appropriately setting the medication time and the medication effective time, it is possible to prevent the patient from taking the medicine continuously for a short period of time and to prevent the patient from being overdose.

The medication effective time 44c is set by the supporter on the touch panel of the display device 11.

The next medication cassette 44d is information for designating the cassette 20 containing the pill case 30 to be sent to the discharge port 13 next when the pill case 30 is filled by the supporter in at least one cassette 20.

For example, suppose the taker is taking the daytime medicine. After that, it is assumed that the supporter fills one of the cassettes 20 in which the pill case 30 is empty with a new pill case 30. In this case, since the person taking the medicine is taking the medicine in the daytime, the pill case 30 containing the medicine to be taken at night must be discharged from the discharge port 13 next time. The next medication cassette 44d shows information on the cassette 20 containing the medication for the night. That is, the next medication cassette 44d designates the cassette 20 to which the pill case 30 should be discharged next time. Therefore, in the case of the above example, the cassette control unit 41 will deliver the pill case 30 of the cassette 20 containing the night medicine to the discharge port 13 next time by the next medication cassette 44d.

The initial medication cassette 44d is set by the supporter on the touch panel of the display device 11, and is updated by taking out the pill case or the like. That is, when the pill case 30 is taken out at the time of taking the medicine, or when the medicine cannot be taken out after the effective time of taking the medicine, or when the pill case is taken out by operating the go-out button, the cassette number of the next taking time is set. Will be updated.

Below, 1. Setting of medication time, 2. Setting of effective medication time, 3. Setting the initial medication cassette, 4. Inserting and removing cassettes, 5. Taking out the medicine, 6. Taking out medicine when going out, 7. The display of the medication history screen will be described.

1. 1. Setting the medication time FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing example of setting the medication time. When the input unit 42 receives an operation for setting the medication time from the supporter, for example, the medication support device 10 executes the following processing.

First, the input unit 42 receives the designation of the cassette 20 for setting the medication time from the supporter via the touch panel of the display device 11 (step S1).

Next, the input unit 42 receives the medication time of the cassette 20 received in step S1 from the supporter via the touch panel of the display device 11 (step S2).

Next, the input unit 42 stores the medication time of the cassette 20 received from the supporter in the storage unit 44 (step S3).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 51 of FIG. 12 shows a normal screen displayed on the display device 11. Buttons 51a and 51b, time 51c, and date 51d are displayed on the screen 51.

The button 51a is a button for transitioning to the menu screen described below. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 51a, the display unit 43 transitions to the menu screen described below.

The button 51b is a button for transitioning to the medicine take-out screen when going out, which will be described below. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 51b, the display unit 43 transitions to the medicine removal screen when going out, which will be described below.

Time 51c indicates the current time. Date 51d indicates the current date.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 52 of FIG. 13 shows a menu screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 52 is displayed on the display device 11 when the button 51a shown in FIG. 12 is pressed. Buttons 52a to 52d are displayed on the screen 52.

The button 52a is a button for returning to the normal screen shown in FIG. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 52a, the display unit 43 transitions to the screen 51 of FIG.

The button 52b is a button for transitioning to the cassette setting screen described below. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 52b, the display unit 43 transitions to the cassette setting screen described below.

The button 52c is a button for transitioning to the history confirmation screen described below. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 52c, the display unit 43 transitions to the history confirmation screen described below.

The button 52d is a button for transitioning to the other setting screen. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 52d, the display unit 43 transitions to the other setting screen. On the other setting screen, various settings such as voice and screen settings and password settings can be made.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 53 of FIG. 14 shows a cassette setting screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 53 is displayed on the display device 11 when the button 52b shown in FIG. 13 is pressed. Buttons 53a to 53k and setting contents 53l to 53o are displayed on the screen 53.

Button 53a is a button for transitioning to the initial medication confirmation screen described below. When the input unit 42 accepts the press of the button 53a, the display unit 43 transitions to the initial medication confirmation screen described below.

Button 53b is a button for transitioning to the initial medication cassette setting screen described below. When the input unit 42 accepts the press of the button 53b, the display unit 43 transitions to the initial medication cassette setting screen described below.

The button 53c is a button for transitioning to the medication effective time setting screen described below. When the input unit 42 accepts the press of the button 53c, the display unit 43 transitions to the medication effective time setting screen described below.

Buttons 53d to 53g are buttons for designating a cassette for setting (or changing) the medication time. For example, the supporter has the cassette number shown on the screen 53. To set the dosing time of the cassette of 2, the button 53e may be pressed. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of any of the buttons 53d to 53g, the display unit 43 transitions to the medication time setting screen described below.

The process of accepting the buttons 53d to 53g of the input unit 42 corresponds to, for example, the process of step S1 of FIG.

The buttons 53h to 53k are buttons for transitioning to the cassette loading / unloading screen described below. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of any of the buttons 53h to 53k, the display unit 43 transitions to the cassette loading / unloading screen described below.

The setting contents 53l to 53o indicate the setting contents of the cassette 20. For example, cassette No. It can be seen that the medication time of the cassette of 1 is set to "8:00 AM". The medication time shown in the setting contents 53l to 53o is changed to the changed medication time when the buttons 53d to 53g are pressed and the medication time is changed. Further, "not exchanged" shown in the setting contents 53l to 53o indicates that the cassette 20 has not been exchanged yet at the time when the screen 53 is displayed. “Replaced” shown in the setting contents 53l to 53o indicates that the cassette 20 filled with the pill case 30 is attached to the medication support device 10.

Each edge of the setting contents 53l to 53o is given a color corresponding to the color of the medication time zone. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 7, the morning cassette 20 is colored in red, and for example, the edge of the setting content 53l is colored in red. Similarly, the edges of the setting contents 53m to 53o are, for example, blue, green, and gray. The numbers "1 to 4" shown in the setting contents 53l to 53o are outlined. In addition, the buttons 53d to 53k are also colored in the same color as the setting contents 53l to 53o on the corresponding line, and the characters are outlined. This makes it possible to prevent mistakes in the time and type of medication taken.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 81 of FIG. 15 shows the initial medication confirmation screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 81 is displayed on the display device 11 when the button 53a shown in FIG. 14 is pressed. The initial medication confirmation information 81a and the buttons 81b and 81c are displayed on the screen 81.

The initial medication confirmation information 81a is the time of the pill case 30 that is then discharged from the medication support device 10. The display unit 43 displays the initial medication confirmation information 81a based on, for example, the next medication cassette 44d of the storage unit 44. As a result, the supporter can determine whether or not the administration time of the pill case 30 to be discharged next is appropriate.

Button 81b is a button for returning to the menu screen shown in FIG. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 81b, the display unit 43 transitions to the screen 52 of FIG. The button 81b is pressed by the supporter, for example, when the supporter determines that the time to take the pill case 30 to be discharged next is appropriate.

The button 81c is a button for returning to the initial medication cassette setting screen described below. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 81c, the display unit 43 transitions to the initial medication cassette setting screen described below. The button 81c is pressed by the supporter, for example, when the supporter determines that the administration time of the pill case 30 to be discharged next is not appropriate.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 54 of FIG. 16 shows a medication time setting screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 54 is displayed on the display device 11 when any of the buttons 53d to 53g shown in FIG. 14 is pressed. Note that FIG. 16 shows a screen example (a screen example for setting the medication time of cassette No. 1) when the button 53d of FIG. 14 is pressed.

Buttons 54a to 54i, 54l, a medication time 54j, and a medication time zone 54k are displayed on the screen 54.

Button 54a is a button for returning to the cassette setting screen shown in FIG. When the input unit 42 accepts the press of the button 54a, the display unit 43 transitions to the screen 53 of FIG.

Buttons 54b and 54c are buttons for setting the morning and afternoon of the medication time. When the input unit 42 receives the pressing of the buttons 54b and 54c, the display unit 43 switches between "AM" and "PM" displayed at the medication time 54j.

Buttons 54d to 54g are buttons for setting the medication time. When the input unit 42 receives the pressing of the buttons 54d to 54g, the display unit 43 switches the time displayed in the medication time 54j.

The buttons 54h and 54i are buttons for setting the time zone of the cassette 20. When the input unit 42 receives the pressing of the buttons 54h and 54i, the display unit 43 switches the time zone displayed in the medicine time zone 54k. For example, the display unit 43 switches the display of the medicine time zone 54k to any one of morning, noon, night, and before going to bed.

The medication time 54j indicates the medication time set by the supporter with the buttons 54b to 54g. In the drug time zone 54k, the supporter presses the buttons 54h and 54i to set the cassette No. The time zone of the medicine set in the cassette 20 of 1 is shown.

The button 54l is a button for confirming the setting contents set by the buttons 54b to 54i. When the button 54l is pressed, the input unit 42 stores the setting contents set by the buttons 54b to 54i in the storage unit 44.

The setting of the medication time 54j and the setting of the medication time zone 54k are not linked. That is, the setting of the medication time 54j and the setting of the medication time zone 54k are performed independently. For example, depending on the person taking the drug, the day and night may be reversed, and even if the drug administration time 54j is in the morning (for example, 8:00 AM), the drug time zone 54k may be set at night.

The acceptance process of the buttons 54b to 54i of the input unit 42 (the process of accepting the setting of the medication time) corresponds to, for example, the process of step S2 in FIG. Further, the process of accepting the button 54l of the input unit 42 (the process of storing the set contents in the storage unit 44) corresponds to, for example, the process of step S3 of FIG.

Further, "cassette 1" on the screen 54 is a cassette No. The color corresponding to 1 (for example, red) is attached, and the characters are outlined.

2. 2. Setting the effective medication time FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing example of setting the effective medication time. The medication support device 10 executes the following processing when, for example, the input unit 42 receives an operation for setting the medication effective time from the supporter.

First, the input unit 42 receives the medication effective time from the supporter via the touch panel of the display device 11 (step S11).

Next, the input unit 42 stores the medication effective time received from the supporter in the storage unit 44 in step S11 (step S12).

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 55 of FIG. 18 shows a medication effective time setting screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 55 is displayed on the display device 11 when the button 53c shown in FIG. 14 is pressed. That is, on the screen 55, the "menu" button 51a is pressed on the screen 51 (normal screen) of FIG. 12, and the "cassette setting" button 52b is pressed on the screen 52 (menu screen) of FIG. When the "valid time setting" button 53c is pressed on the screen 53 (cassette setting screen) of the 14th screen, the button 53c is displayed on the display device 11.

Buttons 55a to 55c, 55e and a medication effective time 55d are displayed on the screen 55.

Button 55a is a button for returning to the cassette setting screen shown in FIG. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 55a, the display unit 43 transitions to the screen 53 of FIG.

The buttons 55b and 55c are buttons for setting the effective administration time. When the input unit 42 receives the pressing of the buttons 55b and 55c, the display unit 43 switches the medication effective time displayed on the medication effective time 55d.

The medication effective time 55d indicates the medication effective time set by the supporter with the buttons 55b and 55c.

The button 55e is a button for determining the medication effective time set by the buttons 55b and 55c. When the button 55e is pressed, the input unit 42 stores the medication effective time set by the buttons 55b and 55c in the storage unit 44.

The acceptance process of the buttons 55b and 55c of the input unit 42 (acceptance process of the effective medication time) corresponds to, for example, the process of step S11 in FIG. Further, the process of receiving the button 55e of the input unit 42 (the process of storing the effective time of medication in the storage unit 44) corresponds to, for example, the process of step S12 of FIG.

Further, the display unit 43 may display a warning on the display device 11 when the medication time and the medication effective time overlap. For example, it is assumed that the morning and noon medication times are set to "8:00 AM" and "0:00 PM", respectively. It is assumed that the effective medication time set by the supporter is "5 hours". In this case, the effective medication time (8:00 am to 1:00 PM) from the morning medication time "8:00 AM" overlaps with the lunch medication time "0:00 PM" for "1 hour". In such a case, the input unit 42 does not accept the operation from the supporter, and the display unit 43 displays, for example, a warning on the display device 11 that "the set time is duplicated". As a result, the risk of overdrinking accidents can be reduced.

3. 3. Setting the initial medication cassette FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing example of setting the initial medication cassette. The medication support device 10 executes the following processing when, for example, the input unit 42 receives an operation for setting the initial medication cassette from the supporter.

First, the input unit 42 receives the setting of the initial medication cassette from the supporter via the touch panel of the display device 11 (step S21).

Next, the input unit 42 stores the initial medication cassette received from the supporter in the storage unit 44 in step S21 (step S22).

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 56 of FIG. 20 shows the initial medication cassette setting screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 56 is displayed on the display device 11 when the button 53b shown in FIG. 14 is pressed. That is, on the screen 56, the "menu" button 51a is pressed on the screen 51 (normal screen) of FIG. 12, and the "cassette setting" button 52b is pressed on the screen 52 (menu screen) of FIG. When the button 53b of "first dose selection" is pressed on the screen 53 (cassette setting screen) of the 14th screen, the button 53b is displayed on the display device 11. Further, the screen 56 of FIG. 20 is displayed on the display device 11 when the “No” button 81c is pressed on the screen 81 (first medication confirmation screen) described with reference to FIG. Buttons 56a to 56f are displayed on the screen 56.

The button 56a is a button for transitioning to the initial medication confirmation screen shown in FIG. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 56a, the display unit 43 transitions to the screen 81 of FIG.

Buttons 56b to 56e are buttons for selecting the cassette 20 to be taken for the first time. For example, the supporter, after filling the pill case, puts the cassette No. If you want the medicine to be discharged from the cassette 20 of 1, the button 56b may be pressed. That is, the input unit 42 accepts the designation of the cassette 20 containing the pill case 30 to be sent to the discharge port 13 next when the pill case 30 is filled in at least one of the plurality of cassettes 20 by the supporter. The buttons 56b to 56e are displayed from the top in order from the time closest to the current time among the medication times for which the medication effective time has not passed.

The button 56f is a button for confirming the initial medication cassette set by the buttons 55b to 55e. When any of the buttons 55b to 55e is pressed and the button 56f is pressed, the input unit 42 stores the cassette information (information of the first medication cassette) of any of the pressed buttons 55b to 55e in the storage unit 44. Remember in.

The acceptance process of the buttons 56b to 56e of the input unit 42 (acceptance process of the initial medication cassette) corresponds to, for example, the process of step S21 in FIG. Further, the process of receiving the button 56f of the input unit 42 (the process of storing the button 56f of the initial medication cassette in the storage unit 44) corresponds to, for example, the process of step S22 in FIG.

4. When loading and unloading the cassette 20, the supporter presses the buttons 53h to 53k shown in FIG. For example, the supporter is the cassette No. To put in and take out the cassette 20 of 2, the cassette No. The button 53i corresponding to 2 may be pressed.

When the input unit 42 receives the pressing of any of the buttons 53h to 53k, the display unit 43 opens the lid 16 of the medication support device 10 and displays a screen on the display device 11 prompting the user to replace the cassette 20. Then, the cassette control unit 41 controls, for example, a drive device including a motor or the like, and the cassette 20 corresponding to the buttons 53h to 53k is arranged in the cassette insertion port 17 (dotted frame shown in FIG. 6). Rotate one cassette 20.

As a result, the cassette 20 that the supporter wants to put in and out is arranged in the cassette insertion port 17. Then, the supporter can take in and out the cassette 20 arranged in the cassette insertion slot 17 from the medication support device 10, and can fill the pill case 30 and the like.

5. Taking out medicine FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of taking out medicine. The medication support device 10 executes the following processing at a predetermined time before the medication time. A predetermined time before the medication time is, for example, 5 minutes.

The cassette control unit 41 rotates a plurality of cassettes 20 before or before a predetermined time before the medication time 44b, and the pill case 30 containing the medication to be taken by the recipient is discharged from the discharge port 13. As described above, the cassette 20 is arranged (rotated) at a predetermined position. For example, it is assumed that the daytime medication time 44b is set to "0:00 PM". In this case, the cassette control unit 41 arranges the daytime cassette 20 at the position of the cassette insertion port 17 (the position of the dotted line frame shown in FIG. 6) at or before "11:55 AM".

First, the display unit 43 starts the medication notification process (step S31). For example, the display unit 43 provides a display prompting the user to take the medicine and voice guidance at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time is, for example, 5 minutes.

More specifically, the display unit 43 compares the time of the previous medication notification process with the current time, and if a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed, the display unit 43 performs the next medication notification process. If the current time is before the medication time, the display unit 43 displays on the display device 11 that the medication time is coming soon. If the current time is after the medication time, the display unit 43 displays on the display device 11 that it is the medication time.

Next, the input unit 42 determines whether the eject button 12 has been pressed (step S32). When the take-out button 12 is pressed (“Yes” in S32), the input unit 42 shifts to the process of step S33. When the take-out button 12 is not pressed (“No” in S32), the input unit 42 proceeds to the process of step S37.

When the input unit 42 determines in step S32 that the eject button 12 is pressed (“Yes” in S32), the cassette control unit 41 sends the pill case 30 to the discharge port 13 (step S33).

That is, the cassette control unit 41 notifies the user when the display device 11 displays a screen informing the user that it is about to take the medicine by the display unit 43, or that it is the time to take the medicine. When the screen is displayed on the display device 11 (S31), when the input unit 42 accepts the removal operation of the pill case 30 (“Yes” in S32), the user can pick up and remove the pill case 30. As described above, the pill case 30 is sent from the cassette 20 to the discharge port 13 (S35).

Next, the cassette control unit 41 determines whether or not the pill case 30 has been taken out from the discharge port 13 (step S34). When the cassette control unit 41 determines that the pill case 30 has been taken out from the discharge port 13 (“Yes” in S34), the cassette control unit 41 proceeds to the process of step S38. When the cassette control unit 41 determines that the pill case 30 has not been taken out from the discharge port 13 (“No” in S34), the cassette control unit 41 proceeds to the process of step S35.

When the cassette control unit 41 determines in step S34 that the pill case 30 has not been taken out (“No” in S34), it determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S35). For example, the cassette control unit 41 determines whether or not "30 seconds" have elapsed. When the cassette control unit 41 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (“No” in S35), the cassette control unit 41 proceeds to the process of step S34. When the cassette control unit 41 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (“Yes” in S35), the cassette control unit 41 proceeds to the process of step S36.

When the cassette control unit 41 determines in step S35 that the predetermined time has elapsed (“Yes” in S35), the cassette control unit 41 returns the pill case 30 sent to the discharge port 13 to the cassette 20 (step S36).

That is, the cassette control unit 41 sends the pill case 30 to the discharge port 13 (S33) in response to the operation of pressing the take-out button 12 of the medication person (“Yes” in S32), and even after a predetermined time has elapsed. If the pill case 30 is not removed from the outlet 13 by the recipient (“Yes” in S35), the pill case 30 is returned to the cassette 20 (S36).

As shown in FIG. 24 below, the supporter cannot operate the screen when the pill case 30 is discharged and not taken out. The input unit 42 enables the supporter to operate the screen by returning the pill case 30 to the device after a predetermined time, for example, after 30 seconds. That is, the cassette 20 cannot rotate when the pill case 30 is delivered to the discharge port 13. Therefore, the input unit 42 does not accept the screen operation of the supporter. Then, when the pill case 30 is returned to the device after a predetermined time, the input unit 42 enables the reception of screen operations from the supporter.

When the input unit 42 determines in step S32 that the eject button 12 is not pressed (“No” in S32), the cassette control unit 41 returns the pill case 30 to the cassette 20 in step S36. In this case, it is determined whether or not the medication effective time 44c stored in the storage unit 44 has elapsed (step S37). For example, the input unit 42 determines whether or not "2 hours" has elapsed without pressing the eject button 12. When the input unit 42 determines that the medication effective time 44c has not passed (“No” in S37), the process proceeds to the process of step S32. When the input unit 42 determines that the medication effective time 44c has elapsed (“Yes” in S37), the input unit 42 proceeds to the process of step S38.

That is, the cassette control unit 41 receives the medication by the input unit 42 after the medication effective time 44c elapses (“Yes” in S37) without the medication user pressing the eject button 12 (“No” in S32). Even if the pill case 30 is taken out from the person (even if the take-out button 12 is pressed), the pill case 30 is not sent from the cassette 20 to the discharge port 13 until the next medication time comes. Further, after the cassette control unit 41 returns the pill case 30 to the cassette 20 (S36) and the medication effective time elapses (“Yes” in S37), the input unit 42 then operates the pill case 30 to be taken out from the medication recipient. Is accepted (even if the take-out button 12 is pressed), the pill case 30 is not sent from the cassette 20 to the discharge port 13 until the next medication time comes.

The cassette control unit 41 may output audio from the audio output port 14 before returning the pill case 30 sent to the discharge port 13 to the cassette 20 in the process of step S36. That is, the cassette control unit 41 may notify the supporter by voice that the pill case 30 has not been taken out from the discharge port 13.

When the cassette control unit 41 determines in step S37 that the medication effective time has elapsed (“Yes” in S37), the display unit 43 ends the medication notification process (step S38). That is, the display unit 43 ends the display and voice notification processing prompting the user to take the medicine every predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes). Then, the display unit 43 ends the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 21.

As described below, the cassette control unit 41 stores the history information to that effect in the history information storage unit when the pill case 30 is taken out (“Yes” in S34). Further, when the pill case 30 is not taken out (“No” in S32 or S36) and the effective medication time has elapsed (“Yes” in S37), the cassette control unit 41 stores history information to that effect in the history information storage unit. To do.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 57 of FIG. 22 shows the medication time notification screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 57 is displayed on the display device 11 at a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes before) of the medication time.

The screen 57 is the same as the normal screen described with reference to FIG. 12, but where the medication time information 57a is displayed, where the "go out" button 51b is not displayed, and where the characters "press for 3 seconds" are not displayed. different. The display unit 43 displays the medication time information 57a on the display device 11 at a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes before) of the medication time 44b stored in the storage unit 44. The medication time information 57a indicates that it is almost time to take the medication.

The medication user can recognize that the medication time is about to be taken from the medication time information 57a on the screen 57. As a result, the medication user can eject the pill case 30 from the medication support device 10 by pressing the eject button 12.

The display process of the medication time information 57a of the display unit 43 corresponds to, for example, the process of step S31 in FIG.

In addition to displaying the medication time information 57a, the display unit 43 may output a voice notifying that it is time to take the medicine from the voice output port 14.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 58 of FIG. 23 shows a medication time notification screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 58 is displayed on the display device 11 when it is time to take the medicine.

The screen 58 is the same as the normal screen described with reference to FIG. 12, but where the medication time information 58a is displayed, where the "go out" button 51b is not displayed, and where the characters "press for 3 seconds" are not displayed. different. When the medication time 44b stored in the storage unit 44 is reached, the display unit 43 displays the medication time information 58a on the display device 11. The medication time information 58a indicates that it is the medication time.

The medication user can recognize the medication time and the type of medication (morning, noon, night, or before going to bed) by the medication time information 58a on the screen 58. As a result, the medication user can eject the pill case 30 from the medication support device 10 by pressing the eject button 12.

The display process of the medication time information 58a of the display unit 43 corresponds to, for example, the process of step S31 in FIG.

Further, the display unit 43 may output a voice notifying that it is the medicine medication time from the voice output port 14 together with the display of the medication time information 58a.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 59 of FIG. 24 is displayed when the medication user presses the take-out button 12 on the medication time notification screen shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

The screen 59 is the same as the normal screen described with reference to FIG. 12, but where the take-out instruction information 59a is displayed, where the "go out" button 51b is not displayed, and where the characters "press for 3 seconds" are not displayed. , And the "menu" button 51a is deactivated. When the display unit 43 receives the press of the eject button 12 on the medication time notification screen shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the display unit 43 displays the eject instruction information 59a on the display device 11. The removal instruction information 58a urges the taking person to take out the pill case 30 discharged to the discharge port 13. The input unit 42 does not accept the pressing of the "menu" button on the screen 59.

When the pill case 30 is taken out from the discharge port 13, the display unit 43 returns to the normal screen shown in FIG.

The display unit 43 may output a voice prompting the pill case 30 to be taken out from the voice output port 14 together with the display of the take-out instruction information 59a.

6. Taking out the medicine when going out FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a processing example of taking out the medicine when going out. The medication user may want to take out the pill case 30 even outside the medication time. For example, a medication person may want to take medication on the go. Therefore, the medication support device 10 makes it possible to take out the pill case 30 even outside the medication time so that the medication can be taken even when the patient is out. For example, when the input unit 42 receives an operation for taking out the medicine when going out from the supporter, the medication support device 10 executes the following processing.

First, the input unit 42 receives a predetermined operation from the supporter via the touch panel of the display device 11 (step S41). For example, as described below, the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of a predetermined button displayed on the display device 11 for a predetermined time or longer (for example, 3 seconds or longer).

When the "going out" button 51b in FIG. 12 is pressed and held, the display unit 43 displays the screen 60 in FIG. 26 shown below on the display device 11. Then, when the “Yes” button 60b in FIG. 26 is pressed, the display unit 43 displays the screen 61 shown in FIG. 27 on the display device.

Next, the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the eject button 12 (step S42).

Next, the cassette control unit 41 sends the pill case 30 housed in the cassette 20 (for example, the pill case 30 discharged at the next medication time) to the discharge port 13 (step S43).

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 60 of FIG. 26 shows an outing take-out screen displayed on the display device 11.

When the input unit 42 receives a long press (for example, 3 seconds or more) of the "going out" button 51b displayed on the screen 51 (normal screen) of FIG. 12, the display unit 43 displays the screen 60 on the display device 11. Display on. The process of accepting the long press of the button 51b of the input unit 42 corresponds to, for example, the process of step S41 in FIG.

On the screen 60, the retrieval inquiry information 60a and the buttons 60b and 60c are displayed.

The take-out inquiry information 60a asks the taking person whether or not to take out the pill case 30 from the taking-taking support device 10.

The button 60b is a button for taking out the pill case 30 from the medication support device 10. The input unit 42 enables the pill case 30 to be taken out when the button 60b is pressed. For example, the input unit 42 makes it possible to accept the press of the eject button 12 when the button 60b is pressed. That is, in order to remove the pill case 30 from the medication support device 10, the medication user presses the button 60b on the screen 60, and then presses the eject button 12.

The button 60c is a button for canceling the removal of the pill case 30. When the button 60c is pressed, the input unit 42 returns to the normal screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 61 of FIG. 27 shows a take-out instruction screen displayed on the display device 11.

When the button 60b of FIG. 26 is pressed, the display unit 43 displays the screen 61 on the display device 11. Then, when the push of the take-out button 12 is received, the cassette control unit 41 sends out the pill case 30 from the cassette 20 to the discharge port 13. Then, the display unit 43 displays the screen 59 of FIG. 24 on the display device 11.

The process of accepting the press of the eject button 12 of the input unit 42 corresponds to, for example, the process of step S42 of FIG. Further, the sending process of the pill case 30 of the cassette control device 41 corresponds to, for example, the process of step S43 of FIG.

The screen 61 is the same as the normal screen described with reference to FIG. 12, except that the take-out instruction information 61a is displayed. When the button 60b of FIG. 26 is pressed, the display unit 43 displays the take-out instruction information 61a. The take-out instruction information 61a urges the pill case 30 to be taken out from the discharge port 13 by pressing the take-out button 12. The display unit 43 may prompt the removal of the pill case 30 by voice guidance. When the eject button 12 is pressed, the display unit 43 transitions to the screen 59 of FIG. 24.

7. Display of medication history screen FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device 11. The screen 62 of FIG. 28 shows the medication history screen displayed on the display device 11.

The supporter can see the medication history of the recipient. For example, when the supporter presses the "menu" button 51a on the screen 51 (normal screen) of FIG. 12, and presses the "history confirmation" button 52c on the screen 52 (menu screen) of FIG. 13, FIG. You can see the medication history shown on screen 62 of 28. Buttons 62a to 62e, 62g and medication history information 62f are displayed on the screen 62.

Button 62a is a button for returning to the menu screen shown in FIG. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 62a, the display unit 43 transitions to the screen 52 of FIG.

Buttons 62b and 62c are feed buttons of the cassette 20 for displaying the medication history. When the input unit 42 receives the press of the button 62b or the button 62c, the display unit 43 switches the cassette 20 for displaying the medication history.

In the case of the example of FIG. 28, the cassette No. The medication history of cassette 20 of 1 is displayed. Between the button 62b and the button 62c, the information of the cassette 20 (cassette 1) in which the medication history is displayed, the time zone of the medicine of the cassette 20 (morning medicine), and the medication time of the cassette 20 (the medication time) 8:00 AM) and are displayed.

The buttons 62d and 62e are buttons for switching the display period of the medication history. When the input unit 42 accepts the pressing of the button 62d or the button 62e, the display unit 43 switches the period for displaying the medication history. In the case of the example of FIG. 28, the medication history for one week from "May 24" is displayed.

The medication history information 62f is the medication history of the medication taken by the recipient. The medication history information 62f includes a date and information indicating whether or not the medication has been taken out from the medication support device 10 on that date. For example, "○" in the medication history information 62f indicates that the medicine has been taken out from the medication support device 10, and "x" indicates that the medicine has not been taken out from the medication support device 10. In addition, the medication history information 62f includes the time when the medication recipient has taken the medication.

Whether or not the drug recipient has taken the drug is determined by whether or not the pill case 30 sent to the discharge port 13 is taken out from the discharge port 13. For example, the discharge port 13 is provided with a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the pill case 30. After sending the pill case 30 to the discharge port 13, the cassette control unit 41 determines that the pill case 30 has been taken out from the discharge port 13 when the detection of the pill case 30 by the sensor changes from “yes” to “no”.

Further, although not shown in FIG. 9, the medication support device 10 has a history information storage unit for storing history information. The cassette control unit 41 stores the determination result of whether or not the drug has been taken and the medication time in the history information storage unit. In addition, the input unit 42 stores the information in the history information storage unit when the medicine is taken out when going out. The display unit 43 can display the medication history information 62f based on the history information stored in the history information storage unit.

The button 62g is a button for storing the information stored in the history information storage unit in the USB memory. For example, when the supporter wants to store the history information in the USB memory, the supporter inserts the USB memory into the USB insertion panel 15 and presses the button 62g. When the button 62g is pressed, the USB control unit (not shown in FIG. 9) stores the history information stored in the history information storage unit in the USB memory inserted in the USB insertion panel 15.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the medication support device 10. The medication support device 10 includes, for example, a computing device 71 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main storage device 72 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an auxiliary storage device 73 such as a flash memory, as shown in FIG. Read and write information to and from a portable storage medium such as a USB memory, an audio output device 74 such as a speaker that outputs audio, an input device 75 such as a button or a touch panel, and a display device 76 such as a liquid crystal display. It has a device 77, a drive device 78 for rotating the cassette 20 and sending out the pill case 30 housed in the cassette 20 to the discharge port 13, and a sensor 79 for detecting a person.

For example, the functions of each part of the medication support device 10 are realized by the arithmetic unit 71 executing a predetermined program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 73 or the like into the main storage device 72. The input unit 42 is realized, for example, by the arithmetic unit 71 using the input device 75. The storage unit 44 is realized, for example, by the arithmetic unit 71 using the main storage device 72 or the auxiliary storage device 73.

The input device 75 corresponds to, for example, the touch panel provided on the eject button 12 and the display device 11 described above. The display device 76 corresponds to, for example, the display device 11 provided on the front panel of the medication support device 10. Further, the above-mentioned predetermined program may be installed from a storage medium read by the read / write device 77, or may be installed from a network via a communication I / F (not shown).

In this way, the plurality of cassettes 20 of the medication support device 10 store the plurality of pill cases containing the medicine. The memory unit 44 stores the dosing time of taking the medicine. Then, the cassette control unit 41 rotates the plurality of cassettes 20 based on the medication time stored in the storage unit 44, and determines the cassette 20 so that the pill case 30 of one cassette 20 is sent to the discharge port. Place in the position of. As a result, the medication support device 10 can discharge the pill case 30 containing the appropriate medicine from the cassette 20 to the discharge port 13 based on the medication time stored in the storage unit 44. You can take the medicine properly.

It is not necessary to insert four cassettes 20 into the medication support device 10. For example, when the person taking the medicine is to take the medicine three times a day in the morning, noon, and night, three cassettes 20 may be inserted into the medicine support device 10.

Further, it is not necessary to store seven pill cases 30 in the cassette 20. For example, when it is desired to discharge the medicine for three days from the medication support device 10, three pill cases 30 may be stored in the cassette 20 for each time zone.

Further, when the take-out button 12 is pressed outside the medication time, the display unit 43 may display on the display device 11 that it is not the medication time.

Further, the display unit 43 may put the display device 11 to sleep when a part other than the button displayed on the display device 11 is pressed for a long time (for example, 2 seconds). As a result, power consumption can be reduced. The display unit 43 activates the display device 11 even in the sleep state before a predetermined time before the medication time.

Further, the medication support device 10 may include a motion sensor. For example, the display unit 43 sleeps the display device 11 when there is no supporter or the drug taking person near the medication support device 10. When the supporter or the person taking the medicine is detected by the motion sensor at the time when the pill case can be taken out, the display unit 43 may display and give a voice notification to prompt the person to take the medicine.

In addition, the medication support device 10 may be provided with a personal identification number when setting the medication time, setting the medication effective time, setting the initial medication cassette, inserting and removing the cassette, and operating the medication history screen. For example, by allowing only the supporter to perform the above operation by using the personal identification number, it is possible to prevent the taking person from changing the setting.

Further, in the above, before the medication time, a screen indicating that the medication time is about to be taken is displayed on the display device 11 so that the medicine can be taken out, but this process may be omitted. That is, the medication support device 10 may notify the medication recipient of only the medication time. Also, notification that it is time to take the medicine may be an option. For example, the notification that it is about to be taken may be set on the "other setting screen" described with reference to FIG.

Further, when the pill case 30 of the cassette 20 is emptied, the display unit 43 may display an icon indicating the content to that effect on the display device 11.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device. The screen 63 shown in FIG. 30 shows an empty screen indicating that the pill case 30 of the cassette 20 has been emptied.

The screen 63 is the same as the normal screen described with reference to FIG. 12, except that the icon 63a is displayed. The display unit 43 displays the icon 63a when there is no pill case 30 of the cassette 20 to be ejected next.

Icon 63a shows the design of the empty pill case 30. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 7, the pill case 30 is colored according to the time zone for taking the medicine. For example, when the red pill case 30 for the morning is emptied, the display unit 43 displays the icon 63a of the empty red pill case 30 on the screen 63.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the medication support device 10. FIG. 32 is a front view of the medication support device 10. FIG. 33 is a plan view of the medication support device 10. FIG. 34 is a rear view of the medication support device 10. FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the medication support device 10. FIG. 36 is a right side view of the medication support device 10. FIG. 37 is a left side view of the medication support device 10.

The display device 11 of the medication support device 10 displays a screen having a characteristic design as described in FIGS. 12 to 16, 18, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 to 28, and 30. To. The code lines shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, 18, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 to 28, and 30 are not displayed on the display device 11.

The functional configurations of the medication support device 10 described above are classified according to the main processing contents in order to make the configuration of the medication support device 10 easy to understand. The invention of the present application is not limited by the method and name of classification of the components. The configuration of the medication support device 10 can be further classified into more components according to the processing content. It can also be categorized so that one component performs more processing. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

Further, each processing unit in the above-mentioned flowchart is divided according to the main processing contents in order to make the processing of the medication support device 10 easy to understand. The present invention is not limited by the method of dividing the processing unit and the name. The processing of the medication support device 10 can be divided into more processing units depending on the processing content. Further, one processing unit can be divided so as to include more processing.

Further, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is also clear from the description of the claims that the form with such modifications or improvements may be included in the technical scope of the present invention. The present invention can also be provided as a medication support method, a program for medication support, and a storage medium for storing the program.

10: Medication support device,
11: Display device,
12: Eject button,
13: Outlet,
14: Audio output port,
15: USB insertion panel,
16: Lid,
17: Cassette insertion slot,
20: Cassette,
21: Discharge port,
22: Outer storage,
23: Inner storage,
30: Pill case,
31: Medicine,
41: Cassette control unit,
42: Input section,
43: Display,
44: Memory,
44a: Cassette No. ,
44b: Dosing time,
44c: Effective time of medication,
44d: Next medication cassette.

Claims (5)

Multiple cassettes for storing multiple pill cases for medicine and
A memory unit that stores the effective time of taking medicine and the effective time of taking out the medicine to be taken.
A display unit that displays a screen for notifying the user,
A cassette control unit for arranging the cassette at a predetermined position so that the pill case of one cassette is delivered to the discharge port based on the medication time stored in the storage unit is provided.
The storage unit receives the medication time and the medication effective time via the display unit .
When the time obtained by adding the medication effective time to the first medication time exceeds the second medication time after the first medication time, the display unit adds the medication effective time. A medication support device for displaying a screen indicating that the first medication time and the second medication time overlap . The medication support device according to claim 1.
The display unit
A medication support device characterized by displaying a screen including a message notifying that the medication time is near, when a predetermined time before the medication time stored in the storage unit is reached. The medication support device according to claim 1.
The cassette control unit
A medication support device for controlling the pill case so that it is not delivered to an outlet during the period from the lapse of the medication effective time to the next medication time. The medication support device according to claim 1.
The display unit
A medication support device characterized by displaying a medication history screen showing a medication retrieval history. The medication support device according to claim 4 .
The display unit
A medication support device comprising displaying a medication history screen including the date, the cassette, a history indicating whether or not the medicine has been taken out, and a time when the medicine has been taken out.