AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR MEDICINE RETRIEVAL, DISPENSING, AND REAL-TIME INVENTORY MANAGEMENT IN PHARMACIES

Abstract

The present invention automates medicine retrieval and dispensing in pharmacies, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and inventory management. The pharmacist inputs prescriptions through a ReactJS-based web interface, storing details in a cloud database that tracks medicine stock and locations in real-time. A barcode scanner updates the database with new stock information, ensuring precise location data. Upon receiving a prescription, the system retrieves medicine location details, and a central microcontroller directs a secondary microcontroller to control stepper motors and a suction actuator, which locates and dispenses medicines into a container at the billing counter. The database automatically updates inventory levels post-dispensing and generates low-stock alerts when necessary. The system reduces manual errors, streamlines workflow, and ensures real-time inventory management, providing a reliable solution for efficient pharmacy operations.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to the field of an automated pharmaceutical dispensing system, specifically designed for the streamlined and error-free retrieval, dispensing, and inventory management of medicines in pharmacies through integrated barcode scanning, cloud-based data management, and robotic automation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Pharmacies frequently experience issues such as medication dispensing mistakes, extended wait times for customers, and challenges in managing inventory. These problems not only decrease customer satisfaction but also put added pressure on pharmacy staff. As the demand for healthcare services increases, there is a growing need for automation to improve accuracy, streamline pharmacy operations, and boost overall efficiency. Various existing solutions address the challenges faced by traditional pharmacy systems. Carousel-based systems organize medications in rotating carousels for quick retrieval but still require manual intervention. Barcode scanning and verification systems ensure medication accuracy through barcode matching but depend on human or robotic handling, which can introduce errors. Bulk pill dispensers efficiently dispense large quantities of pills in high-demand environments but are limited to pills and need human oversight. Automated medication cabinets enhance access to medications stored in locked compartments but focus more on retrieval than full automation. RFID technology enables real-time inventory tracking without barcode scanning, but high implementation costs can be prohibitive. Centralized medication dispensing systems in hospitals integrate with information systems for large-scale automation but require significant infrastructure investment.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One or more of the problems of the conventional prior art may be overcome by various embodiments of the system and methods of the present invention.

The principal object of the present invention is to automate the process of medicine retrieval and dispensing in pharmacies, reducing manual effort and errors.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system that accurately tracks medicine inventory and locations within a rack using barcode scanning technology.

A further object of the invention is to enable real-time updates of stock levels in a cloud database, ensuring efficient inventory management.

Yet another object is to utilize a robotic mechanism controlled by stepper motors and suction to retrieve and dispense medicines as per the prescription.

An additional object of the invention is to offer a user-friendly web interface for pharmacists to enter prescriptions and manage inventory data seamlessly.

Another object is to generate low-stock alerts when inventory falls below a preset threshold, facilitating timely restocking.

Another object is to enhance workflow efficiency in pharmacies by integrating automated prescription fulfillment and inventory control.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, according to the basic aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automated pharmaceutical dispensing system, comprising:
a central microcontroller configured to receive medicine location data from the cloud-based database and communicate with a secondary microcontroller,
wherein the secondary microcontroller operatively connected to the central microcontroller, configured to control movement mechanisms including stepper motors and a suction mechanism;
a web interface configured to allow a pharmacist to enter prescription details including required medicines and their quantities;
a cloud-based database operatively connected to the web interface, configured to store the prescription details and maintain real-time information on the inventory and location of medicines within a storage rack; and
a barcode scanner configured to read barcodes of medicines when new stock arrives, capturing data including medicine name, dosage, and expiry date, and updating the cloud-based database accordingly,
wherein the movement mechanisms comprising stepper motors that drive an actuator with the suction mechanism to the specific row and column locations of required medicines in the storage rack,
wherein the suction mechanism is configured to pick up the specified medicines and deposit them into a dispensing container located at a billing counter.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the cloud-based database is further configured to automatically update the inventory levels of each medicine after dispensing and generate low-stock alerts when the quantity falls below a predetermined threshold. After each dispensing action, the cloud database is immediately updated to reflect the new stock level of the dispensed medicines, that ensures that the database always has real-time information about available quantities. When the stock of any medicine falls below a preset threshold, the system generates an alert for the pharmacist or inventory manager. This alert can appear on the web interface or be sent through electronic communication, ensuring timely restocking and preventing potential shortages.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the barcode scanner is further configured to update the exact location of each medicine in the storage rack by scanning during the stocking process, ensuring accurate real-time tracking of medicine placement. Each time new stock is placed in the rack, the barcode scanner reads the medicine's barcode. Information such as location, dosage, and expiry is recorded and stored in the cloud database, allowing the system to track exactly where each item is stored. The database maintains real-time data on each medicine's location, ensuring that the retrieval mechanism can efficiently locate and pick medicines with minimal errors.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the web interface is developed using ReactJS technology, providing a user-friendly platform for prescription entry and inventory management by the pharmacist. The interface built with ReactJS is optimized for ease of use, allowing pharmacists to efficiently enter prescription details and manage the inventory. The framework ensures responsiveness and smooth user interaction, enhancing the pharmacist's experience. The platform is designed to be intuitive, with simple data entry forms for prescription details, stock monitoring, and alert notifications, making it easy for pharmacists to use the system without extensive technical knowledge.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the actuator's movement is precisely controlled by the secondary microcontroller to navigate the storage rack's grid layout efficiently, minimizing retrieval time for each medicine. The secondary microcontroller receives commands from the central microcontroller regarding the specific rack location. It then directs the stepper motors to guide the actuator to the correct row and column within the storage rack. The storage rack is organized in a grid layout, and the actuator moves efficiently through this layout to retrieve each medicine. This precision minimizes the time required to locate and retrieve each item. The actuator includes a suction mechanism to securely pick up medicines and prevent them from slipping during transport.

Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the system further comprises a notification module that alerts the pharmacist or inventory manager through the web interface or electronic communication when low-stock conditions are detected, facilitating timely restocking of medicines. When inventory falls below a predefined threshold, the notification module generates an alert, which is displayed on the web interface. Additionally, the module can send electronic notifications (such as emails or SMS alerts) to pharmacists or inventory managers. These alerts enable proactive inventory management by notifying staff to reorder medicines before they run out, reducing the risk of stockouts.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a functional flow of operations involved in the automated pharmaceutical dispensing system, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

Referring to Figure 1, in an aspect, the functional flow of processes involved in the automated pharmaceutical dispensing system is illustrated. The present invention automates the medicine retrieval and dispensing process in pharmacies, offering an efficient, reliable, and error-free solution to streamline pharmacy operations. When a customer presents a prescription, the pharmacist enters the prescription details into a web-based interface developed using ReactJS. This interface is intuitive, user-friendly, and allows for easy data entry, specifying the required medicines and their respective quantities. These details are then stored in a centralized cloud-based database that acts as the system's core, managing all aspects of inventory and medicine locations within the pharmacy's storage racks.

The cloud database holds real-time information on each medicine, including its location, dosage, expiry date, and current stock level. When new stock arrives, each medicine's barcode is scanned using a barcode scanner integrated into the system. The barcode scanner reads and records essential data about each item, such as its name, dosage, and expiry date, then updates the cloud database with its specific location in the storage rack. This ensures accurate tracking and location management, making the database a comprehensive source of real-time information on the inventory.

Once a prescription is submitted, the system retrieves the necessary medicine details from the database, including each item's exact position within the rack. The retrieval process is managed by a central microcontroller, which communicates with a secondary microcontroller that controls a robotic mechanism designed to handle medicine retrieval. The central microcontroller processes the location data and sends commands to the secondary microcontroller, which then activates stepper motors and a suction-based actuator to move to the designated row and column in the storage rack.

The robotic mechanism is precise and efficient, with the stepper motors driving the actuator to the exact location of each medicine as specified in the prescription. The actuator is equipped with a suction gripper that securely picks up the medicine strip or bottle from its position. After retrieval, the actuator transports the medicine to a dispensing container located at the billing counter, where it is ready for collection by the pharmacist. This automated retrieval process eliminates manual handling, reducing the risk of errors and speeding up service times.

After the medicine has been dispensed, the system automatically updates the cloud database to reflect the reduced quantity of that particular item. This real-time inventory update ensures that the database always has accurate information on stock levels. If the quantity of any medicine falls below a preset threshold, the system generates a low-stock alert. This alert notifies the pharmacist or inventory manager, allowing them to reorder stock before it runs out, thus preventing potential shortages. The alert can be displayed on the web interface or sent via electronic communication, such as an SMS or email, for timely restocking.

By automating prescription entry, inventory tracking, and medicine retrieval, the present invention enhances the efficiency and accuracy of pharmacy operations. The use of a centralized database with real-time updates, coupled with barcode scanning and robotic retrieval, ensures that pharmacists can manage stock effectively and minimize manual errors. This system not only improves the workflow but also provides a seamless experience for both pharmacists and customers, maintaining an organized, efficient, and error-free inventory management process in pharmacies.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
, Claims:1. An automated pharmaceutical dispensing system, comprising:

a central microcontroller configured to receive medicine location data from the cloud-based database and communicate with a secondary microcontroller,
wherein the secondary microcontroller operatively connected to the central microcontroller, configured to control movement mechanisms including stepper motors and a suction mechanism;
a web interface configured to allow a pharmacist to enter prescription details including required medicines and their quantities;
a cloud-based database operatively connected to the web interface, configured to store the prescription details and maintain real-time information on the inventory and location of medicines within a storage rack; and
a barcode scanner configured to read barcodes of medicines when new stock arrives, capturing data including medicine name, dosage, and expiry date, and updating the cloud-based database accordingly,
wherein the movement mechanisms comprising stepper motors that drive an actuator with the suction mechanism to the specific row and column locations of required medicines in the storage rack,
wherein the suction mechanism is configured to pick up the specified medicines and deposit them into a dispensing container located at a billing counter.

2. The automated pharmaceutical dispensing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cloud-based database is further configured to automatically update the inventory levels of each medicine after dispensing and generate low-stock alerts when the quantity falls below a predetermined threshold.

3. The automated pharmaceutical dispensing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barcode scanner is further configured to update the exact location of each medicine in the storage rack by scanning during the stocking process, ensuring accurate real-time tracking of medicine placement.

4. The automated pharmaceutical dispensing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the web interface providing a user-friendly platform for prescription entry and inventory management by the pharmacist.

5. The automated pharmaceutical dispensing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator's movement is precisely controlled by the secondary microcontroller to navigate the storage rack's grid layout efficiently, minimizing retrieval time for each medicine.

6. The automated pharmaceutical dispensing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a notification module that alerts the pharmacist or inventory manager through the web interface or electronic communication when low-stock conditions are detected, facilitating timely restocking of medicines.

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