Medical resource storage and management apparatus and medical supply management system   

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 11/661,733, filed Feb. 28, 2007, which is a national stage application of PCT PCT/JP2005/015290, filed Aug. 23, 2005, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to a medical resource storage and management apparatus which stores and manages medical resources and a medical supply management system which manages medical supplies including medical resources and medicines.

Medicine storage apparatuses, which allow retrieving medicines such as ampouled injection medicines in a single action, returning medicines without disturbing the arrangement, and keeping track of storage status properly, are being developed. The medicine storage apparatus is provided with a large number of cassettes each aligning and storing medicines, and a support means for arranging and holding the cassettes. A port is formed in each cassette to allow medicine to be pushed inside as well as retrieved from the cassette. The cassette is also provided with an urging means for urging the stored medicine toward the port.

The support means is provided with a rack which holds the cassettes arranged in multiple tiers or multiple rows, while exposing the port, and with a counting means for determining the number of medicines stored in each cassette. For accurate medicine management providing a real-time output, the medicine storage apparatus is also provided with: an output means such as a printer, a storage medium and a communication device which outputs medicine management data in response to storage and retrieval of medicines in and out of the cassettes; and an information processing means which performs processes such as tallying, monitoring, reviewing and stock control, in accordance with the output data.

Before the medicine storage apparatuses of this type were developed and offered for use, people at a site of medical care such as an operating room tried to make a medical treatment easier by making available medicines such as injection medicines prior to a treatment such as an operation, i.e., by arranging and partitioning the medicines so as to be ready for use. To prevent medicines from running short during the treatment, extra supply of medicines were prepared. When the treatment is over, surplus medicines were returned to a dispensary and the medicines used in the treatment were counted. The task was primary undertaken by medical assistants or primary medical workers such as nurses. They had to rummage through a container such as a bucket for disposed articles. In many cases, they were also assigned the task of entering the number of medicines used in a form for management of medicines or in a computer system for stock control of medicines. Thus, those who completed a stressful task of attending a medical practice at a site of medical care such as an operating room had to continue to be responsible for extra management operations even after the main job is done. Consequently, they had hard time freeing themselves of strain and suffered heavy physical and mental burden. The task was made even more difficult and strenuous if, for example, an ampule of injection medicine is broken or a syringe was mixed in the disposed articles.

In addition to reduction in the burden of primary medical workers, provision of the aforementioned medicine storage apparatus for practical use offers the following additional advantages.

That is, the apparatus has made possible fair and impartial information management and information systems. Another advantage is that reproducibility is ensured easily. Computer-based management saves manpower expenses and labor cost, improves the quality of management and enhances reliability. Tallying the amount of use enables maintaining proper stock and reducing dead stock, thereby contributing to hospital management. As the flexibility in layout in the interior space is high, medicines are easy to handle, and work efficiency is improved. Since the apparatus also enables automated inputting and tallying of management data, input errors are reduced and the manpower expenses needed for operation are also reduced. The apparatus is of a simple configuration adapted for a mode of operation involving just as many people as are needed at a site of medical care. As such, the maintenance cost is low. The usage of the apparatus is easy to learn, not requiring in-depth system knowledge or understanding, or high-level proficiency. As a result, there would be only few operation mistakes.

When an action of retrieving a medicine is performed, it is determined that the medicine is set. When an action of returning a medicine is performed, it is determined that the setting action is revoked and made to remain uncompleted. In this process, not only the retrieval action but also the return action doe snot require entry of data, preventing input errors and human failures. The whole operation of retrieval, return, inspection, and replenishment can be done promptly. Since the sequence of taking out medicines and the combination of the medicines taken out can be checked in real time, the apparatus contributes also to mishaps-in-medical-practice prevention, prevention of mistakes, risk management, and prevention of near accidents. Since medicines are partitioned and stored into the cassettes, check and review can be performed easily when inspecting a refill at the time of replenishment and inspecting a returned article. Since the medicines are tallied in real time without time lag, a series of actions in setting a medicine can be reviewed without a data entry. Check of the expiration date of medicines, preparation of medication history lists of patients, etc. can be performed automatically.

Patent document No. 1: JP 2001-198194; patent document No. 2: JP 2002-259778; and patent document No. 3: JP 2002-11072.

As such an excellent medicine storage apparatus becomes widely accepted, expectation arose that an apparatus having the same advantage could be used for accurate storage and management of medical resources other than medicines. This has led to a demand for medical resource storage and management apparatuses which are capable of easily and properly storing and retrieving medical resources and automatically keeping track of storage status.

It should then be noted that medical resources include consumable items and sterilized resources. An extensive variety would be encompassed even excluding drugs, medical implements and medical equipment. It is therefore improper to use the conventional scheme of aligning and storing them in cassettes.

Illustrative examples of such resources include catheters, tubes, plates to reconstruct osseous defect, artificial joints, pacemakers, which are all expensive. They come in a variety of forms. For example, they are boxed, packed, provided as a single article or packaged into a kit. The amount of medical resources used is also diversified. For example, the same resource may be used in a large amount or a large variety of resources may be used each in a small amount. Further, medicines are variously handled in a Class 1000 operating room, a central treatment room, an emergency treatment room or in a less-equipped medical ward. Another fact of note is that medical resources are expected to be sanitary and safe to use. Particularly, sterilized resources are cleansed in a pre-operation room, using various methods of sterilization such as EO gas sterilization, ultraviolet irradiation sterilization, sterilization by boiling and wet sterilization. It is also to be noted that the effect of sterilization derived from any sterilization method expires after a certain period of time, which differs from one method to another.

Accordingly, an important task would be to arrange and store an extensive variety of medical resources without accommodating them in cassettes, while still allowing easy retrieval. An additional task would be to employ measures to prevent disarrangement of the medical resources stored and resultant disorganization, in order to ensure that, even in cassetteless storage, availability of each medical resource can be properly detected for automatic management and that, for smooth retrieval, a user is properly guided to a location of storage of a medical resource to be taken out. A technical task to implement such measures would be to simplify the structure of the apparatus in view of the characteristics of medical resources and to work out a way to store as much variety as possible of medical resources in the simple apparatus.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical resource storage and management apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a rack in which a series of depressions for insertion of partition members are formed so that a large number of medical resources are retrievably placed in respective partitions; partition members which are removably inserted into the depressions; medical resource detecting members which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged, and each of which detects whether or not a medical resource is placed; retrieval guidance members for visual guidance which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged; and a control unit which manages the storage status of the medical resources, based on the detection by the medical resource detecting members and which operates one of the retrieval guidance members in response to an input designating retrieval, wherein the control unit allows providing an input for configuration to designate whether or not the partition member is inserted into the depression, and the control unit collectively processes a block of medical resource detecting members and retrieval guidance members identified as being located on both sides of the depression from which the partition member is removed, based on the input for configuration.

Another embodiment of the present invention also relates to a medical resource storage and management apparatus. The apparatus may comprise: a rack in which a series of depressions for insertion of partition members are formed so that a large number of medical resources are retrievably placed in respective partitions; partition members which are removably inserted into the depressions; medical resource detecting members which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged, and each of which detects whether or not a medical resource is placed; retrieval guidance members for visual guidance which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged; a control unit which manages the storage status of the medical resources, based on the detection by the medical resource detecting members and which operates one of the retrieval guidance members in response to an input designating retrieval; and partition detecting members each of which detects whether the partition member is inserted into the depression, wherein the control unit may collectively process a block of medical resource detecting members and retrieval guidance members identified as being located on both sides of the depression from which the partition member is removed, based on the detection by the partition detecting member.

Still another embodiment of the present invention also relates to a medical resource storage and management apparatus. The apparatus may comprise: a rack in which a series of depressions for insertion of partition members are formed so that a large number of medical resources are retrievably placed in respective partitions; partition members which are removably inserted into the depressions; medical resource detecting members which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged, and each of which detects whether or not a medical resource is placed; retrieval guidance members for visual guidance which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged; and a control unit which manages the storage status of the medical resources, based on the detection by the medical resource detecting members and which operates one of the retrieval guidance members in response to an input designating retrieval, wherein a medical resource name plate for visual guidance may be attached to a partition member via a connecting member such that the connecting member is moved up and down depending on whether a medical resource is placed and as a result of interference between the connecting member and the medical resource, and that the medical resource name plate is located in a space where retrieval of a medical resource takes place, and is moved in association with the connecting member, and wherein the medical resource detecting member may indirectly detect whether or not a medical resource is placed by detecting whether the medical resource name plate is raised or lowered.

The medical resource name plate, when elevated in association with the placement of a medical resource in the associated location, may be located above the retrieval guidance member in the associated location, and the medical resource name plate, when lowered in response to the retrieval of the medical resource from the associated location, shields the retrieval guidance member in the associated location from view.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention also relates to a medical resource storage and management apparatus. The apparatus may comprise: a horizontal-bridging member which is provided with a series of hanger member fitting parts operable to hang and arrange a large number of medical resources, a hanger member which is fitted to the hanger member fitting part and is pivotally moved depending on whether a medical resource is hung; a medical resource detecting member which is provided in each of the hanger member fitting parts so as to detect whether a medical resource is hung in an associated location in accordance with the pivotal movement of the associated hanger member; a retrieval guidance member for visual confirmation provided in each of the hanger member fitting parts; and a control unit which manages the storage status of the medical resources, based on the detection by the medical resource detecting member, and which operates the retrieval guidance member in response to an input designating retrieval, wherein, at the time of hanging a medical resource, the pivotal movement of the hanger member may cause the engaging part engaged with the medical resource to be lowered, and, at the time of retrieving a medical resource, the pivotal movement may cause the engaging part to be elevated and moved toward an operator.

The pivotal movement of the hanger member may be based on the displacement between the center of gravitation and the pivot center.

Another embodiment of the present invention also relates to a medical resource storage and management apparatus. The apparatus may comprise: a rack in which a series of depressions for insertion of partition members are formed so that a large number of medical resources are retrievably placed in respective partitions; partition members which are removably inserted into the depressions; medical resource detecting members which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged, and each of which detects whether or not a medical resource is placed; retrieval guidance members for visual guidance which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged; and a control unit which manages the storage status of the medical resources, based on the detection by the medical resource detecting members and which operates one of the retrieval guidance members in response to an input designating retrieval, wherein a name plate support member may be provided so as to be in parallel to the rack and behind the partition members, and a medical resource name plate for visual guidance may be attached to the name plate support member via a detachable connecting member such that the connecting member is moved up and down depending on whether a medical resource is placed and as a result of interference between the connecting member and the medical resource, and that the medical resource name plate is moved in association with the connecting member in a space where retrieval of a medical resource takes place, and wherein the medical resource detecting member may indirectly detect whether or not a medical resource is placed by detecting whether the medical resource name plate is raised or lowered.

The medical resource name plate, when elevated in association with the placement of a medical resource in the associated location, may be located above the retrieval guidance member in the associated location, and the medical resource name plate, when lowered in response to the retrieval of the medical resource from the associated location, may shield the retrieval guidance member in the associated location from view.

Still another embodiment of the present invention also relates to a medical resource storage and management apparatus. The apparatus may comprise: a rack plate in which are provided a series of medical resource detecting members for detecting whether or not a medical resource is placed on the rack plate and a series of retrieval guidance members for visual guidance; a control unit which manages the storage status of the medical resources, based on the detection by the medical resource detecting members and which operates one of the retrieval guidance members in response to an input designating retrieval; a storage case which is bounded at the bottom, sides and back thereof by a fixed plate, in which a movable medical resource name plate is provided in front of the case, and in which a connecting member extending backward from the medical resource name plate is adapted to make a vertical pivotal movement about the rear end thereof, wherein the medical resource name plate may be moved up and down as a result of interference between the medical resource stored in the storage case and the connecting member, and whether the medical resource is placed or not may be indirectly detected by detecting the up and down movement of the medical resource name plate, based on the fact that the up and down movement of the medical resource name plate causes the plate to enter or leave a range of detection by the medical resource detecting member in a state in which the storage case is placed on the rack plate.

The storage case may store the medical resource on the connecting member, and the up and down movement of the medical resource name plate may be associated with the nonavailability and availability of the medical resource, respectively.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention also relates to a medical resource storage and management apparatus. The apparatus is for storing a plurality of medical resources at locations of storage reserved for respective types of medical resources and may comprise: a pivotal member which assumes different statuses of pivotal movement depending on whether the medical resource is stored in the location of storage or taken out therefrom; a medical resource detecting member which detects whether the medical resource is stored in the location of storage, in accordance with the status of pivotal movement of the pivotal member; a retrieval guidance member which is provided in the neighborhood of the location of storage so as to allow visual inspection of the location of storage as the medical resource is taken out from the location of storage; and a control unit which manages the storage status of the medical resource, based on the detection by the medical resource detecting member and operates the retrieval guidance member in response to an input designating retrieval.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical supply management system. The system is for managing medical supplies in a medical institution and comprises a plurality of storage and management apparatuses, wherein each of the plurality of storage and management apparatuses comprises: a plurality medical supply storage parts capable of storing a plurality of types of medical supplies; medical supply detecting means which detects whether a medical supply is stored in each of the medical supply storage parts; computer means which creates management information pertaining to the medical supplies in the plurality of medical supply storage parts on the basis of information detected by the medical supply detecting means; and retrieval guidance means which is controlled by the computer means so as to guide a user to the medical supply to be taken out, wherein the computer means in each storage and management apparatus is operable to control the retrieval guidance means on the basis of information on the medical supply to be taken out, and to create and output consumed medical supply information related to the type and amount of medical supplies consumed, the system further comprising stock control means which is communicably connected to the plurality of storage and management apparatuses, and which calculates and stores the amount of respective types of medical supplies in stock, on the basis of the latest amount of respective types of medical supplies in stock stored in the stock control means, and on the basis of the consumed medical supply information received from the storage and management apparatuses.

The stock control means may receive the amount of respective types of medical supplies delivered to the medical institution from an external source, and calculate and store the amount of respective types of medical supplies in stock on the basis of the delivered amount.

According to the present invention, medical resources can be managed efficiently. The present invention also provides a medical supply management system capable of managing medical supplies efficiently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D show the mechanical structure of a medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 1-1 of a first embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1A is a front view showing a door closed, FIG. 1B is a front view showing the door opened, FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a rack and partition members, and FIG. 1D is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rack in which the partition members are fitted.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the schematic structure of a control unit according to the first embodiment, where FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram showing the connection between the control unit and retrieval guidance members, and FIG. 2B is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 3A-3C show the data structure of the control unit according to the first embodiment, where FIG. 3A relates to a medical resource information table, FIG. 3B relates to medical resource availability data, and FIG. 3C relates to partition availability data.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate the operation of a medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the first embodiment, where FIG. 4A shows an empty condition, and FIG. 4B shows a condition in which a small medical resource is stored.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the first embodiment, where FIG. 5A shows a condition in which one partition member is removed from a rack while a partition is empty, FIG. 5B shows a condition in which a medium-sized medical resource is stored, FIG. 5C shows a condition in which a large medical resource is stored where two partition members are removed, and FIG. 5D shows a condition in which detection results from medical resource detecting members do not match.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 1-2 of the first embodiment, where FIG. 6A is an expanded perspective view of the rack and the partition members, and FIG. 6B is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 7A-7C show three variations to the structure according to an illustrative embodiment 1-3 of the first embodiment, where FIGS. 7A-7C are all perspective views of the partition member and the rack.

FIGS. 8A-8C show conditions of replenishment of medical resources according to an illustrative embodiment 1-4 of the first embodiment, where FIGS. 8A-8C are screen shots.

FIGS. 9A-9C also show conditions of replenishment of medical resources according to the illustrative embodiment 1-4.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the rack fitted with partition members.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing how identification information is read from a medical resource.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the rack storing a medical resource.

FIGS. 10A-10D show the mechanical structure of a medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 2-1 of a second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 10A is a front view showing a door closed, FIG. 10B is a front view showing the door opened, FIG. 10C is a perspective view of a rack and partition members, and FIG. 10D is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rack in which the partition members are fitted.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show the schematic structure of a control unit according to the second embodiment, where FIG. 11A is a schematic block diagram showing the connection between the control unit and retrieval guidance members, and FIG. 11B is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 12A-12C show the data structure of the control unit according to the second embodiment, where FIG. 12A relates to a medical resource information table, FIG. 12B relates to medical resource availability data, and FIG. 12C relates to partition availability data.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the second embodiment, where FIG. 13A shows an empty condition, and FIG. 13B shows a condition in which a small medical resource is stored.

FIGS. 14A-14D also illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the second embodiment, where FIG. 14A shows a condition in which one partition member is removed from the rack while the partition is empty, FIG. 14B shows a condition in which a medium-sized medical resource is stored, FIG. 14C shows a condition in which a large medical resource is stored where two partition members are removed, and FIG. 14D shows a condition in which detection results from medical resource detecting members do not match.

FIGS. 15A-15B show the structure of medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 2-2 of the second embodiment, where FIG. 15A is an expanded perspective view of the rack and the partition members, and FIG. 15B is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 16A-16C show three variations to the structure according to an illustrative embodiment 2-3 of the second embodiment, where FIGS. 16A-16C are all perspective views of the partition member and the rack.

FIGS. 17A-17C show the structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 2-4 of the second embodiment, where FIG. 17A is a front view showing the door opened, FIG. 17B is an expanded perspective view of the rack and the partition members, and FIG. 17C is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 18A-18C show conditions of replenishment of medical resources according to an illustrative embodiment 2-5 of the second embodiment, where FIGS. 18A-18C are screen shots.

FIGS. 19A-19C also show conditions of replenishment of medical resources according to the illustrative embodiment 2-5, where FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the rack fitted with partition members, FIG. 19B is a perspective view showing how identification information is read from a medical resource, and FIG. 19C is a perspective view of the rack storing a medical resource.

FIGS. 20A-20E show the mechanical structure of a medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 3-1 of a third embodiment, where FIG. 20A is a front view showing a door closed, FIG. 20B is a front view showing the door opened, FIG. 20C is a front view showing a horizontal-bridging case and hanger members, and FIGS. 20D and 20E are left side views of a horizontal-bridging member and the hanger member showing a cross section of the horizontal-bridging member.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show the schematic structure of a control unit according to the illustrative embodiment 3-1 of the third embodiment, where FIG. 21A is a schematic block diagram showing the connection between the control unit and retrieval guidance members, and FIG. 21B is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIG. 22A shows the structure of a medical resource information table of the control unit according to the illustrative embodiment 3-1 of the third embodiment, FIG. 22B shows the data structure of medical resource availability data of the control unit, FIGS. 22C-22D illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 3-1, FIG. 22C shows an empty condition, and FIG. 22D shows a condition in which a small medical resource is stored.

FIGS. 23A-23C are side views of a horizontal-bridging bar and the hanger member according to an illustrative embodiment 3-2 of the third embodiment, where FIG. 23A shows a condition before the hanger member is fitted to the horizontal-bridging bar, FIG. 23B shows a condition occurring immediately after the fitting, and FIG. 23C shows a condition in which the hanger member is pivotally moved after the fitting.

FIGS. 24A and 24B show the schematic structure of the control unit according to the illustrative embodiment 3-2 of the third embodiment, where FIG. 24A is a schematic block diagram showing the connection between the control unit and the retrieval guidance members, and FIG. 24B is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 25A-25C show the data structure of the control unit according to the illustrative embodiment 3-2, where FIG. 25A relates to a medical resource information table, FIG. 25B relates to medical resource availability data, and FIG. 25C relates to hanger availability data.

FIGS. 26A-26B illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 3-2, where FIG. 26A shows an empty condition, and FIG. 26B shows a condition in which a small medical resource is stored.

FIGS. 27A-27D illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 3-2, where FIG. 27A shows a condition in which one hanger member is removed from the horizontal-bridging case while the case is empty, FIG. 27B shows a condition in which a medium-sized medical resource is stored, FIG. 27C shows a condition in which a large medical resource is stored where two hanger members are removed, and FIG. 27D shows a condition in which incompatibility occurs between a result of detection by a medical resource detecting member and the configuration in the hanger availability data.

FIGS. 28A-28C show the structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 3-3 of the third embodiment, where FIG. 28A is a side view of the horizontal-bridging bar and the hanger member, FIG. 28B is a front view of the horizontal-bridging bar and the hanger member, and FIG. 28C is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 29A-29C show three variations to the structure according to an illustrative embodiment 3-4 of the third embodiment, where FIGS. 29A-29C are all perspective views of the medical resource storage and management apparatus.

FIGS. 30A-30C show the mechanical structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 3-5 of the third embodiment, where FIG. 30A shows the appearance of the apparatus, and FIGS. 30B and 30C are expanded perspective views of a rack and a partition member.

FIG. 31 is a functional block diagram of the control unit according to the illustrative embodiment 3-5.

FIG. 32 is a front view of the horizontal-bridging case and the hanger member according to an illustrative embodiment 3-6 of the third embodiment.

FIGS. 33A-33C show conditions of replenishment of medical resources according to an illustrative embodiment 3-7 of the third embodiment, where FIGS. 33A-33C are screen shots.

FIGS. 34A-34C also show conditions of replenishment of medical resources according to the illustrative embodiment 3-7, where FIG. 34A is a perspective view of the rack fitted with partition members, FIG. 34B is a perspective view showing how identification information is read from a medical resource, and FIG. 34C is a perspective view of the rack storing a medical resource.

FIGS. 35A-35D show the mechanical structure of a medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 4-1 of a fourth embodiment, where FIG. 35A is a front view showing a door closed, FIG. 35B is a front view showing the door opened, FIG. 35C is a perspective view of a rack and partition members, and FIG. 35D is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rack in which the partition members are fitted.

FIGS. 36A and 36B show the schematic structure of a control unit according to the illustrative embodiment 4-1, where FIG. 36A is a schematic block diagram showing the connection between the control unit and retrieval guidance members, and FIG. 36B is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 37A-37C show the data structure of the control unit according to the illustrative embodiment 4-1, where FIG. 37A relates to a medical resource information table, FIG. 37B relates to medical resource availability data, and FIG. 37C relates to partition availability data.

FIGS. 38A-38B illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 4-1, where FIG. 38A shows an empty condition, and FIG. 38B shows a condition in which a small medical resource is stored.

FIGS. 39A-39D illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 4-1, where FIG. 39A shows a condition in which one partition member is removed from the rack while the partition is empty, FIG. 39B shows a condition in which a medium-sized medical resource is stored, FIG. 39C shows a condition in which a large medical resource is stored where two partition members are removed, and FIG. 39D shows a condition in which detection results from medical resource detecting members do not match.

FIGS. 40A and 40B show the structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 4-2 of the fourth embodiment, where FIG. 40A is an expanded perspective view of the rack and the partition members, and FIG. 40B is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 41A-41C show three variations to the structure according to an illustrative embodiment 4-3 of the fourth embodiment, where FIGS. 41A-41C are all perspective views of the partition member and the rack.

FIGS. 42A-42C show the structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 4-4 of the fourth embodiment, where FIG. 42A is a front view showing the door opened, FIG. 42B is an expanded perspective view of the rack and the partition members, and FIG. 42C is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 43A-43C show conditions of replenishment of medical resources according to an illustrative embodiment 4-5 of the fourth embodiment, where FIGS. 43A-43C are screen shots.

FIGS. 44A-44C also show conditions of replenishment of medical resources according to the illustrative embodiment 4-5, where FIG. 44A is a perspective view of the rack fitted with partition members, FIG. 44B is a perspective view showing how identification information is read from a medical resource, and FIG. 44C is a perspective view of the rack storing a medical resource.

FIGS. 45A-45C show the mechanical structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 4-6 of the fourth embodiment, where FIG. 45A is a front view showing a door opened, FIG. 45B is a perspective view of a rack and partition members, and FIG. 45C is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rack in which the partition members are fitted.

FIGS. 46A-46D show the mechanical structure of a part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 4-6, where FIG. 46A is a front view of the horizontal-bridging case and the hanger member, FIGS. 46B and 46C are left side views of the horizontal-bridging case and the hanger member showing the cross section of the horizontal-bridging member, and FIG. 46D is a schematic functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 47A and 47B show the structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 4-7 of the fourth embodiment, where FIG. 47A is a left side view showing a partial cross section of the rack, a medical resource name plate and a connecting member, and FIG. 47B is a perspective view showing an essential part of the rack, the medical resource name plate and the connecting member.

FIG. 48 shows perspective views of some of the medical resources suitable for storage.

FIGS. 49A-49E show a mechanical structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 5-1 of a fifth embodiment, where FIG. 49A is a front view showing a door closed, FIG. 49B is a front view showing the door opened, FIG. 49C is a perspective view showing the appearance of a rack, FIG. 49D is an expanded perspective view of a storage case, and FIG. 49E is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rack on which the storage case and a medical resource are placed.

FIGS. 50A and 50B show the schematic structure of a control unit according to the illustrative embodiment 5-1, where FIG. 50A is a schematic block diagram showing the connection between the control unit and retrieval guidance members, and FIG. 50B is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 51A-51C show the data structure of the control unit according to the illustrative embodiment 5-1, where FIG. 51A relates to a medical resource information table, FIG. 51B relates to medical resource availability data, and FIG. 51C relates to partition availability data.

FIGS. 52A-52B illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 5-1, where FIG. 52A shows small empty storage cases are arranged on the rack, and FIG. 52B shows a condition in which a medical resource is stored in one of them.

FIGS. 53A-53D also illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 5-1, where FIG. 53A shows a condition in which an empty medium-sized storage case is included, FIG. 53B shows a condition in which a medical resource is stored in the medium-sized case, FIG. 53C shows a condition in which a large-sized storage case is included and a medical resource is stored therein, and FIG. 53D shows a condition in which detection results from medical resource detecting members do not match.

FIGS. 54A-54B show the mechanical structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 5-2 of the fifth embodiment, where FIG. 54A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rack in which the empty storage cases are arranged, and FIG. 54B is an expanded front view showing an essential part.

FIGS. 55A-55B show the mechanical structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 5-3 of the fifth embodiment, where FIG. 55A is an expanded perspective of the storage case, and FIG. 55B is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rack on which the storage case or the medical resource is placed.

FIGS. 56A-56C show the structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 5-4 of the fifth embodiment, where FIG. 56A is an expanded perspective view of the storage case and the rack, FIG. 56B is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rack on which the storage case and the medical resource are placed, and FIG. 56C is a functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIGS. 57A-57C show conditions of replenishment of medical resources according to an illustrative embodiment 5-5 of the fifth embodiment, where FIGS. 57A-57C are screen shots.

FIGS. 58A-58C also show conditions of replenishment of medical resources according to the illustrative embodiment 5-5, where FIG. 58A is a perspective view of the rack on which the empty storage cases are arranged, FIG. 58B is a perspective view showing how identification information is read from the medical resource, and FIG. 58C is a perspective view of the rack storing the medical resource.

FIGS. 59A and 59B show the structure of an essential part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 5-6 of the fifth embodiment, where FIG. 59A is a left side view showing a partial cross section of the rack, a medical resource name plate and a connecting member, and FIG. 59B is a perspective view showing an essential part of the rack, the medical resource name plate and the connecting member.

FIG. 60 shows perspective views of some of the medical resources suitable for storage.

FIGS. 61A-61C show the mechanical structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment 5-7 of the fifth embodiment, where FIG. 61A is a front view showing the door opened, FIG. 61B is an expanded perspective view of the rack and the partition members, and FIG. 61C is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rack to which the partition members are fitted.

FIGS. 62A and 62B show the mechanical structure of a part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 5-7, where FIG. 62A is an expanded perspective view of the rack and the partition members, and FIG. 62B is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rack to which the partition members are fitted.

FIG. 63 shows the mechanical structure of another part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 6-3 and is an expanded perspective view of the rack and the partition members.

FIGS. 64A-64D show the structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 5-7, where FIG. 64A is a front view of a horizontal-bridging case and hanger members, FIGS. 64B and 64C are left side views of the horizontal-bridging member and the hanging member showing the longitudinal cross section of the horizontal-bridging member, and FIG. 64D is a schematic functional block diagram of the control unit.

FIG. 65 shows the structure of a medical management system according to an illustrative embodiment 6-1 of a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 66 is a block diagram of equipment in a storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 67 shows information stored in a storage device in the storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 68 shows medical supply information stored in a medical supply master file according to the illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 69 shows correspondence information table stored in a correspondence information file according to the illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 70 shows management information according to the illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 71 is a front view showing a door of a medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1 closed.

FIG. 72 is a front view showing the door of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1 opened.

FIG. 73 is a perspective view showing an essential part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 74 is an exploded perspective view showing an essential part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 75 is a front view showing the door of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1 opened.

FIG. 76 is a perspective view showing an essential part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 77 is an exploded perspective view showing an essential part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 78 is a front view showing the door of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1 opened.

FIG. 79 is a front view showing an essential part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 80 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1 showing that a medical resource is not stored.

FIG. 81 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1 showing that a medical resource is stored.

FIG. 82 is a perspective view showing the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 83 is a perspective view showing an essential part of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 84 is a perspective view of a stock control apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 85 is a functional block diagram of the stock control apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 86 shows information stored in a storage unit of the stock control apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 87 shows information in a type-by-type medical supply stock file according to the illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 88 shows information on expiration dates of medical supplies according to the illustrative embodiment 6-1.

FIG. 89 shows the structure of the medical management system according to an illustrative embodiment 6-2 of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 90 shows information stored in the storage unit of the stock control apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 6-2.

FIG. 91 shows information in a type-by-type medical supply stock file according to the illustrative embodiment 6-2.

FIG. 92 shows type-by-type medical supply order file according to the illustrative embodiment 6-2.

FIG. 93 shows the structure of the medical management system according to an illustrative embodiment 6-3 of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 94 shows information stored in the storage unit of the stock control apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 6-3.

FIG. 95 is a flowchart showing a process for reconfiguration of a target stock amount according to an illustrative embodiment 6-4 of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 96 shows how the target stock amount is reconfigured according to the process of FIG. 95.

FIG. 97 is a flowchart for the process of reconfiguring according to a variation of the illustrative embodiment 6-4 of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 98 shows how the target stock amount is reconfigured according to the process of FIG. 97.

10 medical resource, 20 medical resource storage and management apparatus, 21 electric equipment, 22 housing, 23 handle, 24 door, 30 control unit, 31 rack controller, 32 display, 33 keyboard, 34 mouse, 35 barcode reader, 36 printer, 37 LAN (local area network), 38 hard disk, 41 retrieval guidance routine, 42 medical resource detection routine, 43 medical resource information configuration routine, 44 manual partition condition configuration routine, 45 automatic partition condition configuration routine, 46 medical resource availability data, 47 medical resource information table, 48 partition availability data, 49 log data, 70 rack, 71 depression (for insertion of partition), 72 retrieval guidance member, 73 medical resource detecting member, 74 partition detecting member, 74a light-emitting device, 75 partition member, 76 fitting, 110 medical resource, 120 medical resource storage and management apparatus, 121 electric equipment, 122 housing, 123 handle, 124 door, 130 control unit, 131 rack controller, 132 display, 133 keyboard, 134 mouse, 135 barcode reader, 136 printer, 137 LAN (Local Area Network), 138 hard disk, 141 retrieval guidance member, 142 medical resource detection routine, 143 medical resource information configuration routine, 144 manual partition condition configuration routine, 145 automatic partition condition configuration routine, 146 medical resource availability data, 147 medical resource information table, 148 partition availability data, 149 log data, 160 rack, 161 depression (for insertion of partition), 162 retrieval guidance member, 163 medical resource detecting member, 164 partition detecting member, 164a light-emitting device, 165 partition member, 166 fitting, 167 medical resource name plate, 168 connecting member, 169 pivot shaft, 170 rack, 171 depression (for insertion of partition), 172 retrieval guidance member, 173 medical resource detecting member, 174 partition detecting member, 175 partition member, 176 fitting, 210 medical resource, 220 medical resource storage and management apparatus, 225 drawer unit, 226 space with an open front, 227 shutter, 230 control unit, 231 low-level controller, 232 display, 233 keyboard, 234 mouse, 235 barcode reader, 236 printer, 237 LAN (Local Area Network), 238 hard disk, 241 retrieval guidance routine, 242 medical resource detection routine, 243 medical resource information configuration routine, 244 manual hanger condition configuration routine, 245 automatic hanger condition configuration routine, 246 medical resource availability data, 247 medical resource information table, 248 partition availability data, 249 log data, 250 horizontal-bridging case (horizontal-bridging member), 250a oblong hole (hanger member fitting part), 251 horizontal-bridging bar (horizontal-bridging member), 252 retrieval guidance member, 253 medical resource detecting member, 254 hanger detecting member, 254a light-emitting device, 256 hanger member, 255a pivot center, 256 engaging part, 257 weight part, 258 detected part, 260 rack, 261 depression (for insertion of partition), 262 retrieval guidance member, 263 medical resource detecting member, 264 partition detecting member, 264a light-emitting device, 265 partition member, 266 fitting, 267 medical resource name plate, 268 connecting member, 269 pivot shaft, 270 rack, 271 depression (for insertion of partition), 272 retrieval guidance member, 273 medical resource detecting member, 274 partition detecting member, 275 partition member, 276 fitting, 310 medical resource, 320 medical resource storage and management apparatus, 321 electric equipment, 322 housing, 323 handle, 324 door, 330 control unit, 331 rack controller, 332 display, 333 keyboard, 334 mouse, 335 barcode reader, 336 printer, 337 LAN (Local Area Network), 338 hard disk, 341 retrieval guidance routine, 342 medical resource detection routine, 343 medical resource information configuration routine, 344 manual partition condition configuration routine, 345 automatic partition condition configuration routine, 346 medical resource availability data, 347 medical resource information table, 348 partition availability data, 349 log data, 350 horizontal-bridging case (horizontal-bridging member), 350a oblong hole (hanger member fitting part), 351 horizontal-bridging bar (horizontal-bridging member), 352 retrieval guidance member, 353 medical resource detecting member, 354 hanger detecting member, 354a light-emitting device, 355 hanger member, 355a pivot center, 356 engaging part, 357 weight part, 358 detected part, 360 rack, 361 depression (for insertion of partition), 362 retrieval guidance member, 363 medical resource detecting member, 364 partition detecting member, 364a light-emitting device, 365 partition member, 366 fitting, 367 medical resource name plate, 368 connecting member, 369 pivot shaft, 370 rack, 371 depression (for insertion of partition), 372 retrieval guidance member, 373 medical resource detecting member, 374 partition detecting member, 375 partition member, 376 fitting, 380 rack, 381 depression (for insertion of partition), 382 retrieval guidance member, 383 medical resource detecting member, 384 partition detecting member, 384a light-emitting device, 385 partition member, 386 fitting, 387 medical resource name plate, 388 connecting member, 389 name plate support member, 410 medical resource, 420 medical resource storage and management apparatus, 421 electric equipment, 422 housing, 423 handle, 424 door, 430 control unit, 431 rack controller, 432 display, 433 keyboard, 434 mouse, 435 barcode reader, 436 printer, 437 LAN (Local Area Network), 438 hard disk, 441 retrieval guidance routine, 442 medical resource detection routine, 443 medical resource information configuration routine, 444 manual partition condition configuration routine, 445 automatic partition condition configuration routine, 446 medical resource availability data, 447 medical resource information table, 448 partition availability data, 449 log data, 450 horizontal-bridging case (horizontal-bridging member), 450a oblong hole (hanger member fitting part), 451 horizontal-bridging bar (horizontal-bridging member), 452 retrieval guidance member, 453 medical resource detecting member, 454 hanger detecting member, 455 hanger member, 456 engaging part, 457 weight part, 458 detected part, 460 rack, 461 depression (for insertion of partition), 462 retrieval guidance member, 463 medical resource detecting member, 464 partition detecting member, 465 partition member, 466 fitting, 467 medical resource name plate, 468 connecting member, 469 pivot shaft, 470 rack, 471 depression (for insertion of partition), 472 retrieval guidance member, 473 medical resource detecting member, 474 partition detecting member, 475 partition member, 476 fitting, 480 rack, 481 depression (for insertion of partition), 482 retrieval guidance member, 483 medical resource detecting member, 484 partition detecting member, 485 partition member, 486 fitting, 487 medical resource name plate, 488 connecting member, 489 name plate support member, 490 rack, 491 depression (for insertion of partition), 491a storage location indicator (partition configuration member), 492 retrieval guidance member, 493 medical resource detecting member, 493a case detecting member, 494 partition detecting member, 495 storage case, 495a engaging part, 496 biasing member, 497 medical resource name plate, 497a storage location indicator, 498 connecting member, 499 engaging part (pivot shaft), MS1, MS2, MS3 medical supply management system, 1001, 1001A-1001C medical institution, 1005, 1005A-1005D, 1006 storage and management apparatus, 1007 stock control apparatus, 1008 incoming management apparatus, 1009 Local Area Network (LAN), 1010, 1010A-1010D medical supply storage part, 1011, 1011A-1011C medical supply detection sensor, 1011D antenna, 1012, 1012A-1012D computer, 1013, 1013A-1013D indicator lamp, 1100A-1100C medical supply supplier, 1101 medical supply supplier terminal, 1105 Internet, 1110 target stock amount setting means, 1111 order determining means, 1112, 1120 medical institution terminal, 1113 ordering means, 1130 management server, 1131 data processor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A description of the best mode of carrying out the present invention will be given by highlighting first through sixth embodiments.

A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical resource storage and management apparatus which arranges and stores medical resources and also performs management of storage status, and, more particularly, to a medical resource storage and management apparatus which automatically manages availability of medical resources at each location of storage and also guides a user for retrieval.

A summary of the first embodiment will be given.

A first medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the first embodiment comprises: a rack in which a series of depressions for insertion of partition members are formed so that a large number of medical resources are retrievably placed in respective partitions; partition members which are removably inserted into the depressions; medical resource detecting members which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged, and each of which detects whether or not a medical resource is placed; retrieval guidance members for visual guidance which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged; and a control unit which manages the storage status of the medical resources, based on the detection by the medical resource detecting members and which operates one of the retrieval guidance members in response to an input designating retrieval, wherein the control unit allows providing an input for configuration to designate whether or not the partition member is inserted into the depression, and the control unit collectively processes a block of medical resource detecting members and retrieval guidance members identified as being located on both sides of the depression from which the partition member is removed, based on the input for configuration.

A second medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the first embodiment comprises: a rack in which a series of depressions for insertion of partition members are formed so that a large number of medical resources are retrievably placed in respective partitions; partition members which are removably inserted into the depressions; medical resource detecting members which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged, and each of which detects whether or not a medical resource is placed; retrieval guidance members for visual guidance which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged; a control unit which manages the storage status of the medical resources, based on the detection by the medical resource detecting members and which operates one of the retrieval guidance members in response to an input designating retrieval; and partition detecting members each of which detects whether the partition member is inserted into the depression, wherein the control unit collectively process a block of medical resource detecting members and retrieval guidance members identified as being located on both sides of the depression from which the partition member is removed, based on the detection by the partition detecting member.

A third medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the first embodiment is a modification to the first medical resource storage and management apparatus or the second medical resource storage and management apparatus, wherein the control unit issues an alarm if the results of detection by the medical resource detecting members in a block to be processed collectively continue to fail to match beyond a predetermined period of time.

In the first medical resource storage and management apparatus, the medical resources are arranged on the rack such that the locations of storage are partitioned by the partition members. Therefore, it is easy to retrievably align and store medical resources without accommodating them in cassettes and to prevent disarrangement of the medical resources stored and resultant disorganization.

Since the medical resource detecting member and the retrieval guidance member are placed in respective partitions on the rack, it is possible to detect whether each medical resource is stored for automatic management and to properly guide a user to the location of storage of the medical resource to be retrieved.

Since the partition member can be removed from the rack and the location of insertion is formed as a depression, a relatively large medical resource can be placed where the partition member is removed.

In this case, whether or not the partition member is inserted is designated by providing an input for configuration in the control unit. In this way, the control unit can collectively process medical resource detecting members and retrieval guidance members. Therefore, a user will not be at a loss or face any inconvenience in handling and management even if there are multiple medical resource detecting members or retrieval guidance members where a single, large medical resource resides.

Thus, even with a simple apparatus in which racks are partitioned and medical resources are arranged, a large variety of large and small medical resources can be easily stored for automatic management by means of attachment and detachment of partition members and by an input of associated information for configuration.

Thus, the first medical resource storage and management apparatus provides capability for easily and properly storing and retrieving medical resources, and automatically and accurately keeping track of storage status.

According to the second medical resource storage and management apparatus, convenience is enhanced by additionally ensuring that whether or not the partition member is inserted is automatically detected and reflected in the control.

Thus, the second medical resource storage and management apparatus provides capability for easily and properly storing and retrieving medical resources, and accurately and automatically keeping track of partition status as well as storage status.

According to the third medical resource storage and management apparatus, reliability is enhanced while avoiding an increase in hardware cost, by exploiting the redundancy of results of detection by multiple medical resource detecting members in a single block and detecting an error accordingly.

Specific embodiments of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described using illustrative embodiments 1-1 through 1-4.

The illustrative embodiment 1-1 shown in FIGS. 1A-5D is an embodiment of the first medical resource storage and management apparatus and the third medical resource storage and management apparatus mentioned above. The illustrative embodiment 1-2 shown in FIGS. 6A-6B is an embodiment of the second medical resource storage and management apparatus mentioned above. The illustrative embodiment 1-3 shown in FIGS. 7A-7C and the illustrative embodiment 1-4 shown in FIGS. 8-9 are variations.

In the illustration, fasteners such as bolts, connectors such as hinges, electronic circuits such as drivers are omitted for brevity, highlighting those elements necessary to explain the embodiment and related elements.

A specific structure of the illustrative embodiment 1-1 of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the associated drawings. FIGS. 1A-1D show the mechanical structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus. FIG. 1A is a front view showing a door closed; FIG. 1B is a front view showing the door opened; FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a rack and partition members; and FIG. 1D is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rack in which the partition members are fitted. FIGS. 2A and 2B show the schematic structure of a control unit. FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram showing the connection between the control unit and retrieval guidance members; and FIG. 2B is a functional block diagram of the control unit. FIGS. 3A-3C show the data structure of the control unit. FIG. 3A relates to a medical resource information table; FIG. 3B relates to medical resource availability data; and FIG. 3C relates to partition availability data.

A medical resource storage and management apparatus 20 is provided with a housing 22 a large portion of which is for storage and a part of which comprises electric equipment 21. The electric equipment 21 stores a control unit 30 and a power supply unit etc. (not shown). The front of the storage part of the housing 22 is provided with an openable door 24 with a handle 23. The door 24 may be implemented by a shutter or the like, or may be omitted. Inside the storage part exposed when the door 24 is opened is provided a rack 70. Although there may be only one rack 70, an orthodox apparatus would comprise multiple tiers. The pitch between the racks 70 may be selectable. The rack 70 is implemented by a horizontally extending plate with a flat top face. Partition members 75 formed as thin plates are fitted to the top face thereof at regular or irregular pitches in a longitudinal direction (in the figure, sideways) in order to place a large number of medical resources in respective partitions retrievably.

Two rows of depressions 71 to fit partition members are formed on the top face of the rack 70 (see FIGS. 1C and 1D) at regular or irregular pitches in a longitudinal direction (in the figures, sideways). Two fittings 76 are formed to protrude from the bottom of each of the partition members 75. In this example, the fitting 76 is a small round bar and the depression 71 is a through hole. By inserting the fitting 76 into the depression 71, the partition member 75 is removably fitted to the depression 71 in the rack 70. The front of the rack 70 exposed when the door 24 is opened is equipped with retrieval guidance members 72, and the top face of the rack 70 which carries medical resources 10 is equipped with medical resource detecting members 73. The retrieval guidance members 72 and the medical resource detecting members 73 are arranged in the rack 70 so as to alternate with the depressions 71 in a direction in which the depressions 71 are arranged, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the rack 70.

In order to detect whether the medical resource 10 is placed in its location partitioned by the partition member 75, each of the medical resource detecting members 73 is implemented by a mechanical switch, a reflective photosensor, a capacity sensor or the like which senses the bottom of the medical resource 10, so as to output a binary signal which turns on and off according to whether the medical resource 10 is detected.

In order to visually guide a user to the location of placement of the medical resource 10 to be retrieved, a miniature bulb, a light-emitting diode or the like that can be turned on and off is used as the retrieval guidance member 72.

The control unit 30 (see FIG. 2A) comprises a programmable controller such as a personal computer and a sequencer. A local area network (LAN) connects the control unit 30 to the retrieval guidance members 72 and the medical resource detecting members 73 via, for example, a rack controller 31. Alternatively, the control unit 30, the retrieval guidance members 72 and the medical resource detecting members 73 are in direct star connection (not shown). The connection enables retrieving detection results of the medical resource detecting members 73 and controlling the lighting of the retrieval guidance members 72.

The control unit 30 (see FIG. 2B) is provided with a display 32 for screen display, a keyboard 33 for key entry, a mouse 34 for inputting instructions etc. on a screen, a bar code reader 35 for reading identification information, a printer 36 for delivering printouts, an interface for a local area network (LAN) 37 which is responsible for communication with a prescription order-entry system etc., and a hard disk 38 as a secondary storage.

A retrieval guidance routine 41, a medical resource detection routine 42, a medical resource information configuration routine 43, and a manual partition condition configuration routine 44 are installed in the control unit 30, as programs for managing the storage status of the medical resources, based on the detection by the medical resource detecting members 73, and for operating selected retrieval guidance members 72 in response to an input designating retrieval. The hard disk 38 stores medical resource availability data 46, a medical resource information table 47, partition availability data 48, and log data 49, which are divided into individual files or are unified in an appropriate database. The figures show (see FIGS. 3A-3B) the data 46, the table 47 and the data 48 maintained in a table format. Each table comprises a 5×21 matrix, in association with the fact that the racks 70 form five tiers and the maximum number of partitions in each rack 70 (i.e., the maximum number of the partition members 75, the retrieval guidance members 72 and the medical resource detecting members 73) is twenty one.

Each field in the medical resource information table 47 (see FIG. 3A) contains an identification code and a name displayed on a screen for the medical resource 10 which is stored or can be stored in an associated location. “1” or “0” is written in the medical resource availability data 46 (see FIG. 3B), “1”, indicating that the medical resource 10 is stored in the associated location, and “0”, indicating that no medical resources 10 are stored. “1” or “0” is written in the partition availability data 48 (see FIG. 3C), “1”, indicating that the partition member 75 is inserted, and “0”, indicating that the partition member 75 is removed from the associated location. The medical resource information table 47 should be configured at least once before operating the apparatus for the first time since its installation. Therefore, the table is usually initialized upon starting the apparatus and updated when the operation is stopped. The partition availability data 48 is also initialized so that the insertion condition of the partition member 75 is reflected before the initial operation. Configuration inputs for update are also provided when the partition member 75 is attached or detached. The medical resource availability data 46 is all cleared by initialization before the initial operation, and is subsequently updated with each storage or retrieval of the medical resource 10.

The medical resource information configuration routine 43 is started by the keyboard 33 or mouse 34 operation. When dumping from a medicine master file located on a host computer via the LAN 37 is dictated in an environment where such an action is possible, the medical resource information configuration routine 43 dumps the data. The routine 43 also allows the user to set the code or name of the medical resource 10 in the medical resource information table 47 by selecting an item using the mouse 34 or entering data using the keyboard 33, while viewing screen display on the display 32.

The manual partition condition configuration routine 44 is also started by the keyboard 33 or mouse 34 operation. The routine 44 allows the user to provide an input for configuration to designate in the partition availability data 48 whether the partition member 75 is inserted into the depression 71 in the rack 70, by selecting an item or toggling using the mouse 34 or the keyboard 33, while viewing screen display on the display 32.

The medical resource detection routine 42 is started periodically and automatically by a timer, etc. or irregularly and automatically started by an interruption initiated in the event of a change in a detection signal from the medical resource detecting member 73. The medical resource detection routine 42 manages the storage status of the medical resources 10 based on the detection by the medical resource detecting members 73. More specifically, each time the medical resource detection routine 42 is started, it imports the detection results from all medical resource detecting members 73 or those results changed since its last import, and writes “1” or “0” in the medical resource availability data 46 in association with the on-off condition. When the detection result from the medical resource detecting member 73 undergoes an on/off change and the storage or retrieval of the medical resource 10 is detected accordingly, the medical resource detection routine 42 appends information indicating the detection to the log data 49 with a time stamp, causes the printer 36 to deliver a printout which carries the name listed in the associated field in the medical resource information table 47, and submits a report to a host medical management computer via the LAN 37.

The retrieval guidance routine 41 is started when the code of the medical resource 10 or a prescription ID number is entered by allowing the barcode reader 35 to scan the code or the ID, or by using the keyboard 33 or the mouse 34, in order to operate one of the retrieval guidance members 72 in response to an input designating retrieval. The retrieval guidance routine 41 searches the medical resource information table 47 to determine the location of storage of the medical resource 10 designated to be retrieved via the reading or via the mouse or keyboard operation, and lights the medical resource detecting member 73 at the associated location. The medical resource detection routine 42 is responsible for turning the medical resource detecting member 73 off when the retrieval of the medical resource 10 at the associated location is detected.

The retrieval guidance routine 41 and the medical resource detection routine 42 learn whether or not the partition member 75 is inserted, and collectively process the medical resource detecting members 73 and the retrieval guidance members 72 identified as being located on both sides of the depression 71 from which the partition member 75 is removed. If the results of detection by the medical resource detecting members 73 in the block to be processed collectively continue to fail to match beyond a predetermined period of time, an alarm is issued.

More specifically, the retrieval guidance routine 41 refers to the medical resource availability data 46 to check whether the partition member 75 is inserted to the left or right of a location of storage, before lighting the medical resource detecting member 73. If “0” is entered to the left or right, indicating that the partition member 75 there is removed, the associated, adjacent retrieval guidance member 72 is also lighted. In association with this, the medical resource detection routine 42 performs a similar check by referring to the medical resource availability data 46 in turning off the retrieval guidance member 72, and turns off the retrieval guidance members 72 in the block at a time.

The medical resource detection routine 42 also performs, upon detecting the storage or retrieval of the medical resource 10, a similar check by referring to the medical resource availability data 46 before changing the value of the medical resource availability data 46. If a series of adjacent partitions are to be processed collectively as a single block, the medical resource detection routine 42 examines whether the values from the medical resource detecting members 73 in the single block match. If the values match, the routine 42 terminates the process normally; if the values do not match, the routine 42 continues the monitoring. If the values from the medical resource detecting members 73 in a block continue to fail to match beyond a maximum period of time required for storage or retrieval of the medical resource 10 while the monitoring is proceeding, the medical resource detection routine 42 displays an alarm on the display 32 or sounds an alarm buzzer (not shown).

In order to help the routines 41 and 42 to collectively process a block where the partition member 75 is removed, the manual partition condition configuration routine 44 configures, in designating in the partition availability data 48 that the partition member 75 is removed, the associated fields in the medical resource information table 47 such that field values (i.e., codes and names maintained) corresponding to the locations of storage identified as being located on both sides of the depression 71 from which the partition member 75 is removed, match. The manual partition condition configuration routine 44 returns the field values to their original values in designating in the partition availability data 48 that the partition member 75 is inserted.

In addition, the control unit 30 acquires operator identification information by requesting an operator to input operator identification information each time an operation is carried out. Alternatively, the control unit 30 acquires operator identification information input by an operator in advance of an operation. The control unit 30 also stores, in the log data 49, related information then collected by automatic detection etc. together with a time stamp. The data stored is also output via the LAN 37. The process is performed in the manual partition condition configuration routine 44 as well as in the retrieval guidance routine 41.

The mode of using the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the illustrative embodiment 1-1 and its operation will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus. FIG. 4A shows an empty condition; and FIG. 4B shows a condition in which a small medical resource is stored.

FIGS. 5A-5D also illustrate the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus. FIG. 5A shows a condition in which one partition member is removed from the rack while the partition is empty; FIG. 5B shows a condition in which a medium-sized medical resource is stored; FIG. 5C shows a condition in which a large medical resource is stored where two partition members are removed; and FIG. 5D shows a condition in which detection results from medical resource detecting members do not match.

Prior to the operation of the medical resource storage and management apparatus 20, a desired number of racks 70 are set in the storage part of the housing 22, and the partition members 75 are inserted into the depressions 71 in each rack 70. The medical resource information configuration routine 43 in the control unit 30 is started by an operation using the keyboard 33 or the mouse 34 so as to set the identification code and the displayed name of the medical resources 10 in the respective fields in the medical resource information table 47. The manual partition condition configuration routine 44 in the control unit 30 is started by an operation using the keyboard 33 or the mouse 34 so as to designate whether the partition members 75 are inserted into the depressions 71 in the rack 70, in the respective fields in the partition availability data 48. The medical resource availability data 46 and the log data 49 are cleared by a suitable initialization routine (not shown).

This completes preparation for operation. The operating conditions of the medical resource storage and management apparatus 20 will be described specifically. The operation for storage (replenishment or return) and associated updating of data, and the operation for retrieval and associated updating of data will now be described in the cases where: the partition members 75 are inserted into all of the depressions 71 (FIGS. 4A and 4B); a partition member 75 is removed from one of the depressions 71 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B); and two partition members 75 are removed from two adjacent depressions 71 (FIGS. 5C and 5D).

When the partition members 75 are inserted into all of the depressions 71 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) and when the medical resources 10 are not stored yet (see the top row of FIG. 4A), the fields in the medical resource information table 47 contain individual values (see A-E in the second row from top in FIG. 4A, where A-E denote different codes and names). The fields in the medical resource availability data 46 all contain “0”, indicating the absence of medical resources (see the third row from top in FIG. 4A), and the fields in the partition availability data 48 all contain “1”, indicating that the presence of the partition members (see the fourth row from top in FIG. 4A).

When a medical resource 10 is stored on the rack 70 (see the top row of FIG. 4B), the medical resource information table 47 and the partition availability data 48 remain unchanged (see the second and fourth rows from top in FIG. 4B). Meanwhile, the associated field in the medical resource availability data 46 is updated by the medical resource detection routine 42 to “1”, indicating the presence of a medical resource (see the third row from top in FIG. 4B). The medical resource detection routine 42 retrieves the code and name of the medical resource 10 (in the illustrated embodiment, “C”) from the medical resource information table 47. The medical resource detection routine 42 further requests the input of operator identification information. These items of information are appended to the log data 49, printed by the printer 36 and reported to the host medical management computer via the LAN 37.

For retrieval of the medical resource 10 thus stored from the medical resource storage and management apparatus 20, a retrieval instruction including the code “C” and the operator identification information are input to the control unit 30 by an operation using the barcode reader 35 or the like. This prompts the retrieval guidance routine 41 in the control unit 30 to search the medical resource information table 47 and check the associated field in the medical resource availability data 46. In this case, the value “1” is found in the field, showing that the medical resource is available, whereupon the retrieval guidance member 72 at the associated location is lighted (see the bottom row of FIG. 4B). The operator viewing this can take out the target medical resource 10 without fail.

When the medical resource 10 is taken out, the medical resource detection routine 42 updates the value entered in the associated field in the medical resource availability data 46 to “0”, indicating the absence of medical resources. The information is combined with the code and name (in the illustrated embodiment, “C”) supplied from the retrieval guidance routine 41, and with operator identification information. The combined information is appended to the log date 49, printed by the printer 36 and reported to the host medical management computer via the LAN 37. When the retrieval guidance member 72 of the associated location is turned off, the operating condition returns to a pre-storage state (see FIG. 4A).

When a partition member is removed from one of the depressions 71 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), the manual partition condition configuration routine 44 is started by an operation using the keyboard 33 or the mouse 34, before storing a medical resource 10 therein (see the top row of FIG. 5A). An instruction for update is entered so as to change the value in the associated field in the partition availability data 48 to “0”, indicating the absence of the partition member (see the fourth row from top in FIG. 5A). This prompts the manual partition condition configuration routine 44 to automatically update the medical resource information table 47 so that the values in the fields, corresponding to the locations of storage identified as being located on both sides of the recess 71 from which the partition member 75 is removed, match (see “BB” in the second row from top in FIG. 5A). All the fields in the medical resource availability data 46 contain “0” (see the third row from top in FIG. 5A).

When a medical resource 10 twice as wide is stored in a part on the rack from which the partition member 75 is removed (see the top row of FIG. 5B), the medical resource information table 47 and the partition availability data 48 remain unchanged (see the second and fourth rows from top in FIG. 5B). Meanwhile, the values in the two associated fields in the medical resource availability data 46 are changed by the medical resource detection routine 42 to “1”, indicating the presence of the medical resource (see the third row from top in FIG. 5B). The medical resource detection routine 42 retrieves the code and name of the medical resource 10 (in the illustrated embodiment, “B”) from the medical resource information table 47. The medical resource detection routine 42 further requests the input of operator identification information. These items of information are appended to the log data 49, printed by the printer 36 and reported to the host medical management computer via the LAN 37.

For retrieval of the medical resource 10 thus stored from the medical resource storage and management apparatus 20, a retrieval instruction including the code “B” and the operator identification information are input to the control unit 30 by an operation using the barcode reader 35 or the like. This prompts the retrieval guidance routine 41 in the control unit 30 to search the medical resource information table 47 and select the two adjacent fields (see “BB” in the second row from top in FIG. 5B), and then to check the two associated fields in the medical resource availability data 46. In this case, the two fields contain “1”, indicating that the medical resource is available, whereupon the two adjacent retrieval guidance members 72 at the associated locations are lighted at a time (see the bottom row of FIG. 5B). The operator viewing this will not find any difficulty in taking out the target medical resource 10.

When the wide medical resource 10 is taken out, the medical resource detection routine 42 updates the values entered in the two associated fields in the medical resource availability data 46 to “0”, indicating the absence of medical resources. The information is combined with the code and name (in the illustrated embodiment, “B”) supplied from the retrieval guidance routine 41, and with operator identification information. The combined information is appended to the log date 49, printed by the printer 36 and reported to the host medical management computer via the LAN 37. When the retrieval guidance members 72 at the associated locations are turned off at a time, the operating condition returns to a pre-storage state (see FIG. 5A).

In the case where the two partition members 75 are removed from the adjacent two depressions 71 (see FIG. 5C), the operation will easily be surmised from the above explanation so that a detailed explanation will not be repeated. It will be noted that a medical resource 10 three times as wide can be stored (see the top row of FIG. 5C). When the manual partition condition configuration routine 44 is started so as to update the values in the two associated fields in the partition availability data 48 to “0”, indicating the absence of a partition member (see the fourth row from top in FIG. 5C), the values in the three associated fields in the medical resource information table 47 are made to match (see “BBB” in the second row from top in FIG. 5C).

When a medical resource 10 three times as wide is stored (see the top row of FIG. 5C), each of the three associated fields in the medical resource availability data 46 is updated to contain “1” (see the third row from top in FIG. 5C), and relevant information is appended to the log data 49.

When a retrieval instruction including the code “B” is input to the control unit 30, the three associated fields in the medical resource information table 47 (see “BBB” in the second row from top in FIG. 5C) are selected, and then the three associated fields in the medical resource availability data 46 are checked. In this case, the three fields contain “1”, showing a match. Thereupon, the three adjacent retrieval guidance members 72 at the associated locations are lighted at a time (see the bottom row of FIG. 5C). The operator viewing this will not find difficulty in taking out the target medical resource 10.

When a medical resource 10 smaller than the location of storage three times as wide (e.g., a medical resource 10 twice as large) is stored (see FIG. 5D), two of the three associated fields in the medical resource availability data 46 are changed to “1”, while one field continues to store “0” (see the third row from top in FIG. 5D). This results in incompatibility between the medical resource availability data 46 and the partition availability data 48 as checked by the medical resource detection routine 42, in respect of the three fields to be collectively processed. If the condition of incompatibility (failure to match) continues beyond a maximum period of time required for storage or retrieval of the medical resource 10, the medical resource detection routine 42 issues an alarm.

When the medical resource 10 twice as wide is taken out, the three retrieval guidance members 72 at the associated locations are lighted by the retrieval guidance routine 41 (see the bottom row of FIG. 5D). This makes it obvious that the medical resource 10 is inordinately smaller than the width of the location of storage and that an improper medical resource 10 was stored. Therefore, incorrect storage or misuse can be prevented.

When the medical resource detecting member 73 goes out of order, incompatibility as described above continues to occur, and the alarm continues to be issued. In this case, however, the breadth of the medical resource 10 is larger than the range of retrieval guidance members 72 being lighted so that abnormality of the device is known.

A specific structure of the illustrative embodiment 1-2 of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the associated drawings. FIGS. 6A and 6B show the structure of the medical resource storage and management apparatus 20. FIG. 6A is an expanded perspective view of the rack 70 and the partition members 75; and FIG. 6B is a functional block diagram of the control unit 30.

The medical resource storage and management apparatus 20 according to this embodiment differs from that of the illustrative embodiment 1-1 in that partition detecting members 74 are added and the manual partition condition configuration routine 44 is replaced by an automatic partition condition configuration routine 45.

The partition detecting member 74 (see FIG. 6A) is implemented by a mechanical switch, a reflective photosensor, a capacity sensor or the like. The partition detecting member 74 is embedded in the top face of the rack 70 to face upward so as to sense the lower end face of the partition member 75 inserted into the depression 71 on the top face of the rack 70, and is placed at respective locations of insertion of the partition members 75 in the rack 70. In this example, the partition detecting member 74 is provided between a pair of depressions 71 arranged in a width direction in order to detect whether the partition member 75 is inserted in its location. The partition member 74 outputs a binary signal which turns on and off according to whether the partition member 75 is available.

The automatic partition condition configuration routine 45 (see FIG. 6B) is started periodically and automatically by a timer, etc. or irregularly and automatically started by an interruption initiated in the event of a change in a detection signal from the partition detecting member 74. The automatic partition condition configuration routine 45 updates the partition availability data 48 based on the detection by the partition detecting member 74. More specifically, each time the automatic partition condition configuration routine 45 is started, it imports the detection results from all partition detecting members 74 or those results changed since its last import, and writes “1” or “0” in the partition availability data 48 in association with the on-off condition. The other functions (e.g., automatic updating of the medical resource information table 47) are the same as those of the manual partition condition configuration routine 44. This arrangement allows the control unit 30 to collectively process a block of medical resource detecting members 73 and retrieval guidance members 72 identified as being located on both sides of the depression 71 from which the partition member 75 is removed, in accordance with the detection by the partition detecting members 74.

In this case, removal of the partition member 75 from the depression 71 in the rack 70 or insertion of the partition member 75 into the depression 71 on the rack 70 need not be designated by manual input for configuration. The removal or insertion is detected by the partition detecting member 74, and the partition availability data 48 is automatically configured by the automatic partition condition configuration routine 45. This will prevent incompatibility between the insertion condition of the partition member 75 and the partition availability data 48 from occurring due to a failure to provide an input for configuration.

The other usage modes and operations are the same as those of the illustrative embodiment 1-1 described above.

The partition member 75 and the rack 70 shown in a perspective view of FIG. 7A differ from those of the illustrative embodiments 1-1 and 1-2 in that the partition member 75 is formed by bending a round bar instead of as a plate, and that the depression 71 is a bottomed hole instead of a through hole. The partition detecting member 74 is embedded in the rack 70 so as to face a light-emitting device 74a across the depression 71. Whether or not the partition member 75 is inserted is detected depending on whether light emitted from the light-emitting device 74a is shielded by the fitting 76 at the end of the partition member 75 or received by the partition detecting member 74.

The partition member 75 and the rack 70 shown in a perspective view of FIG. 7B differ from those of the illustrative embodiments 1-1 and 1-2 in that the longitudinal cross section of the partition member 75 is of an inverted T shape, and that the depression 71 is formed as a groove. In this case, the partition member 75 is inserted into the depression 71 by slipping the fitting 76 at the lower end of the partition member 75 into the depression 71.

The partition member 75 and the rack 70 shown in a perspective view of FIG. 7C differ from those of the illustrative embodiments 1-1 and 1-2 in that the partition member 75 is formed by bending a round bar instead of as a plate, and that the depression 71 is formed as a notch or bore formed at the front and back of the rack 70 instead of on the top face thereof. In this case, the partition member 75 is inserted into the depression 71 and secured and stabilized therein by a snapping force, by extending the fittings 76 at both ends of the partition member 75 before inserting them in the depression 71.

An illustrative embodiment 1-4 of the medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the associated drawings. FIGS. 8A-8C show conditions of replenishment of medical resources. FIGS. 8A-8C are screen shots. FIGS. 9A-9C also show conditions of replenishment of medical resources. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the rack fitted with partition members; FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing how identification information is read from a medical resource; and FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the rack storing a medical resource.

This medical resource storage and management apparatus differs from the aforementioned embodiments of the apparatus in that guidance is displayed in replenishing as well as in retrieving a medical resource, and that the display 32, the keyboard 33 and the mouse 34 are implemented as a touch panel 39.

In a normal operation (see FIG. 8A), information on the medical resource 10 retrieved from the medical resource storage and management apparatus is arranged chronologically and displayed on the touch panel 39 on a real time basis. A direct finger-touch selection of any the items 39a displayed on the screen causes relevant details to be displayed for review. Guidance for replenishment is also displayed in accordance with a specific operation for selection.

More specifically, selecting a replenishment button 39b displayed on the screen while in a normal operation (see FIG. 8A) switches the display of the touch panel 39 to a replenishment mode selection screen (see FIG. 8B). By entering information on an operator who replenishes a medical resource, selection of a “registered” button 39c and/or a “new registration” button is available. By selecting the “new registration” button, the operator can register the code (code No.) identifying the medical resource 10 that can be stored in a location of storage (address) and the name for screen display (medical resource name). If the registration is complete, selection of the “registered” button 39c is enabled. The “registered” button 39c is selected when the display of guidance for replenishment is desired.

The selection switches to the screen of the touch panel 39 showing a list of registered resources (see FIG. 8C). After confirming that a location for storage is shown as being empty, the operator scrolls the screen as necessary by using a scroll button 39f so as to directly select a field 39d for a relevant medical resource 10 with the finger.

If the number of empty locations 39e designated as capable of storing the medical resource (e.g., a tube in a case) is three (i.e., three tubes can be stored), the three retrieval guidance members 72 in the empty locations are all lighted because, in this example, the retrieval guidance member 72 also serves as a replenishment destination guidance member (see FIG. 9A).

The operator proceeds to scan the barcode (identification information) assigned to the medical resource 10 about to be stored, by using the barcode reader 35 (see FIG. 9B) for checking, before storing the medical resource 10 in one of the locations on the rack 70 lighted by the guidance member. This turns off all of the guidance members (see FIG. 9C), and the log data, indicating the identity of the operator who replenished the resource, the identify of the resource replenished and the location of replenishment, is recorded with a time stamp.

Thus, guidance display is provided properly and a job record is maintained properly for replenishment. In this example, the selection of the field 39d on the screen showing a list of registered resources, and the scanning of the identification information assigned to the medical resource 10 by using the barcode reader 35 are both performed to reinforce checking. However, only one of the tasks may be performed since it serves the purpose of identifying a medical resource 10. In another alternative, the operator may be allowed to complete both tasks, but guidance display guiding the operator to the destination of replenishment may not require completion of both tasks but may be immediately provided upon completion of one of the tasks.

[Other Points of Note]

The medical resource 10 may be packaged, bundled or contained in a case or a container. Suitable for storage in the medical resource storage and management apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are those relatively stable in form that can stand on its own while in storage (for example, those contained in a container with the shape of a CD case or a rectangular box). Examples of such medical resources are tube sets for injection/infusion, small and short-length catheters and sets of articles including the same.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 30 is accommodated in the electric equipment 21. Alternatively, the control unit 30 may be placed outside the housing 22. The input and output means of the control unit 30 may not be restricted to the display 32, the keyboard 33 and the like mentioned above and may be implemented by a touch panel or a mobile information terminal.

In the first embodiment, the medical resource detection routine 42 is designed to associate the on and off states of the result of detection by the medical resource detecting member 73 with the storage and retrieval of the medical resource 10, respectively. It is easy to expand the capabilities to automatically manage the return of a medical resource 10 once taken out and not used. For example, a determination may be made that a resource is not replenished but returned, if retrieval and storage are conducted successively in a short time span, or if a resource is stored in one of the modes of operation introduced in the control unit 30 in which mode an action of retrieval is restricted. In this case, information indicating the return may suitably be appended to the log data 49 or other output data. In addition to data storage and output, provisions may also be made for management of expiration dates, stock control, preparation of drug history and inspection.

A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical resource storage and management apparatus which arranges and stores medical resources and also performs management of storage status, and, more particularly, to a medical resource storage and management apparatus which automatically manages availability of medical resources at each location of storage and also guides a user for retrieval.

A summary of the second embodiment will be given.

A first medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the second embodiment comprises: a rack in which a series of depressions for insertion of partition members are formed so that a large number of medical resources are retrievably placed in respective partitions; partition members which are removably inserted into the depressions; medical resource detecting members which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged, and each of which detects whether or not a medical resource is placed; retrieval guidance members for visual guidance which are arranged on the rack so as to alternate with the depressions in a direction in which the depressions are arranged; and a control unit which manages the storage status of the medical resources, based on the detection by the medical resource detecting members and which operates one of the retrieval guidance members in response to an input designating retrieval, wherein a medical resource name plate for visual guidance is attached to a partition member via a connecting member such that the connecting member is moved up and down depending on whether a medical resource is placed and as a result of interference between the connecting member and the medical resource, and that the medical resource name plate is located in a space where retrieval of a medical resource takes place, and is moved in association with the connecting member, and wherein the medical resource detecting member indirectly detects whether or not a medical resource is placed by detecting whether the medical resource name plate is raised or lowered.

A second medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the second embodiment is a modification to the first medical resource storage and management apparatus, wherein the medical resource name plate, when elevated in association with the placement of a medical resource in the associated location, is located above the retrieval guidance member in the associated location. The medical resource name plate, when lowered in response to the retrieval of the medical resource from the associated location, shields the retrieval guidance member in the associated location from view.

A third medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the second embodiment is a modification to the first medical resource storage and management apparatus or the second medical resource storage and management apparatus, wherein the control unit allows providing an input for configuration to designate whether the partition member is inserted into the depression, and, based on the configuration, the control unit collectively processes the medical resource detecting members and the retrieval guidance members identified as being located on both sides of the depression from which the partition member is removed.

A fourth medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the second embodiment is a modification to the first medical resource storage and management apparatus or the second medical resource storage and management apparatus and comprises a partition detecting member which detects whether the partition member is inserted into the depression, wherein, based on the detection by the partition, the control unit collectively processes the medical resource detecting members and the retrieval guidance members identified as being located on both sides of the depression from which the partition member is removed.

A fifth medical resource storage and management apparatus according to the second embodiment is a modification to the third medical resource storage and management apparatus or the fourth medical resource storage and management apparatus, wherein the control unit issues an alarm if the results of detection by the medical resource detecting members in a block to be processed collectively continue to fail to match beyond a predetermined period of time.

In the first medical resource storage and management apparatus, the medical resources are arranged on the rack such that the locations of storage are partitioned by the partition members. Therefore, it is easy to retrievably align and store medical resources without accommodating them in cassettes and to prevent disarrangement of the medical resources stored and resultant disorganization.

Since the medical resource detecting member and the retrieval guidance member are placed in respective partitions on the rack, it is possible to detect whether each medical resource is stored for automatic management and to properly guide a user to the location of storage of the medical resource to be retrieved.

Since the partition member can be removed from the rack and the location of insertion is formed as a depression, a relatively large medical resource can be placed where the partition member is removed.

Since the medical resource name plate is attached to the partition member in an easy-to-view space where retrieval of a medical resource takes place, not only the product name or the like of the medical resource to be stored can be identified at a glance but also the replacement of a medical resource name plate can be performed readily in association with a size change effected by attachment or detachment of a partition member.

As a medical resource is stored or taken out, the medical resource name plate is moved up or down in association with the connecting member. The medical resource detecting member indirectly and automatically detects whether or not the medical resource is placed by detecting whether the medical resource name plate is raised or lowered. Accordingly, availability of the medical resource is visually confirmed even if the medical resource name plate is in front of the medical resource. This makes it possible to indirectly detect a medical resource even when it is difficult to detect, for example, the bottom thereof due to the form or material of the medical resource.

Thus, even with a simple apparatus in which racks are partitioned and medical resources are arranged, a large variety of large and small medical resources can be stored in the least confusing manner. Even those resources that are not suitable for direct detection can also be detected properly for automatic management.

Thus, the first medical resource storage and management apparatus provides capability for easily and properly storing and retrieving medical resources, and automatically and accurately keeping track of storage status.

In the second medical resource storage and management apparatus, the retrieval guidance member is viewable when the medical resource is stored, and is shielded from view when the medical resource is taken out. With this, the availability of the medical resource can be visually identified not only by viewing the up and down movement of the medial resource name plate but also by seeing whether or not the retrieval guidance member is shielded from view. Moreover, the likelihood of misidentifying the operating status of the retrieval guidance member is reduced.

In the third medical resource storage and management apparatus, not only the partition members are removably attached but also whether or not the partition member is inserted is designated by providing an input for configuration in the control unit, allowing the control unit to collectively process medical resource detecting members and retrieval guidance members in a block. Therefore, a user will not be at a loss or face any inconvenience in handling and management even if there are multiple medical resource detecting members or retrieval guidance members where a single, large medical resource resides.