Computerized method and system for loading and/or unloading a tray having a light grid over a surface thereof

A method and system for loading a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, with at least one medication, the tray having a light grid over a surface thereof is provided. Further provided is a computerized method and system for delivering medication to at least one individual from a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, having a light grid over a surface thereof. If desired, the tray may further include a scanner over a surface thereof which is capable of scanning an identification code coupled with the medication being loaded and/or removed from the tray.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related by subject matter to the invention disclosed in the commonly assigned application U.S. application Ser. No. 10/997,841, entitled “Computerized Method and System for Loading and/or Unloading a Tray Using Laser Scanning Technology”, which was filed on even date herewith.

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of computer software. More particularly, the present invention relates to a computerized method and system for loading a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, with at least one medication, the tray having a light grid over a surface thereof. The present invention further relates to a computerized method and system for delivering medication to at least one individual from a tray having a light grid over a surface thereof. If desired, the tray may further include a scanner over a surface thereof which is capable of scanning an identification code coupled with the medication being loaded and/or removed from the tray.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The pharmacy process, that is, the process that takes place from the time a physician prescribes a medication for a patient to the time when that patient is administered the medication, involves a number of processing steps. For instance, in an in-patient situation, the prescription is received by the pharmacy, the pharmacy reviews the prescription and appropriately dispenses the medication, an authorized individual either retrieves the medication from the pharmacy or an authorized individual from the pharmacy delivers the medication, typically to a nursing station, and a nurse (or other authorized individual) then delivers the medication to the patient. At each step in the process, the timing, identity, and dosage of the medication being delivered must be matched with the medical records associated with the receiving patient in order to ensure the correct medication is being delivered to the appropriate patient at the appropriate time.

A number of different types of automation are currently available to aid pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other authorized medication-dispensing personnel in ensuring adequate safety in the pharmacy process. For instance, at the pharmacy level, once a valid prescription has been received from a prescribing physician, many pharmacies utilize some form of centralized dispensing device to fill the prescription. Such centralized dispensing devices are available in many different forms from robotics-driven devices which physically pick up a particular medication from a specified location on a pharmacy shelf and place it into a medication bin, a patient-specific container, or the like, to devices which provide electronic instruction to a human user regarding the location on a pharmacy shelf from which a particular medication may be retrieved. The medications, once retrieved, may be delivered directly from the pharmacist to the patient, as is typically the case when medications are being dispensed from an out-patient pharmacy, or, if the patient is in an in-patient setting, may be delivered to a nurse or nursing station for subsequent delivery to the patient for whom the medication was prescribed.

A second form of automation often utilized in the pharmacy process is a unit-based dispensing cabinet. While these cabinets also come in a variety of forms, the basic premise is that an authorized individual inputs information into the unit and medications, which have been loaded into the cabinet from the pharmacy, are dispensed accordingly. For instance, the cabinet may have stored therein a medication profile for a particular patient such that when the patient's medical record number is input, it automatically dispenses the medication that patient is scheduled to be administered taking into account the time of day, length of time since the last dispensing request was made, and the like. Dispensing may also take a variety of forms ranging from dispensing all necessary medications into a patient-specific bin for the nurse to then remove from the unit and deliver to the patient bedside, to unlocking one or more drawers in which the appropriate medications are located while any drawers containing medications that are not due to be administered to the patient remain locked. The authorized individual may then remove the medication from the unlocked drawer(s), place it in the delivery container of their choice, and deliver it to the patient bedside.

The types of automation hereinabove described can be very expensive for pharmacies and hospitals to purchase and maintain. This is particularly true with regard to unit-based cabinets which are often present at each nursing station throughout a medical facility. Therefore, a system and method which is less expensive to implement and yet still preserves appropriate safety checks in the dispensing process would be desirable. Additionally, a system and method for dispensing medication from a pharmacy and/or delivering medication to a patient which requires fewer processing steps than the prior alternatives would be advantageous.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method in a computing environment for loading a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, with at least one medication, the tray having a light grid over a surface thereof. The method may include receiving an indicator that at least one medication was loaded into a tray having at least one compartment and determining a particular compartment of the tray into which the medication was loaded. In one aspect, receiving the indicator that the at least one medication was loaded into the tray includes detecting an interruption in the light grid and determining the particular compartment into which the medication was loaded includes determining the location of the interruption and a corresponding location within the tray. If desired, the method may further include receiving an indicator that the tray was received into a tray-receiving component, e.g., a drawer, and generating the light grid over the surface of the tray such that when the light grid is interrupted, the location of the interruption and the corresponding location within the tray are capable of being determined.

In one aspect, the method further includes generating a scanner over the surface of the tray such that when the scanner is interrupted by at least one medication having an identification code coupled therewith that is capable of being scanned, an identity of the at least one medication is capable of being determined.

Additionally, the present invention provides a method in a computing environment for loading a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, with medication from a medication supply container, the medication supply container having a first light grid over the surface thereof and the tray having a second light grid over the surface thereof, the light grids being in communication with one another through a network. The method may include receiving an indicator that a medication was removed from the medication supply container, receiving an indicator that the medication was loaded into a tray having at least one compartment and determining a particular compartment of the tray into which the medication was loaded. In one aspect, receiving the indicator that the medication was removed from the medication supply container includes detecting an interruption in the first light grid, receiving the indicator that the medication was loaded into the tray includes detecting an interruption in the second light grid, and determining the particular compartment of the tray into which the medication was loaded includes determining a location of the interruption and a corresponding location within the tray. If desired, the method may further include receiving an indicator that the tray was received into a tray-receiving component, e.g., a drawer, and generating the light grid over the surface of the tray such that when the light grid is interrupted, the location of the interruption and the corresponding location within the tray are capable of being determined.

In one aspect, the method further includes generating a first scanner over the surface of the medication supply container and a second scanner over the surface of tray, the two scanners being in communication with one another through a network, such that when either scanner is interrupted by at least one medication having an identification code coupled therewith that is capable of being scanned, an identity of the at least one medication is capable of being determined.

The present invention further provides a method in a computing environment for delivering medication to at least one individual from a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, having a light grid over a surface thereof. The method may include receiving an indicator that at least one medication was removed from a tray having at least one compartment and determining a particular compartment of the tray from which the medication was removed. In one aspect, receiving the indicator that the at least one medication was removed from the tray includes detecting an interruption in the light grid and determining the particular compartment from which the medication was removed includes determining the location of the interruption and a corresponding location within the tray. If desired, the method may further include receiving an indicator that the tray was received into a tray-receiving component, e.g., a drawer, and generating the light grid over the surface of the tray such that when the light grid is interrupted, the location of the interruption and the corresponding location within the tray are capable of being determined.

In one aspect, the method further includes generating a scanner over the surface of the tray such that when the scanner is interrupted by at least one medication having an identification code coupled therewith that is capable of being scanned, an identity of the at least one medication is capable of being determined.

Computer systems and computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions for performing the methods disclosed herein are also provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a computerized method and system for loading a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, with at least one medication, the tray having a light grid over a top surface thereof. The present invention further provides a computerized method and system for delivering medication to at least one individual from a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, having a light grid over a top surface thereof. If desired, the tray may further include a scanner over a top surface thereof which is capable of scanning an identification code coupled with the medication being loaded and/or removed therefrom. An exemplary operating environment for the present invention is described below.

Referring to the drawings in general, and initially toFIG. 1in particular, an exemplary computing system environment, for instance, a medical information computing system, on which the present invention may be implemented is illustrated and designated generally as reference numeral20. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the illustrated medical information computing system environment20is merely an example of one suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should the medical information computing system environment20be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein.

The present invention may be operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the present invention include, by way of example only, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above-mentioned systems or devices, and the like.

The present invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The present invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in local and/or remote computer storage media including, by way of example only, memory storage devices.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, the exemplary medical information computing system environment20includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a control server22. Components of the control server22may include, without limitation, a processing unit, internal system memory, and a suitable system bus for coupling various system components, including database cluster24, with the control server22. The system bus may be any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus, using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronic Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, also known as Mezzanine bus.

The control server22typically includes therein, or has access to, a variety of computer readable media, for instance, database cluster24. Computer readable media can be any available media that may be accessed by control server22, and includes volatile and nonvolatile media, as well as removable and nonremovable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media may include, without limitation, volatile and nonvolatile media, as well as removable and nonremovable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. In this regard, computer storage media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVDs) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which may be accessed by control server22. Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any information delivery media. As used herein, the term “modulated data signal” refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above also may be included within the scope of computer readable media.

The computer storage media discussed above and illustrated inFIG. 1, including database cluster24, provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for control server22.

The control server22may operate in a computer network26using logical connections to one or more remote computers28. Remote computers28may be located at a variety of locations in a medical environment, for example, but not limited to, clinical laboratories, hospitals and other inpatient settings, ambulatory settings, medical billing and financial offices, hospital administration settings, home health care environments, and clinicians' offices. Clinicians may include, but are not limited to, a treating physician or physicians, specialists such as surgeons, radiologists and cardiologists, emergency medical technicians, physicians' assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, nurses' aides, pharmacists, dieticians, microbiologists, and the like. Remote computers28may also be physically located in non-traditional medical care environments so that the entire health care community may be capable of integration on the network. Remote computers28may be personal computers, servers, routers, network PCs, peer devices, other common network nodes, or the like, and may include some or all of the elements described above in relation to the control server22.

Exemplary computer networks26may include, without limitation, local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks (WANs). Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet. When utilized in a WAN networking environment, the control server22may include a modem or other means for establishing communications over the WAN, such as the Internet. In a networked environment, program modules or portions thereof may be stored in the control server22, in the database cluster24, or on any of the remote computers28. For example, and not by way of limitation, various application programs may reside on the memory associated with any one or more of the remote computers28. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers (e.g., control server22and remote computers28) may be utilized.

In operation, a user may enter commands and information into the control server22or convey the commands and information to the control server22via one or more of the remote computers28through input devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device (commonly referred to as a mouse), a trackball, or a touch pad. Other input devices may include, without limitation, microphones, satellite dishes, scanners, or the like. The control server22and/or remote computers28may include other peripheral output devices, such as speakers and a printer.

Although many other internal components of the control server22and the remote computers28are not shown, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such components and their interconnection are well known. Accordingly, additional details concerning the internal construction of the control server22and the remote computers28are not further disclosed herein.

As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a computerized method and system for loading a tray, e.g., multi-compartment tray, with at least one medication, the tray having a light grid over a top surface thereof. With reference toFIG. 2, an exemplary medication loading and delivery unit for implementing this method of the invention is shown and designated generally as reference numeral100. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the medication loading and delivery unit100shown is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

The exemplary medication loading and delivery unit100ofFIG. 2includes a computing device102, a display device104, an input device106, and a tray-receiving component108, e.g., a drawer. The computing device102may be, by way of example only, a personal computer, server computer, hand-held or laptop device, or the like and is capable of operating in a computer network as hereinabove described with reference to remote computers28and network26ofFIG. 1. The display device104and the input device106may be of any type known to those of ordinary skill in the art, for instance, the display device104may be a monitor and the input device106may be a keyboard, trackball, or the like.

The tray-receiving component108of the exemplary medication loading and delivery unit100is capable of receiving a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, into which at least one medication may be loaded and/or removed, as more fully described below. The tray-receiving component108ofFIG. 2is shown in a closed position such that the tray is not visible. With reference toFIG. 3, however, the tray-receiving component108is shown in an open position with an exemplary multi-compartment tray110illustrated as being received therein. The multi-compartment tray110ofFIG. 3includes eight compartments of approximately equal size and shape. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that a tray having any number of compartments in any desired configuration may be utilized and all such variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

The method of the present invention utilizes a light grid present over the top surface of the multi-compartment tray110. A light grid112in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 4A. The light grid112is comprised of a plurality of light beams which, in the illustrated embodiment, laterally and longitudinally span the top surface of the multi-compartment tray110in a grid-like pattern. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the light grid112may take on any number of configurations so long as when a medication or other object interrupts one or more of the plurality of light beams, as more fully described below, the interruption may be detected and the location thereof determined, as well as the corresponding location within the multi-compartment tray110. Whatever the configuration of the light grid112, however, the plurality of light beams are configured such that it is at least highly unlikely that objects of the size and shape that will be loaded into the multi-compartment tray110can be loaded therein without interrupting at least one light beam forming the light grid112. For instance, in the grid-like configuration shown inFIG. 4A, the light beams are spaced from one another at a distance smaller than the smallest dimension of the medications that will be loaded therein such that it is highly unlikely that a medication will pass through undetected. In a currently preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of light beams is a low intensity laser beam.

With reference toFIG. 4B, it can be seen that the multi-compartment tray110further includes a tray identification device114coupled therewith that is capable of being read by the medication loading and delivery unit100upon the tray110being received into the tray-receiving component108. Upon reading the tray identification device114, the medication loading and delivery unit100is capable of identifying the tray and retrieving or accessing information, e.g., a medication profile, to be associated therewith, as more fully described below. By way of example only, and not limitation, the tray identification device114may be a bar code capable of being read by a bar code scanner and the information associated therewith retrieved from an database or the like accessible through a network (e.g., network26ofFIG. 1), or the tray identification device114may be a radio frequency identification device (RFID) capable of having information, e.g., a medication profile, associated with the tray stored therein and retrieved therefrom upon being read by the medication loading and delivery unit100.

Turning toFIGS. 5A and 5B, a flow diagram is illustrated which shows a method500which may be implemented in the above-described exemplary computing environment20(FIG. 1) using the exemplary medication loading and delivery unit100shown inFIGS. 2 and 3for loading a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, with at least one medication and representing information corresponding thereto on an exemplary user interface. By way of example only, the method500ofFIG. 5may be utilized by a pharmacist or other qualified individual, to load at least one medication into a multi-compartment tray, the compartments within the tray being used, for example, to separate a medication of one type or dosage from a medication of a different type or dosage. The tray, once loaded, may then be delivered to a nursing station or patient bedside for administration of the medication(s) to at least one patient, as more fully described below.

Initially, at block510ofFIG. 5A, the system receives an indicator that a tray, for instance, the multi-compartment tray110ofFIGS. 3 and 4, was received into a tray-receiving component, e.g., the tray-receiving component108shown inFIG. 3. Subsequently, as shown at block512, a light grid is generated over the top surface of the tray (e.g., light grid112ofFIG. 4) such that when the light grid is interrupted, the location of the interruption and a corresponding location within the multi-compartment tray are capable of being determined, as more fully described below.

Next, as shown at block514, the system receives information, e.g., a medication profile, to be associated with the tray. As previously described, the medication profile may be accessed from a database upon the tray identification device114(FIG. 4B) being read by the medication and delivery unit100(FIG. 2), or the medication profile may be stored in the tray identification device114and retrieved therefrom. The medication profile may include, by way of example only, information identifying at least one or more individuals for whom the medication to be loaded into the tray has been prescribed, one or more types of individuals for whom the medication to be loaded is likely to be prescribed (e.g., post-delivery obstetrics patients), an identity of the prescribed medication, and a dosage of the prescribed medication. It should be noted that the terms “individual”, “person”, and “patient” are used interchangeably herein and are not meant to limit the nature of the referenced individual in anyway. Rather, the methods and systems described herein are equally applicable in a variety of in-patient and out-patient settings, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, use herein of the term “patient” is not meant to imply any particular relationship between the individual in question and those loading or delivering the multi-compartment tray. Nor is use of the terms such as “physician” and/or “clinician” meant to imply any particular relationship between the referenced individual and those individuals for whom medications are being loaded and/or delivered.

Referring toFIG. 6, an exemplary user interface for outputting, e.g., displaying, the information associated with loading at least one medication into a tray (or removing at least one medication from a tray, as more fully described below) is illustrated and designated generally as screen display600. The screen display600includes a tray identification display area602for displaying an identification number or code by which the tray and the medication profile associated therewith may be identified upon the medication loading and delivery unit being loaded into the tray-receiving component and reading the tray identification device associated therewith, as hereinabove described. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray has been identified as having the tray identification code 9000000002. Screen display600further includes a tray representation display area604for displaying a visual image representative of the tray that has been loaded into the tray-receiving component. By way of example only, the tray representation display area604ofFIG. 6includes a multi-compartment tray configuration representative of the multi-compartment tray110ofFIGS. 3, and4wherein there are eight compartments of approximately equal size and shape. The compartments in the tray representation display area604are referred to as “boxes” and are numbered sequentially as one through eight as indicated.

The exemplary screen display600further includes a profile display area606for displaying user loading and/or delivery instructions to be output by the system, as more fully described below. The user instructions may include, by way of example only, patient and associated prescribed medication information derived from the medication profile associated with the multi-compartment tray and the particular compartment of the tray into which a particular medication is to be loaded. The information included in the user instructions may be retrieved from the tray identification device (e.g., tray identification device114ofFIG. 4B), through a network, e.g., network26ofFIG. 1, from a server computer, e.g., control server22(FIG. 1), and/or one or more databases (e.g., database cluster24(FIG.1)), wherein the information may be stored. Alternatively, the user (that is, the pharmacist or other authorized individual) may manually input the information comprising the user instructions using the input device106(FIG. 2). Any such variation, or any combination thereof, is contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

The exemplary profile display area606includes, by way of example only, fields corresponding to the box, i.e., the compartment, of the tray to be loaded and the patient with whom the medication in the box/compartment is to be associated. Although twenty boxes are represented in the profile display area606, information may only be retrieved for or entered into the number of boxes which correspond to the tray represented in the tray representation display area604. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, information comprising user instructions may be entered or retrieved only for boxes one through eight. The exemplary screen display600further includes a quantity display area608for displaying a quantity of medication to be loaded into each box/compartment.

Screen display600further includes a user instruction display area610for outputting to the user instructions for proceeding with the method of loading (and/or unloading) the tray in accordance with the present invention. By way of example only, the user instruction display area610indicates to the user to “GET PATIENT INFO” to indicate that the user instructions to be associated with the loading of the tray are to be retrieved or entered before the method of the present invention may progress.

Screen display600further includes a cancel indicator612which may be selected by the user at any time to stop the action being undertaken and terminate the medication loading (and/or unloading) procedure.

Returning toFIG. 5A, user instructions are subsequently output which prompt the user to load the tray in accordance with the medication profile, as indicated at block516. As previously described, the user instructions may include, by way of example only, patient and associated prescribed medication information derived from the medication profile associated with the tray and a particular compartment of the tray into which a particular medication is to be loaded. The system subsequently (or simultaneously) outputs a quantity of the at least one medication to be loaded, as indicated at block517. Next, if desired, the system may output a location indicator in association with the particular compartment of the tray into which the medication is to be loaded, as shown at block518.

With reference toFIG. 7, an exemplary user interface for outputting loading (and/or unloading) instructions to the user is illustrated and designated generally as screen display600a. The screen display600aincludes a tray identification display area602identical to that shown inFIG. 6referring to the same tray identification code indicating that the loading instructions displayed are with regard to the tray identified by code 9000000002. The screen display600afurther includes a tray representation display area604a, a profile display area606a, and a quantity display area608a, similar to the corresponding display areas (604,606, and608, respectively) ofFIG. 6but with additional information pertaining to the loading instructions displayed thereon. For instance, the tray representation display area604aof screen display600aincludes location indicators616within the illustrated boxes in association with those compartments into which medications still need to be loaded to coincide with the medication profile associated with the tray represented, i.e., multi-compartment tray110(FIGS. 3 and 4). In the illustrated example, each of boxes3,4,5and6still need at least one medication to be loaded therein to coincide with the medication profile for tray ID 9000000002.

The tray representation display area604afurther includes a visual medication representation area620which shows a visual representation of the quantity of medications already loaded into the indicated box and a loaded medications display area618which shows a numerical value representative of the quantity of medications already loaded into the represented compartment. The quantity of medications shown in the visual medication representation area620corresponds with the quantity displayed in the loaded medications display area618.

The profile display area606aincludes dashed lines622in the fields for those boxes in which the quantity of medications to be loaded (shown in the quantity display area608a) does not correspond to the quantity of medications shown in the loaded medications display area618for the given box, that is, those compartments within which a location indicator616is shown. In the illustrated screen display600a, the quantity of medications to be loaded shown in the quantity display area608adoes not correspond with the quantity of medications shown in the loaded medications display area618for each of boxes3,4,5, and6. Thus, location indicators616are shown in association with these boxes in the tray representation display area604aand dashed lines are included in the fields representative of those boxes in the profile display area606a. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that rather than dashed lines, those fields corresponding to boxes for which the quantity shown in the quantity display area618does not correspond with the quantity of medications to be loaded shown in the quantity display area608amay be shaded, colored, or otherwise set apart from the remaining fields in the profile display area606aand that the dashed-line configuration is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

The screen display600afurther includes an additional user instruction display area614prompting the user to initiate the action necessary for proceeding with the method of loading (and/or unloading) the multi-compartment tray in accordance with the present invention. By way of example only, the additional user instruction display area614indicates to the user to “START LOADING” to indicate that at least one medication must be loaded into the tray in order for the medications therein to properly correspond with the medication profile associated with the multi-compartment tray.

Referring back toFIG. 5A, as the user begins to load the tray with the indicated medication, the system detects an interruption in the light grid, as shown at block520. With reference toFIG. 5B, the system subsequently determines the location of the interruption in the light grid, as shown at block522. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, since the system detects interruptions in the light grid, medications must be loaded (and/or unloaded, as more fully described below) into the tray individually, that is one at a time. If multiple medications are loaded into a particular compartment simultaneously, the system may detect only one interruption in the light grid and, consequently, register that only one medication has been loaded therein. Loading (and/or unloading) medications into the tray individually ensures an accurate quantity count is maintained.

Next, as indicated at block524, it is determined whether the location of the interruption corresponds with the particular compartment of the multi-compartment tray into which the medication is to be loaded, that is, the compartment output in the user instructions at block516ofFIG. 5A. If the location of the interruption does not correspond with the particular compartment of the tray output in the user instructions, the system provides a discrepancy indicator alerting the user that the medication has been improperly loaded. This is shown at block526. In a currently preferred embodiment, the user must provide the system with some sort of input, for example, removing the improperly loaded medication through the improper location in the light grid and properly loading the medication through the proper location in the light grid, prior to the system prompting any further action. This is shown at block528. If, on the other hand, the location of the interruption does correspond with the particular compartment of the multi-compartment tray output in the user instructions, the system provides an accuracy indicator informing the user that the medication has been properly loaded. This is shown at block530.

Either upon receipt of user input clearing a discrepancy indicator or upon providing an accuracy indicator, the system increments the quantity of the medication loaded in the particular compartment, as indicated at block532.

With reference toFIG. 8, an exemplary screen display showing an accuracy indicator622in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and designated generally as reference numeral600b. If desired, the accuracy indicator622may be colored, for instance a green indicator, to indicate a desired action has been taken. It should be noted that the additional instruction area614aalso indicates to the user that a medication has been correctly loaded into box3.

It should also be noted that in the exemplary screen display600bofFIG. 8, relative to the screen display600aofFIG. 7, the location indicator616within box4has been removed, as has the dashed line surrounding the field representative of the medication to be placed in box4. Further the visual representation of the quantity of medications620and the quantity indicated in the loaded medications display area618associated with box4have been modified. These changes indicate that a medication has been loaded into box4which brought the quantity of medications loaded into box4in correlation with the quantity of medications to be loaded into box4shown in the quantity display area608bassociated therewith.

With reference toFIG. 9, an exemplary screen display showing a discrepancy indicator624in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and designated generally as reference numeral600c. The discrepancy indicator624is shown in the screen display600cofFIG. 9to indicate that a medication has been loaded into box8whereas the user instructions output in the profile display area606aindicate that no medication is to be placed in box8of tray ID 9000000002. If desired, the discrepancy indicator624may be colored, for instance a red indicator, to indicate that an undesired action has been taken. It should be noted that the additional instruction area614bindicates to the user that a medication has been incorrectly loaded into box8of the multi-compartment tray.

It should also be noted that in the exemplary screen display600cofFIG. 9, relative to the screen display600bofFIG. 8, the location indicator within box3has been removed, as has the dashed line surrounding the field representative of the medication to be placed in box3. Further, the visual representation of the quantity of medications620and the quantity indicated in the loaded medications display area618associated with box3have been modified. These changes indicate that a medication was loaded into box3which brought the quantity of medications loaded into box3in correlation with the quantity of medications to be loaded into box3shown in the quantity display area608c.

If desired, additional information concerning the medication(s) to be loaded into the multi-compartment tray may be accessed upon user selection of the field representing the medication to be loaded in the particular compartment shown in the profile display area606c(FIG. 9).FIG. 10illustrates an exemplary user interface, designated generally as reference numeral600d, showing that additional information has been requested with regard to the medication loaded in box4, that is, Tylenol3. Upon user selection of the field626representing the medication to be loaded in box4, the visual representation of the medication shown in box4is enlarged to encompass the entire tray representation display area, the enlarged display being indicated as reference numeral628. Beneath the enlarged display is an information window629which may contain additional information regarding the medication loaded in box4. In the illustrated display screen600d, no additional information is illustrated. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that any information available from one or more databases (e.g., database cluster24ofFIG. 1) through a network26(e.g., network26ofFIG. 1) may be displayed in the information window629from contraindications to age-appropriate dosages and the like. Selection of the return indicator630will return the user to the screen display600cofFIG. 9.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a computerized method and system for loading medication from a medication supply container into a tray, each of the tray and the medication supply container having a light grid over a respective top surface thereof. With reference toFIG. 11, an exemplary computing system configuration on which this embodiment of the present invention may be implemented is illustrated and designated generally as reference numeral1100. By way of example only, the computing system configuration1100ofFIG. 11may be used by a pharmacist, or other authorized pharmacy personnel, to load a tray with medications specific to one or more patients from medication supply bins having particular medications in bulk quantities therein.

Computing system configuration1100includes a medication supply container1102, e.g., a bulk medication supply bin, a medication loading and delivery unit1106(similar to the medication loading and delivery unit100ofFIGS. 2 and 3), and a network1112. The medication supply container1102includes a light grid1104(e.g., a light grid similar to light grid112ofFIG. 4A) over a top surface thereof. The medication loading and delivery unit1106includes a tray-receiving component1108(e.g., a tray-receiving component similar to tray-receiving component108ofFIG. 3) having a multi-compartment tray received therein and a light grid1110(e.g., a light grid similar to light grid112ofFIG. 4A) over a top surface thereof. Light grid1104and light grid1110are in communication with one another through network1112such that it may be determined whether or not a quantity of medication removed from the medication supply container1102corresponds with a quantity of medication loaded in the tray received in the tray-receiving component1108, as more fully described below.

A method1200for loading medication from a medication supply container into a tray, each of the tray and the medication supply container having a light grid over a respective top surface thereof, is shown in the flow diagram ofFIG. 12. By way of example only, method1200may be used in a pharmacy setting where a pharmacist or other authorized individual may remove at least one medication from a bulk supply container and load it into a multi-compartment tray for delivery to one or more patients, as more fully described below.

Initially, as shown at block1210, the system receives an indicator that a tray, for instance, the multi-compartment tray110ofFIGS. 3 and 4, was received into a tray-receiving component, e.g., the tray-receiving component1108shown inFIG. 11. Subsequently, as shown at block1212, a first light grid (e.g., light grid1104ofFIG. 11) is generated over the top surface of a medication supply container (e.g., bulk medication supply bin1102ofFIG. 11). Next, as shown at block1214, a second light grid (e.g., light grid1110ofFIG. 11) is generated over the top surface of the tray.

Next, as shown at block1216, the system receives information, e.g., a medication profile, to be associated with the tray. As previously described, the medication profile may be accessed from a database upon the tray identification device (e.g., tray identification device114ofFIG. 4B) being read, for instance, by the medication and delivery unit1106ofFIG. 11, or the medication profile may be stored in the tray identification device and retrieved therefrom. The medication profile may include, by way of example only, information identifying at least one individual for whom the medication to be loaded into the tray has been prescribed, an identity of the prescribed medication, and a dosage of the prescribed medication.

Subsequently, as shown at block1218, user instructions are output which prompt the user to load the tray in accordance with the medication profile. As previously described, the user instructions may include, by way of example only, patient and associated prescribed medication information derived from the medication profile associated with the tray and a particular compartment of the tray into which a particular medication is to be loaded. The system subsequently (or simultaneously) outputs a quantity of the at least one medication to be loaded, as indicated at block1220. Next, if desired, the system may output a location indicator in association with the particular compartment of the tray into which the medication is to be loaded, as shown at block1222.

As the user begins the loading process, the system detects an interruption in the first light grid, as shown at block1224. Since interruptions in the light grid are being detected, medications must be removed from the medication supply container (e.g., medication supply container1102ofFIG. 11) individually. Subsequently, as shown at block1226, the system determines whether a corresponding interruption is detected in the second light grid within a given time frame. As the method of this embodiment of the present invention is intended to monitor a quantity of medications being removed from a medication supply container and determine its correspondence with a quantity of medications being loaded into a tray, a time frame of about ten seconds is generally appropriate. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the time frame may be set at any desired length and the length of the time frame is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

If there is a corresponding interruption detected in the light grid the method of the present invention proceeds in accordance withFIG. 5B. If there is not a corresponding interruption detected in the light grid within the given time frame, however, the system outputs an alert indicating to the user that a medication has been improperly removed from the medication supply container. This is indicated at block1228. In a currently preferred embodiment, the user must provide the system with some sort of input, for example, replacing the improperly removed medication into the medication supply container through the first light grid (e.g., light grid1104ofFIG. 11), prior to the system prompting any further action. This is shown at block1230. Once the alert has been cleared, the method of this embodiment of the present invention may return to block1224wherein a subsequent interruption in the first light grid may be detected.

Utilizing this method of the present invention, a safety check is implemented wherein the quantity of medications removed from one location must correspond with the quantity of medications placed in another location or an alert is output. As such, improper medication loading is minimized.

With reference toFIG. 13, a method1300in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for delivering medication to at least one individual, the medication being removed from a tray having a light grid over a top surface thereof is illustrated. By way of example only, method1300may be used to deliver medications to a patient's bedside where a unit similar to the medication loading and delivery unit100shown inFIG. 2may be located.

Initially, as shown at block1310, the system receives an indicator that a tray, for instance, the multi-compartment tray110ofFIGS. 3 and 4, was received into a tray-receiving component, e.g., the tray-receiving component108ofFIG. 3. Subsequently, as shown at block1312, a light grid is generated over the top surface of the tray (e.g., light grid112ofFIG. 4) such that when the light grid is interrupted, the location of the interruption and a corresponding location within the multi-compartment tray are capable of being determined.

Next, as shown at block1314, the system receives information, e.g., a medication profile, to be associated with the tray. The medication profile may include, by way of example only, information identifying at least one or more individuals for whom the medication to be loaded into the tray has been prescribed, an identity of the prescribed medication, and a dosage of the prescribed medication. Subsequently, user instructions are output which prompt the user to unload the tray in accordance with the medication profile, as indicated at block1316. The user instructions may include, by way of example only, patient and associated prescribed medication information and a particular compartment of the tray from which a particular medication is to be removed. The system subsequently (or simultaneously) outputs a quantity of the medication to be removed, as indicated at block1317. By way of example only, the user instructions may be output in a display area similar to the profile display area606aofFIG. 7and the quantity of medication to be removed may be output in a display area similar to quantity display area608aofFIG. 7.

Next, if desired, the system may output a location indicator in association with the particular compartment of the tray from which the medication is to be removed, as indicated at block1318. With reference toFIG. 7, a location indicator prompting removal of a medication may be similar to the location indicators616utilized for loading at least one medication in the example described in association therewith.

Referring back toFIG. 13, as the user begins to remove the indicated medication from the tray, the system detects an interruption in the light grid, as shown at block1320. Subsequently, as shown at block1322, the system determines the location of the interruption in the light grid. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, since the system detects interruptions in the light grid, medications must be removed from the tray individually.

Next, as indicated at block1324, it is determined whether the location of the interruption corresponds with the particular compartment of the multi-compartment tray from which the medication is to be removed, that is, the compartment output in the user instructions at block1316. If the location of the interruption does not correspond with the particular compartment of the tray output in the user instructions, the system provides a discrepancy indicator alerting the user that the medication has been improperly removed, as indicated at block1326. With reference toFIG. 9, a discrepancy indicator indicating an improperly removed medication may be similar to discrepancy indicator624utilized to indicate improper loading in the example associated therewith. In a currently preferred embodiment, the user must provide the system with some sort of input, for example, replacing the improperly removed medication through the improper location in the light grid and properly removing a medication through the proper location in the light grid, prior to the system prompting any further action. This is shown at block1328.

If, on the other hand, the location of the interruption does correspond with the particular compartment of the multi-compartment tray output in the user instructions, the system provides an accuracy indicator informing the user that the medication has been properly removed. This is shown at block1330. With reference toFIG. 8, an accuracy indicator indicating a properly removed medication may be similar to accuracy indicator622utilized to indicate proper loading in the example associated therewith.

Either upon receipt of user input clearing a discrepancy indicator or upon providing an accuracy indicator, the system decrements the quantity of the medication loaded in the particular compartment, as indicated at block1332. For instance, the quantity of medication may be decremented in a display area similar to the loaded medication display area618ofFIG. 7.

If desired, the trays and/or medication supply containers utilized in the methods of the present invention may further include a scanner over a top surface thereof which is capable of scanning an identification code coupled with the medication being loaded and/or removed from the multi-compartment tray.FIGS. 14 through 17illustrate the various embodiments of the methods herein disclosed wherein a scanner is utilized in conjunction with the light grid.

Referring toFIG. 14, a medication loading and delivery unit1400is illustrated having a tray-receiving component1402in the open position such that an exemplary multi-compartment tray received therein is visible. The multi-compartment tray ofFIG. 14includes eight compartments of approximately equal size and shape, similar to multi-compartment tray110ofFIG. 3. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that a tray having any number of compartments in any desired configuration may be utilized and all such variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

The medication loading and delivery unit1400further includes a light grid1404present over the top surface of the tray and a scanner1406also present over the top surface of the tray. In the illustrated embodiment, the light grid1404is comprised of a plurality of light beams which laterally and longitudinally span the top surface of the tray in a grid-like pattern. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the light grid1404may take on any number of configurations so long as when a medication or other object interrupts one or more of the plurality of light beams, the interruption may be detected and the location thereof determined, as hereinabove described. Whatever the configuration of the light grid1404, however, the plurality of light beams are configured such that it is at least highly unlikely that objects of the size and shape that will be loaded into the tray can be loaded therein without interrupting at least one light beam forming the light grid1404. For example, in the grid-like configuration shown inFIG. 14, the light beams are spaced from one another at a distance smaller than the smallest dimension of the medications that will be loaded therein such that it is highly unlikely that a medication will pass through undetected.

In the illustrated embodiment, the scanner1406ofFIG. 14is similarly comprised of a plurality of beams. The beams forming the scanner1406, however, are capable of reading an identification code coupled with the medication being loaded and/or removed from the multi-compartment tray, as more fully described below. By way of example, and not limitation, if the identification code coupled with the medication is a bar code (e.g., if the medication is an individually wrapped medication having a bar code on the packaging thereof), the beams forming the scanner1406may be bar code scanning beams capable of reading the bar code as it passes through one or more of the beams. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, the beams of the scanner span the top surface of the tray diagonally in a grid-like pattern. This configuration is shown primarily to differentiate it visually from the grid-like pattern of the light grid1404. However, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the beams forming the scanner may be configured in any desired manner so long as it is at least highly unlikely that objects of the size and shape that will be loaded into and/or removed from the tray can pass through the scanner undetected.

Turning toFIGS. 15A through 15D, a flow diagram is illustrated which shows a method1500which may be implemented in the above-described exemplary computing system environment20(FIG. 1) using the exemplary medication loading and delivery unit1400ofFIG. 14for loading a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, with at least one medication and representing information corresponding thereto on an exemplary user interface. By way of example only, the method1500ofFIGS. 15A through 15Dmay be utilized by a pharmacist or other qualified individual, to load at least one medication into a multi-compartment tray, the compartments within the tray being used, for example, to separate a medication of one type or dosage from a medication of a different type or dosage. The tray, once loaded, may then be delivered to a nursing station or patient bedside for administration of the medication(s) to at least one patient.

Initially, as shown at block1510, the system receives an indicator that a tray, for instance, the multi-compartment tray110ofFIGS. 3 and 4, was received into a tray-receiving component, e.g., the tray-receiving component1402ofFIG. 14. Subsequently, as shown at block1512, a light grid (e.g., light grid1404ofFIG. 14) is generated over the top surface of the tray such that when the light grid is interrupted, the location of the interruption and a corresponding location within the multi-compartment tray are capable of being determined. Next, as shown at block1514, a scanner (e.g., scanner1406ofFIG. 14) is generated over the top surface of the tray such that when at least one medication having an identification code coupled therewith (e.g., having a bar code on the external packaging thereof) interrupts the scanner, the identity of the at least one medication is capable of being determined, as more fully described below.

Subsequently, as shown at block1516, the system receives information, e.g., a medication profile, to be associated with the tray. As previously described, the medication profile may be accessed from a database upon a tray identification device (e.g., tray identification device114ofFIG. 4B) being read by the medication and delivery unit1400(FIG. 14), or the medication profile may be stored in the tray identification device and retrieved therefrom. By way of example only, the medication profile may include information identifying at least one or more individuals for whom the medication to be loaded into the tray has been prescribed, an identity of the medication prescribed medication, and a dosage of the prescribed medication.

Next, user instructions are output which prompt the user to load the tray in accordance with the medication profile, as indicated at block1518. The user instructions may include, by way of example only, patient and associated prescribed medication information derived from the medication profile associated with the tray and a particular compartment of the tray into which a particular medication is to be loaded. The system subsequently (or simultaneously) outputs a quantity of the at least one medication to be loaded, as indicated at block1519. By way of example only, the user instructions may be output in a display area similar to the profile display area606aofFIG. 7and the quantity of medication to be loaded may be output in a display area similar to quantity display area608aofFIG. 7.

If desired, the system may subsequently output a location indicator in association with the particular compartment of the tray into which the medication is to be loaded, as shown at block1520. With reference toFIG. 7, a location indicator prompting loading of a medication may be similar to the location indicators616utilized for loading at least one medication in the example described in association therewith.

As the user beings to load the tray with the indicated medication, the system detects an interruption in the light grid, as shown at block1522. Subsequently, as shown at block1524, the system determines the location of the interruption in the light grid. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, since the system detects interruptions in the light grid, medications must be loaded (and/or unloaded) into the tray individually.

With reference toFIG. 15B, it is subsequently determined whether the location of the interruption corresponds with the particular compartment of the multi-compartment tray into which the medication is to be loaded, that is, the compartment output in the user instructions at block1518ofFIG. 15A. If the location of the interruption does not correspond with the particular compartment of the tray output in the user instructions, the system provides a discrepancy indicator alerting the user that the medication has been improperly loaded. This is shown at block1528. With reference toFIG. 9, a discrepancy indicator indicating an improperly loaded medication may be similar to discrepancy indicator624utilized to indicate improper loading in the example associated therewith.

In a currently preferred embodiment, the user must provide the system with some sort of input, for example, removing the improperly loaded medication through the improper location in the light grid and properly loading the medication through the proper location in the light grid, prior to the system prompting any further action. This is shown at block1530.

If, on the other hand, the location of the interruption does correspond with the particular compartment of the multi-compartment tray output in the user instructions, the system provides an accuracy indicator informing the user that the medication has been properly loaded. This is shown at block1532. With reference toFIG. 8, an accuracy indicator indicating a properly loaded medication may be similar to accuracy indicator622utilized to indicate proper loading in the example associated therewith.

With reference toFIG. 15C, the system next detects an interruption in the scanner which causes an identification code on the at least on medication being removed from the multi-compartment tray to be scanned thereby, as indicated at block1534. Subsequently, as shown at block1536, the system determines the identity of the medication based upon the scanned identification code. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the detection of an interruption in the light grid (e.g., light grid1404ofFIG. 14) and the detection of an interruption in the scanner (e.g., scanner1406ofFIG. 14) likely occur simultaneously as both the light grid and the scanner are present over the top surface of the multi-compartment tray. As such, it will be understood that the order of the interruptions and subsequent corresponding processing steps illustrated inFIGS. 15A through 15Dare not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

Turning toFIG. 15D, it is next determined whether the identity of the medication determined based upon the scanned identification code corresponds with the prescribed medication information to be loaded that was output in the user instructions at block1518ofFIG. 15A. This is indicated at block1538. If the identity of the medication does not correspond with the medication to be loaded that was output in the user instructions, the system provides a medication discrepancy indicator alerting the user that the medication has been improperly loaded. This is shown at block1540. With reference toFIG. 9, a discrepancy indicator indicating an improperly loaded medication may be similar to discrepancy indicator624utilized to indicate improper loading in the example associated therewith. In a currently preferred embodiment, the user must provide the system with some sort of input, for example, removing the improperly loaded medication through the light grid and replacing it with the proper medication through the light grid, prior to the system prompting any further action. This is shown at block1542.

If, on the other hand, the identity of the medication does correspond with the medication to be loaded that was output in the user instructions, the system provides a medication accuracy indicator informing the user that the medication has been properly loaded. This is shown at block1544. With reference toFIG. 8, an accuracy indicator indicating a properly loaded medication may be similar to accuracy indicator622utilized to indicate proper loading in the example associated therewith.

Either upon receipt of user input clearing a discrepancy indicator or upon providing an accuracy indicator, the system increments the quantity of the medication loaded in the particular compartment, as indicated at block1546. For instance, the quantity of medication may be incremented in a display area similar to the loaded medication display area618ofFIG. 7.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a computerized method and system for loading medication from a medication supply container into a tray, each of the tray and the medication supply container having a light grid and a scanner over a respective top surface thereof. With reference toFIG. 16, an exemplary computing system configuration on which this embodiment of the present invention may be implemented is illustrated and designated generally as reference numeral1600. By way of example only, the computing system configuration1600ofFIG. 16may be used by a pharmacist (or other authorized pharmacy personnel) to load a tray with medications specific to one or more patients from medication supply bins having particular medications in bulk quantities therein.

Computing system configuration1600includes a medication supply container1602, e.g., a bulk medication supply bin, a medication loading and delivery unit1608(similar to the medication loading and delivery unit100ofFIGS. 2 and 3), and a network1616. The medication supply container1602includes a light grid1604(e.g., a light grid similar to light grid1404ofFIG. 14) and a scanner1606(e.g., a scanner similar to scanner1406ofFIG. 14) over a top surface thereof. The medication loading and delivery unit1608includes a tray-receiving component1610(e.g., a tray-receiving component similar to tray-receiving component1402ofFIG. 14) having a multi-compartment tray received therein and light grid1612(e.g., a light grid similar to light grid1404ofFIG. 14) and a scanner1614(e.g., a scanner similar to scanner1406ofFIG. 14) over a top surface thereof. Light grids1604and1612communicate with one another through network1616such that it may be determined whether or not a quantity of medication removed from the medication supply container1602corresponds with a quantity of medication loaded in the tray received in the tray-receiving component1610. Additionally, scanners1606and1614communicate with one another through network1616such that it may be determined whether the identity of a medication removed from the medication supply container1602corresponds with the identity of a medication loaded in the tray received in the tray-receiving component1610, as more fully described below.

A method1700for loading medication from a medication supply container into a tray, each of the tray and the medication supply container having a light grid and a scanner over a respective top surface thereof, is shown in the flow diagram ofFIG. 17. By way of example only, method1700may be used in a pharmacy setting where a pharmacist or other authorized individual may remove at least one medication from a bulk supply container and load it into a multi-compartment tray for delivery to one or more patients, as more fully described below.

Initially, as shown at block1710, the system receives an indicator that a tray, for instance, the multi-compartment tray110ofFIGS. 3 and 4, was received into a tray-receiving component, e.g., the tray-receiving component1610ofFIG. 16. Subsequently, as shown at block1712, a first light grid (e.g., light grid1604ofFIG. 16) is generated over the top surface of a medication supply container (e.g., bulk medication supply bin1602ofFIG. 16). Next, as shown at block1714, a first scanner (e.g., scanner1606ofFIG. 16) is generated over the top surface of the medication supply container. Subsequently, as shown at block1716, a second light grid (e.g., light grid1612ofFIG. 16) is generated over the top surface of the multi-compartment tray and, as shown at block1718, a second scanner (e.g., scanner1614ofFIG. 16) is generated over the top surface of the tray.

Next, as shown at block1720, the system receives information, e.g., a medication profile, to be associated with the tray. As previously described, the medication profile may be accessed from a database upon the tray identification device (e.g., tray identification device114ofFIG. 4B) being read by the medication and delivery unit1608ofFIG. 16, or the medication profile may be stored in the tray identification device and retrieved therefrom. The medication profile may include, by way of example only, information identifying at least one individual for whom the medication to be loaded into the tray has been prescribed, an identity of the prescribed medication, and a dosage of the prescribed medication.

Subsequently, as shown at block1722, user instructions are output which prompt the user to load the tray in accordance with the medication profile. As previously described, the user instructions may include, by way of example only, patient and associated prescribed medication information derived from the medication profile associated with the tray and a particular compartment of the tray into which a particular medication is to be loaded, if applicable. The system subsequently (or simultaneously) outputs a quantity of the at least one medication to be loaded, as indicated at block1724. By way of example only, the user instructions may be output in a display area similar to the profile display area606aofFIG. 7and the quantity of medication to be loaded may be output in a display area similar to quantity display area608aofFIG. 7.

Next, if desired, the system may output a location indicator in association with the particular compartment of the tray into which the medication is to be loaded, if applicable, as shown at block1726. With reference toFIG. 7, a location indicator prompting loading of a medication may be similar to the location indicators616utilized for loading at least one medication in the example described in association therewith.

As the user begins the loading process, the system detects a grid interruption in the first light grid, as shown at block1728. As interruptions in the first light grid are being detected, medications must be removed from the medication supply container (e.g., medication supply container1602ofFIG. 16) individually. Subsequently, as shown at block1730, the system determines whether a corresponding interruption is detected in the second light grid within a given time frame, e.g., ten seconds.

If there is a corresponding interruption detected in the second light grid, the method of the present invention proceeds in accordance withFIG. 15B. If there is not a corresponding interruption detected in the light grid within the given time frame, however, the system outputs an alert indicating to the user that a medication has been improperly removed from the medication supply container. This is indicated at block1732. In a currently preferred embodiment, the user must provide the system with some sort of input, for example, replacing the improperly removed medication into the medication supply container, prior to the system prompting any further action. This is shown at block1734.

Subsequently, the method of this embodiment of the present invention returns to block1728wherein a subsequent interruption in the first light grid is detected.

Upon detecting an interruption in the second light grid (e.g., light grid1612ofFIG. 16) which corresponds with an interruption in the first light grid (e.g., light grid1604ofFIG. 16) and completion of the steps indicated inFIG. 15B, the system detects a scanner interruption in the first scanner which causes an identification code coupled with the first medication to be scanned thereby. This is indicated at block1736ofFIG. 17. Subsequently, as shown at block1738, the system determines the identity of the first medication based upon the scanned identification code. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the detection of an interruption in the first light grid (e.g., light grid1604ofFIG. 16) and the detection of an interruption in the first scanner (e.g., scanner1606ofFIG. 16) likely occur simultaneously as both the first light grid and the first scanner are present over the top surface of the medication supply container (e.g., medication supply container1602ofFIG. 16). As such, it will be understood that the order of the interruptions and subsequent corresponding processing steps illustrated inFIG. 17are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

Subsequently, as shown at block1740, the system detects a scanner interruption in the second scanner (e.g., scanner1614ofFIG. 16) which causes an identification code coupled with a second medication to be scanned thereby. Next, the identity of the second medication is determined based upon the scanned identification code, as indicated at block1742. Again, it will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the detection of an interruption in the second light grid (e.g., light grid1612ofFIG. 16) and the detection of an interruption in the second scanner (e.g., scanner1614ofFIG. 16) likely occur simultaneously as both the second light grid and the second scanner are present over the top surface of the tray. As such, it will be understood that the order of the interruptions and subsequent corresponding processing steps illustrated inFIG. 17are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

As indicated at block1744, it is next determined whether the first medication and the second medication are the same medication. If they are the same medication, the system provides a match indicator, as shown at block1750. However, if the first and second medications are not the same medication, the system provides a non-match indicator alerting the user that a medication has been improperly loaded into the tray. This is indicated at block1746. In a currently preferred embodiment, the user must provide the system with some sort of input, for example, removing the improperly loaded medication from the tray and replacing it with a medication having the proper identity, prior to the system prompting any further action. This is shown at block1748.

Either upon receipt of user input clearing the non-match indicator or upon providing a match indicator, the method of this embodiment of the present invention proceeds in accordance withFIG. 15D.

Utilizing this method of the present invention, dual safety checks are implemented. First, the quantity of medications removed from one location must correspond with the quantity of medications placed in another location or a first alert is output. Second, the identity of a medication removed from one location must correspond with the identity of a medication placed in another location or a second alert is output. In this way, improper medication loading may be significantly minimized.

With reference toFIG. 18, a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for delivering medication to at least one individual, the medication being removed from a tray having a light grid and a scanner over a top surface thereof, is illustrated and designated generally as method1800. By way of example only, method1800may be used to deliver medications to a patient's bedside where a unit similar to the medication loading and delivery unit1400ofFIG. 14may be located.

Initially, as shown at block1810, the system receives an indicator that a tray, for instance, the multi-compartment tray110ofFIGS. 3 and 4, was received into a tray-receiving component, e.g., the tray-receiving component1402ofFIG. 14. Subsequently, as shown at block1812, a light grid is generated over the top surface of the tray (e.g., light grid1404ofFIG. 14) such that when the light grid is interrupted, the location of the interruption and a corresponding location within the multi-compartment tray are capable of being determined. Next, a scanner (e.g., scanner1406ofFIG. 14) is generated over the top surface of the tray such that when the scanner is interrupted by a medication having an identification code coupled therewith, the identity of the medication is capable of being determined. This is shown at block1814.

Next, as shown at block1816, the system receives information, e.g., a medication profile, to be associated with the tray. The medication profile may include, by way of example only, information identifying at least one or more individuals for whom the medication to be removed from the tray has been prescribed, an identity of the prescribed medication, and a dosage of the prescribed medication. Subsequently, user instructions are output which prompt the user to unload the tray in accordance with the medication profile, as indicated at block1818. By way of example only, the user instruction may include patient and associated prescribed medication information and a particular compartment of the tray from which a particular medication is to be removed. The system subsequently (or simultaneously) outputs a quantity of the mediation to be removed, as indicated at block1820. By way of example only, the user instructions may be output in a display area similar to the profile display area606aofFIG. 7and the quantity of medication to be loaded may be output in a display area similar to quantity display area608aofFIG. 7.

Next, if desired, the system may output a location indicator in association with the particular compartment of the tray from which the medication is to be removed, as indicated at block1822. With reference toFIG. 7, a location indicator prompting removal of the medication may be similar to the location indicators616utilized for loading at least one medication in the example described in association therewith.

Referring back toFIG. 18, as the user begins to remove the indicated medication from the tray, the system detects an interruption in the light grid, as shown at block1824. Subsequently, as shown at block1826, the system determines the location of the interruption in the light grid. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, since the system detects interruptions in the light grid, medications must be removed from the tray individually.

Next, as indicated at block1828, it is determined whether the location of the interruption corresponds with the particular compartment of the multi-compartment tray from which the medication is to be removed, that is, the compartment output in the user instructions at block1818. If the location of the interruption does not correspond with the particular compartment of the tray output in the user instructions, the system provides a discrepancy indicator alerting the user that the medication has been improperly removed, as indicated at block1830. With reference toFIG. 9, a discrepancy indicator indicating an improperly removed medication may be similar to discrepancy indicator624utilized to indicate improper loading in the example associated therewith. In a currently preferred embodiment, the user must provide the system with some sort of input, for example, replacing the improperly removed medication through the proper location in the light grid, prior to the system prompting any further action. This is shown at block1832.

If, on the other hand, the location of the interruption does correspond with the particular compartment of the multi-compartment tray output in the user instructions, the system provides an accuracy indicator informing the user that the medication has been properly removed. This is shown at block1834. With reference toFIG. 8, an accuracy indicator indicating a properly removed medication may be similar to accuracy indicator622utilized to indicate proper loading in the example associated therewith.

Either upon receipt of user input clearing the discrepancy indicator or upon providing an accuracy indicator, the system detects an interruption in the scanner which causes an identification code coupled with the medication (e.g., a bar code on the packaging of an individually-wrapped medication) to be scanned thereby. This is indicated at block1836. Subsequently, as shown at block1838, the system determines the identity of the medication based upon the scanned identification code. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the detection of an interruption in the light grid (e.g., light grid1404ofFIG. 14) and the detection of an interruption the scanner (e.g., scanner1406ofFIG. 14) likely occur simultaneously as both the light grid and the scanner are present over the top surface of the tray (e.g., multi-compartment tray110ofFIGS. 3 and 4). As such, it will be understood that the order of the interruptions and subsequent corresponding method steps illustrated inFIG. 18are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Subsequently, as shown at block1840, the system determines whether the identity of the medication determined based upon the scanned identification code corresponds with the prescribed medication information to be loaded that was output in the user instructions at block1818. If the identity of the medication does not correspond with the medication to be loaded that was output in the user instructions, the system provides a medication discrepancy indicator alerting the user that the medication has been improperly removed. This is shown at block1844. In a currently preferred embodiment, the user must provide the system with some sort of input, for example, replacing the improperly removed medication through the light grid and the scanner, prior to the system prompting any further action. This is shown at block1844. If, on the other hand, the identity of the medication does correspond with the medication to be removed that was output in the user instructions, the system provides a medication accuracy indicator informing the user that the medication has been properly removed. This is shown at block1846.

Either upon receipt of user input clearing a discrepancy indicator or upon providing an accuracy indicator, the system decrements the quantity of the medication loaded in the particular compartment, as indicated at block1848. For instance, the quantity of medication may be decremented in a display area similar to the loaded medication display area618ofFIG. 7.

In summary, the present invention provides a computerized method and system for loading a tray, e.g., a multi-compartment tray, with at least one medication, the multi-compartment tray having a light grid over a top surface thereof. The present invention further provides a computerized method and system for delivering medication to at least one individual from a tray having a light grid over a top surface thereof. If desired, the tray may further include a scanner over a top surface thereof which is capable of scanning an identification code coupled with the medication being loaded and/or removed from the tray.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that substitutions may be made and equivalents employed herein without departing from the scope of the invention recited in the claims. For instance, additional steps may be added and steps may be omitted without departing from the scope of the invention.