Abstract:
A low-profile visual counting system is provided and designed to count pills or other small discrete objects. This technology is vision based, which allows a pharmacist or other user to pour pills onto a counting surface in a single layer, and then the device tells the user how many pills are on that surface. The present device places the camera and preferably an infrared light source below the counting surface. This offers the unique advantage of not having to mount a camera above the counting surface which reduces the size and improves the aesthetic characteristics of such a device. The image is captured and then processed to determine the number of pills on the surface. This system may be interfaced with other networks, terminals, and existing pharmacy management systems.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Pill counting in pharmacies is necessary for the filling of prescriptions. Heretofore, this counting process involved a pharmacist or other qualified pharmacy employee pouring out a quantity of pills or capsules from a supply container and manually counting the required number of pills. The excess units are then returned to the supply bottle, while the proper number of counted units is poured into a vial to be presented to the patient for whom the prescription was written. 
         [0002]    More recently, a variety of devices have been developed and utilized to count pills or capsules automatically, thus eliminating or reducing the need for manual counting. These devices also serve to decrease human error and improve counting accuracy. Such devices, however, typically utilize complex mechanisms and complex electronic control. This complexity tends to drive up the cost of automated pill counters, making them expensive to build, purchase, and maintain. 
         [0003]    While most pill counting devices involve substantial complexity and cost, an alternative approach has been described in the recent art that provides automated counting with greatly reduced electromechanical complexity and cost. This approach utilizes digital image capture means to provide suitably programmed image processing means with information sufficient to count the number of pills present within the area imaged by the digital image capture device. 
         [0004]    Current commercially available pill counting systems include Kirby Lester&#39;s KL1, KL1plus, KL15e, KL20, and KL30, Avery Weightronix&#39;s Eyecon, Innovation&#39;s Optix. The Kirby Lester products require the user to pour the pills through a funnel and the pills are counted as they break the beam of a counting sensor. The Eyecon and Optix products use a camera to capture an image of the pills on a tray in order to determine the number of pills. 
         [0005]    The following patents and publications describe prior art pill counting systems and are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0006]    U.S. Publication No. US2013/0221082 describes an apparatus for identifying a medicinal substance. A tray receives and concurrently supports a plurality of pills formed at least in part from the medicinal substance. A computer-readable memory stores a drug database including one or more identifying features for identifying different pills formed at least in part from different medicinal substances. A recognition device is arranged to interrogate the pills on the tray and detect at least one of the identifying features from the pills. A controller receives the identifying feature(s) detected by the recognition device and determines the identity of the medicinal substance from among the different medicinal substances in the drug database based on the identifying feature(s). 
         [0007]    International Publication No. WO2014/065872 describes embodiments of work stations for use in medical dose preparation management system. A work station may include a camera stand. The camera stand may include a housing enclosing a camera and one or more light sources therein. As such, the camera and light sources may be directed at a medical dose preparation staging region to capture medical dose preparation images of the medical dose preparation staging region. The camera stand may include an adjustable support positionable in a plurality of positions to dispose the camera and light source relative to the medical dose preparation staging region. A base with a removable tray may be provided that include medical receptacle engagement features. The work stations may facilitate improved image quality, efficiency of work flows carried out at the work station, and administrative tasks such as cleaning. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,457,384 describes a universal counting and measurement system and method. The system and method are not restricted to a specific application, aimed at counting a specific type of object, but are capable of counting objects of a large variety of sizes and shapes. According to certain embodiments, the system and method are also capable of measuring volumes of materials held within a container or piled on a surface. The shape of the containers or the shape of the pile of material are not limited to a certain prescribed architecture. According to certain embodiments, the system is easily adapted to the different applications and can be made ready to work in a short time. The system is also capable of counting accumulating objects or measuring accumulating volumes within one or more containers or piles. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,712,163 describes a computer-implemented method of pill analysis including the steps of acquiring a pill image having an image frame and detecting contrast shifts within the image frame to locate at least one object with an object outline. A first value for the object(s) is determined, where the value is an area, a position, a length, a width, an angle, a color, a brightness, a code, a shape, a crystal pile size, a crystal geometry, a substance identity, or a character identity. Based on the first and second values, the computer outputs a result to a user. 
         [0010]    U.S. Publication No. US2013/0142406 describes a method of processing graphical image data representing optically scanned medication-related units may include receiving image data generated responsive to disposal of the units on a tray disposed a distance from an image acquisition component, the image data including data indicative of visually observable features of the units disposed on the tray. The method further includes comparing at least two features among the visually observable features from the image data to reference data indicative of corresponding features of reference units. The reference data is selected for comparison based on an identification of the reference data as corresponding to a prescription being processed. The reference data includes data indicative of features of the reference units extracted from images captured using hardware corresponding to hardware used to generate the image data. The method further includes generating a likelihood rating for each of the at least two features based on the comparing. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The visual counting system of the present invention is a low profile, countertop device designed to count pills or other small discrete objects. The intended application is for use in pharmacies to facilitate counting pills when filling prescriptions. The present invention is a vision based counting technology, preferably including an infrared light source and a camera operatively connected to a computer, which allows a pharmacist or other user to pour pills onto a counting surface in a single layer, and then the device tells the user how many pills are on that surface. The pharmacist then removes the pills from the counting surface and places them into the medicine vial. 
         [0012]    The present visual counting system is different from existing counting technologies currently on the market. Existing vision based counting solutions contain a backlit counting surface with camera on the opposite side, typically mounted above the counting surface. The present device places the camera and preferably an infrared light source below the counting surface. This offers the unique advantage of not having to mount a camera above the counting surface which reduces the size and improves the aesthetic characteristics of such a device. In a preferred embodiment, the camera does not contain an IR filter commonly found on most standard cameras. The counting surface preferably consists of a dark colored IR transmissive material optionally covered by a protective layer of glass. The dark color reduces background noise, and the IR transmissive material allows the IR illumination to pass through and reflect off of the bottom side of the pills back to the camera. The image is captured and then processed to determine the number of pills on the surface. Other wavelengths of light may also work with the appropriate supporting hardware (camera, counting surface, and light source). 
         [0013]    The core of the technology is the camera and light setup; however, this can be implemented in any number of final embodiments. The device can have a simple display that only shows the number of pills on the counting surface, or it can have a fully functional display screen that can display the image, workflow features, inventory functions, networking and setup utilities, etc. The image of the pills can be saved, transmitted or printed if deemed appropriate features for a final product. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a visual counting system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a visual counting system with pills present on the counting surface and two removable pill chutes in an open position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3 a    illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a visual counting system with two pill chutes in a closed position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3 b    illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a visual counting system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a visual counting system with pills present on the counting surface and two removable pill chutes in an open position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a visual pill counting system with a hinged tray for pill removal. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    In a preferred embodiment, the device  10  consists of a housing  11  with an upper counting surface  14 . The housing  11  houses a camera  12 , a light source  15 , and an image processor or computer  13 , these components being located beneath the counting surface  14 . Pills or small items to be counted are poured onto the counting surface  14  and illuminated from below via the light source  15 . The light bounces off the pills, reflecting back the camera  12  which captures an image. The computer  13  runs an algorithm which calculates the number of pills on the counting surface  14 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Within the housing  11 , there is a camera  12  and computer  13  capable of processing the images taken by the camera  12 . The computer  13  may also be programmed to interface with pharmacy management systems, this capability being explained in further detail herein. The camera  12  may be mounted in any desired location within the housing  11  and any desired distance from the counting surface  14 , provided the camera  12  is positioned below the counting surface  14 . However, in a preferred embodiment, the camera  12  is centered at the bottom of the housing  11 , approximately  8  inches below the counting surface  14 , and may have a preferably cone or pyramid-shaped shield  16  surrounding the camera  12  and projecting upward toward the counting surface  14 , the shield  16  preferably terminating just below the light source  15  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3   b ). This shield  16  helps to reduce background reflection and glare that may otherwise be picked up by the camera  12  during image processing, thereby providing a clearer, more accurate image of the pills or items to be counted. It is also preferred that the camera  12  not have the standard IR filter commonly found on cameras, thus retaining the capability of capturing an image from an IR light source. 
         [0023]    The computer  13  uses an algorithm to calculate how many pills are present on the counting surface  14 . The algorithm takes into account different sizes, shapes, and color patterns of pills, tablets, capsules, etc., as well as the fact that a number of pills may clump or cluster together on the counting surface  14 . The computer  13  can also have an addition feature for adding more than one counted image together in the event that one needs to count more pills than what will fit on the surface  14  at one time. In a more basic, cost-efficient system, the computer  13  may be programmed mainly to count and display the number of pills. In a higher-end, more complex version, the computer  13  may also be able to determine recommended vial size; capture, save, and transmit images; and help maintain pill inventory. The system  10  can operate as a stand-alone device or may be connected to other networks, terminals, and/or interfaced with pharmacy management systems. Interfacing with pharmacy management systems allows the images to be linked to specific patient prescription records and pharmacy inventory. 
         [0024]    The light source  15  may be a portable, cost-efficient light source such as IR emitting LED lights; although, any suitable light source may be utilized. The quantity and positioning of the light source  15  may vary as desired or needed; however, optimal placement of the lights is preferred for reducing glare when capturing an image. In a preferred arrangement, multiple IR emitting LED lights  15  may be connected in circuit and mounted or attached to an upper portion of a side (or sides) of the interior of the housing  11 , as shown in  FIG. 3 b   . For example, an array of 25 IR LED lights may be connected in circuit, forming a single line or strip of LED lights that may mounted along an upper portion of the longer dimension of the housing  11 , approximately 2 inches below the counting surface  14 ; another 25 lights may be mounted on the opposite, upper side of the housing  11 , resulting in 50 lights total. Positioning the light source  15  on a side of the housing  11  near the top of the housing  11 , rather than at or near the floor of the housing  11 , helps focus and direct more light toward the counting surface  14  while reducing the amount of light that may reflect off the interior of the housing  11  and its components. 
         [0025]    The upper counting surface  14  may be constructed of any suitable material such as glass, plastic, acrylic, or any other suitable material. However, in a preferred embodiment, the counting surface  14  is constructed of a dark material that allows the transmission of IR light, such as a tinted IR transmissive plastic. The counting surface  14  may be designed in any desired dimension, although a preferred dimension is approximately 6 inches by 8 inches. In typical pill counting devices, a light source shines from below a counting surface, while a camera placed above the counting surface captures an image, resulting in the image displaying the pills as a black silhouette with a white background. With the pill counting device  10  of the present invention, both the light source  15  and the camera  12  are below the counting surface  14 , resulting in the pills being displayed as white or lighter in color against a darker background. By using a dark or tinted counting surface  14 , the contrast of the pills to background is enhanced, resulting in a better image. 
         [0026]    The counting surface  14  may be mounted in an upper portion or upper surface of the housing  11 . An upper portion of the housing  11  may include a digital touch screen, LCD display, or another suitable type of display  16 , as best shown in  FIG. 2 , for displaying the number of pills on the counting surface, error messages, and any other useful and desired information. This display  16  may include buttons for clearing the count, saving the current count, scrolling through menu functions, etc. The housing  11  may also include a barcode scanner for barcode verification of prescriptions and linking such to pharmacy management systems. 
         [0027]    Removing the pills from the counting surface  14  may be accomplished in a number of ways. In one embodiment, at least one removable receptacle  17  or pill chute—preferably two—may be present on the upper or top portion of the housing  11 , located adjacent to the counting surface  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . In a preferred embodiment, the pill chute(s)  17  are cylindrical shaped and hinged on one side such that the upper portion of the chute  17  may be opened, preferably away from the counting surface  14  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ), and pills may be swiped, either by hand, spatula or another method, into the pill chute  17 . The chute  17  is preferably funnel or cone-shaped on one end, as shown in  FIGS. 3 a    and  4 , such that pills may slid easily from the pill chute  17  directly into a vial or container. It is contemplated that the pills may be swiped into an open pill chute  17 , the chute  17  may then be closed and removed from the counting surface  14 , and the pills may be poured from the chute  17  into a vial or bottle for prescription filling or restocking 
         [0028]    The removable receptacle  17  or pill chute may be any suitable size, and it is contemplated that the system  10  may be designed to accommodate a number of different sized chutes. For example, a smaller chute may be used when counting a smaller number of pills; the smaller chute then being removed and replaced with a larger chute for counting a larger number of pills. This larger chute may be more bucket shaped, capable of snapping or fitting in place of the smaller chute, but having more overhang off the side of the housing for collecting a larger quantity of inventory. 
         [0029]    In an alternative embodiment, the counting surface  14  and entire upper portion of the housing  11  may act as a flip tray with a handle  18  on one side and a removable pill chute  17  on the other, such that the entire upper surface of the housing  11  may be flipped up using hinged means  18 , similar to a copy machine or scanner, so that the pills slid down into the pill chute  17 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In this way, the pills are not actually touched, and the counting surface  14  is better preserved from scratches that may otherwise result from physically swiping the pills off the counting surface  14  with a spatula or other means. The pill chute  17  may then be closed and removed from the housing so that the pills may be poured from the chute  17  into a vial or bottle. 
         [0030]    In yet another embodiment, the upper surface of the housing  11  may be removable, similar to the count-and-pour tray systems widely used in pharmacies. In this embodiment, the entire counting surface  14  may be removed from the housing, picked up, and tilted to pour the pills into a counting pod, pill chute, or other receptacle. 
         [0031]    In the event that the interior of the housing  11  may need to be accessed, such as for maintenance or repair, an access panel may be provided. This access panel may be hinged, snapped, or inserted in place by any suitable mechanism such that the panel may be opened or removed, thereby providing access to the interior of the housing  11  and device  10  components. 
         [0032]    To use the visual counting system  10  of the present invention, a user may pour an undetermined number of pills on the upper counting surface  14 . The pills are illuminated from below by a light source  15  present underneath the counting surface  14 . The light reflects off the bottom of the pills while passing through any empty space on the counting surface  14 , resulting in a light/dark contrast of pills to background. The resulting image is captured by the camera  12  which is mounted below the counting surface  14 , while any extraneous reflection or glare may be minimized by a shield  16  projecting up from the camera  12 . A computer  13  or image processor calculates the number of pills in real time, as well as any additional information which can then be displayed on a screen  16  that may be present on the housing  11  of the counting system  10 . The user may adjust the number of pills on the counting surface  14  in order to reach the desired number on the display  16 . Once counting is complete, the user may slide or swipe the pills from the counting surface  14  into a pill chute, vial, or other receptacle  17 . While this description is a more simplified version of using the present invention, the process may include additional or more complex steps depending on the particular features provided by different embodiments disclosed herein. 
         [0033]    While the spirit of the invention has been described in detail with reference to particular embodiments and dimensions, the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the invention. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is to be understood that the inventive concept is not to be considered limited to the constructions and dimensions disclosed herein. 
         [0034]    The terms used in the present application are merely used to describe particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context. In the present application, it is to be understood that the terms such as “including” or “having,” etc., are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or may be added.