Abstract:
A medication administering device for automatically identifying a medication syringe and administering a correct medication. A microprocessor ( 20 ) of the medication administering device ( 1 ) identifies the color of a medication or a medication syringe on the basis of a reference value, determines the adequateness of the medication, and indicates the result of the determination by means of an LCD ( 10 ) or the like to the user. In step S 4 , the microprocessor ( 20 ) determines whether or not color data received from a color detecting unit ( 13 ) is within a reference value range. If the color data is within the reference value range, the microprocessor proceeds to step S 5 , otherwise proceeds to step S 6 . In step S 6 , the microprocessor ( 20 ) issues a message to the effect that the user needs to check the medication.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a drug administration apparatus that has a formulation syringe containing formulation mounted inside and can administer drug to a living body and so forth, and more particularly, relates to a drug administration apparatus that automatically identifies the mounted formulation. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    When administering drug solution from a formulation syringe to a test subject, the operator prepares a formulation syringe containing appropriate drug solution. A drug administration apparatus administers drug solution from a formulation syringe to a test subject by moving a piston member relative to a cylinder member by means of an injecting mechanism, in response to predetermined operation. 
         [0003]    Conventionally, a drug injection system including a drug administration apparatus has come into practical use, in which a barcode reader provided in the drug administration apparatus reads the barcode printed on a formulation packing material, or the barcode affixed to a formulation syringe, and the result is displayed on a display section, so that the operator can easily and reliably check the formulation (e.g. Patent Literature 1). 
         [0004]      FIGS. 1A  and B each show a configuration of a conventional drug administration apparatus, and  FIG. 2  shows a display example of the barcode label on the conventional drug administration apparatus. 
         [0005]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A  and B and  FIG. 2 , a drug injection system has drug solution injecting device  100  and drug solution syringe  200 . 
         [0006]    Drug solution injecting device  100  is provided with touch panel  105 , barcode reader  108  and injection head  110 . Two concave parts  112 , as a syringe holding mechanism, are formed in injection head  110 , and cylinder members  201  in respective drug solution syringes  200  are removably held in these concave parts  112  separately. 
         [0007]    Drug solution syringe  200  is composed of cylinder member  201  and piston member  202 , and piston member  202  is slidably inserted in cylinder member  201 . Cylinder member  201  is filled with drug solution and capped with sealing cap  203 , and then sealed with packing material  204  wholly. 
         [0008]    Identification data  205  on drug solution is recoded on at least one of the packing material, cylinder member and piston member in drug solution syringe  200 , and the drug administration apparatus stores drug solution data per identification data  205 . In the drug administration apparatus, barcode reader  108  retrieves read drug solution data, and display section  108  displays it, and therefore, the operator can easily and reliably check various data about drug solution to be injected into the test subject. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
       [0000]    
       
         PTL 1 
         Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-298550 
       
     
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0011]    However, this conventional formulation injection system identifies formulation by barcode, and therefore has a problem that it is difficult for the user to identify formulation only by looking at a formulation syringe. 
         [0012]    In addition, in the above-described case, identifying formulation by the barcode and mounting a formulation syringe in the drug solution injecting device are not performed at the same time, and therefore, if the user mounts a formulation syringe different from one identified by the barcode by mistake, there is a risk of administrating wrong drug. Moreover, there is a problem that it is necessary to provide a barcode reader in the drug administration apparatus side, so that the size of the apparatus increases, and therefore mobility deteriorates and the cost increases. 
         [0013]    In view of the above-described problems, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a drug administration apparatus that can administer correct drug by automatically identifying formulation syringes. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0014]    The drug administration apparatus according to the present invention that has a formulation syringe containing formulation mounted inside and administers drug to a living body adopts a configuration to include: an identification section that identifies formulation loaded in the formulation syringe, or the formulation syringe containing the formulation; and a reporting section that reports a result of identification by the identification section. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0015]    According to the present invention, it is possible to administer correct drug by automatically identifying formulation loaded into a formulation syringe or a formulation syringe containing formulation and reporting the result of the identification. 
         [0016]    In addition, it is possible to realize a compact drug administration apparatus that can easily and reliably identify formulation without damaging convenience for the user, and it is possible to provide a safe and secure drug administration apparatus that prevents wrong drug from being administered. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIGS. 1A  and B each show a configuration of a conventional drug administration apparatus; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a display example of the barcode label on the conventional drug administration apparatus; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an overall perspective view showing a drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state before a formulation syringe is mounted in a syringe holder in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 1; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state after a formulation syringe is mounted in a syringe holder in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 1; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross sectional view showing primary parts nearby a color detecting section in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 1; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing the electrical circuit of the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 1; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing operation of formulation identification when a formulation syringe is replaced in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 1; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing operation of formulation identification when drug is administered from a formulation syringe in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 1; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state before a formulation syringe is mounted in a syringe holder in a drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state after a formulation syringe is mounted in a syringe holder in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 2; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged cross sectional view showing primary parts nearby a transmissive color detecting section in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 2; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state before a formulation syringe is mounted in a syringe holder in a drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state after a formulation syringe is mounted in a syringe holder in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 3; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged cross sectional view showing primary parts nearby a first color detecting section and a second color detecting section in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 3; 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart showing operation of formulation identification when a formulation syringe is replaced in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 1; 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state before a formulation syringe is mounted in a syringe holder in a drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state after a formulation syringe is mounted in a syringe holder in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 4; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  is a flowchart showing operation of formulation identification using a first color detecting section and a second color detecting section in the drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 4. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       Embodiment 1 
       [0037]      FIG. 3  is an overall perspective view showing a drug administration apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , drug administration apparatus  1  is configured to include housing  2 , tip cap  3 , check window  4 , syringe cover  5 , detecting protrusion  5   b  (see  FIG. 4 ), power supply button  6 , air-bleeding button  7 , completion button  8 , drug administration button  9  and LCD (liquid crystal display)  10 , which is a display means. 
         [0039]    Drug administration apparatus  1  is covered with housing  2 , which is the exterior of the apparatus body. 
         [0040]    Tip cap  3  is removably mounted to one end of housing  2  and, if necessary, is mounted or removed when formulation syringe  11  is mounted or removed, and an injection needle for injecting drug solution is mounted or removed. 
         [0041]    Tip cap  3  has check window  4  for checking the inside, and therefore, it is possible to visually check the presence or absence and the type of formulation syringe  11  (see  FIG. 4 ), the amount of formulation and so forth through syringe cover  5  made of a transparent member. 
         [0042]    In addition, tip cap  3  serves to cover an injection needle for drug administration in order not to expose the injection needle, and, at the time of drug administration, skin is made contact tip cap  3  and punctured with an injection needle for drug administration from a top opening part in tip cap  3  to administer drug. Tip cap  3  secures safety in operation by covering a member having a sharply pointed tip such as an injection needle. 
         [0043]    Check window  24  is a window for checking the inside, which visually checks the presence or absence and the type of formulation syringe  11  (see  FIG. 4 ), and the amount of formulation and so forth through syringe cover  5  made of a transparent member. Check window  4  may be made of, for example, a transparent or semi-transparent member, or may be an opening physically clipped off as long as check window  4  allows the inside to be visually checked. 
         [0044]    Power supply button  6  turns on and off the power supply of drug administration apparatus  1 . By this means, drug administration apparatus  1  is activated. 
         [0045]    Air-bleeding button  7  is used when air in formulation syringe  11  (see  FIG. 4 ) is bled. In case formulation syringe  11  or an injection needle (hollow needle whose inside is hollow) for drug administration contains air, this air-bleeding button  7  removes the inside air from formulation syringe  11  and so forth. 
         [0046]    Completion button  8  allows the step to move the next step after air-bleeding operation, or when necessary operation, including checking various displays and so forth, is completed. 
         [0047]    After completing preparation for drug administration, drug administration button  9  is pushed at the time of drug administration. 
         [0048]    LCD  10  displays various necessary information including a battery level, air-bleeding operation and so forth. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are cross sectional views showing states before and after formulation syringe  11  is mounted in drug administration apparatus  1 .  FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state before formulation syringe  11  is mounted in syringe holder  50 , which is a mounting section in the drug administration apparatus  1  side.  FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state after formulation syringe  11  is mounted in syringe holder  50 . 
         [0050]    Syringe holder  50  is a mounting section that mounts formulation syringe  11  in drug administration apparatus  1  body, and includes piston case  12 , attaching and removing groove  12   a , piston  15  and so forth. Syringe holder  50  restricts formulation syringe  11  from inserting in syringe holder  50  in the direction of the central axis of formulation syringe  11  and holds it by making the bottom of formulation syringe  11  contact piston  15 , and restricts formulation syringe  11  from shifting in the direction of the outer surface of formulation syringe  11  and holds it by fitting formulation syringe  11  into piston case  12  and attaching and removing groove  12   a.    
         [0051]    In a state before syringe cover  5  is mounted as shown in  FIG. 4 , syringe cover  5  is removed from drug administration apparatus  1 , and, after formulation syringe  11  is inserted in drug administration apparatus  1 , syringe cover  5  is mounted, and then fitted into piston case  12  placed in housing  2 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , syringe cover  5  has attaching and removing protrusion  5   a , detecting protrusion  5   b  and opening  5   c.    
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , in a state after syringe cover  5  is mounted in drug administration apparatus  1 , attaching and removing protrusion  5   a  is fitted into attaching and removing groove  12   a  formed in the inner surface of piston case  12  provided in housing  2 . 
         [0053]    Detecting protrusion  5   b  is provided to push one end of syringe cover detecting lever  14   a  formed in housing  2 . 
         [0054]    Formulation syringe  11  has label  11   a  used for color detection. 
         [0055]    Piston case  12  is a member having an approximately cylindrical shape and provided along the inner surface of housing  2 . Drug administration button  9  is provided in the outer surface side of piston case  12 , and detecting section  13 , which is an identification means, syringe cover detecting section  14 , piston  15  and piston driving motor  16  are provided in piston case  12 . 
         [0056]    Drug administration button  9  is provided on the side surface of drug administration apparatus  1  and pressed at the time of drug administration. 
         [0057]    Piston  15  moves forward and pushes formulation toward the direction of drug administration (the left in  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0058]    Syringe cover detecting section  14  has syringe cover detecting lever  14   a , syringe cover detecting lever spring  14   b  and syringe cover detecting switch  14   c . When syringe cover  5  is inserted in piston case  12 , syringe cover detecting lever  14   a  is pushed by detecting protrusion  5   b  provided on syringe cover  5  and moves against the spring force of syringe cover detecting lever spring  14   b  to press syringe cover detecting switch  14   c . By this means, it is possible to detect syringe cover  5  being mounted in piston case  12 . 
         [0059]    Piston driving motor  16  moves piston  15  forward and backward (expands and contracts piston  15 ) in the direction of drug administration by rotating in a desired direction. 
         [0060]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view showing parts nearby color detecting section, which is an example of an identification means. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , color detecting section  13  has LED  13   a , light blocking wall  13   b , color sensor  13   c  and printed substrate  13   d.    
         [0062]    In color detecting section  13 , when white light  17  outputted from LED  13   a  and containing RGB components passes through opening  5   c  and hits label  11   a  affixed to formulation syringe  11 , white light  17  is converted into reflected light  18  having the same color component as label  11   a , and color sensor  13   c  receives reflected light  18  which passes through opening  5   c  and arrives at color sensor  13   c , performs digital-conversion on reflected light  18  and outputs the result to microprocessor  20  (see  FIG. 7 ), and therefore, it is possible to accomplish color detection. Light blocking wall  13   b  serves to prevent white light  17  of LED  13   a  from directly entering color sensor  13   c  and allows accurate color detection of label  11   a  affixed to a formulation syringe. 
         [0063]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing the electrical circuit of drug administration apparatus  1  and its nearby parts. 
         [0064]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , in drug administration apparatus  1 , power supply button  6 , air-bleeding button  7 , completion button  8 , drug administration button  9 , color detecting section  13 , syringe cover detecting switch  14   c  and piston driving motor  16  are electrically connected to microprocessor  20 , which is a control section. In addition, drug administration apparatus  1  is configured to include power supply section  19 , which is the power supply of the apparatus, motor drive circuit  21 , current detecting circuit  22 , encoder  23 , display section  24  (LCD  10 ), sounder  25  and vibrator  26 . 
         [0065]    Power supply button  6  is used to switch the power supply between on and off in drug administration apparatus  1 . By turning on the power supply, drug administration apparatus  1  is activated. 
         [0066]    Air-bleeding button  7  is used to perform air-bleeding operation, which is generally performed as advance preparation before drug administration. 
         [0067]    Completion button  8  is pressed at the time necessary operation is completed to move the step to the next step. 
         [0068]    Drug administration button  9  is used when it is desired to start drug administration operation. 
         [0069]    Power supply section  19  represents the power supply part of drug administration apparatus  1 . Power supply section  19  has a mobility-focused configuration and is composed of rechargeable battery  19   a  and charging circuit  19   b . Here, power supply section  19  can operate using a primary battery. Nickel metal hydride battery and a lithium-ion battery may be used as rechargeable battery  19 . 
         [0070]    Display section  24 , sounder  25  and vibrator  26  are used as means for reporting to the user. Display section  24  refers to LCD  10 , an LED, organic electro-luminescence and so forth, and is used to visually check the current operation state, warning display and so forth. 
         [0071]    An optical reporting method using a display LED and so forth can be realized by illuminating, flashing and so forth. In addition, when a multicolor type display LED and so forth is used, it is possible to visually report the degree of importance or urgency of the reported content by switching RGB components and illuminating or flashing any color based on the ratio between colors. Therefore, it is useful for people with impaired hearing. 
         [0072]    In addition, the above-described display LED may be provided separately from LCD  10 . Display section  24  may be arranged nearby a mounting section to mount formulation syringe  11  in drug administration apparatus  1 . 
         [0073]    Sounder  25  is used to perform auditory reporting by warning sound, the sound during drug administration, audio output at the time of starting and ending electrical charging, announce of operation by sound, and so forth, according to audio signals from microprocessor  20 . Therefore, it is useful for people with impaired sight. 
         [0074]    Vibrator  26  reports warning and so forth by vibration. Vibrator  26  reports an abnormal state and so forth to the user by vibration instead of or as well as a warning sound or voice, and therefore can effectively and reliably inform the state of a drug administration apparatus and so forth. 
         [0075]    Microprocessor  20  controls the overall operation of the apparatus and also controls operation of the apparatus corresponding to each of various buttons  6  to  9 , according to electrical signals transmitted from these buttons  6  to  9 . 
         [0076]    Particularly, microprocessor  20  controls operation of drug administration. To be more specific, when drug administration button  9  is pushed, microprocessor  20  checks syringe cover detecting switch  14   c  and color detecting section  13  to check whether or not formulation syringe  11  is normally mounted. After checking whether or not formulation syringe  11  is normally mounted, microprocessor  20  transmits an electrical signal to motor drive circuit  21  to operate piston driving motor  16 . When piston driving motor  16  rotates, piston  15  (see  FIG. 4 ) mechanically connected to piston driving motor  16  moves forward, and therefore drug is administered from formulation syringe  11  into the living body. The dosage of drug is determined and managed by counting output signals (pulse signals) from encoder  23  connected to piston driving motor  16 . 
         [0077]    In addition, microprocessor  20  has a function as an identification means to identify a formulation syringe by executing a program described later with reference to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 . Moreover, microprocessor  20  can administer drug into a living body by automatically controlling the dosage of drug by motor drive circuit  21 , based on information about a preset dosage of drug. That is, microprocessor  20  also has a drug dosage control section. In addition, microprocessor  20  further has a drug administration information setting section that sets information about drug administration such as the dosage of drug. A reference value to identify color of formulation or a formulation syringe is preset, and information about drug administration including the reference value and the dosage of drug is stored in a memory. 
         [0078]    When abnormal load is applied to piston driving motor  16  (when an injection needle cannot be mounted or clogs), a current value varies more greatly than usual, and current detecting circuit  22  detects the abnormal current value and transmits an electrical signal to microprocessor  20 . Upon receiving the electrical signal, microprocessor  20  determines that there is something wrong and stops the drug administration operation, and then, reports the abnormality to the user by displaying an error and so forth on LCD  10 , flashing a display LED, outputting a warning sound by sounder  25  and vibrating vibrator  26 . 
         [0079]    Syringe cover detecting switch  14   c  constituting syringe detecting section  14  is equivalent to a formulation syringe detecting section that detects whether or not formulation or formulation syringe  11  has been mounted in drug administration apparatus  1  and detects whether a formulation syringe is correctly mounted at the time of replacing a formulation syringe. 
         [0080]    Now, operation of drug administration apparatus  1  configured as described above, will be explained. 
         [0081]    First, operation of formulation syringe  11  at the time of replacement will be described. 
         [0082]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing operation of formulation identification at the time of replacing formulation syringe  11 , and this flow is executed by microprocessor  20 . In the figure, S represents each step in the operation flow. 
         [0083]    In step S 1 , microprocessor  20  checks whether formulation syringe  11  has been correctly mounted in drug administration apparatus  1  using syringe cover detecting switch  14   c  and so forth. When formulation syringe  11  has not been mounted, the step moves to a stand-by mode in step S 2 . 
         [0084]    When formulation syringe  11  has been mounted, microprocessor  20  receives color data from color detecting section  13  in step S 3 . 
         [0085]    In step S 4 , microprocessor  20  determines whether or not the color data received from color detecting section  13  is within the reference value. If the color data is within the reference value, the step moves to step S 5 , and, on the other hand, when the color data is out of the reference value, the step moves to step S 6 . 
         [0086]    In step S 5 , assume that a correct formulation syringe has been mounted, microprocessor  20  moves the step to pre-administration preparation processing including air-bleeding operation. 
         [0087]    In step S 6 , assume that a wrong formulation syringe has been mounted, microprocessor  20  issues a message to warn and report that the formulation should be checked. To be more specific, in order to inform the user about that wrong drug is likely to be administered, microprocessor  20  displays a warning such as a message indicating “! remove and check formulation” on LCD  10 , which is a display means. In addition, microprocessor  20  makes sounder  25  issue a warning sound and also makes vibrator  26  vibrate. In addition, reporting may be made by flashing a display LED. Moreover, combination of these is possible. 
         [0088]    In step S 7 , microprocessor  20  makes drug administration apparatus  1  automatically stop in order to prevent wrong drug from being administered. Automatically preventing wrong drug from being administered in the drug administration apparatus  1  side is greatly useful to secure the safety of the user. 
         [0089]    In addition, operation of identifying formulation and/or a formulation syringe is also performed at the time of staring drug administration. 
         [0090]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing formulation identification operation at the time of administering drug from formulation syringe  11 . The basic operation is the same as the flow shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0091]    In step S 11 , microprocessor  20  checks whether or not drug administration button  9  has been pressed by the user. If drug administration button  9  has not been pressed by the user, the step moves to a stand-by mode in step S 12 . 
         [0092]    If drug administration button  9  has been pressed by the user, the step moves to step S 13 , and microprocessor  20  receives color data from color detecting section  13 . 
         [0093]    In step S 14 , microprocessor  20  determines whether or not the color data received from color detecting section  13  is within the reference value. If the color data is within the reference value, the step moves to step S 15 , and, on the other hand, if the color data is out of the reference value, the step moves to step S 16 . 
         [0094]    In step S 15 , assuming that a correct formulation syringe is mounted, microprocessor  20  moves to drug administration processing. 
         [0095]    In step S 16 , microprocessor  20  sends a message to report that formulation should be checked. To be more specific, in order to inform the user that wrong drug is likely to be administered, microprocessor  20  displays a warning indicating “! remove and check formulation” on LCD  10 . In addition, microprocessor  20  makes sounder  25  issue a warning sound and also makes vibrator  26  vibrate. Moreover, microprocessor  20  may issue a warning by flashing display LED. Furthermore, combination of these is possible. 
         [0096]    In step S 17 , assuming that a wrong formulation syringe is mounted, microprocessor  20  makes drug administration apparatus  1  automatically stop in order to prevent wrong drug from being administered. Automatically preventing wrong drug from being administered in the drug administration apparatus  1  side is greatly useful to secure the safety of the user. 
         [0097]    In this way, formulation is identified at the time of starting drug administration (including just before starting drug administration), so that it is possible to reduce the risk of administering wrong drug. This processing prevents wrong drug administration. 
         [0098]    The reason formulation is identified before drug administration is to certainly prevent wrong drug administration even if formulation identification processing has not been performed for some reason at the time of formulation replacement shown in  FIG. 8 . In addition, the reason formulation identification processing is performed both at the time of drug administration shown in  FIG. 9  and at the time of formulation replacement shown in  FIG. 8 , is to improve reliability by double checking, and that it is preferable to avoid stopping administering drug at the last minute and find wrong drug in the preparation stage before administration. 
         [0099]    Here, formulation identification processing may be performed either at the time of drug administration shown in  FIG. 9  or at the time of formulation replacement shown in  FIG. 8 . However, from the viewpoint of reliably preventing wrong drug administration, the present embodiment is preferable in which formulation identification processing is performed both at the time of drug administration and at the time of formulation replacement. 
         [0100]    As described above in detail, microprocessor  20  provided in drug administration apparatus  1  according to the present embodiment identifies the availability and so forth of formulation by determining the color of formulation or a formulation syringe based on the reference value, and reports the result of the identification to the user using LCD  10  and so forth, so that it is possible to automatically identify formulation syringes to administer correct drug. The user does not need work including checking a formulation syringe by the user&#39;s eyes, and therefore can check a formulation syringe without trouble. In addition, it is possible to easily and reliably identify formulation without damaging convenience for the user. Moreover, the size of the apparatus does not increase. 
         [0101]    In addition, with the present embodiment, the syringe cover detecting means and the color detecting means shown in  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  are provided to determine whether or not a formulation syringe has been mounted and it is possible to use formulation. Replacing a formulation syringe and pressing the drug administration button are necessary work for drug administration, and this work allows automatic detection of the validity of a formulation syringe. Consequently, it is possible to easily and reliably determine whether or not drug can be administered, and then, the result of the determination is reported to the user, so that the user can easily administer drug. 
         [0102]    Moreover, although with the present embodiment, the color of formulation or formulation syringe  11  is detected by reflected light, the present invention is not limited to this, and, when formulation syringe  11  and syringe cover  5  are integrated, an identification method by coloring syringe cover  5  itself for identification is possible, and also an identification method by attaching color identification label  11   a  to syringe cover  5  is possible. Basically, it is possible to provide the same effect as in the present embodiment by using the same method as in the present embodiment. 
       Embodiment 2 
       [0103]    Embodiment 2 is an example in which a transmissive color detecting section is applied to a color detecting means. 
         [0104]      FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  are cross sectional views showing states before and after formulation syringe  42  is mounted in drug administration apparatus  1  according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.  FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state before formulation syringe  42  is mounted in syringe holder  50 .  FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state in which formulation syringe  42  is mounted in syringe holder  50 . The same components as in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  are assigned the same reference numerals and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. 
         [0105]    As shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , syringe cover  41  is a transmissive color detecting means, and has first opening  41   a  and second opening  41   b . In addition, syringe cover  41  is partly or entirely formed by a transparent member. 
         [0106]    Formulation syringe  42  is formed as a transparent container, and has formulation  42   a , first gasket  42   b , second gasket  42   c  and container  42   d.    
         [0107]    Transmissive color detecting section  43  has LED  43   a  and color sensor  43   b . Detailed description will be explained with reference to  FIG. 12 . 
         [0108]    In a state before syringe cover  41  is mounted as shown in  FIG. 10 , syringe cover  41  is removed from drug administration apparatus  1 , and, after formulation syringe  42  is inserted in drug administration apparatus  1 , syringe cover  41  is mounted, and then fitted into piston case  12  placed in housing  2 . 
         [0109]      FIG. 11  shows a state after syringe cover  41  is mounted, where formulation syringe  42  is covered with syringe cover  41 , and first opening  41   a  and second opening  41   b  in syringe cover  41  match LED  43   a  and color sensor  43   b  in transmissive color detecting section  43 , respectively. 
         [0110]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged cross sectional view showing primary parts nearby the above-described transmissive color detecting section  43 . 
         [0111]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , transmissive color detecting section  43  has LED  43   a  and color sensor  43   b . In transmissive color detecting section  43 , white light  47  containing RGB components outputted from LED  43   a  passes through formulation syringe  42  to convert passed light  44 , and color sensor  43   b  performs digital-conversion on this passed light  44  and outputs the result to microprocessor  20 . 
         [0112]    Passed light  44  passes through formulation  42   a  accommodated in formulation syringe  42  or container  42   d , and therefore, has the same color component as formulation  42   a  or container  42   d  by filler effect. Therefore, it is possible to detect the color of formulation  42   a  or container  42   d.    
         [0113]    In this way, according to Embodiment 2, like Embodiment 1, the color of formulation or a formulation container is automatically identified, so that the user does not need work including checking a formulation syringe by the user&#39;s eyes, and therefore can check whether or not the formulation is correct without trouble. It is possible to easily and reliably determine whether or not the formulation is correct based on the color of the formulation itself without damaging convenience for the user, so that it is possible to improve the safety and also operability. 
         [0114]    In addition, with Embodiment 2, it is possible to identify the color of formulation itself, and this provides a specific effect that can automatically identify formulation even if blood flows back from the living body side to the formulation syringe side, or event if the color of formulation changes in a poor state of preservation. 
         [0115]    Moreover, it was found that even if different types of formulation having the same color were used, it was possible to automatically identify formulation by varying the color of a container for each kind of formulation and identifying the color of each container. 
       Embodiment 3 
       [0116]    Embodiment 3 is an example in which the characteristic of the reflective color detecting section according to Embodiment 1 is exploited and a plurality of color detecting means are further provided. 
         [0117]      FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14  are cross sectional view showing states before and after formulation syringe  46  is mounted in drug administration apparatus  1  according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.  FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state before formulation syringe  46  is mounted in syringe holder  50 .  FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state after formulation syringe  46  is mounted in syringe holder  50 . The same components as in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  are assigned the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. 
         [0118]    As shown in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , drug administration apparatus  1  has first color detecting section  47  and second color detecting section  48 . First color detecting section  47  and second color detecting section  48  will be described later with reference to  FIG. 15 . Providing two color detecting sections, first color detecting section  47  and second color detecting section  48 , allows color detection in a plurality of positions and also allows more advanced automatic identification of formulation. 
         [0119]    Syringe cover  45  has first opening  45   a  and second opening  45   b.    
         [0120]    Formulation syringe  46  is used by dissolving drug, and has powder formulation  46   a , syringe convex part  46   b , first basket  46   c , drug solution  46   d  and second gasket  46   e.    
         [0121]      FIG. 13  shows a state before syringe cover  45  is mounted, where syringe cover  45  is removed from drug administration apparatus  1 , and, after formulation syringe  46  is inserted in drug administration apparatus  1 , syringe cover  45  is mounted, and then fitted into piston case  12  placed in housing  2 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 14  shows a state after syringe cover is mounted. 
         [0123]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged cross sectional view showing primary parts nearby the above-described first color detecting section  47  and second color detecting section  48 . The same components as in  FIG. 6  are assigned the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. 
         [0124]    First color detecting section  47  and second color detecting section  48  have the same configuration as color detecting section  13  shown in  FIG. 6 . Color detecting sections  13  shown in  FIG. 6  are provided in two positions as first color detecting section  47  and second color detecting section  48 . 
         [0125]    When white light  17  containing RGB components outputted from LED  13   a  hits first gasket  46   c  and second gasket  46   e , white light  17  is converted into reflected lights  18  respectively having the same color components as gaskets ( 46   c  and  46 E). First color detecting section  47  and second color detecting section  48  perform digital-conversion on each reflected light  18  and outputs the result to microprocessor  20  to accomplish color detection. 
         [0126]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart showing operation of formulation identification at the time of replacing formulation syringe  46  (used by dissolving drug). 
         [0127]    In step S 21 , microprocessor  20  checks whether or not drug administration button  9  has been pressed by the user. If drug administration button  9  has not been pressed by the user, the step moves to a stand-by mode in step S 22 . 
         [0128]    On the other hand, if drug administration button  9  has been pressed by the user, the step moves to step S 23 , and microprocessor  20  receives color data  1  from first color detecting section  47 , and next, receives color data  2  from second color detecting section  48  in step S 24 . 
         [0129]    In step S 25 , microprocessor  20  determines whether or not color data  1  and color data  2  received from first color detecting section  47  and second color detecting section  48  are within reference values, respectively. 
         [0130]    If color data  1  and color data  2  are within the reference values, microprocessor  20  determines that inserted formulation syringe  46  is new, and moves to step S 26 . 
         [0131]    In step S 26 , microprocessor  20  drives piston driving motor  16  incorporated in drug administration apparatus  1  to move piston  15  forward a certain distance, so that formulation automatically dissolve. 
         [0132]    If color data  1  and color data  2  are out of the reference values in the above step S 25 , the step moves to step S 27 . 
         [0133]    In step S 27 , microprocessor  20  issues a message indicating that formulation should be checked. To be more specific, in order to report to the user that wrong drug is likely to be administrated, microprocessor  20  displays a caution or warning as a message indicating “! remove and check formulation” on LCD  10 , which is a display means. In addition, microprocessor  20  makes sounder  25  issue a warning sound and also makes vibrator  26  vibrate. Moreover, microprocessor  20  may issue a warning by flashing a display LED. Furthermore, combination of these is possible. 
         [0134]    In step S 28 , microprocessor  20  commands drug administration apparatus  1  to automatically stop in order to prevent wrong drug from being administered. Providing a drug administration preventing means for automatically preventing wrong drug from being administered in the drug administration apparatus  1  side is greatly useful to secure the safety of the user. 
         [0135]    In this way, according to Embodiment 3, it is possible to identify the color of gaskets in a formulation syringe, and therefore it is possible to easily automatically identify the state of preservation of formulation, that is, it is determine whether or not the formulation is new. 
         [0136]    For example, in a drug administration apparatus in which formulation is dissolved in use, it is possible to automatically dissolve formulation after the color of gaskets placed in two positions in the formulation syringe is determined. In addition, a specific effect of supporting automatic identification of various types of formulation is provided. 
         [0137]    Embodiment 4 is an example in which two types of color detecting means, a reflective color detecting section and a transmissive color detecting section, are provided. 
         [0138]      FIG. 17  and  FIG. 18  are cross sectional views showing states before and after formulation syringe  11  is mounted in drug administration apparatus  1  according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.  FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state before formulation syringe  11  is mounted in syringe holder  50 .  FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view showing the internal state after formulation syringe  11  is mounted in syringe holder  50 . The same components as in  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14  are assigned the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. 
         [0139]    As shown in  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 18 , syringe cover  57  is used to detect colors in a plurality of positions, and has first opening section  57   a , second opening section  57   b  and third opening section  57   c.    
         [0140]    Formulation syringe  11  has label  11   a  used for color detection. 
         [0141]    First color detecting section  58  has LED  58   a  and color sensor  58   b , and can detect colors by performing digital-conversion on passed light from formulation syringe  11  and outputting the result to microprocessor  20 , like transmissive color detecting section  43  shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0142]    Second color detecting section  59  has the same configuration as color detecting section  13  shown in  FIG. 6 , and can detect colors by performing digital-conversion on passed light from formulation syringe  11  and outputting the result to microprocessor  20 . 
         [0143]    Providing first color detecting section  58  and second color detecting section  59  placed in two positions allows color detection in a plurality of positions, and also allows more advanced automatic identification of formulation. 
         [0144]      FIG. 19  is a flowchart showing operation of formulation identification using first color detecting section  58  and second color detecting section  59 . 
         [0145]    In step  31 , microprocessor checks whether or not drug administration button  9  has been pressed by the user. If drug administration button  9  has not been pressed by the user, the step moves to a stand-by mode in step S 32 . 
         [0146]    On the other hand, if drug administration button  9  has been pressed by the user, microprocessor  20  receives color data  2  from second color detecting section  59  in step S 33 . 
         [0147]    In step S 34 , microprocessor  20  determines whether or not color data  2  received from second color detecting section  49  is within the reference value. 
         [0148]    If color data  2  is out of the reference value in the above step S 35 , microprocessor  20  issues a message indicating that formulation should be checked. To be more specific, in order to report to the user that wrong drug is likely to be administrated, microprocessor  20  displays a caution or warning as a message indicating “! remove and check formulation” on LCD  10 , which is a display means. In addition, microprocessor  20  makes sounder  25  issue a warning sound and also makes vibrator  26  vibrate. Moreover, microprocessor  20  may issue a warning by flashing a display LED. Furthermore, combination of these is possible. 
         [0149]    In step S 36 , microprocessor  20  commands drug administration apparatus  1  to automatically stop in order to prevent wrong drug from being administered. Automatically preventing wrong drug from being administered in the drug administration apparatus  1  side is greatly useful to secure the safety of the user. 
         [0150]    If color data  2  is within the reference value in the above step S 34 , microprocessor  20  receives color data  1  from first color detecting section  58  in step S 37 . 
         [0151]    In step S 38 , microprocessor  20  determines whether or not color data  1  received from first color detecting section  58  is within the reference value. 
         [0152]    If color data  1  is within the reference value, microprocessor  20  determines that inserted formulation syringe  11  is new, and moves to step S 39 . 
         [0153]    In step S 39 , microprocessor  20  moves to drug administration processing. 
         [0154]    If color data  1  is out of the reference value in the above step  38 , microprocessor  20  issues a message indicating that formulation should be checked in step S 40 . To be more specific, in order to report to the user that deteriorated or defective drug is likely to be administrated, microprocessor  20  displays a caution or warning as a message indicating “! formulation has been discolored” on LCD  10 . In addition, microprocessor  20  makes sounder  25  issue a warning sound and also makes vibrator  26  vibrate. In addition, microprocessor  20  may issue a warning by flashing a display LED. Moreover, combination of these is possible. 
         [0155]    In step S 41 , microprocessor  20  makes drug administration apparatus  1  automatically stop in order to prevent deteriorated or defective drug from being administered. Providing a drug administration preventing means that prevents deteriorated or defective drug from being automatically administered in the drug administration apparatus  1  side is greatly useful to secure the safety of the user. 
         [0156]    In this way, according to Embodiment 4, firstly, second color detecting section  59  detects the color of label  11   a  affixed to formulation syringe  11  to automatically identify the type of formulation syringe  11 . Secondly, first color detecting section  58  detects the color of the formulation itself to automatically determine whether or not the formulation has been discolored. These two kinds of color detection are performed, so that the user does not need work including checking a formulation syringe by the user&#39;s eyes, and therefore can identify a formulation without trouble. That is, by performing color detection on the above-described two items, the user can easily and reliably identify a formulation syringe without damaging convenience for the user, and it is possible to use the drug administration apparatus more safely and improve operability. 
         [0157]    Moreover, a case is possible where first color detecting section  58  is substituted for a reflective color detecting section as shown in Embodiment 1, and, for example, (1) irreversible temperature control indicators manufactured by Nichiyu Giken Kogyo Co., Ltd. or (2) humidity indicators such as “HumiJudge™” manufactured by Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd are arranged in predetermined positions, so that it is possible to detect the colors, or change in the colors of the temperature control indicators or the humidity indicators. An advantage is found that these color detections are applicable to a drug administration apparatus required to automatically identify more accurately the preservation state of formulation (the temperature and humidity around formulation). There color detections are expected to be widely used in various drug administration apparatuses. 
         [0158]    The above description is illustration of preferred embodiments of the present invention and the scope of the invention is not limited to this. 
         [0159]    Although the name “drug administration apparatus” is used in the embodiments for ease of explanation, “drug injecting device”, “drug administration system” and so forth are possible naturally. 
         [0160]    Moreover, the type, the number, the connection method and so forth of components constituting the above-described drug administration apparatus are not limited. 
         [0161]    The above-described drug administration method may be realized by a program to operate this drug administration method. This program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium. 
         [0162]    The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-320056, filed on Dec. 16, 2008, including the specification, drawings and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0163]    The drug administration apparatus according to the present invention is useful as a drug administration apparatus that has a function to automatically and correctly identify a formulation syringe by performing operation required for drug administration, has a formulation syringe containing formulation mounted inside, and can administer drug to a living body and so forth. Particularly, it is useful for injection into elderly people, children and physically-challenged people by themselves, injection into patients by their families, and so forth. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0000]    
       
           1  Drug administration apparatus 
           2  Housing 
           3  Tip cap 
           4  Check window 
           5 ,  41 ,  45 ,  57  Syringe cover 
           5   a  Attaching and removing protrusion 
           5   b  Detecting protrusion 
           5   c  Opening 
           6  Power supply button 
           8  Completion button 
           7  Air-bleeding button 
           8  Completion button 
           9  Drug administration button 
           10  LCD 
           11 ,  42 ,  46  Formulation syringe 
           11   a  Label 
           12  Piston case 
           12   a  Attaching and removing groove 
           13  Color detecting section 
           13   a ,  43   a    58   a  LED 
           13   b  Light blocking wall 
           13   c ,  43   b ,  58   b  Color sensor 
           13   d  Printed substrate 
           14  Syringe cover detecting section 
           14   a  Syringe cover detecting lever 
           14   b  Syringe cover detecting lever spring 
           14   c  Syringe cover detecting switch 
           15  Piston 
           16  Piston driving motor 
           19  Power supply section 
           19   a  Rechargeable battery 
           19   b  Charging circuit 
           20  Microprocessor 
           21  Motor drive circuit 
           22  Current detecting circuit 
           23  Encoder 
           24  Display section 
           25  Sounder 
           26  Vibrator 
           41   a ,  45   a ,  57   a  First opening 
           41   b ,  45   b ,  57   b  Second opening 
           42   a  Formulation 
           42   b ,  46   c  First gasket 
           42   c ,  46   e  Second gasket 
           42   d  Container 
           43  Transmissive color detecting section 
           46   a  Powder formulation 
           46   d  Drug solution 
           47 ,  58  First color detecting section 
           48 ,  59  Second color detecting section 
           50  Syringe holder 
           57   c  Third opening