Patent Description:
Generally, health supplements, such as vitamins and the like, medicines, and foods such as chocolate, candy, and the like, are sold as solid content in the form of capsules or tablets (pill) or as powdery content in the form of being stored in containers.

Tools or small parts, such as bolts, nuts, and the like, are also manufactured as solid content (hereinafter referred to as "content") and used or managed in a state of being accommodated in containers.

General content accommodating containers have a structure including a container body in which a large amount of content is accommodated and a cover that is coupled to an inlet of the container body to be opened or closed. Therefore, in order to ingest or use the content, the cover is opened from the container body and then the accommodated content is withdrawn. In such a conventional accommodating container, in order to acquire the content, when a user takes out the content by tilting the container body or putting his or her hand into the container body, the content pours out all at once or as much comes out as is being grasped by the hand. Therefore, it is difficult to simply take out the content one by one or by a required demand amount.

It is important to take a fixed amount of medications or health supplements in order to maximize their efficacy and prevent overdose or poisoning. In addition, it is necessary to manage inventory of tools or parts, such as screws, at work sites through discharge of a fixed amount thereof and automatic detection of discharge.

Accordingly, attempts have been made to develop a device for discharging a fixed amount of content from a receiving mechanism. However, it was not possible to accurately detect an amount of content discharged from the receiving mechanism, and as a result, it was difficult to provide accurate medication guidance or inventory management.

<CIT> discloses a passing device comprising a transmission unit installed in a passing operation unit to transmit radio waves to a direction of a passing movement unit guiding movement of contents, a receiving unit installed in the passing operation unit to receive radio waves reflected by the contents, and a sensing control unit detecting contents discharged through the passing operation unit through the radio waves received by the receiving unit after transmitting the radio waves in the transmission unit.

The present invention has been devised to improve the above problems and is directed to providing a content passing device that accurately detects content discharged from a receiving mechanism for accommodating the content therein.

The present invention is also directed to providing a content passing device and a receiving mechanism that enable a user to take a fixed amount of medications through the above object, and a medication management device.

The present invention is also directed to providing a passing device that automatically detects discharge of content by accurately distinguishing a jammed state and discharge of the content, and a receiving mechanism.

The present invention is also directed to providing a method of determining with high accuracy whether content is discharged from a receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device.

A passing device according to the present invention is defined in appended claim <NUM>.

A medication management device according to the present invention is defined in appended claim <NUM>.

A method according to the present invention is defined in appended claim <NUM>.

According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a passing device with high accuracy for detecting discharge of content, and it is possible to manage a user to take a fixed amount of medications using the passing device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, by providing a passing device that simply and accurately determines whether a fixed amount of content is discharged, it is possible to provide an accurate and economical content passing device and a receiving mechanism.

Hereinafter, a passing device, a receiving mechanism, a medication management device, and a method of determining whether content is discharged according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this process, thicknesses of lines, sizes of components, and the like illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. Further, some terms which will be described below are defined in consideration of functions in the present invention and meanings may vary depending on, for example, a user or operator's intentions or customs. Therefore, the meanings of these terms should be interpreted based on the scope throughout this specification.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a content receiving mechanism equipped with a passing device according to a first or second embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the content receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of the content receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a main part view illustrating an inclination state of a passing movement unit of the passing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> shows side cross-sectional views illustrating changes in posture and position of content and the passing device according to an angle change when the content receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is tilted. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an installation structure of a detection unit which does not fall under the scope of the present invention, but illustrates a case in which a single light emitting unit and a single light receiving unit are provided.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a content receiving mechanism <NUM> equipped with a passing device <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a housing <NUM>, and the passing device <NUM> that is installed in the housing <NUM> to control the passage of content and detect whether the content is discharged.

The housing <NUM> is a container for accommodating or storing content <NUM>, and includes a container body <NUM> which is a portion for receiving and storing the content <NUM> and a passing device entry part <NUM> in which the passing device <NUM> is mounted. An opening which is formed on an upper portion of the container body <NUM> and connected to an interior of the container body is included inside the passing device entry part <NUM>. The passing device entry part <NUM> may be formed to extend from the upper portion of the container body <NUM>, and a screw thread for coupling a container lid <NUM> may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the passing device entry part <NUM>.

Here, the content <NUM> is solid content, powder content, or the like, and is accommodated in an inner space of the container body <NUM> in which the passing device <NUM> is mounted.

The passing device <NUM> includes a passing operation unit <NUM> and a passing movement unit <NUM>. The passing operation unit <NUM> includes a fixing member <NUM> fixedly coupled to the passing device entry part <NUM>. The fixing member may serve to block the opening, wherein an opening <NUM> may be formed in one region of the fixing member <NUM> to allow the content to pass therethrough, and the content may pass through the opening <NUM> and be discharged from the container body to the outside.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an edge part may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member <NUM>, and the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member <NUM> may be mounted on an inner circumferential surface of the passing device entry part <NUM> formed on an upper portion of the housing <NUM> in a screw joining method. The passing device of the present invention is detachably coupled to the housing. However, the passing device <NUM> may be coupled to the housing in various ways such as by adhesion, fusion, and the like, and does not necessarily have to be detachable.

Meanwhile, a duct-shaped passage portion <NUM> that forms a movement path for discharging a fixed amount of the content <NUM> and a guide passage <NUM> that is connected to the passage portion <NUM> to guide the content are formed under the opening <NUM> of the fixing member <NUM>. A passage, in which the opening <NUM>, the passage portion <NUM>, and the guide passage <NUM> are connected in a substantially straight line, is formed in the order of the opening <NUM>, the passage portion <NUM>, and the guide passage <NUM>.

The content is moved from the container body <NUM> to the passage portion <NUM> through the guide passage <NUM> and discharged to the outside through the opening <NUM>. An inner diameter of one side of the guide passage <NUM> is gradually increased downward so that the one side of the guide passage <NUM> is almost in close contact with an inner wall of the container body <NUM>.

The passage portion <NUM> is formed by a sidewall <NUM> extending downward to be adjacent to the opening <NUM> of the fixing member <NUM> and by the passing movement unit <NUM>.

The passing movement unit <NUM> includes an opening member <NUM> that blocks the opening, a rotation shaft <NUM> serving as a center of a rotational movement, and a blocking member <NUM> that is connected to the rotation shaft and rotated together with the opening member.

The rotation shaft <NUM> is installed in a holding part of the rotation shaft <NUM>, which is formed in the fixing member, and the opening member <NUM> blocks at least a portion of the opening <NUM> to close the passage portion <NUM> with respect to the outside of the housing <NUM> in a normal state in which the receiving mechanism is erected, wherein, when the content pushes the opening member by gravity while the receiving mechanism is tilted at a certain angle or more, the opening member <NUM> is rotated about the rotation shaft <NUM> so that the opening <NUM> is opened, and thus the content passes through the opening <NUM> to be discharged to the outside. The configuration and operation of the passing movement unit <NUM> will be described below in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in <FIG>, the passing movement unit <NUM> together with the sidewall <NUM> forms the passage portion <NUM> in a normal state. The sidewall <NUM> forms three sidewalls of the passage portion <NUM> and the passing movement unit forms one side wall.

A guide portion <NUM> forming the guide passage <NUM> has a curved shape and the content is moved in the guide passage formed by the guide portion by frictional movement along the guide portion. Thereafter, the content is introduced into the passage portion <NUM> through the guide passage <NUM>, and then is discharged to the outside through the opening at an upper end of the passage portion.

The guide passage <NUM> is formed by the guide portion <NUM> extending to be adjacent to the inner wall of the container body <NUM>, guide members <NUM> formed at both sides of the guide portion, and a resistance upper plate member disposed to face the guide portion <NUM>.

Internal cross-sectional areas of the passage portion <NUM> and the guide passage <NUM> and a size and shape of the passing movement unit are designed according to a size and shape of the content which is accommodated in the receiving mechanism and discharged in a fixed amount through the passing device <NUM>. The above configuration is for discharging a fixed amount of content, and the opening member <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM> are connected to each other with the rotation shaft interposed therebetween and extend to have a predetermined angle, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Here, the "fixed amount" refers to the same number or amount, or refers to an amount or number that is moved differently within an error and allowable range. The "demand amount" refers to an amount (number) required by the user and is included in the category of the fixed amount.

When the user allows the content on a bottom of the container body <NUM> to be moved to the passage portion <NUM> by tilting the receiving mechanism that was standing upright, the content is brought into contact with a rear end of the opening member <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, and when the user pushes the opening member <NUM>, the blocking member <NUM> is rotated together with the opening member <NUM> to block the content that is intended to enter the passage portion <NUM> from the guide passage <NUM>.

The sizes and angles of the opening member <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM> and the size of the movement path of the content are designed in order to control the movement and discharge of content in an exactly desired amount.

For example, in the case in which the fixed amount is one, when one piece of content <NUM> passes through a front of the passage portion <NUM>, another piece of content <NUM> is adjacent to a rear of the content <NUM> that had passed through the front of the passage portion <NUM>, and passes through a rear of the passage portion <NUM>, and the content <NUM> that had passed through the rear of the passage portion <NUM> is moved and brought into contact with the blocking member <NUM>.

In this case, the blocking member <NUM> may be formed to be bent, and a blocking member bent part 127b of the blocking member <NUM> may be bent linearly or may be formed as a curved surface. The blocking member bent part 127b formed to have an angle by bending the blocking member <NUM> may be configured to have a steep slope close to a right angle to prevent the content exceeding the demand amount from entering an inside of the passing operation unit <NUM>. Of course, the blocking member bent part 127b may be bent at any one of various other angles.

Thereafter, the blocking member <NUM> blocks at least portion of the passage portion <NUM> to prevent the content <NUM> exceeding the fixed amount from being introduced into the passage portion <NUM>.

In particular, as illustrated in <FIG>, as an initial state in which the housing <NUM> is erected on the bottom, a state in which the opening member <NUM> is blocking the opening <NUM> may be maintained by an action of a force of weight balance of the passing movement unit <NUM> or by a stopper <NUM> of the passing movement unit <NUM>.

That is, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, although a force to be rotated in a clockwise direction with respect to the rotation shaft <NUM> by the weight of the opening member <NUM> acts on the passing movement unit <NUM>, the stopper <NUM> prevents the passing movement unit <NUM> from being rotated in the clockwise direction.

In the state in which the housing <NUM> is erected, which is a general storage state, the opening member <NUM> blocks the opening <NUM>, and thus foreign substances such as air, dust, and the like are suppressed from entering an inner side of the housing <NUM> through the opening <NUM>.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the initial state in which the housing <NUM> is erected (rotated at <NUM> degrees), a weighted action to the right side to be rotated in the clockwise direction by the action of the force to be moved to a weight balance state is suppressed by the stopper <NUM>, and thus the passing movement unit <NUM> maintains the weight balance state (stationary state). In particular, when the passing movement unit <NUM> is in a right weighted state, the stopper <NUM> disposed at an upper left side end suppresses the passing movement unit <NUM> from being rotated in the clockwise direction.

Of course, a position and shape of the stopper <NUM> may be variously designed to have the above function. For example, the stopper <NUM> may be formed on one side of the fixing member, which is adjacent to the opening <NUM>.

In <FIG>, in the initial state, which is a state in which the container is erected, the detection unit which will be described below may be disabled. Since power loss occurs when the detection unit continues to operate, a separate motion sensor is mounted to reduce an amount of power, and when the motion sensor is operated, the detection unit may be switched from a standby state to an operating state.

<FIG> shows a state of the passing movement unit <NUM> when the housing <NUM> is tilted to guide the passage of the content <NUM>. In particular, the passing movement unit <NUM> is rotated (moved) in both directions with respect to the rotation shaft <NUM> as a reference C.

Further, <FIG> shows (a) a state in which the receiving mechanism in the initial state is tilted at a predetermined angle, for example, <NUM> degrees, in a counterclockwise direction, (b) a state of the passing movement unit <NUM> in which the content is brought into contact with the opening member <NUM> by further tilting the receiving mechanism and starts to apply a force to the opening member <NUM>, and (c) a state in which the content is discharged and next content that is positioned at a rear (upstream side) of the discharged content is blocked by the blocking member <NUM>.

The passing movement unit <NUM> is moved in response to the movement of the content by the action of gravity, and opens the passing operation unit <NUM> so that the content passes therethrough. When the passing operation unit <NUM> is tilted or moved, the passing movement unit <NUM> may be moved by at least one of the weight of the passing movement unit <NUM>, the inertia of the passing movement unit <NUM>, and the force of the content pressing the passing movement unit <NUM>.

The rotational movement of the passing movement unit <NUM> for passing the content is performed by, while the rotation shaft <NUM> of the passing movement unit <NUM> positioned in a downward direction, which is a direction of gravity, gravity movement of the content or a kinetic force of the content being transferring to the passing movement unit <NUM> by the movement of the passing operation unit <NUM> being tilted, inverted, or shaken.

Further, the rotational movement of the passing movement unit <NUM> is performed by the kinetic force according to pressing of the weight of the content. The center of gravity of the passing movement unit <NUM> is positioned in a direction (upstream side in the movement path of the content) opposite to an external passing direction of the passing device <NUM>, which is a rearward direction of the position of the rotation shaft <NUM> of the passing movement unit <NUM>. When the passing operation unit <NUM> coupled to the receiving mechanism is tilted by the inclination of the receiving mechanism <NUM>, the rotational movement of the passing movement unit <NUM> may be inhibited or delayed due to a difference in position between the center of gravity of the passing movement unit and the rotation shaft <NUM>.

The passing movement unit <NUM> may include a motion control member 123a, and a balance unit 123b that suppress the passing movement unit <NUM> from being tilted together with the passing operation unit <NUM>. When the passing operation unit <NUM> is tilted in a downstream direction of the movement path of the content, which is a direction in which the content <NUM> slides along the movement path, a weighted force in a direction opposite to the inclination direction of the passing operation unit <NUM> acts on the passing movement unit <NUM>, and thus the opening member <NUM> is tilted by the weight of the opening member <NUM> to suppress the opening <NUM> from being opened. At the same time, the rotation of the blocking member <NUM> included in the passing movement unit <NUM> is prevented, and thus the passage of the content that is introduced into the passage portion <NUM> is maintained without change.

The balance unit 123b is configured to generate a force that rotates in a direction opposite to a direction of a slope of the passing operation unit <NUM>, in which a weight balance state of the balance unit 123b is tilted to pass the content <NUM> therethrough, and thus the opening member <NUM> is not bent in the direction of the slope of the passing operation unit <NUM> by the weight balance of the balance unit 123b, and the force that rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of the slope of the passing operation unit <NUM> acts.

The direction of the force that is intended to rotate in order for the passing movement unit <NUM> or the balance unit 123b to maintain equilibrium or to achieve equilibrium is generated by the force to rotate the passing movement unit <NUM> or the balance unit 123b in the direction opposite to the direction of the slope of the content receiving mechanism or the receiving mechanism <NUM>. In particular, the passing movement unit <NUM> may further include a motion control member 123a that does not face the passage portion <NUM> for balancing the center of gravity of the passing movement unit <NUM>.

Meanwhile, when a length of one side end of a piece of content <NUM> that passes therethrough is different from a length of another side end, a minimum inner diameter L1 of the passage, which is a minimum length of an inner diameter of the inner space of the passage portion <NUM>, is less than or equal to twice a maximum outer diameter L2 of the content in a short direction, which is a maximum length of an outer diameter in the short direction of the piece of content <NUM>, and thus two or more pieces of content <NUM> cannot enter or pass through a passing passage <NUM> simultaneously, and only one piece of content <NUM> is allowed to enter or pass through the passing passage <NUM> at one time.

Further, when the length of the one end of the piece of content <NUM> that passes therethrough is different from a length of another side end, the passage portion <NUM> guides the content <NUM> to pass through the passage portion <NUM> in a longitudinal direction of the length of the end in a long direction.

The detection unit includes one or more light emitting units installed on one side of the passage portion <NUM>, which is a moving passage that is formed in the passing operation unit and discharges the content, and one or more light receiving units installed on another side of the moving passage facing the one side on which the light emitting units are installed.

The light emitting units are formed on one side of the sidewall <NUM> forming the passage portion <NUM>, and the light receiving units are formed on another side facing the one side of the sidewall.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example (case in which a single light emitting unit and a single light receiving unit are provided) of an installation structure of the detection unit in the passing device which does not fall under the scope of the present invention. A light emitting unit <NUM> is installed on one side of the sidewall <NUM> coupled to extend to a lower portion of the fixing member. Specifically, the light emitting unit <NUM> may be installed on a support part <NUM> which is formed to protrude to the outside of one side of the sidewall. In this case, a passing through part <NUM> may be formed in the passing operation unit <NUM> so that light emitted from the light emitting unit <NUM> may be emitted to the passage portion <NUM>.

A light receiving unit <NUM> is installed on a support part <NUM> of another side of the sidewall <NUM> to receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit <NUM>. It is sufficient that the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed to face each other with the passage portion interposed therebetween, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit may be installed at positions other than that of the support part <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the installation structure of the detection unit in the passing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates a structure in which a detection unit having two light emitting units and two light receiving units is provided.

Two photodiodes installed on one side of the passage portion are arranged in a line along the movement path of the content of the passage portion <NUM>. Specifically, the light receiving units composed of two photodiodes are arranged on one side of the sidewall <NUM> forming the passage portion <NUM> in a line along the movement path of the content.

Referring to <FIG>, two light receiving units <NUM> and <NUM> may be vertically arranged in a line in a through hole formed in one side of the sidewall <NUM> forming the passage portion <NUM>, and a transmission wall through which light can be transmitted may be disposed between the through hole and the passage portion <NUM>.

The light emitting units are disposed on another side of the sidewall <NUM> forming the passage portion <NUM> to face the light receiving units. The light emitting units emit light toward the content, and the light receiving units receive the light emitted from the light emitting units. Even in the light emitting units, like the light receiving units, two light emitting units may be vertically arranged in a line on the outside of the passage portion <NUM> and in the through hole formed in the sidewall <NUM>, and the transmission wall through which light can be transmitted may be disposed between the through hole and the passage portion <NUM>.

The two light receiving units <NUM> and <NUM> and the two light emitting units are physically and electrically connected and fixed to a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> couple to the fixing member.

The detection unit includes at least one light emitting unit that emits light, at least one light receiving unit that receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit, and a sensing control unit. The sensing control unit controls the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, and processes an optical signal which is received by the light receiving unit after being emitted from the light emitting unit. The sensing control unit may be implemented with a microcontroller unit (MCU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, and may be physically included in the PCB <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the passing device may further include a communication module.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a detection unit that detects a movement of content according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <FIG>, as light emitting units, two light emitting diodes (LEDs), particularly, infrared LEDs, are arranged in a line along the passage portion <NUM>. Light receiving units IR1 and IR2 are photodiodes capable of detecting infrared light, and are arranged in a line along the path of the passage portion at positions facing the two LEDs. The light receiving units are satisfied as long as they are light sensing elements capable of sensing light and are not limited to photodiodes.

The light receiving units are composed of first and second light receiving units, wherein a first light receiving unit <NUM> or IR1 is disposed on a relatively lower portion of the passage portion <NUM>, that is, at an upstream side in the movement path of the content, and a second light receiving unit <NUM> or IR2 is disposed on a relatively upper portion of the passage portion <NUM>, that is, at a downstream side in the movement path of the content.

The light emitting units are composed of one or more light emitting elements, and may be composed of two light emitting elements. Although both two light emitting elements may be turned on to irradiate the passage portion with light, only one of the two light emitting elements may be in an ON state. Alternatively, one light emitting element is disposed to face the two light receiving units and disposed at an intermediate position of the two light receiving units. The light emitted from the light emitting unit crosses the passage portion and is detected by the light receiving unit. When the content passes therethrough, the light emitted from the light emitting unit is blocked by the content, and thus it is detected that an amount of light is temporarily small.

<FIG> shows schematic views illustrating change patterns of an amount of light measured by a detection unit having two light receiving units for detecting a movement of content of the present invention. An amount of light detected by each of two light receiving units IR1 and IR2 has an analog value, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converts the analog value into a digital value to obtain a sampling value. A sensing control unit may detect whether a tablet passes therethrough using the sampling value. When a gap between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit is blocked with the tablet, the amount of the received light is reduced, and thus the sampling value is also reduced at a moment the tablet passes.

In <FIG>, a horizontal axis represents time, and a vertical axis represents the sampling value obtained by converting, by the ADC, the amount of the light detected by each of the first light receiving unit IR1 and the second light receiving unit IR2 into a digital value.

The success or failure of the discharge may be determined by comparing a waveform of the light detected by the first light receiving unit IR1 and a waveform of the light detected by the second light receiving unit IR2 over time in case of success or failure of discharge.

Through the above determination method, by solving the problem of about <NUM>% failure in a conventional method of determining whether content is discharged based on a change in amount of light detected by a single light receiving unit, determination errors can be reduced close to almost zero.

Specifically, when the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit IR1 or <NUM> is changed from a state of falling within a first standard light amount range to a first reference light amount or less and then enters the first standard light amount range again, it is determined that the content has passed through the first light receiving unit region.

When the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit IR2 or <NUM> is changed from a state of falling within a second standard light amount range to a second reference light amount or less and then enters the second standard light amount range again, it is determined that the content has passed through the second light receiving unit region.

The first standard light amount range and the second standard light amount range are ranges of the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit, respectively, in a state in which the content does not pass therethrough. When it is determined that the content passes through the first light receiving unit region before or at the same time as the second light receiving unit region, it is determined that the content has been discharged normally. Otherwise, that is, when it is determined that the content passes through the first light receiving unit region later than the second light receiving unit region, it is determined that the content has failed to be discharged.

Such a determination process may be performed by the sensing control unit included in the detection unit of the passing device or may be performed by a processor or the like included in the receiving mechanism, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The ADC may convert the analog value of the amount of the detected light, a wired or wireless communication module may transmit the converted value to an external server or terminal, and thus the external terminal or server may perform the determination process. Such an external terminal or server may be a medication management terminal or a medication management server.

In order to verify the detection of the amount of light by the two detection units illustrated in <FIG>, the inventors of the present invention obtain the following specific experimental results by repeating the experiment several times.

<FIG> is a graph showing a change in an amount of light in the case in which a relatively large and long tablet passes through a passage portion and then is discharged to the outside, when the receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device in which two light emitting elements are arranged is tilted according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this case, only one light emitting element disposed on a side close to the opening <NUM> among the two light emitting elements is in an ON state.

In <FIG>, an amount of light detected by a first light receiving unit is indicated by a solid line, and an amount of light detected by a second light receiving unit is indicated by a dotted line. Hereinafter, in the same manner in other drawings, an amount of light detected by a first light receiving unit is indicated by a solid line, and an amount of light detected by a second light receiving unit is indicated by a dotted line.

An amount of light detected by a first light receiving unit IR1 is maintained within a first standard light amount range (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>) substantially constant because content does not pass therethrough at the beginning. Thereafter, when the receiving mechanism is tilted, the content enters the passage portion <NUM>, passes through the first light receiving unit region first, and rotates the opening member of the passing movement unit while pushing the opening member of the passing movement unit, and thus the content passes through the opening <NUM> and is discharged. Accordingly, the amount of the light is changed to the first reference light amount or less and then enters the first standard light amount range again.

Meanwhile, the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit IR2 disposed at the further downstream side of the passage portion is in a state of falling within the second standard light amount range (<NUM> to <NUM>), is changed to the second reference light amount (in this case, <NUM>) or less, and then enters the second standard light amount range again.

In this case, as shown in the graph, a time, at which the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit is restored back to the first standard light amount range, is the same as or slightly earlier than a time, at which the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit is restored to a value within the second standard light amount range. A waveform of the light is observed when the content is successfully discharged.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG>, when the receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device in which the two light emitting elements according to the first embodiment of the present invention are arranged is tilted, it is possible to obtain a change in amount of light when a relatively large and long tablet is caught in the passage and cannot be discharged and is accommodated in the container body again, that is, a change in amount of light in case of failure of discharge.

In this case, in the same manner as illustrated in <FIG>, only one light emitting element disposed on a side close to the opening <NUM> among the two light emitting elements was tested in an ON state.

In <FIG>, the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit IR1 is indicated by a solid line, and the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit IR2 is indicated by a dotted line.

The displayed amount of light detected by the first light receiving unit is maintained within the first standard light amount range (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>) substantially constant because content does not pass therethrough at the beginning. Thereafter, the content enters the passage portion <NUM> by tilting the receiving mechanism at a slope exceeding a predetermined slope and such a state continues for a considerable period of time. The amount of the light is maintained for a relatively long period of time for which the amount of the light becomes the first reference light amount or less, for example, <NUM> or less, and then enters the first standard light amount range again.

The amount of the light is within the first standard light amount range, is changed to the second reference light amount (in this case, <NUM>) or less, and then enters the second standard light amount range again.

In this case, it can be seen from the graph that a time at which the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit is restored back to the first standard light amount range is later than a time for which the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit is restored to a value within the second standard light amount range. The waveform of the light is observed when the content cannot be successfully discharged and returns into the housing of the receiving mechanism.

When the content is long and relatively large, the passing movement unit including the blocking member does not block the passage portion, as illustrated in <FIG>. Therefore, a change in amount of light caused thereby does not significantly affect a detection signal.

When a method of determining whether content is discharged according to another embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to <FIG>, when the amount of the light detected by the light receiving unit is changed from a value within the standard light amount range to a set reference light amount or less and then enters the standard light amount range again, it can be determined that the content has been discharged.

However, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the state in which the amount of the detected light is the set reference light amount or less is continued for a predetermined period of time or more, it can be determined that the content has caught in the passing operation unit and thus the content has not been discharged.

As can be seen by comparing <FIG> and <FIG>, a predetermined period of time T2 for which a state in which an amount of light detected in case of failure of discharge is less than or equal to a set reference light amount is maintained is longer than a period of time T1 for which a state in which an amount of light detected in case of success of discharge is less than or equal to the set reference light amount is maintained. The predetermined period of time T2 is two or more times longer than the period of time T1 for which the state in which the amount of the light is less than or equal to the reference light amount in case of success of discharge of the content is maintained.

Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described using a structure of the passing device and a light amount change graph in detail with reference to <FIG>. The second embodiment is a configuration of the passing device when content is relatively small.

When a tablet is relatively small, a passing movement unit <NUM> including a blocking member <NUM> blocks a considerable portion of the passage portion, as illustrated in <FIG>. Therefore, a change in amount of light caused thereby does significantly affect a detection signal.

However, even in this case, it can be confirmed that a basic pattern according to whether the content is discharged according to the amount of the light detected by each of the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit over time is the same as that of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the content receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention for passage of a relatively small tablet. As can be seen in <FIG>, the passing movement unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention allows a relatively small content (tablet) in a fixed amount to pass therethrough, wherein the motion control member 123a and the blocking member <NUM> are integrally formed for appropriate weight distribution, and thus a portion disposed on a lower side of the passing movement unit, that is, at an upstream side of the passage portion <NUM>, has a relatively thick shape. In order to guide a movement of a small tablet in a fixed amount through the passage portion and at the same time, to set the position of the center of gravity and the rotation shaft of the passing movement unit described above, the blocking member <NUM> is formed to be small and thick, and thus the motion control member 123a having an arc shape in which a rear surface of the blocking member is cut is formed.

Therefore, when the blocking member is rotated to the downstream side of the passage portion by the rotational movement of the passing movement unit when the content is discharged, a considerable portion of the passage is occupied thereby, at least partially blocks the light emitted from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit, thereby significantly affecting the amount of the light detected by the light receiving unit.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the configuration of the second embodiment except for the passing movement unit is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, except that there is a difference in size and the like. The configuration of the detection unit of the second embodiment, particularly, the configuration of the first and second light receiving units, is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the dimensions and intervals may be changed according to the size of the content. The same description as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

<FIG> shows cross-sectional views illustrating changes in position and posture of content and the passing device according to a change in angle when the content receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is tilted. As can be seen in <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> and the motion control member 123a occupy a considerable portion of the passage portion <NUM> because their side cross-sections are integrally formed to be close to a triangle.

However, even in this case, whether content is discharged may be accurately determined based on the light amount change pattern of <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are graphs showing changes in amount of light over time in case of success and failure of discharge in a state in which only an LED positioned at a downstream side of the passage portion among the light emitting units composed of two LEDs is turned on.

<FIG> is a graph showing, when the receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is tilted, a change in amount of light over time when a tablet is discharged in the case that two light emitting elements are arranged in the passing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

An amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit IR1 is maintained within a first standard light amount range (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>) substantially constant because the content does not pass through at the beginning. Thereafter, when the receiving mechanism is tilted, the content enters the passage portion <NUM>, and the amount of the light is changed to a first reference light amount or less, for example, <NUM> or less, and then enters the first standard light amount range again.

Meanwhile, the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit disposed at the downstream side of the passage portion is within a second standard light amount range (<NUM> and <NUM>), is changed to a second reference light amount (in this case, <NUM>) or less, and then enters the second standard light amount range again.

In this case, it can be seen from the graph that a time, at which the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit is restored back to the first standard light amount range, is earlier than a time, at which the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit is restored to a value within the second standard light amount range, and in this case, it is determined that the discharge has succeeded. That is, the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit IR1 returns to its original state first.

<FIG> is a graph showing, when the receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention in which two light emitting elements are arranged is tilted, a change in amount of light over time when a relatively small tablet fails to be discharged.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit IR1 is about <NUM> uniform at the beginning, is positioned at a low value for a considerable period of time, that is, a value in a range of approximately <NUM> to <NUM>, reaches a value of <NUM> or less again, and then enters the first standard light amount range again.

In this way, a section in which the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit does not fall within the first standard light amount range continues for a relatively long period of time and the amount is fluctuated, and such a state is a state in which the tablet is caught in the passage.

Meanwhile, the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit disposed at the further downstream side of the passage portion is within the second standard light amount range (<NUM> to <NUM>), is changed to the second reference light amount (in this case, <NUM>) or less, and then enters the second standard light amount range again.

In this case, it can be seen from the graph that a time at which the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit IR1 is restored back to the first standard light amount is later than a time at which the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit IR2 is restored to a value within the second standard light amount range. The waveform of the light is observed when the content cannot be successfully discharged and returns into the housing of the receiving mechanism.

Meanwhile, in both the first detection unit and the second detection unit, a predetermined period of time T2 for which a state in which the amount of light detected in case of failure of discharge as in <FIG> is less than or equal to the set reference light amount is maintained is longer than a period of time T1 for which a state in which the amount of light detected in case of success of discharge as in <FIG> is less than or equal to the set reference light amount is maintained. The predetermined period of time T2 is two or more times longer than the period of time T1 for which the state in which the amount of the light is less than or equal to the reference light amount in case of success of discharge is maintained.

<FIG> is a graph showing, when the receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention in which two light emitting elements are arranged is tilted, a change in amount of light over time when a relatively small tablet is successfully discharged.

The amount of light detected by the first light receiving unit IR1 is the first standard light amount range (about <NUM>) uniform at the beginning, draws a downward peak (lowest value), is positioned in the third reference range, about <NUM> to <NUM> again, and then enters the first standard light amount range again.

In this way, the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit is maintained for a relatively long period of time in a third reference range, and such a state is a state in which a thick blocking member is positioned in the passage portion to block the light emitted from the light emitting unit.

Meanwhile, the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit disposed at the downstream side of the passage portion is in a state of falling within the second standard light amount range (<NUM> to <NUM>), is changed to the second reference light amount (in this case, <NUM>) or less, and then enters the second standard light amount range again.

In this case, it can be seen from the graph that a time at which the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit is restored from the lowest value to the third reference range is earlier than a time at which the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit is restored to fall within the second standard light amount range. The waveform of the light is observed when the content is successfully discharged in the case in which the blocking member is thick.

<FIG> are graphs showing changes in amount of light detected by the first and second light receiving units when both two arranged LEDs are turned on.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit IR1 falls within a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (the first standard light amount range) at the beginning, is positioned at a first reference value (<NUM> to <NUM>), reaches the lowest value again, and then enters the first standard light amount range again.

Meanwhile, the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit disposed at the further downstream side of the passage portion is in a state of falling within the second standard light amount range (<NUM> to <NUM>), is changed to the second reference light amount (in this case, <NUM>) or less, and then enters the second standard light amount range again.

In this case, it can be seen from the graph that a time at which the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit is restored back to the first standard light amount is later than a time at which the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit is restored to a value within the second standard light amount range. The waveform of the light is observed when the content cannot be successfully discharged and returns into the housing of the receiving mechanism.

In this way, the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit is rapidly decreased in a section of falling within the first standard light amount range (<NUM> to <NUM>), and is maintained in for a relatively long period of time in a section of falling within the third range (<NUM> to <NUM>) again and in a section of being the first reference value (<NUM>) or less, and then the amount of the light enters the first standard light amount range (<NUM> to <NUM>) again. The third range refers to a situation in which the passing movement unit including the blocking member partially blocks the light.

Meanwhile, the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit disposed at the further downstream side of the passage portion is in a state of falling within the second standard light amount range (<NUM> to <NUM>), is changed to the second reference light amount (in this case, <NUM>) or less, is maintained in a fourth range for a considerable period of time, and then enters the second standard light amount range again.

In such a pattern, when the precedence of time is determined based on the case of falling within the third and fourth ranges, a time at which the first light receiving unit reaches the third range is earlier than a time at which the second light receiving unit reaches the fourth range, and in this case, it is determined that the content has been successfully discharged.

The third and fourth ranges refer to situations in which the passing movement unit including the blocking member partially blocks the light.

<FIG> is a graph showing, when the receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention in which two light emitting elements are arranged is tilted, a change in amount of light over time when a relatively small tablet is successfully discharged. This case corresponds to the most common case, and a time at which the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit IR1 is in a state of falling within the first standard light amount range, reaches the lowest value of the first reference value or less, and then enters the first standard light amount range again is earlier than a time at which the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit IR2 reaches the lowest value and then enters the second standard light amount range again. That is, that is, the amount of light detected by the first light receiving unit IR1 returns to its original state first.

When the patterns of the amount of the light detected by the two arranged light receiving units IR1 and IR2 are compared, the amount of the light reaches the downward peak in the standard section and then the times at which the value of the standard section is detected again are compared to determine whether the content passes therethrough. However, it may be difficult to determine the downward peak (lowest value) depending on the form of the tablet, but in this case, a case, in which the amount of the light is recovered to the reference value from the value using the last downward peak as a reference, may be determined as a passing time. The reference value may be a value in which the amount of the light falls within the first or second standard light amount range, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and another value may be determined as the reference value.

Meanwhile, the user or the like may arbitrarily inject the content from the outside, and since this process changes the amount of content accommodated in the container, the amount of content may be measured. In this case, the discharge of the content and the signal patterns of the first and second light receiving units reversely appear. That is, a pattern that appears temporally later than the downward peak of the signal detected by the first light receiving unit inside the passage or the downward signal peak of the second light receiving unit is shown.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a process of determining whether content is discharged according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a passing device or a receiving mechanism equipped with the passing device further include a motion sensor. Although the motion sensor may detect both a movement and a slope, it is sufficient that a motion sensor and an inclination sensor are each provided to detect the movement and the slope of the receiving mechanism or the passing device.

Referring to <FIG>, the motion sensor detects the movement of the receiving mechanism including the passing device and a data value is read. Thereafter, when it is detected that the slope of the container is greater than or equal to about <NUM> degrees, the detection unit including the first and second light receiving units and the light emitting unit and the ADC are activated. This is to save power consumption by preventing unnecessary sensor operation. When the slope of the container is less than about <NUM> degrees, the detection unit and the like are deactivated, and the motion sensor returns back to the movement detection mode.

The above process will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>. When the motion sensor detects the movement, the data value is read, and in this case, when it is detected that the slope of the container is greater than or equal to <NUM> degrees, the ADC is activated. After the ADC is activated, the ADC processes the value detected by the motion sensor, and when it is detected that the slope is greater than or equal to <NUM> degrees, each of the first and second light receiving units is activated to detect a signal. In this case, when the slope of the container is not <NUM> degrees or more, the light receiving units are not activated, and the motion sensor returns back to a mode for detecting the slope of the motion sensor.

Meanwhile, when the slope of the container is <NUM> degrees or more and the light receiving units are activated, each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit detects the passage of the content, that is, the penetration. When the first light receiving unit detects the penetration before the second light receiving unit, it is determined that the content is normally discharged, and when the second light receiving unit detects the penetration before the first light receiving unit, it is determined that the content has failed to be discharged. This process is done in a processor after the ADC's signal sampling.

Meanwhile, the sensing control unit processes the amount of light signal detected by the light receiving unit according to the time, generates medication status information according to a result of whether the content passes therethrough, and transmits the generated medication status information to a medication guide terminal <NUM> through a communication module <NUM>.

The sensing control unit generates the medication status information on the basis of a detection result of the content <NUM>, and transmits the generated medication status information to the medication guide terminal <NUM>.

The medication status information includes information about the content <NUM>, information about whether the content <NUM> is detected, information about a detection time at which the content <NUM> is detected, and the like. The information about the content <NUM> may be preset in the sensing control unit or the like, and the information about whether the content <NUM> is detected and the information about a detection time at which the content <NUM> is detected may be detected in real time according to whether the content <NUM> is detected by the detection unit.

Referring to <FIG>, the medication guide terminal <NUM> receives the medication status information from the sensor module <NUM>, receives medication schedule information from a medication management server <NUM>, generates medication management information using the medication schedule information and the medication status information, and then outputs the generated medication management information.

Referring to <FIG>, the medication guide terminal <NUM> includes an external signal input unit <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, and an output unit <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A passing device (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to a container body (<NUM>) that accommodates content (<NUM>), the passing device (<NUM>) comprising:
a passing operation unit (<NUM>) configured to guide a movement of content (<NUM>);
a passing movement unit (<NUM>) that is rotatably installed in the passing operation unit (<NUM>) and is moved so that the content (<NUM>) passes therethrough; and
a detection unit that is provided in the passing operation unit (<NUM>) and configured to detect the content (<NUM>) discharged by rotation of the passing movement unit (<NUM>),
wherein the detection unit includes a light receiving unit (<NUM>) and a light emitting unit (<NUM>), light emitted from the light emitting unit (<NUM>) passes through a path, through which the content (<NUM>) is moved to be discharged, and is detected by the light receiving unit (<NUM>), characterized in that
the light receiving unit (<NUM>) includes a first light receiving unit (<NUM>) disposed at an upstream side of the path through which the content (<NUM>) is moved to be discharged, and a second light receiving unit (<NUM>) disposed at a downstream side of the path;
and in that the light emitting unit (<NUM>) includes one or more light emitting units disposed to face the light receiving unit (<NUM>); and
wherein a first time point at which the amount of the light detected by the first light receiving unit (<NUM>) is changed from a state of falling within a first standard light amount range to a first reference light amount or less and then enters the first standard light amount range again is compared with a second time point at which the amount of the light detected by the second light receiving unit (<NUM>) is changed from a state of falling within a second standard light amount range to a second reference light amount or less and then enters the second standard light amount range again; and
when the first time point is the same as or earlier than the second time point, it is determined that the content (<NUM>) is discharged.