Technical field

The invention relates to the processing of drugs pouches, and, in particular, though not exclusively, to an infeed and outfeed apparatus for a drugs pouch processing system and a drugs pouch processing system comprising such infeed or outfeed apparatus and a method for processing medicine pouches.

Background

To facilitate and automate drugs administration, different types of drugs (e.g. in the form of pills, capsules and/or tables) may be packaged into pouches (e.g. packages, pouches, blisters or bags of a foil) using automated pouch processing systems. Here, the term drugs may both include medicaments according a prescription from a doctor and over the counter drugs, which may include food supplements, vitamins and other related substances. A pouch processing system may include a pouch packaging system to generate a string of sealed pouches, wherein each pouch contains drugs for a customer according to an order. Each of the pouches may be provided with information, e.g. a passive information carriers, e.g. printed text and/or a bar or QR code or an active information carriers such as an RFID tag, for identifying the pouch and possibly its contents. Such identification information may be linked to information stored in a database associated with the pouch processing system. Typically, the packaging system is configured to produce a long string of pouches comprising different sections, wherein each section may define a string of pouches for a customer and for a particular time period.

Incorrect packaging of a prescription may result in a wrong (combination of) drugs or an incorrect dosage of drugs, which may cause health risks for the patient. Therefore, a pouch processing system may further include a pouch inspection system configured to inspect the content of the string of pouches before the different parts belonging to different patients are separated. EP2951563 and W02005/017814 describe examples of inspection systems comprising an infeed structure configured to unwind a roll of pouches wrapped around a reel and to feed the string of pouches onto a transporting system for guiding the string through an inspection chamber. Images of the content of the pouches are analysed based on shape, dimensions, marks and/or colours. Based on this information the system may decide whether the content of a pouch is correct or not. An outfeed system comprising a reel at the output of the inspection system may be used to wind approved pouches into a roll. The increasing demand of drugs stimulates development of inspection systems having increased throughput and processing capacity without compromising the accuracy of the system. To that end, systems are developed that are capable of handling large reels at high transport speed. Additionally, for certain use cases, it may be desired to increase the accuracy of the inspection system and/or to expand the functionality of the inspection system. For example, after inspection a cutter may be used to cut the string at a certain position. Additionally, further inspection tools, such a hyperspectral imaging may be used to check the quality of the medicine. Increasing the accuracy and/or expanding the functionality may require additional pouch processing units along the transport line.

Known pouch processing systems typically rely on a plurality of mechanical structures, e.g. motor-driven rollers, guides, and/or positioners to pull the string through the system in combination with a motor-driven reel at the output, which winds the part of the string with inspected pouches onto a reel. Exerting such mechanical forces onto the string may induce tension along the length of the string of pouches. Due to the elastic properties of the string, force differences may cause stretching of parts of the string, which may interfere with the processing of the pouches by the pouch processing units. Keeping the tension on the string constant during the processing of the pouches by controlling the motors of the transport system of the inspection system is difficult due to the inertia of the reels. Moreover, the use of mechanical means for controlling the tension in the string of pouches increases the mechanical complexity of the system, which makes the system more sensitive for errors. Increasing the transport velocity and/or size of the reels will further increase these problems.

EP2905010 describes a (un)winding device wherein the (un)winding is controlled based on a sensor. While such control may avoid excessive large forces being exerted on the string, the proposed scheme has problems in that it cannot smoothly follow variations in the transport speed of a pouch processing system.

Hence, from the above, it follows that there is a need in the art for improved methods and systems that allow fast infeed of a string of pouches into a pouch processing system and fast outfeed of a string of pouches out of a pouch processing system which eliminates or at least substantially reduces the need of mechanical means to keep the tension in the string of under control.

Summary

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system". Functions described in this disclosure may be implemented as an algorithm executed by a microprocessor of a computer. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied, e.g., stored, thereon.

The methods, systems, modules, functions and/or algorithms described with reference to the embodiments in this application may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The methods, systems, modules, functions and/or algorithms may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computing system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computing systems. Any kind of computing system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the embodiments (or parts thereof) described in this application is suited. A typical implementation may comprise one or more digital circuits such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and/or one or more processors (e.g., x86, x64, ARM, PIC, and/or any other suitable processor architecture) and associated supporting circuitry (e.g., storage, DRAM, FLASH, bus interface circuits, etc.). Each discrete ASIC, FPGA, processor, or other circuit may be referred to as “chip,” and multiple such circuits may be referred to as a “chipset.” In an implementation, the programmable logic devices may be provided with fast RAM, in particular block RAM (BRAM). Another implementation may comprise a non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer readable) medium (e.g., FLASH drive, optical disk, magnetic storage disk, or the like) having stored thereon one or more lines of code that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform processes as described in this disclosure.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures may represent architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of the methods, systems and/or modules to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which may be implemented as software, hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that performs the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. It is an aim of the embodiments in this application to provide an efficient and tensionless infeed of a string of pouches into a pouch processing system, e.g. a pouch inspection system. It is a further aim of the embodiments in this application to control the infeed of a string of pouches into a pouch processing system and the outfeed of a string of pouches out of a pouch processing system based on a contactless sensor system. The embodiments further provide efficient and tensionless unwinding of a string of pouches from a winding roll and the infeed of the string of pouches into the pouch processing system. The embodiments may also provide efficient and tensionless winding of a string of processed pouches around a winding roll. In particular, the embodiments allow infeed and outfeed of a string of pouches wherein the pulling forces on the pouches during transport are minimized. Additionally, the control of the infeed and outfeed are independently from the control of the transport system of the pouch inspection system.

Technical advantages of the infeed may include tensionless transport or at least transport with minimal tension of a string of pouches that is wound around a reel.

During the infeed process, the string of pouches wound around the reel is unwound and fed into an input of the pouch processing system.

In an aspect, the embodiments may relate a system for winding or unwinding a string of medicine pouches wherein the system may comprise a rotatable winding roll connected to a first motor for winding a string of pouches at the output of a pouch processing system around the winding roll or for unwinding a string of pouches wound around the winding roll and feeding the string of pouches to an input of the pouch processing system; a first sensor configured to determine a first sensor signal indicative of a deflection of a part of the string of pouches that is suspended between the winding roll and the input or the output of pouch processing system; and, a controller configured to control the first motor to wind the string of pouches around the winding roll or to unwind the string of pouches from the winding roll based on the first sensor signal. In an embodiment, the controller is further configured to continuously monitor the deflection of a part of the string of pouches based on the first sensor signal; and, based on monitored deflection, to continuously control the speed the first motor to keep the suspended part of the string at a predetermined deflection.

Hence, the embodiments provide a very efficient way to control the infeed of a string of pouches to the input of a pouch processing apparatus, e.g. a pouch inspection system or the like. . This allows the system to smoothly control the speed of the motor, e.g. gradual decrease or gradual increase as a function of the detector feedback signal. During a winding process, this will result in a string of pouches that is tightly wound around the roil, thereby effectively increasing the amount of pouches that can be wrapped around a roil.

It eliminates or at least substantially reduces undesired effects of tension within the string of pouches that may occur due to e.g. inertial effects of the winding roll, especially at the start of unwinding the roll, when the amount of pouches wound around the winding roll is large. Moreover, the invention eliminates or at least substantially reduces the necessity to use mechanical means for controlling the tension in the string of pouches. This way the mechanical and structural complexity of the system can be substantially reduced, which makes the system less sensitive for errors and failures. Additionally, the invention allows control of the infeed of the string of pouches that is independently from the control of the control of the transport system of the pouch processing system.

In an embodiment, the first sensor may be a first contactless sensor, preferably a first distance sensor.

In an embodiment, the first distance sensor may be configured to determine a distance value based on a signal transmitted towards the suspended part of the string and a signal reflected from the suspended part of the string.

In an embodiment, the first sensor may include first time-of-flight sensor.

In an embodiment, the system may further comprise: a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of an amount of pouches wound around the winding roll, the controller further being configured to control the first motor based on the second signal.

In an embodiment, the second sensor may be a second contactless sensor, preferably a second distance sensor

In an embodiment, the second distance sensor may be configured to determine a distance value based on a signal transmitted towards the pouches wound around the winding roll and a signal reflected from the pouches wound around the winding roll.

In an embodiment, the second sensor may include a second time-of-flight sensor.

In an embodiment, the computer may be configured to control the first motor to keep to the suspended part of the string at a predetermined deflection.

In an embodiment, the deflection of the string of pouches is measured based on a distance between the sensor and the suspended part of the string.

In an embodiment, in case of controlling winding the string of pouches onto the winding roll, the system may further comprise a tensioning device positioned between the output of the pouch processing system and the winding roll, so that a first part of the string of pouches between the output of the processing system and the input of the a tensioning device comprises the deflection that is controlled based on the first sensor signal and a second part of the string of pouches between the output of the tensioning device and the winding roll is kept at a predetermined tension for winding the string of pouches onto the winding roll. This intermediate tensioning device makes sure that the string of pouches is tightly wound around the winding roll, while at the same time the deflected part of the string of pouches that is controlled by the sensor signal makes sure that string of pouches are not pulled out of the pouch processing system. This way, the amount of pouches that can be rolled up can be substantially increased.

In an aspect, the embodiments may relate to a controller for an infeed system for a pouch processing system comprising: a computer comprising a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith; and a processor, coupled to the computer readable storage medium, wherein responsive to executing the computer readable program code, wherein the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the following executable operations: receiving a first sensor signal determined by a first sensor, the first sensor signal being indicative of a deflection of a part of a string of pouches suspending between a rotatable winding roll comprising a string of pouches and an input of a transport system of the pouch processing system; and, determining a control signal for a motor based on the first sensor signal, the motor being rotatable connected to the winding roll for unwinding the string of pouches from the winding roll and for feeding the string to the input of the transport system.

In an embodiment, the executable operations may further comprise: receiving a second sensor signal determined by a second sensor, the second sensor signal being indicative of an amount of pouches wound around the winding roll; determining the control signal based on the first and second sensor signal.

In a further aspect, the embodiments may relate to a controller for an outfeed system for a pouch processing system comprising: a computer comprising a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith; and a processor, coupled to the computer readable storage medium, wherein responsive to executing the computer readable program code, the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the following executable operations: receiving a first sensor signal determined by a first sensor, the first sensor signal being indicative of a deflection of a part of a string of pouches suspending between a rotatable winding roll comprising a string of pouches and an output of a transport system of the pouch processing system; and, determining a control signal for a motor based on the first and second sensor signal, the motor being rotatable connected to the winding roll for winding the string of pouches onto the winding roll.

In an embodiment, the executable operations may further comprise: receiving a second sensor signal determined by a second sensor, the second sensor signal being indicative of an amount of pouches wound around the winding roll; determining the control signal based on the first and second signal sensor signal. In yet a further aspect, the invention may relate to a pouch processing system comprising a system for winding or unwinding a sting of medicine pouches according to any of the embodiments described in this application.

In a further aspect, the invention may relate to a pouch processing system comprising: a transport system for transporting a string of pouches to one or more pouch processing units; a first rotatable winding roll connected to a first motor for unwinding a string of pouches wound around the first winding roll and feeding the string of pouches to an input of the pouch processing system; a first sensor configured to determine a first sensor signal indicative of a deflection of a part of the string of pouches that is suspended between the winding roll and the input of the pouch processing system; and, a first controller configured to control the first motor unwind the string of pouches from the winding roll based on the first sensor signal.

In an embodiment, the pouch processing system may further comprise: a second rotatable winding roll connected to a first motor for unwinding a string of pouches wound around the first winding roll and feeding the string of pouches to an input of the pouch processing system; a first sensor configured to determine a first sensor signal indicative of a deflection of a part of the string of pouches that is suspended between the winding roll and the input of the pouch processing system; and, a first controller configured to control the first motor unwind the string of pouches from the winding roll based on the first sensor signal.

In an embodiment, the pouch processing system may further comprise: a pouch detection sensor positioned at an input of the transport system configured to determine a pouch detection sensor signal indicative of a pouch of the string of pouches passing the input; and, a computer system configured to control the transport system and the one or more pouch processing units based on the a pouch detection sensor signal.

In a further embodiment, the computer system may be configured control the first and/or second controller, preferably the computer system at least being configured to activate or deactivate the first and/or second controller.

In an embodiment, the pouch detection sensor may include an ultrasonic sensor which is positioned above the string of pouches that enters the input of the transport system. The ultrasonic sensor may detect cross-seals of neighbouring pouches that enter the input of the transport system. This way, the pouch detection signal is indicative of a new pouch entering the transport system. Based on this signal the computer system controlling the pouch processing system may accurately monitor the locations of the pouches that are transported to the one or more pouch processing units. Such accurate control is particular important when increasing the speed at which the pouches are transported through the system. The invention may also relate to a computer program product comprising software code portions configured for, when run in the memory of a computer, executing the method steps according to any of process steps described above.

The invention will be further illustrated with reference to the attached drawings, which schematically will show embodiments according to the invention. It will be understood that the invention is not in any way restricted to these specific embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig, 1A and 1B illustrate schematics of a pouch processing system for processing a string of medicine pouches;

Fig. 2 Illustrates an infeed apparatus for a pouch processing system according to an embodiment;

Fig. 4 depicts a pouch processing system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 depicts an outfeed apparatus for a pouch processing system according to an embodiment;

Fig. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a method for unwinding a string of pouches from a winding roll according to an embodiment;

Fig. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method for winding a string of pouches onto a winding roll according to an embodiment;

Fig. 7 depicts an outfeed apparatus for a pouch processing system according to another embodiment,

Description of the embodiments

Fig. 1A and 1B illustrate schematics of a pouch processing system for processing a string of pouches where each pouch may contain certain drugs. Pouch processing systems or parts thereof described with reference to the embodiments in this application may include one or more pouch processing units 102, wherein each pouch processing unit may be configured to process drug pouches as shown in Fig. 2A. In some embodiments, the processing of drug pouches by the system may include filling, sealing and marking the pouches. In that case, the one or more pouch processing units may be part of a drugs packaging system. In other embodiments, the processing of drug pouches by the system may include examining or inspecting pouches, the content of the pouches and/or the information carriers (text, codes, RFID, etc.) associated with the pouches, in that case, the one or more pouch processing units may be part of a pouch inspection system. Typically, drug pouches are processed as a string of sealed pouches 108 wherein at least one side of the pouches may be made out of a transparent material so that drugs contained in each of the pouches are visible (as shown in Fig. 1B). Cross-seals 114 _I-4 separating neighboring pouches the string may include a perforation so that pouches can be easily detached from the string. Further, pouches may Include information carriers 110i. , e.g. printed text and/or symbols, that can be used to link a pouch to relevant information, e.g, a customer, a patient, a doctor, content of the pouch, etc. Depending on the prescription each pouch may include different sets of drugs 11 that a patient need to take a predetermined times over a certain period of time. Hence, a pouch packaging system may generate a string of pouches based on information related to drugs orders of different customers. In that case, the output of the one or more pouch processing units forming a pouch packaging system may be connected to a pouch outfeed system 108 which is configured to wind the produced string of pouches around a winding roll.

Similarly, in case the one or more processing units form a pouch inspection system then the system may include a pouch infeed system 104 for feeding a string of pouches to the input of the pouch inspection system and a pouch outfeed system 108 for guiding an inspected string of pouches out of the system and onto a winding roil, in some embodiments, the system for processing medicine pouches may be a modular system wherein the infeed and/or the outfeed system may be connected as a module to one or more pouch processing units, in other embodiments the infeed and/or the outfeed system may form an integral part of the pouch processing system.

Fig. 2 illustrates pouch processing system according to an embodiment of the invention. The pouch processing system may include an infeed apparatus 202 and a pouch processing apparatus 204. The pouch processing apparatus may include a transport system 212, e.g. a conveyor band or the like, connected a first motor 214, which is controlled by a first controller 221 . The transport system may be configured to transport the string of pouches downstream towards a number of pouch processing units 222, 224. The first motor and the pouch processing units may be controlled by a first controller 221. A pouch processing unit may be configured to process a pouch in a predetermined manner. For example, a pouch processing unit may be a pouch inspection unit including a camera system for visual inspection of pouches that are transported through the pouch processing unit. Examples of other pouch processing units may include any one of a hyperspectral imaging unit, a stickering unit, a printing unit, a pouch cutter unit, etc.

As shown in the figure, the infeed apparatus includes a winding roll 206 connected to a second motor 208 controlled by a second controller 220. The winding roll may be configured to carry a string of pouches wound around the roll. Each pouch may comprise medicine objects representing e.g. pills, tablets, capsules and/or ampules as shown e.g. in Fig. 1B. The winding roil may be mounted on a support structure so that the second controller may control the second motor based one or more sensor signals of one or more sensors 216 _: 218. This way. the rotation of the winding roll can be controlled to unwind the string of pouches from the winding roll and fed onto a transport system at the Input side of the pouch processing apparatus based on the sensor signals.

As shown in the figure, when unwinding the string of pouches that is wound around the winding roll, part of the string of pouches is suspended in the air between the winding roll and the input side of the pouch processing apparatus. Thus, the first motor of the transport band will transport the string of pouches into the pouch processing apparatus based on a certain first velocity, while the second motor that controls the rotation of the winding roll may be controlled to cause the string of pouches to unwind with a second velocity which substantially matches the first velocity so that that the suspended part of the string of pouches maintains a certain deflection 211. This deflection is the result of an interplay between gravity and the tension in the plane of the string of pouches. As will be described hereunder in more detail, the deflection will be used as a measure of the tension, i.e. the pulling forces, that the string of pouches will experience during the infeed process.

The deflection of the suspending part of the string of pouches may be determined by a first sensor 218. The first sensor may be configured as a contactless distance sensor for measuring a height 213 of the deflection relative to a reference position 215. For example, in an embodiment, the sensor may be a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor that is capable to determine the height of the suspending string at a certain position relative to a reference position. The second controller 220 may control the motor based the sensor signal generated by the sensor. In particular, based on the sensor signal the computer may control the motor and thus the velocity for unwinding the string of pouches such that the deflection is substantially constant in time.

Thus, the infeed system shown in the figure is configured to control the infeed of the string of pouches based on a simple sensor system, without the need of complex mechanical mechanisms configured to regulate the tension in the string of pouches and/or to damp effects relating to the inertia of the winding roll. It substantially reduces the necessity to use mechanical means for controlling the tension in the string of pouches. This way the mechanical and structural complexity of the system can be substantially reduced, which makes the system less sensitive for errors and failures. Further, the infeed system allows independently control of the infeed of the string of pouches without the need of being fully controlled by the pouch processing apparatus. Here, independent control may refer to the fact that a controller of the infeed or outfeed system controls the motor solely based on sensor information without the need of further information from the pouch inspection system it is connected to. Obviously, data exchange on a higher level between the first and controller may take place. For example, in some embodiments, the first controller of the pouch processing apparatus may be part of a computer system which is configured to manage communication of the pouch processing apparatus with the infeed and outfeed systems. For example, the computer system may be configured to switch the infeed apparatus in an active status, in which it will start unwinding the winding roll in response to the sensor signais. Further, it may be configured to transmit control signals that can override the control process executed by the second controller, e.g, in case of an emergency situation detected by the computer system based on e.g. sensor input.

Thus, the infeed system is controlled based on a sensor feedback signal, which is used by the second controller to keep the deflection of the part of the string of pouches is suspended between the roil and the input of the pouch processing apparatus.

This way, the infeed system is configured to react to any changes in the velocity of the transport system and/or tension changes on the string of pouches. To that end, the controller is configured to continuously monitor the deflection of a part of the string of pouches based on the sensor feedback signal and, based on monitored deflection, to continuously control the speed the motor of the infeed system to keep the suspended part of the string at a predetermined deflection. This allows the system to smoothly control the speed of the motor, e.g. gradual decrease or gradual increase as a function of the detector feedback signal.

Further, the controller even allow interruptions of the pouch processing. For example, the processing of the string of pouches by the pouch processing apparatus may require stopping the transport, e.g. because the string of pouches is cut by a cutter which may be one of the pouch processing units of the pouch processing apparatus. in an embodiment, the infeed system may include a further second sensor 218 which is adapted to determine a measure representing the extent to which the string of pouches has unwound from the roll. In an embodiment, the second sensor may be a TOF sensor. For example, the sensor may measure a diameter of the roil that comprises the wound string of pouches. This information may be used by the second controller to control the velocity of the unwinding of the string of pouches more accurately. For example, during the unwinding of the string of pouches, the radius at which the string leaves the roll to become part of the suspending part of the string will decrease. The second controller may use this information to control the motor that drives the winding roil. This way, the second controller may control the motor that drives the roll to accurately maintain the deflection in the suspended part of the string of pouches between the winding roll and the input of the pouch processing apparatus.

Fig, 3 illustrates a pouch inspection system according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the figure depicts an inspection system 300, comprising an infeed system 302 and a pouch processing apparatus 304 and an outfeed system 306. As shown in the figure, the infeed system may include a winding roll 330 connected to a first motor 332 for rotating the winding roll based on one or more control signals, in particular one or more sensor signals generated by one or more sensors 334,336. A first controller 308 may control the first motor to control the unwinding of the winding roll. This infeed system may be controlled based on measuring the deflection of a part of the string of pouches suspending between the winding roll and the input of a transport system 315 of the pouch inspection system. The control of the infeed system may be similar to the infeed system as described with reference to Fig. 2.

The transport system of the pouch inspection system may be connected to a second motor 314 for controlling the transport velocity of the string that is transported along one or more pouch processing units e.g. cameras, hyperspectral imagers, cutters, etc. For example, the pouch inspection system may include a pouch detection sensor 316 positioned at the input of the transport system. The pouch detection sensor may be configured to detect pouches entering the input of the transport system. In an embodiment, the pouch detection sensor may be configured to detect a pouch detection event by detecting one or more physical features of a pouch. For example, in an embodiment, the pouch detection sensor may be configured to detect cross-seals of pouches in the string of pouches that passes the position where the pouch detection sensor. Each time, a cross seal passes the pouch detection sensor a sensor signal is generated that is indicative of an edge of a pouch passing the input of the pouch inspection system.

In an embodiment, the pouch detection sensor 316 may include an ultrasonic sensor which is positioned above the string of pouches that enters the input of the transport system. The ultrasonic sensor may detect cross-seals of neighbouring pouches that enter the input of the transport system. This way, the pouch detection signal is indicative of a new pouch entering the transport system. Based on this signal the computer system controlling the pouch processing system may accurately monitor the locations of the pouches that are transported to the one or more pouch processing units. Such accurate control is particular important when increasing the speed at which the pouches are transported through the system. In a further embodiment, the pouch detection sensor may also include a detector 316 for reading an information carrier associated with a pouch. For example, in an embodiment, the detector may be an optical scanner and/or camera configured to read an information carrier, e.g. a code such as a barcode and/or QR code or text, that is printed on the pouch. In another embodiment, the detector may be an RF scanner for detecting an RF tag that is attached to the pouch. The information carrier may include an identifier for linking a pouch with information that may be stored in a database. When the string of pouches is transported by the transporting system, the pouches may pass a plurality of pouch processing units, e.g. a first imaging system 318 for generating images in the visible and, optionally, in the non-visible spectrum, such as the near-infrared NIR and infrared IR part of the spectrum. In some embodiment, the imaging system may include an illumination system 320, e.g. a back-light illumination system for illuminating the pouches during the imaging. At a further downstream position, a further camera system 322 may be configured to capture images of the backside of the pouches. Further, processing units may include a hyperspectral imaging camera 324 and a hyperspectral illumination lamp 326. In an embodiment, the hyperspectral imaging camera may be a line imaging camera, which performs line scanning while a pouch passes the line scan area of the hyperspectral imager.

In a further embodiment, the hyperspectral camera that may be configured to perform hyperspectral imaging on medicine objects. Pharmaceutically active compounds in the medicine objects are responsive to near infrared radiation, i.e. radiation in the range between 900 and 1700 nm. This way, hyperspectral imaging may be a valuable tool for inspecting medicine objects, such as inspecting pharmaceutically active compounds in a medicine object. Hence, per pixel of the hyperspectral camera, a plurality of spectral values, preferably 100 or more spectral values, may be detected within a predetermined part of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example, the visible band between 400 nm and 800 nm and/or the near infrared band, e.g, between 800 and 1700 nm. The NIR part of the EM spectrum is especially suitable to determine responses of pharmaceutically active compounds. Hence, each spectral value represents a spectral response of an object, e.g. a medicine, captured by the hyperspectral imaging system.

During hyperspectral imaging an object may be illuminated using an illumination source 326 that is especially suitable for hyperspectral imaging. For hyperspectral applications the illumination source may be selected to have a continuous spectrum in the relevant parts of the spectrum, for example a continuous spectrum in the UV, visible and/or near infrared (NIR) range. Illumination sources that are suitable for this purpose include incandescent light sources, such as halogen lamps, that are based on a high-temperature heated filament.

An example of such hyperspectral illumination lamp is described in related Dutch application NL2027037 with title Lamp for hyperspectral imaging and an example of such hyperspectral imaging system is described in related Dutch application NL1043858 with title Inspecting medicine objects based on hyperspectral imaging, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

Similarly, at (yet) a further position along the transport system, the system may include a pouch cutter 328 to cut the string at a predetermined position, in particular at a position of a cross seal. The pouch inspection system comprising various pouch processing units, including the second motor connected to the transport system, the various camera and hyperspectral imager and the cutter may be controlled by a second controller, which may be part of a (central) computer system 310, which is configured manage the pouch processing processes executed by the pouch inspection system. For example, the computer system 310 may centrally control the imaging system, the pouch cutter and the transport system. Further, the computer system may comprise one or more image processing modules configured to process the image data generated by the imaging system so that medicine objects can be reliably inspected. The image processing module may be configured to execute the image processes as described with reference to the embodiments in this application.

At the output side of the pouch inspection system, the string of inspected pouches may include a second winding roll 340 connected to a third motor 338 to wind the inspected pouches on the second winding roll. The third motor may be controlled by a third controller 312. In an embodiment, the pouch inspection system, the infeed system and the outfeed system may be controlled by the computer system of the pouch inspection system. To that end, the first and third controller may be connected to the computer system which is configured to control the pouch inspection system. In other embodiments, at least the first controller of the pouch infeed system may control the unwinding of the winding roll independently from the computer of the pouch inspection system that controls the pouch inspection system.

The computer system 310 may further be connected via one or more networks to a database system (not shown) for storing information of processed pouches and/or for retrieving information about pouches that are going to be processed by the pouch processing system. Different pouch processing systems at different locations may be connected to such database system.

In one embodiment, the computer system and the controllers may form a distributed system, wherein each motor controller is arranged locally with the motor. In other embodiments, the controllers for the motors may be centrally implemented with the computer system. In further embodiments, part of the controllers and/or computer system may be implemented at a remote location, e.g. in the cloud and/or on a server system. Further, the controllers may be implemented as hardware modules, software modules or a combination thereof.

Fig. 4 depicts a pouch processing system for processing a string of medicine pouches. In particular, the system may include a medicine packaging system 402 connected to an outfeed apparatus 406. Hence, in this case, the output of the transport system of the medicine packaging system may transport a string of pouches 414 towards the outfeed apparatus, which comprises a winding roll 416 that is connected to a first motor 418. The rotation of the first motor may be controlled by a first controller 420 based one or more sensor signals of one or more sensors 422,424 in a similar way as the infeed system described with reference to Fig. 2. For example, a first sensor may generate a first sensor signal representative of the deflection of part of the string of pouches that suspends between the output of the transport system of the medicine packaging system and the winding roll. Similarly, a second sensor may generate a second sensor signal representative of a certain part of the string of pouches that is wound around the winding roll. The second sensor signal may be used to determine the speed that is needed to wind the string around the winding roll with a certain velocity. This way, the outfeed of the string of pouches can be controlled based on a simple sensor system, without the need of mechanical mechanism configured to regulate the tension in the string of pouches and/or to damp effects relating to the inertia of the winding roll. It substantially reduces the necessity to use mechanical means for controlling the tension in the string of pouches. The mechanical and structural complexity of the outfeed system can be substantially reduced, which makes the system less sensitive for errors and failures. Further, the outfeed system allows independently control the outfeed of the string of pouches without the need of being controlled by the pouch processing apparatus.

The system allows smoothly control of the speed of the motor, e.g. gradual decrease or gradual increase as a function of the detector feedback signal. During the winding process this will result in a string of pouches that is tightly wound around the roll.

In the embodiments described in this application, the deflection of the string of pouches may be measured based on a contactless sensor method. For example, in an embodiment, a sensor may be configured to determine a distance between the sensor (or another reference point) and the suspended part of the string.

Such distance sensor may be configured to determine a distance value based on a signal transmitted towards the suspended part of the string and a signal reflected from the suspended part of the string, for example a first time-of-flight sensor or camera.

Further, the amount of pouches wound around a winding roll may be measured based on a contactless sensor method. For example, in an embodiment, a sensor may be configured to determine a distance between the sensor (or another reference point) and the string of pouches that are wound around the winding roll. Such distance sensor may be configured to determine a distance value based on a signal transmitted towards the suspended part of the string and a signal reflected from the suspended part of the string, for example a first time-of-flight sensor or camera.

In further embodiments, any type of sensing method for determining the deflection of the string of pouches and/or for determining the amount of pouches wound around a winding roll may be used. The sensing methods may include optical or acoustic sensors. Alternatively and/or in addition the sensing methods may include imaging methods wherein the deflection and/or the amount of pouches is determined by analysing pictures (video frames) of the string of pouches at the deflected part of the string or at the winding roll.

Fig. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a method for unwinding a string of pouches from a winding roll according to an embodiment of the invention. The method may be executed by a controller that is configured to control a pouch infeed system as described to any of the embodiments in this application. As shown in this figure, the method may include a step 502 of receiving by the controller a first sensor signal determined by a first sensor, the first sensor signal being indicative of a deflection of a part of a string of pouches suspending between a winding roll comprising a string of pouches (in particular winding roll comprising a string of pouches wound around the roll) and an input of the transport system of a pouch processing system. The method may also include receiving a second sensor signal determined by a second sensor, wherein the second sensor signal is indicative of an amount of pouches wound around the winding roll (step 504). Thereafter, a control signal for a motor may be determined based on the first and second signal sensor, wherein the motor is rotatable connected to the winding roll for unwinding a string of pouches from the roll and for feeding the string to an input of the transport system (step 506).

Fig. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method for winding a string of pouches onto a winding roll according to an embodiment of the invention. The method may be executed by a controller that is configured to control a pouch outfeed system as described to any of the embodiments in this application. As shown in this figure, the method may include a step 502 of receiving by the controller a first sensor signal determined by a first sensor, the first sensor signal being indicative of a deflection of a part of a string of pouches suspending between a winding roll comprising a string of pouches and an output of the transport system of a pouch processing system. Optionally, the method may also include receiving a second sensor signal determined by a second sensor, the second sensor signal being indicative of an amount of pouches wound around winding roll (step 504). Thereafter, a control signal for a motor may be determined based on the first and second signal sensor, wherein the motor is rotatable connected to a roll for winding a string of pouches onto the winding roll (step 506).

Hence, the infeed and outfeed methods provide a very efficient way to control the infeed and outfeed of a string of pouches during the processing of the string of pouches by a pouch processing apparatus, e.g. a pouch inspection system or the like. The method eliminates undesired effects of tension on the string of pouches that may occur due to e.g. inertial effects of the winding roll, especially at the start of unwinding the roll, when the amount of pouches wound around the winding roll is large. Additionally, the methods allow control of the infeed and outfeed of the string of pouches that is independently from the control of the control of the transport system for the pouch processing system. Fig. 7 depicts an outfeed apparatus for a pouch processing system according to another embodiment. In particular, the figure depicts a pouch processing system for processing a string of medicine pouches, that is similar to the outfeed apparatus as described with reference to Fig. 4, including a string of pouches 714 transported from a pouch processing apparatus (not shown) to an outfeed apparatus, which comprises a winding roll 716 that is connected to a motor 718. The rotation of the motor may be controlled by a controller 720 which controls the rotation of the winding roll based on one or more sensor signals of one or more sensors 722,724 in a similar way as the infeed system described with reference to Fig. 2.

In this particular embodiment however, the string of pouches that leaves the output of the pouch processing apparatus is lead via a tensioning device 726 to the winding roll. The tensioning device is configured to keep a particular tension on the part of the string of pouches located between the output of the tensioning device and the input of the winding roll, while the part of the of the string of pouches between the output of the processing apparatus and the input of the tensioning device is kept at a certain deflection based on the sensor signal of sensor 722. This intermediate tensioning device makes sure that the string of pouches is tightly wound around the winding roll, while at the same time the deflected part of the string of pouches that is controlled by the sensor signal makes sure that string of pouches are not pulled out of the pouch processing system. This way, the amount of pouches that can be rolled up can be substantially increased.

The techniques of this disclosure may be implemented in a wide variety of devices or apparatuses, including a wireless handset, an integrated circuit (IC) or a set of ICs (e.g., a chip set). Various components, modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of devices configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but do not necessarily require realization by different hardware units. Rather, as described above, various units may be combined in a codec hardware unit or provided by a collection of interoperative hardware units, including one or more processors as described above, in conjunction with suitable software and/or firmware.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.