System, method and corresponding apparatus for detecting perforations on a unit dose blister card
AssigneeMcKesson Automation Inc.
InventorsShawn T. Greyshock, Patrick J. Braun
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Abstract
A method, system and corresponding apparatus are provided for determining a perforation location on a blister card comprising at least one unit dose blister of medication. In particular, a data extraction operation with respect to a surface of the blister card may be performed and perforation location information defining a location of at least one perforation adjoining two unit dose blisters on the blister card may be determined based on the data extracted.
Claims27
A method of determining a perforation location on a blister card comprising at least one unit dose blister of medication, the method comprising:
- performing a data extraction operation with respect to a surface of the blister card;
- determining perforation location information defining a location of at least one perforation adjoining two unit dose blisters on the blister card based on the data extracted;
- mating an edge of the blister card with a fence such that the at least one perforation is spaced therefrom;
- and
- utilizing the perforation location information to singulate two unit dose blisters by cutting the blister card substantially along the at least one perforation while the edge of the blister card remains mated with the fence in order to provide a reference from which a distance from the edge of the blister card to the at least one perforation is measured.
An apparatus for determining a perforation location on a blister card comprising at least one unit dose blister of medication, the apparatus comprising:
- a perforation detector configured to perform a data extraction operation with respect to a surface of the blister card and determine perforation location information defining a location of at least one perforation adjoining two unit dose blisters on the blister card based on the data extracted;
- a fence with which an edge of the blister card is mated such that the at least one perforation is spaced therefrom;
- and
- a cuter configured to utilize the perforation location information to singulate two unit dose blisters by cutting the blister card substantially along the at least one perforation while the edge of the blister card remains mated with the fence in order to provide a reference from which a distance from the edge of the blister card to the at least one perforation is measured.
A system for determining a perforation location on a blister card comprising at least one unit dose blister of medication, the system comprising:
- a perforation detector configured to perform a data extraction operation with respect to a surface of the blister card and determine perforation location information defining a location of at least one perforation adjoining two unit dose blisters on the blister card based on the data extracted;
- a fence with which an edge of the blister card is mated such that the at least one perforation is spaced therefrom;
- and
- a cutter configured to utilize the perforation location information to singulate the two unit dose blisters by cutting the blister card substantially along the perforation while the edge of the blister card remains mated with the fence in order to provide a reference from which a distance from the edge of the blister card to the at least one perforation is measured.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.