Medication verification and dispensing

A method of medication verification comprising:

• receiving a medication provided through a guide tube having an entry area on a first end for receiving a medication and at least one exit area on a second end for providing the medication;
• detecting with a sensor the presence of the medication to set proper timing for imaging the medication;
• taking a plurality of images of the medication from different perspectives of the medication within an imaging zone of the guide tube while the medication is in motion within the guide tube, the images taken with a plurality of imaging devices positioned adjacent to the imaging zone of the guide tube and arranged for taking the images as the medication traveling from the entry area on the first end through the imaging zone towards the at least one exit area, the proper timing of the imaging devices set based on the detection of the medication by the sensor, wherein the plurality of imaging devices are a) arranged circumferentially around the imaging zone of the guide tube, b) coupled to a mechanism for moving the imaging devices, or c) arranged opposite a plurality of mirrors positioned around the imaging zone;
• illuminating the medication with a light source while the medication is being imaged in the imaging zone, the timing of the light source set based on the detection of the medication by the sensor;
• identifying the medication based on the plurality of images taken of the medication, the identification comprising:
• determining a set of characteristics of the medication from the different perspective images of the medication,
• comparing the determined characteristics of the medication to a set of characteristics for each of a plurality of images of medications stored in a database, and
• identifying the medication based on the comparing;
• and
• generating an indication of the medication identified.

A medication verification apparatus comprising:

• a guide tube having an entry area on a first end for receiving a medication and at least one exit area on a second end for providing the medication;
• a plurality of imaging devices positioned adjacent to an imaging zone of the guide tube and arranged for taking a plurality of images from different perspectives of the medication within the imaging zone while the medication is in motion within the guide tube from the entry area on the first end through the imaging zone towards the at least one exit area;
• a light source for providing illumination to the medication while the medication is being imaged in the imaging zone;
• a proximity sensor to detect the presence of the medication and set proper timing for the plurality of imaging devices and the light source;
• a verification system in communication with the imaging device for identifying the medication based on the plurality of images taken of the medication, wherein the verification system is configured for determining a set of characteristics of the medication from the different perspective images of the medication, comparing the determined characteristics of the medication to a set of characteristics for each of a plurality of medications stored in the database, and identifying the medication based on the comparing;
• and
• an output system in communication with the verification system for generating an indication of the medication identified,
• wherein the plurality of imaging devices are a) arranged circumferentially around the imaging zone of the guide tube, b) coupled to a mechanism for moving the imaging devices, or c) arranged opposite a plurality of mirrors positioned around the imaging zone.