US5094786A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for determination of ingredients of tablets
Assignee: Lion Engineering Co Ltd
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Filing: 1990-09-20
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Granted: 1992-03-10
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Expires: 2010-09-20
Abstract
Abstract A tablet determining method and an apparatus therefor capable of accurately determining ingredients of a multi-layer tablet without breaking the tablet. A multi-layer tablet is lighted from light sources, an area of the side surface of the tablet on which a boundary line between the layers appears is detected by image processing, an area of the side surface of at least one of the layers of the tablet which are separated by the boundary line is detected by image processing, and data obtained by the image processing and data on the total weight of the tablet are used for determining the layer by processing.
Inventors
- 👤 Jiro Nagashima
- 👤 Masatoshi Utsunomiya
- 👤 Norimichi Suzuki
- 👤 Kazuhiko Nakamura
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 16:13
CPC Classifications
B; B30; B30B; B30B11/00; B30B11/005; G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/28; G01B11/285; G01G; G01G9/00; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/15
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, the method comprising the steps of: weighing a tablet to measure a weight W 0 of the tablet; taking an image of the whole side surface of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of the tablet; taking an image of the side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of the layer; and calculating a weight W 1 of the predetermined component according to a predetermined formula using the weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface area A 1 .
Claim 2
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, the method comprising the steps of: weighing a tablet to measure a weight W 0 of the tablet; taking an image of the whole side surface of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of the tablet; taking an image of the side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of the layer; and calculating a weight W 1 of the predetermined component according to a predetermined formula using the weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface area A 1 .
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the image of the whole side surface of the tablet is taken by laterally lighting the side surface of the table.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the layer is translucent; the image of the side surface of the layer being taken by vertically lighting the layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as defined in claim 3, wherein the lighting on said layer is carried out downwardly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the formula is W.sub.1 =B.sub.0 +B.sub.1 A.sub.1 +B.sub.2 A.sub.0 +B.sub.3 W.sub.0 wherein B 0 , B 1 , B 2 and B 3 are parameters determined by a multiple regression analysis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of controlling the weight of components of tablets to be fed, depending upon the calculated weight of said predetermined component.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as defined in claim 6, wherein the amount of the predetermined component is controlled.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, said method comprising the steps of: weighing a tablet to detect a weight W 0 of the tablet; taking an image of a whole side surface of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of the tablet; taking an image of a side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of the layer; and obtaining a weight W 1 of the predetermined component using the weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface area A 1 by applying a formula W.sub.1 =B.sub.0 +B.sub.1 A.sub.1 +B.sub.2 A.sub.0 +B.sub.3 W.sub.0 wherein B 0 , B 1 , B 2 and B 3 are parameters determined by a multiple regression analysis.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, said method comprising the steps of: weighing a tablet to detect a weight W 0 of the tablet; taking an image of a whole side surface of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of the tablet; taking an image of a side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of the layer; and obtaining a weight W 1 of the predetermined component using the weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface area A 1 by applying a formula W.sub.1 =B.sub.0 +B.sub.1 A.sub.1 +B.sub.2 A.sub.0 +B.sub.3 W.sub.0 wherein B 0 , B 1 , B 2 and B 3 are parameters determined by a multiple regression analysis.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, the method comprising the steps of: weighing a tablet to detect a weight W 0 of the tablet; taking an image of a whole side surface of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of the tablet; taking an image of a side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of the layer; obtaining a weight W 1 of the predetermined component according to a predetermined formula using the weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface area A 1 ; and controlling the amount of the predetermined component of the tablet to be fed for preparing the tablet, depending upon the obtained weight of the predetermined component.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
143 words
A method for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, the method comprising the steps of: weighing a tablet to detect a weight W 0 of the tablet; taking an image of a whole side surface of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of the tablet; taking an image of a side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of the tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of the layer; obtaining a weight W 1 of the predetermined component according to a predetermined formula using the weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface area A 1 ; and controlling the amount of the predetermined component of the tablet to be fed for preparing the tablet, depending upon the obtained weight of the predetermined component.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
129 words
Apparatus for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, the apparatus comprising: a weighing means for weighing a tablet to detect a weight W 0 of said tablet; an image-taking means for taking an image of the whole side surface of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of said tablet; said image-taking means also taking an image of the side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of said layer; and a processing means for obtaining a weight W 1 of said predetermined component according to a predetermined formula using said weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface area A 1 .
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
129 words
Apparatus for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, the apparatus comprising: a weighing means for weighing a tablet to detect a weight W 0 of said tablet; an image-taking means for taking an image of the whole side surface of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of said tablet; said image-taking means also taking an image of the side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of said layer; and a processing means for obtaining a weight W 1 of said predetermined component according to a predetermined formula using said weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface area A 1 .
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said image of said whole side surface of said tablet is taken by laterally lighting the side surface of said table.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 10 or 11, wherein said component layer is translucent; said image of said side surface of said layer being taken by vertically lighting said layer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein the lighting on said layer is carried out downwardly.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said formula is W.sub.1 =B.sub.0 +B.sub.1 A.sub.1 +B.sub.2 A.sub.0 +B.sub.3 W.sub.0 wherein B 0 , B 1 , B 2 and B 3 are parameters determined by a multiple regression analysis.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 10, further comprising a control means for controlling the amount of at least one component of tablets which are to be fed, depending upon the obtained weight of said predetermined component.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein the amount of said predetermined component is controlled.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
155 words
An apparatus for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, the apparatus comprising: a weighing means for weighing a tablet to detect a weight W 0 of said tablet; an image-taking means for taking an image of the whole side surface of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of said tablet; said image-taking means also taking an image of the side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of said layer; and a processing means for obtaining a weight W 1 of said predetermined component by using said weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface A 1 and a formula W.sub.1 =B.sub.0 +B.sub.1 A.sub.1 +B.sub.2 A.sub.0 +B.sub.3 W.sub.0 wherein B 0 , B 1 , B 2 and B 3 are parameters determined by a multiple regression analysis.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
155 words
An apparatus for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, the apparatus comprising: a weighing means for weighing a tablet to detect a weight W 0 of said tablet; an image-taking means for taking an image of the whole side surface of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of said tablet; said image-taking means also taking an image of the side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of said layer; and a processing means for obtaining a weight W 1 of said predetermined component by using said weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface A 1 and a formula W.sub.1 =B.sub.0 +B.sub.1 A.sub.1 +B.sub.2 A.sub.0 +B.sub.3 W.sub.0 wherein B 0 , B 1 , B 2 and B 3 are parameters determined by a multiple regression analysis.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, the apparatus comprising: a weighing means for weighing a tablet to detect a weight W 0 of the tablet; an image-taking means for taking an image of the whole side surface of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of said tablet; said image-taking means also taking an image of the side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of said layer; and a processing means for obtaining a weight W 1 of said predetermined component according to a predetermined formula using said weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface area A 1 ; and a control means for controlling the amount of at least one component of said tablet to be fed depending upon the obtained weight of said predetermined component.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for determining the weight of a component layer of a tablet, the apparatus comprising: a weighing means for weighing a tablet to detect a weight W 0 of the tablet; an image-taking means for taking an image of the whole side surface of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 0 of said tablet; said image-taking means also taking an image of the side surface of a layer of at least one predetermined component of said tablet to measure a side surface area A 1 of said layer; and a processing means for obtaining a weight W 1 of said predetermined component according to a predetermined formula using said weight W 0 , whole side surface area A 0 and side surface area A 1 ; and a control means for controlling the amount of at least one component of said tablet to be fed depending upon the obtained weight of said predetermined component.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
171 words
A method for determining the weight of a component of a tablet, said method comprising the steps of: taking sample tablets; determining a formula which relates total weights W 0 , whole side surface areas a 0 , and component side surface areas a 1 of the sample tablets to weights w 1 of components of the sample tablets; taking a tablet for determination; weighing the tablet for determination to detect a total weight W 0 of the tablet for determination; taking an image of a whole side surface of the tablet for determination to measure a side surface area A 0 of the tablet for determination; taking an image of a side surface of a layer of a component of the tablet for determination to measure a side surface area A 1 of the layer; and applying the formula to the measured values of W 0 , A 0 , and A 1 of the tablet for determination to determine the weight of the component of the tablet for determination.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
171 words
A method for determining the weight of a component of a tablet, said method comprising the steps of: taking sample tablets; determining a formula which relates total weights W 0 , whole side surface areas a 0 , and component side surface areas a 1 of the sample tablets to weights w 1 of components of the sample tablets; taking a tablet for determination; weighing the tablet for determination to detect a total weight W 0 of the tablet for determination; taking an image of a whole side surface of the tablet for determination to measure a side surface area A 0 of the tablet for determination; taking an image of a side surface of a layer of a component of the tablet for determination to measure a side surface area A 1 of the layer; and applying the formula to the measured values of W 0 , A 0 , and A 1 of the tablet for determination to determine the weight of the component of the tablet for determination.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of: controlling the weight of components of tablets to be fed depending upon the determined weight of the component of the tablet for determination.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
209 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the step of determining the formula further comprises: weighing each sample tablet to detect a weight W 0 of each sample tablet; taking an image of a whole side surface of each sample tablet to measure a side surface area a 0 of each sample tablet; taking an image of a side surface of a layer of a component of each sample tablet to measure a side surface area a 1 of the layer; weighing the component of each sample tablet to detect a weight w 1 of the component of each sample tablet; determining values of parameters B 0 , B 1 , B 2 , and B 3 of a regression formula w 1 =B 0 +B 1 a 1 +B 2 a 0 +B 3 w 0 by a multiple regression analysis applied to the data of the measured values of w 0 , a 0 , a 1 , and w 1 for each sample tablet; and wherein the step of applying the formula to the measured values of W 0 , A 0 and A 1 comprises the step of respectively substituting the measured values for W 0 , A 0 , and A 1 into the formula.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the step of determining the formula further comprises the steps of applying a multiple regression analysis to each of the total weights w 0 , each of the whole side surface area a 0 , each of the component side surface areas a 1 , and each of the component weights w 1 to determine the parameters B 0 , B 1 , B 2 , and B 3 .
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3836299A
Cited
US4452579A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-03-10 | 1995-09-09 | 1996-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-03-10 | 1999-09-09 | 2000-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-03-10 | 2003-09-09 | 2004-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |