Image recognition-based dosage form dispensers

Abstract

This invention provides a dosage form dispenser, comprising a casing comprising a first portion adapted for insertion within an oral cavity of a subject and a second portion adapted to encase a dosageform dispensing mechanism located therewithin; at least one camera positioned on said second portion of said casing, further positioned to capture a field of view of a portion of a face of a subject,wherein said field of view comprises at least a portion of a base view of the nose of said subject; a dosage form dispensing mechanism; a microprocessor and associated memory for processing and storing user authentication information, comparing images relayed from said at least one camera to at least one stored user standard and providing authentication when a match is established; and an interface connected to said dispensing mechanism, which promotes dispensing said dosage form when said authentication has been obtained. Methods for dispensing a dosage form directly within an oral cavity ofa subject in need thereof, using the dispensers are also described.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention generally relates to image recognition based dosage form dispensers that are specifically configured to dispense medication to authorized individuals. Background technique [0002] A major problem in hospitals and nursing facilities where various orally formulated medications are routinely dispensed is that the medications are manually delivered by medical personnel to patients who then manually retrieve and swallow the medications. Unfortunately, many patients who receive the drug are weak, unsteady, or debilitated. During the handling of the tablets, the patient may drop the tablets, which will lead to contamination or even loss of the tablets. [0003] Another problem in hospitals in general is control over the dispensing of narcotic pain medications where patients are known to keep narcotic pain medications in their palms in order to pass and / or sell the pills to unauthorized users. [0004] Yet another problem is the lack o...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Other known devices can eliminate the need for the user to dispose of the dosage form, e.g. by inhalation, but these typically dispense fine powders, or if they dispense a solid dosage form, the design is rather complex and not widely applicable nor user friendly

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