Pill dispensing device

Abstract

A pill dispensing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of pill storage containers for storing at least one pill, a dispensing unit for dispensing a pill from the plurality of pill storage containers to the outside, a crushing unit configured to crush a pill transferred via the plurality of pill storage containers, and a control unit for transferring a first pill stored in at least one of the plurality of pill storage containers to the crushing unit when the first pill meets a predetermined condition.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pill dispensing device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional pill dispensing devices primarily focus on the function of automatically dispensing pills at set times. These devices operate by using multiple storage containers to store specific types of pills in each container, and then dispensing the pills that the user needs to take in a predetermined order according to a pre-programmed schedule. This helps ensure that the user does not miss the time to take their pills and offers the advantage of facilitating the management of repetitive dosing schedules.

[0003] However, these existing systems are limited to simply time-based automatic dispensing functions and have limitations in reflecting detailed conditions in real time, such as pill quality control, drug interactions, and the user's health status. In addition, because existing pill dispensing devices adopt a method of dispensing pills in their physical form, there is a problem in that they cannot adequately consider the possibility of conflicting effects or side effects when a user takes multiple pills together.

[0004] Furthermore, there are limitations in guaranteeing user safety due to a lack of functionality to reflect critical factors, such as whether the pill has expired or changes in the user's health status. Since some devices operate using only simple mechanical structures and limited electronic controls, there is also the problem of difficulty in managing complex, personalized medications. Prior art literature

[0005] Republic of Korea Registered Patent 10-2702401 (2024.08.29) The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention provides a pill dispensing device that supports users in taking medication more safely and conveniently.

[0007] In addition, the present invention provides a pill dispensing device that can contribute to effectively coordinating a user's medication schedule, preventing drug misuse and abuse, and improving the accuracy of medication through automatic pill dispensing and management functions.

[0008] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0009] A pill dispensing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described technical problem comprises a plurality of pill storage containers for storing at least one pill, a dispensing unit for dispensing a pill from the plurality of pill storage containers to the outside, a crushing unit configured to crush a pill transferred via the plurality of pill storage containers, and a control unit for transferring a first pill stored in at least one of the plurality of pill storage containers to the crushing unit when the first pill satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0010] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition may include whether the shelf life of the first pill has expired.

[0011] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition may include a case where a change in the prescription of the first pill is required based on information regarding changes in the user's health condition.

[0012] In one embodiment, the predetermined condition may include a case where the allowable dose is exceeded when the first pill is taken, in relation to a pill to be taken together based on the allowable dose of at least one specific component per user.

[0013] In one embodiment, the predetermined conditions may include cases where the efficacy of the pills to be taken together with the first pill conflicts or there is a possibility of causing side effects upon taking them.

[0014] In one embodiment, the plurality of pill storage containers are designed to store one type of pill per storage container, and the control unit can control a specific pill storage container storing the first pill to move the first pill to the crushing unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the plurality of pill storage containers are designed to store multiple pills of different types to be taken at once, and the control unit can identify and classify the first pill among the multiple pills to be taken together, and then move the first pill to the crushing unit.

[0016] In one embodiment, the crushing unit can crush the first pill into a powder form.

[0017] In one embodiment, the control unit can dissolve the first pill in powder form, which is crushed by the crushing unit, in supplied water and discharge it to the outside.

[0018] In one embodiment, the pill dispensing device may be implemented in a household water purifier. Effects of the invention

[0019] The pill dispensing device according to the present invention utilizes a plurality of pill storage containers and a precise control unit to determine various conditions in real time, such as the user's condition, the expiration date of the pills, exceeding the permitted dosage, and conflicts in efficacy. This prevents the user from taking pills at an inappropriate time and significantly reduces side effects or risks caused by unnecessary drug use. Furthermore, since one or more types of pills can be efficiently managed in each storage container, safer drug prescription becomes possible even in situations where the user takes multiple pills together.

[0020] In addition, the pill dispensing device according to the present invention crushes the pills into powder form, dissolves them in water, and discharges them, thereby allowing for convenient management and provision of medication in daily life.

[0021] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a pill dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a pill dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a pill crushing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and various modifications that may replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification may exist at the time of filing this application, and the same reference numerals or symbols presented in each of the drawings represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0024] In addition, the suffix "~bu" for components used in the description of this specification is assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification and does not inherently possess a distinct meaning or role. Furthermore, the "~bu" includes units realized by hardware, units realized by software, and units realized using both methods. Additionally, one unit may be realized using two or more hardware, and two or more units may be realized by one hardware.

[0025] In this specification, expressions such as "A and / or B", "at least one of A and B," etc. refer to all possible combinations of items listed together, and terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0026] Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as "comprising" and "may comprise" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure applies. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application. In some cases, even terms defined in this application may not be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a pill dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, the network environment may include a pill dispensing device (100) and at least one user terminal (200). In some embodiments, the network environment may include other servers or devices not shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] The pill dispensing device (100) may include a processor, memory, and network communication hardware. The pill dispensing device (100) is coupled to the network (10) so as to be communicable through a signal line (12). A user terminal (200) is coupled to the network (10) so as to be communicable through a signal line (14). The pill dispensing device (100) may be connected to an external server (300) capable of providing pill information, etc. The external server (300) is coupled to the network (10) so as to be communicable through a signal line (16).

[0032] The external server (300) can be implemented as a cloud-based drug management system, a medical information system (HIS, EMR) of a hospital and pharmacy, a remote monitoring system, etc., and can effectively manage pill-related data and user information.

[0033] The external server (300) performs the role of providing pill information. The external server (300) can transmit information such as the name, efficacy, method of administration, and side effects of the pill to the pill dispensing device (100).

[0034] The user terminal (100) may be a computer or portable terminal owned by a user who wishes to receive a pill taking alarm through the pill dispensing device (100). The user terminal (100) may receive a pill alarm provided by the pill management app after the user accesses a specific pill management app through the network (10) in the form of a web, an application, or a web app, performs membership registration, inputs information required by the pill management app, and receives a pill alarm provided by the pill management app. In this case, the pill management app may be provided by a specific service server (not shown). The user terminal (100) may include, for example, a desktop computer, a mobile device, a tablet computer, a portable terminal, a wearable device, a head-mounted display, a mobile email device, a portable game console, a portable music player, a reader device, or other electronic devices capable of accessing the network (10). The computer may include, for example, a desktop, a laptop, a tablet PC, etc. A mobile terminal is a wireless communication device that ensures portability and mobility, and may include all kinds of handheld-based wireless communication devices such as smartphones, PCS (Personal Communication System), GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)-2000, W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), and Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet) terminals.

[0035] The signal lines (12, 14, and 16) may be wired connections such as Ethernet, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, etc., or wireless connections such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless technologies. In some embodiments, the pill dispensing device (100) transmits and receives data with at least one user terminal (200) through the network (10).

[0036] Here, the network (10) refers to a connection structure capable of exchanging information between each node, such as multiple terminals and servers. Examples of such a network include, but are not limited to, RF, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) network, LTE (Long Term Evolution) network, 5GPP (5th Generation Partnership Project) network, WIMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access) network, Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), PAN (Personal Area Network), Bluetooth network, NFC network, satellite broadcasting network, analog broadcasting network, DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) network, etc.

[0037] In the following, the term "at least one" is defined as a term including both singular and plural forms, and it will be obvious that even if the term "at least one" is absent, each component may exist in a singular or plural form and may mean singular or plural. Furthermore, whether each component is provided in a singular or plural form may be changed according to the embodiment.

[0038] In addition, the service server can perform the function of managing the user's medication history. Whenever a pill is dispensed from the pill dispensing device (100), the record is transmitted to the service server, and based on this, the user or guardian can check whether the medication has been taken. In particular, in the case of a server linked with a hospital or pharmacy, a doctor can monitor the patient's actual medication history in real time and, if necessary, support the doctor in changing the prescription or providing additional guidance.

[0039] Furthermore, the service server can also provide the ability to remotely control the pill dispensing device. For example, if medical staff remotely modify prescription information, the pill dispensing device automatically dispenses pills according to the new medication schedule. In addition, guardians can check the user's (patient's) medication status in real time through a mobile application and encourage medication by sending notifications if medication is delayed.

[0040] In this way, the service server maximizes the usability of the pill dispensing device (100) by performing functions such as providing pill information, managing dosage history, and remote control, and helps enable more systematic drug dosage management.

[0041] The pill dispensing device (100) may include a plurality of pill storage containers, each storing at least one pill. The pill dispensing device (100) may be configured to allow for individual pill management for each pill storage container and to selectively dispense or crush the pills stored in each container. One pill storage container may store only a specific drug, while another pill storage container may store multiple prescription drugs that must be taken at once.

[0042] The pill dispensing device (100) can generate an alarm at a set time. Or it can generate an alarm when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The alarm can be provided in various ways, such as sound, vibration, or an LED indicator.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can be linked with a mobile application to send a push notification to a user terminal (200). Through this, the user can easily recognize that it is time to take the pill by receiving an alarm from the pill dispensing device (100) through the user terminal (200).

[0044] After checking the alarm, the user must go through an authentication process to receive the pill. This authentication process is performed via a mobile application, and typically, biometric authentication methods such as password entry, fingerprint recognition, or facial recognition may be used.

[0045] In addition, a method of checking whether a user is near the pill dispensing device (100) using Bluetooth or NFC may also be applied. Once authentication is complete, the pill dispensing device (100) can check the pill information suitable for the user and then dispense the pill from the container storing the pill.

[0046] The pill dispensing device (100) can select a pill storage container containing the corresponding pill among a plurality of pill storage containers inside and dispense the corresponding pill. The pill dispensing device (100) can control the plurality of pill storage containers individually and can dispense the pill by opening a solenoid valve or sliding gate of a specific container. Afterward, the pill moves to a designated discharge port via a gravity drop method or a conveyor system, and during this process, a light sensor or a weight sensor is used to control the discharge of only the correct number.

[0047] The pill dispensing device (100) can output a guidance message so that the user can collect the pill directly when the pill reaches the final discharge port. According to one embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can use a camera or a weight sensing sensor to check whether the user has actually taken the pill.

[0048] The pill dispensing device (100) can generate an alarm according to the user's set dosage schedule and automatically dispense the pill when the user completes authentication via mobile.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the pill dispensing device (100) can dispense a pill (20) to the outside. In this embodiment, the pill (20) falls into an external container (102). However, this is merely an example, and the pill (20) can be dispensed from the pill dispensing device (100) in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the pill dispensing device (100) can indicate which medicine has been dispensed via a display (140). Or, the pill dispensing device (100) can provide an alarm via the display (140).

[0050] In this way, the pill dispensing device (100) automatically manages the user's dosage time and ensures that the appropriate pill is dispensed through identity verification, thereby enabling more systematic and safe medication use.

[0051] Additionally, the pill dispensing device (100) has the function of crushing pills stored in multiple pill storage containers when certain conditions are met. This function contributes to preventing the consumption of unnecessary or inappropriate pills in consideration of the user's health and safety. That is, the pill dispensing device (100) may identify and crush only specific pills as needed, or separate and process pills stored together if a specific component is problematic.

[0052] In addition, the pill dispensing device (100) is designed to be connected to a household water purifier so that crushed pills can be dissolved in water and discharged.

[0053] To this end, the pill dispensing device (100) may include a crushing unit connected to a plurality of pill storage containers. The crushing unit may crush the pills using various mechanisms.

[0054] The pill dispensing device (100) can automatically move the pill to the crushing unit when certain conditions are met, and crush the pill through the crushing unit to convert it into a powder form. The crushed pill can be dissolved in water and discharged, or collected separately and disposed of. Through this, expired drugs, drugs that have become unnecessary due to changes in prescription, or drugs that may cause side effects when taken can be effectively managed.

[0055] Specifically, the pill dispensing device (100) can move the pill to the crushing unit depending on whether the expiration date has passed, changes in the user's health condition, whether the dosage limit has been exceeded, or whether there is a possibility of conflict of efficacy and side effects.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can detect when the expiration date of a pill stored in any one of a plurality of pill storage containers has expired, move the pill to a crushing unit to crush and dispose of it.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can move the pill to a crushing unit to crush and dispose of it when the user's health condition changes and a different drug from the existing prescription is needed or no longer a drug is needed.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can move the pill to a crushing unit to crush and dispose of it if the amount of the pill taken exceeds the allowable amount of a specific ingredient per user.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can analyze the interaction between a specific drug and another drug taken together, and if there is a conflict in efficacy or a possibility of side effects, move the pill to a crushing unit to crush and dispose of it.

[0060] This enables more efficient and convenient medication management at home, and can contribute to preventing drug misuse and protecting the user's health.

[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a pill dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, a pill dispensing device (100) according to one embodiment may include a control unit (110), a communication unit (120), a memory (130), a display (140), a dispensing unit (150), a plurality of storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N), and a crushing unit (170).

[0063] The communication unit (120) performs the function of communicating with an external electronic device, a user terminal, or an external server (not shown).

[0064] The communication unit (120) can be configured regardless of the mode of communication, such as wired or wireless, and can be configured with various communication devices such as a Personal Area Network (PAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). In addition, the communication unit (120) can operate based on the known World Wide Web (WWW) and may utilize wireless transmission technologies used for short-range communication, such as Infrared Data Association (IrDA) or Bluetooth. For example, the communication unit (120) may be responsible for transmitting and receiving data necessary to perform a technique according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] The memory (130) stores at least one instruction for dispensing or crushing a pill in a pill dispensing device.

[0066] Memory (130) may mean any type of storage medium. For example, memory (220) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

[0067] The display (140) may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. The display (140) may display various content (e.g., text, images, videos, icons, or symbols, etc.) to a user, for example. The display (140) may include a touch screen and may receive touch, gesture, proximity, or hovering input using, for example, an electronic pen or a part of the user's body.

[0068] The control unit (110) can execute at least one command stored in memory (130) to dispense, crush, or dispose of the pill.

[0069] That is, the control unit (110) can perform the technical features according to the embodiments of the present invention described below by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (130).

[0070] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) may be composed of at least one core and may include a processor for data analysis and / or processing such as a central processing unit (CPU), a general purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU), or a tensor processing unit (TPU) of a computer device, and may include a processor custom-made as an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) semiconductor device or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) semiconductor device that includes designable logic elements and programmable internal circuits to implement the functions of the present invention.

[0071] A plurality of pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N) can each store at least one pill. According to one embodiment, the plurality of pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N) may be configured to store one type of pill per container.

[0072] According to another embodiment, a plurality of pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N) may be configured to store a plurality of pills of different types to be taken at once, each in a storage container.

[0073] The meaning of multiple pill storage containers being configured to store various types of pills to be taken at one time is that each of the multiple pill storage containers is configured to allow the user to pre-store multiple medications that need to be taken at specific times during the day in a single container.

[0074] For example, multiple pill storage containers may be configured to store pills to be taken in the morning in the first container, medication to be taken at lunch in the second container, and medication to be taken in the evening in the third container. Each container contains pills to be taken by the user, and the control unit (110) distinguishes and identifies the pills to be taken from these containers and provides the correct medication when requested by the user.

[0075] The dispensing unit (150) can dispense pills to the outside from a plurality of pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N). The dispensing unit (150) is connected to a plurality of pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N) and is configured to selectively dispense a specific pill from each container.

[0076] For example, the discharge unit (150) moves the pills to a designated location using a conveying mechanism such as a rotating disc, a vibrating feeder, or a screw feeder, and then discharges them one at a time using a solenoid valve or a sliding gate. The discharged pills fall using the force of gravity or move to a designated location via a conveyor belt, and during this process, the number of pills is accurately controlled using a light sensor or a weight sensor.

[0077] The crushing unit (170) is configured to crush the moved pills by connecting them to a plurality of pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N).

[0078] The crushing unit (160) can crush the pill delivered from the discharge unit (150) into fine powder. Specifically, when the pill is introduced into the interior through the inlet of the crushing unit (160), the internal crushing mechanism operates to crush the pill. The crushing unit (160) can crush the pill into a powder form. The crushed pill can be discharged through the outlet.

[0079] The crushing unit (160) can implement one of various crushing methods. Various crushing methods may include a method of cutting at high speed using a rotating blade, a roller mill method of compressing pills by rotating two rollers, and a vibration crushing method of crushing by impact by applying vibration.

[0080] The control unit (110) can generate an alarm according to the user's set dosage schedule and automatically dispense the corresponding pill when the user completes authentication via mobile.

[0081] The control unit (110) can generate an alarm at a set time. Alternatively, it can generate an alarm when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The alarm can be provided in various ways, such as sound, vibration, or an LED indicator.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can be linked with a mobile application to send a push notification to a user terminal (200). Through this, the user can easily recognize that it is time to take the medication by receiving an alarm from the control unit (110) through the user terminal (200).

[0083] After checking the alarm, the user must go through an authentication process to receive the pill. This authentication process is performed via a mobile application, and typically, biometric authentication methods such as password entry, fingerprint recognition, or facial recognition may be used.

[0084] In addition, a method of checking whether the user is near the control unit (110) using Bluetooth or NFC may also be applied. Once authentication is complete, the control unit (110) can check the pill information suitable for the user and then dispense the pill from the container storing the pill.

[0085] The control unit (110) can select a pill storage container containing a corresponding pill among a plurality of pill storage containers located inside and dispense the pill. The control unit (110) can control the plurality of pill storage containers individually and can dispense the pill by opening a solenoid valve or sliding gate of a specific container. Subsequently, the pill moves to a designated discharge port via a gravity drop method or a conveyor system, and during this process, a light sensor or a weight sensor is used to control the discharge of only an accurate number of pills.

[0086] The control unit (110) can output a guidance message so that the user can collect the pill directly when the pill reaches the final discharge port. According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can use a camera or a weight sensing sensor to verify whether the user has actually taken the pill.

[0087] In this way, the control unit (110) automatically manages the user's dosage time and ensures that the appropriate pill is dispensed through identity authentication, thereby enabling more systematic and safe medication use.

[0088] Additionally, the control unit (110) has the function of crushing pills stored in multiple pill storage containers when certain conditions are met. This function contributes to preventing the consumption of unnecessary or inappropriate pills in consideration of the user's health and safety. That is, the control unit (110) may identify and crush only specific pills as needed, or separate and process pills stored together if a specific component is problematic.

[0089] In addition, the control unit (110) is designed to be linked with a household water purifier so that crushed pills can be dissolved in water and discharged.

[0090] The control unit (110) can move the first pill to the crushing unit (170) when the pill stored in at least one of the plurality of pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N) satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0091] The control unit (110) can move the pill to the crushing unit depending on whether the expiration date has expired, whether there is a change in the user's health condition, whether the dosage limit has been exceeded, or whether there is a possibility of conflict of efficacy and side effects.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can detect when the expiration date of a pill stored in any one of the plurality of pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N) has expired, move the pill to a crushing unit to crush and dispose of it.

[0093] Specifically, the control unit (110) continuously checks the expiration dates of pills stored in multiple pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N) and automatically detects and disposes of any expired drugs. Since expired drugs not only have reduced efficacy but also have the potential to cause side effects, the control unit (110) can automatically crush and dispose of such drugs without providing them any further.

[0094] The control unit (110) can utilize various methods to check the expiration date of the stored pills. For example, the control unit (110) can receive drug information when a user places pills into pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N) and store it in the built-in memory (130). At this time, expiration date information can also be recorded. Based on the expiration date information, the control unit (110) can determine whether the expiration date has been exceeded by comparing it with the current date.

[0095] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can directly receive expiration date information from the user, and in another embodiment, the control unit (110) can automatically register prescription data by receiving it digitally from a hospital or pharmacy. In yet another embodiment, the control unit (110) can automatically obtain expiration date information by scanning a QR code or barcode included in a pill package. This method reduces user input errors and enables more accurate expiration date management.

[0096] The control unit (110) can detect drugs that have exceeded their expiration date by checking the expiration date stored in the memory (130) and comparing it with the current date. For example, if the expiration date of a cold medicine stored in a specific storage container is March 1, 2025, the control unit (110) determines that the medicine is invalid when March 2, 2025 arrives, and moves it to the crushing unit (170) to automatically crush and dispose of it.

[0097] Additionally, the control unit (110) may provide notifications to the user while managing the expiration date of the drug in real time. For example, if the expiration date is imminent, it may send a notification to the user in advance via an application or display a warning message on the screen of the display (140). Through this, the user can be guided to take the drug properly before the expiration date or to dispose of it if it is not needed. This allows the user to reduce the risk of accidentally taking expired drugs and manage the drugs more safely.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can move the pill to a crushing unit to crush and dispose of it when the user's health condition changes and a different drug from the existing prescription is needed or no longer a drug is needed.

[0099] Specifically, the control unit (110) can shred the drug if it is determined that the previously stored drug is no longer needed when the user's health condition changes. The control unit (110) may confirm the health condition through a change in the hospital's prescription or reflect it by the user directly inputting health data.

[0100] For example, if a user suffering from diabetes maintains their blood sugar levels within a normal range through weight loss and lifestyle improvements, and a doctor determines that the diabetes medication is no longer necessary, the control unit (110) can automatically shred and dispose of the previously stored diabetes medication.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can move the pill to a crushing unit to crush and dispose of it if the amount of the pill exceeds the allowable limit when the pill is additionally taken, based on the allowable limit of a specific ingredient per user.

[0102] Specifically, the user must take a drug of a specific ingredient for a day or a certain period according to certain standards, and if an attempt to take an additional dose exceeding the allowable amount is detected, the control unit (110) can automatically block the drug and control it to be disposed of as necessary. For example, if the user requests an additional painkiller that is supposed to be taken only two pills a day, the control unit can detect this and prevent overdose by moving the pills exceeding the allowable amount to the crushing unit (170) for disposal.

[0103] For example, the control unit (110) may set an allowable intake limit for a specific ingredient based on the user's health data. If the allowable intake limit for a specific ingredient is exceeded, the control unit (110) may move the pill to a crushing unit to crush and dispose of it.

[0104] For example, let’s assume that a user can take up to 4,000 mg of acetaminophen (a painkiller ingredient) per day. If the user took a painkiller containing 1,000 mg in the morning and took another 1,500 mg in the afternoon, the control unit (110) stores in memory (130) that the user has taken a total of 2,500 mg so far. However, if the user requests an additional 2,000 mg of painkiller in the evening, the control unit (110) detects this and recognizes that the allowable dosage (4,000 mg) has been exceeded. The control unit (110) blocks the additional dosage and moves the requested painkiller to the crushing unit (170) to be automatically crushed and disposed of.

[0105] In this way, the control unit (110) continuously tracks the user's dosage history and can automatically take action by detecting if there is a possibility that the maximum allowable limit of a specific ingredient has been exceeded. Through this, the user can take the medication more safely and effectively prevent health risks caused by overdose.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can analyze the interaction with other drugs taken together with a predetermined drug, and if there is a conflict in efficacy or a possibility of side effects, move the corresponding pill to a crushing unit to crush and dispose of it.

[0107] Specifically, the control unit (110) can analyze the possibility of side effects occurring when a specific drug interacts with another drug and dispose of the drug to ensure safe medication. Since some drugs may have conflicting effects or cause unexpected side effects when taken with other drugs, the control unit (110) analyzes these interactions in advance and disposes of drugs that pose a risk. For example, if the antibiotic previously taken by the user and the newly prescribed drug contain conflicting ingredients, the control unit (110) can detect this and destroy and dispose of the existing antibiotic, thereby ensuring safe medication use.

[0108] For example, let’s assume that a user was previously taking warfarin (an anticoagulant) and was prescribed a new antibiotic, ciprofloxacin, at a hospital. When warfarin and ciprofloxacin are taken together, they can increase the blood concentration of warfarin, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding. The control unit (110) can analyze the user’s medication information to detect the interaction between these two drugs and move the previously stored warfarin to the crushing unit (170) for disposal. Through this, the user can prevent side effects and receive a prescription for a safe alternative drug after consulting with medical staff.

[0109] As another example, in a situation where a hypertensive patient is taking a potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g., spironolactone) and intends to take a newly prescribed ACE inhibitor (e.g., lisinopril) together, taking these two drugs together can cause an excessive increase in potassium levels in the body, which may lead to side effects such as cardiac arrhythmia. The control unit (110) can detect this and automatically discard the existing diuretic to prevent the user from taking an inappropriate combination of drugs.

[0110] In addition, the control unit (110) can update the latest drug data in real time by connecting with an external server via the Internet. For example, the control unit (110) can access a cloud-based drug database to query interaction information for a specific drug.

[0111] In order for the control unit (110) to detect drug interactions, it may be linked with a reliable drug database. This information can be obtained through a drug database provided by a public institution such as the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA). The Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service manages information on the ingredients, efficacy, dosage, interactions, and side effects of drugs approved in Korea.

[0112] The control unit (110) reviews whether the combination of pills taken by the user is safe based on drug data provided from an external server, and if a conflicting drug is detected, it can send a warning message to the user or automatically take disposal measures.

[0113] In this way, the control unit (110) can analyze drug interactions by utilizing public databases and the latest drug information, and provide a safer drug environment by preemptively blocking drugs with a risk of side effects.

[0114] Additionally, in one embodiment, the control unit (110) can identify a pill to be crushed among a plurality of pills and move the corresponding pill to the crushing unit (170). The control unit may utilize image recognition technology capable of recognizing the shape, size, color, etc. of each pill through a camera or sensor. This method can accurately identify the pill by analyzing its visual characteristics without the need for a barcode or RFID tag.

[0115] For example, if the shape or color of the pill is unique, the control unit (110) can identify it to determine what the pill is and classify whether or not it is a drug to be crushed.

[0116] As another example, the control unit (110) can measure the weight of each of a plurality of pills and identify the drugs based on this. The control unit (110) can identify the pills to be crushed by comparing the weight of a specific pill with a preset value.

[0117] The control unit can accurately identify the pill to be crushed among the multiple pills to be taken together using the method described above, and then classify it. The control unit can move the pill to be crushed to the crushing unit (170) to dispose of unnecessary drugs.

[0118] Below, we will look at FIG. 4. The pill crushing method illustrated in FIG. 4 can be performed by a pill dispensing device (100) including a control unit (110).

[0119] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 is merely illustrative, and the concept of the present invention is not to be interpreted as being limited to that shown in FIG. 3. For example, each step may be configured in a different order than that shown in FIG. 3, at least one of the steps shown in FIG. 3 may not be performed, or one or more steps not shown in FIG. 3 may be additionally performed.

[0120] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a pill crushing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 4, in step S110, the pill dispensing device (100) detects a pill.

[0122] In step S120, the pill dispensing device (100) obtains information about the detected pill.

[0123] In step S130, the pill dispensing device (100) can determine whether a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0124] The pill dispensing device (100) can determine whether the expiration date has expired, whether there has been a change in the user's health condition, whether the dosage limit has been exceeded, or whether there is a possibility of conflict in efficacy and side effects.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can detect the expiration of the expiration date of a pill stored in any one of the plurality of pill storage containers and move the pill to the crushing unit (170) when the expiration date of the pill has expired.

[0126] Specifically, the pill dispensing device (100) continuously checks the expiration dates of pills stored in multiple pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N) and automatically detects and discards any expired drugs. Since expired drugs not only have reduced efficacy but also have the potential to cause side effects, the pill dispensing device (100) can automatically move these drugs to the crushing unit (170) without providing them any further.

[0127] The pill dispensing device (100) can utilize various methods to check the expiration date of the pills being stored. For example, the pill dispensing device (100) can receive drug information when a user places a pill into pill storage containers (160-1, 160-2, …, 160-N) and store it in the built-in memory (130). At this time, expiration date information can also be recorded. The pill dispensing device (100) can determine whether the expiration date has been exceeded by comparing it with the current date based on the expiration date information.

[0128] In one embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can directly receive expiration date information from a user, and in another embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can automatically register prescription data by receiving it digitally from a hospital or pharmacy. In yet another embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can automatically obtain expiration date information by scanning a QR code or barcode included in a pill package. This method reduces user input errors and enables more accurate expiration date management.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can move the pill to the crushing unit (170) when the user's health condition changes and a different drug from the existing prescription is needed or no longer a drug is needed.

[0130] Specifically, the pill dispensing device (100) can crush the drug if it is determined that the previously stored drug is no longer needed when the user's health condition changes. The pill dispensing device (100) may confirm the health condition through a change in the hospital's prescription or reflect it by the user directly inputting health data.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can move the pill to the crushing unit (170) if the amount of the pill taken exceeds the allowable amount based on the allowable amount of a specific ingredient per user.

[0132] Specifically, the user must take a drug of a specific ingredient for a day or a certain period according to a certain standard, and if an attempt to take an additional dose exceeding the allowable amount is detected, the pill dispensing device (100) can automatically block the drug and control it to dispose of it as necessary. For example, if the user requests an additional painkiller that should only be taken two pills a day, the control unit can detect this and prevent overdose by moving the pills exceeding the allowable amount to the crushing unit (170) for disposal.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the pill dispensing device (100) can analyze the interaction between a specific drug and another drug taken together, and if there is a conflict in efficacy or a possibility of side effects, move the corresponding pill to a crushing unit (170).

[0134] This enables more efficient and convenient medication management at home, and can contribute to preventing drug misuse and protecting the user's health.

[0135] Specifically, the pill dispensing device (100) can analyze the possibility of side effects occurring when a specific drug interacts with another drug and dispose of the drug for safe medication. Since some drugs may have conflicting effects or cause unexpected side effects when taken with other drugs, the pill dispensing device (100) analyzes these interactions in advance and disposes of drugs that pose a risk. For example, if the antibiotic previously taken by the user and the newly prescribed drug contain conflicting ingredients, the pill dispensing device (100) can detect this and crush and dispose of the existing antibiotic, thereby facilitating safe medication use.

[0136] In step S140, the pill dispensing device (100) can crush the corresponding pill transferred to the crushing unit (170). That is, the pill dispensing device (100) can crush the pill through the crushing unit (170) to convert it into a powder form. The crushed pill can be dissolved in water and discharged, or collected separately and disposed of. Through this, expired drugs, drugs that have become unnecessary due to changes in prescription, or drugs that may cause side effects when taken can be effectively managed.

[0137] The aforementioned program may include code encoded in a computer language such as C, C++, JAVA, or machine language, which can be read by the computer's processor (CPU) through the computer's device interface, in order for the computer to read the program and execute the methods implemented in the program. Such code may include functional code related to functions that define the necessary functions for executing the methods, and may include control code related to execution procedures necessary for the computer's processor to execute the functions according to a predetermined procedure. Additionally, such code may further include memory reference code regarding where (address) additional information or media necessary for the computer's processor to execute the functions should be referenced in the computer's internal or external memory. In addition, if the processor of the computer needs to communicate with any other computer or server located remotely in order to execute the above functions, the code may further include communication-related code regarding how to communicate with any other computer or server located remotely using the communication module of the computer, and what information or media to transmit or receive during communication.

[0138] The above-mentioned storage medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and is readable by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specifically, examples of the above-mentioned storage medium include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device. That is, the above-mentioned program may be stored on various recording media on various servers that the computer can access, or on various recording media on the user's computer. Additionally, the above-mentioned medium may be distributed across networked computer systems, and computer-readable code may be stored in a distributed manner.

[0139] The steps of the method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented directly in hardware, implemented as a software module executed by hardware, or implemented by a combination thereof. The software module may reside in RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), Flash Memory, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any form of computer-readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0140] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols

[0141] 10 : Network 100 : Pill dispensing device 200 : User terminal 300 : External server

Claims

Claim 1 A pill dispensing device comprising: a plurality of pill storage containers for storing at least one pill; a dispensing unit for dispensing a pill from the plurality of pill storage containers to the outside; a crushing unit configured to crush a moved pill connected to the plurality of pill storage containers; and a control unit for moving a first pill stored in at least one of the plurality of pill storage containers to the crushing unit when the first pill satisfies a predetermined condition. Claim 2 In claim 1, the above-mentioned predetermined condition is a pill dispensing device including whether the expiration date of the first pill has expired. Claim 3 A pill dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes a case where a change in the prescription of the first pill is required based on information regarding changes in the user's health condition. Claim 4 A pill dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes a case in which, when the first pill is taken, the allowable dose is exceeded based on the allowable dose for at least one specific component per user, in relation to pills to be taken together. Claim 5 A pill dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the above-mentioned predetermined conditions include cases where the efficacy of the pills to be taken together with the first pill conflicts or there is a possibility of causing side effects upon taking. Claim 6 A pill dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pill storage containers are designed to store one type of pill per storage container, and the control unit controls a specific pill storage container storing the first pill to move the first pill to the crushing unit. Claim 7 A pill dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pill storage containers are designed to store multiple pills of different types to be taken at once in each storage container, and the control unit identifies and classifies the first pill among the plurality of pills to be taken together, and then moves the first pill to the crushing unit. Claim 8 In claim 1, the crushing unit is a pill dispensing device that crushes the first pill into a powder form. Claim 9 In claim 8, the control unit dissolves the first pill in powder form, which is crushed by the crushing unit, into supplied water and discharges it to the outside, forming a pill dispensing device. Claim 10 In claim 9, the pill dispensing device is characterized by being implemented within a household water purifier.

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