Systems, devices, and methods for pharmaceutical dispensing and waste

Abstract

Described herein are portable systems and methods for discarding or disposing of medications. The system can include a storage container in a housing coupled to a waste opening for disposal of the medication. The system can include a computer and a recording device for monitoring user actions during discarding. The system and methods can be used to minimize diversion of medications.

Description

[0001] Cross-references This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 590,560, filed October 16, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Healthcare providers (e.g., pharmacists, nurses, doctors, etc.) may dispense medications without active monitoring. For example, a healthcare provider may take out a large quantity of medication (e.g., solid pills or liquid medications) supplied by a drug manufacturer and then finalize it into a single unit package or place a smaller number of capsules into vials for the customer's use. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document discloses a system for drug disposal. The system may include a housing. The housing may include a receiving unit including an opening configured to receive drug discarded by a user. The housing may include a storage container coupled to the receiving unit and configured to collect drug discarded by the user via the opening of the receiving unit. The system may include one or more sensors coupled to the housing. In some cases, the one or more sensors are configured to (i) capture images or videos of a user disposing of drug into the receiving unit and detect the drug being disposed of, and ii) generate sensor data including the captured images or videos. The system may include a computer processor communicating with the one or more sensors. In some cases, the computer processor is configured to perform a transfer analysis procedure to determine, at least in part, the risk or probability of drug diversion based on the sensor data. In some cases, the system is dual-configured or adapted to be portable or stationary.

[0004] In some cases, the housing is wall-mounted, can be installed on an automated dispensing machine (ADM), or can be mounted on different vertical surfaces when fixed. The system may further include a bracket attached to the housing. In some cases, the bracket is configured to mount the housing to a wall, ADM, or other vertical surface. In some cases, the housing is configured to rest on a tabletop or other flat surface.

[0005] The system may further include an adjustable coupler between the computer processor and the housing. In some cases, the adjustable coupler is configured to retract the computer processor onto the housing by folding, bending, or twisting one or more of these methods. In some cases, the system weighs approximately 40 pounds or less. In other cases, the system weighs approximately 10 pounds or less.

[0006] In some cases, the determination of risk or probability is further based on one or more of the following: (1) the number of drugs, (2) the weight of drugs, (3) the volume of drugs, (4) the chemical composition of drugs, (5) the date or time of removal of drugs from their source, or (6) the date or time of administration of at least a portion of the drugs to the recipient. In some cases, the drugs are provided as tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules, sugar-coated pills, gels, slurries, ointments, solutions, liquids, inhalers, aerosols, transdermal patches, modifications thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0007] In some cases, one or more sensors, or different sensors, are configured to scan a label on the surface of the drug to obtain additional information about the drug. In some cases, one or more sensors, or different sensors, of the system are configured to identify or verify the user's identity. In some cases, the transfer analysis procedure is further configured to report the determined risk or probability of transfer to one or more of the following: (1) the user, (2) the user's supervisor, or (3) the system administrator. In some cases, the storage container includes a neutralizer configured to inactivate the drug. In some cases, images or videos capture the user's head and hand movements during disposal. In some cases, at least one of the one or more sensors includes a 360-degree camera.

[0008] In some cases, the housing further includes a door configured to provide access to an internal space comprising a storage container, wherein the door is coupled to a locking mechanism that requires a key to open the door to remove the storage container from the housing. In some cases, the key is a physical key, technical data, or biometric data. In some cases, the door is configured to be opened by pulling out a compartment comprising the internal space. In some cases, the door is configured to open by swinging vertically downwards via a hinge.

[0009] This document provides a method for drug disposal. The method may include receiving a drug by a receiving unit of a system configured for drug disposal by a user. In some cases, the system is configured to be retractable. The system may include a receiving unit including an opening configured to receive drug discarded by a user. The system may include a storage container coupled to the receiving unit and configured to collect drug discarded by the user through the opening of the receiving unit. The system may include one or more sensors. In some cases, the one or more sensors are configured to (i) capture images or videos of a user disposing of drug to the receiving unit and detect the drug being disposed of, and ii) generate sensor data including the captured images or videos. The system may include a computer processor communicating with one or more sensors. In some cases, the computer processor is configured to execute a transfer analysis procedure. In some cases, the system is dual-configured or adapted to be portable or stationary. The method may include detecting the drug by one or more sensors. The method may include determining the risk or probability of drug transfer by a transfer analysis procedure.

[0010] The method may further include scanning a label on the surface of the drug via one or more sensors or different sensors to obtain additional information about the drug. The method may further include reporting the determined risk or probability to one or more of the following: (1) a user, (2) a supervisor of the user, or (3) a system administrator. The method may further include neutralizing the drug in the storage container to inactivate the drug. The method may further include generating sensor data from one or more sensors.

[0011] In some cases, detection includes capturing images or videos via a 360-degree camera. The method may further include detecting whether the system is in portable or stationary mode. In some cases, detecting whether the system is in portable or stationary mode includes detecting whether the system's battery is connected to a power source. In some cases, detecting whether the system is in portable or stationary mode includes detecting the battery's lifespan. In some cases, the lifespan of a fully charged battery is greater than approximately 4 hours. In some cases, the battery is housed within a casing.

[0012] This document describes a method for drug disposal. The method may include inputting user identification credentials into a graphical user interface (GUI) coupled to a computer processor of the system. In some cases, the system is configured to be retractable. The system may include a housing. The housing may include a receiving unit including an opening configured to receive drugs discarded by a user. The housing may include a storage container coupled to the receiving unit and configured to collect drugs discarded by the user via the opening of the receiving unit. The system may include one or more sensors coupled to the housing, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to (i) capture images or videos of a user disposing of drugs into the receiving unit and detect the drugs being disposed of, and ii) generate sensor data including the captured images or videos. The system may include an adjustable coupler between the housing and the computer processor. In some cases, the computer processor is configured to communicate with one or more sensors. In some cases, the computer processor is configured to execute a transfer analysis procedure. In some cases, the system is dual-configured or adapted to be portable or stationary. The method may include disposing of drugs into the opening. The method may include retracting the retractable system. In some cases, retraction includes reducing the size of the adjustable coupler.

[0013] In some cases, user identification credentials include one or more of biometric data or technical data. In some cases, biometric data includes one or more of a user's fingerprint, palm print, hand geometry, finger vein pattern, palm vein pattern, facial pattern, iris, retina, heart rate, or behavioral pattern. In some cases, technical data includes one or more of a key, employee ID badge, password, or PIN. In some cases, reducing the size of an adjustable coupler includes one or more of folding, bending, or twisting adjustable couplers.

[0014] The method may further include scanning a label on the surface of the drug via one or more sensors or different sensors to obtain additional information about the drug. The method may further include opening a door configured to provide access to an internal space of a housing including a storage container, wherein the door is coupled to a locking mechanism that requires a key to open the door to remove the storage container from the housing. In some cases, the key is a physical key, technical data, or biometric data. In some cases, opening the door includes pulling out a compartment including the internal space. In some cases, opening the door includes vertically swinging the door from top to bottom via a hinge. The method may further include removing the storage container when it is full.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, in which only illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are shown and described. As will be appreciated, other different embodiments of the disclosure are possible, and several details thereof can be modified in various obvious ways, all without departing from the disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and description are to be considered illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0016] Incorporation All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that each individual publication, patent, or patent application is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where any publication or patent or patent application incorporated by reference conflicts with the disclosure contained in this specification, the specification is intended to supersede and / or take precedence over any such contradictory material. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The novel features of the invention are specifically set forth in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the invention will be obtained by referring to the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings, of illustrative examples in which the principles of the invention are utilized, wherein: Figures 1A-1E A perspective view of an example intelligent drug dispensing system according to an example embodiment described herein is shown. Figure 1A , Figure 1D , Figure 1E ), front view (Figure B) and side view (Figure C).

[0018] Figure 2 An example intelligent drug dispensing system according to an example implementation described herein is illustrated schematically.

[0019] Figure 3 An additional example intelligent drug dispensing system according to the exemplary embodiments described herein is schematically illustrated.

[0020] Figures 4A-4B A perspective view of different example intelligent drug dispensing systems according to the exemplary embodiments described herein is schematically illustrated.

[0021] Figure 5 An example computer system is shown that is programmed or otherwise configured to implement the methods provided herein. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This article describes systems and methods for drug management. Management may include the disposal, disposal, and / or destruction of drugs.

[0023] The terms “drug” and “medicine” used interchangeably in this document generally refer to any form of medicine, such as tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules, sugar-coated pills, gels, slurries, ointments, solutions, suppositories, injections, inhalers, aerosols, coverings (e.g., transdermal delivery systems such as transdermal patches), other forms of medicine, modifications thereof, or combinations thereof. Medicines may be regulated or non-regulated. The term “pill medicine” as used herein can generally refer to any form of oral medicine. Therefore, the terms “pill,” “powder,” “granule,” “sugar-coated pill,” “gel,” etc., are used interchangeably in this document to refer to oral medicines.

[0024] The medications described in this article may or may not require a prescription (e.g., from a medical professional such as a doctor). In some examples, no prescription is required for over-the-counter medications such as Robitusin, Tylenol, and Sudafed. The medications described in this article may or may not be regulated. Examples of non-regulated prescription substances include antibiotics, cholesterol medications, and Viagra.

[0025] Examples of controlled substances can include opioids and opioids, as well as central nervous system (CNS) depressants and stimulants. Examples of opioids can include morphine, codeine, thebaine, oripavine, morphine dipropionate, and morphine dianiacinamide. dinicotinate, dihydrocodeine, buprenorphine, etorphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, fentanyl, alpha-methylfentanyl, alfentanil, trefantinil, bifentanil, remifentanil, octfentanil, sufentanil, carfentanyl. Meperidine, prodine, promedol, propoxyphene, dextropropoxyphene, methadone, diphenoxylate, dezocine, pentazocine, phenazocine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, levorphanol, levomethorphan, tramadol, tapentadol, anileridine, any functional variant thereof, or any functional combination thereof. Examples of CNS inhibitors and stimulants may include methylphenobarbital, pentobarbital, diazepam, clonazepam, chlordiazepoxide, alprazolam, triazolam, estazolam, any functional variants thereof, or any functional combination thereof.Additional examples of drugs and related therapeutic uses include scopolamine for motion sickness, nitroglycerin for angina, clonidine for hypertension, and estradiol for female hormone replacement therapy. Other examples of drugs include, but are not limited to, methylphenidate, selegiline, rivastigmine, rotigotine, granisteron, buprenorphine, estradiol, fentanyl, nicotine, testosterone, and propofol.

[0026] system This document discloses apparatus and systems for the proper disposal and treatment of pharmaceuticals. Proper disposal and treatment may include tracking the amount of pharmaceuticals disposed of to trace their transfer. The system may be portable. The system may be wall-mounted.

[0027] Intelligent drug disposal system or waste management system This document provides a drug management system, apparatus, and methods thereof for monitoring and / or assisting in drug management, such as the distribution of drugs (e.g., prescription or nonprescription drugs) or the disposal of drugs (e.g., unused, unwanted, and / or surplus drugs). In some embodiments, digital data from monitoring drug distribution or its disposal can be used to detect improper management of drugs by users (e.g., improper handling or misuse of drugs, such as drug transfer).

[0028] In some embodiments, the drug management system may include a drug collector to receive and store drugs to be disposed of. The drug management system may include a housing to house at least one drug collector internally, such that at least one drug container is not visible from the outside of the drug management system. For example, the housing of the drug management system may include a lockable door that can be opened to provide access to at least one drug collector, for example, to place or remove (e.g., replace) at least one drug collector.

[0029] In some implementations, the drug collection station provided herein may be referred to as a “Verified Institutional Environment for Wasting” (VIEW) station, which includes at least the user identification device and / or drug monitoring module provided herein. It may also be referred to as a “drug management system” or a “smart drug disposal system.”

[0030] In some embodiments, the drug management system may include a drug collector to receive and store discarded drugs. The drug management system may include a housing to house at least one drug collector internally, such that at least one drug container is not visible from the outside of the drug management system. For example, the housing of the drug management system may include a lockable door that can be opened to provide access to at least one drug collector, for example, to place or remove (e.g., replace) at least one drug collector.

[0031] In some embodiments, the drug collector may be a container including a housing. The housing may contain one or more neutralizers internally to inactivate the drug (e.g., chemically by modifying the drug, physically by trapping the drug, etc.). For example, the drug collector may include one or more neutralizers to inactivate (or deactivate) any drug received by the drug collector. Non-limiting examples of neutralizers may include those found in commercially available products, such as Rx Destroyer. TM DrugBuster TM Narc-X TM Pill Terminator TM Element MDS TM Cactus Smart Sink TM Mallinckrodt MDS TM and Pill Catcher TM Stericycle TM .

[0032] In some implementations, the medication management system may include a user identification device (e.g., a camera, scanner, sensor, magnetic stripe reader, etc.). The user identification device may be configured to verify a user's identity (e.g., before, during, or after using the medication management system) and / or monitor the user during their use of the medication management system (e.g., when the user discards medication into the system). The user identification device may be configured to read or scan the user's identifier. Therefore, the user identification device may or may not be user-activated. The user identification device may operate automatically during the use of the medication management system, preventing the user from manually turning it off, to ensure secure monitoring of the user. For example, the user identification device may include one or more cameras configured to observe at least a portion of the user and at least a portion of the medication management system the user is using (e.g., the workstation of the medication management system platform for discarded medications provided herein).

[0033] In some implementations, the user identification device may include an analysis engine or be able to digitally communicate with the analysis engine, which is configured to analyze data (e.g., images, videos, sensor data, etc. from reading or scanning the user's identifier) ​​to verify the user's identity and / or monitor the user during the user's use of the medication management system.

[0034] In some implementations, the user identification device may be configured to identify a user (e.g., a healthcare provider such as a nurse) who is retrieving medication, returning unused / remaining medication (or used medication containers), or discarding (or abandoning) any remaining medication. The user identification device may be configured to scan the identifier of the user of the medication management system (e.g., a key, work ID badge, and / or biometric data). Examples of biometric data may include the user's fingerprint, palm print, hand geometry, finger and / or palm vein patterns, facial pattern, iris, retina, heart rate, and / or behavioral patterns (e.g., typing rhythm, voice, etc.). In some cases, the user identification device may include a physical user interface (PUI), such as a keyboard and / or mouse, to enter a password or PIN number to access the medication management system for use. Alternatively, the user identification device may not include, and does not need to include, any PUI, and may rely solely on a display and GUI to interact with the user.

[0035] In some implementations, the user identification device may include an analysis engine or be able to digitally communicate with the analysis engine, which is configured to analyze data (e.g., images, videos, sensor data, etc. from reading or scanning the user's identifier) ​​to verify the user's identity and / or monitor the user during the user's use of the medication management system.

[0036] In some implementations, a drug management system may include a drug monitoring module (e.g., a camera, scanner, sensor, magnetic stripe reader, etc.) to monitor one or more properties of a drug while the user is using the drug management system (e.g., before, during, or after the user discards a drug into the drug management system). The drug monitoring module may be configured to read or scan identifiers of the drug. Non-limiting examples of one or more properties of a drug may include presence, brand, color, size, shape, weight, density, and chemical composition. The drug monitoring module may be a permanent or non-permanent part of the drug management system. For example, the drug monitoring module may be located on or adjacent to a permanent part of the drug management system (e.g., the platform workstation provided herein). Alternatively or additionally, the drug monitoring module may be located on or adjacent to a removable part of the drug management system (e.g., a drug collector, a structure such as a channel connecting (e.g., fluidly connecting) the drug collector and the workstation of the drug management system).

[0037] In some implementations, the methods and systems disclosed herein can record and generate digital records of a user's actual medication waste transactions (e.g., visual transaction receipts such as one or more images and / or videos). In addition to video, the digital record may also include digital transaction records that enable detection and transfer prevention. Transaction records can also aid in associated future analyses. The digital record can serve as a virtual witness to a user discarding medication into a container within the system disclosed herein. The digital record can be stored, easily transferred, and can (e.g., automatically) generate copies for record keeping, accountability, tracking, reverse tracing, etc. The digital record can be more informative, accurate, and / or supplementary to evidence of medication information (e.g., waste data) provided by the user via handwritten documents and / or the GUI disclosed herein. The digital record may include a standard camera, a 360-degree camera, 3D or 4D animation capabilities, and other recording methods.

[0038] Virtual “on-demand” witness functionality can be used to confirm disposal. Cameras can capture the entire disposal process described herein and then store and / or upload it to the cloud or a server. Nurses, practicing medical professionals, licensed DEA-regulated individuals, or individuals transferring prevention and / or investigations can view these at selected or designated times to confirm proper disposal and no medication transfer. Viewing can be synchronous or asynchronous (“on-demand”). This can improve disposal efficiency and turnaround time because users no longer wait for a witness to dispose of medication. It can also reduce the clinical time spent by waste witnesses, create HD video capture of the disposal process, and provide high-level waste confirmation. Users can also dispose of medications in any location containing an intelligent medication disposal system, whether in a hospital, pharmacy, or dedicated room (e.g., narcotic drug storage, cleanroom, etc.). The system can also have a locking function to prevent collusive disposal, where individuals can be prevented from authorizing the disposal if they are suspected of conspiring. In some cases, AI systems can be trained instead of human witnesses to act as witnesses by identifying items, medications, behaviors, suspicious activity measurements of medications, camera boundaries, and unusual behavior at the time of disposal.

[0039] In some embodiments, the drug management system may include a platform comprising a workstation that a user of the drug management system can physically interact with. The workstation may include an opening (e.g., an aperture) for a user to discard medication for disposal and for the drug management system to receive the discarded medication. The opening of the workstation may be coupled (e.g., directly coupled) to a channel (e.g., a conduit such as a pipe, tube, funnel, etc.) that physically connects the opening to a drug collector, allowing the discarded medication to be guided toward and stored inside the drug collector. In some cases, the channel may include a drug monitoring module (e.g., a camera, a sensor such as a spectrophotometer, etc.) to detect the properties of the medication as the user discards (or claims to discard) the medication through the opening, through the channel, and into the drug collector. For example, the drug monitoring module may be disposed on the inner surface of the channel and communicate sensing communication with the internal volume of the channel.

[0040] In some implementations, the channel (e.g., a funnel) may be replaceable. In some cases, the channel may be removed from the drug management system before the drug collector is removed. Alternatively, the channel may be removed from the drug management system simultaneously (e.g., together) or after the removal of the drug collector.

[0041] In some implementations, the channel may include a handle for gripping, grasping, and / or transporting the channel (e.g., during installation or removal of the channel into a medication management system). The handle may include protrusions or recesses on the outer surface of the channel. The outer surface of the channel, including the handle, may or may not be visible to the user when the user is discarding medication into the medication management system. For example, the handle of the channel may include one or more finger slots and / or recesses to facilitate handling, for example, during channel installation or removal.

[0042] In some implementations, the channel may be coupled to the opening. The coupling between the channel and the opening can substantially seal the gap between them, for example, to reduce or prevent the possibility of drug spillage from the channel while the drug is being discarded into the opening, through the channel, and then into the drug collector. The coupling between the channel and the opening can be reversible or irreversible. For example, the coupling can be reversible to allow the channel to be removed from the opening, for example, to replace a used or damaged channel with a new one.

[0043] In some implementations, the channel may include a portion of a reconstructable visual code (RVC), and the workstation of the drug management system (e.g., an opening) may include an additional portion of the RVC, such that coupling between the channel and the workstation (e.g., coupling between the channel and the opening) enables a combination of at least a portion of the RVC and the additional portion of the RVC to form a functional visual code. The functional visual code may be readable (e.g., via a user identification device of the drug management system or a separate user device) to confirm proper coupling.

[0044] In some implementations, the channel may be coupled to a drug collector. The coupling between the channel and the drug collector can substantially seal the gap between them, for example, to reduce or prevent the possibility of drug spillage from the channel while the drug is being transferred to the drug collector. The coupling between the channel and the drug collector can be reversible or irreversible. For example, the coupling can be reversible to allow the channel to be removed from the opening, such as to replace a used or damaged channel with a new channel, or to replace a used or damaged drug collector with a new drug collector, etc.

[0045] In some implementations, the channel may include a portion of the RVC, and the drug collector may include an additional portion of the RVC, such that the coupling between the channel and the drug collector enables at least a combination of a portion of the RVC and the additional portion of the RVC to form a functional visual code. The functional visual code may be readable (e.g., via a user identification device of the drug management system or a separate user device) to confirm proper coupling.

[0046] In some implementations, the functional visual code provided herein may be machine-readable code (MRC), such as, for example, barcodes (e.g., linear barcodes, matrix barcodes, etc.).

[0047] In some embodiments, coupling between two components provided herein (e.g., between a channel and an opening, between a channel and a drug collector, etc.) can be achieved by only those two components. Alternatively, such coupling can be achieved by additional coupling elements, such as bolts, screws, external coupling sleeves (e.g., external coupling tubes), connectors, etc. In some embodiments, coupling can allow the two components to move relative to each other after coupling. Alternatively, coupling can prevent the two components from moving relative to each other after coupling. In some embodiments, coupling can be achieved by coupling units provided herein. For example, a channel may include a portion of a coupling unit, while a workstation (e.g., an opening) may include an additional portion of the coupling unit. In another example, a channel may include a portion of a coupling unit, while a drug collector (e.g., an opening) may include an additional portion of the coupling unit.

[0048] In some implementations, the cross-sectional dimension of the opening can be circular, triangular, quadrilateral (e.g., square, rectangle, rhombus, trapezoid, parallelogram, etc.), pentagonal, hexagonal, or any partial shape or combination thereof.

[0049] In some implementations, the cross-sectional dimensions of the channel can be circular, triangular, quadrilateral (e.g., square, rectangular, rhomboid, trapezoid, parallelogram, etc.), pentagonal, hexagonal, or any partial shape thereof, or a combination thereof. The cross-sectional dimensions of the channel can be the same or different along the length of the channel.

[0050] In some implementations, the channel may be coupled to a single opening such that medication collected via the single opening does not mix with other medications collected via other openings. Alternatively, the channel may be coupled to multiple openings. For example, even if a user is guided to discard two different types of medication into two different openings of a workstation for safety and monitoring purposes, the two different openings may be connected to a single / common channel when it is permissible (or there is no other contrary reason, such as from the Food and Drug Administration or the drug manufacturer) to include two different types of medication in a single / common medication collector.

[0051] In some implementations, the drug collector may be coupled to a single channel such that drug collected via the single channel does not mix with other drugs collected via other channels. Alternatively, the drug collector may be coupled to multiple channels, each coupled to a corresponding opening. For example, even if a user is guided to discard two different drug types into two different openings of a workstation for safety and monitoring purposes, the corresponding channels coupled to the two different openings may be connected to the single / common drug collector when it is permissible (or there is no other contrary reason, such as from the Food and Drug Administration or the drug manufacturer) to include two different drug types in a single / common drug collector.

[0052] In some implementations, a workstation may include a single opening as described herein for collecting one or more types of drugs. Alternatively or additionally, a workstation may include multiple openings for receiving multiple different types of drugs for disposal. A workstation may include at least or at most about 1 opening, at least or at most about 2 openings, at least or at most about 3 openings, at least or at most about 4 openings, at least or at most about 5 openings, at least or at most about 6 openings, at least or at most about 7 openings, at least or at most about 9 openings, or at least or at most about 10 openings.

[0053] In some implementations, a workstation may include a single channel as described herein for collecting one or more types of drugs. Alternatively or additionally, a workstation may include multiple channels for receiving multiple different types of drugs for disposal. A workstation may include at least or at most about 1 channel, at least or at most about 2 channels, at least or at most about 3 channels, at least or at most about 4 channels, at least or at most about 5 channels, at least or at most about 6 channels, at least or at most about 7 channels, at least or at most about 9 channels, or at least or at most about 10 channels.

[0054] In some implementations, a workstation may include a single drug collector as described herein for collecting one or more types of drugs. Alternatively or additionally, a workstation may include multiple drug collectors for receiving multiple different types of drugs for disposal. A workstation may include at least or at most about one drug collector, at least or at most about two drug collectors, at least or at most about three drug collectors, at least or at most about four drug collectors, at least or at most about five drug collectors, at least or at most about six drug collectors, at least or at most about seven drug collectors, at least or at most about nine drug collectors, or at least or at most about ten drug collectors.

[0055] In some implementations, the channel provided herein can be operatively coupled to a gate (e.g., a door or valve) configured to open or close to allow or prevent entry into the channel from an opening. For example, a gate can be closed to block the channel and prevent any medication from entering, thus preventing a user from discarding any medication into the channel. Alternatively, a gate can be opened to allow a user to discard medication into the channel. In some cases, the gate can be coupled to (e.g., directly and physically attached to) the channel. Alternatively or additionally, the gate may not be directly attached to the channel, but rather coupled to a surface of the drug management system station (e.g., coupled to an opening in the station). The coupling of the gate to the channel or the station surface can utilize one or more actuator units (e.g., one or more motors, such as linear, circular, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.) to allow the gate to open and close relative to the channel. For example, when a user selects a specific type of medication to be discarded (e.g., via a graphical user interface (GUI) in a display of a user device operatively coupled to the medication management system), the medication management system can open a gate for that specific channel, which is designated or predetermined for collecting that particular type of medication. Gates for other channels can remain closed to prevent the user from discarding the specific type of medication (e.g., accidentally) into other channels. In another example, when a user selects a specific type of medication to be discarded (e.g., via the GUI provided herein), the medication management system can close all but one gate, where the gate that remains open is designated or predetermined for collecting that particular type of medication.

[0056] In some implementations, the gate may be a door (e.g., coupled to a channel or working surface via a hinge to allow movement) to block at least a portion of the passageway into the channel.

[0057] In some implementations, activation (e.g., opening) of the gate may require (i) verification of the user's identification and / or (ii) receiving information from the user, for example, via a user identification device, regarding the nature of the medication to be discarded (e.g., identity, quantity, etc.). In the absence of (i) and / or (ii), the gate may be closed to prevent the user from discarding the medication through an opening / channel blocked by the gate.

[0058] In some implementations, the GUI provided herein may be a touchscreen GUI, thereby allowing users to physically interact with the GUI. For example, a flat panel display may be used to provide the touchscreen GUI.

[0059] In some implementations, the workstation may be operatively coupled to (e.g., marked) an indicator (e.g., color, symbol, lighting, display, etc.). The indicator may be a permanent or non-permanent component of the drug management system. The indicator may be disposed on or adjacent to a surface of the workstation, on or adjacent to a component of the workstation (e.g., one or more openings), and / or on or adjacent to a component coupled to the workstation (e.g., a passageway, drug collector, etc.).

[0060] In some implementations, indicators can be used to display alerts or messages to a user. Indicators can be on or adjacent to an opening or channel to inform the user (i) which opening, channel, or drug collector to use to discard a specific drug or (ii) which opening, channel, or drug collector not to use to discard a specific drug. Alternatively or additionally, indicators can be used to display the status or progress of a user's use of the drug management system, for example, by enabling a record of such use (e.g., video recordings from one or more cameras of the user identification device provided herein) to capture this status or progress for security, tracking, and / or monitoring purposes. The digital data of such records can be stored in a database (e.g., an online database, a blockchain database) that is inaccessible or unmodifiable to the user for security, tracking, and / or monitoring purposes. Indicators can be used to indicate the nature of a drug passing through an opening, a channel coupled to the opening, and / or a drug collector coupled to the channel. This nature can be detected, for example, by a drug monitoring module provided herein. For example, regardless of whether the object is actually a drug to be discarded, an indicator can be turned on to indicate that the substance is actually passing through (e.g., present) the opening and / or channel. In another example, an indicator can be activated to indicate that a substance passing through an opening and / or passage is likely (e.g., having some probability such as at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 99%, or substantially about 100%) to be discarded (e.g., a medication the user has indicated they wish to discard). Therefore, even when a user indicates they are discarding or will discard a particular type of liquid medication (e.g., liquid propofol), if the medication monitoring module does not detect one or more characteristics associated with that type of liquid medication (e.g., optical density or spectrophotometric characteristics), the medication management system can activate an indicator (e.g., change the indicator's color) to alert against a mismatch between the medication that should be discarded and the medication the user actually discarded.

[0061] In some implementations, the indicators provided herein may include illumination (e.g., one or more light-emitting diodes, displays, etc.). The illumination may be monochromatic or multicolor. The illumination may be turned on (or off) to send messages or alerts to the user, or to display the status or progress of the user's use of the system provided herein. The illumination may be configured to be visible to the user before, during, or after the disposal of drug waste into the drug management system using the drug management system, such that it is on (i) an opening, inside or adjacent to it, and / or (ii) a channel coupled to the opening, inside or adjacent to it.

[0062] In some implementations, the indicators provided herein can be turned on (e.g., illuminated) to indicate that something (e.g., medication) is being discarded into or through an opening, into a channel, or through a channel and / or into a medication collector. When video of a user discarding medication is captured, the status of the indicators (e.g., on or off) recorded in the video can inform viewers of the video (e.g., the user's supervisor, a supervisor of medication distribution and disposal, etc.) that something is actually being discarded.

[0063] In some cases, the workstation may include an indicator on or adjacent to the opening to allow the user to distinguish the opening from another opening on the workstation. For example, the opening may be circular, and the indicator may be circular illumination surrounding the opening. In some cases, the passage coupled to the opening of the workstation may include, for example, an indicator on a surface visible to the user or a drug monitoring module (e.g., a camera) before, during, or after the user discards the medication.

[0064] In some implementations, a medication management system can be used for the dispensing and monitoring of medications. A user of the medication management system (e.g., a healthcare provider) can retrieve a large quantity of medication (e.g., a quantity greater than what a patient or other person in need requires or is prescribed) provided by the medication manufacturer. The user can retrieve the medication from an automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) such as an automated dispensing machine (ADM) (e.g., the medDispense® system, the Omnicell XT automated dispensing cabinet, the McLaughlin dispensing system, the Baxter ATC-212 dispensing system, and the Pyxis MedStation). The user can then take the medication to a workstation in the medication management system to have it dispensed (e.g., divided) into smaller quantities, such as to fit a patient's prescribed dose. A user identification device in the medication management system can monitor and record this dispensing (or division) of medication by the user for security, tracking, and / or monitoring purposes. In some cases, after dispensing at the workstation, the user may be asked to discard any excess or remaining medication into the medication management system, for example, through an opening in the workstation connected to a medication collector via a passage provided herein. Therefore, the entire process from drug dispensing (e.g., partitioning) and disposal of any remaining drugs at the same location can be recorded for safety, tracking, and / or monitoring purposes.

[0065] In some implementations, the original medication (e.g., medication obtained from an ADC) may include an original label (e.g., an MRC) that can be read (e.g., scanned) to retrieve one or more pieces of information about the original medication (e.g., drug type, quantity, dosage, manufacturer, expiration date, etc.). The medication dispensing methods described herein (e.g., to adapt a patient's prescribed dosage) may damage the original label, rendering it unreadable. Therefore, in some implementations, the medication management system may include a label generator (e.g., a printer) that can generate a new label (e.g., a new MRC) that can be readable to retrieve one or more pieces of information about the dispensed medication (e.g., drug type, dosage, information about the patient, information about the healthcare provider dispensing and / or discarding the medication). The new label can be read at the patient's bedside (e.g., together with the reading of a patient identification (ID) label) to verify the medication prescription before the medication to be dispensed is administered to the patient.

[0066] In some implementations, the drug management system may be a single unit device. Alternatively, the drug management system may be a modular system comprising at least or at most about 2, at least or at most about 3, at least or at most about 4, at least or at most about 5, at least or at most about 6, at least or at most about 7, at least or at most about 8, at least or at most about 9, at least or at most about 10 or more modules (or subcomponents) operatively coupled to each other. In an example, the drug management system may be a modular system comprising: a first device for dispensing a drug (e.g., an ADM or a functional variant thereof) and a second device for the disposal and / or return of any unused or remaining drug. In another example, the drug management system may be a modular system comprising the channels and drug collectors provided herein, each of which is individually modular. Multiple modules may be manufactured as a single unit. Alternatively, multiple modules may be operatively or releasably assembled into a single drug management system. A single module may be a replaceable unit. In the examples, after one or more uses, a module can be replaced with a new one, and the medication management system can be operational with little or no additional hardware or software updates. A single module (e.g., a channel) can be configured for single use. Alternatively, a single module can be reusable at least or at most about 2 times, at least or at most about 3 times, at least or at most about 4 times, at least or at most about 5 times, at least or at most about 6 times, at least or at most about 7 times, at least or at most about 8 times, at least or at most about 9 times, at least or at most about 10 times, or more. In some examples, a single module of the medication management system can be configured for medication storage, medication dispensing, collection of unused or surplus medication, sharps collection, waste collection, one or more displays for providing information or a GUI to a user, etc.

[0067] In some implementations, the drug management system may be freestanding, for example, on the floor or on a table or countertop. The drug management system may be wall-mounted, floor-standing, or countertop-mounted. A wall-mounted, floor-standing, or countertop-mounted drug management system may be operatively coupled to at least one connecting mechanism (e.g., a swivel) to allow the drug management system to move in at least one degree of freedom, thereby enabling its user to access different components of the drug management system.

[0068] In some cases, the drug management system can be mounted on a wall such that the bottom surface of the drug management system, or any portion thereof, does not need to touch the ground. Therefore, at least one side surface of the drug management system can be coupled to the wall via a coupling mechanism.

[0069] In some embodiments, the housing of the drug management system may include a separate storage compartment (e.g., at the bottom or lowest part of the housing) configured to house or contain one or more computer systems (e.g., processors, batteries, etc.) programmed to assist or implement the operation (or methods) of the drug management system. For example, the computer system may be a microcomputer such as a micro personal computer (PC).

[0070] In some cases, the battery may reside in one or more units within the casing and / or the computer. In some cases, the intelligent drug disposal system can detect whether one or more batteries are connected to a power source, such as an outlet or adapter. In some cases, detecting whether the battery is connected to a power source allows the system to determine whether it is in portable or stationary mode. In some cases, this can be done by detecting the battery's lifespan. For example, when connected to an outlet, the battery can be charged to approximately 75% or more to avoid overcharging. Conversely, when not connected to an outlet, the battery may gradually deplete.

[0071] The battery life of the intelligent drug disposal system when not powered on can be approximately 2 hours to approximately 12 hours. The battery life of the intelligent drug disposal system when not powered on can be approximately 2 hours to approximately 4 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 6 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 8 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 10 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 12 hours, approximately 4 hours to approximately 6 hours, approximately 4 hours to approximately 8 hours, approximately 4 hours to approximately 10 hours, approximately 4 hours to approximately 12 hours, approximately 6 hours to approximately 10 hours, approximately 6 hours to approximately 10 hours, approximately 6 hours to approximately 12 hours, approximately 8 hours to approximately 10 hours, or approximately 10 hours to approximately 12 hours. The battery life of the intelligent drug disposal system when not powered on can be approximately 2 hours, approximately 4 hours, approximately 6 hours, approximately 8 hours, or approximately 10 hours. The battery life of the intelligent drug disposal system when not powered on can be at least approximately 2 hours, approximately 4 hours, approximately 6 hours, approximately 8 hours, or approximately 10 hours. When not powered on, the battery life of the intelligent drug disposal system can be up to about 4 hours, about 6 hours, about 8 hours, about 10 hours, or about 12 hours.

[0072] In some embodiments, the housing of the drug management system may include a door that can be opened and closed, and the door can be opened to provide access to a storage area for drug collectors and passageways. In some cases, the access to the storage area may be located on a side surface of the housing (e.g., a side panel), such as the side not facing the user when the user is using the drug management system provided herein. Alternatively, the access to the storage area may be located on a front surface of the housing (e.g., a front panel), facing the user when the user is using the drug management system. In some embodiments, such a door may be locked and can be opened by a key, by verifying the user's identity (e.g., via a user identification system of the drug management system or via the user's user device), and / or by reading visual codes (e.g., barcodes, RVCs) at least partially on the door, opening, and / or passageway.

[0073] In some implementations, the dimensions of the drug management system (e.g., width, length, height, etc.) can be at least or at most about 4 inches, at least or at most about 5 inches, at least or at most about 6 inches, at least or at most about 7 inches, at least or at most about 8 inches, at least or at most about 9 inches, at least or at most about 10 inches, at least or at most about 11 inches, at least or at most about 12 inches, at least or at most about 13 inches, at least or at most about 14 inches, at least or at most about 15 inches, at least or at most about 16 inches, at least or at most about 17 inches, at least or at most about 18 inches, at least or at most about 19 inches, at least or at most about 20 inches, at least or at most about 21 inches, at least or at most about 22 inches, at least or at most about 23 inches, at least or at most about 24 inches, at least or at most about 3 feet, at least or at most about 4 feet, or at least or at most about 5 feet. In some cases, such dimensions may disregard the size of the display used to provide the GUI to the user.

[0074] In some implementations, a user can interact with the drug management system via a user interface (e.g., the GUI provided herein) provided on one or more displays, such as a touchscreen display. Users can input data via a touchscreen (e.g., via an on-screen keyboard) or a physical keyboard operatively coupled to the GUI. In some cases, data input can be activated by selecting (or touching) one of the options provided on the GUI. Options can be numbers, letters, and / or symbols set within distinguishable shapes (e.g., squares, ovals, triangles, rectangles, etc.).

[0075] In some implementations, the GUI of the drug management system may be configured to be paused, locked, deactivated, or shut down after (i) a predetermined period of time during which no interaction with the user takes place and / or (ii) a predetermined period of time during which the user (or the user and witness who has discarded any unused / remaining medication) is not visually identified by one or more cameras of the drug management system (e.g., one or more cameras via a user identification device).

[0076] In some implementations, the user identification device may be configured to identify a user (e.g., a healthcare provider such as a nurse) who is retrieving medication, returning unused / remaining medication (or used medication containers), or discarding (or abandoning) any remaining medication. The user identification device may be configured to scan the identifier of a user of the medication management system (e.g., a key, work ID badge, and / or biometric data). Examples of biometric data may include a user's fingerprint, palm print, hand geometry, finger and / or palm vein patterns, facial patterns, iris, retina, heart rate, and / or behavioral patterns (e.g., typing rhythm, voice, etc.). In some cases, the user identification device may include a physical user interface (PUI), such as a keyboard and / or mouse, to enter a password or PIN number to access the medication management system for use. Alternatively, the user identification device may not include, and does not need to include, any PUI, and may rely solely on a display and GUI to interact with the user.

[0077] In some implementations, the user identification device can be operatively and digitally communicated with the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the user identification device can be part of the housing. The user identification device can be located on the surface of the housing (e.g., the outer surface). The user identification device can be fixed in a permanent position relative to the housing or movable relative to the housing (e.g., extended via a retractable or coilable cable, etc.).

[0078] In some embodiments, the display provided herein (e.g., a touchscreen display) can be mounted to the body of the drug management system (e.g., the housing of the drug management system) via a coupling unit such as a screen mount. This coupling unit can be stable, fixed, or flexible. In one example, the coupling unit can be a robotic mount configured to hold the display and / or user device, and (ii) is movable between various locations (e.g., manually moved by the user or automatically moved by the processor provided herein). In another example, the coupling unit can be a telescopic tabletop mount.

[0079] In some implementations, examples of user identification devices may include one or more scanners configured to scan and / or analyze any of biometric data, such as facial recognition scanners, iris scanners, fingerprint scanners, voice recognition devices, etc. Alternatively or additionally, a user identification device may include at least one identifier reader configured as described above to scan a user-specific identifier. The user's identifier may include an MRC (e.g., a barcode) and / or an identification device (e.g., an RFID system) identifiable by at least one identifier reader.

[0080] In some implementations, a user identification device or drug monitoring module (e.g., via the use of one or more of its sensors or cameras) can be used to confirm drug dispensing, drug disposal, calculation of the amount of discarded drug, and / or calibration of the drug management system. Such use of a user identification device or drug monitoring module may be referred to as a “smart imaging” system or method thereof.

[0081] In some embodiments, the user identification device or drug monitoring module may be housed within the body (e.g., housing) of the drug management system. The user identification device or drug monitoring module may be housed with a top portion of the drug management system body to properly position the user identification device or drug monitoring module for visualization or scanning of the user, the user's identifier, the drug (e.g., a drug to be dispensed or discarded), or the packaging / its MRC, etc. In some cases, the top portion of the drug management system body may include a transparent or translucent surface, enabling (i) the user identification device or drug monitoring module to optically or perceptually communicate with objects (e.g., the user or the drug) across the surface, and (ii) the user identification device or drug monitoring module to be physically protected during use of the drug management system. For example, the transparent or translucent surface may be part of a workstation of the drug management system. The transparent or translucent surface may be made of, for example, plastic, glass, acrylic, etc. The dimensions (e.g., depth) of the transparent or translucent surface can be at least or at most about 1 mm, at least or at most about 1.1 mm, at least or at most about 1.2 mm, at least or at most about 1.5 mm, at least or at most about 2 mm, at least or at most about 3 mm, at least or at most about 4 mm, at least or at most about 5 mm, at least or at most about 6 mm, at least or at most about 7 mm, at least or at most about 8 mm, at least or at most about 9 mm, at least or at most about 10 mm, at least or at most about 15 mm, at least or at most about 20 mm, at least or at most about 30 mm, at least or at most about 40 mm, or at least or at most about 50 mm.

[0082] In some implementations, the workstation may be a smart workstation (or a smart working surface area). The workstation may include a transparent or translucent surface and may be operatively coupled to the user identification device or drug monitoring module provided herein. For example, the workstation may be operatively coupled to a drug monitoring module (e.g., a scanner) to scan barcodes or any identifier of a drug to (i) verify, link, and visualize drug information, (ii) dispense, discard, calculate, measure drugs, etc., and / or (iii) obtain or verify the type, dosage, strength, quantity, etc., of a drug to be prescribed or discarded.

[0083] In some implementations, the user identification device or drug monitoring module may direct one or more of its corresponding sensors (e.g., cameras) to capture digital images or videos of the drug management system. In some cases, such images or videos may be used to verify when the drug management system is being used (e.g., turned on, turned off, or manipulated) in order to, for example, prevent, avoid, or capture tampering with the drug management system.

[0084] In some implementations, the drug monitoring module may guide one or more sensors (e.g., cameras) to capture digital images or videos of identifiers (e.g., MRCs such as barcodes) of the drug package (i.e., drug packaging). By scanning the package identifier, the drug monitoring module can retrieve information about the drug, such as (i) the drug order or prescription, (ii) return / discard order information, and (iii) one or more of the following: the stock keeping unit (SKU) number or national drug code (NDC) of the original drug (e.g., the original pill), the master carton, the inner carton, or individual items.

[0085] In some implementations, the identifiers disclosed herein (e.g., identifiers of healthcare providers, patients, drugs, or drug containers, etc.) can be scanned by an identifier reader (such as a scanner, barcode reader, RFID reader, NFC reader, etc., as part of a user identification device or drug monitoring module). In some cases, the identifier reader may be a device that digitally communicates with a machine (e.g., a computer with a processor) configured to read and identify identifiers. In some cases, the identifier reader may be a user device (e.g., a smartphone with a camera) that digitally communicates with the machine (e.g., wirelessly). In some cases, the identifier reader may be adjacent to or part of a drug management system (e.g., externally or internally). Alternatively or additionally, the identifier reader may be operatively coupled (e.g., communicatively coupled) to the drug management system. The identifier reader may be communicatively coupled to one or more databases, such as one or more databases of the drug management system or other databases such as a hospital staff database, an eMAR or CPOE database, a pharmacy database, etc. In some cases, the identifier may be a sound wave. The sound wave may be the user's voice (i.e., sound transmission). The sound waves can originate from a user's identifier device, a drug, a drug package, and / or a drug processing unit disclosed herein. For example, voiceprint recognition can be used to match a user's voice with existing voice profiles in a database of the system provided herein. The identifier can learn the user's voice using one or more algorithms (e.g., machine learning algorithms), for example, to ensure that only legitimate users are authorized to access the system.

[0086] In some implementations, drug detection (e.g., via a drug monitoring module) may include measuring one or more of the following: (1) the number of drugs, (2) the weight of drugs, (3) the volume of drugs, (4) the optical properties of drugs, or (5) the chemical composition of drugs. This detection may occur before, during, or after drug dispensing. This detection may occur before any excess drug is discarded (e.g., exactly before any excess drug is discarded).

[0087] In some embodiments, a drug monitoring module or an analysis engine operatively coupled thereto (e.g., a drug analysis engine) may be configured to estimate the properties of the drug (e.g., brand, color, size, shape, weight, density, and / or chemical composition) using data generated during drug monitoring (e.g., images or videos of the drug acquired by the user device according to instructions from the drug monitoring module). In some embodiments, the drug monitoring module or analysis engine may include one or more sensors for measuring or estimating drug properties. Based on one or more estimated properties, the drug monitoring module or analysis engine may determine the probability or likelihood that the discarded drug is the same as the discarded drug reported by a user (e.g., a nurse or the user of the drug). The drug monitoring module or analysis engine can achieve a rate of at least approximately 10%, at least or at most approximately 15%, at least or at most approximately 20%, at least or at most approximately 25%, at least or at most approximately 30%, at least or at most approximately 35%, at least or at most approximately 40%, at least or at most approximately 45%, at least or at most approximately 50%, at least or at most approximately 55%, at least or at most approximately 60%, at least or at most approximately 65%, at least or at most approximately 70%, at least or at most approximately 75%, at least or at most approximately 80%, at least or at most approximately 85%, at least or at most approximately 90%. The probability is determined to be at least or at most about 95%, at least or at most about 99% or higher that (i) the discarded medication matches the medication reported by the user, (ii) the quantity of the discarded medication (e.g., number of pills, number of patches, volume of liquid medication, etc.) matches the quantity of the discarded medication reported by the user, (iii) the quantity of the discarded medication (e.g., number of pills, number of patches, volume of liquid medication, etc.) matches the quantity that the user should return, and / or (iv) the user mismanaged the medication (e.g., it was lost or transferred).

[0088] In some implementations, the analytics engine may use one or more algorithms provided herein to analyze data from a drug monitoring module (e.g., one or more sensors such as a camera). In some cases, the analytics engine's algorithms may be used to (1) verify that a discarded or returned drug is associated with a user, a specific patient, or the container in which the drug is stored, or (2) estimate the amount of the returned drug. In some cases, the analytics engine or its algorithms may be configured to compare an image of the discarded / returned drug (e.g., a pill) with one or more real images of the drug (e.g., retrieved from a database) to confirm or authenticate the discarded / returned drug or its contents. The database may be, for example, from the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

[0089] In some embodiments, at least one sensor of the drug monitoring module or analysis engine has a field of view of at least about 90, at least about 120, at least about 150, at least about 180, at least about 210, at least about 240, at least about 270, at least about 300, at least about 330, at least about 345, at least about 350, at least about 355, at least about 356, at least about 357, at least about 358, at least about 359, or about 360 degrees. In some embodiments, the field of view is measured horizontally. In some embodiments, at least one sensor is at least one camera.

[0090] In some implementations, the analytics engine may (directly or indirectly) acquire data including information about the user (e.g., a patient) and the medication being discarded or stored in a medication collector. Examples of such data may include one or more electromagnetic spectra (e.g., light absorption and / or reflection), images, videos, and / or the weight of the discarded / stored medication. The analytics engine may be configured to analyze the data using one or more algorithms (e.g., AI algorithms provided herein) to track user compliance with medication dispensing / disposal guidelines or instructions. The analytics engine may be configured to provide the user with the progress or results of the analysis via a display of the medication management system, the user's user device, or the user device of the user's supervisor or the administrator of the medication management system. The analytics engine may be configured to approve one or more reward programs for the user based on the analysis of the discarded / stored medication. Non-limiting examples of rewards may include incentives such as bonuses or salaries for the user, coupons, gift cards, etc. In some cases, such rewards may be offered to the user (e.g., a healthcare provider such as a nurse or pharmacist) after the medication has been properly discarded / stored in the medication management system.

[0091] In some embodiments, the medicine is provided as one or more members selected from: tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules, sugar-coated pills, gels, slurries, ointments, solutions, suppositories, solutions, inhalers, aerosols, transdermal patches, modifications thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0092] In some embodiments, a drug management system (e.g., a drug collector) may be configured to receive and discard drugs in multiple forms (e.g., pills, liquids, patches, etc.). In some embodiments, a drug management system (e.g., a drug collector) may be configured to receive and discard only a single form of drug. In some embodiments, a drug management system (e.g., a drug collector) may be configured to receive and discard only a single specific type of drug (e.g., propofol emulsion only, fentanyl liquid only, etc.).

[0093] In some embodiments, one or more components of the drug management system (e.g., housing, channel, drug collector, etc.) can be made of any type of material suitable for contacting and / or protecting the drug. For example, non-limiting examples of such materials may include polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, polyisobutylene, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) copolymer, lightweight aluminum foil and combinations thereof, stainless steel alloys, commercially pure titanium, titanium alloys, silver alloys, copper alloys, grade 5 titanium, superelastic titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, stainless steel alloys, superelastic metal alloys (e.g., nickel-titanium), ceramics and composites thereof (such as calcium phosphate (e.g., SKELITE)). TM Thermoplastics such as polyaryletherketone (PAEK) (including polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and polyetherketone (PEK)), carbon-PEEK composites, PEEK-BaSO4 polymer rubber, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), fabrics, silicone, polyurethane, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, polymer rubber, polyolefin rubber, hydrogels, semi-rigid and rigid materials, elastomers, rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, thermosetting elastomers, elastomer composites, rigid polymers (including polyphenylene, polyamide, polyimide, polyetherimide, polyethylene, epoxy resins), glass and combinations thereof.

[0094] The systems and apparatus disclosed herein may be located (e.g., installed in) hospitals (e.g., public, private, military or civilian hospitals), medical offices (e.g., doctors' offices, dental clinics, outpatient surgery centers, same-day or other non-hospital surgery facilities, medication dispensing rooms or pharmacies, such as locations with automated dispensing machines (ADMs), etc.), non-acute medical facilities (e.g., long-term care facilities), specialized nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, hospice care facilities, clinics (e.g., pain clinics), emergency response units (e.g., ambulances, paramedic transport, emergency medical services (EMS) transport, etc.), veterinary hospitals, veterinary clinics, veterinary laboratories, medical research institutions, hospice care facilities, long-term acute care (LTAC) facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, pharmacies, pharmacy-in-clinics, law enforcement locations, etc.

[0095] The system described in this article may be referred to as "MIDASView Mini".

[0096] Figures 1A-1EA wall-mounted intelligent medication disposal system 100 is shown. The intelligent medication disposal system 100 may include a recording device 110, a computing system 120, an Rx Intercept lock box 130, an Rx vial and bag holder 140, a coupling unit 155, a window 160, a waste disposal unit 170, and a door 180. The wall-mounted intelligent medication disposal system can be attached to a wall using a bracket drilled into the wall. The wall-mounted intelligent medication disposal system can also be attached to a wall using other attachment mechanisms, such as adhesive to the wall. In some cases, when not drilled into the wall, the attachment mechanism can be detached by pressing a button, switch, slider, or other actuator. In some cases, the intelligent medication disposal system 100 is not mounted on a wall but can be fixed to an automated dispensing machine (ADM).

[0097] The recording device 110 may include a camera (e.g., a panoramic camera, a fisheye camera, a focusing camera, a 360-degree camera, a 180-degree camera, a motion detection camera, etc.), 3D / 4D camera animation, and / or other sensors and monitors.

[0098] The computing system 120 may be a monitor, personal computer, tablet, or other computer. It may be independently inserted into and / or attached to the housing of the intelligent drug dispensing system 100. It may be coupled to the intelligent drug dispensing system 100 via an adjustable coupler (e.g., coupling unit 155). The computing device may be configured to run a transfer analysis program. The program may include an AI or ML program that analyzes data trends for each user of the intelligent drug dispensing system 100. The program may compile the average dispensing amount for each drug type and / or brand to compare with the amount of drug dispensed in a specific situation. In some cases, the program does not include AI or ML. In some cases, the computing device serves as a GUI for user input, and the analysis, trends, and averages may be calculated by a person (e.g., a nurse, supervisor, transfer specialist, etc.) based on information recorded by a recording device and one or more scanners coupled to the intelligent drug dispensing system 100.

[0099] In some cases, the intelligent drug disposal system 100 can be used in conjunction with the Rx Intercept function to prevent substitution. Rx Intercept includes randomized targeted and / or intelligent (e.g., analytics / AI-based) selection of discarded drugs to identify the type and quantity of the drug. The intercepted drugs are not neutralized but are automatically placed in bags (e.g., transparent drug or hazardous materials bags) for further qualitative analysis by the pharmacy to identify the drug type. For liquid drugs, the drugs can be placed in leak-proof vials. Vials can hold approximately 10 ml of liquid. Vials can hold approximately 5 ml of liquid. Vials can hold approximately 1 ml, approximately 2 ml, approximately 3 ml, approximately 4 ml, approximately 5 ml, approximately 10 ml, approximately 15 ml, approximately 20 ml, or more than approximately 20 ml. Sample bags can have a unique barcode and include a tamper-evident seal. If disposal occurs in an auxiliary pharmacy or mini-pharmacies, the bags can then be transported to the central pharmacy after being placed in a separate transport bag containing multiple sample bags. During transport, bags can be scanned at each smart medication management device to maintain the chain of custody. Bag removal and destruction can be performed on a camera to continue the complete chain of custody. This can be aided by tamper-proof bags with barcodes. Barcodes can be unique. In some cases, such as when more than one bag can hold medication, barcodes can be duplicated. RxIntercept can be used during medication collection and / or securing when creating the chain of custody to inspect the medication or send it for final destruction.

[0100] Rx Intercept can be used with dedicated Rx Intercept vials or non-dedicated vials. Empty vials can be stored in the vial and bag holder 140. Once filled with the drug for further testing, the vial can be placed in the bag removed from the bag holder 140 and then placed in the lock box 130.

[0101] The user can remove the vial and bag from 130 for their liquid sample and store them in lock box 140. Therefore, retainer 130 is for the vial and bag before use, while lock box 140 is for the vial and bag after use. The vial can be inserted into the bag before being inserted into the lock box. One or more of the vials and / or bags may have an identification number, barcode, or other identification method. Lock box 140 may be accessible via one or more identification features, such as, but not limited to, fingerprints, retinal scans, personal codes, barcodes, ID badge scans, or other personal identification methods, including the biometric identification methods described herein. In some cases, the lock box does not have a separate keyhole or scanner but may be electrically coupled to the intelligent drug disposal system, allowing the user to instruct the intelligent drug disposal system to open lock box 140 when accessed using a technical method, key, or biometric identification method. This user identification can help generate a chain of ownership to determine who has controlled the Rx Intercept vials once they have been removed from lock box 140. In some cases, lock box 140 may include a simple lock-key mechanism. In this case, security can be based on only certain individuals having the key and making those individuals responsible for the contents of lock box 140.

[0102] In some cases, the intelligent drug disposal system 100 may include a top and a base connected via a coupling unit 155. The top may include a recording device 110 and a computing system 120. The base may include other components such as an Rx Intercept lock box 130, an Rx vial and bag holder 140, a window 160, a waste disposal unit 170, and a door 180. In some cases, the coupling unit 155 may be adjustable, sliding the computing system and recording device up and down or left and right for greater comfort for the user's height and / or position. In some cases, the coupling unit 155 may be rotatable or bendable, similar to... Figure 3 The adjustable screen neck 295 is included. In some cases, the coupling unit 155 can be bent forward / downward to adjust for the user's height.

[0103] Window 160 may include a transparent or semi-transparent window. In some cases, sensors for the drug monitoring module (e.g., cameras, scanners, etc.) may be located beneath the transparent or semi-transparent window. In some cases, the scanner may be coupled to (e.g., an attached scanner holder) or provided separately. The scanner or camera may be used to read RVCs, barcodes, or any URL codes on the drug or a bag containing the drug.

[0104] Waste disposal opening 170 can be used to dispose of hazardous or non-hazardous waste. In some cases, one waste disposal opening can be used for hazardous materials while the other is used for non-hazardous materials. In some cases, both can be used for hazardous materials or both can be used for non-hazardous materials. This can depend on the location of the intelligent drug disposal system 100. For example, in areas without hazardous materials, all waste disposal openings can be non-hazardous. To properly dispose of the drug, the waste disposal opening may include a neutralizer. As mentioned above, an example of a destroyer could include an Rx Destroyer. TM Drug Buster TM Narc-X TM Pill Terminator TM Element MDS TM Cactus Smart Sink TM Mallinckrodt MDS TM Pill Catcher TM and Stericycle CsRx TM One or more of them.

[0105] In some cases, the connection between the waste container and the opening can be facilitated by a channel (e.g., a funnel) installed at each opening on the top surface. Users can discard medication into the channel (e.g., pouring leftover or unused liquid medication into the channel). The channel can be installed from the top of the opening by opening a door 180 on the main body.

[0106] Door 180 can be used for a variety of purposes. Door 180 can be used to replace the neutralizer and other components of the intelligent drug disposal system 400. Door 180 can be used to remove neutralized liquid from the intelligent drug disposal system 400. Door 180 can be used to access internal components of the system for maintenance. In some cases, door 180 may be accessible via one or more identification features, such as, but not limited to, fingerprints, retinal scans, personal codes, barcodes, ID badge scans, or other personal identification methods. Such user identification can help identify who has controlled the intelligent drug disposal system 100. In some cases, door 180 may include a simple lock-and-key mechanism. In this case, security can be based on only certain individuals having the key and making those individuals responsible for the contents of the intelligent drug disposal system 100.

[0107] Door 180 may have multiple opening mechanisms. Door 180 may be opened from right to left or from left to right on a horizontal swing hinge. Door 180 may be opened from top to bottom along a vertical swing hinge. Door 180 may be a pull-out door, wherein the bottom, front, and / or rear surfaces of the door, along with the internal contents, are removed from the intelligent drug disposal system 100.

[0108] like Figure 1D As shown, the intelligent drug disposal system 100 can be used in conjunction with the IV system 190 to dispose of liquid drugs. For example, the intelligent drug disposal system 100 may include one or more of pumps, valves, and piping to measure the liquid and move it from the IV bag to a waste container / disposal unit. These processes are further described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 590,566, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0109] In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 10 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 16 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 16 inches, or approximately 14 inches to approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be approximately 8 inches, approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, or approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be at least approximately 8 inches, approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, or approximately 14 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be at most approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, or approximately 16 inches.

[0110] In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be approximately 36 inches to approximately 48 inches. (The specific variations in height are not provided in the original text.) In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be approximately 36 inches, 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, 46 inches, or 48 inches. In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be at least approximately 36 inches, 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, or 46 inches. In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be at most approximately 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, 46 inches, or 48 inches.

[0111] In some cases, the top portion, including the coupling member, computing system, and recording device, may tilt forward or otherwise retract forward by approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may tilt forward or otherwise retract forward by approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1 inch, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 3 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 3.5 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 4 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 2 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 3 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 3.5 inches, or approximately 1 inch to approximately 4 inches. Approximately 1.5 inches to 2 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 3 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 4 inches, approximately 2 inches to 2.5 inches, approximately 2 inches to 3 inches, approximately 2 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 2 inches to 4 inches, approximately 2.5 inches to 3 inches, approximately 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 2.5 inches to 4 inches, approximately 3 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 3 inches to 4 inches, or approximately 3.5 inches to 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted forward or otherwise tapered forward by approximately 0.5 inches, approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 2 inches, approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 3 inches, approximately 3.5 inches, or approximately 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted forward or otherwise tapered forward by at least approximately 0.5 inches, approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 2 inches, approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 3 inches, or approximately 3.5 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted forward or otherwise tapered forward by up to approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 2 inches, approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 3 inches, approximately 3.5 inches, or approximately 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted 1 inch.

[0112] In some cases, tilting, collapsing, or otherwise changing shape can be done using buttons, sliders, switches, or other easily accessible actuators.

[0113] In some cases, the housing height of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches. (This is repeated three times in the original text.) In some cases, the housing height of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be at least approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 19 inches, or approximately 22 inches. In other cases, the housing height of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be at most approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 19 inches, approximately 22 inches, or approximately 24 inches.

[0114] In some cases, the width of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches. (This is repeated three times in the original text.) In some cases, the width of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be at least approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 18 inches, or approximately 20 inches. In other cases, the width can be up to approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 18 inches, approximately 20 inches, or approximately 24 inches. In still other cases, the width can be approximately 18.5 inches.

[0115] In some cases, the weight of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 50 pounds. In some cases, the weight of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 25 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 30 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 35 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 40 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 30 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 35 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 40 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 35 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 40 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, from approximately 40 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 40 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, or from approximately 45 pounds to approximately 50 pounds. In some cases, the weight of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be approximately 20 pounds, 25 pounds, 30 pounds, 35 pounds, 40 pounds, 45 pounds, or 50 pounds.

[0116] Figure 2 The illustration depicts a medication management system 200 for handling (e.g., discarding) surplus or unused medications. The medication management system 200 can be mounted to a wall (e.g., the wall of a medical facility). A wall-mounted intelligent medication disposal system can be attached to a wall using a bracket drilled into the wall. In some cases, when not drilled into the wall, the attachment mechanism can be detached by pressing a button, switch, slider, or other actuator. The wall-mounted intelligent medication disposal system can be attached to the wall using other attachment mechanisms. In some cases, the intelligent medication disposal system 200 is not mounted on the wall but can be fixed to an automated dispensing machine (ADM).

[0117] The drug management system 200 includes sensors (e.g., cameras) of a recording device 210 and a display 220 (e.g., a touchscreen display) for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) for user interaction with the system. At least the sensors of the recording device 210 and the display 220 can be mounted on the body 250 (e.g., housing) of the drug management system 200 via a coupling unit 255 to allow movement of the recording device 210 and the lock box 230 relative to the body 250.

[0118] The display or computing system 220 may be a monitor, personal computer, tablet, or other computer. It may be independently inserted into and / or attached to the housing of the intelligent drug dispensing system 200. It may be coupled to the intelligent drug dispensing system 200 via an adjustable coupler, such as coupling unit 255. The computing device may be configured to run a transfer analysis program. The program may include an AI or ML program that analyzes data trends for each user of the intelligent drug dispensing system 200. The program may compile the average dispensing amount for each drug type and / or brand to compare with the amount of drug dispensed in a specific situation. In some cases, the program does not include AI or ML. In some cases, the computing device serves as a GUI for user input, and the analysis, trends, and averages may be calculated by a person (e.g., a nurse, supervisor, transfer specialist, etc.) based on information recorded by a recording device and one or more scanners coupled to the intelligent drug dispensing system 200.

[0119] The main body 250 of the drug management system 200 includes a top surface. The top surface may be a workstation of the drug management system 200. The top surface may include a transparent or semi-transparent window 260 and sensors (e.g., cameras) of a drug monitoring module below the transparent or semi-transparent window. The top surface may include one or more openings. A channel (e.g., a funnel) 270 may be installed at each opening on the top surface for a user to discard medication into the channel (e.g., pouring leftover or unused liquid medication into the channel). The channel 270 can be installed from the top of the opening by opening a door 280 of the main body. A drug collector (e.g., an RxDestroyer) 290 may be placed inside the main body 250 such that the opening of the drug collector 290 can be coupled to and fluidly communicate with the bottom end of the channel 270. The drug collector 290 can be placed inside the main body 250 via opening the door 280. The main body 250 and / or the door 280 may include a locking mechanism 285 to prevent tampering with the collected medication.

[0120] The drug management system 200 may further include a sharps collector 300 attached to the body 250 (e.g., on its side, on its top, etc.). Alternatively, the sharps collector 299 may be disposed near or adjacent to the drug management system 200.

[0121] The medication management system 200 also includes an auxiliary collector 230 for separately collecting remaining / unused medications. The auxiliary collector 230 (e.g., a collection return box) is stored separately from the medication collector 290. For example, the auxiliary collector 230 may be located external to the main body 250, for example, between the display 220 and the main body 250. In some cases, the user may make a choice (e.g., a random selection, a selection based on the user's previous or predicted medication waste behavior, a selection based on medication type, etc.) to store their medications to be discarded in the auxiliary collector 230 instead of discarding the medications through the channel 270 and into the medication collector 290. For example, this process may be used to collect random or targeted waste samples from end users. Therefore, once the user makes a selection (e.g., as notified via a GUI on display 220), the user retrieves a labeled (e.g., serial number, barcode, etc.) medication package (e.g., bag, vial, etc.) from medication package storage unit 240, places the medication or medication sample into the retrieved medication package, and stores the packaged medication in additional collector 230. Subsequently, a healthcare provider or agent associated with medication management system 200 can pick up one or more medication packages stored in additional collector 230 for further analysis of the stored medication sample.

[0122] In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 10 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 16 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 16 inches, or approximately 14 inches to approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be approximately 8 inches, approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, or approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be at least approximately 8 inches, approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, or approximately 14 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be at most approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, or approximately 16 inches.

[0123] In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be approximately 36 inches to approximately 48 inches. (The specific variations in height are not provided in the original text.) In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be approximately 36 inches, 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, 46 inches, or 48 inches. In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be at least approximately 36 inches, 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, or 46 inches. In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be at most approximately 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, 46 inches, or 48 inches.

[0124] In some cases, the top portion, including the coupling member, computing system, and recording device, may tilt forward or otherwise retract forward by approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may tilt forward or otherwise retract forward by approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1 inch, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 3 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 3.5 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 4 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 2 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 3 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 3.5 inches, or approximately 1 inch to approximately 4 inches. Approximately 1.5 inches to 2 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 3 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 4 inches, approximately 2 inches to 2.5 inches, approximately 2 inches to 3 inches, approximately 2 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 2 inches to 4 inches, approximately 2.5 inches to 3 inches, approximately 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 2.5 inches to 4 inches, approximately 3 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 3 inches to 4 inches, or approximately 3.5 inches to 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted forward or otherwise tapered forward by approximately 0.5 inches, approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 2 inches, approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 3 inches, approximately 3.5 inches, or approximately 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted forward or otherwise tapered forward by at least approximately 0.5 inches, approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 2 inches, approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 3 inches, or approximately 3.5 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted forward or otherwise tapered forward by up to approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 2 inches, approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 3 inches, approximately 3.5 inches, or approximately 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted 1 inch.

[0125] In some cases, tilting, collapsing, or otherwise changing shape can be done using buttons, sliders, switches, or other easily accessible actuators.

[0126] In some cases, the housing height of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches. (This is repeated three times in the original text.) In some cases, the housing height of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be at least approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 19 inches, or approximately 22 inches. In other cases, the housing height of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be at most approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 19 inches, approximately 22 inches, or approximately 24 inches.

[0127] In some cases, the width of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches. (This is repeated three times in the original text.) In some cases, the width of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be at least approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 18 inches, or approximately 20 inches. In other cases, the width can be up to approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 18 inches, approximately 20 inches, or approximately 24 inches. In still other cases, the width can be approximately 18.5 inches.

[0128] In some cases, the weight of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 50 pounds. In some cases, the weight of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 25 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 30 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 35 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 40 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 30 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 35 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 40 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 35 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 40 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, from approximately 40 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 40 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, or from approximately 45 pounds to approximately 50 pounds. In some cases, the weight of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be approximately 20 pounds, 25 pounds, 30 pounds, 35 pounds, 40 pounds, 45 pounds, or 50 pounds.

[0129] Figure 3 The illustrations depict a perspective view of a variant of the drug management system 200 and a top view of a workstation (or "smart surface") of the variant of the drug management system 200. Figure 3 The device may include a recording device 210, a computing system 220, an RxIntercept lock box 230, an Rx vial and bag holder 240, a window 260, a waste disposal unit 270, a door 280, an adjustable screen neck 295, and a battery and microPC storage 297. The adjustable screen neck 295 may be a variation of the coupling unit 255. The adjustable screen neck 295 can be bent left and right, folded forward and backward, rotated left and right, or otherwise manipulated for user viewing.

[0130] The battery and microPC storage 297 may include hardware for the operation of the intelligent drug delivery system. The hardware may include one or more batteries. The batteries may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The hardware may include computing system hardware electrically coupled to computing system 220.

[0131] Figures 4A-4B A countertop / compact variant of a drug management system 300 is schematically illustrated, comprising a computing system 320, an Rx Intercept lock box 330, an Rx vial and bag holder 340, a window 360, a waste disposal unit 370, a door 380, and a neutralizer 390. These components may be similar to those in the aforementioned intelligent drug disposal system.

[0132] The computing system 320 may be a monitor, personal computer, tablet, or other computer. It can be inserted independently into and / or attached to the housing of the intelligent drug dispensing system 300. It can be coupled to the intelligent drug dispensing system 300 via an adjustable coupler, such as coupling unit 255. The computing device can be configured to run a transfer analysis program. The program may include an AI or ML program that analyzes data trends for each user of the intelligent drug dispensing system 300. The program may compile the average dispensing amount for each drug type and / or brand to compare with the amount of drug dispensed in a specific situation. In some cases, the program does not include AI or ML. In some cases, the computing device serves as a GUI for user input, and the analysis, trends, and averages can be calculated by a person (e.g., a nurse, supervisor, transfer specialist, etc.) based on information recorded by a recording device and one or more scanners coupled to the intelligent drug dispensing system 300.

[0133] In some cases, the intelligent drug disposal system 300 can be used in conjunction with the Rx Intercept function to prevent substitution. Rx Intercept includes randomized targeted and / or intelligent (e.g., analytics / AI-based) selection of discarded drugs to identify the type and quantity of the drug. The intercepted drugs are not neutralized but are automatically placed in bags (e.g., transparent drug or hazardous materials bags) for further qualitative analysis by the pharmacy to identify the drug type. For liquid drugs, the drugs can be placed in leak-proof vials. Vials can hold approximately 10 ml of liquid. Vials can hold approximately 5 ml of liquid. Vials can hold approximately 1 ml, approximately 2 ml, approximately 3 ml, approximately 4 ml, approximately 5 ml, approximately 10 ml, approximately 15 ml, approximately 20 ml, or more than approximately 20 ml. Sample bags can have a unique barcode and include a tamper-evident seal. If disposal occurs in an auxiliary pharmacy or mini-pharmacies, the bags can then be transported to the central pharmacy after being placed in a separate transport bag containing multiple sample bags. During transport, bags can be scanned at each smart medication management device to maintain the chain of custody. Bag removal and destruction can be performed on a camera to continue the complete chain of custody. This can be aided by tamper-proof bags with barcodes. Barcodes can be unique. In some cases, such as when more than one bag can hold medication, barcodes can be duplicated. RxIntercept can be used during medication collection and / or securing when creating the chain of custody to inspect the medication or send it for final destruction.

[0134] Rx Intercept can be used with dedicated Rx Intercept vials or non-dedicated vials. Empty vials can be stored in the vial and bag holder 340. Once filled with the drug for further testing, the vial can be placed in the bag removed from the bag holder 340 and can be placed in the lock box 330.

[0135] The user can remove the vial and bag from 330 for their liquid sample and store them in the lock box 340. Therefore, the retainer 330 is for the vial and bag before use, while the lock box 340 is for the vial and bag after use. The vial can be inserted into the bag before being inserted into the lock box. One or more of the vials and / or bags may have an identification number, barcode, or other identification method. The lock box 340 may be accessible via one or more identification features, such as, but not limited to, fingerprints, retinal scans, personal codes, barcodes, ID badge scans, or other personal identification methods, including the biometric identification methods described herein. In some cases, the lock box does not have a separate keyhole or scanner but may be electrically coupled to the intelligent drug disposal system, allowing the user to instruct the intelligent drug disposal system to open the lock box 340 when accessed using a technical method, key, or biometric identification method. This user identification can help generate a chain of ownership to determine who has controlled the Rx Intercept vials once they have been removed from the lock box 340. In some cases, lock box 340 may include a simple lock-key mechanism. In this case, security can be based on only certain individuals having the key and making those individuals responsible for the contents of lock box 340.

[0136] Window 360 may include a transparent or semi-transparent window. In some cases, sensors (e.g., cameras, scanners, etc.) for the drug monitoring module may be located beneath the transparent or semi-transparent window. In some cases, the scanner may be coupled to (e.g., an attached scanner holder) or provided separately. The scanner or camera may be used to read RVCs, barcodes, or any URL codes on the drug or the bag containing the drug.

[0137] Waste disposal opening 370 can be used to dispose of hazardous or non-hazardous waste. In some cases, one waste disposal opening can be used for hazardous materials while the other is used for non-hazardous materials. In some cases, both can be used for hazardous materials or both can be used for non-hazardous materials. This can depend on where the intelligent drug disposal system 300 is located. For example, in areas without hazardous materials, all waste disposal openings can be non-hazardous. To properly dispose of the drug, the waste disposal opening may include a neutralizer. As mentioned above, an example of a destroyer could include an Rx Destroyer. TM Drug Buster TM Narc-XTM Pill Terminator TM Element MDS TM Cactus Smart Sink TM Mallinckrodt MDS TM Pill Catcher TM and Stericycle CsRx TM One or more of them.

[0138] In some cases, the connection between the waste container and the opening can be facilitated by a channel (e.g., a funnel) installed at each opening on the top surface. The user can discard medication into the channel (e.g., pouring leftover or unused liquid medication into the channel). The channel can be installed from the top of the opening by opening the door 380 of the main body.

[0139] Door 380 can be used for a variety of purposes. Door 380 can be used to replace the neutralizer and other components of the intelligent drug disposal system 300. Door 380 can be used to remove neutralized liquid from the intelligent drug disposal system 300. Door 380 can be used to access internal components of the system for maintenance. In some cases, door 380 may be accessible via one or more identification features, such as, but not limited to, fingerprints, retinal scans, personal codes, barcodes, ID badge scans, or other personal identification methods. Such user identification can help identify who has controlled the intelligent drug disposal system 300. In some cases, door 380 may include a simple lock-and-key mechanism. In this case, security can be based on only certain individuals having the key and making those individuals responsible for the contents of the intelligent drug disposal system 300.

[0140] Door 380 may have multiple opening mechanisms. Door 380 may open from right to left or from left to right on a horizontal swing hinge. Door 380 may open from top to bottom along a vertical swing hinge. Door 380 may be a pull-out door, wherein the bottom, front, and / or rear surfaces of the door, along with the internal contents, are removed from the intelligent drug disposal system 300. In some cases, when door 380 is opened, the area pulled out from the intelligent drug disposal system 300 may include an Rx Destroyer (e.g., a neutralizer) for destroying or neutralizing the disposed drug. The neutralizer may include, but is not limited to, an Rx Destroyer. TM DrugBuster TM Narc-X TM Pill Terminator TM Element MDS TM Cactus Smart Sink TMMallinckrodt MDS TM Pill Catcher TM and Stericycle CsRx TM .like Figure 4B As shown, the neutralizer can be laid flat along the container / area pulled out by the door.

[0141] Figure 4A The illustration shows a perspective view of a countertop medication management system, in which the medication collector is concealed inside the main casing of the countertop medication management system. Figure 4B The illustration shows a perspective view of a countertop medication management system, including one or more drawers of a medication collector / waste disposal unit 390 that are open (e.g., pulled out from the main housing of the countertop medication management system) to expose the medication collector, for example, for collection and / or replacement.

[0142] refer to Figures 4A-4B A countertop medication management system can be a suitcase-style (or travel case-style) unit comprising a lid and compartments, wherein the lid is movable relative to the compartments (e.g., via hinges) to open and reveal the interior of the compartments. The countertop medication management system may include a display within the system (e.g., for displaying the GUI provided herein). In some cases, the display may be positioned on or adjacent to the inner surface of the lid such that it is accessible to the user for interaction with the GUI when the lid is open and positioned relative to the compartment or relative to the ground (e.g., approximately 90 degrees). For example, a countertop medication management system may include a landscape monitor display to maintain the height below the cabinet or place the countertop in the appropriate location (e.g., a pharmacy).

[0143] refer to Figures 4A-4B A desktop medication management system may include a computer (e.g., a micro PC) stored in a back panel behind a display.

[0144] In some implementations, wall-mounted and countertop drug management systems can be portable.

[0145] In some cases, the height of the compact intelligent drug disposal system 300 housing (e.g., Rx Intercept lock box 330, Rx vial and bag retainer 340, window 360, waste disposal unit 370, and door 380) can be approximately 2 inches to approximately 6 inches. In some cases, the height of the compact intelligent drug disposal system housing can be approximately 2 inches to approximately 3 inches, approximately 2 inches to approximately 4 inches, approximately 2 inches to approximately 5 inches, approximately 2 inches to approximately 6 inches, approximately 3 inches to approximately 4 inches, approximately 3 inches to approximately 5 inches, approximately 3 inches to approximately 6 inches, approximately 4 inches to approximately 5 inches, approximately 4 inches to approximately 6 inches, or approximately 5 inches to approximately 6 inches. In some cases, the height of the compact intelligent drug disposal system housing can be approximately 2 inches, approximately 3 inches, approximately 4 inches, approximately 5 inches, or approximately 6 inches. In some cases, the height of the compact intelligent drug disposal system housing can be at least approximately 2 inches, approximately 3 inches, approximately 4 inches, or approximately 5 inches. In some cases, the height of the compact intelligent drug disposal system housing can be at most approximately 3 inches, approximately 4 inches, approximately 5 inches, or approximately 6 inches.

[0146] In some cases, the width of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches. In some cases, the width of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 9 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 10 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 11 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 13 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 9 inches to approximately 10 inches, approximately 9 inches to approximately 11 inches, approximately 9 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 9 inches to approximately 13 inches, approximately 9 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 11 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 13 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 11 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 11 inches to approximately 13 inches, approximately 11 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 13 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 14 inches, or approximately 13 inches to approximately 14 inches. In some cases, the width of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be approximately 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, or 14 inches. In some cases, the width of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be at least approximately 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, or 13 inches. In some cases, the width of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be at most approximately 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, or 14 inches.

[0147] In some cases, the depth of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the depth of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 10 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 16 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 16 inches, or approximately 14 inches to approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the depth of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be approximately 8 inches, approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, or approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the depth of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be at least approximately 8 inches, approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, or approximately 14 inches. In some cases, the depth of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be at most approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, or approximately 16 inches.

[0148] In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug delivery system 300 may be approximately 6 pounds to approximately 16 pounds. In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug delivery system 300 may be approximately 6 pounds to approximately 8 pounds, approximately 6 pounds to approximately 10 pounds, approximately 6 pounds to approximately 12 pounds, approximately 6 pounds to approximately 14 pounds, approximately 6 pounds to approximately 16 pounds, approximately 8 pounds to approximately 10 pounds, approximately 8 pounds to approximately 12 pounds, approximately 8 pounds to approximately 14 pounds, approximately 8 pounds to approximately 16 pounds, approximately 10 pounds to approximately 12 pounds, approximately 10 pounds to approximately 14 pounds, approximately 10 pounds to approximately 16 pounds, approximately 12 pounds to approximately 14 pounds, approximately 12 pounds to approximately 16 pounds, or approximately 14 pounds to approximately 16 pounds. In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug delivery system 300 may be approximately 6 pounds, approximately 8 pounds, approximately 10 pounds, approximately 12 pounds, approximately 14 pounds, or approximately 16 pounds. In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be at least about 6 pounds, about 8 pounds, about 10 pounds, about 12 pounds, or about 14 pounds. In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be up to about 8 pounds, about 10 pounds, about 12 pounds, about 14 pounds, or about 16 pounds. In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be up to about 10 pounds.

[0149] method This document discloses a method for disposing of drugs using the intelligent drug disposal system described herein. The method may include disposing of the drug into a portable system. This system may be wall-mounted or mounted on a countertop or other flat surface. The system may be compact. The system may be foldable for easy portability.

[0150] Users (such as nurses, pharmacists, dispensing specialists, cleanroom staff, or other individuals disposing of medications in pharmacies, hospitals, or third-party dispensing or disposal centers) can access the intelligent medication disposal system computing system. Users can access the intelligent medication disposal system computing system 120, 220, or 320 using one or more of the following: fingerprint, palm print, hand geometry, finger vein pattern, palm vein pattern, facial pattern, iris, retina, heart rate, behavioral pattern, key, work ID badge, password, or PIN.

[0151] Once in the system, users can scan drug labels, barcodes, bags, and / or vials via a scanner coupled to or separate from the system. In some cases, the scanner may be a handheld scanner housed in an attached scanner holder. In other cases, the scanner may be internal to the intelligent drug disposal system, allowing the scanner to scan items placed on a window from the bottom. The window may be 160, 260, or 360 degrees. Alternatively, or in addition to scanning, users may input information about the drug into the intelligent drug disposal system, such as brand / manufacturer, drug name / type, original quantity, prescribing agent, patient, or drug form (e.g., liquid, pill, tablet, etc.).

[0152] The medication can be inserted into / received by a waste disposal unit, such as waste disposal units 170, 270, or 370. The medication can also fall into a container equipped with a neutralizer or destroyer, such as an Rx Destroyer. TM DrugBuster TM Narc-X TM Pill Terminator TM Element MDS TM Cactus Smart Sink TM Mallinckrodt MDS TM Pill Catcher TM and Stericycle CsRx TM One or more of them.

[0153] During disposal, the intelligent drug disposal system can verify the entered drug information. For example, the intelligent drug disposal system can detect the weight or quantity of drugs disposed of in the waste disposal unit.

[0154] During disposal, one or more cameras, 3D or 4D animation capabilities, or other recording methods can record a 360-degree (or smaller) view of the user, the user's hands, the medication, and / or the room or area containing the intelligent medication disposal system. Recording methods can record and generate a digital record of the user's actual medication waste transactions (e.g., a visual transaction receipt such as one or more images and / or videos). In addition to video, the digital record can also include a digital transaction record that enables detection and transfer prevention. The transaction record can also aid in associated future analyses. The digital record can serve as a virtual witness to the user's disposal of medication into the container of the system disclosed herein. The digital record can be stored, easily transferred, and can (e.g., automatically) generate copies for record keeping, accountability, tracking, reverse tracing, etc. The digital record can be more informative, accurate, and / or supplementary to evidence of medication information (e.g., waste data) provided by the user via handwritten documents and / or the GUI disclosed herein.

[0155] Virtual “on-demand” witness functionality can be used to confirm disposal. Cameras can capture the entire disposal process described herein and then store and / or upload it to the cloud or a server. Nurses, practicing medical professionals, licensed DEA-regulated individuals, or individuals transferring prevention and / or investigations can view these at selected or designated times to confirm proper disposal and no medication transfer. Viewing can be synchronous or asynchronous (“on-demand”). This can improve disposal efficiency and turnaround time because users no longer wait for a witness to dispose of medication. It can also reduce the clinical time spent by waste witnesses, create HD video capture of the disposal process, and provide high-level waste confirmation. Users can also dispose of medications in any location containing an intelligent medication disposal system, whether in a hospital, pharmacy, or dedicated room (e.g., narcotic drug storage, cleanroom, etc.). The system can also have a locking function to prevent collusive disposal, where individuals can be prevented from authorizing the disposal if they are suspected of conspiring. In some cases, AI systems can be trained instead of human witnesses to act as witnesses by identifying items, medications, behaviors, suspicious activity measurements of medications, camera boundaries, and unusual behavior at the time of disposal.

[0156] The computing device can be a monitor, personal computer, tablet, or other computer. It can be inserted independently into and / or attached to the housing of the intelligent drug dispensing system. It can be coupled to the intelligent drug dispensing system via an adjustable coupler, such as coupling unit 155 or 255. The computing device can be configured to run a transfer analysis program. The program can include an AI or ML program that analyzes data trends for each user of the intelligent drug dispensing system. The program can compile the average dispensing amount for each drug type and / or brand to compare with the amount of drug disposed of in a specific situation. For example, the program can compare the amount actually weighed by the system with the amount expected to be disposed of based on the average remaining amount of that drug. In some cases, the program does not include AI or ML. In some cases, the computing device serves as a GUI for user input, and the analysis, trends, and averages can be calculated by a person (e.g., a nurse, supervisor, transfer specialist, etc.) based on information recorded by a recording device and one or more scanners coupled to the intelligent drug dispensing system. Data generated by the transfer analysis program can be input into a report generated by the computing device. The report can be manually downloadable or automatically sent to one or more users, supervisors, or system administrators.

[0157] In some situations, such as if another smart medication dispensing system in the user's medication room is full, the user can move the smart medication dispensing system. In other situations, such as for heavily burdened nurses, the user can carry the smart medication dispensing system with them to avoid frequently searching for a dispensing location. In some cases, instead of carrying the smart medication dispensing system, the user can place it on a wheeled trolley in or around the hospital, pharmacy, or other locations where the smart medication dispensing system is located.

[0158] The intelligent drug dispensing system described herein can be portable, as it is portable, lightweight, and foldable. In some cases, both wall-mounted and countertop intelligent drug dispensing systems can be moved by an individual. In some cases, countertop intelligent drug dispensing systems can be smaller and more convenient. In some cases, tilting, folding, or other changes in shape can be performed via buttons, sliders, switches, or other easily accessible actuators.

[0159] In some cases, the height of the housing of the compact intelligent drug disposal system 300 (e.g., Rx Intercept lock box 330, Rx vial and bag retainer 340, window 360, waste disposal unit 370, and door 380) can be approximately 2 inches to approximately 6 inches. In some cases, the height of the housing of the compact intelligent drug disposal system can be approximately 2 inches to approximately 3 inches, approximately 2 inches to approximately 4 inches, approximately 2 inches to approximately 5 inches, approximately 2 inches to approximately 6 inches, approximately 3 inches to approximately 4 inches, approximately 3 inches to approximately 5 inches, approximately 3 inches to approximately 6 inches, approximately 4 inches to approximately 5 inches, approximately 4 inches to approximately 6 inches, or approximately 5 inches to approximately 6 inches. In some cases, the height of the housing of the compact intelligent drug disposal system can be approximately 2 inches, approximately 3 inches, approximately 4 inches, approximately 5 inches, or approximately 6 inches. In some cases, the height of the housing of the compact intelligent drug disposal system can be at least approximately 2 inches, approximately 3 inches, approximately 4 inches, or approximately 5 inches. In some cases, the height of the housing of the compact intelligent drug disposal system can be at most approximately 3 inches, approximately 4 inches, approximately 5 inches, or approximately 6 inches.

[0160] In some cases, the width of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches. In some cases, the width of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 9 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 10 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 11 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 13 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 9 inches to approximately 10 inches, approximately 9 inches to approximately 11 inches, approximately 9 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 9 inches to approximately 13 inches, approximately 9 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 11 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 13 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 11 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 11 inches to approximately 13 inches, approximately 11 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 13 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 14 inches, or approximately 13 inches to approximately 14 inches. In some cases, the width of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be approximately 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, or 14 inches. In some cases, the width of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be at least approximately 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, or 13 inches. In some cases, the width of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be at most approximately 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, or 14 inches.

[0161] In some cases, the depth of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the depth of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 10 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 16 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 16 inches, or approximately 14 inches to approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the depth of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be approximately 8 inches, approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, or approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the depth of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be at least approximately 8 inches, approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, or approximately 14 inches. In some cases, the depth of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 can be at most approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, or approximately 16 inches.

[0162] In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug delivery system 300 may be approximately 6 pounds to approximately 16 pounds. In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug delivery system 300 may be approximately 6 pounds to approximately 8 pounds, approximately 6 pounds to approximately 10 pounds, approximately 6 pounds to approximately 12 pounds, approximately 6 pounds to approximately 14 pounds, approximately 6 pounds to approximately 16 pounds, approximately 8 pounds to approximately 10 pounds, approximately 8 pounds to approximately 12 pounds, approximately 8 pounds to approximately 14 pounds, approximately 8 pounds to approximately 16 pounds, approximately 10 pounds to approximately 12 pounds, approximately 10 pounds to approximately 14 pounds, approximately 10 pounds to approximately 16 pounds, approximately 12 pounds to approximately 14 pounds, approximately 12 pounds to approximately 16 pounds, or approximately 14 pounds to approximately 16 pounds. In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug delivery system 300 may be approximately 6 pounds, approximately 8 pounds, approximately 10 pounds, approximately 12 pounds, approximately 14 pounds, or approximately 16 pounds. In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be at least about 6 pounds, about 8 pounds, about 10 pounds, about 12 pounds, or about 14 pounds. In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be up to about 8 pounds, about 10 pounds, about 12 pounds, about 14 pounds, or about 16 pounds. In some cases, the weight of the compact intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may be up to about 10 pounds.

[0163] In some cases, the top portion of the intelligent drug dispensing system 300 may tilt forward or otherwise retract forward by approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2 inches. In some cases, the top portion may tilt forward or otherwise retract forward by approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1 inch, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1.5 inches, or approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2 inches. In some cases, the top portion may tilt forward or otherwise retract forward by approximately 0.5 inches, approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, or approximately 2 inches. In some cases, the top portion may tilt forward or otherwise retract forward by at least approximately 0.5 inches, approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, or approximately 2 inches. In some cases, the top portion may tilt forward or otherwise retract forward by at most approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, or approximately 2 inches. In some cases, the top portion may tilt forward by 1 inch.

[0164] In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be approximately 8 inches to approximately 10 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 12 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 10 inches to approximately 16 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 14 inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 16 inches, or approximately 14 inches to approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be approximately 8 inches, approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, or approximately 16 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be at least approximately 8 inches, approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, or approximately 14 inches. In some cases, the housing depth of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be at most approximately 10 inches, approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, or approximately 16 inches.

[0165] In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be approximately 36 inches to approximately 48 inches. (The specific variations in height are not provided in the original text.) In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be approximately 36 inches, 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, 46 inches, or 48 inches. In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be at least approximately 36 inches, 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, or 46 inches. In some cases, the total height of the wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system with the maximum extension of the computing system can be at most approximately 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, 46 inches, or 48 inches.

[0166] In some cases, the top portion, including the coupling member, computing system, and recording device, may tilt forward or otherwise retract forward by approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may tilt forward or otherwise retract forward by approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1 inch, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 3 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 3.5 inches, approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 4 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 2 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 3 inches, approximately 1 inch to approximately 3.5 inches, or approximately 1 inch to approximately 4 inches. Approximately 1.5 inches to 2 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 3 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 1.5 inches to 4 inches, approximately 2 inches to 2.5 inches, approximately 2 inches to 3 inches, approximately 2 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 2 inches to 4 inches, approximately 2.5 inches to 3 inches, approximately 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 2.5 inches to 4 inches, approximately 3 inches to 3.5 inches, approximately 3 inches to 4 inches, or approximately 3.5 inches to 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted forward or otherwise tapered forward by approximately 0.5 inches, approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 2 inches, approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 3 inches, approximately 3.5 inches, or approximately 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted forward or otherwise tapered forward by at least approximately 0.5 inches, approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 2 inches, approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 3 inches, or approximately 3.5 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted forward or otherwise tapered forward by up to approximately 1 inch, approximately 1.5 inches, approximately 2 inches, approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 3 inches, approximately 3.5 inches, or approximately 4 inches. In some cases, the top portion may be tilted 1 inch.

[0167] In some cases, the housing height of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches. (This is repeated three times in the original text.) In some cases, the housing height of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be at least approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 19 inches, or approximately 22 inches. In other cases, the housing height of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be at most approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 19 inches, approximately 22 inches, or approximately 24 inches.

[0168] In some cases, the width of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches. (This is repeated three times in the original text.) In some cases, the width of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be at least approximately 12 inches, approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 18 inches, or approximately 20 inches. In other cases, the width can be up to approximately 14 inches, approximately 16 inches, approximately 18 inches, approximately 20 inches, or approximately 24 inches. In still other cases, the width can be approximately 18.5 inches.

[0169] In some cases, the weight of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 50 pounds. In some cases, the weight of a wall-mounted intelligent drug dispensing system can be from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 25 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 30 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 35 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 40 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 20 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 30 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 35 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 40 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 25 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 35 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 40 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 30 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, from approximately 40 pounds to approximately 45 pounds, from approximately 40 pounds to approximately 50 pounds, or from approximately 45 pounds to approximately 50 pounds. In some cases, the weight of a wall-mounted intelligent medication dispensing system can be approximately 20 pounds, 25 pounds, 30 pounds, 35 pounds, 40 pounds, 45 pounds, or 50 pounds.

[0170] The intelligent drug disposal system can be retractable due to an adjustable coupler between the computing system and the housing containing the waste disposal unit and neutralization container. In some cases, the adjustable coupler is configured to slide, allowing the height of the computing system screen to be adjusted to various heights for user comfort. When carried, the adjustable coupler can be slid, bent, or twisted to its minimum setting, thereby minimizing the distance between the housing and the top of the computing system.

[0171] In some cases, the adjustable coupler is configured as an adjustable neck, such as an adjustable screen neck 295. This can be twisted, rotated, and / or folded forward or backward. In some cases, a fully retracted version of the adjustable screen neck may result in the computing system screen lying face down on the housing. In some cases, tilting, retracting, or otherwise changing shape can be done via buttons, sliders, switches, or other easily accessible actuators.

[0172] In some cases, the adjustable coupler can be bent forward / downward to be adjusted for the user's height.

[0173] In some cases, the intelligent drug disposal system can issue warnings, such as flashing lights, displays on the computing system screen, or sounds (e.g., quiet, intermittent beeps), to indicate that the neutralization storage container is full or nearly full. A user (e.g., one of the aforementioned users, a disposal specialist, a maintenance specialist, etc.) can open doors 180, 280, or 380 to remove the full storage container and replace it with an empty one. The door may have a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be expeditable via one or more of the following: a user's fingerprint, palm print, hand geometry, finger vein pattern, palm vein pattern, facial pattern, iris, retina, heart rate, behavioral patterns, key, work ID badge, password, or PIN.

[0174] The door can have multiple opening mechanisms. It can be opened from right to left or left to right on a horizontal swing hinge. It can also be opened from top to bottom along a vertical swing hinge ("mailbox type"), such as... Figure 3 As shown. The door can be a pull-out door, wherein the bottom, front, and / or rear surfaces of the door, along with the internal contents, are removed from the intelligent drug disposal system, such as... Figures 4A-4B As shown.

[0175] Electronic systems AI In some embodiments of the methods or systems disclosed herein, artificial intelligence (AI) systems may be used. In some embodiments, the AI ​​can identify the type of items. In some embodiments, the AI ​​can identify the quantity of items.

[0176] For example, AI can be trained on data including drug images and drug type labels. In some embodiments, AI can be trained to output a logical output (e.g., true / false), a classification output (e.g., the drug category), or a probability output (e.g., the probability that an image corresponds to a picture of a certain type of drug) given an image of a pill or tablet. In some embodiments, AI can be trained to output the number of pills and / or tablets in an image. In some embodiments, AI can be trained to output the volume of drug present in an IV bag or syringe. In some embodiments, AI can be trained using supervised learning algorithms. In some embodiments, AI can be trained using self-supervised learning algorithms. In some embodiments, AI can be trained using unsupervised learning algorithms.

[0177] In some implementations, the AI ​​segments an image comprising multiple drugs. In some implementations, the AI ​​can segment individual unit doses within an image comprising multiple drugs. In some implementations, the AI ​​can identify the drug in each segmented portion of the image. In some implementations, the AI ​​can calculate the number of drugs for a given type in the image. In some implementations, the AI ​​can determine the amount of drug in the image. In some implementations, the multiple drugs may include at least one of the following: pills, tablets, syringes, IV bags, patches, eye drops, ear drops, their containers, or any combination thereof.

[0178] Computer System This disclosure provides a computer system programmed to implement the disclosed methods. Figure 5 A computer system 1001 is illustrated, which is programmed or otherwise configured to monitor the drug administration (e.g., distribution or disposal) provided herein. The computer system 1001 can manage various aspects of the drug management system, such as user identification devices, drug monitoring modules, analysis engines operatively coupled thereto, gates for controlling access to openings / channels, doors providing access to channels / drug collectors for replacement, etc. The computer system 1001 can be a user's electronic device or a computer system for remotely locating such electronic device. The electronic device can be a mobile electronic device.

[0179] Computer system 1001 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also referred to herein as a "processor" or "computer processor") 1005, which may be a single-core or multi-core processor or multiple processors for parallel processing. Computer system 1001 also includes memory or memory locations 1010 (e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage units 1015 (e.g., hard disks), a communication interface 1020 for communicating with one or more other systems (e.g., a network adapter), and peripheral devices 1025 (such as cache, other memory, data storage, and / or electronic display adapters). Memory 1010, storage units 1015, interface 1020, and peripheral devices 1025 communicate with CPU 1005 via a communication bus (solid line) such as a motherboard. Storage unit 1015 may be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. Computer system 1001 may be operatively coupled to computer network ("network") 1030 via communication interface 1020. Network 1030 may be the Internet, the Internet and / or an extranet, or an intranet and / or extranet communicating with the Internet. In some cases, network 1030 is a telecommunications and / or data network. Network 1030 may include one or more computer servers that can implement distributed computing, such as cloud computing. In some cases, network 1030 may implement a peer-to-peer network via computer system 1001, which may allow devices coupled to computer system 1001 to act as clients or servers.

[0180] CPU 1005 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which may be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location such as memory 1010. The instructions may be passed to CPU 1005, which may then be programmed or otherwise configured to implement the methods of this disclosure. Examples of operations performed by CPU 1005 may include instruction fetch, decode, execute, and write-back.

[0181] CPU 1005 may be part of a circuit such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components in system 1001 may be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0182] Storage unit 1015 may store files, such as drivers, libraries, and saved programs. Storage unit 1015 may store user data, such as user preferences and user programs. In some cases, computer system 1001 may include one or more additional data storage units located outside computer system 1001 (e.g., on a remote server communicating with computer system 1001 via an intranet or the Internet).

[0183] Computer system 1001 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems via network 1030. For example, computer system 1001 can communicate with a user's remote computer system. Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PCs), tablet PCs (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, smartphones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled devices, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. Users can access computer system 1001 via network 1030.

[0184] The methods described herein can be implemented via machine-executable code (e.g., a computer processor) stored in an electronic storage location (such as, for example, memory 1010 or electronic storage unit 1015) of computer system 1001. The machine-executable code or machine-readable code can be provided in software form. During use, the code can be executed by processor 1005. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from storage unit 1015 and stored in memory 1010 for access by processor 1005 at any time. In some cases, electronic storage unit 1015 can be omitted, and machine-executable instructions are stored in memory 1010.

[0185] The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with machines that have processors adapted to execute the code, or it can be compiled during runtime. The code can be provided in a programming language, which can be selected to enable the code to be executed either pre-compiled or compiled.

[0186] Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein (such as computer system 1001) can be embodied in programming. Aspects of the technology can be considered as “products” or “manufactured goods” typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code carried on or embodied in a machine-readable medium and / or associated data. Machine-executable code can be stored on electronic storage units, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random access memory, flash memory) or hard disks. “Storage” media can include any or all of the tangible storage of computers, processors, etc., or their associated modules (such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives, etc.), which can provide non-transitory storage for software programming at any time. All or part of the software can sometimes communicate via the Internet or other various telecommunications networks. Such communication can, for example, enable the loading of software from one computer or processor to another, e.g., from a management server or host to a computer platform for an application server. Therefore, another type of medium that can carry software elements includes physical interfaces between local devices, light waves, radio waves, and electromagnetic waves used via wired and optical landline networks, and via various wireless links. Physical elements carrying such waves (such as wired or wireless links, optical links, etc.) can also be considered as media carrying software. As used herein, unless limited to non-transitory tangible "storage" media, the term "readable medium" for a computer or machine refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0187] Therefore, machine-readable media (such as computer-executable code) can take many forms, including but not limited to tangible storage media, carrier media, or physical transmission media. Non-volatile storage media (including, for example, optical discs or disks, any of the storage devices in any computer) can be used to implement databases as shown in the figures. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as the main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including wires that form buses within a computer system. Carrier transmission media can take the form of electrical signals or electromagnetic signals or sound waves or light waves (such as sound waves or light waves generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communication). Therefore, common forms of computer-readable media include, for example: floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs or DVD-ROMs, any other optical media, punched card tapes, any other physical storage media with a perforated pattern, RAM, ROM, PROM and EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chips or tapes, carrier waves for transmitting data or instructions, cables or links for transmitting such carrier waves, or any other media from which a computer can read programming code and / or data. Many of these forms of computer-readable media may involve carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0188] Computer system 1001 may include or communicate with an electronic display 1035, the electronic display 1035 including a user interface (UI) 1040 for providing, for example, the UI on a display of a user device. Examples of UIs include, but are not limited to, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and web-based user interfaces. In some embodiments, the electronic display includes a touchscreen.

[0189] The methods and systems disclosed herein can be implemented via one or more algorithms. These algorithms can be implemented via software when executed by the central processing unit 1005. For example, the algorithms can analyze data acquired by a user identification device or a drug monitoring module.

[0190] In some embodiments, examples and details of drug monitoring and tracking are provided, for example, in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2020 / 026434 and International Patent Application No. PCT / US2022 / 015595, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, examples and details of RVC and methods of using it are provided, for example, in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2020 / 019122, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0191] definition Unless otherwise defined, all terms, symbols, and other technical and scientific terms or technical terms used herein are intended to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed subject matter pertains. In some instances, terms having a commonly understood meaning are defined herein for clarity and / or for ease of reference, and the inclusion of these definitions herein should not necessarily be construed as materially different from their commonly understood meaning in the art.

[0192] In this application, various embodiments may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is for convenience and brevity only and should not be construed as a rigid limitation on the scope of disclosure. Therefore, a description of a range should be considered as specifically disclosing all possible subranges within that range as well as individual numerical values. For example, a description of a range such as 1 to 6 should be considered as specifically disclosing subranges such as 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 to 6, 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0193] The scope disclosed herein also includes any and all overlapping portions, subranges, and combinations thereof. Terms such as “at most,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and “between” include the stated numbers. Numbers preceded by terms such as “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein include the stated numbers and also represent quantities close to the stated amount that still perform the required function or achieve the required result. The term “approximately” or “about” can mean an acceptable range of error for a particular value that will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined (e.g., limitations of the measurement system). For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” can refer to a quantity within less than 10% of the stated amount, a quantity within less than 5% of the stated amount, a quantity within less than 1% of the stated amount, a quantity within less than 0.1% of the stated amount, and a quantity within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. For example, according to practice in the art, “approximately” can mean one or more standard deviations. Alternatively, “approximately” can mean a range of up to 20%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% of a given value. As used herein, the term "about" means a number plus or minus 10% of that number. The term "about" means a range minus 10% of its minimum value and plus 10% of its maximum value. If a particular value is described in the application and claims, the term "about" may be assumed to mean within an acceptable margin of error for that particular value, unless otherwise stated.

[0194] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, the term “a sample” includes multiple samples, including mixtures thereof.

[0195] The terms “determine,” “measure,” “assess,” “evaluate,” “evaluate,” “determine,” and “analyze” are generally used interchangeably in this document to refer to forms of measurement. Terms include determining the presence of an element (e.g., detecting). These terms can include quantitative, qualitative, or both quantitative and qualitative determinations. Evaluations can be relative or absolute. Besides determining whether something exists or does not exist based on context, “detecting the presence of…” can include a quantity used to determine its presence.

[0196] The chapter titles used in this article are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter.

[0197] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. This disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific examples provided in the specification. Although this disclosure has been described with reference to the foregoing specification, the description and illustration of embodiments herein are not intended to be construed as limiting. Many variations, alterations, and substitutions will now be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that all aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the specific descriptions, configurations, or relative proportions set forth herein, which depend on various conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of this disclosure described herein may be employed in carrying out this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is also intended to cover any such substitutions, modifications, variations, or equivalents. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of this disclosure and are thereby intended to cover the methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for drug dispensing, comprising: (a) A housing, the housing comprising: (i) a receiving unit, the receiving unit including an opening configured to receive medication discarded by a user; and (ii) A storage container coupled to the receiving unit and configured to collect the drug discarded by the user via the opening of the receiving unit; (b) One or more sensors coupled to the housing, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to (i) capture images or videos of the user dispensing the drug into the receiving unit and detect the drug being dispensed, and (ii) generate sensor data including the captured images or videos; and (c) A computer processor in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the computer processor is configured to execute a transfer analysis procedure to determine, at least in part, the risk or probability of transfer of the drug based on the sensor data; (d) The system is dually configured or adapted to be portable or stationary.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing is wall-mounted, can be installed on an automatic dispenser (ADM), or can be mounted on different vertical surfaces when fixed.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a bracket attached to the housing, wherein the bracket is configured to mount the housing to a wall, ADM or other vertical surface.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing is configured to be placed on a table or other flat surface.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an adjustable coupler between the computer processor and the housing.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the adjustable coupler is configured to retract the computer processor onto the housing by one or more of folding, bending, or twisting.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the weight of the system is about 40 pounds or less.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the weight of the system is about 10 pounds or less.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the determination of the risk or probability is further based on one or more of the following: (1) the number of the drug, (2) the weight of the drug, (3) the volume of the drug, (4) the chemical composition of the drug, (5) the date or time of taking the drug from its source, or (6) the date or time of applying at least a portion of the drug to the subject.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the medicament is provided in one or more of the following: tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules, sugar-coated pills, gels, slurries, ointments, solutions, liquids, inhalers, aerosols, transdermal patches, modifications thereof, or combinations thereof.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the one or more sensors or different sensors are configured to scan a label on the surface of the drug to obtain additional information about the drug.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the one or more sensors or different sensors of the system are configured to determine or verify the identity of the user.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the transfer analysis procedure is further configured to report the determined risk or probability of the transfer to one or more of the following: (1) the user, (2) the user's supervisor, or (3) the system administrator.

14. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the storage container includes a neutralizer configured to inactivate the drug.

15. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the image or video captures the activity of the user's head and the user's hands during the disposal.

16. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one of the one or more sensors includes a 360-degree camera.

17. The system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the housing further includes a door configured to provide an entrance to an internal space of the housing including the storage container, wherein the door is coupled to a locking mechanism requiring a key to open the door to remove the storage container from the housing.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the key is a physical key, technical data, or biometric data.

19. The system of claim 17 or 18, wherein the door is configured to be opened by pulling out a compartment including the interior space.

20. The system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the door is configured to open vertically from top to bottom via a hinge.

21. A method for disposing of a drug, comprising: (a) A receiving unit of a system receives a drug, the system being configured for a user to dispose of the drug, wherein the system is configured to be retractable, and wherein the system includes: (i) the receiving unit, the receiving unit including an opening configured to receive the drug discarded by the user; (ii) A storage container coupled to the receiving unit and configured to collect the drug discarded by the user via the opening of the receiving unit; (iii) One or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to (i) capture images or videos of the user dispensing the drug onto the receiving unit and detect the drug being dispensed and (ii) generate sensor data including the captured images or videos; (iv) A computer processor communicating with the one or more sensors, wherein the computer processor is configured to execute a transfer analysis program; and (v) wherein the system is dually configured or adapted to be portable or stationary; (b) The drug is detected by the one or more sensors; and (c) The risk or probability of the drug being transferred is determined by the transfer analysis procedure.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising scanning a label on the surface of the drug via the one or more sensors or different sensors to obtain additional information about the drug.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, further comprising transferring the determined risk or probability to one or more of the following: (1) the user, (2) the user's supervisor, or (3) the system administrator.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising neutralizing the drug in the storage container to inactivate the drug.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising generating the sensor data from the one or more sensors.

26. The method of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the detection comprises capturing the image or video via a 360-degree camera.

27. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, further comprising detecting whether the system is in a portable mode or a stationary mode, wherein detecting whether the system is in a portable mode or a stationary mode includes detecting whether the system's battery is connected to a power source.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein detecting whether the system is in portable mode or stationary mode includes detecting the battery life of the battery.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the fully charged battery life is greater than about 4 hours.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the battery is disposed in a housing.

31. A method for drug disposal, comprising: (a) Inputting user identification credentials into a graphical user interface (GUI) coupled to the system's computer processor, wherein the system is configured to be collapsible, wherein the system includes: (i) A housing, the housing comprising: (1) A receiving unit, the receiving unit including an opening configured to receive the medication discarded by a user; and (2) A storage container coupled to the receiving unit and configured to collect the drug discarded by the user via the opening of the receiving unit; (ii) One or more sensors coupled to the housing, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to (i) capture images or videos of the user dispensing the drug into the receiving unit and detect the drug being dispensed and (ii) generate sensor data including the captured images or videos; (iii) An adjustable coupler between the housing and the computer processor; (iv) wherein the computer processor is configured to communicate with the one or more sensors, and wherein the computer processor is configured to execute a transfer analysis procedure; and (v) wherein the system is dually configured or adapted to be portable or stationary; (b) Dispose of the drug into the opening; (c) To retract the retractable system, wherein retraction includes reducing the size of the adjustable coupler.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the user identification credential comprises one or more of biometric data or technical data.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the biometric data includes one or more of the user's fingerprints, palm prints, hand geometry, finger vein patterns, palm vein patterns, facial patterns, irises, retina, heart rate, or behavioral patterns.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein the technical data includes one or more of a key, work ID badge, password, or PIN.

35. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein reducing the size of the adjustable coupler includes folding, bending, or twisting one or more of the adjustable couplers.

36. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 35, further comprising scanning a label on the surface of the drug via the one or more sensors or different sensors to obtain additional information about the drug.

37. The method of any one of claims 31 to 36, further comprising opening a door configured to provide an entrance to an interior space of the housing including the storage container, wherein the door is coupled to a locking mechanism requiring a key to open the door to remove the storage container from the housing.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the key is a physical key, technical data, or biometric data.

39. The method of claim 37 or 38, wherein opening the door comprises pulling out a compartment including the interior space.

40. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein opening the door comprises opening the door by vertical swinging from top to bottom via a hinge.

41. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 40, further comprising removing the storage container when the storage container is full.

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