Self-sufficient system and device that integrates medication reminders, notifications, confirmations, records

Abstract

(Problem) To provide a simple and self-sufficient medicine management system that does not depend on external servers and devices, flexibly uses built-in reminders and medicine confirmation functions, and prevents forgetting to take medicine as prescribed. (Solution) The present application provides a medicine management system having the following structure: a pocket (4) arranged in four rows and seven columns on the surface of a main body (1); an LED (3) that notifies of a medicine schedule; a liquid crystal display (LCD) (6); a confirmation button (5) for medicine confirmation; a buzzer (2) that performs sound notification; an SD card reader (7) that saves data; and an RTC module (12) that manages time. In addition, a control / communication module is built in, and the management of a medicine schedule and the sending of notifications via the Internet are possible. Thus, a simple and practical system that assists patients in taking medicine on time is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a self-sufficient pharmaceutical management system that operates completely independently without relying on external servers or equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Home-based treatment is now common among the elderly and patients with stable symptoms. Furthermore, home-based treatment is also prevalent among patients with non-acute conditions such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, making self-managed medication indispensable. However, during self-management, problems frequently arise such as incorrect medication type or dosage, forgetting to take medication, and taking medication twice. This is especially true for the elderly and patients with declining physical strength, where correct medication adherence can sometimes be difficult.

[0003] However, a common approach in home healthcare medication instruction is to distribute a week's worth of medication into different pockets for the patient, leaving daily medication management to the patient. While this method allows patients to experience a sense of accomplishment through self-management, the variety of patients and medications they take increases the risk of forgetting or mistaking medications. This is especially true for the elderly and patients with declining physical function, who often forget to take their medications even when they are aware of the need for self-management. Therefore, medication instruction needs not only to identify which pocket contains the medication that should be taken, but also a mechanism to clearly sense the precise timing of medication administration. By implementing such a support system, it is expected that the accuracy of medication management will be improved, and mis-dosing and forgotten medications will be reduced.

[0004] Against this backdrop, to effectively support medication management in home and elderly care facilities, a system is needed that can easily and reliably confirm whether patients are correctly taking their medications as instructed by their doctors. In previous research, Patent Document 1 proposed a medication calendar based on the timing of medication administration. However, there is still a need to develop a practical system that is completely independent of system control, easily accessible to anyone, and enables patients to manage their medications independently.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a drug management system consisting of multiple devices, each device having a pocket labeled with the dosing time and day of the week. Each pocket has a hole at a position corresponding to the dosing time and day of the week. Infrared sensors positioned at these holes detect the presence or absence of drug and periodically send signals to a computer. The computer receives, records, and analyzes the data, then transmits it to a receiving computer via a public or dedicated line. The receiving computer displays data indicating whether drug is contained in the pocket.

[0006] Patent Document 2 follows the same principle as Patent Document 1, using an infrared sensor to detect the presence or absence of medication. However, it further improves the system by adding LEDs to the left and right sides of each pocket. These LEDs visually indicate which pocket the medication to be taken at a specified time is placed in. Furthermore, a control unit manages both the infrared sensor and the LEDs. Control information is set via a network, and the terminal device displays the presence or absence of medication on a screen. A database stores the control information and data obtained from the infrared sensor.

[0007] However, both systems in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 rely on infrared sensors to detect the presence or absence of medication. This presents a risk of incorrect detection due to the small size of the medication or the sensor's position. If the medication is not in the correct position in the pocket, or if multiple tiny medications overlap, the infrared sensor may misdetect the medication, potentially transmitting incorrect information.

[0008] Furthermore, the systems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 rely on external servers to perform data processing and storage functions. This dependence not only increases the overall structural complexity of the system but also leads to increased setup and maintenance costs. Moreover, the system's structure requires numerous components; the cost of both the overall system and these structural components is a major factor contributing to its high cost. Therefore, it can be said that these systems are expensive and difficult to implement easily.

[0009] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-12469 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-143891 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention The object of this invention is to solve the following problems related to medication. That is, to solve the problems caused by missed medication doses, or the inability to take medication at the correct time during the day, and further to reduce the burden of relying on complex and expensive methods to solve these problems.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to address several issues present in existing drug administration management systems. In particular, the problem of detection accuracy in sensor-based systems is significant. While sensor technology is widely used in the prior art to detect the presence of medications, these systems are prone to false detections due to several main factors. These include improper tablet placement, tablet overlap, and environmental factors that interfere with sensor detection accuracy. This invention overcomes these issues and improves detection accuracy. Furthermore, existing sensor-based drug administration management systems suffer from technical complexity, low patient participation, and a lack of reliability. Specifically, reliance on complex mechanisms and external processing devices increases the overall cost of the device and reduces operability, especially for the elderly. Additionally, reliance on fully automated detection systems may reduce patients' awareness and responsibility regarding medication, hindering the development of good medication habits. Moreover, false detections and errors in the management of chronic and life-threatening diseases can lead to significant medical risks such as missed doses and overdoses. This invention addresses these technical issues comprehensively, aiming to provide a drug administration management system with superior accuracy, reliability, and operability.

[0012] Methods for solving problems To achieve the above objectives, the medication management system of the present invention is characterized by a medication calendar with a seven-row, four-column pocket structure, where each pocket is positioned corresponding to a specific day of the week and time. This configuration allows medications to be stored according to a medication schedule, making it easy for the user to visually confirm when to take their medication.

[0013] One feature of the medication management system of this invention is the inclusion of LEDs at the top of each pocket. These LEDs inform the user when to take medication and prevent accidental ingestion by clearly indicating which medication should be taken. The system also includes an audible notification (buzzer) that sounds after a certain period of time from the user-set medication time. This buzzer helps prevent forgetting to take medication and encourages adherence to the prescribed dosage.

[0014] Furthermore, the medication management system of this invention includes a user confirmation mechanism (press-button), which allows users to confirm medication administration by pressing the button after taking the medication. This operation is recorded by the system, making medication administration management possible and enabling easy monitoring of medication adherence.

[0015] This system also features a medication status display function (LCD screen), showing the current medication status on the LCD screen. This allows users to immediately check their medication status visually and easily manage their medication according to the prescribed schedule.

[0016] Furthermore, the device is equipped with a medication data storage function (SD card reader), allowing detailed medication-related data (dose of medication, user confirmation data, etc.) to be recorded on the inserted SD card. This makes the storage and analysis of medication data possible, enabling healthcare professionals and users to review and evaluate the data in the future.

[0017] The control unit, which manages the entire system, not only controls the LED lights and buzzer at specified times based on the medication schedule, but also detects and records confirmation actions performed via push-button operation. Furthermore, it can display medication status on the LCD screen, send remote notifications, and save the data to an SD card.

[0018] This system can be set up without requiring special operating knowledge. Pressing and holding the confirmation button for a certain period will cause the system to establish an access point using the WiFi module and activate a dedicated web service. Through this service, users can establish a network connection using their mobile phones and input WiFi authentication information, Bluetooth connection settings, medication administration time, notification email address, and social media notification targets, thus flexibly customizing the system.

[0019] If the patient does not press the confirmation button at the set medication time, the LED light will illuminate or flash, and the buzzer will sound continuously, further issuing a warning through sound. This function prevents patients from missing their medication time.

[0020] After the buzzer sounds, if the patient does not press the confirmation button within the set time, the LED light continues to illuminate / flash, and the buzzer continues to sound. At this point, a notification is sent to prevent missed medication confirmation.

[0021] When it's time to take the medication, the LED light turns off when the patient presses the confirmation button, and the buzzer stops beeping.

[0022] The medication management system of this invention has twenty-eight pockets and is designed to easily distinguish the start and end of a week's worth of medication, even if the patient's medication schedule begins in the afternoon. It is a self-sufficient system that does not require an external server. This design makes the system easy to implement and use, allowing for home use. Furthermore, it reduces operating and maintenance costs, enabling it to be offered at a low price.

[0023] The effects of the invention The system of the present invention not only ensures medication administration, but also provides the additional benefit of indirectly monitoring the patient's physical condition.

[0024] In particular, by having patients and the elderly manually press a confirmation button after taking the medication, a simple and effective means is provided to confirm that the person maintains a certain level of physical and cognitive ability.

[0025] This manual operation has the following advantages: Medication confirmation: By pressing the confirmation button, it is recorded that the prescribed medication has been taken, thus preventing missed doses.

[0026] Physical activity indicators: Pressing the button requires basic motor skills, indirectly indicating that the user maintains a certain level of physical function.

[0027] Cognitive engagement: The behavior of remembering pressing a button and associating it with task completion can serve as an indicator of a patient's cognitive arousal state.

[0028] Simple monitoring tools for caregivers: For caregivers and family members, confirmation signals indicate that the patient retains the ability to care for themselves, providing reassurance. The absence of confirmation prompts rapid intervention, offering an opportunity to assess the patient's condition.

[0029] By integrating this confirmation process, the system is not limited to simple medication management, but can also serve as a practical tool for non-invasive observation of a patient's functional status. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of the drug administration device according to the present invention, showing a drug-free state.

[0031] Figure 2 This is to show the state where a portion of the medicine remains in the pocket in the aforementioned main view.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a front view of a medication management device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the holes that should be made in the front panel to accommodate components for user interaction and notification.

[0033] Figure 4 To show the inner surface of the front panel.

[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 1 An explanatory diagram of the longitudinal section along line AA.

[0035] Figure 6 This is an overall diagram of the control unit.

[0036] Explanation of icon numbers 1. Main body: Medication management device; 2. Buzzer; 3 LEDs; 4 pockets; 5. Press-button type; 6 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display); 7. SD card reader; 8. Control unit board; 9. Front panel; 10 WiFi / Bluetooth modules; 11. Microcontrollers; 12 RTC modules; 13 LCD connectors; 14 LED power cords; 15. Buzzer power cord; 16 LCD control lines; 17. Buzzer power cord connector; 18 LED power cord connectors; 19. Back panel; 20. Spacers: gaskets or partitions; 21 LED holes; 22 doses; 23. Buzzer hole; 24 button holes; 25 LCD holes; 26. Power connector. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Example 1 An example of the present invention is as follows Figures 1 to 6 As shown in these figures, the medicine administration device is indicated by the number 1. The front panel 9 is connected to the back panel 19 via the wall frame partition 20, thereby forming a housing.

[0039] From the perspective of dust prevention and aesthetic enhancement, it is preferable to provide side wall panels on the sides of the housing between the front panel 9 and the back panel 19.

[0040] The front panel 9 and the back panel 19 are rectangular plate-shaped components of the same size, preferably made of lightweight and easy-to-process materials such as acrylic. This achieves a lightweight overall design and ease of operation.

[0041] On the surface of the front panel 9, the medication times, such as "morning," "noon," "evening," and "before bedtime," are recorded along the X-axis, and the days of the week, from "Monday" to "Sunday," are recorded along the Y-axis. This makes it easy for patients to identify the medication times and the days of the week.

[0042] Pocket 4 is located on the front panel 9 at a position corresponding to the medication time and day of the week. That is, in the example shown, twenty-eight pockets 4 are installed on the surface arranged in rows and columns. These pockets 4 are used to store prescription medications issued by the home pharmacy. Although the pockets 4 in the example shown are made of plastic, they can also be made of polyvinyl chloride or similar materials. Pockets 4 are preferably transparent to allow identification of the medication contained therein.

[0043] Each pocket 4 has a circular hole 21 at its upper part, where an LED 3 is installed. The LED 3 is connected to the connector 18 and the control unit board 8 via a cable 14. When the set time is reached, the corresponding LED 3 will light up to notify the patient of the medication time. The position of the LED 3 can be adjusted at the top or bottom of the pocket, thus taking into account the flexibility of the design.

[0044] A circular hole 24 is provided in the upper right part of the front panel 9, and a push-button switch 5 is installed here. After taking the medication, the patient can confirm that the medication has been taken by pressing the push-button switch 5.

[0045] A circular hole 23 is provided in the upper left part of the front panel 9, and the buzzer 2 is installed through this hole. The buzzer 2 is connected to the connector 17 via the cable 15, and the connector 17 is connected to the control unit board 8. When a set time has elapsed, the buzzer 2 is activated to alert the patient through sound.

[0046] Alternatively, the buzzer 2 can be directly connected (soldered) to the buzzer power cord connector 17 instead of using the buzzer power cord 15.

[0047] A rectangular hole 25 is provided in the center of the upper part of the front panel 9, and the LCD 6 is installed through the hole. The LCD 6 is connected to the connector 13 via the cable 16, and the connector 13 is connected to the control unit board 8.

[0048] The rectangular hole 25 can be positioned anywhere on the front panel 9. Its purpose is to make the LCD 6 easily visible.

[0049] Alternatively, the LCD6 can be directly connected (soldered) to the LCD connector 13 without using the LCD control connection cable 16.

[0050] A rectangular hole (not shown) is provided in the upper left part of the wall frame plate isolation member 20. Through this hole, a mini SD card can be inserted into the SD card reader 7 installed on the control unit board 8.

[0051] A circular hole (not shown) is provided at the upper left corner of the wall frame plate isolation member 20, through which the AC adapter connector can be inserted into the power connector 26 mounted on the control unit board 8.

[0052] LEDs 3 are interconnected by cables 14 to form an array matrix structure, and then connected to LED power cord connector 18. Alternatively, LEDs 3 can be directly connected to LED power cord connector 18 to form a star structure.

[0053] The control unit board 8 is fixed to the upper part of the inner side of the housing formed by the front panel 9, the back panel 19 and the spacer 20 using a special adhesive.

[0054] Figure 6 The control unit board 8 mainly consists of the following components: microcontroller 11, WiFi / Bluetooth module 10, push button switch 5, LED 3, buzzer 2, LCD 6, SD card reader 7, and RTC module 12.

[0055] The control unit board 8 is powered by a commercially available AC adapter. Alternatively, it can be powered by a battery pack.

[0056] The control unit board 8 uses a microcontroller 11 to manage all the components. This includes: a WiFi / Bluetooth module 10 for connecting to a network and sending notifications via the Internet; a user operation button 5 for confirming medication intake; a connector for an LED 3 to notify the patient of the medication time; a connector for a buzzer 2 to send a signal when the medication time has elapsed; an LCD connector 6 for visually confirming the administration of the scheduled medication; an SD card reader 7 for storing confirmation data; and an RTC module 12 for maintaining the overall system time.

Claims

1. A medication management system, designed to efficiently and effectively manage patient self-medication and medication administration by healthcare personnel, characterized in that: It has the following components and functions: 1) Visual notification (single LED indicator): An LED located on the upper part of the pocket corresponding to the scheduled medication time clearly indicates the location of the medication to be taken to the user by lighting up or flashing. 2) Manual medication confirmation notification (button switch): After taking the medication, the user presses the button switch located at the top of the medication calendar. The system detects this operation and records it as medication completion. 3) Notification via sound (buzzer): If the button switch is not pressed within a certain period of time from the scheduled medication time, the buzzer will sound a warning to remind the user that they have forgotten to take their medication. 4) Medication status display (LCD screen): The medication status is displayed on the LCD screen, allowing users to visually distinguish whether they have taken medication or not. 5) Data storage (SD card reader / writer): Equipped with an SD card reader / writer, configured to write medication confirmation records, including information on the time the button switch was pressed, to the SD card; 6) Forgot Medication Notification Function: If the microcontroller does not detect the user pressing the button switch within a certain period of time, it will send a notification message to the registered family member or caregiver via the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module; 7) Real-time clock module (RTC module): The RTC module is used to manage and notify users of medication dates and times in real time. 8) Control Unit: Located on the printed circuit board, it includes a microcontroller, a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, an SD card reader, and an RTC module. It is connected to LEDs, a buzzer, push-buttons, and an LCD screen, and performs the following actions: Activating the LED and buzzer: Activate the LED and buzzer according to the medication schedule. Detection from push-button switch: If a push-button switch is detected to be pressed, the user's medication confirmation is recorded. Display on LCD screen: The medication status is displayed on the LCD screen so that the user can easily confirm it; 9) Control of SD card reader: Access the SD card reader through the control unit and perform the following controls: save detailed medication records to the SD card, read the saved record data, or delete unnecessary data; Internet connection and notification message sending: Connect to the internet and send notification messages; System time settings: RTC is used to set / manage the overall system time.

2. The pharmaceutical management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has the function of recording medication history data, including the date and time of medication administration, to an SD card inserted into the SD card reader. This data recording function generates medication history data by the control unit at the confirmed medication time point and saves it to the SD card, thereby recording the data. The recorded data allows family members and caregivers to confirm the patient's latest medication status.

3. The pharmaceutical management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit has: A settings component for users to configure their medication schedule; and A storage component used to store plans set through this configuration component.

4. The pharmaceutical management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit can set a medication schedule according to specific days of the week or specific intervals of days.

5. The pharmaceutical management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has the function of detecting that the user has not performed a medication confirmation operation within a specified time. It has the function of displaying test results on an LCD screen, the function of notifying via sound, or the function of sending notifications to caregivers using wireless communication components.

6. The pharmaceutical management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: (1) The control unit provides a prompt by flashing an LED and making a buzzer sound if no medication confirmation operation is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed from the predetermined time. (2) The function of automatically sending alarm messages to pre-registered nursing staff terminals through the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module.

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