A control system for a smart pillbox

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of smart pillbox technology, and more particularly to a control system for a smart pillbox. By integrating a control module, a dispensing module, an interaction module, a reset module, and a reminder module into a collaborative architecture, it solves the technical problem of traditional pillboxes having limited functionality. The control module uniformly schedules the motor drive chip and servo motor of the dispensing module to achieve precise rotation of the medicine container and timed dispensing. The mechanical buttons of the interaction module ensure the reliability of parameter settings and action control. The photoelectric sensor of the reset module detects the reset status of components through a current-limiting resistor, preventing mechanical misalignment. The LED strip of the reminder module is controlled by a transistor drive circuit to provide visual reminders of medication time. The orderly collaboration of multiple modules under the management of the control chip significantly improves the automation level and operational accuracy of the pillbox, making it particularly suitable for the medication management needs of elderly users and patients with chronic diseases. This also solves the technical problem of the relatively limited functional design of current pillboxes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of smart pillbox technology, and in particular to a control system for a smart pillbox. Background Technology

[0002] A medicine box, as a container specifically designed to hold medicines or pills, primarily functions to provide patients with a space to store the medicines they need, so that they can easily and quickly access them when needed.

[0003] During drug treatment, ensuring the correct timing, dosage, and choice of medication are crucial. Patients must strictly adhere to the doctor's prescription and instructions regarding medication dosage to ensure the medication achieves its intended therapeutic effect. However, in reality, many patients, due to busy work schedules or numerous daily tasks, often neglect or miss the prescribed medication times. This problem is particularly pronounced among the elderly, especially those with poor memory, leading to improper medication use, affecting treatment outcomes, and potentially causing adverse reactions. Furthermore, current standard pillboxes are relatively simple in design, primarily focused on storing medications and lacking other auxiliary functions. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a control system for an intelligent medicine box, which solves the technical problem that current ordinary medicine boxes have relatively simple functional designs, and their main function is limited to the storage of medicines, lacking other auxiliary functions.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a control system for an intelligent medicine box, comprising a medicine box for holding medicine and a power supply module for power supply, wherein the medicine box is equipped with:

[0006] The control module is used to control the operation of the medicine dispensing module, the interaction module, the reset module, and the reminder module according to the set medicine box parameters;

[0007] A medicine dispensing module, which is used to remove a specified medicine from the medicine box and place it in a specified location;

[0008] The interaction module consists of several function buttons on the medicine box for human-computer interaction. The function buttons are used to set the parameters of the medicine box and control the actions of the medicine dispensing module and the reset module.

[0009] A reset module is used to detect whether several components inside the medicine box have been reset to their initial positions after being activated.

[0010] The reminder module is used to send a reminder signal to the user to take the medication according to the medication time set in the medicine box parameters.

[0011] Preferably, the control module includes a control chip U1, pin 2 of which is connected to the power module. Capacitors C3 and C4, forming a loop, are connected to pin 2 of the control chip U1. The side of capacitors C3 and C4 furthest from the power module is grounded. A resistor R46 is connected between pins 2 and 3 of the control chip U1. A grounded capacitor C56 is connected to pin 3 of the control chip U1.

[0012] Preferably, the medicine dispensing module includes a motor drive chip U16 connected to the control module for driving the motor, and an interface J34 connected to the servo motor.

[0013] Preferably, the interaction module includes interfaces J37 and J38 disposed on the lines between a plurality of mechanical buttons and the control module. Resistors R52 and R58 are respectively connected on the lines between interface J37 and the control module and between the plurality of mechanical buttons. Resistor R71 is connected on the lines between interface J38 and the plurality of mechanical buttons.

[0014] Preferably, the reset module includes a resistor R17 connected in series between pins 2 and 3 of interface J34, pin 3 of interface J34 is connected to the power supply module, and a photoelectric sensor is connected to pin 2 of interface J34.

[0015] Preferably, the reminder module includes a transistor Q12 connected to the control module. A resistor R34 is connected to the base of the transistor Q12. A resistor R35 is connected in series between the base and emitter of the transistor Q12. The emitter of the transistor Q12 is grounded. An interface J39 for connecting LED1 and a resistor R30 are connected in series between the collector of the transistor Q12 and the power module.

[0016] Preferably, the reminder module also includes an infrared reflection sensor connected to interface J38 and placed inside the medicine compartment. An LED2 is provided between pins 6 and 7 of interface J38. A transistor Q11 is connected to the control module. A resistor R98 is connected to the base of transistor Q11. A resistor R99 is connected in series between the base and emitter of transistor Q11. The collector of transistor Q11 is connected to pin 7 of interface J38. A resistor R97 is connected between pin 6 of interface J38 and the power supply module.

[0017] Preferably, the medicine box is also equipped with a temperature and humidity detection module, which includes a temperature and humidity sensor U15 connected to the control system. A resistor R48 and a resistor R50 are connected in series between pin 3 and pin 2 of the temperature and humidity sensor U15. A grounded capacitor C59 is connected to pin 2 of the temperature and humidity sensor U15. A resistor R49 is connected between resistor R50 and pin 4 of the temperature and humidity sensor U15.

[0018] Preferably, the medicine box is also equipped with a voice module for voice interaction.

[0019] Preferably, the medicine box is also equipped with a communication module.

[0020] By employing the above technical solution, this utility model provides a control system for an intelligent medicine box, which has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. This utility model solves the technical problem of the traditional medicine box's single function by integrating a control module, a medicine dispensing module, an interaction module, a reset module, and a reminder module into a collaborative architecture. The control module uniformly schedules the motor drive chip and servo motor of the medicine dispensing module to achieve precise rotation of the medicine compartment and timed dispensing. The mechanical buttons of the interaction module ensure the reliability of parameter setting and action control. The photoelectric sensor of the reset module detects the reset status of the components to avoid mechanical misalignment. The LED light strip of the reminder module is controlled by a transistor drive circuit to realize visual reminders of medication time. The orderly cooperation of multiple modules under the management of the control chip significantly improves the automation level and operational accuracy of the medicine box, making it especially suitable for the medication management needs of elderly users and patients with chronic diseases.

[0022] 2. Due to the setting of the temperature and humidity detection module and the multiple reminder mechanism, this utility model greatly improves the safety of medicine storage and user compliance. The temperature and humidity sensor monitors the internal environment of the medicine box in real time. When the humidity exceeds the threshold, the voice module is triggered to play an alarm prompt. At the same time, the LED light strip of the reminder module switches to a specific color or flashing mode, such as red, forming a multi-level warning of "local voice + light alarm + APP push".

[0023] 3. This utility model uses a novel infrared reflection sensor in conjunction with a transistor detection circuit to monitor the closed status of the medicine compartment, preventing users from forgetting to reset it. This linkage design of environmental perception and multi-dimensional reminders not only prevents medicines from getting damp and deteriorating, but also reduces the missed dose rate through sound and light synergy. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this application and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1This is a structural block diagram of the control system of the intelligent medicine box of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of the control module of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is the circuit diagram of chip U16 of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is the circuit diagram of interface J34 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is the circuit diagram of interface J37 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 This is the circuit diagram of interface J38 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 This is the circuit diagram of the temperature and humidity detection module of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram of the reminder module of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 9 This is the circuit diagram of the voice module of this utility model.

[0034] In the diagram: 1. Medicine box; 2. Power module; 3. Control module; 4. Medicine dispensing module; 5. Interaction module; 6. Reset module; 7. Reminder module; 8. Temperature and humidity detection module; 9. Voice module; 10. Communication module. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0036] To address the issue that current conventional medicine boxes have relatively limited functionality, primarily focused on storing medicines and lacking other auxiliary functions, this application provides a control system for an intelligent medicine box 1, such as... Figure 1As shown, various personalized auxiliary functions are added to better assist patients in taking medication. The control system includes a medicine box 1 for holding medication and a power module 2 for power supply. The power module 2 can be an external power source or a battery installed inside the medicine box 1. The medicine box 1 is equipped with: a control module 3 for controlling a medication dispensing module 4, an interaction module 5, a reset module 6, and a reminder module 7, which operate according to the set medicine box parameters; a medication dispensing module 4 for retrieving the designated medication from the medicine compartment of the medicine box 1 and placing it in a designated location, thereby retrieving the medication to be taken at the current time and placing it in the predetermined location under the control of the user's instructions when the medication time is reached or approaching the medication time; and a system for setting up medication dispensing modules in the medicine box 1. Box 1 has several function buttons for human-computer interaction. An interaction module 5 is used to set box parameters and control the actions of the dispensing module 4 and the reset module 6. A reset module 6 is used to detect whether several components within box 1 have returned to their initial positions after operation. For example, medications are typically placed in the medicine compartment of the box; when the medication is removed, the compartment should return to its original position to prevent medication confusion and maintain the neatness and order of the box. A reminder module 7 is used to send a reminder signal to the user based on the medication time set in the parameters. This reminder can be given through sound or light signals. The specific structure of each module is described below:

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, control module 3 includes control chip U1, which can be an ESP32-C6 chip. It integrates low-power Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions, supports high-speed and stable data transmission and multi-device connection, and accurately schedules the tasks of each module. Pin 2 of control chip U1 is connected to power module 2. Capacitors C3 and C4, forming a loop, are connected to pin 2 of control chip U1. The side of capacitors C3 and C4 away from power module 2 is grounded. Resistor R46 is connected between pins 2 and 3 of control chip U1. Capacitor C56, which is grounded, is connected to pin 3 of control chip U1. Capacitors C3, C4, resistor R46, and C56 constitute a power supply filter circuit to prevent voltage fluctuations from causing control chip U1 to malfunction.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the medication dispensing module 4 includes a motor driver chip U16 connected to the control module 3 for driving the motor, and an interface J34 connected to the servo motor. The motor driver chip U16 drives the motor to control the movement of the medication compartment containing the medication in the medicine box. When the medication compartment moves to the designated position, the servo motor opens the corresponding gate, such as setting a gate on the bottom of the designated position, so that the medication in the medication compartment falls into the designated position under the action of gravity for the patient to use. For example, for the need to take medication at multiple times a day, the servo motor can open and close the medication compartment in sequence according to the plan, pushing the medication for the corresponding time period to the designated medication dispensing position.

[0039] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the interactive module 5 includes interfaces J37 and J38 on the lines between several mechanical buttons and the control module 3. Resistors R52 and R58 are connected to the lines between interface J37 and the control module 3 and between several mechanical buttons, respectively. Resistor R71 is connected to the lines between interface J38 and several mechanical buttons. Resistors R58 and R71 act as pull-up resistors to prevent signal fluctuation. Resistor R52 is a current-limiting resistor to protect the pins of the MCU in the control module 3. Functions such as dispensing medicine and resetting the medicine compartment can be realized through the mechanical buttons.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the reset module 6 includes a resistor R17 connected in series between pins 2 and 3 of interface J34 to prevent overcurrent from the photoelectric sensor from damaging the MCU in the control module 3. Pin 3 of interface J34 is connected to the power supply module 2, and a photoelectric sensor is connected to pin 2 of interface J34. The photoelectric sensor is placed in the medicine compartment at the part that needs to be checked for reset and detects whether the corresponding part is in place.

[0041] like Figure 8 As shown, the reminder module 7 includes a transistor Q12 connected to the control module 3. A resistor R34 is connected to the base of transistor Q12, and a resistor R35 is connected in series between the base and emitter of transistor Q12. The emitter of transistor Q12 is grounded. An interface J39 for connecting LED1 and a resistor R30 are connected in series between the collector of transistor Q12 and the power module 2. Here, an LED light strip is used for medication reminder. When the set medication time is approaching, the medicine box light strip automatically flashes to convey reminder information. For example, a green flash indicates that the regular medication time has arrived. After the user confirms taking the medication and presses the medicine box button, the light strip automatically turns off, and the medication confirmation information is fed back to the main control chip.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, the reminder module 7 also includes an infrared reflection sensor placed inside the medicine compartment and connected to interface J38. When the medicine compartment is closed, the infrared reflection sensor signal is low, at which time the NPN junction of transistor Q11 is cut off, and the light goes out; otherwise, the light comes on. An LED2 is provided between pins 6 and 7 of interface J38. A transistor Q11 is connected to the control module 3. A resistor R98 is connected to the base of transistor Q11. A resistor R99 is connected in series between the base and emitter of transistor Q11. The collector of transistor Q11 is connected to pin 7 of interface J38. A resistor R97 is connected between pin 6 of interface J38 and power module 2.

[0043] like Figure 7As shown, the medicine box 1 is also equipped with a temperature and humidity detection module 8. The temperature and humidity detection module 8 includes a temperature and humidity sensor U15 connected to the control system. A resistor R48 and a resistor R50 are connected in series between pin 3 and pin 2 of the temperature and humidity sensor U15. A grounded capacitor C59 is connected to pin 2 of the temperature and humidity sensor U15. The capacitor C59 acts as a power supply filter capacitor to ensure the stable operation of the temperature and humidity sensor U15. A resistor R49 is connected between the resistor R50 and pin 4 of the temperature and humidity sensor U15. When the humidity exceeds the standard range for medicine storage, an alarm mechanism is immediately triggered, such as by issuing a prompt through the built-in speaker of the medicine box, or by simultaneously pushing information to a mobile APP.

[0044] like Figure 9 As shown, the medicine box 1 is also equipped with a voice module 9 for voice interaction, which can store several voice prompts covering various information such as medication reminders and emergency alarms. It works closely with the other modules of the medicine box. In the medication reminder scenario, it is linked with the motor and servo motor. For example, the motor adjusts the medicine compartment and the servo motor drives the medicine compartment to open. At the same time, the voice module 9 plays a voice reminder and the LED light strip lights up synchronously. When the user takes the medicine, the control module 3 sends a stop command to the voice module 9. The voice broadcast and the light strip display turn off synchronously and the medication behavior is recorded.

[0045] The medicine box 1 is also equipped with a communication module 10, which can establish a communication connection with external devices. This can be achieved through the functions of the MCU in the control module 3, or by configuring wireless or Bluetooth communication components, so as to facilitate control via mobile APP, or to perform cloud synchronization and storage of patient medication data to avoid data loss.

[0046] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control system for an intelligent pillbox, comprising a pillbox (1) for holding medicine and a power module (2) for supplying power, characterized in that, The medicine box (1) is equipped with: The control module (3) is used to control the medicine dispensing module (4), the interaction module (5), the reset module (6) and the reminder module (7) to operate according to the set parameters; The medicine dispensing module (4) is used to take out the specified medicine from the medicine box (1) and place it in the specified location; Interaction module (5), the interaction module (5) consists of several function buttons set on the medicine box (1) for human-computer interaction, the parameters of the medicine box (1) are set through the function buttons and the actions of the medicine dispensing module (4) and the reset module (6) are controlled; The reset module (6) is used to detect whether several components inside the medicine box (1) have been reset to their initial positions after being activated. The reminder module (7) is used to issue a reminder signal to the user to take the medication according to the medication time set in the setting parameters.

2. The control system for an intelligent pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module (3) includes a control chip U1. Pin 2 of the control chip U1 is connected to the power module (2). Capacitors C3 and C4, which form a circuit, are connected to pin 2 of the control chip U1. The side of capacitors C3 and C4 away from the power module (2) is grounded. A resistor R46 is connected between pin 2 and pin 3 of the control chip U1. A grounded capacitor C56 is connected to pin 3 of the control chip U1.

3. The control system for an intelligent pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medicine dispensing module (4) includes a motor drive chip U16 connected to the control module (3) for driving the motor, and an interface J34 connected to the servo motor.

4. The control system for an intelligent pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interactive module (5) includes an interface J37 and an interface J38 on the lines between a number of mechanical buttons and the control module (3). Resistors R52 and R58 are connected on the lines between the interface J37 and the control module (3) and between the mechanical buttons, respectively. Resistor R71 is connected on the lines between the interface J38 and the mechanical buttons.

5. The control system for an intelligent pillbox according to claim 3, characterized in that, The reset module (6) includes a resistor R17 connected in series between pins 2 and 3 of interface J34. Pin 3 of interface J34 is connected to the power supply module (2), and a photoelectric sensor is connected to pin 2 of interface J34.

6. The control system for an intelligent pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reminder module (7) includes a transistor Q12 connected to the control module (3). A resistor R34 is connected to the base of the transistor Q12. A resistor R35 is connected in series between the base and emitter of the transistor Q12. The emitter of the transistor Q12 is grounded. An interface J39 for connecting LED1 and a resistor R30 are connected in series between the collector of the transistor Q12 and the power module (2).

7. The control system for an intelligent pillbox according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reminder module (7) also includes an infrared reflection sensor connected to the interface J38 and placed in the medicine compartment. An LED2 is provided between pins 6 and 7 of the interface J38. A transistor Q11 is connected to the control module (3). A resistor R98 is connected to the base of the transistor Q11. A resistor R99 is connected in series between the base and emitter of the transistor Q11. The collector of the transistor Q11 is connected to pin 7 of the interface J38. A resistor R97 is connected between pin 6 of the interface J38 and the power module (2).

8. The control system for an intelligent pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medicine box (1) is also equipped with a temperature and humidity detection module (8). The temperature and humidity detection module (8) includes a temperature and humidity sensor U15 connected to the control system. A resistor R48 and a resistor R50 are connected in series between pin 3 and pin 2 of the temperature and humidity sensor U15. A grounded capacitor C59 is connected to pin 2 of the temperature and humidity sensor U15. A resistor R49 is connected between the resistor R50 and pin 4 of the temperature and humidity sensor U15.

9. The control system for an intelligent pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medicine box (1) is also equipped with a voice module (9) for voice interaction.

10. The control system for a smart pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medicine box (1) is also equipped with a communication module (10).

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