Self-contained systems and devices that integrate medication reminders, notifications, confirmations, and records.

Abstract

This system provides a simple and self-contained medication management system that does not rely on external servers or devices, and utilizes built-in reminders and medication confirmation functions to ensure medication is taken as prescribed and prevent missed doses. [Solution] The present invention provides a medication management system comprising the following components: a main unit (1) with pockets (4) arranged in 4 rows and 7 columns on its surface, an LED (3) for notifying medication schedules, a liquid crystal display (LCD) (6), a confirmation button (5) for medication confirmation, a buzzer (2) for voice notification, an SD card reader (7) for data storage, and an RTC module (12) for time management. It also incorporates a control and communication module, enabling medication schedule management and notification transmission via the internet. This realizes a simple and practical system that supports patient adherence to medication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a self - contained drug management system that operates completely independently without relying on external servers or devices.

Background Art

[0002] For the elderly and patients with stable conditions, home treatment is generally carried out. Also, among patients with non - urgent diseases such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, home treatment has become widespread, and self - managed medication is essential. However, in the process of self - management, problems such as errors in drug types and dosages, forgetting to take medicine, and double - dosing frequently occur. In particular, for the elderly and patients with reduced physical strength, it may be difficult to accurately administer medicine.

[0003] However, in home medical care, it is common to provide patients with a one - week supply of medicine divided into pockets and leave daily medicine management to the patients themselves. Through this approach, patients can gain a sense of achievement in taking medicine through self - management. However, since the types of patients and medications are diverse, the risk of forgetting to take medicine or taking the wrong medicine increases. In particular, among the elderly and patients with physical decline, even if they have a self - management awareness, they often forget to take medicine. Therefore, in medicine guidance, not only should patients be made aware of which pocket contains the medicine they should currently take, but also a mechanism for clearly recognizing the appropriate timing of taking medicine is necessary. By introducing such a support system, it is expected to improve the accuracy of medicine management and reduce the risk of taking the wrong medicine or forgetting to take medicine.

[0004] Given this background, in order to effectively support medication management at home and in nursing facilities, a system is needed that can easily and reliably confirm whether patients are taking their medication accurately according to their doctor's instructions. In previous research, Patent Document 1 proposed a medication calendar that stores medications based on the timing of administration. However, because the system control is independent, there is a need to develop a practical system that anyone can easily implement and that allows patients to manage their medication independently. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-12469 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-143891

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a drug management system consisting of multiple devices, each device equipped with pockets marked with medication times and days of the week. Each pocket has holes positioned corresponding to the medication times and days of the week, and infrared sensors placed in these holes detect the presence or absence of medication and periodically transmit signals to a computer. The computer receives, records, and analyzes the data and transmits it to a receiving computer via a public or dedicated line. The receiving computer displays data indicating whether or not medication is stored in the pockets.

[0007] Patent Document 2 follows the same principle as Patent Document 1, which uses an infrared sensor to detect the presence or absence of medication, but further improves the system by adding LEDs placed on the left and right sides of each pocket. These LEDs visually indicate which pocket contains the medication to be taken at a specified time. Furthermore, the control means 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 the screen. A database stores the control information and data obtained from the infrared sensor.

[0008] However, both systems described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 rely on infrared sensors to detect the presence or absence of medication, and accurate detection can be difficult, especially with small medications or depending on the location of the sensor. Infrared sensors can cause false detections if the medication in the pocket is not in the correct position or if multiple small medications are overlapping, which carries the risk of transmitting incorrect information.

[0009] Furthermore, the systems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 rely on external servers to perform data processing and storage functions. This dependency complicates the overall system configuration and increases installation and maintenance costs. Moreover, the system configuration requires many components, making both the overall system cost and the component costs expensive. For these reasons, these systems are expensive and difficult to implement easily. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the following problems related to taking medication: specifically, the problems caused by forgetting to take medication, the problems caused by not being able to take medication at the appropriate time of day, and the burden of relying on complex and expensive methods to solve these problems.

[0011] This invention aims to solve several problems inherent in conventional medication management systems. In particular, the problem of detection accuracy in sensor-based systems is significant. Conventional technology widely employs sensor technology to detect the presence of drugs, but these systems are prone to false detections due to the following factors: improper tablet placement, duplicate tablets, or environmental factors that hinder the detection accuracy of the sensor. This invention overcomes these problems and achieves improved detection accuracy. Furthermore, conventional sensor-based medication management systems have problems such as technical complexity, reduced active patient involvement, and lack of reliability. Specifically, reliance on complex mechanisms and external processing devices increases the overall cost of the system and reduces operability, especially for the elderly. In addition, reliance on fully automated detection systems can reduce patients' awareness and sense of responsibility for taking their medication, potentially hindering the establishment of good medication habits. Moreover, false detections and detection errors can lead to serious medical risks, such as missed doses or overdoses, especially in the management of chronic and life-threatening diseases. The present invention aims to comprehensively address these technical challenges and provide a medication management system that is highly accurate, reliable, and easy to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To achieve the above objective, the medication management system according to the present invention is based on a medication calendar having a 7-row, 4-column pocket structure, and each pocket is positioned to correspond to a specific day of the week and time. This arrangement allows medications to be stored according to the medication schedule, making it easier for the user to visually confirm the timing of their medication.

[0013] One of the features of the medication management system according to the present invention is the placement of LEDs at the top of each pocket. These LEDs inform the user of the timing for taking medication and clearly indicate which medication to take, thereby preventing incorrect medication use. The system is equipped with an audible notification (buzzer) that sounds when a certain period of time has elapsed since the medication time set by the user. This buzzer helps prevent users from forgetting to take their medication and encourages them to take their medication.

[0014] Furthermore, the medication management system according to the present invention is equipped with a user confirmation mechanism (push button), which the user presses after taking their medication to confirm compliance. This operation is recorded in the system, enabling management of medication adherence and making it easy to understand the status of medication compliance.

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

[0016] Furthermore, it is equipped with a medication data storage function (SD card reader), which allows detailed medication data (date and time of administration, user confirmation data, etc.) to be recorded on the inserted SD card. This enables the storage and analysis of medication data, allowing healthcare professionals and users to review and evaluate the data later.

[0017] This system includes a control unit that manages the entire system, controlling LED lights and buzzers at predetermined times based on the medication schedule, and detecting and recording confirmation operations performed via push buttons. Furthermore, it can display medication status on an LCD screen, send remote notifications, and save this data to an SD card.

[0018] This system has functions that can be set without special operation knowledge. If the confirmation button is pressed continuously for a certain period of time, the system creates an access point using the WiFi module and launches 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 times, notification email addresses, and social media notification destinations, enabling flexible customization of the system.

[0019] If the patient does not press the confirmation button at the set medication time, the LED light will turn on or blink, the buzzer will keep ringing, and a voice warning will be issued. This function prevents the patient from missing the medication time.

[0020] After the buzzer rings, if the patient does not press the confirmation button within the set predetermined time, the LED light will remain blinking or on, and the buzzer will keep ringing. At this time, a notification is sent to prevent omission of medication confirmation.

[0021] When the medication time arrives, if the patient presses the confirmation button, the LED light will turn off, and if the buzzer is ringing, the sound will stop.

[0022] The medication management system according to the present invention does not require an external server and is designed as a self - contained system. This design makes the introduction and operation of the system easy, and it can be used at home. Also, the operation and maintenance costs are reduced, making it possible to provide at a low cost.

[0023] This system has 28 pockets and is designed to easily distinguish the start and end of a one - week supply of medicine even when the patient's medication schedule starts in the afternoon.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] The system of the present invention not only ensures medication but also provides a secondary advantage of indirectly monitoring the patient's physical condition. Particularly, by manually pressing a confirmation button after a patient or an elderly person takes medicine, a simple and effective means is provided to confirm that the person maintains certain physical ability and cognitive ability.

[0025] This manual operation has the following advantages. Medication confirmation: By pressing the confirmation button, it is registered that the prescribed medication has been completed, and medication omission can be prevented. Indicator of physical activity: Basic motor ability is required to press the button, which indirectly indicates that the user maintains a certain level of physical function. Cognitive involvement: The act of remembering to press the button and associating it with task completion serves as an indicator of the patient's cognitive arousal state. Simple monitoring tool for caregivers: For caregivers and family members, the confirmation signal gives a sense of reassurance that the patient retains the ability to perform daily self-care. If confirmation cannot be obtained, it prompts prompt intervention and provides an opportunity to check the patient's situation. By integrating this confirmation process, the system can be used not only for simple medication management but also as a practical tool suitable for non-invasive observation of the patient's functional status.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a front view in an embodiment of a medication management device according to the present invention, showing a state without medicine. [Figure 2] In the above front view, it shows a state where a part of the medicine remains in the pocket. [Figure 3] It is a front view of a medication management device in an embodiment of the present invention, showing holes to be opened in the front panel for accommodating parts for interaction with the user and notification. [Figure 4] Inner surface of the front [Figure 5] It is a longitudinal sectional explanatory view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] Overall view of the control unit

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. [Example 1]

[0028] An example of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 6. In these figures, the drug management device is indicated by reference numeral 1, and the front panel 9 is connected to the rear panel 19 via a wall frame panel separator 20, forming a housing. It is desirable to install wall panels on all four sides of the housing between the front panel 9 and the rear panel 19 from the standpoint of preventing dust and improving aesthetics.

[0029] The front panel 9 and the rear panel 19 are rectangular plate-shaped members of the same size, and are preferably made of a lightweight and easily processed material such as acrylic. This contributes to reducing the overall weight of the device and making it easy to handle.

[0030] The front panel 9 has medication times such as "morning," "noon," "evening," and "before bed" printed on the X-axis, and the days of the week from "Monday" to "Sunday" printed on the Y-axis. This is designed to allow patients to easily identify their medication time and day of the week.

[0031] The pockets 4 are positioned on the front panel 9 to correspond to the medication time and day of the week. In other words, in the example shown, 28 pockets 4 are mounted on the surface of the table. The pockets 4 are used to store medications prescribed by a visiting pharmacy and, although made of plastic in the example shown, may be made of vinyl or similar material. The pockets 4 should preferably be transparent so that the medications stored inside can be identified.

[0032] A circular hole 21 is provided at the top of each pocket 4, and an LED 3 is mounted therein. The LED 3 is connected to a connector 18 and a control unit board 8 via an electrical cable 14. When the set time arrives, the corresponding LED 3 lights up to notify the patient of the timing for taking their medication. The position of the LED 3 can be adjusted to the top or bottom of the pocket, allowing for design flexibility.

[0033] A circular hole 24 is provided in the upper right corner of the front panel 9, and a push-button switch 5 is mounted there. After taking their medication, patients can press the push-button switch 5 to confirm that they have taken their medication.

[0034] A circular hole 23 is made in the upper left of the front panel 9, and a buzzer 2 is installed through this hole. The buzzer 2 is connected to a connector 17 via an electrical cable 15, and the connector 17 is connected to a control unit board 8. After a set time has elapsed, the buzzer 2 activates, attracting the patient's attention with an audible reminder. Buzzer 2 can also be connected directly (soldered) to the buzzer power cable connector 17 without using the buzzer power cable 15.

[0035] A rectangular hole 25 is made in the upper center of the front panel 9, and the LCD 6 is mounted through this hole. The LCD 6 is connected to a connector 13 via an electrical cable 16, and the connector 13 is connected to the control unit board 8. The rectangular hole 25 can be placed at any position on the front panel 9. The purpose of this is to allow the LCD 6 to be easily viewed. LCD6 can also be directly connected (soldered) to LCD connector 13 without using LCD control connection cable 16.

[0036] A rectangular hole (not shown) is made in the upper left of the wall frame panel separator 20, and a mini SD card can be inserted through this hole into the SD reader 7 attached to the control unit board 8.

[0037] A circular hole (not shown) is provided in the upper left corner of the wall frame panel partition 20, through which the AC adapter connector can be inserted into the power connector 26 attached to the control unit board 8.

[0038] The LEDs 3 are connected to each other in an array matrix configuration using power cables 14, and then connected to the LED power cable connector 18. Alternatively, the LEDs 3 can be connected directly to the LED power cable connector 18 to form a star configuration.

[0039] The control unit board 8 is fixed to the upper inside of the box formed by the front plate 9, the back plate 19, and the partition 20 using a special adhesive.

[0040] The control unit board 8 in Figure 6 mainly consists of the following components: microcontroller 11, WiFi / Bluetooth module 10, button switch 5, LED 3, buzzer 2, LCD 6, SD reader 7, and RTC module 12.

[0041] The control unit board 8 is powered by a commercially available AC adapter. Alternatively, it can also be powered by a battery set. The control unit board 8 utilizes a microcontroller 11 to manage all setup components. This includes a WiFi / Bluetooth module 10 for connecting to a network and sending notifications over the internet, user operation buttons 5 for confirming medication intake, a connector for an LED 3 to notify the patient of medication time, a connector for a buzzer 2 to send a signal when medication time has passed, an LCD connector 6 for visual confirmation of scheduled medication administration, an SD card reader 7 used to store confirmation data, and an RTC module 12 for maintaining the system-wide time. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 1. Main unit: Medication management device 2 Buzzer 3 LED 4 pockets 5 Push buttons 6 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 7 SD card reader 8. Control Unit Board 9 Front plate 10 WiFi / Bluetooth modules 11 Microcontrollers 12 RTC modules 13 LCD connectors 14 LED power cables 15. Buzzer power cable 16 LCD control cable 17 Buzzer power cable connector 18 LED power cable connectors 19 Backplate 20. Partitioning material: Spacer or divider 21 LED holes 22. Medications 23 buzzer holes 24 buttonholes 25 LCD holes 26 Power Connectors

Claims

1. The medication management system has the following components and functions, and aims to efficiently and reliably manage patient medication intake, including dispensing by doctors and nurses. Visual notification (single LED indicator light): Depending on the date and time of medication, a single LED indicator light will illuminate or flash to show where the medication to be taken is stored. Manual medication confirmation notification (button switch): Users can confirm that their medication has been taken by operating a button switch. This confirmation is recorded. Audible notification (buzzer): If medication is not taken within the scheduled time, a buzzer will sound to warn you. Medication status display (LCD screen): The LCD screen displays the current medication status, allowing users to visually confirm whether they have taken their medication as scheduled. Data storage (SD card reader): Detailed medication records (date, time, user medication confirmation information, etc.) are saved via the SD card reader. Notify someone far away if you forget to take your medication: If medication is not taken, a notification will be sent to a third party. Real-Time Clock Module: A real-time time tracking (RTC) module is used to manage and notify patients about their medication schedule. Control Unit: The control unit is built on a PCB and includes a microcontroller, Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, SD card reader, and real-time clock (RTC) module, connected to LEDs, buzzer, push buttons, and LCD screen. It also performs the following operations: Activating the LED and buzzer: The LED and buzzer will activate according to your medication schedule. Button switch detection: Detects when a button switch is pressed and records the user's medication adherence. Display on LCD screen: Medication status is displayed on the LCD screen for easy user confirmation. SD card reader management: Manage the SD card reader and record, retrieve, and delete data as needed. Internet connection and notification message sending: Connects to the internet and sends notification messages. System Time Settings: Use the Real Time Clock (RTC) to set and manage the time for the entire system.

2. The drug management system according to claim 1 is characterized in that the control unit has a microcontroller that executes the logic of the system.

3. The drug management system according to claim 1 is provided with a button switch to confirm that medication has been taken and to reset the system in preparation for the next dose.

4. A medication management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the SD card reader is equipped with a data logging function that records medication history on an SD card into which the SD card reader is inserted, thereby allowing family members or caregivers to check the latest medication status.

5. A drug management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit has a programmable interface that allows a user to set a drug administration schedule.

6. A drug management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is capable of setting a medication schedule for specific days of the week or for specific number of days.

7. A drug management system according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a function to detect errors such as oversight in confirmation or low battery level, and to display these errors on an LCD screen or to send an alert to the caregiver.

8. A drug management system according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes customization of notification timing and notification intensity, dynamic adjustment of notification frequency, remote monitoring function, and display mode according to the user's age and health condition.

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