Tablet dispensing device with notification function

The tablet dispensing device addresses the challenges of multiple user medication management by automating dispensing and notification, ensuring accurate distribution and adherence through a combination of storage, transfer, and communication units.

JP7849057B2Active Publication Date: 2026-04-21ジョンヘ テ
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
ジョンヘ テ
Filing Date
2022-03-16
Publication Date
2026-04-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing medication dispensing systems are cumbersome for multiple users, fail to accommodate various dosage forms, and lack a reliable notification system for adherence, especially when different family members take overlapping medications.

Method used

A tablet dispensing device with a notification function that includes a storage unit, dispensing boxes, a transfer unit, and a distribution unit, which automatically dispenses tablets based on user-specific combination formulas, uses sensors and light indicators to verify correct dispensing, and communicates via Bluetooth and NFC for synchronization.

Benefits of technology

The device efficiently stores and dispenses various types of tablets to multiple users, ensures adherence to medication schedules, and prevents errors by providing real-time notification and adjustment of schedules based on usage data.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The tablet dispensing device with an alarm function of the present invention includes at least one or more storage boxes for storing different types of tablets, a storage unit that discharges tablets from the storage boxes based on a combination scheme predetermined for each user, at least one or more distribution boxes corresponding to each user and for storing the discharged tablets, a tablet sensor that detects whether a tablet has been stored in the distribution box, and a distribution unit that includes a light source unit that displays a first light when the tablet sensor detects a tablet, and a transport unit that guides the discharged tablets to the distribution box corresponding to the combination scheme via at least one or more ramps arranged on the distribution box.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tablet dispensing device having a notification function, and more particularly to a tablet dispensing device having a notification function that automatically dispenses tablets in a combination type corresponding to a large number of users and can confirm the presence or absence of dispensing through the notification function.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, due to various diseases, the number of people taking drugs over a long period of time is increasing. In particular, even those who do not have a disease are increasing the number of people taking various types of health supplements including vitamins as health aids.

[0003] In the case of such drugs, since they must be taken according to a prescribed dosage method, methods such as relying on memory for the presence or absence of drug intake or checking the intake time using an alarm clock are used. However, there is a problem that regular intake is difficult with methods that rely on memory or methods that use an alarm clock.

[0004] In addition, when taking various types of drugs, it is necessary to open each of the many medicine containers storing each drug and directly combine the drugs, which is complicated.

[0005] To solve such problems, conventionally, a medicine container for each day of the week that stores the drugs to be taken on each day of the week, a portable medicine container that can store the drugs for 2 to 3 days, and a portable medicine container with an alarm function have been developed.

[0006] However, such technologies still require manual classification and combination of the drugs to be taken at one time and storing them, and cannot be used by a large number of users. There is a problem that it is difficult to cope with various dosage forms due to insufficient storage space in the medicine container. For example, when taking a large number of drugs with different intake times in a day, they are stored in the same space, and it is difficult to cope with various dosage forms such as having to select and take different drugs depending on the time zone relying on memory.

[0007] On the other hand, if multiple family members in a household take many medications and some of them overlap, each family member should have their own medication container for each day of the week, or a portable medication container with an alarm function. However, this complexity can double as the number of medication containers used increases. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The technical problem of the present invention is focused on these points, and the object of the present invention is to provide a tablet dispensing device that can be used by multiple members together, stores various types of drugs, provides a combination of drugs to each of the many members at a predetermined time for administration, and has a notification function that can notify the administration time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A tablet dispensing device having a notification function according to one embodiment for achieving the above-described object of the present invention includes: a storage unit that includes at least one storage box for storing tablets of different types and discharges tablets from the storage box based on a predetermined combination formula for each user; at least one dispensing box corresponding to each user and for storing the discharged tablets; a dispensing unit that includes a tablet sensor for sensing whether or not tablets are stored in the dispensing box, and a light source unit that displays a first light when the tablet sensor senses a tablet; and a transfer unit that guides the discharged tablets to the dispensing box corresponding to the combination formula via at least one ramp arranged on the dispensing box.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the combination formula may include the target of application, the time of administration, the type of tablet, and the number of tablets.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tablet sensor includes an electronic scale for sensing weight, and the light source unit can display a first light if the sensing value measured by the electronic scale is the same as a predetermined sensing reference value based on the combination formula, and can display a second light different from the first light if the sensing value is different from the sensing reference value.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transfer unit includes at least one sorting machine corresponding to each of the distribution boxes, and the transfer unit can open the sorting machine corresponding to the combination to guide the tablets being transferred to the distribution box corresponding to the combination.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sorting machine includes a gate formed on the upper part of the corresponding distribution box, and the gate can be raised to open a passage toward the distribution box.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sorting machine is composed of a first disc having an opening, and the transfer unit can rotate the first disc such that the opening is connected to the inclined path that guides tablets to a distribution box corresponding to the combination.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the distribution unit further includes a Bluetooth® communication unit that communicates with an external mobile device using the Bluetooth® method, wherein when tablets are placed in or removed from the distribution box, the distribution unit transfers a Bluetooth® signal to an external mobile device corresponding to the distribution box, and the Bluetooth® signal may include at least one of the following: user information, the combination formula, distribution time, removal time, and distribution consideration information indicating whether the distributed tablets satisfy the combination formula.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the distribution unit further includes an NFC communication unit and a locking device for acquiring tag information stored on an NFC tag, and when an NFC tag corresponding to the distribution box is tagged, the locking device of the distribution box is released, and the discharge time can include the time it takes for the NFC tag to be tagged.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, if the NFC tag has been tagged but no tablets are stored in the corresponding distribution box, the storage unit and the transfer unit can transfer tablets to the distribution box based on a combination formula corresponding to the distribution box. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] A tablet dispensing device with such a notification function can store various types of tablets and automatically provide the stored tablets to a large number of users in different combinations.

[0019] Furthermore, using the notification function can help ensure adherence to medication schedules.

[0020] Furthermore, by using statistical information such as the timing of administration and whether or not medication was taken, the administration schedule can be adjusted, which can help prevent drug overdose. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing a tablet dispensing device with a notification function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a tablet dispensing device with a notification function. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a tablet dispensing device with a notification function. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows the storage box in perspective, plan, and front views. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a tablet dispensing device having a notification function according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a conceptual diagram for explaining the transfer unit of FIG. 5.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. For the same components on the drawings, the same reference numerals are attached, and duplicate explanations for the same components may be omitted.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a tablet dispensing device having a notification function according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the structure of the tablet dispensing device having the notification function of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the structure of the tablet dispensing device having the notification function of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view, a plan view, and a front view showing the storage box of FIG. 1.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a tablet dispensing device having a notification function according to an embodiment of the present invention can include a storage unit 10, a transfer unit 20, a dispensing unit 30, a schedule adjustment unit 40, and a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 50.

[0025] The storage unit 10 stores different types of tablets and can discharge the tablets based on a predetermined combination formula for each user. Specifically, the storage unit 10 can include at least one or more storage boxes 110 that store different types of tablets.

[0026] Here, the tablet means a tablet made by solidifying powder or crystalline medicine into a certain form, and all types of solid medicines that form an independent lump in the unit of one dose, such as a capsule filled with a powder or liquid medicine and dissolved in the human body after taking it.

[0027] The combination formula can be determined in advance for each user. The combination formula can include information such as the application target, information of the dispensing box 310, types and numbers of tablets to be taken, and taking time.

[0028] Each storage box 110 can store different types of tablets. Each storage box 110 may include a storage space for tablets and a dispenser that can dispense tablets one by one. Each storage box 110 can dispense tablets stored in combination one by one and transmit them to the transfer unit 20. Specifically, each storage box 110 can transmit the stored tablets to the transfer unit 20 according to the administration time, type of tablet to be taken, and number of tablets included in the combination.

[0029] Referring to the perspective view (A), plan view (B), and front view (C) of Figure 4, the storage space of the storage box 110 may have a shape that narrows in width as it slopes downwards, so that the tablets approach the dispenser one by one. The storage boxes 110 can be separated one by one from the storage section 10 to allow for easy storage of the tablets.

[0030] Although not shown in the diagram, the dispenser may be configured such that tablets are stored one by one in a rotating storage space, and as it rotates, tablets located in the storage space that aligns with the discharge hole fall out one by one through the discharge hole. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and various types of dispensers may be included.

[0031] The storage unit 10 may further include a display unit 120. The display unit 120 can display drug information such as the name of the tablets stored in the storage box 110, the date of storage, and the expiration date. The storage unit 10 may include as many display units 120 as there are storage boxes 110, and each display unit 120 can display drug information for the tablets stored in the corresponding storage box 110. Alternatively, the storage unit 10 can display drug information for the tablets stored in the storage box 110 via a single display unit 120.

[0032] In one embodiment, the display unit 120 may include an electrophoretic display device that consumes relatively little power. Alternatively, the display unit 120 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display panel, an organic light-emitting display device, a micro-LED display device, and a MEMS-type display device.

[0033] The transfer unit 20 can guide the tablets discharged from the storage unit 10 to the corresponding distribution box 310 via at least one ramp 210 located on the distribution box 310.

[0034] In one embodiment, the transfer unit 20 may include at least one ramp 210 arranged on the distribution box 310 and a sorting machine 220 corresponding to each distribution box.

[0035] The ramp 210 can guide the tablets discharged from each storage box 110 to the corresponding distribution box 310 in the combination system.

[0036] To this end, the ramp 210 may include a funnel-shaped first ramp for guiding tablets discharged from the storage box 110, a second ramp inclined in the direction in which the distribution boxes 310 are arranged, and a third ramp connecting the first ramp and the second ramp.

[0037] The tablets discharged from the storage box 110 can be transported to the corresponding distribution box 310 by sequentially passing through the first ramp, the third ramp, and the second ramp.

[0038] The transfer unit 20 can open the sorting machine 220, which is compatible with the combination type, and guide the tablets being transferred to the distribution box 310, which is also compatible with the combination type.

[0039] Specifically, the sorting machine 220 can be formed on the second ramp of the ramp 210. The sorting machine 220 can be formed in a number equal to or less than the number of distribution boxes 310, so as to form paths for the tablets to each distribution box 310.

[0040] For example, referring to Figures 2 and 3, an embodiment including four distribution boxes 310 may include a first sorter 220 for forming a path from the left to the first distribution box 310, a second sorter 220 for forming a path to the second distribution box 310, and a third sorter 220 for forming a path to the third distribution box 310. In this case, a path to the fourth distribution box 310 can be formed when the first to third sorters 220 are all closed, and the fourth sorter may be omitted.

[0041] In one embodiment, each sorting machine 220 may include a gate 230 formed on the top of the corresponding distribution box 310. The sorting machine 220 can raise the gate 230 to open a passage toward the distribution box 310.

[0042] For example, the gate 230 of the first sorting machine 220 can be raised to form a path toward the first distribution box 310.

[0043] To form a path toward the second distribution box 310, the gate 230 of the first sorting machine 220 can be lowered and the gate 230 of the second sorting machine 220 can be raised.

[0044] To form a path toward the third distribution box 310, the gates 230 of the first and second sorting machines 220 can be lowered and the gate 230 of the third sorting machine 220 can be raised.

[0045] The gates 230 of the first, second, and third sorting machines 220 can be lowered to form a path toward the fourth distribution box 310.

[0046] The distribution unit 30 may include a distribution box 310, a tablet sensor 320, a light source unit 330, and an NFC communication unit 340.

[0047] Each distribution box 310 is assigned to a specific user and can store tablets that have been discharged from the storage unit 10 and passed through the transfer unit 20. The distribution unit 30 may include at least one distribution box 310, each assigned to a specific user.

[0048] The tablet sensor 320 can sense whether or not a tablet has been placed in the distribution box 310. The tablet sensor 320 can be placed inside each distribution box 310. In other words, the distribution unit 30 can include as many tablet sensors 320 as there are distribution boxes 310.

[0049] In one embodiment, the tablet sensor 320 may include, but is not limited to, an electronic scale that senses weight.

[0050] The light source unit 330 can display a first light when the tablet sensor 320 detects a tablet. The light source unit 330 can be located inside or outside each distribution box 310. That is, the distribution unit 30 can include as many light source units 330 as there are distribution boxes 310.

[0051] The light source unit 330 can display a first light if the sensing value measured by the electronic scale is the same as a predetermined sensing reference value based on a combination formula. The light source unit 330 can display a second light different from the first light if the sensing value measured by the electronic scale is different from the sensing reference value.

[0052] The sensing reference value may include a value pre-measured using an electronic scale, based on the type and number of tablets included in the combination formula. The sensing value measured by the electronic scale and the sensing reference value can be compared, taking into account the tolerance range.

[0053] For example, if the sensing value measured by the electronic scale is smaller than the sensing reference value, unlike in combination systems, it means that the tablet has leaked, and in this case, a second light can be displayed.

[0054] Furthermore, if the sensing value measured by the electronic scale is greater than the sensing reference value, unlike in the combination type, it means that an additional tablet has been added, and in this case, a third light, different from the second light, can be displayed.

[0055] Through this, users can verify whether the tablets were dispensed in accordance with their personal combination formula, and this is particularly effective when taking various types of tablets, as it allows them to quickly recognize whether a tablet has been leaked or if there are additional tablets present.

[0056] The following describes a tablet dispensing device with a notification function according to the present invention, using a hypothetical example.

[0057] In this example, the tablet dispensing device with a notification function may include 12 storage boxes 110 and 4 dispensing boxes 310.

[0058] The 12 storage boxes 110 can each store a comprehensive vitamin (A) for silver men, a comprehensive vitamin (B) for silver women, a comprehensive vitamin (C) for men, a comprehensive vitamin (D) for women, lutein (E), omega (F), taurine (G), iron (H), arginine (I), inositol (J), vitamin D (K), and vitamin C (L).

[0059] Of the four distribution boxes 310, the first distribution box 310 can be allocated to a 70-year-old male. The second distribution box 310 can be allocated to a 60-year-old female. The third distribution box 310 can be allocated to a 30-year-old female. The fourth distribution box 310 can be allocated to a 25-year-old male.

[0060] The combination formula can include a first combination formula, a second combination formula, a third combination formula, and a fourth combination formula to accommodate four users.

[0061] The first combination formula may include information such as: (Target) 70-year-old male, (Type and number of tablets) Silver Male Multivitamin (A), Lutein (E), Omega (F), Taurine (G), and Inositol (J), 1 tablet each, (Time of administration) 7:00 a.m.

[0062] The second combination formula may include information such as: (Target audience) Women aged 60, (Type and number of tablets) One tablet each of Silver Women's Multivitamin (B), Lutein (E), Omega (F), Taurine (G), and Vitamin D (K), and (Time of administration) 8:00 a.m.

[0063] The third combination formula may include information such as: (Target) Women aged 30, (Type and number of tablets) One tablet each of women's multivitamin (D), lutein (E), omega (F), taurine (G), and iron (H), and (Time of administration) 9:00 a.m.

[0064] The fourth combination formula may include information such as: (Target) Males aged 25, (Type and number of tablets) One tablet each of male multivitamin (C), lutein (E), omega (F), taurine (G), arginine (I), and vitamin C (L), (Time of administration) 10:00 AM.

[0065] In the aforementioned case, at 7:00 a.m., one tablet of each vitamin (A), lutein (E), omega (F), taurine (G), and inositol (J) can be dispensed from storage box 110 containing these vitamins for silver men. The dispensed tablets can then enter the second ramp 210 via the first ramp 210 and the third ramp 210.

[0066] The second ramp 210 can raise the gate 230 of the first sorting machine 220 to form a path toward the first distribution box 310 corresponding to the first combination. The discharged tablets can be stored in the first distribution box 310 via the first sorting machine 220.

[0067] The tablet sensor 320 of the first distribution box 310 can measure the weight of the stored tablets. The light source unit 330 of the first distribution box 310 can display a first light if the sensing value measured by the tablet sensor 320 is the same as a predetermined first sensing reference value based on a first combination formula, display a second light if the sensing value is less than the first sensing reference value, and display a third light if the sensing value is greater than the first sensing reference value. Subsequently, when a 70-year-old man removes tablets from the first distribution box 310, the light source unit 330 can be turned off.

[0068] At 8:00 a.m., one tablet of each vitamin (B), lutein (E), omega (F), taurine (G), and vitamin D (K) can be dispensed from storage box 110 containing these vitamins. The dispensed tablets can then enter the second ramp 210 via the first ramp 210 and the third ramp 210.

[0069] The second ramp 210 can lower the gate 230 of the first sorter 220 and raise the gate 230 of the second sorter 220 to form a path toward the second distribution box 310 corresponding to the second combination. The discharged tablets can be stored in the second distribution box 310 via the second sorter 220.

[0070] The tablet sensor 320 in the second distribution box 310 can measure the weight of the stored tablets. The light source unit 330 in the second distribution box 310 can display a first light if the sensing value measured by the tablet sensor 320 is the same as a predetermined second sensing reference value based on a second combination formula, display a second light if the sensing value is less than the second sensing reference value, and display a third light if the sensing value is greater than the second sensing reference value. Subsequently, when a 60-year-old woman takes out tablets from the second distribution box 310, the light source unit 330 can be turned off.

[0071] At 9:00 a.m., one tablet of each of the following can be dispensed from storage box 110 containing women's multivitamins (D), lutein (E), omega (F), taurine (G), and iron (H). The dispensed tablets can then enter the second ramp 210 via the first ramp 210 and the third ramp 210.

[0072] The second ramp 210 can lower the gates 230 of the first and second sorters 220 and raise the gate 230 of the third sorter 220 to form a path toward the third distribution box 310 corresponding to the third combination. The discharged tablets can be stored in the third distribution box 310 via the third sorter 220.

[0073] The tablet sensor 320 of the third distribution box 310 can measure the weight of the stored tablets. The light source unit 330 of the third distribution box 310 can display a first light if the sensing value measured by the tablet sensor 320 is the same as a predetermined third sensing reference value based on a third combination formula, display a second light if the sensing value is less than the third sensing reference value, and display a third light if the sensing value is greater than the third sensing reference value. Subsequently, when a 30-year-old woman takes out a tablet from the third distribution box 310, the light source unit 330 can be turned off.

[0074] At 10:00 AM, one tablet of each vitamin (C), lutein (E), omega (F), taurine (G), arginine (I), and vitamin C (L) can be dispensed from storage box 110. The dispensed tablets can then enter the second ramp 210 via the first ramp 210 and the third ramp 210.

[0075] The second ramp 210 can lower the gates 230 of the first, second, and third sorting machines 220 to form a path toward the fourth distribution box 310 corresponding to the fourth combination. The discharged tablets can be stored in the fourth distribution box 310 via the second ramp.

[0076] The tablet sensor 320 of the fourth distribution box 310 can measure the weight of the stored tablets. The light source unit 330 of the fourth distribution box 310 can display a first light if the sensing value measured by the tablet sensor 320 is the same as a predetermined fourth sensing reference value based on the fourth combination formula, display a second light if the sensing value is less than the fourth sensing reference value, and display a third light if the sensing value is greater than the fourth sensing reference value. Subsequently, when a 25-year-old male removes a tablet from the fourth distribution box 310, the light source unit 330 can be turned off.

[0077] The Bluetooth® communication unit 50 can communicate with an external mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) using the Bluetooth® protocol. The Bluetooth® communication unit 50 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® low-energy Bluetooth® module, and may include Bluetooth® communication modules of various standards.

[0078] Once tablets are placed in or removed from the distribution box 310, the distribution unit 30 can transmit a Bluetooth® signal via the Bluetooth® communication unit 50 to the user's mobile device corresponding to the distribution box 310.

[0079] Bluetooth® signals may include user information, combination formulas, distribution time, discharge time, and distribution consideration information indicating whether the distributed tablets satisfy the combination formula.

[0080] Here, the user information and combination formula included in the Bluetooth® signal may include applicable information included in the combination formula corresponding to the distribution box 310, as well as information regarding the type, number, and timing of tablets to be taken. The distribution time may include the time it takes for the tablets to be placed in the distribution box 310. The discharge time may include the time it takes for the tablets to be discharged from the distribution box 310. Distribution consideration information can be generated by comparing the sensing value measured by the tablet sensor 320 with a sensing reference value.

[0081] In one embodiment, the distribution unit 30 may further include an NFC communication unit 340 and a locking device. The NFC communication unit can communicate using the NFC communication method. The NFC communication unit 340 may include an NFC reader module that can read information contained in nearby NFC tags using a contactless method. The NFC communication unit 340 may be located outside the distribution box 310. That is, the distribution unit 30 may include as many NFC communication units 340 and locking devices as there are distribution boxes 310.

[0082] When an NFC tag corresponding to the distribution box 310 is tagged to the NFC communication unit 340, the distribution unit 30 can release the locking device (not shown) of the distribution box 310. In this case, the Bluetooth® signal output time can include the time it takes for the NFC tag to be tagged. In this way, the distribution unit 30 can prevent accidental ingestion of someone else's medication by including a locking device that can release the locked state using an NFC tag.

[0083] In one embodiment, if an NFC tag has been tagged but no tablets are stored in the corresponding distribution box 310, the storage unit 10 and the transfer unit 20 can transfer tablets to the distribution box 310 based on a combination formula corresponding to the distribution box 310. In this case, the distribution time of the Bluetooth® signal can include the time it takes for the NFC tag to be tagged.

[0084] The schedule adjustment unit 40 can control the time at which the storage unit 10, the transfer unit 20, and the distribution unit 30 distribute tablets. The schedule adjustment unit 40 can store predetermined combination formulas for each user. Based on the dosage times included in the combination formula, the schedule adjustment unit 40 can control the time at which the storage unit 10, the transfer unit 20, and the distribution unit 30 distribute tablets.

[0085] The scheduling unit 40 can store user-specific statistical data, including the time it takes for tablets to be dispensed from the distribution box 310 for each user. For example, the dispensing time may include the time when the sensing value measured by the tablet sensor 320 of the distribution box 310 becomes zero. Alternatively, the dispensing time may include the time when the NFC tag is tagged.

[0086] The schedule adjustment unit 40 can change the dosage times included in the combination formula based on user-specific statistical data. The schedule adjustment unit 40 can also advance or delay the dosage times included in the combination formula based on user-specific statistical data.

[0087] For example, if statistical data including the user's dispensing time corresponding to the first dispensing box 310 is analyzed and the average dispensing time is found to be 1 hour behind the combined dosage time, the schedule adjustment unit 40 can change the combined dosage time corresponding to the first dispensing box 310 to a time that is 1 hour behind.

[0088] Alternatively, if statistical data including the user's dispensing time corresponding to the second dispensing box 310 is analyzed and the average dispensing time is shifted forward by an average of 2 hours compared to the combined dosage time, the schedule adjustment unit 40 can change the combined dosage time corresponding to the second dispensing box 310 to a time that is shifted forward by 2 hours.

[0089] If there is a distribution box 310 from which tablets have been dispensed but have not been dispensed until the next day's dose time, the schedule adjustment unit 40 can control the operation of the storage unit 10 and the transfer unit 20 so that tablets are not dispensed into the distribution box 310 from which tablets have not been dispensed.

[0090] For the safe storage of tablets, the humidity inside a tablet dispensing device with an alerting function must be kept below a certain level. Therefore, the tablet dispensing device with an alerting function according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a moisture removal unit 60.

[0091] The moisture removal unit 60 can absorb moisture inside the storage unit 10, transfer unit 20, and distribution unit 30 using a desiccant such as silica gel. Alternatively, the moisture removal unit 60 can remove moisture inside the storage unit 10, transfer unit 20, and distribution unit 30 by switching it to a liquid state and discharging it. Furthermore, in order to maintain the humidity inside the device below a certain level, the inside of the tablet distribution device can be fully or partially sealed. For example, a sealed structure can be formed except for the opening and closing device for loading tablets into the storage box 110 and the opening and closing device for unloading tablets from the distribution box 310. The opening and closing devices of the storage box 110 and the distribution box can be sealed when closed by including a rubber packing or similar structure.

[0092] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a tablet dispensing device with a notification function according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the transfer section of Figure 5.

[0093] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a tablet dispensing device with a notification function according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the same configuration as the tablet dispensing device with a notification function described in Figures 1 to 4, except for the transfer unit 20. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the other configurations excluding the transfer unit 20 can be omitted.

[0094] The transfer unit 20 can guide the tablets discharged from the storage unit 10 to the corresponding distribution box 310 via at least one ramp 211 located on the distribution box 310.

[0095] The ramp 211 can guide the tablets discharged from each storage box 110 to the corresponding distribution box 310 in a combination manner.

[0096] For this purpose, the ramp 211 may include a funnel-shaped first ramp that guides the tablets discharged from the storage box 110, and at least one second ramp directed towards each of the distribution boxes 310. Here, the number of second ramps may be the same as the number of distribution boxes 310.

[0097] The tablets discharged from the storage box 110 can be transferred to the corresponding distribution box 310 by sequentially passing through the first and second ramps.

[0098] The transfer unit 20 can open the sorting machine 221 corresponding to the combination type and guide the tablets being transferred to the distribution box 310 corresponding to the combination type.

[0099] Specifically, the sorting machine 221 can be formed between the first ramp and the second ramp. Between the first ramp and the second ramp, the sorting machine 221 can form a path that directs the tablets towards each distribution box 310.

[0100] In one embodiment, the sorting machine 221 may consist of a first disc 231 having an opening 232. The transfer unit 20 can rotate the first disc 231 so that the opening 232 is connected to any one of the second inclined paths. The transfer unit 20 can rotate the first disc 231 so that the opening 232 is connected to a second inclined path that guides tablets to a distribution box 310 corresponding to a combination type, thereby forming a path toward the distribution box 310 corresponding to a combination type.

[0101] The opening 232 may have a shape that penetrates the first disc 231 at an oblique angle. For example, the entrance to the opening 232 may be located in the center of the upper surface of the first disc 231, and the exit to the opening 232 may be located on the periphery of the lower surface opposite to the upper surface of the first disc 231.

[0102] In order to form a path toward the first distribution box 310, the sorting machine 221 can rotate the first disc 231 so that the opening 232 aligns with the entrance to the second ramp connected to the first distribution box 310. In other words, in order to form a path toward the first distribution box 310, the sorting machine 221 can rotate the first disc 231 so that the exit of the opening 232 aligns with the entrance to the second ramp connected to the first distribution box 310.

[0103] In order to form a path toward the second distribution box 310, the sorting machine 221 can rotate the first disc 231 so that the opening 232 aligns with the entrance to the second ramp connected to the second distribution box 310. In other words, in order to form a path toward the second distribution box 310, the sorting machine 221 can rotate the first disc 231 so that the exit of the opening 232 aligns with the entrance to the second ramp connected to the second distribution box 310.

[0104] In order to form a path toward the third distribution box 310, the sorting machine 221 can rotate the first disc 231 so that the opening 232 aligns with the entrance to the second ramp connected to the third distribution box 310. In other words, in order to form a path toward the third distribution box 310, the sorting machine 221 can rotate the first disc 231 so that the exit of the opening 232 aligns with the entrance to the second ramp connected to the third distribution box 310.

[0105] In order to form a path toward the fourth distribution box 310, the sorting machine 221 can rotate the first disc 231 so that the opening 232 aligns with the entrance to the second ramp connected to the fourth distribution box 310. In other words, in order to form a path toward the fourth distribution box 310, the sorting machine 221 can rotate the first disc 231 so that the exit of the opening 232 aligns with the entrance to the second ramp connected to the fourth distribution box 310.

[0106] As described above with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways, without exceeding the concept and scope of the invention as described in the claims below. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 10 Storage Department 20 Transfer section 30 Distribution section 40 Schedule Adjustment Department 50 Bluetooth® Communications Department 60 Moisture removal section 110 Storage box 120 display 210 ramp 211 Ramp 220 sorting machines 221 Sorting machine Gate 230 231 The first disk 232 Aperture 310 Distribution box 320 Tablet Sensor 330 Light source section 340 NFC Communication Unit

Claims

1. A storage unit that includes multiple storage boxes for storing different types of tablets, and which dispenses different types and quantities of tablets from the storage boxes for each user based on a combination formula that includes the target of application, time of administration, type of tablet, and number of tablets predetermined for each user, A distribution unit including a plurality of distribution boxes for storing different types and quantities of tablets for each user who has dispensed a tablet, a tablet sensor for sensing whether or not a tablet has been placed in the distribution box, and a light source unit that displays a first light when the tablet sensor detects a tablet, A transfer unit that guides the discharged tablets to the distribution box corresponding to the combination via at least one ramp placed on the distribution box, Includes, The tablet sensor includes an electronic scale for sensing weight, and the light source unit displays a first light when the sensing value measured by the electronic scale is the same as a predetermined sensing reference value in light of the type and number of tablets based on the combination formula, and displays a second light different from the first light when the sensing value is different from the sensing reference value, and In a configuration including recording means for recording the time at which tablets are removed from the distribution box as detected by the tablet sensor for each user, The tablet sensor records the time each user takes a tablet from the dispensing box, and if a tablet dispensed at a predetermined time is not taken within a predetermined time, the system delays and resets the tablet dispensing time for subsequent tablets within a predetermined range to prevent users from taking the wrong medication. The aforementioned scheduling unit, when it detects that a tablet dispensed at a predetermined time has not been removed within a predetermined time by the tablet sensor, will either stop dispensing tablets from the next time onward, or delay and reset the dispensing time within a predetermined range, thereby preventing the user from taking the wrong medication. Further including at least one of the following: A tablet dispensing device with a notification function.

2. The transfer unit includes at least one sorting machine corresponding to each of the distribution boxes, The tablet dispensing device having a notification function according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer unit opens the sorting machine corresponding to the combination type and guides the tablets being transferred to the dispensing box corresponding to the combination type.

3. The tablet dispensing device having a notification function according to claim 2, characterized in that the sorting machine includes a gate formed on the upper part of the corresponding dispensing box, and the gate is raised to open a passage toward the dispensing box.

4. The sorting machine is composed of a first disc with an opening formed therein. The tablet dispensing device having a notification function according to claim 2, characterized in that the transfer unit rotates the first disc so that the inclined path that guides tablets to the dispensing box corresponding to the combination type and the opening are connected.

5. It further includes a Bluetooth® communication unit that communicates with external mobile devices using the Bluetooth® method, When tablets are placed in or removed from the distribution box, the distribution unit transmits a Bluetooth® signal using an external mobile device corresponding to the distribution box. The tablet dispensing device having a notification function according to claim 1, characterized in that the Bluetooth® signal includes at least one of the following: user information, combination formula, distribution time, discharge time, and distribution consideration information indicating whether the distributed tablets satisfy the combination formula.

6. The distribution unit further includes an NFC communication unit and a locking device that acquire tag information stored in the NFC tag. When an NFC tag corresponding to the distribution box is tagged, the locking device of the distribution box is released. The tablet dispensing device having a notification function according to claim 5, characterized in that the aforementioned dispensing time includes the time during which the NFC tag is tagged.

7. A tablet dispensing device having a notification function according to claim 6, characterized in that if the NFC tag has been tagged but no tablets are stored in the corresponding dispensing box, the storage unit and the transfer unit transmit tablets to the dispensing box based on a combination formula corresponding to the dispensing box.

Citation Information

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