Adjustable medicine box for programmed dosage and remote monitoring with alerting wristband under physician supervision

Abstract

This invention describes an adjustable medicine box designed for the smart, integrated, and precise delivery of both liquid and solid medicines (pills), remotely controlled by a physician. For pill delivery, patients load different types of pills into designated, multi-station compartments. These compartments rotate on a frame, aligning with an elliptical hole at programmed times to dispense a single pill into an output. For liquid medicine (syrup) delivery, syrup and water reservoirs have pumps and flowmeters controlled by the microcontroller. The device dispenses the correct dosage of syrup into a cup, detected by a proximity sensor. It also offers water for consumption and a cleaning cycle for the syrup path. Both pill and syrup dispensing areas are illuminated by RGB LEDs for visibility, even in low light. The entire system ensures accurate medicine dosage and convenient, physician-supervised remote management.

Description

DescriptionTitle of Invention : Adjustable Medicine Box for Programmed Dosage and Remote Monitoring with Alerting Wristband Under Physician SupervisionTechnical Field

[0001] This idea is in the field of medicine boxes with dosage amount specified by the physician.Background Art

[0002] An invention with registration number CN219294081 was registered in 2023 under the title "Medicine Dosage Control Device for Examination." This device is related to dosage control and only cuts and stores pills.

[0003] Superiority: The presented idea can, in addition to storing pills, also inform us about their consumption time. The device has many compartments for placing various solid medicines, and it even checks whether the delivered pill has been taken by the individual or not.

[0004] An invention with registration number CN212547862 was registered in 2021 under the title "Medical Atomizing Device." This utility model relates to a medical atomizing device that includes an atomizer, a holding body, and an atomizing body. The supporting body is provided with an atomizing cavity, and the atomizing body and supporting body are connected and used for atomizing liquid medicine.

[0005] Superiority: The presented idea, besides keeping the pill clean, also informs us of the dosage we need to consume. Furthermore, the presented idea supports solid medicines like pills in addition to liquid medicines. Also, the timing and medicine consumption schedules are controlled and updated remotely by the physician based on the patient's disease progression.

[0006] An invention with registration number CN210992302 was registered in 2020 under the title "Auxiliary Device for Internal Medicine Injection." This is a device for injecting liquid medicine dosages and keeps the dosage constant unless the amount of medicine it stores is manually changed.

[0007] Superiority: In the presented idea, the medicine dosage can actually be changed automatically with a command sent by the physician to the device.

[0008] An invention with registration number RU0002501575 was registered in 2013 under the title "Medicine Delivery Device." This device stores the specified medicine dosage and keeps it constant. The shape of this device is like a syringe, and it only stores liquids.

[0009] Superiority: The presented idea can store pills and also adjust their dosage. Additionally, the medicine delivery system is completed when the individual picks up the medicine from the delivery location on the device. Furthermore, consumption reports and times are all aggregated and sent to the physician at the end of each day via a web interface and Wi-Fi for online evaluations.

[0010] An invention with registration number KR100503928 was registered in 2005 under the title "Dosage Measuring Device, Particularly Relating to a Device for Accurately Measuring the Amount of Medicine Based on a Prescription." The device includes a medicine cylinder divided into two spaces by a chamber with a control hole and a medicine regulator placed in one of the spaces of the medicine cylinder to move forward.

[0011] Superiority: The presented idea is smaller, easier to use, and more convenient to carry. Also, along with this device or box, an alerting wristband is provided to give tactile alerts to the patient via a vibration motor, in addition to the device's auditory alerts, so they go and take the medicine from the device and consume it.Technical Problem

[0012] People constantly have to visit a physician to decrease or increase the dosage of their medicines, or if they don't visit a physician, they must keep their medicine dosage constant. This is while diseases are constantly fluctuating; that is, a disease might progress and worsen, or it might weaken and improve over time due to good and precise care. Therefore, keeping the medicine dosage constant is detrimental to consumption.

[0013] For example, if a disease is improving, the medicine dosage should be lowered to avoid its side effects. However, this dosage change can be done andcontrolled remotely so that people and individuals don't constantly have to visit a physician. Keeping the medicine dosage constant leads to illnesses such as stomach pain, nausea, headaches, dizziness, mental illnesses, and more.

[0014] Furthermore, many people are far from their physician and cannot constantly visit them. Therefore, they need a device that can also receive the medicine dosage remotely. They need such a device to take the precise medicine dosage and not forget exactly how much and what dosage of which medicine they should take.

[0015] The goal of this invention is to create a device that is small and has a box-like form to hold various medicines, and has a system that can be controlled remotely. In fact, this device operates under the physician's control, meaning the physician determines how much of which medicine, with what dosage, and at what time it should be consumed.Solution to Problem

[0016] This invention describes an adjustable medicine box designed for the smart, integrated, and precise delivery of both liquid and solid medicines (pills), remotely controlled by a physician. An microcontroller manages all internal operations, housed within the main chassis which has an accessible door.

[0017] For pill delivery, patients load different types of pills into designated, multistation compartments. These compartments rotate on a frame, aligning with an elliptical hole at programmed times to dispense a single pill into an output.

[0018] For liquid medicine (syrup) delivery, syrup and water reservoirs have pumps and flowmeters controlled by the microcontroller. The device dispenses the correct dosage of syrup into a cup, detected by a proximity sensor. It also offers water for consumption and a cleaning cycle for the syrup path. Both pill and syrup dispensing areas are illuminated by RGB LEDs for visibility, even in low light. The entire system ensures accurate medicine dosage and convenient, physician- supervised remote management.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0019] The proposed design has more suitable dimensions compared to other designs because its size, while accommodating many medicines, does not takeup much space overall and is portable. This proposed device can store medicine and protect it from contamination.

[0020] This design automatically adjusts and informs us of the dosage amount and consumption time, solely under the guidance of a program received from the physician. The mentioned device stores liquid medicines in addition to capsules and pills. Another advantage of this device is that it alerts us when we need to take medicine, both through the device's audio alarm and the wristband's vibration.

[0021] This helps individuals suffering from Alzheimer's and memory loss, or visually impaired individuals, and even healthy people who might forget to take their medicines on time, by consistently reminding them which medicine to take on that day and at that hour. Furthermore, this device can provide the physician with a medicine consumption report by the patient in a LOG file, based on the patient's daily routine and performance, and their consumption methods and times, so the physician is informed whether the patient has correctly consumed the medicines.Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] Fig 1 : Separate side views of the device body.

[0023] Fig 2: Assembled device view.

[0024] Fig 3: Details of device components.

[0025] Fig 4: Pill compartment.Description of Embodiments

[0026] Numbers of Invention Components on figures:1 ) Top view2) Front view3) Rear view4) Right side view5) Left side view6) Perspective view) Liquid medicine (syrup) reservoir lid ) Device rear panel ) Device top door 0)Locking washer under the door 1 )Color TFT monitor 2) Power cable socket 3) Medicine reservoirs 4)Pill guiding chamber to the output 5) Device bottom panel 6)Syrup pump motor with flowmeter at the output port7)Device main chassis 8) Device front view panels 9)Fan 0)Heatsink 1)TEC1 cooling module 2)Controllable RGB LED module 3)Pump relay module 4) Power step-down module 5)ESP32-C3 microcontroller 6)Speaker 7)Audio module 8)Syrup medicine reservoir 9)Water reservoir 0)Vibration wristband mold 1 )Wristband top cover 2)Wristband canvas strap33)Distance sensor for medicine pickup detection34)Vibration motor35)Lithium polymer battery36)ESP32-C3 Mini wristband microcontroller37) Pill reservoir clamp to motor38)Medicine (pill) reservoir39) Pill compartment body chassis40)Stepper motor41 )Device bottom door42)Wristband lithium polymer battery charging module43)Water pump motor with flowmeter at the output port

[0027] The adjustable medicine box, designed for integrated and smart dosage control and adjustment of liquid and solid medicines (pills), based on physician instruction, precisely performs processing, control, and accurate medicine delivery operations with the help of an ESP32-C3 microcontroller (25). All internal components and equipment of the device are housed within the equipment placement box, or the main chassis of the device (17), and the device's door (9) opens and closes for easy access to the components. In the technical drawing of the design, the top view of the device (1 ), the front view of the device (2), the rear view of the device (3), the right side view (4), the left side view (5), and the perspective view (6) are displayed to provide complete and accurate details of the device.

[0028] Initially, for pill delivery, the patient or user places their pills into different stations (medicine reservoir) (38) of the medicine or pill reservoirs (13). "Different stations" means that the medicine reservoirs themselves are regularly divided into several reservoirs, where each station or reservoir can correspond to one type of pill, for example, one reservoir for Citalopram pills and another reservoir for a different medicine, such as Diazepam. The pill reservoirs are assembled onto a frame (39). By using a pill reservoir clamp to the motor (37) and steppermotor (40), the motor shaft and the pill reservoirs are co-axially aligned and fixed together. In this way, the pill reservoirs will have a rotational movement on the frame. A large elliptical hole is also designed on the frame, which, at the specified time for the delivery of the relevant pill, the box corresponding to that pill is positioned in front of the elliptical hole through the rotational force of the stepper motor, allowing one pill to fall down. This pill is guided out of the device through the pill guiding chamber to the device's output (14).

[0029] Next is the syrup transfer. The lid for the liquid medicine (syrup) reservoir and the water reservoir (7) is located behind the two reservoirs. To pour water and syrup into their respective reservoirs, one simply needs to remove the lid and perform this action. The end of the syrup medicine reservoir (28) is connected to a pump and flowmeter (43). This pump is connected to a pump relay (23), which, at a specified time, is activated by the microcontroller's command, turning on the syrup pump. It suctions the syrup and guides it out of the device.

[0030] The duration of the syrup medicine suction is adjusted according to the dosage prescribed by the physician. This is done by controlling the liquid's output flow rate using the flowmeter. The same applies to dispensing water from the water reservoir. Before dispensing syrup, the individual first places their cup under the syrup dispensing location.

[0031] After the presence of the cup is detected by the distance sensor (33), the syrup is dispensed. The water reservoir (29) is also located next to the syrup reservoir and has its own separate pump, flowmeter (16), and pump relay. At times other than the designated syrup delivery time, if a cup is placed under the device's syrup dispensing port at another time, after the distance sensor confirms the presence of the cup or object, a question is displayed on the color TFT display (11 ): "Do you want to drink water?" Two options, "Yes" and "No," are also shown.

[0032] If the "Yes" option is confirmed, the pump relay for the water reservoir is activated using the microcontroller's coding. Then, the water pump starts and operates for a specific duration, guiding water out of the device's syrup dispensing port. Additionally, after syrup consumption, a message appears on the display asking if you wish to clean the path where the syrup was dispensed. Byplacing another cup before confirming, one can proceed to wash the syrup dispensing location to prevent contamination. The amount of water dispensed is also controlled by the flowmeter, thereby cleaning the pipe path related to syrup dispensing. The syrup and pill dispensing locations are also illuminated using controllable RGB LED modules (22), so that the patient can perform the medicine retrieval process with ample light even in the dark.

[0033] Detecting whether the patient or individual has taken the pill or syrup is performed by the distance sensor. This sensor carries out two control processes: first, whether the syrup cup is in place, or for pills, whether the pill is in the pill drop-off location; and second, whether the placed cup or dropped pill has been picked up or not.

[0034] To cool the syrup inside the syrup reservoir, a TEC module (21 ), a heatsink (20), and a fan (19) are used. The TEC module is a plate a few millimeters thick. One side of this plate begins to heat up after the module is connected to power, while the other side begins to cool. The cooling side of the module attaches to the wall of the syrup reservoir. The cooler the heating side of this module becomes, the more cold it produces on its cooling side. Consequently, by connecting the heatsink and fan to the heating side of the module, heat can be dissipated to lower the temperature of the heating side and cool the syrup reservoir further, ensuring the syrup is cooler upon delivery.

[0035] The device's rear panel (8) is responsible for dissipating heat from the TEC module to the outside. A locking washer (10), also known as an anti-rotation or lock washer, is used beneath the top door of the device to prevent screws and nuts from loosening due to vibration or continuous movement. This washer increases friction, preventing unintended rotation of the nut or screw, thereby firmly securing the device's top door in place.

[0036] The device's color TFT monitor (11 ) displays information and statuses, the number of pills and consumption frequency for each medicine, daily water consumption, and overall status monitoring, as well as for making time settings and other adjustments. A power socket (12) is used to charge the device. Frames (8) are also designed and fitted to cover various parts of the device and prevent dust entry. The top door of the device (9) is located at the top of the device andcan be removed to access internal components. An audio module (27) and speaker (26) are integrated into the device to provide alerts to the patient, such as medicine consumption times.

[0037] The front panels of the device (18), the bottom door of the device (41 ), and the bottom panel of the device (15) are also used to protect the bottom of the device and prevent dust entry. For powering the device, a 220-volt power cable socket (12) is used, which, with a power cable connected to urban 220-volt electricity, supplies power to the device. Subsequently, a power step-down module (24) is used to power some of the device's modules, converting the 220- volt urban electricity to 12 volts to power those modules.

[0038] To eliminate the need for individuals to constantly remember when to take pills or syrup, or to rely on someone for reminders, an alerting wristband has been designed and provided with the device. This wristband alerts the patient via a vibration motor based on the program and dosage prescribed by the physician, prompting them to take their medicines. This way, at the designated time, the wristband vibrates, allowing blind or even sighted individuals to be aware of their pill and medicine consumption times, eliminating the need for personal reminders or setting alarms.

[0039] Since the medicine dosage or consumption schedule may change over time, the wristband has a feature that allows the schedule to be updated and adjusted on the wristband as soon as it's updated by the doctor or physician. This occurs when the wristband is put on charge. The wristband's own microcontroller activates its Bluetooth, which then pairs with the device's microcontroller via Bluetooth, enabling data transfer. This updates the medicine consumption schedules. It's worth reiterating that the physician's updated schedule is initially accessed and edited by the physician on the web page related to the device's WiFi IP. This means the update first happens via Wi-Fi, and then information is transferred from the device to the wristband via Bluetooth, as described.

[0040] The wristband strap is anti-sweat (32). The wristband consists of several components. The wristband frame (30) is where the wristband's electronic equipment is placed and then fixed onto the anti-sweat strap. Other electronic components of the wristband include the ESP32-C3 MINI microcontroller (36), aio vibrator module (34), a lithium polymer battery (35), and a battery charging module (42). The top cover of the wristband (31 ) is also placed and fixed onto the frame.Example

[0041] Operational Application of the Invention. The practical application of the invention is explained below.

[0042] The power cable (220V) is connected to the device's rear socket(12).

[0043] 1- Filling Medicine Reservoirs: a. Pills: The device's top door (9) is opened, and pills are placed into their respective reservoirs (13) based on categorization (e.g., each station for one type of pill). b. Syrup and Water: The liquid medicine (7) reservoir lid is opened, and syrup and water are poured into the specified reservoirs (28 and 29).

[0044] 2- Medicine Schedule Adjustment by Physician:

[0045] The physician connects to the device via Wi-Fi and enters the medicine consumption schedule (time, pill / syrup dosage) into the dedicated web page. Additionally, by connecting the wristband to charge, the wristband's and device's Bluetooth systems pair, and information is automatically transferred to the patient's smart wristband via Bluetooth.

[0046] 3- Medicine Retrieval: a. Pill: At the designated time, the stepper motor (40) guides the relevant pill reservoir to the discharge hole, and the pill exits through the guiding chamber (14). Then, the RGB LED (22) illuminates the delivery location. The distance sensor (33) then confirms that the pill has been picked up. b. Syrup: A cup is placed under the syrup output spout. The sensor detects the cup's presence. The syrup pump (43), controlled by the flowmeter, delivers the precise dosage.c. Water: If water is requested, outside of liquid medicine (syrup) delivery times, a cup is placed under the syrup dispensing spot, and the "Yes" option is selected on the TFT display (11 ).

[0047] 4- Reminders and Alerts: a. Smart Wristband: Vibrates at medicine consumption times. b. Audio Module (27): Plays an audible alarm along with the speaker (26). c. TFT Display: Shows medicine consumption history and device status. All device settings are also manually editable from this section.

[0048] 5- Device Maintenance: a. Cleaning: Syrup tubes are washed with water (via the water option on the display). b. Cooling: The TEC module (21 ), fan (19), and heatsink (20) keep the syrup cool. c. When the wristband is connected to charge, its lithium polymer battery is charged. Additionally, the medicine schedule and time information are updated.

[0049] 6- Report to Physician:

[0050] At the end of each day, a report file is sent to the physician via Wi-Fi, detailing the patient's medicine consumption times and schedule for that day.

Claims

Claims

1. A medicine storage and delivery device with dosage adjustment and medicine consumption reminder capabilities, along with an alerting wristband, comprising: a. Medicine reservoirs b. Pill guiding chamber to the output c. Syrup pump motor with flowmeter at the output port d. Cooling module and heatsink e. ESP32-C3 microcontroller f. Syrup medicine reservoir g. Water reservoir h. Distance sensor for medicine pickup detection i. ESP32-C3 Mini wristband microcontroller j. Pill reservoir clamp to motor k. Medicine (pill) reservoir l. Stepper motor m. Water pump motor with flowmeter at the output port wherein the stepper motor, via the pill reservoir clamp, rotationally moves the pill reservoirs and at the designated time, the relevant reservoir is positioned in front of the discharge hole, and only one pill is released from the selected reservoir and guided toward the output through the guiding chamber and after the pill drops, the distance sensor registers that the pill has fallen into the pickup location, and after the pill is picked up, this event is recorded in the system.

2. The medicine storage and delivery device according to claim 1 , wherein the syrup delivery system operates such that the syrup pump, after relay activation, calculates and delivers the prescribed medicine dosage by controlling and measuring the output flow rate via the flowmeter sensor,and the water pump is used to provide water for patient consumption as well as for providing water when a request is made to clean the syrup transfer path.

3. The medicine storage and delivery device according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the syrup medicine delivery mechanism operates such that after a cup is placed in the designated spot below the syrup dispensing location, the distance sensor detects the cup's presence and activates the delivery process and the delivery cycle is completed when the cup is removed by the individual after the syrup has been dispensed, a step also checked by the distance sensor then if the cup is still present, a certain amount of water is dispensed by the water pump for cleaning.

4. The medicine storage and delivery device according to claim 1 , wherein the wristband, using an ESP32-C3 MINI microcontroller and a vibration motor, provides tactile alerts at specified times, and using an audio module and speaker, provides auditory alerts, and the details of the consumed medicine, the time, and remaining medicines are displayed to the individual on the monitor.

5. The medicine storage and delivery device according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid medicine cooling system, which is a TEC module, is attached to the syrup reservoir wall, and the heatsink and fan assist in dissipating heat from the warm side of the TEC module, and the device's rear panel is responsible for transferring heat to the external environment.

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