Self-contained system and device integrating medication-taking reminders, notifications, confirmations, and records

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a simple and self-contained medication-taking management system that does not depend on an external server or device and makes use of built-in reminder and medication-taking confirmation functions to make it possible to take medication as prescribed and to not forget to take medication. [Solution] The present invention provides a medication-taking management system that comprises pockets (4) that are provided in the surface of a body (1) in seven rows and four columns, LEDs (3) that indicate medication to be taken, a liquid crystal display (LCD) (6), a confirmation button (5) for making medication-taking confirmations, a buzzer (2) that gives audio notifications, an SD card reader (7) that stores data, and an RTC module (12) that manages time. The medication-taking management system also has a built-in control / communication module and can manage a medication-taking schedule, transmit notifications over the internet, etc. The present invention thereby achieves a simple and practical system that supports patient compliance with medication-taking.

Description

Self - contained system and device integrating medication reminder, notification, confirmation, and recording 【0001】 The present invention relates to a self - contained medication management system that operates completely independently without relying on external servers or devices. 【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 the type and dosage of medications, forgotten medications, and duplicate medications frequently occur. In particular, for the elderly and patients with reduced physical strength, accurate medication administration can be difficult. 【0003】 However, in home medical treatment, it is common to provide patients with a week's worth of medications divided into pockets and leave daily medication management to the patients themselves. Through this approach, patients can gain a sense of accomplishment in taking medications through self - management. However, due to the wide variety of patients and types of medications, the risk of forgotten medications and incorrect medication intake increases. In particular, among the elderly and patients with physical decline, even if they have an awareness of self - management, they often forget to take their medications. Therefore, in medication guidance, not only is it necessary to make patients aware of which pocket contains the medications they should currently take, but also to have a mechanism to clearly recognize the appropriate timing of medication intake. By introducing such a support system, it is expected to improve the accuracy of medication management and reduce incorrect medication intake and forgotten medications. 【0004】 Against this background, in order to effectively support medication management in homes and nursing facilities, a system that can simply and reliably confirm whether patients are taking medications accurately according to doctors' instructions is necessary. In previous research, in Patent Document 1, a medication calendar that stores medications based on medication timing has been proposed. However, due to the independent system control, a practical system that can be easily introduced by anyone and allows patients to independently manage their medications is required. 【0005】Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-12469 【0006】 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-143891 【0007】 Patent Document 1 describes a drug management system consisting of multiple devices, each device equipped with a pocket marked with the medication time and day of the week. Each pocket has a hole at a position corresponding to the medication time and day 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 pocket. 【0008】 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. 【0009】 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. 【0010】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. 【0011】 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. 【0012】 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. 【0013】To achieve the above objective, the medication management system according to the present invention is based on a medication calendar having a 7x4 pocket structure, with each pocket 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. 【0014】 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. 【0015】 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. 【0016】 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. 【0017】 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. 【0018】 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. 【0019】 This system has a feature that allows it to be configured without any special operational knowledge. By pressing and holding the confirmation button for a certain period of time, the system creates an access point using a WiFi module and launches a dedicated web service. This service allows users to establish a network connection using their mobile phone and enter WiFi authentication information, Bluetooth connection settings, medication times, notification email addresses, and social media notification destinations, enabling flexible system customization. 【0020】 If a patient does not press the confirmation button at the scheduled medication time, the LED light will illuminate or flash, a buzzer will sound continuously, and an audible warning will be issued. This function helps prevent patients from missing their medication time. 【0021】 If the patient does not press the confirmation button within the set time after the buzzer sounds, the LED light will continue to flash or light up, and the buzzer will continue to sound. At this time, a notification will be sent to prevent medication confirmation from being missed. 【0022】 When it is time to take medication, the patient can press the confirmation button, which will turn off the LED light and stop any buzzer sounds. 【0023】 The medication management system according to the present invention has 28 pockets and is designed to easily distinguish the start and end of a week's worth of medication, even if the patient's medication schedule begins in the afternoon. It is designed as a self-contained system that does not require an external server. This design makes the system easy to install and operate and can be used at home. In addition, it reduces operating and maintenance costs and can be offered at an affordable price. 【0024】 The system of the present invention not only ensures medication adherence but also provides the secondary benefit of indirectly monitoring the patient's physical condition. In particular, it provides a simple and effective means of confirming that a patient or elderly person maintains a certain level of physical and cognitive ability by manually pressing a confirmation button after taking their medication. 【0025】This manual operation offers the following advantages: Medication confirmation: Pressing the confirmation button registers that prescribed medication has been taken, preventing missed doses. Indicator of physical activity: Pressing the button requires basic motor skills, indirectly indicating that the user maintains a certain level of physical function. Cognitive engagement: The act of remembering to press the button and associating it with task completion serves as an indicator of the patient's cognitive arousal. Simple monitoring tool for caregivers: For caregivers and family members, the confirmation signal provides reassurance that the patient retains the ability to perform daily self-care. If confirmation is not received, it prompts prompt intervention and provides an opportunity to check on the patient's condition. By integrating this confirmation process, the system can be used not only for medication management but also as a practical tool suitable for non-invasive observation of the patient's functional state. 【0026】 This is a front view of an embodiment of the medication management device according to the present invention, showing a state where there is no medication. This shows a state in the above front view where some of the medication remains in the pocket. This is a front view of the medication management device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a hole to be made in the front panel to accommodate components for user interaction and notification. This is a vertical cross-sectional diagram of line A-A in the inner surface view 1 of the front. Overall view of the control unit 【0027】 Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 【0028】 An example of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 6. In these figures, the chemical 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. Installing wall panels on all four sides of the housing between the front panel 9 and the rear panel 19 is desirable from the viewpoint 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 processable 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】 Pockets 4 are positioned on the front panel 9 to correspond to medication times and days 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. It is desirable that the pockets 4 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 the buzzer 2 is mounted through this hole. The buzzer 2 is connected to a connector 17 via an electrical cable 15, and the connector 17 is connected to the control unit board 8. After a set time has elapsed, the buzzer 2 activates, attracting the patient's attention with an audible reminder. The buzzer 2 can also be directly connected (soldered) to the buzzer power cable connector 17 without using the buzzer power cable 15. 【0035】A rectangular hole 25 is provided in the upper center of the front panel 9, through which the LCD 6 is mounted. The LCD 6 is connected to a connector 13 via an electrical cable 16, and the connector 13 is connected to a control unit board 8. The rectangular hole 25 can be provided at any position on the front panel 9. The purpose of this is to allow the LCD 6 to be easily visible. The LCD 6 can also be directly connected (soldered) to the LCD connector 13 without using the 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 in 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: a microcontroller 11, a WiFi / Bluetooth module 10, a button switch 5, an LED 3, a buzzer 2, an LCD 6, an SD card reader 7, and an RTC module 12. The control unit board 8 is powered by a commercially available AC adapter, or it can also be powered by a battery set. The control unit board 8 uses the microcontroller 11 to manage all setup components. This includes the WiFi / Bluetooth module 10 for connecting to the network and sending notifications over the internet, the user operation button 5 for confirming medication intake, the connector for the LED 3 to notify the patient of the time to take medication, the connector for the buzzer 2 to send a signal when the time to take medication has passed, the connector for the LCD 6 for visual confirmation of scheduled medication administration, the SD card reader 7 used to store confirmation data, and the RTC module 12 for maintaining the time of the entire system. 【0041】 1. Main unit: Medication management device 2. Buzzer 3. LED 4. Pocket 5. Push button 6. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 7. SD reader 8. Control unit board 9. Front plate 10. WiFi / Bluetooth module 11. Microcontroller 12. RTC module 13. LCD connector 14. LED power cable 15. Buzzer power cable 16. LCD control cable 17. Buzzer power cable connector 18. LED power cable connector 19. Back plate 20. Partition material: Spacer or divider 21. LED hole 22. Medication 23. Buzzer hole 24. Button hole 25. LCD hole 26. Power connector

Claims

1. A medication management system that aims to efficiently and reliably manage patient self-administration and medication dispensing by healthcare professionals, comprising the following components and functions: 1) Visual notification (single LED indicator light): An LED located at the top of the pocket corresponding to the scheduled medication time lights up or flashes to explicitly indicate the location of the medication to be taken to the user. 2) Manual medication confirmation notification (button switch): When the user presses the button switch located at the top of the medication calendar after taking their medication, the system detects this operation and records it as medication completion. 3) Audible notification (buzzer): If the button switch is not pressed within a certain time after the scheduled medication time, a buzzer sounds to warn of missed medication. 4) Medication status display (LCD screen): The medication status is displayed on the LCD screen, allowing the user to visually distinguish between taken and untaken medication. 5) Data storage (SD card reader / writer): Equipped with an SD card reader / writer, it is configured to write medication confirmation records, including switch button press time information, to an SD card. 6) Medication reminder notification function: If the microcontroller does not detect that the user has pressed the button switch within a certain period of time, it sends a notification message to a registered family member or caregiver via the Wi-Fi® module. 7) Real-Time Clock module: An RTC module is used to track the time in real time for managing and notifying medication dates and times. 8) Control unit: Located on a printed circuit board, it includes a microcontroller, Wi-Fi® module, Bluetooth® module, SD card reader, and RTC module, and is connected to an LED, buzzer, push button, and LCD screen, and performs the following operations: Activation of LED and buzzer: Activates the LED and buzzer according to the medication schedule. Detection from button switch: Detects when the button switch is pressed and records the user's medication confirmation. Display on LCD screen: Displays the medication status on the LCD screen for easy user confirmation.9) SD card reader control: The control unit accesses the SD card reader, saves detailed medication records to the SD card, reads the saved records, and controls the deletion of unnecessary data. Internet connection and notification message sending: Connects to the internet and sends notification messages. System time setting: Uses the RTC to set and manage the system-wide time.

2. The drug management system according to claim 1, further comprising a data recording function that records medication history data, including the date and time of medication, on an SD card inserted into the SD card reader. The data recording function generates the medication history data by the control unit when medication is confirmed and saves it to the SD card, thereby recording the data. The drug management system is characterized in that family members or caregivers can check the latest status of the patient's medication based on the recorded data.

3. A drug management system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises setting means for setting a medication schedule by a user, and storage means for storing the schedule set by the setting means.

4. 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.

5. A medication management system according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a function to detect when a user has not performed a medication confirmation operation within a predetermined time, and has a function to display the detection result on an LCD screen, a function to notify by sound, or a function to transmit a notification to a caregiver using wireless communication means.

6. A drug management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: (1) the control unit has a function of flashing an LED and sounding a buzzer if no medication confirmation operation is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed from the scheduled time; and (2) it has a function of automatically sending an alert message to a caregiver terminal that has been registered in advance via the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module.

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