Blister Pack Detection Using Optical Light Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for managing medication from blister packs require specialized packaging and lack an efficient method for detecting when objects are taken out, making it difficult to monitor medication adherence.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus comprising a plate with light sources and sensors that emit and receive light beams to detect the presence or absence of objects in blister pack containers, allowing for real-time monitoring of object removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a very special blister pack is prepared to manage medication, then medication management capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection apparatus is designed to work with ordinary blister packs rather than requiring specialized packaging. The system uses a light source and sensor array that can detect objects in standard blister pack structures, making the solution universally applicable to common medication packaging without requiring custom-designed special blister packs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with an optical detection system. Instead of using mechanical switches, pressure sensors, or complex structural changes in the blister pack, the system uses light emission and detection to sense the presence or absence of medication, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Loss of information
If a detection system is added to monitor medication taking-out, then medication adherence monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection apparatus automatically detects and records medication removal events without requiring user intervention. The light source and sensors continuously monitor the blister pack contents, and the system self-records adherence data, eliminating the need for manual tracking or complex user-operated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by detecting when medication is removed from the blister pack. The detection apparatus monitors the light reception status and immediately identifies when a containing portion becomes empty, providing timely adherence information without requiring complex processing or additional feedback mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If light sources and sensors are used to detect object presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates periodically rather than continuously, emitting light beams at intervals to detect object presence. This periodic operation maintains high detection accuracy by regularly sampling the blister pack contents while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, low-cost light sources such as LEDs that have long operational lifetimes and low energy requirements. These inexpensive light-emitting components can operate for extended periods with minimal energy consumption, making the detection system energy-efficient while maintaining measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy detection of object removal from blister packs, facilitating medication management by providing timely and accurate data on medication adherence.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources that emit light beams to the plurality of containing portions of the blister pack arranged on the plate; a plurality of sensors that receive the light beams emitted from the light sources
Data Source
AI summary
To readily detect the taking-out of an object contained in a blister pack, there is provided a detection apparatus for detecting a timing at which a contained object is taken out from a blister pack including a plurality of containing portions and a plate-like portion that connects the plurality of containing portions. The apparatus includes a plate on which the blister pack is arranged, a plurality of light sources that emit light beams to the plurality of containing portions of the blister pack arranged on the plate, a plurality of sensors that receive the light beams emitted from the light sources, and also output electrical signals corresponding to light reception intensities, and a detector that detects the presence/absence of contained objects in the respective containing portions based on the electrical signals output from the plurality of sensors.