Contextual Medication Prompting Pillbox Using RSSI Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medication reminder systems are time-based and fail to consider the user's context, leading to ineffective reminders as they often ignore alarms due to their loudness or do not account for changes in routine.
Innovation Solution
A medication box with a processor, transceiver, LCD, speaker, and user input device that determines the user's location relative to the medication box using RSSI and LQ, prompting medication reminders only when the user is nearby, and allows for communication with a third-party device via wired or wireless methods to adjust reminders based on user interactions and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loud alarms are used to ensure reminders are heard throughout the house, then the reminder coverage is improved, but the user experience deteriorates due to nuisance and annoyance
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a uniform loud alarm approach to a localized, context-aware notification system. The medication box detects when the user is nearby (within proximity) and delivers reminders only at that specific location and time, rather than broadcasting loud alarms throughout the entire house. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable reminders precisely when and where the user is present, eliminating the nuisance of loud alarms in other locations.
2Loss of time
If time-based alarms are used to remind users to take medication, then the timing accuracy is improved, but the adaptability to user routine changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system evolves from a static, pre-programmed alarm schedule to a dynamic, context-responsive reminder system. Instead of relying solely on fixed time-based alarms that cannot adapt to routine changes, the system continuously monitors for user presence and triggers reminders based on actual contextual conditions. This allows the system to maintain timing accuracy while automatically adapting to changes in user routine, as it responds to real-time presence detection rather than rigid schedules.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional storage and dispensing devices are used, then the medication organization is improved, but the reliability of reminders deteriorates when user routine is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms through presence detection technology. Unlike traditional storage devices that provide no feedback about user interaction or presence, this system continuously monitors whether the user is nearby and uses that feedback to dynamically adjust reminder delivery. This feedback loop ensures high reliability even when routines are disturbed, as the system adapts its behavior based on actual user presence rather than relying on assumed routines.
Data Source
AI summary
A medication box may include a processor, a plurality of compartments configured to store medication and a transceiver capable of communication with a patient via a user or patient device which is within communication range of the medication box. A server which may be configured to communicate information stored by the processor to a third-party device via wired or wireless communication methods. An estimated distance between the medication box and an RF patient device can be determined by a received signal strength indicator measured by the medication box or by the RF patient device.