Medication Adherence Device with Camera Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication organizers lack the capability to ensure proper filling and remote monitoring of medication adherence, which can lead to non-adherence to prescribed medication schedules.
Innovation Solution
A medication adherence device communicatively coupled to a medication adherence service, which receives medication schedules and sends adherence data. The device has compartments for organizing medications and uses cameras to verify proper filling and adherence, with interfaces for patient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing medication organizers are used, then patients can organize medications by schedule, but the system cannot verify proper filling or enable remote monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification methods with automated image capture and analysis systems. Cameras mounted on the device automatically photograph medication compartments, and image processing algorithms verify whether medications are present and correctly placed, eliminating the need for manual checking by patients or caregivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification system consisting of cameras, image processing software, and communication modules that act as a mediator between the medication organizer and remote healthcare providers. This intermediary automatically captures evidence of medication adherence and transmits it to stakeholders, enabling remote monitoring without direct observation.
2Loss of information
If manual monitoring of medication adherence is used, then patients can take medications, but healthcare providers cannot remotely verify adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the medication organizer continuously monitors adherence status through cameras, processes images to determine compliance, and automatically transmits verification data to healthcare providers and caregivers. This closed-loop system provides real-time feedback on medication adherence without requiring manual reporting by patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of the medication compartments through camera imaging. These digital copies are processed and transmitted to remote stakeholders, allowing them to view and verify medication adherence without physically being present. The image data serves as a reproducible record of adherence events.
3Measurement precision
If image analysis is used to verify medication filling, then proper adherence can be confirmed, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization of medications into scheduled compartments before verification occurs. By pre-organizing medications according to the adherence schedule and having cameras ready to capture images at predetermined times, the system minimizes processing time during actual verification events. The structure is prepared in advance so that image analysis can quickly confirm presence or absence.
Data Source
AI summary
A medication adherence device includes a camera unit comprising a camera. A medication unit can be physically docked and undocked with the camera unit, wherein the medication unit comprises a plurality of medication compartments for organizing medications corresponding to tablets according to a prescribed medication schedule. The medication unit includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) associated with the respective medication compartments and the medication compartments are within a field of view of the camera. An interface unit coupled to control the one or more LEDs.