Medication Dispenser Biometric Security and Theft Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication dispensers lack secure authentication, audible reminders, and proximity alarms to prevent unauthorized access and theft, and fail to efficiently manage opioid dosages.
Innovation Solution
An automatic medication dispenser with a programmable dispensing system, biometric authentication, audible reminders, and a proximity alarm that alerts users to take medication and prevents theft by using a biometric scanner, keyboard for programming, and a communication assembly with a camera and speaker for visual and audible alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biometric scanner and programmable dispensing system are added to secure medication access, then security and controlled dispensing are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: biometric authentication module, programmable dispensing control module, audible alert module, and proximity alarm module. Each module operates independently but integrates through the control system, allowing secure functionality while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it processes biometric authentication, manages the programmable dispensing schedule, controls audible alerts, and monitors proximity sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, balancing security requirements with device complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If audible alerts and proximity alarms are added to remind users and prevent theft, then user safety and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audible alert system and proximity alarm system are merged into a single alert generation circuit controlled by the central control system. Both functions use the same speaker and control logic, reducing component redundancy and overall device complexity while maintaining both safety and security functions
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor serves dual purposes: it detects unauthorized movement to trigger theft prevention alarms and can also monitor the dispensing process. The audible alert system provides both medication reminders and theft alarm notifications, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems
3Ease of operation
If a keyboard is added to allow direct programming, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard enables users to directly program their own medication schedules, dosages, and reminder settings without requiring external configuration or professional setup. The system provides self-service programming capabilities with intuitive input validation and automatic schedule generation, improving ease of operation while keeping the programming logic integrated within the existing control system
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic medication dispenser is disclosed herein. The automated prescription medication dispensing machine includes a container for housing multiple medication pills. The container has a programmable dispensing system, an audible reminder alert, a biometric sensor and a proximity alarm. Additionally, the dispenser can be programmed to dispense a prescribed dosage at a prescribed time or interval and can only be activated using a biometric fingerprint scanner. Furthermore, the system has an audible reminder alarm for a patient. If the machine is moved from a set location an audible alert is activated to prevent the dispenser from being stolen.