Medication Dispensing Interface With Biometric Dose Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication dispensing devices are cumbersome, confusing, and prone to errors, leading to potential health risks due to incorrect medication administration.
Innovation Solution
A patient system and method that includes a medication dispensing device with authentication mechanisms, such as fingerprint readers and wireless communication, to ensure secure and accurate dispensing based on personalized medication schedules, preventing unauthorized access and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual medication changing is implemented, then patients can control their medication reminders, but the process becomes complicated and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless device (mobile phone, tablet, or computer) as an intermediary between the patient and the medication dispensing device. This intermediary runs a software application that handles authentication, dose scheduling, and device control, thereby simplifying the user interface and reducing errors while maintaining patient control over medication reminders and administration.
2Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are added, then unauthorized access is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication functionality is moved from the medication dispensing device itself to the wireless device running the software application. The software application handles biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition) and communicates authentication status to the dispensing device via wireless communication. This approach enhances security while keeping the dispensing device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical authentication mechanisms (such as mechanical locks or key-based systems) with electronic biometric authentication systems. Fingerprint sensors, facial recognition cameras, or other biometric sensors are used to verify user identity, providing more reliable unauthorized access prevention while integrating seamlessly with the wireless communication interface.
3Reliability
If wireless control is implemented, then medication errors are reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication between the software application and the medication dispensing device occurs periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The system establishes connections at scheduled times for authentication, dose administration, and status updates, allowing both devices to enter low-power states between communications. This periodic interaction maintains medication accuracy while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous wireless monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a patient system and method for interfacing with and controlling an oral medication dispensing device. The system registers the dispensing device to a particular patient and records biometric data regarding the patient. Upon verifying a dose schedule and biometric authentication of the patient, the system authorizes use of the medication dispensing device and causes an activator mechanism to activate. In doing so, an activator mechanism within the dispensing device moves a medication cartridge between a stored position and a dispensing position, where it can be compressed to safely and efficiently dispense medication to the patient.