Medication Recording Device Image Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medication management systems rely on memory aids and timers, which can lead to errors in administering medications, especially for individuals with complex regimens or contraindications, as they lack accurate identification and verification of medications and adherence to recommended dosing schedules.

Innovation Solution

A medication recording device that captures images of medications, converts them into data for identification, and verifies compliance with recommended regimens and contraindications using databases, providing real-time feedback through user interfaces and wireless transmission of medication information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If memory aids and timers are used to remind users to take medication, then users can be reminded of dosing times, but accurate identification and verification of medications cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedication identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image capture to create a visual copy of the medication package, which is then processed through OCR and image recognition to extract identification data. This copying approach replaces manual entry and enables accurate medication identification without requiring users to memorize or manually input medication details, thus improving reliability while keeping the interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical reminder systems (physical pill boxes with pop-up mechanisms) with an electronic system that uses image processing, OCR, and database verification. This substitution enables automated medication identification and verification, significantly improving accuracy while the mobile device interface maintains ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual medication tracking is used, then users can monitor their own medication intake, but errors in administering medications are common

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedication administration accuracyVSAvoiduser effort required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service medication tracking by automatically capturing images of the medication package, extracting identification information through OCR and image recognition, and verifying the medication against the user's regimen. This automated self-service approach reduces user effort while improving accuracy, as the system performs verification tasks that would otherwise require careful manual attention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system provides real-time verification of whether the captured medication matches the user's prescribed regimen. The system compares extracted medication information with database records and notifies the user of compliance status, creating a closed-loop feedback system that improves administration accuracy without increasing user burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If complex medication regimens are managed without verification systems, then users can take multiple medications, but contraindications and dosing errors cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontraindication detectionVSAvoidverification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a database intermediary that stores medication information, interaction data, and contraindication information. The system queries this database to verify whether captured medications have contraindications or interactions with other medications in the user's regimen. This intermediary database handles the complex verification logic, enabling contraindication detection without requiring complex user-side processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If medication records are kept manually, then users can track their medication intake, but accurate record-keeping for medical personnel is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedication record accuracyVSAvoidtime for record-keeping
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual record-keeping with automated image capture and digital processing. The system captures images of medication packages, uses OCR and image recognition to extract information, and automatically stores structured data in a digital record. This substitution eliminates manual transcription errors and reduces the time required for record-keeping, as the automated system processes information faster and more accurately than manual entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8740077B2Medication recording device
Publication Date: 2014.06.03 INTEL GE CARE INNOVATIONS
  • US8740077B2 patent drawing
  • US8740077B2 patent drawing
  • US8740077B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device and method for recording medication to be introduced into a body.