Medication Redistribution Verification Using Camera-Based Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for redistributing medication do not adequately ensure that patients receive the correct medication when they need it, leading to potential health risks and wasted unused medication.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for redistributing medication using a computing device that verifies medication donations through a sensor, including a camera, to confirm the identity and integrity of the medication, and enters verified information into a database for redistribution to recipients based on matching algorithms and machine learning models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing redistribution solutions are used, then medication can be redistributed to patients, but the correctness and safety of medication distribution cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedication distribution safetyVSAvoidverification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual verification processes with automated image recognition and machine learning systems. The camera captures images of medication, and algorithms automatically verify medication identity, expiration dates, and integrity, eliminating the need for complex manual inspection procedures while ensuring accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies of medication through photography and stores verification data in databases. These digital records serve as verified copies that can be referenced for distribution decisions, ensuring medication correctness without requiring physical re-examination of each item.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If manual verification methods are used, then the system remains simple, but medication identity and integrity cannot be accurately confirmed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedication verification accuracyVSAvoidverification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual visual inspection is replaced with automated image recognition systems using cameras and machine learning algorithms. The system captures images of medication packaging, labels, and characteristics, then automatically analyzes them to verify medication identity and integrity with high precision.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification layer between medication donation and distribution. Image capture devices and database systems act as intermediaries that objectively record and verify medication characteristics, removing human error from the verification process while maintaining system manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of substance

If unused medication is redistributed without verification, then waste is reduced, but patient safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedication wasteVSAvoidpatient health risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of medication donations before they enter the redistribution network. Image capture and database verification occur upfront to confirm medication identity, expiration status, and integrity, ensuring only safe medication is redistributed while minimizing waste of usable drugs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback loops where verification results are stored in databases and used to inform distribution decisions. The system continuously learns from verification data to improve accuracy, and provides feedback to donors and recipients about medication status, creating a closed-loop safety system that reduces both waste and risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12561996B2Methods and systems for redistributing medication
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 MEDICIRCLE INC
  • US12561996B2 patent drawing
  • US12561996B2 patent drawing
  • US12561996B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for redistributing medication including a computing device configured to receive a communication regarding a medication donation from a donor, wherein the communication includes donor medication information regarding the medication donation. The computing device further configured to verify the medication donation including verifying the identity of the donated medication. Verifying the identity of the donated medication includes collecting actual medication information. The computing device also configured to enter final medication information corresponding to the medication donation into the medication database. The computing device configured to match the donated medication to a recipient selected from a recipient database as a function of a set of associated recipient data.