Medication Verification Using NIR Spectra and Patient Biometrics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication adherence systems fail to verify both the medication taken and the patient identity, leading to potential incorrect medication administration and lack of objective evidence.
Innovation Solution
A medication assurance system using a handheld near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer and biometric device, such as a fingerprint scanner, for quick and accurate verification of medication and patient identity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic pillboxes or software-based reminder systems are used, then medication timing reminders are provided, but objective verification of both medication identity and patient identity is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple verification functions into a single integrated system: a spectrometer for medication identification, a biometric sensor for patient identification, and a controller that correlates both identifications. This merging approach achieves reliable verification of both medication and patient identity simultaneously, rather than using separate reminder systems that cannot provide objective verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives data from both the spectrometer and biometric sensor, processes this information, and determines whether the identified medication matches the identified patient's prescribed regimen. This intermediary component enables the system to provide objective verification by correlating multiple data sources.
2Measurement precision
If handheld NIR spectrometer is used for medication identification, then quick and accurate verification is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual medication verification methods with a handheld near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer that automatically identifies medication through spectral analysis. This substitution of mechanical/optical measurement for manual inspection achieves quick and accurate medication identification, despite the increased complexity of incorporating the spectrometer device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides objective verification of medication and patient identity, reducing incorrect medication administration and ensuring adherence to medication schedules.
Implementation Method 1
A medication assurance system of the invention includes a portable near infrared (NIR) reflection spectrometer for obtaining a diffuse reflection spectrum of a pill
Implementation Method 2
a portable near infrared (NIR) reflection spectrometer for obtaining a diffuse reflection spectrum of a pill
Implementation Method 3
a biometric device, such as a fingerprint scanner, for identifying a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A medication assurance system for verification of both the medication and the patient is disclosed. A portable spectrometer is used to obtain a light spectrum of the medication. A subject identification or biometric device is used to identify the patient. A controller coupled to the portable spectrometer and the subject identification device identifies the medication by performing a chemometric analysis of the light spectrum. Based on the medication identified and the patient identified, the controller can determine if the medication is to be taken by the patient.