Automated Pill Dispensing Robot with Plan Generation Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated pill dispensing systems rely on manual user input for both prescription management and filling, leading to errors in dispensing the correct number of pills at predetermined times and lack customization options, resulting in increased health costs due to non-compliance.
Innovation Solution
An automated pill dispensing robot system that generates and executes plans for dispensing pills into pill packs with multiple slots for each day, using a plan generation module to process prescriptions, calculate pill types and quantities, and fill prescription plans using a pill dispensing robot with a container module that dynamically determines pill locations and types, separating the pill collection and dispensing processes for efficient and accurate packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual user input is used for prescription management and filling, then the system is easier to operate, but human error increases and dispensing accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic pill recognition and counting mechanisms that eliminate manual user input. The camera system automatically identifies pills, the robotic arm automatically transfers them, and the system automatically verifies dosages, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating human error from manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems including camera-based pill identification, robotic arm manipulation, and automated counting mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with automated systems resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through automation while dramatically improving dispensing accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If automated pill dispensing is implemented, then dispensing accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single automated platform: pill recognition, counting, verification, and dispensing. The camera system serves both identification and verification purposes, while the robotic arm handles both transfer and placement. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated verification mechanisms where the camera captures images of dispensed pills to verify correctness. This feedback loop ensures accuracy while automating the verification process, reducing the complexity burden by making verification an integrated automated function rather than a separate manual step.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pill chambers are used for different dosages and frequencies, then customization improves, but the number of chambers to be filled increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-organizes pills into daily compartments before dispensing. The automated system prepares the entire week's medication schedule in advance, with each day's pills pre-sorted and verified. This preliminary organization reduces the complexity of managing multiple chambers by automating the sorting and preparation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides medication into discrete daily compartments with each compartment containing all necessary pills for that day. This segmentation approach allows customization for different dosages and frequencies while managing complexity through automated organization and verification of each segmented unit.
4Reliability
If pharmacies prepack medications manually, then patient compliance improves, but time consumption and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of packaging speed from manual to automated operation. The robotic arm can transfer pills at speeds much faster than manual operation, dramatically reducing packaging time while maintaining or improving compliance through automated verification of correct dosages and frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs the entire prepackaging process without human intervention, from pill identification to verification. This self-service capability eliminates labor time while improving reliability through consistent automated verification of medication accuracy, thereby improving patient compliance.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for a medical pill dispensing system. A system includes a supply module configured to supply one or more pills, where the supply module includes a plurality of containers. Each of the plurality of containers is configured to dispense one or more pills of a respective type. The system also includes a receiving module configured to receive one or more pills from the supply module. The system also includes a pre-fill tray configured to receive one or more pills from the receiving module. The system also includes a transfer plate configured to receive an arrangement of pills from the pre-fill tray. The system also includes a control module operable to control operation of one or more of the supply module, the first receiving unit, and the second receiving unit.