Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a medication schedule facilitating assistive device that is capable of optimizing pill management by organizing and safeguarding storage, supporting adherence to prescribed regimens, monitoring schedules in real time, providing punctual intake alerts, and allowing intuitive interaction for configuring and adjusting medication routines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The issue of medication adherence has long been a significant challenge in healthcare, particularly for individuals with cognitive impairments, the elderly, and those managing chronic conditions. Proper medication management is essential for achieving desired health outcomes, yet many individuals struggle to maintain consistent adherence due to forgetfulness, complex medication schedules, and physical limitations. This issue has been linked to increased hospitalizations, worsened health conditions, and higher healthcare costs. Over time, as the population ages and the incidence of chronic diseases rises, the need for effective solutions to improve medication adherence has grown. Healthcare providers recognized that supporting individuals in managing their medications could lead to better outcomes and a reduction in avoidable complications.

[0003] Traditional methods of medication schedule facilitation typically included manual pill organizers, paper-based medication charts, and verbal reminders from caregivers or healthcare providers. Pill organizers, often used to sort medications by day or dose, provided a basic way to keep track of medications, but they relied on the user’s memory to refill and manage them properly. Paper-based charts, while offering a visual reminder, were prone to errors in recording or misinterpretation, and verbal reminders, though helpful, often lacked consistency and reliability, especially for individuals with memory impairments or those living independently. These traditional methods, while helpful in some cases, were limited in their ability to provide real-time tracking, reminders, or alerts, making it difficult for users to maintain a high level of adherence and leading to potential missed doses or incorrect medication administration.

[0004] EP3188663A1 discloses about an invention a self-monitoring and reporting Therapeutics composition, method, apparatus and system are provided which flexibly provide options, by combining different embodiments of the device with different embodiments of the composition, the ability to conduct definitive medication adherence monitoring over the short term (Acute Medication Adherence Monitoring, immediately up to an hour or so after taking a medication), intermediate term (Intermediate Medication Adherence Monitoring, IMAM, an hour or so to a day or so after taking a medication), and longer term (Chronic Medication Adherence Monitoring, CMAM, a day to several days after taking a medication.

[0005] W02018130578A1 discloses about an invention provides a method for monitoring adherence by a patient to a medication. The method comprises the steps of obtaining timing data in respect of each dose of a medication taken by a patient over a time interval, estimating the concentration of the medication in the patient's body over the time interval based on the dose timing data; determining the proportion of time over the time interval the concentration of the medication in the patient's body exceeds a target concentration; and calculating an adherence score for the patient based on the determined proportion of time the concentration of the medication in the patient's body exceeds the target concentration.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that assist in organizing and managing medication schedules. However, these devices often lack automated pill extraction mechanisms, requiring users to manually access pills, which can be difficult for individuals with physical limitations or cognitive impairments, leading to potential errors in medication adherence.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of automating pill extraction, providing real-time medication tracking, and ensuring secure user authentication, thereby improving medication adherence and reducing the risk of errors in pill dispensing.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of simplifying the process of organizing, storing, and accessing medicinal pills in a structured and efficient manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of promoting timely intake of medication by providing real-time reminders and alerts tailored to the user's prescribed regimen.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of offering an intuitive interface for setting, adjusting, and monitoring medication schedules with ease.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a medication schedule facilitating assistive device that is capable of simplifying medication management by securely organizing pill storage, ensuring adherence to prescribed schedules, tracking real-time schedules, delivering timely intake reminders, and enabling effortless interaction for setting and modifying medication plans.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a medication schedule facilitating assistive device comprises of a hollow cuboidal body developed to be utilized for storing blister packaged medicinal pills, the body is segregated into multiple sections for allowing a user to store medicinal pills in a segregated manner, a motorized slidable flap is integrated with a top portion of each of the sections that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to open/close the lid for allowing proper storage of medicinal pills inside the body, a touch interactive display panel arranged on the body that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding medication schedule of the user, a real time clock is integrated for monitoring and maintaining a real time track and in case the monitored time matches with a pre-fed time scheduled for medicine intake for the user, a speaker integrated on the body to produce audio reminder for the user to intake the user’s medicine, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body, respectively to detect presence of the user in proximity to the body.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a biometric scanner is arranged on the body that is accessed by the user for casting impression of the user’s biometric which is compared with multiple pre-fed biometric scans stored in the database for authenticating the user, a motorized actuator provided inside each of the sections and integrated with a micro-drill unit, for carving holes over the blister packaging, for extraction of medicinal pill from the blister packaging, a suction unit paired with a suction cup installed on inner periphery of each of the section via a robotic link, post exposing the medicinal pill from blister packaging, for generating suction pressure underneath the cups for adhering the cups on the medicinal pill, followed by actuation of the robotic link for transferring the medicinal pill over a collection tray installed with the body, a Peltier unit coupled with a thermostat is arranged within the body for maintaining an appropriate temperature inside the body for storage of the stored pills, a motorized sliding gate is arranged on frontal portion of each of the sections, for proper transfer of medicinal pill over the tray, an IR (Infrared) counter is embedded within the sections for counting number of the blister packaged medicinal pills stored within the sections, and as soon as the counted number recedes a threshold number, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a medication schedule facilitating assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a medication schedule facilitating assistive device that is capable of streamlining medication management by organizing and securely storing pills while facilitating adherence to prescribed schedules, monitors real-time schedules, provides timely reminders for intake, and allows seamless interaction for setting and adjusting medication plans.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a medication schedule facilitating assistive device is illustrated, comprising a hollow cuboidal body 101, the body 101 is segregated into multiple sections 102, a motorized slidable flap 103 is integrated with a top portion of each of the sections 102, a touch interactive display panel 104 arranged on the body 101, a speaker 105 integrated on the body 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 installed on the body 101, a biometric scanner 107 is arranged on the body 101, a motorized actuator 108 provided inside each of the sections 102 and integrated with a micro-drill unit 109, a suction unit 110 paired with a suction cup installed on inner periphery of each of the section via a robotic link 111, a Peltier unit 112 coupled with a thermostat is arranged within the body 101, a motorized sliding gate 113 is arranged on frontal portion of each of the sections 102.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a hollow cuboidal body 101 developed to be utilized for storing blister packaged medicinal pills, the body 101 is segregated into multiple sections 102 for allowing a user to store medicinal pills in a segregated manner.

[0024] The user presses a button integrated with the handle to activate the device. The button is internally connected with the device via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conducting electricity through a microcontroller associated with the device that tends to
activate the device and vice versa.

[0025] Once the device gets activated, a motorized slidable flap 103 is integrated with a top portion of each of the sections 102 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to open/close the lid for allowing proper storage of medicinal pills inside the body 101. The flap 103 is actuated by the microcontroller to control the opening and closing of the lid, allowing for the proper storage of medicinal pills inside the body 101.

[0026] The microcontroller sends signals to the motor, which moves the flap 103 in a controlled manner, ensuring that the lid opens to allow access to the pills and closes to secure them when not in use. This automated arrangement ensures that the storage process is both efficient and hygienic, protecting the pills while making them easily accessible.

[0027] After storing the medicinal pills, a touch interactive display panel 104 arranged on the body 101 is accessed by a user for providing input regarding medication schedule of the user which is saved in a database linked with the microcontroller.

[0028] The touch interactive display panel 104 mapped herein consists of multiple
tiny electrically active wires. When user touch the mapping illustrated over the panel, the wires are pressed together and circuit is completed which results in flow of voltages across the circuit and that voltage flow is detected by the microcontroller linked with the panel in form of electric signals. Further the signals are processed by the microcontroller to determine the user’s input regarding the medication schedule of the user.

[0029] Based on the database for authenticating the user, a real time clock is integrated with the microcontroller for monitoring and maintaining a real time track and in case the monitored time matches with a pre-fed time scheduled for medicine intake for the user. The real time clock operates by providing accurate time data to the microcontroller, which then compares it against the stored schedule. When the current time matches the pre-set intake time, the microcontroller triggers by sending a reminder, ensuring that the user takes their medicine at the correct time.

[0030] Based on the time scheduled for medicine intake for the user, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 105 integrated on the body 101 to produce audio reminder for the user to intake the user’s medicine. The speaker 105 works by converting the electrical signal into the audio signal. It consists of a cone known as a diaphragm attached to a coil-shaped wire placed between two magnets. When the electric signal is passed through the voice coil, it generates a varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnet causing the diaphragm to move back and forth. This movement pushes and pulls air creating sound waves just like the electrical signal received and used to notify the user to intake the user’s medicine.

[0031] For intake of medicine, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 installed on the body 101 and integrated with a processor captures and processes multiple images in vicinity of the body 101, respectively to detect presence of the user in proximity to the body 101. The imaging unit 106 includes a camera that captures images of the user to gather comprehensive visual information.

[0032] The imaging unit 106 is linked with the processor that preprocesses the captured images which involves noise reduction to clean the distortions followed by adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance to make the images more uniform. Then, feature extraction is done using artificial intelligence protocol to identify and extract key features or patterns from the images to highlight significant elements within the image.

[0033] Upon detection of the user, a biometric scanner 107 arranged on the body 101 that is activated by the microcontroller for allowing the user to cast impression of the user’s biometric which is compared with multiple pre-fed biometric scans stored in the database for authenticating the user. The biometric scanner 107 works by using sensors to scan and record the unique biometric features of the user. This captured biometric data is then compared against a set of pre-stored biometric profiles in the database. If a match is found, the microcontroller authenticates the user, ensures secure, personalized interaction with the device based on the user's unique biometric characteristics.

[0034] The device features a motorized actuator 108, housed within each section of the device and integrated with a micro-drill unit 109, is regulated by the microcontroller based on the user's specified pill intake. The motorized actuator 108 works by converting electrical signals from the microcontroller into mechanical motion, enabling precise movement of the micro-drill unit 109. When the user specifies a particular pill intake, the microcontroller sends commands to the actuator 108, which then shifts the drill unit to the correct position over the blister packaging. The actuator 108 uses motors or servos to control the direction, speed, and position of the drill.

[0035] When the user requests a particular medicinal pill, the microcontroller directs the actuator 108 to position the micro-drill unit 109 precisely over the blister packaging of the selected pill. Once in position, the drill unit 109 is activated to carve small holes into the blister packaging, allowing the pill to be extracted from its compartment.

[0036] Based on extraction of medicinal pill from the blister packaging, a suction unit 110 paired with a suction cup installed on inner periphery of each of the section via a robotic link 111, wherein post exposing the medicinal pill from blister packaging, the microcontroller actuates the suction unit 110 for generating suction pressure underneath the cups for adhering the cups on the medicinal pill, followed by actuation of the robotic link 111 for transferring the medicinal pill over a collection tray installed with the body 101.

[0037] The suction unit 110 consists of a pump that operates by creating a vacuum to adhering the cups on the medicinal pill. When the pump is activated, it draws the air in through an intake. Inside the pump, a rotating impeller moves to reduce the pressure within the pump chamber. This reduction in pressure creates a vacuum effect, which generates suction and adhering the cups on the medicinal pill. A motorized sliding gate 113 is arranged on frontal portion of each of the sections 102, dynamically actuated by the microcontroller for proper transfer of medicinal pill over the tray.

[0038] The motorized sliding gate 113 used herein consists of a sliding-rail and multiple rolling members which are integrated with a step motor. On actuation the step motor rotates the rolling members in order to provide rolling motion to the
members which results in sliding of the medicinal pill over the tray.

[0039] A Peltier unit 112 coupled with a thermostat is arranged within the body 101 for maintaining an appropriate temperature inside the body 101 for storage of the stored pills. Peltier unit 112 works on the Peltier effect where a temperature difference is created by transferring heat between two electrical junctions. A voltage applied across two conductors joined together creates an electrical current. When an electric current is passed, electrons move from a high-energy state to a lower-energy state and release energy in the form of heat. At one junction, the movement of electrons absorbs heat from the surroundings making that side cold while other side where the movement of electrons releases energy, it becomes hot. Thus maintaining appropriate temperature for storage of the stored pills.

[0040] An IR (Infrared) counter is embedded within the sections 102 for counting number of the blister packaged medicinal pills stored within the sections 102 emitting an infrared light beam across the section and detecting the reflection or interruption of that beam caused by the presence of blister packaged medicinal pills. When a pill is added or removed from the section, the IR beam is either reflected back to the sensor or blocked entirely, triggering a count. The sensor continuously monitors these interruptions or reflections and transmits the data to the microcontroller, which keeps a real-time count of the pills stored in the section.

[0041] If counted number recedes a threshold number, the microcontroller sends an alert on a computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the medicinal pills in the sections 102. The computing unit transmits the user’s commands to the device through wireless communication technology such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Upon receiving the commands, the user re-fill the medicinal pills in the section.

[0042] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes known as a cathode and an anode. A voltage is generated between the anode and cathode via oxidation/reduction and thus produces the electrical energy to provide to the device.

[0043] The present invention works in the best manner where the hollow cuboidal body 101 is designed to store blister-packaged medicinal pills in segregated sections 102, ensuring organized and hygienic storage, features the integrated button connected via circuits to the microcontroller, enabling activation of the device. Upon activation, the motorized slidable flap 103 on each section, controlled by the microcontroller, opens or closes to allow pill storage or access, the touch-interactive display panel 104 allows users to input their medication schedules, which are saved in the database linked to the microcontroller, the real-time clock monitors schedules and triggers audio reminders via the speaker 105 to alert users for timely medicine intake, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 detects the user's presence, while the biometric scanner 107 authenticates access through pre-stored biometric data. The device includes the motorized actuator 108 with the micro-drill that precisely punctures blister packaging to extract pills as directed by the user. Extracted pills are transferred to the collection tray via the suction unit 110 equipped with the suction cup and robotic link 111. The motorized sliding gate 113 ensures smooth transfer of pills to the tray. To maintain optimal storage conditions, the Peltier unit 112 with the thermostat regulates the temperature within the body 101, while the infrared counter monitors the number of pills stored in each section. If the count falls below the threshold, the microcontroller sends the refill alert to the user.

[0044] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A medication schedule facilitating assistive device, comprising:
i) a hollow cuboidal body 101 developed to be utilized for storing blister packaged medicinal pills, said body 101 is segregated into multiple sections 102 for allowing a user to store medicinal pills in a segregated manner, wherein a motorized slidable flap 103 is integrated with a top portion of each of said sections 102 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to open/close said lid for allowing proper storage of medicinal pills inside said body 101;
ii) a touch interactive display panel 104 arranged on said body 101 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding medication schedule of said user which is saved in a database linked with said microcontroller, wherein a real time clock is integrated with said microcontroller for monitoring and maintaining a real time track and in case said monitored time matches with a pre-fed time scheduled for medicine intake for said user, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 105 integrated on said body 101 to produce audio reminder for said user to intake said user’s medicine;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 installed on said body 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively to detect presence of said user in proximity to said body 101, wherein a biometric scanner 107 is arranged on said body 101 that is accessed by said user for casting impression of said user’s biometric which is compared with multiple pre-fed biometric scans stored in said database for authenticating said user;
iv) a motorized actuator 108 provided inside each of said sections 102 and integrated with a micro-drill unit 109, wherein based on said user-specified intake of medicinal pill, said microcontroller regulates actuation of said actuator 108 to position said drill unit over a blister packaged medicinal pill, followed by actuation of said drill unit for carving holes over said blister packaging, for extraction of medicinal pill from said blister packaging; and
v) a suction unit 110 paired with a suction cup installed on inner periphery of each of said section via a robotic link 111, wherein post exposing said medicinal pill from blister packaging, said microcontroller actuates said suction unit 110 for generating suction pressure underneath said cups for adhering said cups on said medicinal pill, followed by actuation of said robotic link 111 for transferring said medicinal pill over a collection tray installed with said body 101.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a Peltier unit 112 coupled with a thermostat is arranged within said body 101 for maintaining an appropriate temperature inside said body 101 for storage of said stored pills.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized sliding gate 113 is arranged on frontal portion of each of said sections 102, dynamically actuated by said microcontroller for proper transfer of medicinal pill over said tray.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an IR (Infrared) counter is embedded within said sections 102 for counting number of said blister packaged medicinal pills stored within said sections 102, and as soon as said counted number recedes a threshold number, said microcontroller sends an alert on a computing unit for notifying said user to re-fill said medicinal pills in said sections 102.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.