Description:
BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a medicine box and particularly to an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dispenser for dispensing products.
Description of Related Art
[002] Medication adherence remains a major challenge in healthcare. Patients, particularly elderly individuals, often fail to follow prescribed schedules due to memory issues, complex regimens, or lack of supervision. Missed doses or incorrect intake results in poor therapeutic outcomes, deterioration of health, or unnecessary hospital admissions. Caretakers and healthcare providers carry an additional burden to ensure patients take their medicines as prescribed, that creates stress and increases dependency.
[003] Several technologies and devices have been developed to assist in medication management. Conventional pillboxes with alarms provide reminders, while automated dispensers release medicines at scheduled intervals. Some devices integrate with mobile applications or SMS services to notify patients and caregivers. Devices with remote monitoring allow healthcare providers to supervise adherence from a distance. Commercial devices such as Med Minder, Hero Medication Dispenser, and Pill Pack by Amazon Pharmacy represent examples of current devices.
[004] Despite these advances, existing solutions show significant limitations. Many solutions lack seamless integration with health data, that restricts real-time adjustments by healthcare professionals. Some solutions fail to incorporate vital sign display, while others do not ensure reliability in remote access and reconfiguration. Dependence on manual intervention or limited alert mechanisms also reduces effectiveness.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dispenser for dispensing products that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dispenser for dispensing products. The dispenser comprising a container segregated into compartments. The compartments are adapted to store a variety of products. The dispenser further comprising a lid embedded with a sensory unit adapted to measure a body vital information of a subject. The dispenser further comprising dispensing units connected to the compartments. The dispensing units are adapted to dispense one or more variety of the products, stored, from the compartments. The dispenser further comprising a network interface. The network interface is adapted to transmit the measured body vital information of the subject to a secondary computer device; and receive a dispensing signal with a compartment address from the secondary computer device. The dispenser further comprising a controlling unit communicatively connected to the dispensing unit and to the network interface. The controlling unit is configured to receive the dispensing signal and the compartment address from the network interface; and activate a motor driver to actuate motors, corresponding to the dispensing units linked with the compartment address, for enabling the dispensing units to dispense the products.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for dispensing products using an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dispenser. The method comprising steps of measuring a body vital information of a subject using a sensory unit; transmitting the measured body vital information of the subject to a secondary computer device; receiving a dispensing signal with a compartment address from the secondary computer device, when the measured body vital information deviate from a healthy range; and activating a motor driver to actuate motors, corresponding to the dispensing units linked with the compartment address, for enabling the dispensing units to dispense the products.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dispenser for dispensing products.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a dispenser that provides real-time display of patient vitals such as oxygen level, blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature directly on the device.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a dispenser that ensures better health monitoring along with medication management.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a dispenser that ensures precise dispensing of prescribed doses at scheduled times.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a dispenser that reduces errors and prevents missed or double doses.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a dispenser that allows supervision, adherence, and modification in medication regimens from remote locations.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a dispenser that increases flexibility and reduces dependency on physical presence.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a dispenser that sends reminders and alerts, notifying caregivers immediately in case of missed or incorrect intake, thereby improving patient safety.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a dispenser that minimizes the workload of caregivers and enables them to manage multiple patients more efficiently.
[0017] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0018] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dispenser for dispensing products, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a connectivity of the Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dispenser for dispensing products with a computer device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for dispensing products using an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dispenser, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] 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 scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0025] 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.
[0026] As used herein, the term “subject” refers to an individual, such as a patient, user, or person, whose body vital information is measured, monitored, or recorded. The subject may include, without limitation, a human being of any age group or health condition, and the term is not intended to be limiting to any particular category of individuals.
[0027] 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.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dispenser 100 (hereinafter referred to as the dispenser 100) for dispensing products, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 100 may be configured as an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled device adapted to store, manage, and dispense products in a controlled and automated manner.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the products to be dispensed may be, but are not limited to, pills, tablets, capsules, syrups, medicinal products, pharmaceutical formulations, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, vaccines, injections, vials, ampoules, medical products, bandages, dressings, gauzes, swabs, needles, syringes, infusion bags, intravenous (IV) fluids, inhalers, sprays, ointments, creams, gels, lotions, antiseptics, disinfectants, medical devices, diagnostic kits, testing strips, thermometers, gloves, masks, sanitary products, catheters, surgical instruments, or any other healthcare-related consumables.
[0030] The dispenser 100 may integrate healthcare monitoring with medication management to ensure adherence and safety of a subject. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 100 may operate as a standalone unit that may function independently or in coordination with external devices through wireless or wired communication. The dispenser 100 may be portable, compact, and adaptable for use in hospitals, nursing homes, and household environments.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 100 may be configured to execute scheduled dispensing cycles, emergency dispensing cycles based on deviations in body vitals, and remote dispensing cycles triggered by a caretaker. The scheduling and control of the dispenser 100 may be managed through a software application or an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled device. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 100 may be configured to provide real-time notifications, reminders, and alerts to enhance adherence. The dispenser 100 may further transmit a feedback regarding usage, a compliance, and an operational status to the caretaker.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 100 may incorporate safety features to prevent unauthorized access, double dispensing, or mechanical malfunction. The dispenser 100 may ensure accuracy, hygiene, and reliability during operation. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 100 may be scalable to manage multiple patients simultaneously by associating each dispensing cycle with unique identification credentials, thereby expanding applicability in large healthcare setups. In an embodiment of the present invention, dispenser 100 may be designed to optimize patient convenience by combining medication dispensing with health monitoring. Thus, the dispenser 100 may reduce dependency on manual interventions and enable remote supervision.
[0033] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser 100 may incorporate non-limiting hardware components to enhance a processing speed and an efficiency such as the dispenser 100 may comprise a container 102, a lid 104, compartments 106a-106n (hereinafter referred individually to as the compartment 106, and plurally to as the compartments 106), a sensory unit 108, an oxygen level sensor 110, a blood pressure sensor 112, a pulse rate sensor 114, a temperature sensor 116, dispensing units 118a-118n (hereinafter referred individually to as the dispensing unit 118, and plurally to as the dispensing units 118), a network interface 120, a controlling unit 122, a motor driver 124, motors 126a-126n (hereinafter referred individually to as the motor 126, and plurally to as the motors 126), and a power supply unit 128. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware components of the system 100 may be integrated with computer-executable instructions for overcoming the challenges and the limitations of the existing dispensers.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container 102 may be configured to serve as a primary housing structure for securely storing the products within the dispenser 100. The container 102 may be designed to ensure durability, hygiene, and protection of the compartments 106. In an embodiment of the present invention, the container 102 may be fabricated from materials such as a medical-grade material, a stainless-steel material, or a polymer composite material that may be biocompatible and resistant to moisture, heat, and contamination. The material composition of the container 102 may provide a long-term stability and safety.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container 102 may be dimensioned in a compact, a portable, or a stationary forms, allowing application across a personal, a clinical, and an institutional healthcare environment. The dimensions of the container 102 may be adapted according to a number of the compartments 106 required. In an embodiment of the present invention, the container 102 may include an internal structuring that may enable orderly placement of the compartments 106, ensuring a systematic arrangement and minimizing a risk of spillage or misplacement.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container 102 may be designed with an external geometry in a cylindrical, a cuboidal, or a polygonal form, thereby allowing an ease of placement, stacking, or a portability. The geometry of the container 102 may further optimize a spatial usage in healthcare settings. In an embodiment of the present invention, the container 102 may incorporate a surface finish or a coating with an antimicrobial or an anti-corrosive properties, thereby maintaining hygiene and extending service life. In an embodiment of the present invention, the container 102 may be scalable in volume to allow adaptation for a single-patient usage, a multi-patient usage, or a large-capacity clinical storage scenarios.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lid 104 may be configured to securely cover the container 102, thereby protecting the products from contamination, spillage, and unauthorized access. In an embodiment of the present invention, the lid 104 may be fixed on the container 102 through a hinged mechanism, allowing the lid 104 to open and close in a controlled manner while remaining attached to the container 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the lid 104 may be secured to the container 102 by means of a threaded coupling. The threaded coupling may enable a tight sealing, and disengagement permits for refilling or cleaning.
[0038] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the lid 104 may be fixed on the container 102 using a snap-fit arrangement or a press-fit arrangement, providing a quick attachment and a detachment without requiring any additional tools. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the lid 104 may be secured to the container 102 using a magnetic coupling or a latch-based locking. The magnetic coupling or the latch-based locking may ensure a convenience of an access while maintaining integrity of the lid 104. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the lid 104 may include sealing features such as gaskets or O-rings disposed between the lid 104 and the container 102. Thus, enhancing airtight or moisture-resistant fixation. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the lid 104 may be designed with tamper-evident fixation. The tamper-evident fixation of the lid 104 from the container 102 may provide a visual or mechanical indication of access.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the compartments 106 may be adapted to store a variety of the products. The compartments 106 may store the products in isolated sections, ensuring a separation based on dosage, formulation, or type. The compartments 106 may be dimensioned in uniform or varied sizes, allowing selective allocation of the products according to therapeutic requirements. The compartments 106 may be fabricated from a non-reactive material, the medical-grade material. Hence, ensuring safety and stability of the stored products. The compartments 106 may be arranged in a linear, a circular, a radial, or a matrix layouts, optimizing an internal organization and an accessibility. The compartments 106 may incorporate smooth internal surfaces to prevent adhesion or breakage of the products during storage and dispensing. The compartments 106 may be scalable in number. Thus, enabling the dispenser 100 to accommodate different compartments 106 for the single-patient usage or the multi-patient usage.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the compartments 106 may be integrally formed within the container 102, providing a fixed and a non-removable arrangement that may ensure durability and consistent alignment. The compartments 106 may be detachably mounted inside the container 102, allowing refilling, replacement, or cleaning without replacing the entire container 102. The compartments 106 may be arranged as modular inserts that may slide or lock into the container 102, thereby enabling flexible reconfiguration of storage capacity. The compartments 106 may be structurally supported by grooves, rails, or slots formed inside the container 102. Thus, ensuring a precise positioning and stability. The compartments 106 may be removably secured to the container 102 using fastening means such as clips, latches, or threaded couplings, hence, combining security with an ease of access.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the compartments 106 may be associated with a unique compartment address that may identify the specific location of the suppository stored within the dispenser 100. The compartment address may correspond to a predefined numerical, alphanumerical, or coded designation allocated to the compartment 106. The compartment address may further enable the controlling unit 122 to selectively activate dispensing operations from the designated compartment 106. The compartment address may ensure accurate release of the intended suppository without interference from adjacent compartments 106.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensory unit 108 may be integrated on the lid 104. The sensory unit 108 may be adapted to measure a body vital information of the subject. The body vital information may be measured upon placement of a finger and/or hand of the subject on the sensory unit 108. The sensory unit 108 may comprise the oxygen level sensor 110, the blood pressure sensor 112, the pulse rate sensor 114, and the temperature sensor 116. The oxygen level sensor 110 may be adapted to measure a concentration of oxygen in a blood of a subject. The blood pressure sensor 112 may be adapted to measure a level of blood pressure of the subject. The pulse rate sensor 114 may be adapted to measure a heartbeat rate of the subject. The temperature sensor 116 may be adapted to measure a body temperature of the subject.
[0043] The sensory unit 108 may further comprise one or more parametric sensors, such as weight sensors, pressure sensors, optical sensors, infrared sensors, biometric sensors, and so forth.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing units 118 may be connected to the compartments 106. The dispensing units 118 may be adapted to dispense one or more variety of the products, stored, from the compartments 106. The dispensing units 118 may be spring connected mechanisms that may be activated upon activation of the motors 126.
[0045] Upon activation, the dispensing units 118 may provide a passage to the stored products. The passage may be provided by a vending machine mechanism, such as a retraction of a flap, a push from a plunger, a suppression by a piston, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the vending machine mechanism, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, for passaging of the stored products.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, a singularity and/or a plurality of the passaged stored products may be collected in a collection chamber (not shown). The subject may collect the dispensed products in the chamber for consumption. The collection chamber may be further sensitive to a weight of the products. The sensitivity may enable the dispenser 100 to interpret a failure of consumption of the dispensed products by the subject. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 100 may comprise the one or more parametric sensors, such as the weight sensors, the pressure sensors, the optical sensors, the infrared sensors, the biometric sensors, and so forth. The one or more parametric sensors may detect whether the dispensed product has been removed from a compartment, tray, or dispensing unit. In another embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 100 may employ a camera module, image recognition, or proximity detection to determine whether the dispensed product has been picked up by a user. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 100 may rely on user interaction, such as a confirmation input provided via a mobile application, a touchscreen interface, or a connected device, indicating that the user has consumed the dispensed product. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser 100 may integrate with the biometric sensors, such as breath sensors, saliva sensors, or wearable health-monitoring devices, to confirm ingestion of the product.
[0047] Further, upon dispensing of the products, the vending machine mechanism may reactivate to block the provided passage. The blocking of the passage may be of importance to prevent the dispensing of extra products.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the network interface 120 may be adapted to establish a communicative link between the controlling unit 122 and a primary computer device 200 (as shown in FIG. 2) and a secondary computer device 202 (as shown in the FIG. 2). The established communicative link may enable a throughput of a dispensing signal with the compartment address to/from the secondary computer device 202. The established communicative link may enable a throughput of notification to/from the primary computer device 200 and the secondary computer device 202. The network interface 120 may be, but not limited to, a Bluetooth network interface, a millimetre waves network interface, an Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) network interface, a wired network interface, a data cable-based network interface, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the network interface 120 may be adapted to operate over Internet of Things (IoT) protocols. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the network interface 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controlling unit 122 may be operatively connected to the dispensing unit and to the network interface 120. The operative communication may include, but not limited to, receiving, transmitting, processing, synchronizing, querying, updating, encrypting, decrypting, storing, retrieving, validating, logging, monitoring, alerting, authenticating, authorizing, compressing, decompressing, streaming, and rendering data or commands between the dispensing unit and the network interface 120 and the controlling unit 122. The controlling unit 122 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an output relating to the device 100.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controlling unit 122 may be configured to receive the dispensing signal and the compartment address from the network interface. The controlling unit 122 may further be configured to activate the motor driver 124 to actuate the motors 126. The motor driver 126 may actuate the motors 126 corresponding to the dispensing units 118 linked with the received compartment address. The actuation of the motors 126 corresponding to the compartment address may enable the corresponding dispensing units 118 to dispense the products stored in the corresponding compartments 106.
[0051] The controlling unit 122 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the controlling unit 122 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the motor driver 124 may be connected to the controlling unit 122. The motor driver 124 may be adapted to receive a carried-over dispensing signal from the controlling unit 122. The motor driver 124 may be configured to actuate the motors 126 based on the dispensing signal received from the controlling unit 122. Further, as the dispensing signal may comprise the compartment address, the motor driver 124 may actuate the motors 126 corresponding to the dispensing units 118 linked with the compartment address. The actuation of the motor 126 corresponding to the dispensing units 118 may enable the dispensing of the products from the corresponding dispensing units 118.
[0053] The motors 126 and the dispensing units 118 may be coupled using means such as, but not limited to, a rack and pinion mechanism, a linear actuator, a pneumatic system, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any coupling means, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, for the motors 126 and the extension platform 104. The motor driver 124 may be, but not limited to, a L298N driver, a TB6612FNG driver, a DRV8833 driver, a DRV8871 driver, an A4950, a BTS7960 driver, a MC3393 driver, a L293D driver, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the motor driver 124, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The motors 126 may be, but not limited to, induction motors, synchronous motors, stepper motors, brushless motors, universal motors, servo motors, reluctance motors, shaded pole motors, Direct Current (DC) motors, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the motors 126, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 128 may be connected to the controlling unit 122. The power supply unit 128 may further supply operational power to the controlling unit 122, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 128 may further supply operational power to the motor driver 124 and to the motors 126.
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 128 may provide power from a battery. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 128 may provide power from a wall-outlet power supply. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the power supply unit 128 may supply power from any source.
[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery power supply may be from a rechargeable battery. In another embodiment of the present invention, the battery power supply may be from a non-rechargeable battery. The battery for power supply may be of any composition such as, but not limited to, a Nickel-Cadmium battery, a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery, a Zinc-Carbon battery, a Lithium-Ion battery, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any composition of the battery, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wall-outlet power supply may be from a grid power line supply. In another embodiment of the present invention, the wall-outlet power supply may be from a generator line power supply. The wall-outlet power supply may be of any rating, such as, but not limited to, a 110-volt supply, a 220-volt supply, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any rating of the wall-outlet power supply, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0058] The power supply unit 128 may supply an Alternating Current (AC) power supply. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 128 may supply a Direct Current (DC) power supply. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 128 may supply any type of power supply.
[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates a connectivity of the dispenser 100 for dispensing products with the primary computer device 200 and the secondary computer device 202, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, the primary computer device 200 may be an electronic device. The primary computer device 200 may be used by the subject. The primary computer device 200 may enable the subject to receive the notification. The received notification may indicate dispense of the products to the subject. Additionally, the received notification may indicate a reminder for consumption of the dispensed products.
[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, the secondary computer device 202 may be the electronic device. The secondary computer device 202 may be used by the caretaker. The secondary computer device 202 may enable the caretaker to transmit the dispensing signal to the network interface 120. The dispensing signal may encapsulate the compartment address. Based on the dispensing signal and the compartment address, the motor driver 124 may actuate the corresponding motors 126 for dispensing of the products.
[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, the secondary computer device 202 may enable the caretaker to receive the notification. The received notification may indicate the failure of consumption of the dispensed products.
[0063] The notification may be, but not limited to, a ping, a ring, a flash, a haptic, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the notification may be a reminder through an application and/or a Short Messaging Service (SMS). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the notification, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0064] The primary computer device 200 and the secondary computer device 202 may be, but not limited to, a smartphone, a laptop, and so forth. in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the primary computer device 200 and the secondary computer device 202 may be the Internet of Things (IoT) enabled device. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the primary computer device 200 and the secondary computer device 202, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0065] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for dispensing the products using dispenser 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] At step 302, the dispenser 100 may enable the subject to place the finger on the sensory unit 108 to measure the body vital information.
[0067] At step 304, the dispenser 100 may measure the body vital information of the subject using the sensory unit 108.
[0068] At step 306, the dispenser 100 may transmit the measured body vital information of the subject to the secondary computer device 202.
[0069] At step 308, the dispenser 100 may enable the secondary computer device 202 to check if the measured body vital information deviates from the healthy range. If the measured body vital information deviates from the healthy range, then the method 300 may proceed to a step 310. Else, the method 300 may revert to the step 304.
[0070] At step 310, the dispenser 100 may receive the dispensing signal with the compartment address from the secondary computer device 202.
[0071] At step 312, the dispenser 100 may activate the motor driver 124 to actuate the motors 126, corresponding to the dispensing units 118 linked with the compartment address, enabling the dispensing units 118 to dispense the products.
[0072] At step 314, the dispenser 100 may transmit the notification to the primary computer device 200, indicating the reminder for consumption of the dispensed products.
[0073] At step 316, the dispenser 100 may check for consumption of the dispensed products at a scheduled time. If the failure of consumption of the dispensed products may be received, then the method 300 may proceed to a step 318. Else, the method 300 may conclude.
[0074] At step 318, the dispenser 100 may transmit the notification to the secondary computer device 202 indicating the failure of consumption of the dispensed products.
[0075] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0076] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. An Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dispenser (100) for dispensing products, the dispenser (100) comprising:
a container (102) segregated into compartments (106a-106n), wherein the compartments (106a-106n) are adapted to store a variety of products;
a lid (104) embedded with a sensory unit (108) adapted to measure a body vital information of a subject;
dispensing units (118a-118n) connected to the compartments (106a-106n), wherein the dispensing units (118a-118n) are adapted to dispense one or more variety of the products, stored in the compartments (106a-106n);
a network interface (120) adapted to:
transmit the measured body vital information of the subject to a secondary computer device (202); and
receive a dispensing signal with a compartment address from the secondary computer device (202); and
a controlling unit (122) communicatively connected to the dispensing unit and to the network interface (120), characterized in that the controlling unit (122) is configured to:
receive the dispensing signal and the compartment address from the network interface (120); and
activate a motor driver (124) to actuate motors (126a-126n), corresponding to the dispensing units (118a-118n) linked with the compartment address, for enabling the dispensing units (118a-118n) to dispense the products.
2. The dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body vital information is measured by placement of a finger on the sensory unit (108).
3. The dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensory unit (108) comprises an oxygen level sensor (110), a blood pressure sensor (112), a pulse rate sensor (114), a temperature sensor (116), or a combination thereof.
4. The dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controlling unit (122) is configured to transmit a notification to a primary computer device (200) indicating a reminder for consumption of the dispensed products.
5. The dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controlling unit (122) is configured to transmit a notification to the secondary computer device (202) upon failure of consumption of the dispensed products.
6. The dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a power supply unit (128) adapted to supply operational power to the controlling unit (122).
7. A method (300) for dispensing products using an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dispenser (100), the method (300) is characterized by steps of:
measuring a body vital information of a subject using a sensory unit (108);
transmitting the measured body vital information of the subject to a secondary computer device (202);
receiving a dispensing signal with a compartment address from the secondary computer device (202), when the measured body vital information deviates from a healthy range; and
activating a motor driver (124) to actuate (126a-126n), corresponding to the dispensing units (118a-118n) linked with the compartment address, for enabling the dispensing units (118a-118n) to dispense the products.
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of transmitting a notification to a primary computer device (200) indicating a reminder for consumption of the dispensed products.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of transmitting a notification to the secondary computer device (202) upon failure of consumption of the dispensed products.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of placing a finger on the sensory unit (108) for measuring the body vital information.
Date: September 02, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant