Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of mechanical devices for dispensing medications. In particular, the present disclosure provides a cassette and a hub system for dispensing medications.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Medication management, particularly for older patients, has been a significant barrier in ensuring proper adherence. The problem is further exacerbated due to difficulties in keeping track of complex prescription schedules. Existing solutions, like blister packs, impose a significant mental burden on ailing patients to remember to administer the correct set of medications to themselves, at intervals prescribed by physicians.
[0003] Other solutions include storage containers having one or more partitions that separate one medication from another to allow patients to better discern the medications. However, such solutions require the partitions to be refilled every few days, which is a tedious and error-prone process. Other solutions that sense and sort medications in cassettes are unnecessarily complex, expensive, and prone to failure. For instance, reminding and dispensing the correct set of medications to patients often requires use of a significant number of components. While such solutions may provide for automated refiling based on prescription issued by physicians, such solutions cannot avoid manual refilling by a human operator in at least one stage of operation. Further, they require constant subscription/connectivity to the internet, and hence are incompatible for use in remote areas or areas with limited internet connectivity. Such solutions may also be particularly useful for patients trying to be self-sufficient at home, care centres, hospital rooms, etc.
[0004] Some existing solutions are also too complex for patients to understand and operate. For instance, existing solutions require patients to remember which medications to administer themselves with, and accordingly interact with mechanical interfaces and user interfaces to retrieve the intended medication. However, such solutions do not necessarily ease mental burden on patients, and may not have intuitive interfaces, thereby risking dispensation of incorrect medications.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need for a medication dispenser that is automated to remind and dispense prescribed medications to users at prescribed intervals, without requiring continuous internet connection. Particularly, there is a need for a medication dispenser that is simple, inexpensive, and less prone for failure that allows for easy and automated refilling of pills.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a medication dispenser device and a system therefor.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cassette device and hub system for dispensing medication that allows easier discernment of medications by the patient.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to remind and dispense medications at intervals prescribed by physicians, thereby reducing mental burden on patients, and workload of healthcare workers.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cassette device and hub system for dispensing medication that is simple, inexpensive, and less prone for failure.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cassette device and hub system for dispensing medication without requiring manual refilling on site and without requiring continuous internet connectivity.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cassette device and hub system for dispensing medication that can be used by patients with minimal training.

SUMMARY
[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of mechanical devices for dispensing medications. In particular, the present disclosure provides a cassette and a hub system for dispensing medications.
[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a cassette for dispensing medication. The cassette includes a storage cavity that accommodates a set of medications, where the storage cavity has an opening that successively allows a medication from the set of medications to be dispensed. The cassette includes a vibrator plate that may be configured to vibrate and guide the medication through the opening, where the set of medications in the storage cavity may be supported over the vibrator plate. The cassette further includes a rotor having one or more blades configured to rotate and collect the medication from the opening, and push the medication through a passage, and a tray configured to rotate between a first position where the tray may be configured to prevent the medication from exiting the passage, and a second position where the tray may be configured to allow the medication to exit the passage. The control unit may be configured to controllably actuate the vibrator plate to vibrate, the rotor to rotate, and the tray to rotate to the second position for dispensing the medication stored in the storage cavity based on a predetermined schedule.
[0014] In some embodiments, the cassette may include a sensing unit that may be configured to track the number of medications being passed through the passage. In some embodiments, the tray may be moveable to a third position where the pills supported thereover are pushed back into the rotor when the number of medications passed through the passage is greater than prescribed in the predetermined schedule.
[0015] In some embodiments, the sensing unit may include a light emitter that may be configured to emit a beam of light and a light sensor that may be configured to detect the beam of light emitted by the light emitter, and wherein the beam of light may be obstructed when the medication may be passed therethrough, thereby allow the sensing unit to track the number of medications being passed through the passage.
[0016] In some embodiments, the storage cavity may be sealed using a sealing means.
[0017] In some embodiments, the vibrator plate may include a set of grooves configured to guide the medication towards the opening. In some embodiments, the vibrator plate may be connected to an electromagnet that may be configured to cause the vibrator plate to vibrate when an oscillating current cyclically energizes and deenergizes the electromagnet.
[0018] In some embodiments, the cassette includes one or more side walls having a conductive substrate configured to allow an electrical current to pass therethrough. When one or more side walls are damaged, the conductive substrate is configured to prevent the electric current from passing therethrough. In some embodiments, when the conductive substrate prevents the electric current from passing therethrough, the control unit is configured to erase a memory of the control unit.
[0019] In another aspect, a hub system for dispensing medications includes one or more cassettes configured to store a set of medications, each of the one or more cassettes being configured to dispense a medication therefrom at a predetermined schedule, a bowl that collects the medication dispensed by each of the one or more cassettes, and a master controller configured to cause the one or more cassettes to controllably dispense the medication therefrom on to the bowl based on the predetermined schedule.
[0020] In some embodiments, the hub system may include a display interface that receives inputs from a user, wherein the inputs include the predetermined schedule for dispensing the medications from the one or more cassettes.
[0021] In some embodiments, the inputs comprise one or more attributes associated with the medications, and the master controller may be configured to dispense the medications based on the one or more attributes.
[0022] In some embodiments, the master controller may be configured to, determine the number of medications available in each of the one or more cassettes in the cassette holder of the hub system, determine if a current time value matches a time value in a predetermined schedule for dispensing the medications, select cassettes from the one or more cassettes having the medications to be dispensed at the current time value, verify a digital signature stored in a control unit of the selected cassettes, on successful verification, rotate a rotor of the selected cassettes to dispense the medications, determine if the number of medications pushed by the rotor from the selected cassettes matches the number of medications specified in the predetermined schedule, and on receiving a trigger signal from a user, rotate a tray of the selected cassette to a second position to allow the medications to be dispensed out of the selected cassette.
[0023] In some embodiments, the master controller may be configured to rotate the tray to a third position when the trigger signal is not received within a predetermined duration.
[0024] In another aspect, a method for dispensing medications using hub system includes determining, by a master controller, a number of medications available in each of one or more cassettes in a cassette holder of the hub system, determining, by the master controller, if a current time value matches a time value in a predetermined schedule for dispensing the medications, selecting, by the master controller, cassettes from the one or more cassettes having the medications to be dispensed at the current time value, verifying, by the master controller, a digital signature stored in a control unit of the selected cassettes, on successful verification, rotating, by the master controller, a rotor of the selected cassettes to dispense the medications, determining, by the master controller, if the number of medications pushed by the rotor from the selected cassettes matches the number of medications specified in the predetermined schedule, and on receiving a trigger signal from a user, rotating, by the master controller, a tray of the selected cassette to a second position to allow the medications to be dispensed out of the selected cassette.
[0025] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate example perspective views of a cassette with and without side walls thereof removed, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIGs. 2A-2F illustrate example side views of the cassette with a side wall thereof removed, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIGs. 2G and 2H illustrate example isolated view of a rotor and a fork of the cassette, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIGs. 3A-3B illustrate example perspective views of a storage module of a hub system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 3C illustrates an example representation of a cassette holder of the hub system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIGs. 3D-3E illustrate example representations of a top plate of the hub system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 3F illustrates an example representation of an assembled hub system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIGs. 4A-4D illustrate example representation user interfaces for configuring the hub and the cassettes attached thereto, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates an example representation of a user providing cassettes with a predetermined schedule, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for providing data to the cassettes, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flowchart of a method of providing predetermined schedule from the cassettes to the hub, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates an example flowchart of a method of dispensing medication by the hub system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosures as defined by the appended claims.
[0040] As used herein, “substantially” means largely or considerably, but not necessarily wholly, or sufficiently to work for the intended purpose. The term “substantially” thus allows for minor, insignificant variations from an absolute or perfect state, dimension, measurement, result, or the like as would be expected by a person of ordinary skill in the art, but that does not appreciably affect overall performance.
[0041] Throughout the present disclosure, “attachment means” includes, but is not limited to, screws, nails, rivets, adhesives, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, hook and slot fasteners, interlocking elements, friction-grip releasable fasteners, fastening straps, and the like.
[0042] Embodiments explained herein relate to the field of mechanical devices for dispensing medications. In particular, the present disclosure provides a cassette and a hub system for dispensing medications.
[0043] In an aspect, a hub system includes one or more cassettes configured to store a set of medications, each of the one or more cassettes being configured to dispense a medication therefrom at a predetermined schedule. The hub system includes a bowl that collects the medication dispensed by each of the one or more cassettes. The hub system includes a master controller configured to cause the one or more cassettes to controllably dispense the medication therefrom on to the bowl based on the predetermined schedule.
[0044] The present disclosure provides for a cassette 100 and a system for dispensing medication. The medication 120 may have a plurality of form factors, such as including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, caplets, and the like. While the present disclosure describes the medication dispenser cassette 100 in the context of oral solid dosage medications, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the cassette may be suitably adapted for dispensing other substances and/or objects that have a form factor similar to those of medications, such as chocolates, candies, dried fruits, gelatinous edibles, balls used in sports and recreational activities, coins, and the like. The medications 120 may be prescribed by a doctor/physician. The medications 120 may be stored in a medication dispenser, such as the cassette 100. A user may collect the medications 120 from the cassette. The user may be any one of including, but not limited to, patients, attendants of the patients, healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, pharmacologists, physicians, etc., caretakers, and the like.
[0045] FIGs. 1A-1B illustrate a perspective view of the cassette 100, and FIGs. 2A to 2F illustrate side views of the cassette 100 with a side wall removed to view the interior of the cassette 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGs. 2G and 2H illustrate example isolated view of a rotor and a fork of the cassette, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the cassette 100 may include a storage cavity 102. In some embodiments, the storage cavity 102 may be used to store the medications 120 therein. In some embodiments, the storage cavity 102 may have a substantially cuboidal profile. The volume, dimensions and the geometric profile of the storage cavity 102 may be suitably adapted based on form factor of the medication 120, quantity required to be stored in the cassette 100, and the like.
[0046] In some embodiments, the storage cavity 102 may be sealed. In some embodiments, any one or combination of sealing means may be used to seal the storage cavity 102. The sealing means may include, but not be limited to, gaskets, O-rings, adhesives, silicone-based sealants, and the like. In such embodiments, the storage cavity 102 may be airtight, and thereby may prevent the medications from being contaminated.
[0047] In some embodiments, the storage cavity 102 may be made of inert materials, such as any one or combination of including, but not limited to, plastics, copper, titanium, and the like. In such embodiments, the material of the storage cavity 102 may be selected such that the storage cavity 102 is prevented from reacting with the medication 120.
[0048] In some embodiments, the storage cavity 102 may include at least one vibrator plate 106. In some embodiments, the vibrator plate 106 may be indicative of the bottom side of the storage cavity 102. In some embodiments, the set of medication may be supported over an inclined plate 104 and the vibrator plate 106. In some embodiments, the inclined plate 106 and the vibrator plate 106 may be separated to form an opening. The opening may be defined to allow the medication 120 to pass therethrough when the vibrator plate 106 vibrates. In some embodiments, the vibrator plate 106 may be configured to vibrate and guide the medication 120 to pass through the opening. In some embodiments, the vibrator plate 106 may be configured to vibrate on a plane that is substantially parallel to the ground. In some embodiments, the vibrator plate 106 may include a stationary electromagnet 107 attached to the body of the cassette 100. In some embodiments, the electromagnet 107 may be configured to cause the vibrator plate 106 to vibrate when an oscillating current cyclically energizes and de-energizes the electromagnet 107.
[0049] In some embodiments, the vibrator plate 106 may be inclined. In some embodiments, by moving the vibrator plate 106, the medications 120 stored in the storage cavity 102 may be arranged. In some embodiments, the vibrator plate 106 may include grooves. The grooves may be adapted based on the size of the medication 120. In some embodiments, the grooves may provide traction to the medication 120, and guide them to move towards the opening on the storage capacity 102 the vibrator plate 106 is vibrated. In some embodiments, the grooves may be indicative of protrusions extending from the surface of the vibrator plate 106. In other embodiments, the grooves may be indicative of chamfered surfaces on the vibrator plate 106. In some embodiments, the grooves may be configured to allow a single medication 120, such as a single pill, tablet, or a capsule, from the set of medications in the storage cavity 102 to be passed through the opening at a time. The vibrator plate 106 may be configured to direct the medication 120 towards a rotor 110.
[0050] In some embodiments, the rotor 110 may be configured to rotate about an axis that is substantially parallel to the ground. In some embodiments, the rotor 110 may be connected to a Direct Current (DC) motor, which may controllably rotate the rotor 110. In some embodiments, the rotor 110 may be connected to the DC motor via a belt. In other embodiments, the rotor 110 may be connected to the DC motor via a set of gears. In some embodiments, the rotor 110 may include one or more disks each having one or more blades 112 extending therefrom, as shown in FIGS. 2G and 2H. Each pair of the blades 112 may be configured to collect a single medication at a time therebetween. The blades 112 of each of the disks may carry the medications 120 and push the medication 120 through a passage 113. The dimensions and geometric profile of the blades 112 may be suitably adapted based on the size and shape of the medications. In some embodiments, the blades 112 may have a linear contour. In other embodiments, the blades 112 may have a curved contour.
[0051] In some embodiments, the rotor 110 may be in interlocking arrangement with a fork 111, as shown in FIG. 2G. The fork 111 may include one or more prongs (shown in FIG. 2H) separated by a predetermined distance. The one or more prongs may be arranged to be between each of the disks of the rotor 110. In some embodiments, the prongs may be configured on a top position of the rotor 110. When the vibrator plate 106 directs the medication 120 towards the rotor 110, the blades 112 of the rotor 110 may carry the medication 120 thereabout. The rotor 110 may be rotated such that the medication 120 is lifted up from the vibrator plate 106 by the blades 112. When the blades 112 lift the medication 120 up to the top of the rotor 110, the prongs may engage with the medication 120. When the rotor 110 further rotates and pushes the medication 120 through the blades 112, the prongs may prevent the medication 120 from continuing to rotate along with the rotor 110, and direct them towards the passage 113.
[0052] In some embodiments, the cassette 100 may include a sensing unit 118. The sensing unit 118 may track the number of the medications 120 that have been passed through the passage 113. The sensing unit 118 may include a light emitter and a light sensor. In some embodiments, the light emitter may be a light-emitting diode. In some embodiments, the light sensor may be a luxmeter. The light emitter may emit a beam of light and the light sensor may be configured to detect the light emitted by the light emitter. In some embodiments, the sensing unit 118 may be configured in proximity to the passage 113. In such embodiments, when the rotor 110 passes the medication 120 through the passage 113, the medication 120 may obstruct the beam of light emitted by the light emitter, thereby causing the light sensor to not detect light. The sensing unit 118 may track the number of medications 120 being passed through the passage 113. In such embodiments, the light sensor may transmit a signal to a control unit 116. The control unit 116 may include a memory. In some embodiments, the memory may store one or more executable instructions stored therein. In other embodiments, the memory may store data, such as a digital signature, information on the medications, etc. In further embodiments, the memory may store any combination of the executable instructions or the data. In some embodiments, the executable instructions may be executed by any one of including, but not limited to, a processor, an electric circuit, a controller, and the like. The control unit 116 may be configured to interpret the signals as the medication 120 being dispensed from the cassette 100. In such embodiments, the control unit 116 may decrement the number of medications stored in the storage cavity 102 of the cassette 100.
[0053] In some embodiments, once the rotor 110 causes the medication 120 to pass through the passage 113, the medication 120 may be expelled out from the cassette 100. In some embodiments, the passage 113 may include a tray 114. The medication 120 may land on the tray 114 when pushed through the passage 113. In some embodiments, the tray 114 may be rotatable between a first position, a second position, and a third position, as shown in FIGs. 2D, 2E, and 2F respectively. In the first position, the tray 114 may be configured to prevent the medication 120 from exiting the passage 113. In such embodiments, the tray 114 may support the medication 120. In the second position, the tray 114 may be configured to allow the medication 120 to exit the passage 113. In some embodiments, the tray 114 may be controllably rotated between the first and the second positions to dispense/expel the medication 120 out from the cassette 100. The user may retrieve the medication 120 thereafter from the cassette 100.
[0054] In other embodiments, when the tray 114 is rotated to the third position, the medication 120 may be pushed back between the blades 112. In such embodiments, the medication 120 may be pushed back to the rotor 110, and may queue to be picked back up during the subsequent rotation of the rotor 110. The tray 114 may be selectively rotated between the first, the second, or the third positions based on the number of medications 120 passing through the passage 113. In such embodiments, the tray 114 may prevent more than required number of medications 120 from being dispensed from the cassette 100, and thereby prevent overdosing. Further, such functionality of the tray 114 may also eliminate need for user interaction for clearing the expelled queue of medication 120, and returning the excess medication 120 back into the cassette 100. In some embodiments, the rotational motion of the tray 114 may be controlled using a servo motor connected through a rubber belt.
[0055] In some embodiments, the cassette 100 may also include the control unit 116 that may be configured to controllably actuate the vibrator plate 106 to vibrate, the rotor 110 to rotate, and the tray 114 to rotate for dispensing the medication 120 stored in the storage cavity 102 based on a predetermined schedule. The control unit 116 may include the memory. The memory may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as Random Access Memory (RAM), or non-volatile memory such as Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), flash memory, and the like. The executable instructions, which may be stored in the memory, may be executable by a processor, a computer, an electronic device, an electronic circuit, a controller, and the like, but not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the control unit 116 may include a processor. The processor may be any one or combination of, including, but not limited to, electric circuits, controllers, microcontrollers, processors, integrated circuits, central processing units, and the like. In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to execute the executable instructions in the memory. In some embodiments, the processor may be integrated into the control unit 116. In other embodiments, the processor may be external to the control unit 116, such as in a master controller 310 (described subsequently in reference to FIGs. 3A to 3E). In some embodiments, the control unit 116 may further include an interface that connects the control unit 116 to the components of the cassette 100, or external computing devices. In some embodiments, the sensing unit 118, and the motors of the rotor 110 and the tray 114, may be connected to the control unit 116 via corresponding signal wires. The control unit 116 may also include power lines such as a 5V line and a ground line to power the beamforming light emitting diode and additionally a coin cell battery.
[0056] In some embodiments, the control unit 116 may be configured to cause the cassette 100 to dispense the medication 120 based on the predetermined schedule. In some embodiments, the predetermined schedule may be provided by a doctor/physician while prescribing the medication 120 to the patients. In some examples, the schedule may include consuming paracetamol twice during a day for 7 days with at least 12 hours difference between each administration. In such examples, the control unit 116 may be configured to automatically cause the vibrator plate 106 to vibrate and guide the medication 120 to enter into the rotor 110, which in turn rotates and pushes the medication into the passage 113 such that the medication 120 lands on the tray 114. If the number of medications 120 on the tray 114 is greater than the number of medications prescribed in the predetermined schedule, the tray 114 may be rotated from the first position to the third position, whereby the medication 120 may be pushed back into the rotor 110. If the number of medications is equal to the number prescribed in the predetermined schedule, the tray 114 may be rotated to the second position. In such embodiments, the tray 114 may allow the medication 120 to exit the cassette 100, and be collected by a user. In some embodiments, where the number of medications is equal to the prescribed number of medications in the predetermined schedule, the cassette 100 may be configured to rotate the tray 114 to the second position on receiving a trigger signal from the user a display interface or a mechanical interface, such as a button or a lever.
[0057] In some embodiments, the cassette 100 may include one or more side walls that form an enclosure. In some embodiments, the side walls may have a conductive substrate configured to allow an electrical current to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the conductive substrate may be an electrically conductive film attached to the side wall. In other embodiments, the conductive substrate may be electrically conductive wires, such as those made of copper. In such embodiments, the wires may be arranged in a corrugated manner to cover the area of the sidewalls. The conductive substrates may be arranged such that when the side walls are damaged, the conductive substrate may also be damaged. In such embodiments, the conductive substrate may be configured to prevent the electric current from passing therethrough, thereby intimating to the control unit 116 that the cassette 100 is being damaged or tampered. In some embodiments, when the conductive substrate prevents the electric current from passing therethrough, the control unit 116 may be configured to erase a memory of the control unit 116.
[0058] In some embodiments, where the control unit 116 has a memory that is non-volatile, the cassette 100 may include a switch placed near the storage cavity 102, which may be triggered when any one of the side walls of the storage cavity 102 is opened, damaged, or tampered. On detecting the side wall was opened, the memory inside the cassette 100 may be erased to prevent tampering of the cassette 100. The digital signature of the last user who configured the cassette 100 may also be removed on opening. This ensures that medications 120 inside were not replaced/removed. The energy required to erase the memory may be taken from a charged capacitor, or optionally a coin cell battery inside. In other embodiments where the control unit 116 has a memory that is volatile, the instructions therein may be erased on ceasing power supplied thereto.
[0059] In some embodiments, a printed label may be generated and pasted on the exterior of the cassette 100 to conform to legal requirements. The printed label may also include data such as including, but not limited to, like initial quantity stored inside, but not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the data may be stored in the memory.
[0060] FIGs. 3A-3B illustrate example perspective views of a hub system 300, FIG. 3C illustrates an example representation of a cassette holder 302 of the hub system 300, and FIGs. 3D-3E illustrate example representations of a top plate 306 of the hub system 300, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3F illustrates an example representation of an assembled hub system 300, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the hub system 300 may include a storage module 301, a cassette holder 302, a bowl 304, and one or more cassettes, such as the cassettes 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3. The storage module 301 may be configured to accommodate a power supply unit 303, the bowl 304, and electrical port sockets 312. The hub system 300 may also include a top plate 306 having a display interface 307 and a control knob 308. The hub system 300 may also include a master controller 310.
[0061] In some embodiments, the hub system 300 may be configured to control the one or more cassettes 100 to dispense the medications 120 to the patient. The hub system 300 may be installed in treatment locations, such as including houses of the patient, patient rooms in hospitals, care centres, and the like, but not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the hub system 300 may be configured to accommodate the one or more of the cassettes 100, and controllably dispensed the medications 120 stored therein. In a non-limiting example, the hub system 300 may be configured to support up to 4 cassettes, and may be preprogrammed to dispense the medications 120 therein at predetermined intervals. In some embodiments, the cassettes 100 may be modular to allow the hub system 300 to be expanded by adding more cassette holders 302 to the hub system 300. Each of the additional cassette holders 302 may allow more cassettes 100 to be accommodated therein. The dimensions and geometric profile of the hub system 300, that is the storage module 301 and the cassette holders 302 thereof, may be suitably adapted to accommodate any number of cassettes 100 in any arrangement. The storage module 301 and the cassette holder 302 may be modular in design. Different number of storage modules 301 and the cassette holders 302 may be assembled (such as by stacking one over the other. The hub system 300 may be suitably expanded and/or contracted based on requirement, by disassembling the hub system 300 from a current arrangement (with respect to number of cassette holders 302 placed over the storage module 301), and reassembling the storage modules 301 and the cassette holders 302 thereof in the preferred arrangement.
[0062] In some embodiments, the hub system 300 may include a cassette holder. The cassette holder 302 may allow one or more of the cassettes to be assembled inside itself. In some embodiments, the cassette holder 302 may have a substantially plate-like form factor that allows the cassettes 100 to be arranged in a two-dimensional array. In other embodiments, the cassette holder 302 may have a rack-like form factor to allow the cassettes 100 to be arranged in a three-dimensional array. The cassettes 100 may be attached to the cassette holder 302 via any one of the attachment means.
[0063] In some embodiments, the hub system 300 may include a power supply unit 303 that powers the hub and the cassettes 100 thereof. In some embodiments, the power supply unit 303 may be any one of including, but not limited to, power outlets connected to a power grid, batteries, generators, and the like. The power supply unit 303 may be connected to each of the cassettes 100 arranged in the storage module 301 via a communication bus. The storage module 301 may include a plurality of electrical port sockets 312 to accommodate and electrically connect the cassettes 100. In some embodiments, the electrical port sockets 312 may be indicative of electrical contacts. The electrical port sockets 312 may electrically connect the cassette holder 302 to the storage module 301, when the cassette holder 302 is stacked over the storage module 301. In some embodiments, the storage module 301/cassette holder 302 may include the master controller 310 that controls one or more components, such as the vibrator plate 106, the rotor 110, the tray 114, and the like. The master controller 310 may also be configured to control each of the cassettes 100 by executing the control unit 116 thereof. In some embodiments, the master controller 310 may be attached to the bottom side of the top plate 306. In some embodiments, the top plate 306 may include the electrical port sockets 312 to that electrically connect the cassette holder 302 to the top plate 306.
[0064] In some embodiments, the master controller 310 may be indicative of any one or combination of including, but not limited to, electric circuits, controllers, microcontrollers, processors, integrated circuits, central processing units, and the like. The master controller 310 may be connected to a corresponding memory having processor-executable instructions, which may be executed by the master controller 310 to control the cassettes 100. In some embodiments, the master controller 310 may be coupled to a display interface 307. The display interface 307 may be any one or combination of including, but not limited to, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a light emitting diode display, a touchscreen display, and the like. The display interface 307 may be configured to show information on number of medications remaining in each cassette 100, but not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the display interface 307 may also be configured to receive inputs from the user. In other embodiments, the user may provide inputs to the hub using a mechanical interfacing means, such as including, but not limited to, the control knob 308, and buttons. In some examples, the user may instruct the hub to dispense a set of medications out of the preprogrammed schedule by interacting with the touchscreen display. The user interface may be as shown in FIGs. 4A-4D.
[0065] In some embodiments, the inputs may include the predetermined schedule. The predetermined schedule may indicate the frequency and intervals at which the medications are to be dispensed. In some embodiments, the inputs may include one or more attributes associated with the medications 120. The master controller 310 is configured to dispense the medications 120 based on the attributes. The attributes may be any one or combination of including, but not limited to, composition, expiry date, manufacturing date, batch number, composition of the medication 120, quantity of medications 120, frequency or intervals at which the medications 120 are to be dispensed, and the like. The master controller 310 may be configured to ensure that medications 120 are not dispensed when any one or more of the attributes are beyond a desired range. In some examples, if current time value is greater than an attribute indicative of the expiry date, then the master controller 310 may be configured to prevent dispensation of the medication 120, thereby improving safety.
[0066] In some embodiments, the master controller 310 may include a clock (not shown). In some embodiments, the clock may be connected to a battery backup. In some embodiments, the clock may include an array of driver circuits for controlling the cassettes 100 connected to the cassette holder 302. The clock may allow the corresponding control units 116 of the cassettes 100 to dispense the medications 120 at the predetermined schedule.
[0067] In some embodiments, the master controller 310 may include a speaker to provide audio feedback to the user. In some examples, the speaker may be able to provide audible reminders to the patients to consume the prescribed medication.
[0068] In some embodiments, the hub system 300 may include a bowl 304 that collects the medications 120 dispensed by the cassettes 100. Each of the cassettes 100 may be connected to the bowl 304 via a channel that, by force of gravity, guides the medications 120 dispensed from the cassette 100 to the bowl 304. The bowl 304 may allow the medication to be accumulated therein. The user may retrieve the medications 120 from the bowl 304. The medications 120 collected from the bowl 304 may be administered to the patient.
[0069] In some embodiments, the hub system 300 may be suitably adapted to accommodate other components, such as including, but not limited to, water reservoirs, storage space, injections and emergency equipment, and the like.
[0070] In some embodiments, the hub system 300 may be in communication with a computing device. The computing device may be any one or combination of including, but not limited to, smartphones, desktops, laptops, tablets, phablets, consoles, computers, and the like. In some embodiments, the computing device may be external to the hub system 300. In such embodiments, the hub system 300 may be remotely operable. In other embodiments, the computing device may be embedded into the hub system 300. The computing devices may be operated by any one or combination of the users.
[0071] In some embodiments, the user, such as a doctor or a pharmacist, may store executable instructions to the cassettes 100 using the computing device. In some embodiments, the executable instructions may include prescriptions for dispensing the medications stored in each of the cassettes at a predetermined schedule. In some embodiments, the computing device may transmit the executable instructions to the master controller 310, and the master controller 310 may store the corresponding instructions to the control units 116 of the cassettes 100. In other embodiments, the user may input the prescription to the master controller 310 through the display interface 307.
[0072] In some embodiments, the computing device may transmit the executable instructions to master controller 310, and the master controller 310 may store the executable instructions to the control units 116 therefrom, through a communication means. The communication means may be a wired communication means, or a wireless communication means. In some embodiments, the wired communication means may include, but not be limited to, wires, cables such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), cords, and the like. In some embodiments, the wireless communication means may include, but not be limited to, a Bluetooth, a Zigbee, a Near Field Communication (NFC), a Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, a Light Fidelity (Li-FI) network, a carrier network including a circuit-switched network, a packet switched network, a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), an Internet, intranets, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), mobile communication networks including a Second Generation (2G), a Third Generation (3G), a Fourth Generation (4G), a Fifth Generation (5G), a Sixth Generation (6G), a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network, a New Radio (NR), a Narrow-Band (NB), an Internet of Things (IoT) network, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network and a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, combinations thereof, and the like. The executable instructions may be stored in the memory, and may be retrieved and executed by the corresponding control unit/master controller 116, 310. In some embodiments, the digital signature of the user storing or modifying the executable instructions in the memory may also be stored in the memory. The method for dispensing the medications may be provided in the executable instructions.
[0073] In some embodiments, the predetermined schedule may be indicative of the time intervals at which each of the medications 120 stored in the one or more cassettes 100 need to be dispensed. The predetermined schedule may be prescribed by the doctor/physician to treat the patient. In some embodiments, the doctor may use the computing device in order to issue prescriptions to the user. In other embodiments, the doctor may use the display interface 307 on the hub system 300 to provide the prescription. In some embodiments, the doctor may also include data such as medication name, medicine content and formulation, quantity added to the cassette, manufacture date, expiry date and batch number of medicine added, manufacturer details of the medicine, and other legal information needed according to the jurisdiction, but not limited thereto. In some embodiments, a user interface may be developed to allow doctors to provide the data to the hub system 300. FIGs. 4A to 4D illustrate an example user interface 400 for configuring the hub system 300 and the cassettes 100 attached thereto.
[0074] In some embodiments, the user interface 400 may be implemented for computing devices such as smartphones, or the display interface 307. However, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the user interface 400 may be suitably adapted based on the form factor of the computing device. The user interface 400 may include three layouts, viz. a login screen as shown in FIG. 4A, a schedule screen shown in FIGs. 4B and 4D, and an editing screen shown in FIG. 4C. The login screen may be required for authentication, the schedule screen may provide an overview of the schedules set up, whether automatically or manually, by the user in the past, and the editing screen may be used for the manual schedule changes required by the user. The user may also be able to edit the timing of reminders, according to the day of the week and change the name of the medication for ease of use for the patient. The synchronization filter as shown in FIG. 4D may be overlayed on the schedule screen and may be used for the user to wait till all changes are saved and synchronized to the hub system 300 through communication means.
[0075] In some embodiments, the control unit 116 of each of the cassettes 100 may be provided with the predetermined schedule individually by a user, such as a doctor or a pharmacist, at a hospital or a pharmacy 500-1. In such embodiments, the cassettes 100 may then be transported to and stored in the hub system 300 installed at a treatment location 500-2, such as a home or a hospital room, as desired but not limited thereto, as shown in FIG. 5. In other embodiments, the user may provide the predetermined schedule and the data of all the cassettes 100 in the hub system 300 to the master controller 310, which in turn may transmit the corresponding predetermined schedule and data to the cassettes 100.
[0076] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flowchart of a method 600 for providing data to the cassettes 100. When the patient is prescribed medication and goes to a pharmacy, the patient can demand or request either a medication dispensing cassette 100, or medications in other form factors like blister packs. If a patient is ready to accept the cassette 100, the pharmacist/doctor may fill the cassette 100 with medications 120, and provide the data using the method 600.
[0077] In some embodiments, at step 602, the method 600 may include determining whether the prescribed medication is available in cassettes 100. If yes, at step 604, the method 600 may include determining if the number of medications 120 in the cassette 100 is equivalent to the prescribed number of medications. If yes in step 604, at step 614, the method 600 may include providing the cassette to the patient. If no in step 604, at step 606, the method 600 may include reconfiguring the cassette 100 by connecting the cassette 100 to the computing device, such as a standalone device (implemented as a standalone dock), entering the number of medications 120 in the cassette 100, and transferring the added information (in the form of executable-instructions in preferred embodiments) to the cassette 100. In some embodiments, if the pharmacist is using a compatible software and the prescription by the doctor/physician is already fed, the pharmacist may connect the cassette 100, which is already filled with the needed medicine, to the computing device and apply the schedule. In such embodiments, on applying the schedule, the computing device may transmit the predetermined schedule into the memory of the cassette 100. Thereafter, the cassette 100 may be given to the patient.
[0078] If no at step 602, the method 600 may include filling the empty cassette 100 with the prescribed medications 120 at step 608. In such embodiments, if the pharmacist needs to set up the schedule manually, the application on the computing device may be used for this purpose. In some embodiments, the pharmacist, after exercising precautions such as wearing disposable gloves, may manually fill the cassettes 100 with the prescribed medications, such as by emptying a blister pack. At step 610, the method 600 may include connecting the cassette 100 to the computing device (or standalone dock). At step 612, the method 600 may include providing the cassette 100 with the data. In some embodiments, the data may include, but not be limited to, medication name, medicine content and formulation, quantity added to the cassette, manufacture date, expiry date and batch number of medicine added, manufacturer details of the medicine, and other legal information needed according to the jurisdiction, and the like. After providing the data, the method 600 may including performing step 614, the application writes data to the memory of the cassette 100. In some embodiments, the data provided to the cassette 100 may be digitally signed by the pharmacist. In some embodiments, the digital signature may be a cryptographic signature of the pharmacist.
[0079] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flowchart of a method 700 for providing the predetermined schedule from the cassettes 100 to the hub system 300. At step 702, the method 700 may include opening the application on the user’s computing device, such as a phone. However, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that step 702 may be performed using other interfaces (hardware or software), and may not be limited to applications on the user’s computing device. At step 704, the method 700 may include inserting the cassettes 100 into the hub system 300. At step 706, the method 700 may include determining whether the cassette 100 storing the medications therein has been configured previously. If yes, at step 708, the method 700 may include retrieving the data from the cassettes 100. In such embodiments, the data stored in the memory of such cassettes 100 may be retrieved and stored in memory associated with the hub system 300 at step 712. In other embodiments, if not, at step 710, the user may manually enter the data into the user interface, such as the user interface 400. The data may be stored in the memory associated with the hub system 300 at step 712.
[0080] Once the cassettes 100 are installed at the hub system 300, the user may be periodically reminded, and allowed to collect the medications dispensed therefrom. FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow chart of a method 800 for dispensing medications 120 by the hub system 300.
[0081] At step 802, the method 800 includes determining, by the master controller 310, the number of medications 120 available in each of one or more cassettes 100 in the cassette holder 302 of the hub system 300.
[0082] At step 804, the method 800 includes determining, by the master controller 310, if a current time value matches a time value in a predetermined schedule for dispensing the medications 120.
[0083] At step 806, the method 800 includes selecting, by the master controller 310, cassettes 100 from the one or more cassette 100 having the medications 120 to be dispensed at the current time value, the medication 120 to be dispensed being determined by the predetermined schedule. In some embodiments, the master controller 310 may be configured to read a corresponding memory thereof for retrieving the predetermined schedule stored in the memory.
[0084] At step 808, the method 800 includes verifying, by the master controller 310, a digital signature stored in the control unit 116 of the selected cassette 100. In some embodiments, if the digital signature is tampered or missing, the user may receive a warning on the display, if verified successfully, the procedure continues.
[0085] At step 810, the method 800 includes on successful verification rotating, by the master controller 310, the rotor 110 of the selected cassette 100 to dispense the medications 120. In some embodiments, the master controller 310 may cause the control units 116 of the selected cassette 100 to cause the rotor 110 thereof to rotate.
[0086] At step 812, the method 800 includes determining, by the master controller 310, if a number of medications 120 pushed by the rotor 110 from the selected cassettes 100 match the number of medications specified in the predetermined schedule. In some embodiments, the master controller 310 may determine the number of medications pushed by the rotor 110 using the sensing unit 118. If the number of medications 120 on the tray 114 is less than the number specified in the predetermined schedule, the method 800 may return to step 810, where the rotor 110 may be caused to rotate until desired number of medications are pushed out of the cassette 100. The desired number of medications may be collected on the tray 114. In such embodiments, the method 800 may include transmitting, by the master controller 310, an alert signal to the computing device of the user to intimate and remind the patient to retrieve the medication from the hub system 300. In some embodiments where the number of medications is greater than the number specified in the predetermined schedule, at step 815, the method 800 may include rotating, by the master controller 310, the tray 114 to a third position to push the all medication on the tray 114 back into the rotor 110.
[0087] In embodiments where the number of medications is equal to the number specified in the predetermined schedule, at step 814, the method 800 includes, on receiving a trigger signal from a user, rotating, by the master controller 310, the tray 114 to the second position to allow the medications 120 to be dispensed out of the cassette 100. The trigger signals may be provided by the user using the display interface 307, or the mechanical interface, such as the button. In some embodiments, the user fails to provide the trigger signal within a predetermined duration, the tray 114 may be rotated to the third position to push the medication 120 back into the rotor 110. In some embodiments, the tray 114 may be rotated to the third position if the number of medications 120 exceeds the threshold number of medications to be dispensed at the current time value as specified in the predetermined schedule.
[0088] In some embodiments, the cassettes 100 may be attached to the hub 300 at a plurality of patient care locations. In some embodiments, the patient care locations may include, but not be limited to, emergency rooms, patient rooms, patient’s home, care centres, healthcare camps, and the like. The hub system 300 may automatically update the prescription data stored therein, and set up reminders for the patients to consume the prescribed medications. The computing device may generate alert signals as reminders for the patient to consume prescribed medications. The user may view the information transmitted to the computing devices to view the reminders, determine the number of medications available in the cassette 100, specific instructions for consuming the medications, and the like. The hub system 300 may also dispense the medications when the user transmits a signal to the hub system 300 indicating need for the same, thereby reducing mental burden on the patient to remember to consume the medication at the prescribed schedule. The hub system 300 may also perform intimate the users, and pharmacologists, of need for refilling the cassettes 100. In some embodiments, the hub system 300 allows the medication 120 to be provided from the manufacturer or pharmacy to the patient/user in a plug and play paradigm (where the medication 120 may be filled automatically and update the predetermined schedule and data associated with a prescription provided by a medical practitioner), thereby not requiring any staff on site to deliver the medication 120, or staff to go on site and fill in the cassette 100 manually. The hub system 300 also minimizes risk of incorrect medications being provided to the patient.
[0089] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0090] The present disclosure provides a medication dispenser device and a system therefor.
[0091] The present disclosure provides a cassette device and hub system for dispensing medication that allows easier discernment of medications by the patient.
[0092] The present disclosure reminds and dispenses medications at intervals prescribed by physicians, thereby reducing mental burden on patients, and workload of healthcare workers.
[0093] The present disclosure provides a cassette device and hub system for dispensing medication that detects the number of medications on a tray of the cassette, and accordingly moves the tray from a first position to either a second position or a third position to controllably dispense the appropriate number of medications. The present disclosure uses minimal components to perform said operations, and is simple, inexpensive, and less prone for failure.
[0094] The present disclosure provides a cassette device and hub system for dispensing medication without requiring manual refilling on site and without requiring continuous internet connectivity.
[0095] The present disclosure provides a cassette device and hub system for dispensing medication that can be used and maintained by patients with minimal training.
[0096] The present disclosure provides a hub system where medication can be provided from the manufacturer or pharmacy to the patient/user in a plug and play paradigm, there is no need for any staff on site to deliver the medication, or staff to go on site and fill in the cassette manually.

, Claims:1. A cassette (100) for dispensing medication, comprising:
a storage cavity (102) that accommodates a set of medications, wherein the storage cavity (102) has an opening that successively allows a medication (120) from the set of medications to be dispensed;
a vibrator plate (106) that is configured to vibrate and guide the medication (120) through the opening, wherein the set of medication in the storage cavity (102) is supported over the vibrator plate (106);
a rotor (110) having one or more blades (112) configured to rotate and collect the medication (120) from the opening, and push the medication (120) through a passage (113);
a tray (114) configured to rotate between a first position where the tray (114) is configured to prevent the medication (120) from exiting the passage (113), and a second position where the tray (114) is configured to allow the medication (120) to exit the passage (113); and
a control unit (116) is configured to controllably actuate the vibrator plate (106) to vibrate, the rotor (110) to rotate, and the tray (114) to rotate from the first position to the second position for dispensing the medication (120) stored in the storage cavity (102) based on a predetermined schedule.
2. The cassette (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a sensing unit (118) that is configured to track the number of medications being passed through the passage (113), wherein the control unit (116) is configured to cause the tray (114) to move to a third position where the medication (120) supported thereover are pushed back into the rotor (110) when the number of medications passed through the passage is greater than prescribed in the predetermined schedule.
3. The cassette (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sensing unit (118) comprises a light emitter that is configured to emit a beam of light and a light sensor that is configured to detect the beam of light emitted by the light emitter, and wherein the beam of light is obstructed when the medication (120) is passed therethrough to allow the sensing unit (118) to track the number of medications being passed through the passage (113).
4. The cassette (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage cavity (102) is sealed using a sealing means.
5. The cassette (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vibrator plate (106) comprises a set of grooves configured to guide the medication (120) towards the opening, and wherein the vibrator plate (106) is connected to an electromagnet (107) that is configured to cause the vibrator plate (106) to vibrate when an oscillating current cyclically energizes and de-energizes the electromagnet (107).
6. The cassette (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising one or more side walls having a conductive substrate configured to allow an electrical current to pass therethrough, wherein when the one or more side walls are damaged, the conductive substrate is configured to prevent the electric current from passing therethrough.
7. The cassette (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein when the conductive substrate prevents the electric current from passing therethrough, the control unit (116) is configured to erase a memory of the control unit (116).
8. A hub system (300) for dispensing medications, comprising:
one or more cassettes (100) configured to store a set of medications, each of the one or more cassettes (100) being configured to dispense a medication (120) therefrom at a predetermined schedule;
a bowl (304) that collects the medication (120) dispensed by each of the one or more cassettes (100); and
a master controller (310) configured to cause the one or more cassettes (100) to controllably dispense the medication (120) therefrom on to the bowl (304) based on the predetermined schedule.
9. The hub system (300) as claimed in claim 8, comprising a display interface (307) that receives inputs from a user, wherein the inputs comprises the predetermined schedule for dispensing the medications (120) from the one or more cassettes (100).
10. The hub system (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the inputs comprise one or more attributes associated with the medications (120), and wherein the master controller (310) is configured to dispense the medications (120) based on the one or more attributes.
11. The hub system (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the master controller (310) is configured to:
determine the number of medications (120) available in each of the one or more cassettes (100) in the cassette holder (302) of the hub system (300);
determine if a current time value matches a time value in a predetermined schedule for dispensing the medications (120);
select cassettes from the one or more cassettes (100) having the medications (120) to be dispensed at the current time value;
verify a digital signature stored in a control unit (116) of the selected cassettes;
on successful verification, rotate a rotor (110) of the selected cassettes to dispense the medications (120);
determine if the number of medications pushed by the rotor (110) from the selected cassettes matches the number of medications specified in the predetermined schedule; and
on receiving a trigger signal from a user, rotate a tray (114) of the selected cassette to a second position to allow the medications (120) to be dispensed out of the selected cassette.
12. The hub system (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the master controller (310) is configured to rotate the tray (114) to a third position when the trigger signal is not received within a predetermined duration.
13. A method (800) for dispensing medications (120) using hub system (300), comprising:
determining, by a master controller (310), a number of medications (120) available in each of one or more cassettes (100) in a cassette holder (302) of the hub system (300);
determining, by the master controller (310), if a current time value matches a time value in a predetermined schedule for dispensing the medications (120);
selecting, by the master controller (310), cassettes from the one or more cassettes (100) having the medications (120) to be dispensed at the current time value;
verifying, by the master controller (310), a digital signature stored in a control unit (116) of the selected cassettes;
on successful verification, rotating, by the master controller (310), a rotor (110) of the selected cassettes to dispense the medications (120);
determining, by the master controller (310), if the number of medications pushed by the rotor (110) from the selected cassettes matches the number of medications specified in the predetermined schedule; and
on receiving a trigger signal from a user, rotating, by the master controller (310), a tray (114) of the selected cassette to a second position thereof to allow the medications (120) to be dispensed out of the selected cassette.