Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a prescribed medicines dispensing device that is capable of providing a means to analyse prescriptions, identify required medicines, and dispense the medicines efficiently as per user-specific needs such as allergies and availability of alternatives and secure payment options, and precise dosage delivery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Access to prescribed medicines is a critical aspect of healthcare management, yet the process of dispensing medicines remains largely manual and prone to errors. Conventional methods often require patients to visit pharmacies, where they might encounter challenges such as limited stock, incorrect dosage dispensation, or lack of information about alternative medications. Additionally, individuals with allergies or specific medical conditions may face risks due to insufficient guidance on suitable substitutes. While technological advancements have introduced automated vending machines for medicines, these solutions often lack personalization, detailed information about medicine options, or the ability to customize dosages. Furthermore, maintaining optimal storage conditions for temperature-sensitive medicines and offering real-time inventory tracking remain unaddressed.

[0003] Traditionally, the dispensing of the prescribed medicines is achieved by manual process in pharmacies, where pharmacists interpret prescriptions, retrieve the required medicines, and hand them over to the patient. While this system relies on professional expertise, it is prone to human errors such as misinterpretation of prescriptions, dispensing incorrect dosages, or providing unsuitable medicines, especially in cases involving patient allergies or drug interactions. Additionally, manual dispensing is time-consuming and often inconvenient for patients, particularly in rural or remote areas with limited access to pharmacies. These traditional methods also lack the ability to suggest generic alternatives or provide detailed information about medicines, which lead to higher costs and missed opportunities for better treatment options.

[0004] US4573606A discloses an automatic pill dispenser for dispensing medical pills having different prescribed administration schedules includes a plurality of pill storage compartments each capable of holding more than one pill, an automatic release mechanism for dispensing pills at predetermined time intervals corresponding with their respective administration schedules, and a pill receptacle coupled to a pill detector such that a pill dispensed from the pill dispenser and received by the receptacle causes the pill dispenser to generate a signal to alert the patient to take the dispensed medicine. Twelve storage compartments, arranged in a ring about a vertically rotating wheel, are preloaded by a patient with all pills prescribed to be taken during a 24-hour period. The patient loads pills into individual storage compartments according to a loading code corresponding to the respective administration schedules of the pills. The pill dispenser then automatically sequentially rotates the storage compartments over a trapdoor which operates to empty each compartment positioned there over. A photoelectric detector, having a light beam traveling vertically through a cup into which pills are dispensed, detects pills therein and responds by alerting the patient with an audible or visual signal. The light source also serves as a night light. A preloadable pill storage canister is also disclosed which may be preloaded by a pharmacist and simply inserted into the pill dispenser by the patient for automatic pill dispensing. A method of dispensing medical pills having different prescribed administration schedules is also described.

[0005] US3563410A relates to method and apparatus for dispensing medication in the form of pills or capsules for a number of patients in a ward or wing of a hospital or similar mass treatment institution. There is provided a machine that will release a desired number of pills or capsules of a given kind and dispense the pills into a medication cup. Adjustable selection apparatus is provided for determining and controlling the number of pills or capsules to be released from a given medication reservoir. Audible signals indicating the number of pills or capsules dispensed are simultaneously provided as a safety measure.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices ate disclosed in prior art that is capable of dispensing medicines to some extent aim to simplify the medicine retrieval process but lacking advanced features such as the ability to suggest generic alternatives, analyse prescriptions intelligently, and ensure proper storage conditions for temperature-sensitive medicines. Moreover, such devices fail to integrate user-specific medical histories or provide comprehensive information about medicine properties, potential allergies, and alternative options.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of analysing prescriptions, offering generic alternatives when specific medicines are unavailable, and ensuring precise dispensing of the required dosage. Additionally, provides temperature-controlled storage, a user-friendly interface for accessing detailed medicine information, and integration with user profiles to address allergies or medical conditions effectively.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of accurately analysing prescriptions, identifying required medicines, and dispensing the medicines efficiently while addressing user-specific needs such as allergies and availability of alternatives with secure payment options, and precise dosage delivery.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of allowing the user to create the user’s profiles, input medical history, view and access information about both branded and generic medicines, and locate nearest centre to take action in selecting the medicines.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of maintaining optimal storage conditions for medicines, ensuring efficacy and safety, while providing detailed, real-time guidance to users about medication options.

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a prescribed medicines dispensing device that is capable of analysing prescriptions, identifying required medicines, offering branded and generic alternatives based on availability and user health profiles, and dispensing the appropriate doses with precision while maintaining optimal storage conditions for the medicines.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a prescribed medicines dispensing device, comprises of a housing configured to be mounted near medical care centers, a touch interactive display panel is installed on the housing for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a specific ID (identification) number for accessing the user’s profile from a database linked with the device, a tray installed at front section of the housing and integrated with multiple suction units for securely holding a prescription placed within the tray, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the housing, a microcontroller linked with the imaging unit for processing the conditions, to check availability of the medicines within the device, based on which the microcontroller activates the display panel to display suggestions for the user, multiple chambers installed within the housing, in a circular arrangement, for storing varying types of medicines, an extendable link arranged on inner periphery of the housing for positioning a clamping jaw integrated as end-effector of the link, in view of enabling the jaw to grab required number of strips from the chambers, to positon on a conveyer belt provided on base of the housing, wherein a two-axis lead screw arrangement is integrated in between the link and housing for providing required translation to the link and jaw, enabling the grabbing of medicine strips from the chambers.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device comprises of a Peltier unit for maintaining an optimum temperature for proper storage conditions, monitored by a temperature sensor embedded in each of the chamber, as per the stored medicine’s requirements, a robotic arm configured with a cutting blade, installed in the housing to trim the strip to the required number, for dispensing on the conveyer belt, an user interface is installed on a computing unit wirelessly linked with the microcontroller, for allowing the user to create the user’s profiles, input medical history, a GPS (Global Positioning module) integrated in the microcontroller to locate nearest device, an augmented reality (AR) LED holographic projector mounted on the housing to project images of branded and generic medicines, displaying details including price, ingredients, certifications, potential side effects of the medicines, and a battery associated with the device to supply power to all the components of the device to supply power to all the component of the device to operate accordingly.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

[0021] The present invention relates to a prescribed medicines dispensing device that is capable of providing a means to dispense prescribed medications efficiently and accurately by analysing prescriptions, suggesting alternatives, and ensuring proper storage and delivery of medicines in a user-friendly manner.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a prescribed medicines dispensing device, comprising a housing 101 installed with a touch interactive display panel 102, a tray 103 installed at front section of the housing 101 and integrated with multiple suction units 104, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on the housing 101, multiple chambers 106 installed within the housing 101, in a circular arrangement, an extendable link 107 arranged on inner periphery of the housing 101, a clamping jaw 108 integrated as end-effector of the link 107, a conveyer belt 115 provided on base of the housing 101, a robotic arm 109 configured with a cutting blade 110 installed in the housing 101, a slot 111 provided underneath the tray 103, a collection chamber 112 installed underneath the slot 111, a two-axis lead screw arrangement 113 integrated in between the link 107 and housing 101, and an augmented reality (AR) LED holographic projector 114 mounted on the housing 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a of a housing 101 made up of any material that includes but not limited to metallic material, alloy, alike and utilize to mounted near medical care centers. The housing 101 is encased with various components associated with the device arrange in sequential manner that aids in dispensing prescribed medicine for users. Upon installing the housing 101 near the centers, the user accesses a tray 103 installed at front section of the housing 101 to a place a prescription within the tray 103 and activates the device manually by pressing a switch button associated with the device and integrated with the housing 101. The button mentioned herein is a type of a switch that is internally connected with the device via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conducting electricity that tends to activate the device and vice versa.

[0024] After activation of the device by the user, a microcontroller associated with the device generates commands to operate the device accordingly. After activating of the device, the microcontroller actuates multiple suction unit 104 integrated with the tray 103 to hold the prescription securely. The suction unit 104 works by generating a vacuum or negative pressure underneath the tray 103, creating a secure hold on the prescription placed in the tray 103. Simultaneously, the microcontroller activates a touch interactive display panel 102 installed on the housing 101 to allow the user to provide input specifications regarding a specific ID (identification) number for accessing the user’s profile from a database linked with the device.

[0025] The display panel 102 mentioned herein works by using LCD (liquid crystals) that are manipulated by electric currents to control the passage of light through the display panel 102. When an electric current is applied, the liquid crystals align in a way that either allows light to pass through or blocks it, creating the images and colors that is being visible in the LCD of the display panel 102 regarding specific ID (identification) number that is further register as input and saved in database of the microcontroller to process the input given by the user. Upon processing the input, the microcontroller directs an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 integrated within the housing 101 to scan and analyze the held prescription The imaging unit 105 mentioned herein comprises of comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to capture and process the images of surrounding of the housing 101.

[0026] The camera firstly captures multiple images of the surrounding, wherein the camera comprises of a body, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the surrounding. After capturing of the images by the camera, the shutter is automatically open due to which the reflected beam of light coming from the surrounding due to light is directed towards the lens aperture. After that the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The image sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the surrounding in electronic signal.

[0027] Upon capturing images, the imaging processor processes the electronic signal into digital image. When the image capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit 105 processes the captured images by using a protocol of artificial intelligence to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The detected data in the form of digital signal is now transmitted to the linked microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to detect the held prescription for identifying medicines and medical conditions of the user. Based on detecting the medicines and medical conditions of the user, the microcontroller processes the conditions, to check availability of the medicines within the device.

[0028] After checking availability, if the microcontroller finds non-availability of the brand name medicine or the user’s allergies fetched from the database, then the microcontroller activates the display panel 102 to display suggestions for the user to select a generic medicine instead of a brand-name in view of allowing the user to accept/reject the suggestion. For example, if a specific brand-name drug is not in stock or is contraindicated due to the user’s allergies, the device would propose a safer, available generic option, allowing the user to make an informed decision.

[0029] An user interface is installed on a computing unit wirelessly linked with the microcontroller is accessed by the user to create the user’s profiles, input medical history, view and access information about both branded and generic medicines. The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the input received from the user is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and the user-interface to process the details given by the user

[0030] Based on processing of the details, the microcontroller activates a GPS (Global Positioning System) integrated in the microcontroller to locate nearest device. The GPS module works by receiving signals from multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. Each satellite transmits its location and the precise time the signal was sent. The GPS module receiver calculates the distance to each satellite by measuring the time it takes for the signals to reach it. By using data from at least four satellites, the GPS module determines the exact geographic location of the device, enabling the microcontroller to identify the nearest device accurately and provide location-based guidance.

[0031] Additionally, an augmented reality (AR) LED holographic projector 114 mentioned herein assembled on the housing 101 to project images of branded and generic medicines, displaying details including price, ingredients, certifications, potential side effects of the medicines, and suggestions. The AR LED holographic projector 114 works by mitting light from an array of LEDs, which are modulated to create dynamic visuals. This light passes through specialized lenses and optical elements to produce three-dimensional images that appear to float in mid-air. The AR technology overlay interactive digital content, synchronized with the microcontroller, allowing users to view detailed information and comparisons about medicines for selection to accept suggestion.

[0032] Upon accepting the suggestion, the microcontroller actuates a pneumatic integrated with an extendable link 107 arranged on inner periphery of the housing 101 for positioning a clamping jaw 108 integrated as end-effector of the link 107 to grab required number of strips from multiple chambers 106 installed within the housing 101 in a circular arrangement and positon on a conveyer belt 115 provided on base of the housing 101. The pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves i.e. Inlet and outlet valve and piston that works in collaboration to aid extension and retraction of the link 107. The air compressor is coupled with a motor that gets activated by the microcontroller to compress the air from surroundings upon entering from the inlet valve to compressed and pumped out via the outlet valve. The air valve allows entry or exit of the compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder.

[0033] The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. And upon closing of the valve, the compressed air exit out from the cylinder thereby decreasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The increasing and decreasing of the air pressure from the cylinder aids in extension and retraction of the piston that turns in aiding extension and retraction of the link 107 to grab required number of strips from the chambers 106, to positon on the conveyer belt 115. Herein, a two-axis lead screw arrangement 113 is integrated in between the link 107 and housing 101 for providing required translation to the link 107 and jaw 108, enabling the grabbing of medicine strips from the chambers 106. The lead screw arrangement 113 is coupled with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to rotate the screw with specified speed in order to translate the link 107 in X-axis direction as well as in Y-direction axis to move the jaw 108 for providing a suitable bi-directional motion to the jaw 108 to place the gripped medicine over the conveyer belt 115.

[0034] Additionally, if the prescribed doses requires specific number of tablets, the microcontroller synchronously actuates a robotic arm 109 configured with a cutting blade 110, installed in the housing 101 for positioning the cutting blade 110 in contact with strip of the medicine. After that the microcontroller actuates a motor coupled with the cutting blade 110 to rotate the blade 110 for trimming the strip to the required number for dispensing on the conveyer belt 115. After that the microcontroller actuates the conveyer belt 115 to provide translation to the medicines outwards from the housing 101 through a slot 111 provided underneath the tray 103. The conveyer belt 115 works by using a motorized mechanism to move a continuous loop of material (the belt) along a set path. After the cutting blade 110 trims the strip of medicine to the required number of doses, the microcontroller activates the motor driving the belt 115. This motion translates the trimmed medicine strip outward from the device through a designated slot 111 beneath the tray 103.

[0035] Simultaneously, the microcontroller generates commands to actuate the display panel 102 to generate a payment QR (Quick Response) code for the user to complete transaction before dispensing the medicine into a collection chamber, installed underneath the slot 111. The display panel 102 works by presenting a clear, high-resolution image of the QR code on its screen, which the user scan using a smartphone or any other payment-enabled device. Once the payment is confirmed, the microcontroller authorizes the release of the medicine into the collection chamber to collect the medicines.

[0036] Moreover, a Peltier unit integrated with each of the chambers 106 for maintaining an optimum temperature for proper storage conditions, monitored by a temperature sensor embedded in each of the chamber, as per the stored medicine’s requirements, wherein the temperature sensor is equipped with two electrodes utilized to detect the rise in voltage across the electrodes due to heating of the chambers 106 The detecting voltage is equivalent to the temperature that is sensed by the sensor. After then the sensor converts that detected temperature into electric signals and transmits that signal into the microcontroller. After that the microcontroller processes and analyze the signal to detect the temperature of the chambers 106. Based on detection, the microcontroller directs the Peltier unit to maintain the temperature of the chambers 106. The Peltier unit comprises of junctions and a thermoelectric generator (TEG) that is a solid unit which converts the heat into electric energy by the phenomena of see beck effect that is also known as form of thermoelectric effect. Further when the current flows through the junctions, the heat is removed from one junction to regulate the temperature within the chambers 106 to maintain the temperature within the chambers 106 for proper storage of the medicines.

[0037] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0038] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the housing 101 configured to be mounted near medical care centers, Herein, the touch interactive display panel 102 enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a specific ID (identification) number for accessing the user’s profile from a database linked with the device based on that the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 identifying medicines and medical conditions of the user based on which the microcontroller activates the display panel 102 to display suggestions for the user to select a generic medicine instead of a brand-name due to non-availability of the brand name medicine or the user’s allergies fetched from the database, in view of allowing the user to accept/reject the suggestion. Further, the microcontroller actuates the extendable link 107 for positioning the clamping jaw 108 integrated as end-effector of the link 107, in view of enabling the jaw 108 to grab required number of strips from the chambers 106, to positon on the conveyer belt 115. In case the prescribed doses requires specific number of tablets, the microcontroller synchronously actuates the arm 109 and cutting blade 110 to trim the strip to the required number, for dispensing on the conveyer belt 115, followed by actuation of the conveyer belt 115 to provide translation to the medicines outwards from the housing 101 through the slot 111 succeeded by synchronized activation of the panel 102 to generate a payment QR (Quick Response) code for the user to complete transaction before dispensing the medicine into the collection chamber in view of allowing the user to collect the medicines.

[0039] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A prescribed medicines dispensing device, comprising:

i) a housing 101 configured to be mounted near medical care centers, wherein a touch interactive display panel 102 is installed on said housing 101 for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a specific ID (identification) number for accessing said user’s profile from a database linked with said device;
ii) a tray 103 installed at front section of said housing 101 and integrated with plurality of suction units 104 for securely holding a prescription placed within said tray 103, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 is installed on said housing 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said housing 101, respectively to scan and analyze said held prescription, for identifying medicines and medical conditions of said user;
iii) a microcontroller linked with said imaging unit 105 for processing said conditions, to check availability of said medicines within said device, based on which said microcontroller activates said display panel 102 to display suggestions for said user to select a generic medicine instead of a brand-name due to non-availability of said brand name medicine or said user’s allergies fetched from said database, in view of allowing said user to accept/reject said suggestion;
iv) plurality of chambers 106 installed within said housing 101, in a circular arrangement, for storing varying types of medicines, wherein said microcontroller actuates an extendable link 107 arranged on inner periphery of said housing 101 for positioning a clamping jaw 108 integrated as end-effector of said link 107, in view of enabling said jaw 108 to grab required number of strips from said chambers 106, to positon on a conveyer belt 115 provided on base of said housing 101; and
v) a robotic arm 109 configured with a cutting blade 110, installed in said housing 101, wherein in case said prescribed doses requires specific number of tablets, said microcontroller synchronously actuates said arm 109 and cutting blade 110 to trim said strip to said required number, for dispensing on said conveyer belt 115, followed by actuation of said conveyer belt 115 to provide translation to said medicines outwards from said housing 101 through a slot 111 provided underneath said tray 103, succeeded by synchronized activation of said panel 102 to generate a payment QR (Quick Response) code for said user to complete transaction before dispensing said medicine into a collection chamber, installed underneath said slot 111 in view of allowing said user to collect said medicines.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a two-axis lead screw arrangement 113 is integrated in between said link 107 and housing 101 for providing required translation to said link 107 and jaw 108, enabling said grabbing of medicine strips from said chambers 106.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an user interface is installed on a computing unit wirelessly linked with said microcontroller, for allowing said user to create said user’s profiles, input medical history, view and access information about both branded and generic medicines, and locate nearest device via a GPS (Global Positioning module) integrated in said microcontroller.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an augmented reality (AR) LED holographic projector 114 mounted on said housing 101 to project images of branded and generic medicines, displaying details including price, ingredients, certifications, potential side effects of said medicines, and suggestions for complementary foods or medicines based on said user’s health conditions, age, and allergies thereby assisting said user in selecting appropriate medicines.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said chambers 106 are integrated with a Peltier unit for maintaining an optimum temperature for proper storage conditions, monitored by a temperature sensor embedded in each of said chamber, as per said stored medicine’s requirements.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.