Description:FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to a pill box, more particularly to a smart electronic pill box that can alert user when it is time to take the medication.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Medicines today have found a common place in our daily rituals. Every alternate individual and almost all elderlies are practicing their routine of medicine consumption basis their health status. Importantly, everyone is making all possible efforts to take dosage at same time every single day. This probably becomes a nuisance when one is travelling or get involved in some task of priority. In such scenarios, medicines are often skipped or missed and by the time one realizes so, it’s time for taking the next medication. This complexity of timely medicine consumption has even taken a toll on people’s health if either the medications were not regular, or their consumption has not been equally spaced on daily basis, or if some combinations are incorrectly consumed.
[0003] Many have attempted to overcome this limitation of timely medication consumption by introducing various means and measures for sending reminders or alerts to users or their caregivers for keeping up with their medicine schedule. Some have even tried compartmentalization of pill box or devised methods for detection of removed pills from the pill container to track medicine intake activity. However, the major drawback, of many, has been ease of opening/closing of containers, an intuitive design to alert and guide the users to open the right compartment to take the pills at the right time, timely reminders to refill the box and also keep the near and dear ones informed about the on time consumption or non-consumption of the pills, especially when the container is specifically designed for elderlies.
[0004] Also, another common limitation is enabling access to each compartment individually such that not entire box but individual compartments can be conveniently carried. In the background of foregoing limitation, there exists a need to provide improved smart pill box that eases its use by elderly people, making the overall process smoother and convenient to one and for all.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide an improved, smart electronic effective pill box that can alert the user when it is time to take medication.
[0006] In one other objective of the present disclosure, the electronic pill box is capable of providing either of visual, auditory and haptic alert.
[0007] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a portable electronic pill box that can be carried by user during his travel.
[0008] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a modular smart pill box which can be provided with different add-ons to suit user medication requirements.
[0009] Yet another objective of the disclosure is to provide a quick, easy app based notification feature for user to know timings of his medication or to track the overall medication pattern.
[0010] Still other objective of the present disclosure is to provide a convenient, easy to use design of the smart pill box that enhances the usability of box by allowing easy opening or closing of each cavity within the pill box, as well as making it a foolproof method by guiding the user to open the right compartment and consume the pills from the right compartment.
[0011]Still other objective of the present disclosure is to provide smart pill box that can work on ultra-power saving mode thereby saving the battery charge life.
[0012] One other objective of the present disclosure is to provide means whereby different combination of LEDs within the pill box can be selected by user for specifying unique color combinations for his different set of activities.
[0013] One other objective of the present disclosure is to provide alerts to the user to fill the pillbox once it is empty.
[0014] These and other objects will become apparent from the ensuing description of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention is directed to an electronic pill box, comprising: a compartment configured to accommodate the medicines: a top lid configured with a unique minimal force opening mechanism along with detection of opening or closure of the lid; an illumination source configured to indicate different conditions of pill box and also an additional illumination source to illuminate respective compartment of the main body to indicate the right compartment for pill consumption; a main body configured to hold the one or more pills; an electronic circuitry configured to power up the pill box and also intelligently control and operate the required functions of wireless communication and setup, scheduling and providing alerts and other related functionalities; and a bottom cap configured to close the pill box from bottom.

[0016] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described or become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Fig. 1 shows electronic pill box, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.
[0018] Fig. 2 depicts an exploded view of multiple modules of the pill box, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.
[0019] Fig. 3 depicts exploded view of module of the pill box, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.
[0020] Fig. 4 shows a section view of the module of pill box, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.
[0021] Fig. 5 shows opening of top lid of pill box, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.
[0022] Fig. 6 shows exploded view of module of the pill box indicating Finger Springs and Light Guide, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.
[0023] Fig. 7 shows view of finger springs individually and finger springs in contact with each other in the assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.
[0024] Fig. 8 shows view of top cap with slicer feature, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.
[0025] Fig. 9 shows view of top cap with slicer separating the finer spring when the lid is closed, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.
[0026] Fig. 10, 10.a, 10.b shows view of top cap with slicer separating the finer spring when the lid is closed, in accordance with one embodiment of present disclosure.
[0027] Fig. 11 shows exploded view of module of the pill box, in accordance with another embodiment of present disclosure.
[0028] Fig. 12 shows section view indicating alternate mechanism of sensing through spring and plunger shaft in closed lid position, in accordance with another embodiment of present disclosure.
[0029] Fig. 13 shows section view indicating alternate mechanism of sensing through spring and plunger shaft in open lid position, in accordance with another embodiment of present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Before the present device for storing pills is described in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular apparatus, design or machine for achieving so, as described, since it may vary within the specification indicated. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which will be limited only by the appended claims. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary methods of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Terms such as “smart pill box”, “electronic pill box”, “modular pill box”, “portable pill box” and the like have been interchangeably used in present disclosure, and shall be treated accordingly.
[0031] In one general embodiment of present disclosure, a smart electronic pill box is disclosed that can alert the user when it is time to take the medication. In one example embodiment, the alert is both visual, auditory and haptic. The IOT (Internet Of Things) based smart pill box can intelligently track the date and time of the day in order to alert the user whenever it’s time to take the medicine and also alert the user to refill the pillbox when it is empty.
[0032] In accordance with one specific embodiment, the pill box comprises of a compartment that is illuminated with Light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide the visual alert. Alternately, the box compartment is housed with a buzzer for creating an auditory alert. This helps the user to open the right compartment for taking pills instead of getting into guessing act. Exemplarily, the electronic pill box accommodates a battery, which makes it portable and provides user with improved mobility. Further, the electronic pill box is operably connected to an internet to enable initial set up and also during recovery as it needs to reboot and sync its internal clock.
[0033] Whenever the internet connection is made available, the pill box sends a notification to the user along with the predetermined number of caregivers of the user, who can be present all across the globe, on consumption of medication and also when the pill consumption is missed out. To facilitate the ease of use and make the overall process effective, the box is accompanied by a software/mobile application (app) that can be installed on user phone device. This app is critical for initial set up and useful in tracking the consumption of medicine or parallely record the activity on the server. However, it is only during reboot that the box is required to be connected over the internet, else the box is equipped with a capability to provide alert for medicine consumption at all times.
[0034] In one general embodiment, the electronic box is constructed modularly so that the user can choose to buy a specific section like morning, noon and night or a combination thereof that suits his needs. For the same, the modularity can be achieved by making at least one section as the master or central section. Broadly, the master section contains all circuitry and the battery required to power all the add-ons that gets attached to it. Further, the master section contains a locking mechanism and a series of connectors that provide power, control and communication channels. The master section is thus able to control and sense the user interaction with the containers of each section via these channels. Besides, the modularity feature of the electronic pill box makes it easier to manufacture, repair, maintain as need be.
[0035] In one alternate arrangement, the electronic pill box can function modular as all the add-ons are made smart and independent, can be made to work in tandem as they get to attach with each other and interact. With such a setting, each add-on is made self-sufficient with a locking mechanism for attachments and connections for communication. All the connections like power and communication can be wireless as well, thereby eliminating the need to be tethered via any wire.
[0036] Referring now to Fig. 1, an illustrative embodiment of smart, electronic pill box 100 is depicted. In one working embodiment, the pill box can be made of plastic or other similar material composition. The pill box holds the pill and also houses the electronic components like battery, printed circuit board (PCB), lid movement detection sensors, illumination sources like LEDs, buzzer, switches etc. It is further enabled with a mechanism to detect opening and closing of lid provided for each compartment or section.
[0037] As discussed above, the smart pill box 100 has a modular design with a predetermined number of modules connected to the master section. The entire device along with embedded electronics work in unison to give timely notification to the user or caregivers for medicine intake and/or medicine refill. Next, referring to Fig. 2, an exploded view of the pill box 100 with multiple modules is presented. Accordingly, the pill box 100 comprises of a top cap or lid 10, LED diffuser 20, a main body 30, PCB 40, battery 50 and a bottom cap 60. Also, as can be seen in Fig. 3, an exploded view of each module is presented comprising of similar components. Fig. 4 also illustrated a section view of the module to establish the components constituting the pill box 100.
[0038] In one embodiment, as can be seen in Fig. 5, the top lid 10 has a unique design as it comprises of a combination of a fixed part 5 and a hinged part 6 by using live hinges 8. This unique design affixes the top lid 10 to the main body 30 with the use of snaps. One distinguishing and novel feature of this design is in providing integrated solution that applies a unique minimal force opening design along with the detection of opening or closing of the top lid 10.
[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, spring fingers 15 are used that have a contact on rear end 15(a) with the PCB 40 and on the top end 15(b) is connected near the hinged part 6 of the top lid 10. Upon closure of the lid 10, the spring fingers 15 are electrically isolated (Fig.9, Fig 10.a, Fig 10.b) by the slicer (Fig. 8) on the lid and upon opening of the lid 10, the spring fingers 15 come in physical contact to establish electrical conductivity. This sends a signal to a micro-controller (not shown in drawings) for detecting the respective lid 10 as open. In one example embodiment, the spring fingers 15 can be completely made out of metal or a combination of plastic and metal or any kinds of springs and other conventionally known sensing methods.
[0040] Moreover, the spring fingers 15 help the users during opening of the lid 10 by providing additional spring back force leading to complete opening of the lid 10 upon exerting slight pressure thereupon. Presuming that many of the users of smart pill box may be elderly, the spring back effect while opening the lid 10 ensures that the user has to exert only a little force to open the lid 10.
[0041] Referring now to Fig. 11 showing other embodiment, springs (23) may be used as an alternate to spring fingers (15). Here, the spring is compressed by the plunger shaft (21). The plunger shaft always remains in contact with the lids. Fig 12 and Fig. 13 illustrate the plunger shaft in contact with lid in closed and open condition respectively. The lid in open position, will have spring (23) in contact with the conductive pads on the PCB (22). The lid during closure, will force down the plunger shaft (21), the plunger shaft applies pressure on spring (23), thereby compressing it. The spring (23) compression with result in contact loss with the PCB (22) pads, thereby sends signal to PCB (22) that the respective lid is in closed condition.
[0042] Re-referring to Fig.13, the lid when opened will allow spring (23) to expand in the assembly, thereby, makes an electrical contact with PCB and is detected as lid open. The expanding spring simultaneously pushes the plunger shaft (21) upwards. The plunger shaft being pushed upward will exert force on the lid, resulting in minimal force opening of the lid.
[0043] Re-referring to Fig. 1, the smart pill box 100 is a multi-cavity box uniquely designed in the form of a tapered saw tooth profile in which each section, whether master section 100(a) or side slave sections 100(b), is profiled out in a tapered saw tooth manner. This allows the user to easily position the fingers comfortably to open or close each cavity. Referring now to Fig. 3, the top lid 10 is primarily a single plastic part that is integrated with multi-cavity live hinges 8. The uniqueness of this design lies in its combination of a stationary/fixed part 5 and multiple movable/dynamic lids having a hinged mechanism, all integrated within a single top lid 10.
[0044] One of the important features of the smart pill box 100 is that it can be operated on an ultra-power saving mode. Upon completing the action of opening and closing of the lid 10 essentially for taking the pill out for consumption or for reloading the pill box with the required pills, the box detects inactivity and then immediately goes into sleep mode where it draws a minimal amount of electric current. This conserves the battery 50 charge, thereby increasing the use of pill box 100 for a longer time without any requirement of charging.
[0045] As explained earlier, each of the cavity of pill box 100 can be illuminated with the use of Programmable RGB LEDs. The advantage of using Programmable RGB LEDs is that it allows the possibility of configuring any color to achieve differentiation from a single LED. For example, the morning cavities can be colored in a certain color, while the afternoon and night can be colored differently. On the contrary, the same cavity can be lit in a different color to indicate time to take pills after food from the same cavity. In another case, the status LEDs can be configured to indicate different situation e.g. power on, connected Wifi, Failure and many such other situations using a single LED.
[0046] The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purpose of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.
, Claims:We Claim:

1) An electronic pill box (100), comprising:
a compartment configured to accommodate:
a top lid (10) configured with unique minimal force lid opening mechanism along with detection of opening or closure of the lid (10);
an illumination source (20) configured to indicate different conditions of pill box (100);
a main body (30) configured to hold the one or more pills;
an electronic circuitry configured to power up the pill box (100) ; and
a bottom cap (60) configured to close the pill box from bottom.

2) The electronic pill box (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein an alert is generated by way of audio, video or haptic for the user to remind him of medical consumption.

3) The electronic pill box (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the illumination source is a Programmable RGB Light emitting diode (LED).

4) The electronic pill box (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic pill box (100) is modular, as each compartment can be individually powered, controlled and communicated.

5) The electronic pill box (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top lid (10) comprises of a fixed part (5) and a hinged part (6) using one or more live hinges (8).

6) The electronic pill box (100), as claimed in claim 5, further comprising one or more spring fingers (15) configured to connect with the electronic circuitry on rear end 15(a) and with the hinged part (6) of the top lid (10) thereof.

7) The electronic pill box (100), as claimed in claim 6, wherein the spring fingers (15) or springs (23) with spring plunger shaft (21) are configured to establish electric conductivity to send signals to the electronic circuitry for detection of opening or closure of the top lid (10).

8) The electronic pill box (100), as claimed in claim 7, wherein the spring fingers (15) or springs (23) with spring plunger shaft (21) are configured to assist the user by providing additional spring back force leading to complete opening of the top lid (10) upon exertion of slight pressure.

9) The electronic pill box (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic pill box (100) is provided with a ultra-power saving mode, wherein the compartment is detected for inactivity such that the compartment goes into sleep mode during such inactivity.

10) The electronic pill box (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein an internet connection is provided to enable initial set up and during reboot to sync internal clock.