U.S. patent application number 11/804457 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for apparatus for smart medical care.
Invention is credited to Sirisha Gudimetla, Priyadarsini Lanka, Saraswati Tumuluri.
Application Number | 20080283542 11/804457 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40026469 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080283542 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lanka; Priyadarsini ; et
al. |
November 20, 2008 |
Apparatus for smart medical care
Abstract
An apparatus, method and system for dispensing medication in a
personal health management system are described. The apparatus for
dispensing medication is shown. The apparatus includes one or more
storage compartments for storing-one or more medications, an input
device for inputting data related to the medications, a data
storage device configured to store at least the data, an output
device operable to message information related to the medications,
and a computing device configured to respond to the data, select
one or more of the storage compartments for dispensing of the
medication, provide information for the output device, and record
quantity and frequency of the dispensing in the data storage
device. A method is also provided for dispensing medication in
accordance with an aspect of the invention. A system utilizing the
apparatus in a personal health management system is also shown.
Inventors: |
Lanka; Priyadarsini; (San
Jose, CA) ; Gudimetla; Sirisha; (San Jose, CA)
; Tumuluri; Saraswati; (San Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Priyadarsini Lanka
436 Knollcrest Ave
San Jose
CA
95138
US
|
Family ID: |
40026469 |
Appl. No.: |
11/804457 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/6 ;
700/242 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/0092 20130101;
A61J 7/0084 20130101; G16H 20/13 20180101; A61J 2200/30 20130101;
G07F 11/62 20130101; A61J 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/6 ;
700/242 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for dispensing medication comprising: one or more
storage compartments for storing one or more medications, said
storage compartments being configured to enable the separate
storage of medications in different compartment; an input device
for inputting data related to the medications; a data storage
device configured to store at least said data; an output device
operable to message information related to the medications; and a
computing device configured to respond to said data, select one or
more of said storage compartments for dispensing of the medication,
provide information for said output device, and record quantity and
frequency of said dispensing in said data storage device.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said data
comprises a prescription regimen for a user and quantities and
types of medication in said one or more storage compartments.
3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which said computing
device is further configured to monitor quantities of the
medication and message medication refills.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, further comprising a
reminder device operable to alert said user of a time for
dispensing according to said prescription regimen.
5. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which said computing
device is further configured to message said user with guidance
regarding the medication during said dispensing.
6. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, in which said message is
communicated by way of a phone call, email, or a text message.
7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said computing
device is further configured to respond to data corresponding to a
plurality of users and record quantity and frequency of dispensing
for said users.
8. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which said input device
and said output device are further configured to communicate to a
remote computing device.
9. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which said input device
is further configured to accept data from a user input means.
10. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which said input device
is further configured to accept data from one or more biometric
measuring devices for a user.
11. The apparatus as recited in claim 10, in which said computing
device is further configured to use data from biometric measuring
devices to track effectiveness of said prescription regimen.
12. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which said computing
device is further configured to query said user about health status
and store said user's responses to said query.
13. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, in which said input device
is further configured to accept data from an identification means
associated with one or more of the medications.
14. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, in which said computing
device is further configured to transmit data for one of more users
to said remote computing device.
15. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, in which said computing
device is further configured to receive data regarding medications
from said remote computing device.
16. The apparatus as recited in claim 10, in which said output
device is further configured to message an emergency service.
17. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, further comprising a
selection device operable to automatically dispense the medication
from said one or more storage compartments according to said
prescription regimen.
18. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which said data storage
device is further configured to prevent loss of data during a power
failure.
19. An apparatus for dispensing medication comprising: a means for
storing the medication; an input device means for inputting data; a
data storage device means for storing data; an output device means
for messaging information; and a computing device means operating
in conjunction with said input device means, data storage means,
and output device means for selecting the medication for
dispensing.
20. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, further comprising a
means for automatically dispensing the selected medication.
21. A system for personal health management utilizing a medication
dispensing apparatus, the system comprising: one or more biometric
measuring devices for a user; and a health management device
configured to accept one or more readings from said measuring
devices, recording user data, and storing said one or more readings
and said user data in a database, said health management device
comprising a medication dispenser, a means for connecting to a
remote server, a means for transferring said database to said
remote server and a means for alerting said remote server of a
medical emergency wherein said remote server responds to said
alerting or an emergency situation determined from data in said
database by contacting an appropriate emergency responder.
22. The system as recited in claim 16, in which said health
management device further comprises a means for storing said
database to prevent loss of data due to power interruptions.
23. The system as recited in claim 16, in which said health
management device is further configured to receive messages from
said remote server and present said messages to said user.
24. The system as recited in claim 16, in which said messages are
intended to solicit one or more responses from said user and said
health management device is further configured to send said one or
more responses to said remote server.
25. The system as recited in claim 22, in which said health
management device is further configured to generate a one or more
refill requests based upon the amount of medication in the
medication dispensing apparatus.
26. The system as recited in claim 22, in which said health
management device is further configured to support multiple
users.
27. The system as recited in claim 22, in which said medication
dispenser comprises an automatic dispenser for the medication.
28. The system as recited in claim 22, further comprising means a
vacation medication dispensing unit in which medications are placed
into a carry-on unit with one or more compartments, said vacation
medication dispensing unit having a relatively small device that is
operable to remind a user and monitor the medication usage and
either transmits said usage information to said health management
device or is suitably configured into said personal health
management system to monitor medication even while away.
29. An apparatus for automatic medication dispensing, the apparatus
comprising: a cylindrical pill cabinet comprising a hollow central
channel, a plurality of pill compartments arranged
circumferentially about said hollow central channel and flanked by
poles positioned parallel to said central channel; a first motor
for rotating said pill cabinet about an axis of said central
channel; a dispensing arm comprising a lead screw parallel to said
axis and exterior to said pill cabinet, a push nut in operation
with said lead screw for traversing a length of said lead screw
when said lead screw is rotated, and a plurality of pins arranged
in a column perpendicular to said axis and positioned for
contacting said push nut; a second motor for rotating said lead
screw to move said push nut to contact a one of said push pins
wherein said one push pin is pushed interior to a one of said pill
compartments and a pill contained therein is pushed into said
hollow channel; and
Description
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING
APPENDIX
[0002] Not applicable.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to devices for personal health
monitoring and management, for example, without limitation, the
tracking of a user's health indicators and contextual data,
emergency response systems, and the storing and dispensing of
medication.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Interviews with physicians and people aging in place
indicate that aging people have a difficult time managing their
health when living alone. Most of the current technology to address
this problem is in the area of pill dispensing devices. One of
these devices is a medicine dispenser where medicines are stored in
different chambers and a dispensing hole on one of the chambers is
used to dispense medication. Another is a medicine dispenser where
medicines are stored in bottles.
[0006] Another medicine dispenser known in the art is a dispenser
where medicines are stored in small spaces and the unit is rotated
to allow a proper dose to be picked up and dispensed. Another
current dispensing system sorts medication on a day-to-day basis
and has a logging system for missed medications. These solutions
only deal with medicine and dosage and do not monitor any aspects
of the user's health status.
[0007] Other current solutions for personal health management
involve health compliance. One known solution relies on the device
being connected to a container, from which the device receives
information such as, but not limited to, cap openings and dispensed
count. Another known solution connects a medication dispensing
device to a controller that tells the user how to use medication.
However, this solution does not track usage of the medication.
Another current solution uses a pager connected to a carriage and a
medication dispensing system. This device relies on the remote
commands of a pager to dispense medication and is prone to failures
in communication systems. Also, these solutions cannot react to
emergencies.
[0008] Yet other current solutions for personal health management
relate to health indicators and wellness tracking. One of these
solutions comprises a server controlled by the health care provider
that downloads a script to the patient client. The server monitors
the patient health condition by asking the patient questions.
Another health management solution is an apparatus that comprises a
device with two sensors that gather two data parameters of a user's
status and communicate this information to a computing device that
derives additional data from these two parameters. However, these
devices do not aid in the usage of medication.
[0009] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved
system for personal health management that can monitor and record
the user's health status, aid the user with medication usage, and
respond in an emergency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0011] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary personal health
management device with an automatic medicine dispenser, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is
a front perspective view of the device, and FIG. 1B is a front
perspective view of an exemplary pill dispenser housed within the
device;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary personal health management
device with a light-guided, self-service medicine dispenser, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows the an exemplary typical network for a personal
health management device, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary function of
a typical personal health management device, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a typical computer system that, when
appropriately configured or designed, can serve as a computer
system in which the invention may be embodied.
[0016] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are
not necessarily drawn to scale.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance
with the purpose of the invention, an apparatus, method and system
for dispensing medication in a personal health management system
are described.
[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for
dispensing medication is shown. The apparatus includes one or more
storage compartments for storing one or more medications, an input
device for inputting data related to the medications, a data
storage device configured to store at least the data, an output
device operable to message information related to the medications,
and a computing device configured to respond to the data, select
one or more of the storage compartments for dispensing of the
medication, provide information for the output device, and record
quantity and frequency of the dispensing in the data storage
device. In an embodiment the data comprises a prescription regimen
for a user and quantities and types of medication in the one or
more storage compartments. The computing device can be further
configured to monitor quantities of the medication and message
medication refills. In another embodiment the apparatus further
comprises a reminder device operable to alert the user of a time
for dispensing according to the prescription regimen. In another
embodiment the computing device is further configured to message
the user with guidance regarding the medication during the
dispensing. In another embodiment the computing device is further
configured to respond to data corresponding to a plurality of users
and record quantity and frequency of dispensing for the users. In
yet another embodiment the input device and the output device are
further configured to communicate to a remote computing device. In
another embodiment the input device is further configured to accept
data from a user input means. In yet another embodiment the input
device is further configured to accept data from one or more
biometric measuring devices for a user. The computing device is
further configured to use data from biometric measuring devices to
track effectiveness of the prescription regimen, in another
embodiment. In another embodiment the computing device is further
configured to query the user about health status and store the
user's responses to the query. In another embodiment the input
device is further configured to accept data from an identification
means associated with one or more of the medications. In various
other embodiments the computing device is further configured to
transmit data for one of more users to the remote computing device
and the computing device is further configured to receive data
regarding medications from the remote computing device. In another
the output device is further configured to message an emergency
service. In still another embodiment the apparatus further includes
a selection device operable to automatically dispense the
medication from the one or more storage compartments according to
the prescription regimen. In another embodiment the data storage
device is further configured to prevent loss of data during a power
failure.
[0019] Means for implementing any of the foregoing functions are
also provided.
[0020] A method is also provided for dispensing medication. In an
embodiment the method comprises the steps of providing initial data
for a user of a medication dispensing apparatus, storing medicine
in the medication dispensing apparatus, providing a schedule for
dispensing the medication for the user, waiting for a scheduled
time for dispensing the medication or a user input, alerting the
user at the scheduled time, waiting for the user to respond to the
alerting, determining if to dispense the medication upon the user
responding to the alerting, dispensing the medication upon the
determination to dispense, recording the dispensing, obtaining user
data from the user, recording the user data, returning to waiting
for a scheduled time for dispensing the medication or a user input
upon recording the user data, recording a missed medication upon a
failure of the user to respond to the alerting, returning to
waiting for a scheduled time for dispensing the medication or a
user input if a number of recorded missed medications is less than
or equal to a preset value, issuing an emergency alert when the
number of recorded missed medications exceeds the preset value,
determining if the user input is a setup change, returning to
providing initial data for a user of a medication dispensing
apparatus upon the determination of the setup change, and
performing a requested task from the user input. In various other
embodiments the method includes transmitting to a remote computing
device the dispensing upon recording the dispensing and
transmitting to the remote computing device the user input upon
recording the user input.
[0021] A system is also provided for personal health management
utilizing a medication dispensing apparatus. In one embodiment
thereof the system provides for one or more biometric measuring
devices for a user, and a health management device configured to
accept one or more readings from the measuring devices, recording
user data, and storing the one or more readings and the user data
in a database. The health management device comprises a medication
dispenser, a means for connecting to a remote server, a means for
transferring the database to the remote server and a means for
alerting the remote server of a medical emergency wherein the
remote server responds to the alerting or an emergency situation
determined from data in the database by contacting an appropriate
emergency responder. In other embodiments the health management
device further comprises a means for storing the database to
prevent loss of data due to power interruptions and the health
management device is further configured to receive messages from
the remote server and present the messages to the user. In another
embodiment the messages are intended to solicit one or more
responses from the user and the health management device is further
configured to send the one or more responses to the remote server.
In various other embodiments the health management device is
further configured to generate a one or more refill requests based
upon the amount of medication in the medication dispensing
apparatus and is further configured to support multiple users. In
another embodiment the medication dispenser comprises an automatic
dispenser for the medication.
[0022] An apparatus for automatic medication dispensing is also
provided. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a cylindrical
pill cabinet comprising a hollow central channel, a plurality of
pill compartments arranged circumferentially about the hollow
central channel and flanked by poles positioned parallel to the
central channel. A first motor is provided for rotating the pill
cabinet about an axis of the central channel. The apparatus
includes a dispensing arm comprising a lead screw parallel to the
axis and exterior to the pill cabinet, a push nut in operation with
the lead screw for traversing a length of the lead screw when the
lead screw is rotated, and a plurality of pins arranged in a column
perpendicular to the axis and positioned for contacting the push
nut. A second motor is included for rotating the lead screw to move
the push nut to contact a one of the push pins wherein the one push
pin is pushed interior to a one of the pill compartments and a pill
contained therein is pushed into the hollow channel. The apparatus
includes a processor configured to control the first motor and
second motor for selecting a pill to be dispensed via the hollow
central channel.
[0023] Other features, advantages, and object of the present
invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood
from the following detailed description, which should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
detailed figures and description set forth herein.
[0025] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it
should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light
of the teachings of the present invention, recognized a
multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon
the needs of the particular application, to implement the
functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the
particular implementation choices in the following embodiments
described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and
variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but
that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular
words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as
feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternatives
embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually
exclusive.
[0026] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
[0027] Research shows that many seniors aging in place live
disadvantaged because of the lack of timely and intelligent
personal care that, so far, is believed to be only possible from a
human caregiver for example, without limitation, a nurse or a
family member. The present invention strives to be an electronics
replacement that can intelligently manage the user's health.
Exemplary functions of embodiments of the present invention are,
without limitation, monitoring the user's health status, prompting
and guiding the user to correctly administer medications, charting
the user's medical history, responding with appropriate actions in
pre-emergency and emergency, and keeping the user's health status
available to remote users.
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention comprise a central
control unit (CCU) with a centralized persistent database. This
forms the brains to which is interfaced any or all of the following
elements without limitation: peripherals such as, but not limited
to, a display, a keypad, and speakers, a pill
storage-and-dispensing unit, devices for reading health status
through standard or specialized ports, and standard communications
ports to connect by internet or phone to a server.
[0029] By striving to be an effective electronic replacement for
traditional care giving, embodiments of the present invention focus
on preventive care. This includes, without limitation, drug
compliance, which has always been difficult for seniors to take
care of alone as prescriptions, the constituent drugs and regimen
are complicated to understand and remember. The preferred
embodiment of the present invention guides and dispenses the
correct combination of drugs, also known as a "cocktail", according
to the regimen. Embodiments of the present invention also take
biometric readings indicative of the state of health and answers to
medical queries, also referred to as an interview, and use this,
data to determine an action pre-emergency or post-emergency to
prevent or notify the worsening of the user's health. All medical
events are recorded in memory persistent across power failures.
This medical history is made available to remote caregivers or
physicians, periodically or on-deniand, as desired by the user.
[0030] An aspect of the present invention is to provide means for
intelligent personal health care and management. Embodiments of the
present invention dispense pills and monitor the user's health
status by indictors given by prescription compliance and biometric
readings. The tracking and services performed by the preferred
embodiment are carried out partly within the device client;
however, these services are mostly carried out by a remote
server.
[0031] In typical operation, embodiments of the present invention
may be used for the following applications, without limitation.
Some embodiments enable a user to take medications with guidance
correctly according to prescriptions, thus eliminating human error
to a large degree. Some embodiments also have electronic voice
and/or visual guidance to warn the user of general side effects and
cross-medication side effects. Some embodiments record the medical
history of the user including, without limitation, prescription
regimen compliance, prescribed and non-prescribed drug consumption
statistics, and health indicators. Some embodiments function as a
overseer to notify when emergency and pre-emergency care are needed
for the user. Some embodiments function as a means for caregivers
to access the user's health status via the server.
[0032] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary personal health
management device with an automatic medicine dispenser, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is
a front perspective view of the device, and FIG. 1B is a front
perspective view of an exemplary pill dispenser housed within the
device. In the present embodiment, the device comprises an external
cabinet 101 to which the following elements, without limitation,
are attached: a speaker 106 for voice instructions, a display 103,
and a keypad 102. These elements are connected to a board with a
central control unit (CCU) 121 that comprises a processor, memory
RAM and ROM, access ports, and a sensor. The processor can connect
to a PC or a server through the, access ports via means such as,
but not limited to, phone lines, Ethernet, or wireless means.
[0033] In the present embodiment, display 103 enables the user to
interact with the device through a menu and a graphic or character
display prompter for data output, and keypad 102 enables the user
to input data. Alternate embodiments may not include a display, and
the user may be informed of information such as, but not limited to
medication times by an audio alarm or other audio notification, for
example without limitation, a recorded voice message. The reminder
system in some embodiments may remind the user of medication times
and other events through alternate means such as, but not limited
to, a telephone call, a cellular phone call, or email. Alternate
embodiments may not include a keypad, and users may be able to
input data through alternate means such as, but not limited to, a
full keyboard, a voice recognition system, barcode readers, or by
downloading from a remote computing device or the Internet. In the
present embodiment, the device also comprises a door 104 to load
medicine into compartments 115 of the medicine dispenser housed
inside cabinet 101 and shown by way of example in FIG. 1B. Some
embodiments may also include security features such as, but not
limited to, physical locks or password protection.
[0034] In the present embodiment, the automatic medicine dispenser
inside cabinet 101 comprises a motor 113 coupled to a cylindrical
pill cabinet 111 with a central hollow channel 112. Cylindrical
pill cabinet 111 rotates by commands from the processor to every
position in which a column flanked by poles 114 lines up against a
dispensing arm 116. Once cylindrical pill cabinet 111 reaches the
desired column, cylindrical pill cabinet 111 stops, and a motor 120
and a lead screw 118 of dispensing arm 116 push a nut 119 through
pins 117 one by one. As nut 119 passes through pins 117, each pin
pops out the pills in compartments 115 through central hollow
channel 112. The pills are dispensed at the bottom where they are
collected in a dispensing tray 105, which can be removed from the
dispenser.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary personal health management
device with a light-guided, self-service medicine dispenser, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the
embodiment shown by way of example in FIG. 1A, the present
embodiment has a prescription-guided dispenser instead of an
automatic dispenser. This dispenser guides the user by lighting the
compartments of the pills to be consumed as opposed to the
automatic dispenser that dispenses the group of medications
directly. In the present embodiment, a device cabinet 201 has a
primary door 202 that is opened to enable pills to be loaded into
shelves 203. Each shelf 203 has a guide light 204. The device also
comprises a display 205, a keypad 206, a speaker 207, and extra
storage 208. Inside cabinet 201 is a CCU that functions similarly
to CCU 121 shown by way of example in FIG. 1B with a processor,
access ports, memory RAM and ROM, and sensors. The present
embodiment may be considered a generic version of a personal health
management device, and those skilled in the art, in light of the
present teachings, will recognize that many features may be added
to or removed from this embodiment while maintaining the function
of the device
[0036] For example, without limitation, alternate embodiments may
include, without limitation, any version of a pillbox or reminder
device with automatic prescription-guided dispensing and/or visual
and/or voice-guidance for prescription medications, with or without
applications to track consumption of medication, prescribed or not,
and to gather health indicators by interviewing the user or using
biometric readings. Biometric readings that may be gathered through
means such as, but not limited to, user input, sensors, monitors,
or meters include, without limitation, weight, blood glucose
levels, and blood pressure. Some embodiments may have a database,
where this data is gathered, designed in such a way that it resists
failures as if the copy is always up to date even after a power
failure. The information in this database may be transferred to a
remote computing device in some embodiments via a connection such
as, but not limited to, a telecom system, the Internet, or a wired
or wireless network. This transfer of information can move both
ways, sending user information to the remote computing device and
receiving information from the remote computing device such as, but
not limited to, additional data, scripts, responses to questions,
or instructions to the user. In some embodiments the remote
computing device is able to use information such as, but not
limited to, the data received, information contained in databases,
and external information from the web to make deductions about the
user's health.
[0037] Some embodiments may connect to a server to transmit drug
compliance data and health indicators to the server. Some
embodiments may also have sensors on the doors or latches or
compartments to monitor the removal or addition of pills. Some
embodiments may also support multiple users. Some embodiments may
also have video-conferencing and messaging built in to talk with a
caregiver or physician.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary network for a personal health
management device 301, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. In the present embodiment, at the time of
dispensing pills 302, the user may also input biometric readings
from a meter 303 into device 301 manually, for example, without
limitation, through a keypad or keyboard, or automatically, for
example, without limitation, through a wired or wireless
connection. The user may also participate in a diagnosis interview
set by the device where simple queries are put through to assess
the health-status of the user. An exemplary question is, without
limitation, "Do you feel all right?" This data is recorded and
saved in memory, both temporary and retentive memory in the present
embodiment. This record is transmitted periodically, and sometimes
as soon as possible, to a server 306. Data is sent by wireless or
wired means, for example, without limitation, phone lines, Ethernet
or a wireless network, to a point 304, and then the data goes over
an internet or telecom system backbone 305 to server 306. Server
306 uses this data as well as contextual data, for example, without
limitation, atmospheric temperature, to create derived data that is
published periodically for the user's physician and/or caregiver by
means such as, but not limited to ordinary mail, web or email, or a
telephone. If device 301 or server 306 deduces that user needs
emergency care, corresponding action is taken. The emergency can be
several levels, for example, without limitation, contacting the
caregivers, neighbors, or a call to a Personal Emergency Response
307 such as, but not limited to 911.
[0039] One of the features of the present embodiment is a
centralized database. There are two parts to the database, the
accumulating database in device 301 and the periodically updated
copy in server 306. The database in server 306, however, also
contains more derived data. Remote caregivers can access this
database through means such as, but not limited to the Internet,
email, or phone to monitor the user's health status. In the present
embodiment, the database in device 301 enables the data to be saved
consistently in non-volatile memory to prevent loss of data during
power failures. This involves a careful write where the old value
of parameters is written first followed by the change requested to
their values. An example of a parameter value being, without
limitation, the amount of medication taken After a power-up from a
power failure, device 301 can reconstruct the actual value by
looking up the careful write parameters and asking the user to fill
any other parameter not available or performing a certain
action.
[0040] The preferred embodiment enables the device to track
cross-effects between prescribed and non-prescribed drugs. The FDA
has a database that can be indexed with the National Drug Code
(NDC) of the medication to obtain instructions and side effects.
The server gets the NDC for every medication and crosschecks the
medication with every other medication in the database contained in
the device. This information is sent back to the device to wam the
user and to caregivers if dangerous cross-effects may occur.
[0041] The preferred embodiment also has an application to track
effectiveness of pills by tracking the specific health status
improvement of the user, positive or negative, with the regimen. An
example is, without limitation, a diet regimen to lose weight in
three months. The preferred embodiment tracks the progress and
makes predictions on whether the user is on track or not. In some
embodiments, the device may also graphically chart the
progress.
[0042] In some embodiments, the device can also request auto-refill
when a medication is running low at the correct time so the
medication is available not too late and not too soon. Some
embodiments are able to support multiple users. In these
embodiments, two or more users can use the same device even when
they have common medications. A software logical layer partitions
the physical resources into multiple domains, one for each
user.
[0043] A basic implementation of the present invention includes a
pillbox with one or more compartments where medications are stored
in different compartments that takes a prescription by typing it on
the keypad and guides the user to take the constituent medications
according to the prescription schedule by using a queue, e.g.,
without limitation, LED, text, sound, voice guidance, etc. For
example, without limitation, if the prescription says 2 mg of
medication A which is in compartment #1, 4 mg of medication B in
compartment #2, and 6 mg of Medication C in compartment #3. If each
pill of medication A, B, and C is 2 mg: then the following is
outputted at the time of dispensing assuming a voice guidance: 1
pills from Compartment #1, 2 pills from Compartment #2, 3 pills
from Compartment #3. An exemplary physical system supporting this
basic embodiment includes a box with one or more compartments:
medications are stored in separate compartments, an LED for each
compartment, a keypad to input prescription and/or drug
information, an LCD character or screen or LEDs or character LED to
display information, a computing device that computes a medicine
dispensing result based on the prescription input, the medications,
and the number of pills to be taken by the user at every interval.
The present embodiment would guide the user with the LED's and any
other information it may display on the screen. Volatile (RAM)
and/or non-volatile (ROM) memory could be used in the device to
store and process data.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary function of
a typical personal health management device, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the
process begins at a start point, step 401. The user then sets up
the CCU with information such as, but not limited to, personal and
emergency information and contacts as well as connecting biometric
meters such as, but not limited to, glucose or blood pressure to
the device in step 402. In step 403, the user loads the medication
according to the manner prescribed by the particular embodiment
being used. The user also enters the medication's NDC number or
name through the keypad in step 403. In alternate embodiments, the
NDC number can be input using a barcode reader using a barcode on
the medication container. In the present embodiment, the user also
enters the prescription either manually or by typing in the
prescription access number in step 403.
[0045] In step 404, the process is interrupted by an alarm or by
the user. This interruption may be caused by medication time or
user input. In step 405 the device determines if it is currently a
medication time. If it is a medication time, the device then
determines if the user is absent in step 406. If the user is
absent, a missed medication is logged in step 407. Missed
medications can be a sign of trouble and, after a certain number,
may require an emergency response. In the present embodiment, after
the missed medication is logged, the device determines if the user
has missed more than a preset number of medication times, and
emergency response is activated in step 409. If the user has not
missed more than the preset number of medication times, the process
waits for another interruption to occur at step 404.
[0046] If the user is present in step 406, the device determines
whether to dispense the medication in step 411. If the device
decides to dispense the medication, the medication is dispensed and
a message is transmitted to the server in step 412. The device
guides the user when taking a medication cocktail or a single
medication by identifying the constituent drugs and their
individual dosages. Guidance may be audio or visual. Biometric
readings are taken and transmitted to the server in step 413. If
the device decides to not dispense medication in step 411, the
process continues to step 413.
[0047] If it is not a medication time that caused the interruption
as determined in step 405, the device determines if the user
requested an interrupt in step 410. If the user has requested an
interrupt, in step 414, the user can choose to change the setup of
the device or perform an alternate task such as, but not limited
to, instantly dispense medication, or take readings. If the user
wants to change the setup of the device, the process returns to
step 402 where the user may edit the setup information. If the user
wants to perform an alternate task, the device performs that task
in step 415.
[0048] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of
the foregoing steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced,
reordered, removed and additional steps and/or system modules may
be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application,
and that the systems of the foregoing embodiments may be
implemented using any of a wide variety of suitable processes and
system modules, and is not limited to any particular computer
hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode and the
like.
[0049] Some embodiments of the invention provide the option of
instant and/or vacation dispensing to the user. Instant dispensing
is shown by way of example in FIG. 4 in step 415 where a user may
input a task for the device to perform. The user can instantly
dispense medication in advance for a short trip or a longer trip.
For longer trips, when the device is not being transported with the
user, some embodiments enable a related application called vacation
dispensing where medications are dispensed for each session with
instructions. The medicines can be put into a mobile pillbox. Also,
the instructions can be provided to the user or caregiver for
example, without limitation, by being written down or downloaded to
a cell phone or a PDA. In some embodiments the device may be able
to notify the user of medication times while on vacation through
means such as, but not limited to, email or a phone call.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates a typical computer system that, when
appropriately configured or designed, can serve as a computer
system in which the invention may be embodied. The computer system
500 includes any number of processors 502 (also referred to as
central processing units, or CPUs) that are coupled to storage
devices including primary storage 506 (typically a random access
memory, or RAM), primary storage 504 (typically a read only memory,
or ROM). CPU 502 may be of various types including microcontrollers
and microprocessors such as programmable devices (e.g., CPLDs and
FPGAs) and non-programmable devices such as gate array ASICs or
general purpose microprocessors. As is well known in the art,
primary storage 504 acts to transfer data and instructions
uni-directionally to the CPU and primary storage 506 is used
typically to transfer data and instructions in a bi-directional
manner. Both of these primary storage devices may include any
suitable computer-readable media such as those described above. A
mass storage device 508 may also be coupled bi-directionally to CPU
502 and provides additional data storage capacity and may include
any of the computer-readable media described above. Mass storage
device 508 may be used to store programs, data and the like and is
typically a secondary storage medium such as a hard disk. It will
be appreciated that the information retained within the mass
storage device 508, may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated in
standard fashion as part of primary storage 506 as virtual memory.
A specific mass storage device such as a CD-ROM 514 may also pass
data uni-directionally to the CPU.
[0051] CPU 502 may also be coupled to an interface 510 that
connects to one or more input/output devices such as such as video
monitors, track balls, mice, keyboards, microphones,
touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers, magnetic or
paper tape readers, tablets, styluses, voice or handwriting
recognizers, or other well-known input devices such as, of course,
other computers. Finally, CPU 502 optionally may be coupled to an
external device such as a database or a computer or
telecommunications or internet network using an external connection
as shown generally at 512, which may be implemented as a hardwired
or wireless communications link using suitable conventional
technologies. With such a connection, it is contemplated that the
CPU might receive information from the network, or might output
information to the network in the course of performing the method
steps described in the teachings of the present invention.
[0052] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the
present invention, other equivalent or alternative means for
implementing a personal health management system according to the
present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The
invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the
specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the
invention to the particular forms disclosed. The invention is thus
to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *