U.S. patent application number 16/931370 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-20 for systems and methods for using smart pill bottles to display prescription information to users.
The applicant listed for this patent is Aetna Inc.. Invention is credited to Dwayne Kurfirst.
Application Number | 20220020261 16/931370 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220020261 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kurfirst; Dwayne |
January 20, 2022 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING SMART PILL BOTTLES TO DISPLAY
PRESCRIPTION INFORMATION TO USERS
Abstract
In some instances, a method performed by a smart pill bottle
delivery device is provided. The method comprises determining one
or more prescription timing intervals indicating times for the user
to take one or more medication units of the medication based on
retrieving a prescription for the user from memory, providing one
or more visual notifications indicating for the user to take the
one or more medication units based on the one or more prescription
timing intervals, subsequent to providing the one or more visual
notifications, detecting position information indicating an action
performed by the user, and causing display of a second display
screen based on the position information indicating the action
performed by the user.
Inventors: |
Kurfirst; Dwayne; (Hartford,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Aetna Inc. |
Hartford |
CT |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
16/931370 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2020 |
International
Class: |
G08B 21/24 20060101
G08B021/24; G08B 5/22 20060101 G08B005/22; G16H 20/13 20060101
G16H020/13; G07F 9/02 20060101 G07F009/02; A61J 1/03 20060101
A61J001/03; A61J 7/02 20060101 A61J007/02; A61J 7/00 20060101
A61J007/00 |
Claims
1. A method for dispensing medication to a user, comprising: based
on retrieving a prescription for the user from memory, determining
one or more prescription timing intervals indicating times for the
user to take one or more medication units of the medication; based
on the one or more prescription timing intervals, providing one or
more visual notifications indicating for the user to take the one
or more medication units, wherein providing the one or more visual
notifications comprises displaying a first display screen on a
display device; subsequent to providing the one or more visual
notifications, detecting, by a smart pill bottle delivery device
(SPBDD) and using a position sensor, position information
indicating an action performed by the user; and based on the
position information indicating the action performed by the user,
causing display of a second display screen on the display device,
wherein the second display screen displays information that is at
least partially different from information displayed on the first
display screen.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the position information
indicating the action performed by the user comprises rotational
motion or translational motion of the SPBDD, and wherein displaying
the second display screen on the display device is based on the
rotational motion or the translational motion of the SPBDD.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the position information
indicating the action performed by the user comprises one or more
non-zero velocity values or one or more non-zero acceleration
values of the SPBDD, and wherein displaying the second display
screen on the display device is based on the one or more non-zero
velocity values or the one or more non-zero acceleration
values.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the display device is on a user
device in communication with the SPBDD.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the display device is on the
SPBDD.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: subsequent to
displaying the second display screen, receiving, by the SPBDD and
using the position sensor, additional position information
indicating an additional action performed by the user; and based on
the additional position information indicating the additional
action performed by the user, displaying, by the SPBDD, a third
display screen on the display device of the SPBDD, wherein the
third display screen displays information that is at least
partially different from information displayed on the first display
screen and the second display screen.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the SPBDD comprises memory that
stores a plurality of sequential display screens, wherein the
plurality of sequential display screens includes the first display
screen, the second display screen, and at least two additional
display screens, wherein displaying the second display screen on
the display device based on the positional information indicating
the action performed by the user is further based on the second
display screen being a next sequential display screen from the
plurality of sequential display screens, and wherein the method
further comprises: detecting, by the SPBDD and using the position
sensor, additional position information indicating one or more
additional actions performed by the user; and in response to each
additional action of the one or more additional actions, displaying
the next sequential display screen from the plurality of sequential
display screens on the display device.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein displaying the next sequential
display screen from the plurality of sequential display screens on
the display device is further based on a pre-defined
time-period.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises:
detecting, by the SPBDD and using a pill cap sensor, pill cap
information indicating a dispensing event associated with
dispensing the one or more medication units; and in response to
detecting the pill cap information indicating the dispensing event,
ceasing to display the next sequential display screen from the
plurality of sequential display screens in response to each of the
additional actions and shutting down the display device.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:
providing, by the SPBDD, environment information to a user device,
wherein the environment information indicates a temperature reading
or a humidity reading associated with the SPBDD.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:
detecting, by the SPBDD and using a pill cap sensor, pill cap
information indicating a dispensing event associated with
dispensing the one or more medication units; and providing, by the
SPBDD, pill bottle information to a second device based on the
dispensing event.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the second device is a back-end
server, and wherein the pill bottle information comprises
information indicating geographical information associated with a
location of where the user took the one or more medication
units.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the SPBDD comprises a pill
dispensing apparatus, and wherein the method further comprises:
determining, based on the prescription for the user, an amount of
the one or more medication units to dispense at each of the one or
more prescription timing intervals; and providing instructions to a
motor of the pill dispensing apparatus indicating for the motor to
dispense the amount of the one or more medication units.
14. A smart pill bottle, comprising: a storage compartment for
storing medication for a user; and a smart pill bottle delivery
device (SPBDD) fastenable to the storage compartment, comprising: a
position sensor configured to provide position information to one
or more processors; a pill cap sensor configured to provide pill
cap information to the one or more processors; a display device
configured to display information to the user; the one or more
processors; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having
processor-executable instructions stored thereon, wherein the
processor-executable instructions, when executed, facilitate: based
on a prescription for the user, determining one or more
prescription timing intervals indicating for the user to take one
or more medication units; based on the one or more prescription
timing intervals, providing one or more visual notifications
indicating for the user to take the one or more medication units,
wherein providing the one or more visual notifications comprises
displaying a first display screen on the display device; subsequent
to providing the one or more visual notifications, receiving, from
the position sensor, position information indicating an action
performed by the user; and based on the position information
indicating the action performed by the user, causing display of a
second display screen, wherein the second display screen displays
information that is at least partially different from information
displayed on the first display screen.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the processor-execution
instructions, when executed, further facilitate: receiving, from
the pill cap sensor, pill cap information indicating a dispensing
event associated with dispensing the one or more medication units;
and providing, based on the dispensing event, pill bottle
information to a user device.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the position information
indicating the action performed by the user comprises rotational
motion or translational motion of the SPBDD, and wherein displaying
the second display screen on the display device is based on the
rotational motion or the translational motion of the SPBDD.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein the position information
indicating the action performed by the user comprises one or more
non-zero velocity values or one or more non-zero acceleration
values of the SPBDD, and wherein displaying the second display
screen on the display device is based on the one or more non-zero
velocity values or the one or more non-zero acceleration
values.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein causing display of the second
display screen comprises providing, to a user device, one or more
instructions indicating for the user device to display the second
display screen.
19. The system of claim 14, wherein the processor-execution
instructions, when executed, further facilitate: subsequent to
displaying the second display screen, receiving, by the SPBDD and
using the position sensor, additional position information
indicating an additional action performed by the user; and based on
the additional position information indicating the additional
action performed by the user, displaying, by the SPBDD, a third
display screen on the display device of the SPBDD, wherein the
third display screen displays information that is at least
partially different from information displayed on the first display
screen and the second display screen.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having
processor-executable instructions stored thereon, wherein the
processor-executable instructions, when executed, facilitate: based
on retrieving a prescription for a user from memory, determining
one or more prescription timing intervals indicating times for the
user to take one or more medication units; based on the one or more
prescription timing intervals, providing one or more visual
notifications indicating for the user to take the one or more
medication units, wherein providing the one or more visual
notifications comprises displaying a first display screen on a
display device; subsequent to providing the one or more visual
notifications, detecting, by a smart pill bottle delivery device
(SPBDD) and using a position sensor, position information
indicating an action performed by the user; and based on the
position information indicating the action performed by the user,
causing display of a second display screen on the display device,
wherein the second display screen displays information that is at
least partially different from information displayed on the first
display screen.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In some instances, an individual may take multiple different
prescription medications. Each of these medications may have
different prescriptions (Rx) or instructions associated with the
medication. For instance, for a particular medication, the
prescription may be to take two tablets a day in the morning and
for another medication, the prescription may be to take one tablet
every other day with a meal. Therefore, an individual may have
difficulty remembering to comply with all of their prescriptions.
Additionally, in some situations, the individual may simply forget
to take their medication on time. Accordingly, there remains a
technical need for using smart pill bottles to display information
such as prescriptions to users.
SUMMARY
[0002] In some instances, the disclosure provides a method for
dispensing medication to a user. The method comprises: based on
retrieving a prescription for the user from memory, determining one
or more prescription timing intervals indicating times for the user
to take one or more medication units of the medication; based on
the one or more prescription timing intervals, providing one or
more visual notifications indicating for the user to take the one
or more medication units, wherein providing the one or more visual
notifications comprises displaying a first display screen on a
display device; subsequent to providing the one or more visual
notifications, detecting, by a smart pill bottle delivery device
(SPBDD) and using a position sensor, position information
indicating an action performed by the user; and based on the
position information indicating the action performed by the user,
causing display of a second display screen on the display device,
wherein the second display screen displays information that is at
least partially different from information displayed on the first
display screen.
[0003] In some examples, the position information indicating the
action performed by the user comprises rotational motion or
translational motion of the SPBDD. Furthermore, the SPBDD displays
the second display screen on the display device based on the
rotational motion or the translational motion of the SPBDD.
[0004] In some variations, the position information indicating the
action performed by the user comprises one or more non-zero
velocity values or one or more non-zero acceleration values of the
SPBDD. Furthermore, the SPBDD displays the second display screen on
the display device based on the one or more non-zero velocity
values or the one or more non-zero acceleration values.
[0005] In some instances, the display device is on a user device
that is in communication with the SPBDD.
[0006] In some examples, the display device is on the SPBDD.
[0007] In some variations, the method further comprises: subsequent
to displaying the second display screen, receiving, by the SPBDD
and using the position sensor, additional position information
indicating an additional action performed by the user; and based on
the additional position information indicating the additional
action performed by the user, displaying, by the SPBDD, a third
display screen on the display device of the SPBDD, wherein the
third display screen displays information that is at least
partially different from information displayed on the first display
screen and the second display screen.
[0008] In some instances, the SPBDD comprises memory that stores a
plurality of sequential display screens. The plurality of
sequential display screens includes the first display screen, the
second display screen, and at least two additional display screens.
The SPBDD displays the second display screen on the display device
is further based on the second display screen being a next
sequential display screen from the plurality of sequential display
screens. The method further comprises: detecting, by the SPBDD and
using the position sensor, additional position information
indicating one or more additional actions performed by the user;
and in response to each additional action of the one or more
additional actions, displaying the next sequential display screen
from the plurality of sequential display screens on the display
device.
[0009] In some examples, the SPBDD displays the next sequential
display screen from the plurality of sequential display screens on
the display device based on a pre-defined time-period.
[0010] In some variations, the method further comprises: detecting,
by the SPBDD and using a pill cap sensor, pill cap information
indicating a dispensing event associated with dispensing the one or
more medication units; and in response to detecting the pill cap
information indicating the dispensing event, ceasing to display the
next sequential display screen from the plurality of sequential
display screens in response to each of the additional actions and
shutting down the display device.
[0011] In some instances, the method further comprises: providing,
by the SPBDD, environment information to a user device, wherein the
environment information indicates a temperature reading or a
humidity reading associated with the SPBDD.
[0012] In some examples, the method further comprises: detecting,
by the SPBDD and using a pill cap sensor, pill cap information
indicating a dispensing event associated with dispensing the one or
more medication units; and providing, by the SPBDD, pill bottle
information to a second device based on the dispensing event.
[0013] In some variations, the second device is a back-end server
and the pill bottle information comprises information indicating
geographical information associated with a location of where the
user took the one or more medication units.
[0014] In some instances, the SPBDD comprises a pill dispensing
apparatus. The method further comprises: determining, based on the
prescription for the user, an amount of the one or more medication
units to dispense at each of the one or more prescription timing
intervals; and providing instructions to a motor of the pill
dispensing apparatus indicating for the motor to dispense the
amount of the one or more medication units.
[0015] In some examples, the disclosure provides a smart pill
bottle comprising: a storage compartment for storing medication for
a user and a smart pill bottle delivery device (SPBDD) fastenable
to the storage compartment. The SPBDD comprises a position sensor
configured to provide position information to one or more
processors; a pill cap sensor configured to provide pill cap
information to the one or more processors; a display device
configured to display information to the user; the one or more
processors; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having
processor-executable instructions stored thereon. The
processor-executable instructions, when executed, facilitate: based
on a prescription for the user, determining one or more
prescription timing intervals indicating for the user to take one
or more medication units; based on the one or more prescription
timing intervals, providing one or more visual notifications
indicating for the user to take the one or more medication units,
wherein providing the one or more visual notifications comprises
displaying a first display screen on the display device; subsequent
to providing the one or more visual notifications, receiving, from
the position sensor, position information indicating an action
performed by the user; and based on the position information
indicating the action performed by the user, causing display of a
second display screen, wherein the second display screen displays
information that is at least partially different from information
displayed on the first display screen.
[0016] In some variations, the processor-execution instructions,
when executed, further facilitate: receiving, from the pill cap
sensor, pill cap information indicating a dispensing event
associated with dispensing the one or more medication units; and
providing, based on the dispensing event, pill bottle information
to a user device.
[0017] In some instances, the position information indicating the
action performed by the user comprises rotational motion or
translational motion of the SPBDD. The SPBDD displays the second
display screen on the display device based on the rotational motion
or the translational motion of the SPBDD.
[0018] In some examples, the position information indicating the
action performed by the user comprises one or more non-zero
velocity values or one or more non-zero acceleration values of the
SPBDD. The SPBDD displays the second display screen on the display
device based on the one or more non-zero velocity values or the one
or more non-zero acceleration values.
[0019] In some variations, the SPBDD provides, to a user device,
one or more instructions indicating for the user device to display
the second display screen.
[0020] In some instances, the processor-execution instructions,
when executed, further facilitate: subsequent to displaying the
second display screen, receiving, by the SPBDD and using the
position sensor, additional position information indicating an
additional action performed by the user; and based on the
additional position information indicating the additional action
performed by the user, displaying, by the SPBDD, a third display
screen on the display device of the SPBDD, wherein the third
display screen displays information that is at least partially
different from information displayed on the first display screen
and the second display screen.
[0021] In some variations, the disclosure provides a non-transitory
computer-readable medium having processor-executable instructions
stored thereon. The processor-executable instructions, when
executed, facilitate: based on retrieving a prescription for a user
from memory, determining one or more prescription timing intervals
indicating times for the user to take one or more medication units;
based on the one or more prescription timing intervals, providing
one or more visual notifications indicating for the user to take
the one or more medication units, wherein providing the one or more
visual notifications comprises displaying a first display screen on
a display device; subsequent to providing the one or more visual
notifications, detecting, by a smart pill bottle delivery device
(SPBDD) and using a position sensor, position information
indicating an action performed by the user; and based on the
position information indicating the action performed by the user,
causing display of a second display screen on the display device,
wherein the second display screen displays information that is at
least partially different from information displayed on the first
display screen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The subject technology will be described in even greater
detail below based on the exemplary figures, but is not limited to
the examples. All features described and/or illustrated herein can
be used alone or combined in different combinations. The features
and advantages of various examples will become apparent by reading
the following detailed description with reference to the attached
drawings which illustrate the following:
[0023] FIG. 1a is a simplified block diagram depicting an exemplary
computing environment in accordance with one or more examples of
the present application.
[0024] FIG. 1b shows a pill bottle with a smart pill bottle
delivery device in accordance with one or more examples of the
present application.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of one or more devices
or systems within the exemplary environment of FIG. 1a.
[0026] FIG. 3 is another simplified block diagram depicting the
smart pill bottle delivery device in accordance with one or more
examples of the present application.
[0027] FIG. 4 is an exemplary process for operating the smart pill
bottle delivery device in accordance with one or more examples of
the present application.
[0028] FIGS. 5a-5g are a plurality of display screens capable of
being shown on the display device of the smart pill bottle delivery
device in accordance with one or more examples of the present
application.
[0029] FIGS. 6a and 6b are simplified block diagrams depicting a
pill dispensing apparatus in accordance with one or more examples
of the present application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Examples of the presented application will now be described
more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying FIGs., in
which some, but not all, examples of the application are shown.
Indeed, the application may be exemplified in different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth
herein; rather, these examples are provided so that the application
will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Where possible, any
terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also
include the plural form and vice versa, unless explicitly stated
otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term "a" and/or "an" shall
mean "one or more" even though the phrase "one or more" is also
used herein. Furthermore, when it is said herein that something is
"based on" something else, it may be based on one or more other
things as well. In other words, unless expressly indicated
otherwise, as used herein "based on" means "based at least in part
on" or "based at least partially on".
[0031] Systems, methods, and computer program products are herein
disclosed that provide for displaying information on a display
device of a smart pill bottle delivery device. FIG. 1a is a
simplified block diagram depicting an exemplary environment in
accordance with an example of the present application. The
environment 100 includes an individual (e.g., user) 102, a user
device (e.g., mobile device) 104 associated with the user 102, a
smart pill bottle delivery device (SPBDD) 108 associated with the
user 102, an enterprise computing system (e.g., back-end server)
110, and a prescription provider system (e.g., local pharmacy) 112.
Although the entities within environment 100 may be described below
and/or depicted in the FIGs. as being singular entities, it will be
appreciated that the entities and functionalities discussed herein
may be implemented by and/or include one or more entities.
[0032] The entities within the environment 100 such as the user
device 104, the SPBDD 108, the enterprise computing system 110,
and/or the prescription provider system 112 may be in communication
with other systems within the environment 100 via the network 106.
The network 106 may be a global area network (GAN) such as the
Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or
any other type of network or combination of networks. The network
106 may provide a wireline, wireless, or a combination of wireline
and wireless communication between the entities within the
environment 100. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the user
device 104 may be in communication with the SPBDD 108 without using
the network 106. For instance, the user device 104 may use one or
more communication protocols such as WI-FI or BLUETOOTH to
communicate with the SPBDD 108.
[0033] User 102 may operate, own, and/or otherwise be associated
with a user device 104. For instance, the user device 104 may be a
mobile phone such as a smartphone that is owned and/or operated by
the user 102. The user 102 may provide information to the other
entities of environment 100 such as the enterprise computing system
110 and/or the prescription provider system 112 using the user
device 104. For example, the user device 104 may receive user input
from the user 102 such as indications to download and/or operate a
software application associated with an enterprise organization.
The enterprise organization may be any type of corporation,
company, organization, and/or other institution. The software
application may be an application that is used by the user device
104 to communicate with the SPBDD 108. For example, the SPBDD 108
may communicate with and/or provide alerts as well as other
information to the user 102 using the software application and the
user device 104. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the user
device 104 may provide commands, updates, and/or other information
such as an updated prescription to the SPBDD 108 using the software
application.
[0034] The user device 104 may be and/or include, but is not
limited to, a desktop, laptop, tablet, mobile device (e.g.,
smartphone device, or other mobile device), smart watch, an
internet of things (IOT) device, or any other type of computing
device that generally comprises one or more communication
components, one or more processing components, and one or more
memory components. The user device 104 may be able to execute
software applications managed by, in communication with, and/or
otherwise associated with the enterprise organization.
[0035] The SPBDD 108 may be any device that provides alerts to the
user 102 indicating for the user 102 to take their medication. FIG.
1b shows an exemplary pill bottle 150 (e.g., medication bottle)
that includes the SPBDD 108 and a storage compartment for
medication 152. The storage compartment 152 may include and/or be
any type of container, compartment, and/or storage space that
stores medications such as pills, tablets, capsules, and so on. The
SPBDD 108 may be a cap or lid for the pill bottle 150 and is
fastenable or securable to the storage compartment 152. FIG. 1b is
merely an example of the SPBDD 108 and in other examples, the SPBDD
108 may be configured to be used as a lid for a pill packet (e.g.,
medication packet) and/or other types of pill or medication
dispensing containers.
[0036] Referring back to FIG. 1a and as will be described in
further detail below, the SPBDD 108 may include one or more
processors, sensors, memory, and/or output devices such as display
devices and/or audio output devices that are used to display
notifications to the user 102 to take their medication. For
example, the SPBDD 108 may display alerts for the user 102 to take
the medication based on a prescription. In other words, a physician
may prescribe a prescription (Rx) for a particular medication for
the user 102. The SPBDD 108 may receive and/or store the
prescription in memory. Based on the prescription, the SPBDD 108
may determine when the user 102 should take the medication and
provide alerts, messages, and/or notifications for the user 102 to
take medication at a particular time. For example, the prescription
may indicate to take one tablet every morning. Based on the
prescription, the SPBDD 108 may determine the user 102 should take
the medication at 8:00 AM every morning and provide one or more
notifications at 8:00 AM every morning for the user 102 to take the
medication.
[0037] The SPBDD 108 may use output devices such as an audio output
device that provides an audio alert for the user 102 to take the
medication and a display device that visually displays the alert.
For example, at 8:00 AM, the SPBDD 108 may provide an audio alert
and a visual alert. The visual alert may include displaying
information such as prescription information (e.g., take one tablet
every morning) on the display device.
[0038] Additionally, and/or alternatively, the SPBDD 108 may
include one or more sensors such as a position sensor (e.g.,
accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and/or digital compass).
The position sensor may provide position information indicating an
action performed by the user 102. The action performed by the user
102 may include moving the pill bottle 150 to a different location
and/or tapping the pill bottle 150. In other words, when the user
102 physically moves the SPBDD 108 (e.g., pill bottle 150) such as
picking up the SPBDD 108, the position sensor may provide
information indicating this movement. Based on the position
information, the SPBDD 108 may change the display screen shown on
the display device from an initial display screen to a different
display screen. For instance, the initial display screen may show
the prescription from the physician and based on receiving the
position information indicating the movement, the SPBDD 108 may
show a second display screen indicating side effects of the
medication.
[0039] In some variations, the SPBDD 108 displays a sequence or
series of display screens on the display device. Each of these
display screens may show different information and the SPBDD 108
may change to the next display screen based on the received
position information from the position sensor. For example,
initially, the SPBDD 108 may display a first display screen from
the sequence of display screens. Based on position information from
the position sensor (e.g., information indicating movement of the
SPBDD 108), the SPBDD 108 may cycle through the sequence and
display different display screens in a sequential order. After
reaching the end of the sequence, the SPBDD 108 may display the
first display screen again.
[0040] In some instances, the SPBDD 108 may include the storage
compartment 152. In other words, the SPBDD 108 may be the entire
pill bottle that includes the processor, memory, sensors, and the
storage compartment for the medication. The operations,
functionalities, and components of the SPBDD 108 will be described
in further detail below.
[0041] The enterprise computing system 110 is a computing system
that is associated with the enterprise organization. The enterprise
computing system 110 includes one or more computing devices,
computing platforms, systems, servers, and/or other apparatuses
capable of performing tasks, functions, and/or other actions for
the enterprise organization. In some instances, the enterprise
computing system 110 may, for example, receive and/or provide
information from the SPBDD 108, the prescription provider system
112, and/or the user device 104. For instance, the enterprise
computing system 110 may receive and/or provide information
indicating prescriptions from the SPBDD 108 and/or the user device
104. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the enterprise computing
system 110 may determine whether the user 102 is complying with the
prescription provided by the physician based on the information
from the user device 104 and/or the SPBDD 108.
[0042] The enterprise computing system 110 may be implemented using
one or more computing platforms, devices, servers, and/or
apparatuses. In some variations, the enterprise computing system
110 may be implemented as engines, software functions, and/or
applications. In other words, the functionalities of the enterprise
computing system 110 and/or the enterprise computing system 110 may
be implemented as software instructions stored in storage (e.g.,
memory) and executed by one or more processors.
[0043] The prescription provider system 112 (e.g., a local
pharmacy) includes one or more computing devices that are used for
receiving prescriptions for a user 102 from a physician and
displaying the prescriptions to a technician and/or pharmacist. The
prescription provider system 112 may be implemented using one or
more computing platforms, devices, servers, and/or otherwise
apparatuses that are capable of providing prescription information
to the SPBDD 108.
[0044] In other words, a physician may prescribe a prescription for
the user 102 and use a computing device to provide the information
to the prescription provider system 112. A technician and/or
pharmacist at the local pharmacy may view the displayed
prescription information, verify the prescription is accurate, and
fulfill the prescription (e.g., provide and package the medication
for the user 102 in a pill bottle and/or packet such as the pill
bottle 150). The technician and/or pharmacist may use the one or
more computing devices of the prescription provider system 112 to
provide the prescription information to the SPBDD 108. The SPBDD
108 may receive the prescription information and store this
information in its memory.
[0045] It will be appreciated that the exemplary environment
depicted in FIG. 1a is merely an example, and that the principles
discussed herein may also be applicable to other situations--for
example, including other types of institutions, organizations,
devices, systems, and network configurations. As will be described
herein, the environment 100 may be used by health care enterprise
organizations. For example, the enterprise organization may be a
health care enterprise organization that provides prescription
medications to users including user 102. In some variations, the
enterprise organization may operate, manage, manufacture, provide,
and/or otherwise be associated with the enterprise computing system
110, the prescription provider system 112, and/or the SPBDD
108.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary system and/or
device 200 within the environment 100. The device/system 200
includes a processor 204, such as a central processing unit (CPU),
controller, and/or logic, that executes computer executable
instructions for performing the functions, processes, and/or
methods described herein. In some examples, the computer executable
instructions are locally stored and accessed from a non-transitory
computer readable medium, such as storage 210, which may be a hard
drive or flash drive. Read Only Memory (ROM) 206 includes computer
executable instructions for initializing the processor 204, while
the random-access memory (RAM) 208 is the main memory for loading
and processing instructions executed by the processor 204. The
network interface 212 may connect to a wired network or cellular
network and to a local area network or wide area network, such as
the network 106. The device/system 200 may also include a bus 202
that connects the processor 204, ROM 206, RAM 208, storage 210,
and/or the network interface 212. The components within the
device/system 200 may use the bus 202 to communicate with each
other. The components within the device/system 200 are merely
exemplary and might not be inclusive of every component, device,
computing platform, and/or computing apparatus within the
device/system 200. For example, as will be described below, the
SPBDD 108 may include some of the components within the
device/system 200 and may also include further components such as
one or more sensors. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the
device/system 200 may further include components that might not be
included within every entities of environment 100.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram depicting an SPBDD 108
in accordance with one or more examples of the present application.
As mentioned above, the SPBDD 108 may be included within a pill
bottle (e.g., pill bottle 150), pill packet, and/or other pill
dispensing apparatuses. The SPBDD 108 may be operatively coupled to
a storage compartment for the medication. Furthermore, the SPBDD
108 may include multiple components such as one or more sensors
(e.g., temperature/humidity sensor 308, pill cap sensor 310, and/or
position sensor 312), smart pill bottle delivery processors (SPBDP)
318, memory 314, energy dispensing device 320 (e.g., battery), pill
dispensing apparatus 322, communication interface 324, and/or
output devices (e.g., display device 328 and audio output device
326).
[0048] The sensors of the SPBDD 108 include, but are not limited
to, temperature/humidity sensors 308, pill cap sensors 310, and
position sensors 312. The temperature/humidity sensor 308
receives/detects information 302 indicating one or more
temperatures and/or humidity of an area surrounding the SPBDD 108
or pill bottle 150 and/or within the storage compartment 152 where
the medication is stored. In other words, the temperature/humidity
sensor 308 detects the temperature and/or humidity of the area or
environment surrounding the pill bottle and/or within the pill
bottle. The temperature/humidity sensor 308 provides the
information indicating the temperatures and/or humidity to the
SPBDP 318.
[0049] In some examples, the temperature/humidity sensor 308 is a
single sensor that detects both temperature and humidity. In other
examples, the temperature/humidity sensor 308 is two separate
entities. In other words, the temperature sensor may be separate
from the humidity sensor. The temperature sensor may be any type of
sensor that is capable of detecting temperatures and may be/include
one or more infrared (IR) temperature sensors, thermistors, thermal
cameras, and/or resistance temperature detectors (RTDs). The
humidity sensor may detect and measure water vapor including the
humidity/moisture of the area surrounding the pill bottle and/or
within the pill bottle.
[0050] The pill cap sensor 310 receives/detects information 304
indicating a dispensing event (e.g., whether the pill bottle/packet
has been opened or closed). The pill cap sensor 310 may be any type
of sensor that is capable of detecting whether the pill
bottle/packet has been opened or closed and may be/include a reed
switch, a proximity switch, and/or a magnetic sensor. For example,
when the user 102 opens a pill bottle, the pill cap sensor 310
detects information 304 indicating a disconnect between the SPBDD
108 and the storage compartment 152. For instance, the SPBDD 108
may initially be fastened to the storage compartment 152. The user
102 may unfasten the SPBDD 108 from the storage compartment 152 to
take their medication. The pill cap sensor 310 detects the
unfastening of the SPBDD 108 from the storage compartment 152 and
provides this information to the SPBDP 318.
[0051] The position sensor 312 receives/detects positional
information 306 indicating an action performed by the user 102. The
position sensor 312 may be any type of sensor that is capable of
detecting the action and may be/include a digital compass,
gyroscope, accelerometer, and/or magnetometer. For example, the
position sensor 312 detects information 306 indicating a change in
position of the pill bottle/SPBDD 108 (e.g., a change from a first
position to a second position) and provides the positional change
to the SPBDP 318. In some instances, the change in position may be
translational such as movement from one location to another
location. In other instances, the change in position may be
rotational such as a rotation of certain degrees. In other words,
the position sensor 312 may detect the pill bottle 150 has been
rotated a certain number of degrees (e.g., 90 degrees). In some
examples, the position sensor 312 detects information 306 such as a
velocity and/or acceleration of the pill bottle/SPBDD 108. The
velocity and/or acceleration may indicate movement of the SPBDD 108
and/or the pill bottle/packet. The position sensor 312 may provide
the velocity and/or acceleration to the SPBDP 318.
[0052] Additionally, and/or alternatively, the position sensor 312
detects information 306 indicating the user is tapping the pill
bottle 150. For instance, the position sensor 312 may continuously
detect and provide, to the SPBDP 318, x-axis, y-axis, and/or z-axis
coordinates associated with the pill bottle 150 and/or the SPBDD
108. The SPBDP 318 may detect a change of the x-axis, y-axis,
and/or z-axis coordinates and based on detecting the change, the
SPBDP 318 may determine the user is tapping the SPBDD 108 and/or
pill bottle 150. In other words, due to the user tapping the SPBDD
108, the SPBDD 108 may depress slightly causing the SPBDP 318 to
detect a change of the x-axis, y-axis, and/or z-axis coordinates.
Based on this change, the SPBDP 318 may determine the user is
tapping the SPBDD 108. In some examples, the SPBDP 318 may
determine the user is tapping the SPBDD 108 and/or pill bottle 150
based on using one of the x, y, or z-axis coordinates. In other
examples, the SPBDP 318 may use multiple (e.g., two or three) of
the x, y, or z-axis coordinates to determine the user is tapping
the SPBDD 108 and/or pill bottle 150. In some instances, the
position sensor 312 may be a magnetometer and the SPBDP 318 may use
a timing threshold to determine whether there has been a change to
the x-axis, y-axis, and/or z-axis coordinates of the pill bottle
150 and/or the SPBDD 108.
[0053] While only the temperature/humidity sensors 308, pill cap
sensors 310, and position sensors 312 are shown in FIG. 3, in some
examples, the SPBDD 108 may include additional sensors. For
instance, in some variations, the SPBDD 108 may include a proximity
sensor, an image capturing device (e.g., camera), and/or a
radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensor. In some instances,
the SPBDD 108 may use the proximity sensor to count the number of
pills remaining within the pill bottle 150.
[0054] The SPBDP 318 may be any type of hardware and/or software
logic, such as a central processing unit (CPU), RASPBERRY PI
processor/logic, controller, and/or logic, that executes computer
executable instructions for performing the functions, processes,
and/or methods described herein. For example, the SPBDP 318
retrieves prescription information 316 from memory 314 and based on
the prescription information 316 determines when to provide a
notification indicating for the user 102 to take their medication.
Furthermore, the SPBDP 318 receives sensor information from the one
or more sensors (e.g., the temperature/humidity sensors 308, pill
cap sensors 310, and position sensors 312). The SPBDP 318 may use
the sensor information for one or more functionalities such as
changing the display screens shown on the display device 328.
[0055] The SPBDD 108 includes memory 314. Memory 314 includes
prescription information 316 indicating a prescription for the user
102. For example, the prescription may indicate for the user to
take the medication twice a day. The prescription provider system
112 may provide the prescription information to the SPBDD 108. In
some examples, during the filling or refilling of the medication, a
computing device from the prescription provider system 112 may
provide the prescription information to the SPBDD 108. The SPBDD
108 may receive this information using the communication interface
324 and store the information in memory 314.
[0056] In some examples, the memory 314 may be and/or include a
computer-usable or computer-readable medium such as, but not
limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,
infrared, or semiconductor computer-readable medium. More specific
examples (e.g., a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable
medium may include the following: an electrical connection having
one or more wires; a tangible medium such as a portable computer
diskette, a hard disk, a time-dependent access memory (RAM such as
the RAM 208), a ROM such as ROM 206, an erasable programmable
read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a compact disc read-only
memory (CD_ROM), or other tangible optical or magnetic storage
device. The computer-readable medium may store computer-readable
instructions/program code for carrying out operations of the
present application. For example, when executed by the SPBDP 318,
the computer-readable instructions/program code may carry out
operations described herein.
[0057] The SPBDD 108 includes a pill dispensing apparatus 322. The
pill dispensing apparatus 322 may include one or more components
such as a motor (e.g., servo motor), a pill dispenser, and a shaft
operatively coupled to the motor and pill dispenser. The SPBDP 318
may provide instructions for the pill dispensing apparatus 322 to
dispense a certain amount of a medication such as a single pill or
multiple pills at a particular time. For instance, the prescription
information 316 may indicate to take two tablets of medication
every four hours. The SPBDP 318 may use a timer or other type of
counter and every four hours, may provide instructions or commands
to the pill dispensing apparatus 322 to dispense two tablets. The
pill dispenser may be any type of apparatus that is capable of
being driven by the motor to dispense medications. In some
instances, the pill dispenser may encompass the opening of the
storage compartment 152 and include one or more openings that are
substantially the same size as a pill within the storage
compartment 152. The motor may drive the pill dispenser in a
rotational motion such that at each rotation, only a known number
of tablets (e.g., one tablet) are released from the pill bottle
150. For instance, the instructions may indicate to release two
tablets. The pill dispenser may have a singular opening and the
motor may drive the pill dispenser approximately 720 degrees (2
revolutions) such that during each revolution, a single tablet is
released by the pill dispenser. This will be described in more
detail in FIGS. 6a and 6b.
[0058] The SPBDD 108 includes a network interface 324. The SPBDP
318 uses the network interface 324 to communicate with other
devices and/or systems within the environment 100. The network
interface 324 may include the functionalities and/or be the network
interface 212 shown in FIG. 2. For example, the SPBDP 318 may
receive information 330 from the prescription provider system 112
using the network interface 324. Additionally, the SPBDP 318 may
communicate with the user device 104 such as providing alerts
and/or information using the network interface 324.
[0059] The SPBDD 108 further includes output devices such as an
audio output device 326 and display device 328. The output devices
may provide a notification such as an alert to the user 102
indicating for the user 102 to take the medication and/or may
display the prescription information. For example, the SPBDP 318
may determine, based on the prescription information 316, a timer
for dispensing the medication to the user 102. After the timer has
concluded, the SPBDP 318 may provide instructions to the output
devices to alert the user 102 of taking their medication. For
instance, these instructions may indicate for the audio output
device 326 to provide an audio alert such as an alarm sound or a
text-to-speech indication to the user 102. Additionally, and/or
alternatively, these instructions may also indicate for the display
device 328 to display a display screen from the memory 314. The
display screen may indicate the prescription information 316 (e.g.,
take two tablets).
[0060] The audio output device 326 may be any type of device that
outputs audio. For example, the audio output device 326 may be a
speaker or speaker system that provides audio output. The audio
output device 326 may output distinct sounds such as an alarm sound
and/or may incorporate text-to-speech algorithms that output a
phrase or sentence indicating for the user 102 to take their
medication (e.g., "Please take your medication now"). In some
instances, the phrase or sentence may include other phrases or
sentences such as ("Ouch, stop that") based on the position sensor
312 indicating movement or tapping of the pill bottle 150.
[0061] The display device 328 may be any type of device that is
capable of displaying visual information and/or alerts. In some
examples, the display device 328 may include a graphical user
interface (GUI) and/or may be able to receive input from a user
(e.g., touch-screen). As will be described below, the SPBDP 318 may
display different display screens on the display device 328
including different information based on received sensor
information. In some instances, the display device 328 may further
include one or more light emitters such as light emitting diodes
(LED) lights. The LED lights may provide an alert indicating for
the user 102 to take the medication.
[0062] FIG. 4 is an exemplary process 400 for operating the SPBDD
108 to provide information to the user 102 associated with taking
their medication in accordance with one or more examples of the
present application. The process 400 may be performed by the SPBDD
108 shown in FIG. 3 and in the context of environment 100 of FIG.
1a; however, it will be recognized that an SPBDD 108 that includes
additional and/or fewer components as shown in FIG. 3 may be used
to perform process 400, that any of the following blocks may be
performed in any suitable order, and that the process 400 may be
performed in any suitable environment. The descriptions,
illustrations, and processes of FIG. 4 are merely exemplary and the
process 400 may use other descriptions, illustrations, and
processes for displaying information and/or providing alerts.
[0063] At block 402, based on retrieving a prescription for a user
102 from memory 314, the SPBDD 108 determines one or more
prescription timing intervals indicating times for the user to take
one or more medication units. For example, as described above, the
SPBDD 108 may receive prescription information 316 from the
prescription provider system 112. The prescription information 316
may be stored in the memory 314 of the SPBDD 108 and may indicate a
medical prescription that is prescribed by a physician for the user
102. For instance, the prescription may include instructions for
the user 102 to take two pills of a certain medication (e.g.,
METFORMIN HCL) in the morning.
[0064] The SPBDD 108 determines one or more prescription timing
intervals based on the prescription information 316. The
prescription timing intervals may indicate a time window (e.g.,
between 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) or an instance in time (e.g., 11:00
AM) for the user 102 to take the medication. For example, if the
prescription indicates to take two pills with breakfast every
morning, the SPBDD 108 may determine a time interval that satisfies
the prescription (e.g., between 8:00-11:00 AM). In some variations,
the prescription may indicate for the user 102 to take medications
multiple times during the day. For instance, the prescription may
indicate for the user to take the medication three times a day.
Based on the prescription, the SPBDD 108 may determine multiple
different prescription timing intervals per day (e.g., at 8:00 AM,
12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM).
[0065] The one or more medication units may indicate the amount or
dose of the medication for the user 102 to take at each of the
prescription timing intervals. For instance, each pill, tablet,
capsule, and so on may be a single medication unit. In some
instances, the medication may be in a liquid form. As such, the
medication units may indicate a certain dose (e.g., milliliter
(mL)) for the user 102 to take at the prescription timing
intervals.
[0066] At block 404, based on the one or more prescription timing
intervals, the SPBDD 108 provides one or more visual notifications
indicating for the user to take the one or more medication units.
As mentioned above, the SPBDD 108 includes the display device 328
and may use this display device 328 to display visual notifications
or display screens. The visual notifications may include a display
screen with text, images, and/or other information associated with
the prescription, medication, user 102, and so on. For instance,
the SPBDD 108 may display a first display screen on the display
device 328 of the SPBDD 108. The first display screen may include
text such as "Please Take Your Medication." In other words, at each
of the determined prescription timing intervals (e.g., 8:00 AM),
the SPBDD 108 may provide visual notifications such as displaying a
display screen indicating for the user 102 to take their medication
(e.g., "Please Take Your Medication").
[0067] The display device 328 may be located on a surface of the
SPBDD 108 such that the user 102 may view the visual alert. For
instance, in some examples and referring to FIG. 1b, the SPBDD 108
may be part of a pill bottle 150 and in particular, a smart pill
cap of the pill bottle 150. The display device 328 may be located
on a top surface or portion of the SPBDD 108 that is opposite of
the surface or portion is fastenable to the storage compartment
152. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the display device 328 may
be located on a side surface of the SPBDD 108.
[0068] Additionally, and/or alternatively, the SPBDD 108 may
include one or more light emitters (e.g., LED lights). The visual
notifications may further include emitting or flashing lights of
the SPBDD 108 at a certain frequency.
[0069] Additionally, and/or alternatively, the SPBDD 108 may
further provide one or more audio notifications for alerting the
user 102 to take their medication. For example, based on the
prescription timing intervals, the SPBDD 108 may use the audio
output device 326 to output distinct sounds and/or phrases or
sentences indicating for the user 102 to take their medication
(e.g., "Please Take Your Medication").
[0070] Additionally, and/or alternatively, the visual notifications
including the first display screen may be displayed on a different
device such as the user device 104. For example, the user device
104 may include a display device. Based on the one or more
prescription timing intervals, the user device 104 may display the
one or more visual notifications including the first display
screen.
[0071] At block 406, subsequent to providing the visual and audio
notifications, the SPBDD 108 detects, using the position sensor
312, position information indicating an action performed by the
user 102. The action performed by the user 102 may include moving
the pill bottle 150 to a different location and/or tapping the pill
bottle 150. For instance, the position sensor 312 may detect the
action based on detecting rotational motion (e.g., rotating the
SPBDD 108 90 degrees) or translational motion (e.g., movement from
point A to point B) of the SPBDD 108 and/or the pill bottle 150.
Additionally, and/or alternatively, the position information may
indicate a non-zero velocity value and/or non-zero acceleration
value. Based on the velocity and/or acceleration values, the SPBDD
108 may determine movement of the SPBDD 108 and/or the pill
bottle.
[0072] At block 408, based on the position information indicating
the action performed by the user 102, the SPBDD 108 causes display
of a second display screen. The second display screen displays
information that is at least partially different from the
information (e.g., texts and/or images) displayed on the first
display screen. For example, the first display screen may show a
message such as "Please Take Your Medication." The second display
screen may show different information such as the prescription
information 316.
[0073] In other words and in some examples, the SPBDD 108 may
provide visual and/or audio notifications to the user 102
indicating that it is time for the user 102 to take their
medication. This visual notification may be a message such as
"Please Take Your Medication". Then, the user 102 may pick up,
rotate, tap, and/or move the pill bottle in some manner The SPBDD
108 may detect this action (e.g., by detecting translational
motion, rotational motion, tapping, velocity, and/or acceleration
of the SPBDD 108 and/or pill bottle) and change the display screen
to show different information such as the prescription (e.g., "Take
1 tablet orally 2 Times/Day"). By changing the display screen based
on the motion, the SPBDD 108 may remind the user 102 of the correct
prescription prior to the user 102 taking the medication, which may
reduce instances where the user 102 takes the wrong amount or
dosage of a particular medication.
[0074] In some instances, at block 408, based on the position
information indicating the action, the SPBDD 108 causes display of
the second display screen on the display device 328 of the SPBDD
108. In other words, the SPBDD 108 may display the second display
screen (e.g., display the prescription information) on the pill
bottle 150. In other instances, at block 408, based on the position
information indicating the action, the SPBDD 108 causes display of
the second display screen on a different device (e.g., the user
device 104) within environment 100. For example, the SPBDD 108 may
provide instructions to the user device 104 indicating for the user
device 104 to display the second display screen (e.g., display the
prescription information). Based on the instructions, the user
device 104 may display the second display screen. Additionally,
and/or alternatively, if the user device 104 is already displaying
the first display screen from block 404, then at block 408, the
user device 104 may change from displaying the first display screen
to the second display screen.
[0075] The first and second display screens described above are
merely exemplary and the SPBDD 108 may cause display of additional
and/or alternative display screens associated with the medication
on the display device 328 of the SPBDD 108 and/or the user device
104. FIGS. 5a-5g show a plurality of display screens that the SPBDD
108 may use to alert or inform the user 102 of their medication in
accordance with blocks 404 and 408. For instance, referring to FIG.
5a, the SPBDD 108 may display a display screen on the display
device 328 that includes the text "Please Take Your Medication."
Referring to FIG. 5b, the SPBDD 108 may display a display screen on
the display device 328 that includes text indicating the
prescription information 316. For example, this display screen may
include information such as the user's name 502, the user's address
504, the medication or drug name 506 (e.g., "METFORMIN HCL"), the
medication or drug amount 508 (e.g., "500 milligram (MG) per
tablet"), additional information associated with the medication or
drug 510 (e.g., common brand names for the medication), and the
actual prescription 512 (e.g. "Take 1 tablet orally 2 Times/Day").
In some instances, at block 404, the SPBDD 108 may display the
display screen from FIG. 5a and at block 408, the SPBDD 108 may
display the display screen from FIG. 5b.
[0076] However, in other instances, at blocks 404 and 408, the
SPBDD 108 may display other display screens such as the display
screens shown in FIGS. 5c-5g. Referring to FIG. 5c, the SPBDD 108
may display a display screen indicating the side effects for taking
the medication. For instance, the display screen may indicate a
title 514 of the display screen such as "List of Side-Effects for
Taking Medication" and then list the side effects 516-520. The side
effects 516-520 may further indicate a recommendation if the user
102 experiences the particular side effect. For example,
"Side-Effect A and Recommendation" 516 may indicate that if the
user 102 experiences vomiting or diarrhea, they should contact
their physician.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 5d, the SPBDD 108 may display a display
screen indicating a name and address of a physical location where
the user 102 acquired the medication 522, a quantity of the
drug/medication that has been prescribed 524 (e.g., 60 tablets),
and refill information for the prescription 526 (e.g., 2 refills by
MM/DD/YYYY). The refill information may indicate the number of
refills prescribed by the physician (e.g., 2) and the date when
this number of refills expires.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 5e, the SPBDD 108 may display a display
screen indicating a prescriber/physician name 528, a date the
prescription was filled 530, a date to discard the prescription
532, the registered pharmacist information 534 that fulfilled the
prescription, a manufacturer's name 536 that manufactured the
medication, and a description of the medication 538 (e.g., "WHITE,
OVAL-SHAPED tablet").
[0079] Referring to FIG. 5f, the SPBDD 108 may display a display
screen indicating a medication name and amount per dose of the
medication 540 (e.g., "METFORMIN HCL 500 MG") and further provide
indicia 542-548 indicating a number of tablets to take at different
times during the day (e.g., prescription time intervals). The
indicia may include a numerical value (e.g., 1 Tablet) and may
further include images or text indicating the time of the day such
as morning, mid-day, evening, and bedtime. The times during the day
may be associated with the prescription timing intervals. For
instance and as mentioned above, if the prescription indicates to
take 1 tablet during the morning, the prescription time interval
may indicate a time window (e.g., 8:00-11:00 AM) or an instance in
time (e.g., 10:00 AM). The indicia 542-548 may indicate the
determined prescription timing intervals from block 402.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 5g, the SPBDD 108 may display an
identifier for refilling the prescription 550 such as a Quick
Response (QR) code. For example, the user 102 may use the user
device 104 to scan the displayed QR code shown on the display
device 328 of the SPBDD 108. Based on the QR code, the user device
104 may provide, to the enterprise computing system 110 and/or the
prescription provider system 112, information indicating to refill
the current prescription.
[0081] In some examples, the display screens shown on FIGS. 5a-5g
may be stored in memory such as the memory 314. Then, during
implementation of process 400 (e.g., at blocks 404 and 408), the
SPBDD 108 may retrieve certain display screens from memory 314 and
display these display screens on the display device 328. As
mentioned above, the display screens described in FIGS. 5a-5g are
merely exemplary and the process 400 may use additional and/or
alternative display screens.
[0082] In some variations, the user 102 may seek additional
information regarding their prescription. For example, at block
408, the SPBDD 108 may display a display screen showing the
prescription information such as the display screen shown and
described in FIG. 5b. The user 102 may seek additional information
associated with the prescription information such as the side
effects of taking the medication. The SPBDD 108 may transition or
change to different display screens based on additional position
information from the position sensor 312. The additional position
information may indicate another action (e.g., a new or second
action) performed by the user 102.
[0083] In other words, the user may pick up or rotate the pill
bottle 150. The SPBDD 108 may detect this rotational motion and
display a display screen showing the prescription information. The
user 102 may seek additional information such as the side effects
of the medication and may perform another action such as tapping,
rotating, and/or moving the pill bottle 150. Based on the position
sensor 312 detecting the additional action, the SPBDD 108 may
display a new display screen such as the display screen shown in
FIG. 5c that shows the side effects of the medication.
[0084] The first action from block 406 and the second action may be
any action that is detectable by the position sensor 312/SPBDD 108
including, but not limited to, tapping the SPBDD 108 or the pill
bottle 150, rotating the SPBDD 108 or the pill bottle 150, moving
the SPBDD 108 from an initial position to a new position, a
non-zero velocity value, and/or a non-zero acceleration value. For
instance, the SPBDD 108 may detect the first action as movement
from a first position to a second position. Then, based on
detecting a second action such as movement from the second position
to a new, third position, the SPBDD 108 may change the display
screen (e.g., showing side effects instead of the prescription
information). Similarly, the SPBDD 108 may detect the first action
as a rotation (e.g., 90 degrees), velocity value, or acceleration
value. After a brief time period with no motion (e.g., the velocity
value/acceleration value returns to 0, the rotation ceases to
increase or decrease, or the rotation returns back to substantially
the same initial value), the SPBDD 108 may detect a new action such
as an additional rotation, a new velocity value, or new
acceleration value and change the display screen.
[0085] In some variations, the SPBDD 108 may cycle through a
plurality of display screens based on detected actions performed by
the user 102. For instance, the display screens from FIGS. 5a-5g
may be a sequence of display screens and the SPBDD 108 may cycle
through and display these display screens sequentially based on the
detected actions. In other words, initially, at block 404, the
SPBDD 108 may display a first display screen such as the one shown
in FIG. 5a. Then, based on receiving position information
indicating an action at block 406, the SPBDD 108 may display a
second display screen such as the one shown in FIG. 5b. The SPBDD
108 may receive new actions and after receiving each new action,
the SPBDD 108 may cycle through and display the next display
screens from the sequence (e.g., after the first new action, the
display screen from FIG. 5c is shown; after the second new action,
the display screen form FIG. 5d is shown, and so on). If the SPBDD
108 receives a new action and is displaying the last display screen
from the sequence (e.g., display screen shown in FIG. 5g), then the
SPBDD 108 may return back to the beginning of the sequence and
display the initial display screen again (e.g., display screen
shown in FIG. 5a).
[0086] In some instances, the SPBDD 108 may cycle through a
plurality of display screens based on a pre-determined or
pre-defined time-period. For instance, the display screens from
FIGS. 5a-5g may be a sequence of display screens and the SPBDD 108
may cycle through and display these display screens sequentially
after a time-period (e.g., 15 seconds). For example, the SPBDD 108
may first display a first display screen such as the one shown in
FIG. 5a. Then, based on receiving position information indicating
an action at block 406, the SPBDD 108 may display a second display
screen such as the one shown in FIG. 5b. After a certain amount of
time has elapsed (e.g., 15 seconds), the SPBDD 108 may display the
next display screen within the sequence such as the third display
screen (e.g., the display screen shown in FIG. 5c). This may
continue and each time the pre-determined/pre-defined time-period
concludes, the SPBDD 108 may display the next display screen within
the sequence. In some variations, the SPBDD 108 may cycle through
the plurality of display screens based on the time-period and the
detected actions. For instance, if the SPBDD 108 receives a
detected action, then it may display a next display screen in the
sequence. Otherwise, if the SPBDD 108 does not receive an
additional action within a certain time-period, then it may display
the next display screen from the sequence based on the time-period
concluding.
[0087] At block 410, the SPBDD 108 receives, from a pill cap sensor
310, pill cap information 304 indicating a dispensing event
associated with dispensing the one or more medication units. The
dispensing event may be a disconnection event such as opening or
unfastening of the pill bottle so that the user 102 may be able to
take the medication. For instance, as described above, the pill cap
sensor 310 may be a reed switch and/or a magnetic sensor that
detects a disconnect between the SPBDD 108 and the storage
compartment 152. The SPBDD 108 may receive information indicating
the disconnect (e.g., dispensing event).
[0088] In some examples, in response to receiving the dispensing
event, the SPBDD 108 may cease cycling through the plurality of
display screens based on the detected additional actions and/or the
pre-determined/pre-defined time-period. In other words, after
receiving the disconnection event (e.g., the user 102 is able to or
has taken the medication), the SPBDD 108 may override displaying
the next display screen in the sequence and display a final display
screen such as the display screen of FIG. 5b showing the
prescription information 316 or might turn off the display device
328 to conserve battery power for the battery 320.
[0089] At block 412, the SPBDD 108 provides pill bottle information
to a second device (e.g., the user device 104, the prescription
provider system 112, and/or the enterprise computing system 110)
based on the dispensing event. The pill bottle information may
indicate information such as the user 102 has taken their
medication, the pill bottle has encountered a dispensing event
(e.g., unfastening of the pill bottle), a geographical location
indicating an approximate location of where the user 102 took their
medication, changes to the orientation of the pill bottle 150,
and/or additional information. In other words, after the user 102
opens the pill bottle 150 to take their medication, the SPBDD 108
detects the opening and provides information to a second device
such as the user device 104.
[0090] In some instances, the SPBDD 108 may provide alerts or
notifications to the user device 104 and cause the user device 104
to display the alerts. For instance, the temperature and humidity
sensor 308 may receive/detect temperature/humidity information 302.
The SPBDD 108 may provide the temperature/humidity information 302
to the user device 104. For instance, the SPBDD 108 may determine
whether the detected temperature or humidity of the area
surrounding the SPBDD 108 or within the storage compartment 152 is
within a certain range (e.g., above and/or below a threshold). If
the temperature or humidity is determined to not be within the
certain range (e.g., above the threshold or below the threshold),
the SPBDD 108 may provide an alert or notification to the user
device 104 indicating that the temperature and/or humidity is not
within the certain range and for the user 102 to move the pill
bottle 150.
[0091] In some examples, the SPBDD 108 may provide pill bottle
information to a second device such as the user device 104 if the
pill cap sensor 310 detects a dispensing event. For instance, the
SPBDD 108 may communicate with the user device 104 using any type
of wireless communication protocol such as BLUETOOTH, WI-FI, and so
on. The SPBDD 108 may provide the pill bottle information such as
changes to the temperature/humidity, when to take the medication,
if the medicine should be taken now, and/or changes to the
orientation of the pill bottle 150. The user device 104 may
record/store the pill bottle information.
[0092] In some examples, referring to block 404, the SPBDD 108 may
use/set a timer or a counter based on the prescription timing
intervals. Based on the timer or counter concluding, the SPBDD 108
may provide the one or more visual notifications indicating for the
user to take the one or more medication units. For example, the
prescription timing intervals indicate for the user 102 to take the
prescription in the morning at 10:00 AM. The SPBDD 108 may set a
timer or counter that concludes at 10:00 AM. Based on the timer or
counter concluding at 10:00 AM, the SPBDD 108 may provide the one
or more visual notifications. Then, in blocks 410 and 412, after
receiving the pill cap information indicating a dispensing event
(e.g., opening of the pill bottle 150), the SPBDD 108 may reset the
counter or timer based on the next prescription timing interval.
For instance, if the prescription indicates to take a tablet every
morning. Then, the SPBDD 108 may reset the counter or timer to
conclude in another 24 hours. In other instances, if the
prescription indicates to take the medication three times a day,
then the SPBDD 108 may determine the prescription timing intervals
to be 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. In such instances, the SPBDD
108 may reset the timer for the next prescription interval.
[0093] In some variations, the prescription may indicate for the
user 102 to take the medication in the morning and evening and the
SPBDD 108 may determine the prescription timing intervals for these
as time ranges (e.g., for morning as 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and for
the evening as 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM). In such instances, the SPBDD
108 may set the timer or counter to elapse at any time within the
time ranges such as at the beginning of the time range (e.g., 8:00
AM for the morning), in the middle of the time range (e.g., 9:30
AM), or at the end of the time range (e.g., 11:00 AM). After taking
the medication (e.g., the dispensing event), the SPBDD 108 may
reset the counter or timer for the next prescription timing
interval (e.g., for the evening time interval).
[0094] In some instances, the user device 104 may also include a
timer or counter indicating for the user 102 to take the
medication. For instance, if the prescription indicates for the
user to take the medication at 8:00 AM and in addition to the SPBDD
108 setting a counter/timer, the user device 104 may also set a
counter/timer. Based on the counter/timer concluding on the user
device 104, the user device 104 may display an alert or
notification to remind the user 102 to take their medication. In
some variations and referring to block 402, after determining the
one or more prescription timing intervals (e.g., 8:00 AM), the
SPBDD 108 may provide the prescription timing intervals to the user
device 104. The user device 104 may set the counter/timer based on
the prescription timing intervals. In some examples and referring
to block 412, the SPBDD 108 may provide pill bottle information to
the user device 104 based on the dispensing event (e.g., opening of
the pill bottle). Based on receiving the pill bottle information,
the user device 104 may reset the counter/timer for the next
prescription timing interval.
[0095] In some instances and referring to block 412, the SPBDD 108
may provide pill bottle information to enterprise computing system
110. The pill bottle information may indicate when the user 102
took the medication such as a time/date stamp (e.g., an instance in
time that the dispensing event detected by the pill cap sensor 310
occurred), the number of pills left within the pill bottle 150
(e.g., the prescription information may indicate the number of
pills in the original subscription and based on the number of
dispensing events the SPBDD 108 may determine/calculate the number
of pills left within the bottle 150), temperature/humidity
information, when the user 102 should take the medicine (e.g.,
prescription timing intervals), geographical information indicating
where the user 102 took the medication, and/or changes to the
orientation of the pill bottle 150. In some variations, the SPBDD
108 may provide the pill bottle information to the user device 104
and the user device 104 may forward this information to the
enterprise computing system 110.
[0096] In some examples, after receiving the pill bottle
information, the enterprise computing system 110 may display the
received information such as when the user 102 took the medication
over a time period and the number of pills left within the bottle.
Additionally, and/or alternatively, the enterprise computing system
110 may forward the information to the prescription provider system
112 (e.g., local pharmacy). In some variations, the enterprise
computing system 110 may use the pill bottle information for
analytics such as determining whether the user 102 is taking their
medication or why the user 102 is not taking their medication. For
example, the enterprise computing system 110 may input the pill
bottle information into one or more machine learning
algorithms/datasets to determine this information. The pill bottle
information may include a time stamp (e.g., a time/date stamp)
indicating when the user 102 is taking their medication and/or the
number of pills the user 102 took at that time. Based on the time
stamp, the enterprise computing system 110 may determine whether
the user is following the prescription provided by their
physician.
[0097] In some examples, based on the pill bottle information, the
enterprise computing system 110 may determine/detect an abnormality
or problem associated with the medication and/or the user taking
the medication. For example, the enterprise computing system 110
receive information indicating an event associated with the user
102. For instance, the event may be a side-effect and/or reported
feedback from the user 102 to the physician. The enterprise
computing system 110 may compare the event with the pill bottle
information (e.g., the time stamp) to determine abnormalities or
problems (e.g., potential side-effects) associated with the
medication and/or with the user 102 taking the medication.
[0098] In some variations, the enterprise computing system 110
and/or the prescription provider system 112 may provide updates to
the user's 102 prescription information. For instance, the
enterprise computing system 110 and/or the prescription provider
system 112 may provide an update for the prescription information
and forward this update to the SPBDD 108. The SPBDD 108 may update
the prescription information 316 in the memory 314 accordingly.
Then, referring to process 400, the SPBDD 108 may display the
updated prescription information and/or update the prescription
timing intervals. In other words, a pharmacist, technician, and/or
physician may update a prescription for the user 102 and push the
information to the SPBDD 108 via network 106. For instance, the
user 102 may complain to the physician about a side effect due to
the user 102 being sensitive to the medication. Accordingly, the
physician may forward information to the enterprise computing
system 110 and/or the prescription provider system 112 to update
the prescription. The enterprise computing system 110 and/or the
prescription provider system 112 may provide the update the
prescription information in the SPBDD 108 based on the update.
[0099] In some examples, the pill dispensing apparatus 322 may
dispense a set number of pills based on the prescription
information 316. For example, the prescription information 316 may
indicate to take two tablets in the morning. Based on the
prescription information 316, the SPBDD 108 may provide
instructions to the pill dispensing apparatus 322 to dispense two
tablets at the indicated time. Based on the instructions, the pill
dispensing apparatus 322 may dispense the two tablets.
[0100] FIGS. 6a and 6b show an exemplary pill dispensing apparatus
322. Referring to FIG. 6a, the pill dispensing apparatus 322
includes a motor 602 such as a servo motor, a shaft 604 that is
operatively coupled to the motor 602 and the pill dispenser 606,
and a pill dispenser 606 that dispenses pills. FIG. 6b shows an
exemplary pill dispenser 606. For instance, the pill dispenser 606
may be circular in shape such that it encompasses or envelops an
opening of the storage container 152. The pill dispenser 606 may
include an opening 608 that may be an approximate size of a tablet.
Based on the instructions, the motor 602 may drive the pill
dispenser 606 to rotate a certain number of degrees and/or
revolutions. For instance, if the prescription indicates to
dispense two tablets, the motor 602 may drive the pill dispenser
606 to rotate two revolutions such that two tablets are dispensed
to the user 102.
[0101] In some variations, the SPBDD 108 may communicate (e.g.,
provide information/alerts) with another device (e.g., user device
104) within the environment 100. For instance, without any user
interaction, the SPBDD 108 may provide information to the user
device 104 indicating the pill bottle 150 is low on pills and/or
empty. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the SPBDD 108 may
provide instructions automatically to the user device 104 and/or
the prescription provider system 112 (e.g., local pharmacy) to
refill the prescription. For instance, based on determining the
pill bottle 150 is low on pills and/or empty (e.g., based on using
a proximity sensor and/or the pill dispensing apparatus 322), the
SPBDD 108 may provide instructions indicating for the local
pharmacy to refill the medication based on the prescription
information.
[0102] In some examples, the SPBDD 108 may include a display screen
that initiates and/or permits interactions or communications with
another device within environment 100. For example, the software
application executing on the user device 104 may include a message
system that allows a user and/or another operator of the user
device 104 to provide messages, alerts, and/or other types of
information to the SPBDD 108. The SPBDD 108 may display a display
screen showing the messages, alerts, and/or other types of
information from the user device 104. Additionally, and/or
alternatively, the SPBDD 108 may initiate and/or permit
interactions or communications with certain individuals such as a
pharmacist, technician, and/or physician. For instance, the SPBDD
108 may include an input device that permits the user to provide
information such as messages (e.g., audio messages and/or text
messages) or alerts to the pharmacist, technician, and/or
physician. The SPBDD 108 may receive information or alerts from the
pharmacist, technician, and/or physician and display a display
screen indicating the communication from these individuals.
[0103] In some instances, the SPBDD 108 may include a push/panic
button. Based on actuation of the push/panic button, the SPBDD 108
may provide an alert (e.g., the medication within the pill bottle
150 is running low and/or empty) to the user device 104 and/or
another device within the environment 100. In some instances, the
display device 328 may be a user interface that receives inputs
from the user 102. In other words, the display device 328 may be a
touch-screen and may display a push/panic button on the touch
screen. Based on the user input, the SPBDD 108 may provide an alert
to the user device 104 and/or another device within the environment
100.
[0104] It will be appreciated that the figures of the present
application and their corresponding descriptions are merely
exemplary, and that the application is not limited to these
exemplary situations.
[0105] It will further be appreciated by those of skill in the art
that the execution of the various machine-implemented processes and
steps described herein may occur via the computerized execution of
processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory
computer-readable medium, e.g., random access memory (RAM),
read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM),
volatile, nonvolatile, or other electronic memory mechanism. Thus,
for example, the operations described herein as being performed by
computing devices and/or components thereof may be carried out by
according to processor-executable instructions and/or installed
applications corresponding to software, firmware, and/or computer
hardware.
[0106] The use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one
or more items (for example, "at least one of A and B") is to be
construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B)
or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B),
unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by
context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and
"containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning
"including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve
as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate
value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein,
and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as
if it were individually recited herein. All methods described
herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The
use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such
as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the
application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the
application unless otherwise claimed. No language in the
specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed
element as essential to the practice of the application.
[0107] It will be appreciated that the examples of the application
described herein are merely exemplary. Variations of these examples
may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled
artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor
intends for the application to be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein. Accordingly, this application
includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter
recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable
law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in
all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the application
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context.
* * * * *