Smart pill box and medical compliance monitoring
View Patent ↗Methods and systems are described for monitoring medication use with a home automation system. An example medication monitoring system includes a medication storage device, a proximity device, and a dispenser module. The medication storage device is configured to hold a plurality of medications. The proximity device is configured to detect an activity of a user relative to the medication storage device. The dispense module is configured to detect a pattern of the activity based on data received from the proximity device, and generate a notice. The notice may be generated if the pattern is broken. The notice may include a summary report on usage of the medication storage device. The notice may include an alarm if the medication storage device is, for example, tampered with or moved.
1. A medication monitoring system, comprising:
a medication storage device to hold a plurality of medications;
a sensor to monitor an activity of a user; and
a dispense module to:
receive authentication data confirming an identity of the user prior to permitting the user to access the medication storage device; and
generate a notice based on the monitored activity.
2. The medication monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the dispense module is further configured to:
dispense medication based at least in part on the monitored activity.
3. The medication monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the dispense module is further configured to:
receive instructions or information related to a medical condition of the user.
4. The medication monitoring system of claim 3 , wherein the notice is generated based at least in part on the received instructions or information.
5. The medication monitoring system of claim 3 , wherein the dispense module is further configured to:
determine whether the monitored activity is permitted based at least in part on the received instructions or information.
6. The medication monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the notice is generated for medical personnel, the user, or both.
7. The medication monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the monitored activity includes at least one of the user dispensing medication from the medication storage device and the user coming within a predetermined distance of the medication storage device.
8. The medication monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is further configured to sense medical data associated with the user.
9. The medication monitoring system of claim 8 , wherein the data associated with the user comprises one of: a blood pressure of the user, a temperature of the user, a glucose level of the user, a weight of the user, or a combination thereof.
10. The medication monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is carried by the user.
11. The medication monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the dispense module is further configured to:
determine a pattern based on the monitored activity; and wherein the generated notice is based at least in part on the determined pattern.
12. The medication monitoring system of claim 11 , wherein the notice is generated if the determined pattern is broken.
13. The medication monitoring system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a controller to operate the dispense module, the controller being located remotely from the medication storage device and the sensor.
14. The medication monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the notice is at least one of a text message and an audible message delivered to the user.
15. The medication monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the notice is at least one of:
a summary report on usage of the medication storage device; or
an alarm if the medication storage device is tampered with or moved.
16. A computer implemented method for monitoring medical compliance using a home automation system, comprising:
receiving authentication data confirming an identity of a user prior to permitting the user to access a medication dispenser;
receiving data from a device carried by the user regarding an operation of the medication dispenser by the user;
determining a pattern of the user operating the medication dispenser based on data;
generating a notice; and
delivering the notice to at least one of the user and a caregiver of the user.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the device communicates with the medication dispenser.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein the device comprises a sensor.
19. The method of claim 16 , further comprising:
receiving data from the medication dispenser concerning the operation of the medication dispenser.
20. The method of claim 16 , further comprising:
continuously monitoring operation of the medication dispenser by the user; and
generating the notice if a sustained in the pattern is detected.