Integrated device and system for remote medications management
The presently disclosed device includes a plurality of vials each bearing a unique identifier and in discrete locations in the device. An alignment assembly aligns one of the discrete locations with an access point for dispensing one of the vials. Computer executable instructions select a vial to be dispensed and store inventory information of the vials. The inventory information associates the unique identifiers with a status for each the plurality of vials indicating whether a vial is: loaded, dispensed, returned, or remaining undispensed in the device. The computer executable instructions also deactivate dispensing of the vials from the device based on at least one signal received from at least one environmental sensor configured to detect one of: location, temperature, humidity, vibration, shock, blood alcohol content (BAC), and light intrusion. A deactivation assembly deactivates dispensing of the vials based on the instructions.
1. A device for remote medications management comprising:
a plurality of vials each bearing a unique identifier and in discrete locations in the device;
an alignment assembly for aligning one of the discrete locations with an access point for dispensing one of the plurality of vials;
a computer readable memory comprising executable instructions for:
selecting a vial of the plurality of vials to be dispensed;
storing inventory information of the plurality of vials, wherein the inventory information associates the unique identifiers with a status for each the plurality of vials, the status selected from among the group indicating whether a vial is: loaded, dispensed, returned, or remaining undispensed in the device;
receiving at least one signal from at least one of:
an environmental sensor configured to detect at least one of: location, temperature, humidity, vibration, shock, and light intrusion; and
a user-wearable physiological monitoring device in communication with the remote medications management device that is configured to monitor at least one of: a blood alcohol content (BAC), a heart rate, a blood pressure (BP), and an oxygenation state (pO2), and;
determining, based on the at least one signal, whether a trigger condition for deactivation is detected, wherein the trigger condition is a physiological indicator of distress including at least one of: the BAC above a threshold level, the heart rate above a threshold level, the BP above a threshold level, and the pO2 below a threshold level; and
deactivating dispensing of the vials from the device upon detecting the trigger condition;
a deactivation assembly for deactivating dispensing of the vials based on the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory; and
a communications subsystem operatively coupled to the computer-readable memory and configured to transmit an alert or notification to a remote recipient upon detecting the trigger condition.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the discrete locations are fixed and the access point is movable.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the discrete locations are movable and the access point is fixed.
4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the movable discrete locations include storing the plurality of vials in a movable conveyor selected from the group: a carousel, a linear conveyor belt, or a serpentine conveyor belt.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the deactivation assembly comprises a locking mechanism for prohibiting alignment of the access point with an unauthorized discrete location, where the locking mechanism is selected from the group: an escapement, a latching solenoid plunger, or a worm gear.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one source includes one or more sensors for detecting removal and return of a vial.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the sensors further detect if a vial is full, empty, or partially full.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the instructions further comprise an additional signal received from an additional source, the additional source being selected from the group: a GPS location, an onboard mobile network connection, a paired mobile device, an internet connection, a Bluetooth connection, an elapsed time measurement.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the instructions further comprise an additional signal received from an additional source, the additional source being selected from the group: an acceleration sensor, an impact sensor, and a gyroscope.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the environmental sensor is configured to detect at least one of: location, temperature, humidity, vibration, shock, and light intrusion.
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the communications subsystem is further configured to receive a command from the remote recipient to override or reinstate dispensing.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one signal includes a user-provided response, and the trigger condition includes the user-provided response indicating suicidal ideation.
13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one signal includes an electrocardiogram (ECG) of the user, and the trigger condition includes the ECG having at least one value outside of a predetermined range.