EP1514531A1 - Intelligent tablet dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser for tablets (5, 6) comprises a microchip (9) which controls the dispensing of tablets from stores (3, 4) into a locked area (13), from which they can be retrieved by a user with a key. An independent claim is included for a method for dispensing tablets using the dispenser.

Description

The present invention relates to containers for automatic dispensing of tablets, diet food, etc. as well as methods for controlled automated Delivery of tablets to patients.

In the health sector, it is known that the proper intake of medication, in particular Tablets, etc. is a problem. On the one hand take Patients prescribed by the doctor tablets not in time or not in the correct dosage. On the other hand, the problem is that patients join in Let different doctors prescribe tablets that unfold unwanted side effects among themselves.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention the proper administration of tablets and of comparable means to be taken by a user make it more reliable.

The central idea is that the tablets the Users in a simple way at the right time and in the correct dosage are offered.

This is done by pre-programmed Times the corresponding funds from one of a unauthorized user inaccessible Storage space, for example, transported in an output area and thus made accessible to a human user become. The patient is not considered in this context authorized user. Typical examples of authorized users are doctors, pharmacists, Pharmaceutical manufacturers etc.

More specifically, this task is characterized by the characteristics of solved independent claims. The dependent claims form the central idea of the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

According to the invention, therefore, a container for automatic Issue of tablets or the like provided, wherein the container at least one substantially closed Receiving space (pantry) for tablets. Furthermore, an output mechanism is provided to the Tablets out of the reception room for a user to offer tangible. In the recording room, however, are the Tablets for an unauthorized user, i. For other users than a specialist like pharmacist or Doctor, inaccessible. Finally, the container points a freely programmable control unit that the Output mechanism at programmed times for Dispensing of a certain amount of tablets controls.

The tablets may be singulated in the receiving space, i. kept in loose or contiguous stock become.

The receiving space is with a locking mechanism closed only by authorized users (Professionals, doctors, pharmacists) can be opened. Of the Recording room can by means of an electronic and / or be lockable mechanical lock.

The container may include means corresponding to the programmed times a visual, optical or tactile (vibration, etc.) output signal to one Users on the current issue of medication and the necessary intake of medication for this Point out the time.

The container may be a telecommunications interface with whom he shares information with others Can exchange telecommunications. Of the Container can thus send out information and / or Receive information wirelessly or by wire. When Telecommunication partners come here Expert databases containing information on diseases and / or medicines, doctors, pharmacists or but also health insurance in question.

The telecommunication interface can be designed for this purpose be, information regarding the issue and / or the Transfer of tablets. Thus is for example, possible that from the output tray a feedback to an authorized body (doctor, Pharmacist, etc.) is done that the issue and also the Removal of the tablets properly, i. in the correct dose and at the right time.

The container may have a display that with a Control unit can be connected to, for example Product information regarding the in the container to dispense absorbed tablets.

Furthermore, the display can be connected to the control unit be at the programmed output times and / or Display output quantities of the tablets, so that the Users themselves an impression of the future Can provide medication.

In addition, it is possible that the container means, such as for example, sensors for entering information regarding the physical condition of a user (Blood pressure, pulse, blood glucose levels, etc.).

The container may have several separate receiving spaces have the same or different Output mechanisms are connected. Thus, it is possible also to administer a combination of tablets.

The container may have a data storage with the control unit is connected and in which the output of Tablets by means of the at least one dispensing mechanism is stored. In this data store can therefore on the one hand the programming of the output quantities and Dispensing times for tablets be filed. On the other hand, in this data store too be documented, whether the tablet issue and Tablet removal by the user properly took place.

Thus, in retrospect, by triggering the data memory to be determined whether the tablet administration properly done. The triggering can be, for example done by means of the telecommunications interface.

The output mechanism can increase the quantity or number of tablets dispensed gravimetrically, i. capture with the help of a weighing mechanism.

According to a further embodiment, a Inventive container for automatic dispensing of Tablets and / or the like at least one in Substantially closed up space in which tablets are in Shape of at least one contiguous strip in stock being held. In this room are the tablet strips inaccessible to an unauthorized user. Furthermore, a feed mechanism is provided which a defined section of such Tablet strip by a defined distance transported so that the defined section in one Reaches the area of the container in which the Tablet strips accessible to the user at all times are.

This feed can of course be programmed too Times occur, so that programmed to these Times of the user on the necessary tablets Has.

The tablets may be in the form of, for example, rolled up blister packs are kept in stock.

The container may further include a programmable Control unit, which the feed mechanism to at least the programmed times for transport one of at least one strip around a programmed one Distance drives.

Each strip can be tablets of the same kind exhibit. Alternatively, in a strip too Tablets of various kinds be housed, what for example, by appropriate filling by the Pharmacist or drug manufacturer.

The container may have several, parallel to each other Tablets have, by the feed mechanism programmable together or independently are transportable.

The tablets can themselves as tear-off endless strips be formed, so that the dosage quite simply by means of the length presented to the user of the strip.

The endless strips of tablets can by means of a peelable cover etc. be provided to the Protect medicines against the effects of the weather.

The container can in particular be portable (mobile) be designed, which alone is required if the filling only with the authorized specialist (Pharmacist, etc.) should take place.

Advantageously, the container also has an autonomous Power supply (batteries, batteries, mechanical Energy storage such as spring, etc.) on.

As I said, energy supply can be mechanical or be electric.

To keep different amounts of tablets ready and still the housing dimensions of the container manageable, can hold several containers of this kind be modular connectable to each other.

The container can be integrated in a mobile phone, that thus simultaneously the Telecommunication interface for the container can represent.

The tablets can either be out of the case be pushed out or in an output window be offered to the user graspable.

It can be provided that the tablets only in one defined period the user will be offered and after the defined period of time has passed offered tablets for the user anymore are accessible and, for example, in the closed Reception room to be transported back again. Consequently prevents being improperly taken Medications are thrown away or otherwise like one Indefinite time outside the recording room are located.

Finally, the present invention also suggests Method for the automatic controlled delivery of Tablets to patients provided. It is from a authorized force for unauthorized persons inaccessible pantry of a programmable Dispense container opened and tablets in bulk and / or continuous form in a reservoir of the container brought. Finally, the programmable Output container by the specialist with regard to future Dispensing times and dispensing amounts of tablets programmed. Finally, the automatic delivery takes place in a defined amount of tablets to the programmed times from the storage room of the Dispense tray out in one for each user accessible area.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung, bei der Tabletten in loser Form vorrätig gehalten werden,

Fig. 2

zeigt ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel, bei der Tabletten als quasi-Endlosstreifen vorrätig gehalten und angeboten werden,

Fig. 3

zeigt eine Abwandlung von Fig. 2 dahingehend, dass Tabletten in Blisterstreifen vorrätig gehalten werden,

Fig. 4

zeigt eine Abwandlung von Fig. 2 und 3 dahingehend, dass die Tabletten auf Streifen in Rollenform vorrätig gehalten werden und in einem Fenster des Gehäuses des Ausgabebehälters zum Ergreifen auf den Benutzer angeboten werden,

Fig.

5 zeigt ein System, bei dem ein erfindungsgemäßer Ausgabebehälter in ein erfindungsgemäßes Gesamtsystem mit Datenbanken und autorisierten Telekommunikationspartners eingebunden ist, und

Fig. 6

zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel, bei dem der Ausgabebereich bezüglich der stationär in dem Ausgabebehälter angeordneten Medikamente bewegt wird.

Further features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings in the appendix.

Fig. 1

shows a first embodiment of the present invention, in which tablets are kept in bulk in stock,

Fig. 2

shows a second embodiment in which tablets are kept in stock as quasi-endless strip and offered

Fig. 3

shows a modification of Figure 2 in that tablets are kept in blister strips in stock,

Fig. 4

Figure 4 shows a modification of Figures 2 and 3 in that the tablets are stocked on strips in roll form and offered in a window of the housing of the dispensing container for gripping the user;

FIG.

5 shows a system in which an inventive dispensing container is integrated in an overall system according to the invention with databases and authorized telecommunications partners, and

Fig. 6

shows an embodiment in which the dispensing area is moved with respect to the drugs disposed stationary in the dispensing container.

Referring to the figures will now be different Embodiments of the present invention explained become.

All embodiments are meant to be on refer to a drug dispenser that belongs to programmed medicines in stock (For example, tablets, etc.) or similar goods (Diet food, etc.) from one for one not authorized user inaccessible area (Pantry) makes everyone accessible by the Medicines, for example, are transported to an area which is accessible to every user. These Programming to control an output mechanism Transport of the programmed times is by means of a Microchips executed in the container, so from one Kind of "smart drug box" spoken can be.

Incidentally, of course, the drugs can also be stationary be housed in the container, being in this Case the accessible area in terms of essentially stationary tablet supply moves.

In Fig. 1, a device is provided, in which various tablets 5, 6 in storage containers 3 or 4 an output container 1 with a housing. 2 be kept in stock. Each of the reservoir 3, 4 has a filling opening 7 and 8, which with a Closure is provided such that the filling or Removal of tablets from storage containers 3, 4 only can be performed by authorized persons who overcome the mechanical or electronic lock can.

The issue salary 1 has a central control unit 9 such as a microchip over a Programming interface 10 contactless or else with physical connection through an authorized Body, such as a pharmacy, doctor, Health insurance, etc. regarding the issue times and Output quantities of the tablets in the output container 1 free is programmable. This programming of the output quantities and output times can be in one with the central one Control unit connected data storage 11 may be stored.

The illustrated in Fig. 1 output container 1 may be a have autonomous power supply (batteries, batteries), or be provided for a network operation.

The central control unit 9 controls to the programmed, stored in the data memory 11 times an output mechanism 12 (mechanical flap, etc.) such that those programmed at those times Output quantities of the corresponding tablet types 5, 6 in a portion of the output tray 1 are transported where they are then accessible to any user. in the In the present case, the tablets 5, 6 become passive, i. by gravity, transported in a discharge space 13 where every user can access.

Coinciding with the issue of tablets to the programmed times, the central control unit 9 also the output of optical signals by means of a Displays 14, etc., acoustic signals by means of a Speaker 15 or even tactile signals (Vibration mechanism, etc.) to drive to the user to the proper and timely receipt of the to remember issued tablets.

The output space 13 may be configured such that it for example, gravimetrically (i.e., via weight measurement) or detected via sensors, if and where appropriate to which Times the tablets in the output space 13th actually taken by the user. Should this not in a defined time after dispensing the tablets 5, 6, it can be provided that the central Control unit 9 again the output of Reminder signals.

In addition to the programming interface 10, the central Control unit 9 also with a Be connected telecommunications interface 16, the be formed wirelessly or wired can. By means of this interface 16, the intelligent dispensing container 1 thus with others Telecommunications operators, such as doctors, Pharmacists or even expert databases communicate as later still referring to FIG. 5 will be presented.

Incidentally, it is also possible to data in the intelligent Input tray 1 to enter. This can on the one hand thereby take place that the display 14 is designed as a touch screen is. In addition, of course, also a keyboard the output container 1 (not shown) may be provided.

Finally, it may also be possible that the intelligent output container 1 has sensors by means of the body parameter of a user (blood pressure, heart rate, Blood sugar levels, etc.). These entered values, the intelligent output tray 1 by means of the central control unit 9 on the one hand itself Evaluate and, if necessary, autonomous as output time and Output quantities (thus the dosage) of the tablets change. On the other hand, these can be detected Body parameters also via the interface 16 For example, be transmitted to a doctor. Consequently If necessary, the doctor can also talk about the Telecommunication interface 16 remotely the Programming of the output quantities (dosage) and If necessary, change the output times.

The embodiment of Fig. 2 differs in Substantially from that of Fig. 1, that the dispensing container 1 as a kind of mobile intelligent box is. Another difference is that the drug is not more in the form of loose tablets, but in the form of quasi-endless strips 17 held in stock and possibly issued becomes. In this case, therefore, controls the central Control unit 9, for example by means of an electric motor and a transport roller 19 to the programmed Times the advance of the quasi-endless strip 17 to a programmed distance. The tablets will be so actively promoted in this case.

Thus, a predetermined distance and thus also a predetermined amount of the drug from the for a unauthorized user inaccessible pantry in an area (for example, to the outside) spent, in the desired dosage for a user accessible is.

Each endless strip 17 can be different Contain medication. Preferably, however, is provided that for each type of medication its own quasi-endless strip 17 is provided so that the Administration of various drugs several stacked or parallel output shafts 20, 21 can be provided with flaps in which So the quasi-endless strip 17 substantially parallel guided and transported to each other.

Since in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the drug itself can be formed as endless strip 17 is preferably a foil-like cover (envelope) provided the drug in both the pantry as well as in the issued condition from weather influences to protect. For example, this slide can be used by the user be demolished and deducted.

The embodiment of Fig. 3 is a modification of Embodiment of Fig. 2 in that the Medication in the form of tablets in blister strips 18 kept in stock and issued. Thus, you can conventional blister strips are used. Everyone Strip can be tablets of the same kind or else also contain tablets of different types and sizes. In this case, it is preferably provided that the Filling the blister strips from the pharmacy according to the instructions of the supervising doctor.

The dispensing containers 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 have the advantage of being modular in a simple way similar other containers can be connected so that, for example, for longer trips abroad one Patients a correspondingly larger supply of tablets can be given. Each container can be used accordingly modular connection means to the containers for example, to connect one above the other or one behind the other.

The embodiment according to FIGS. 4a and 4b differs Now from that of FIG. 2 and 3 to the effect that they contiguously held tablets in the form a tablet roll 23 are kept in stock. in the Incidentally, the housing 2 of the dispensing container is in this Case preferably circular (diskusförmig) designed. It can by a corresponding controlled rotation the roller 23 by means of the central control unit and a Electric motor the desired tablet in one for the User accessible area to be transported, what for example, by means of an output window 22, i. an opening in the housing 2 can take place. This Output window 22 may, for example, with an optionally transparent user-open flap 27 be covered.

5 shows how an inventive dispensing container 1 can be networked into a system, the further telecommunication subscribers 26 (for example Doctor, pharmacist, health insurance) as well as network-wise integrated databases 24, 25, for example with respect to Diseases, indications, side effects, unacceptable Combinations of medications etc. are stored.

The embodiment of Fig. 6 differs now compared to the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 4 of them that the tablet supply 28 is stationary in the Reservoir is held and for the area, the accessible to the user, opposite to the stationary one arranged in the housing 2 of the dispensing container Tablet supply 28 is moved. For example, a Output window controlled by the programmed chip be moved in the longitudinal direction of the stock 28.

It should be noted that all components, the with reference to the embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 have also been described in the Embodiments 2 as shown in FIG. 2, 3, 4 and 6 are present can.

The following is an inventive method under Use of such smart drug dispenser 1 are described in more detail:

An authorized person, such as a pharmacist or doctor opens by means of a mechanical or electronic key the closure of the appropriate reservoir and filled this Reservoir with medicines. Then this is Storage container for an unauthorized user and especially for the patient inaccessible again locked. Furthermore, the authorized person leads the Programming of the chip with regard to the output quantities and Issue times and the type of tablets to be issued by.

At these programmed times then the appropriate tablets in the prescribed Dosages of that inaccessible to the patient Area in an area accessible to the patient transported the container. The proper issue the tablets and, if necessary, the proper removal the tablets from the dispensing area can by means of the Microchips and the telecommunications interface directly to the authorized person (doctor, pharmacist, etc.) be reported and / or stored in the data store so that the proper issue and removal the tablets from the output area subsequently can be checked.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Fig. 1:

1

output tray

2

casing

3

reservoir

4

reservoir

5

Tablet (s)

6

Tablet (s)

7

Filling opening with closure

8th

- "-

9

central control unit (microchip)

10

Programming interface for 9

11

data storage

12

output mechanism

13

output space

14

Display, if necessary touch screen

15

speaker

16

Telecommunications interface

Fig.2, 3:

17

continuous strips

18

Blister strips with at least two related tablets

19

Drive input to Vorschunb 17 or 18

20, 21

parallel provided output openings

4:

22

output window

23

tablets role

27

transparent cover flap

Fig. 5:

24, 25

networked databases

26

telecommunications subscriber

Fig. 6:

28

in the housing 2 stationarily housed tablets stock

29

Output area (output window), which is programmed with regard to the tablet supply controlled moves

Claims (35)

Container for automatically dispensing tablets (5, 6) or the like, comprising: at least one substantially closed receiving space (3, 4) for tablets, an output mechanism (12) for offering the tablets out of the receiving space (3, 4) in an accessible manner to a user, the tablets being inaccessible to the unauthorized user in the receiving space, a programmable controller (9) that drives the dispensing mechanism (12) at programmable times to dispense a given amount of tablets (5, 6) to place the tablets in an accessible area for each user. Container according to claim 1,
characterized in that the tablets (5, 6) in the receiving space (3, 4) are taken isolated. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the receiving space is closed by means of a shutter mechanism that can only be opened by authorized users. Container according to claim 3,
characterized
that the receiving space mitels an electronic and / or mechanical lock can be shut off. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it comprises means which at the programmed times output a visual, optical or tactile signal. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it comprises a telecommunications interface for exchanging information. Container according to claim 6,
characterized in that the telecommunication interface is adapted to communicate information regarding the dispensing and / or removal of tablets. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it comprises a display. Container according to claim 8,
characterized in that the display is connected to the control unit to output product information regarding tablets. Container according to claim 9,
characterized in that the display is connected to the control unit to display the currently programmed dispensing times and / or quantities. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it comprises means, for example. Sensors for inputting information regarding the physical condition of a user. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it comprises a plurality of mutually separate receiving spaces, which are connected to the same or with different output mechanisms. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it comprises a memory which is connected to the control unit and in which the dispensing of tablets by means of the at least one dispensing mechanism is stored. Container according to claim 13,
characterized in that the memory is readable at an authorized location and / or the memory content is remotely readable by means of the telecommunications interface. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the dispensing mechanism detects gravimetrically the amount or number of tablets dispensed at a time. Container for the automatic dispensing of tablets or the like
including at least one substantially closed space in which tablets in the form of at least one contiguous strip are kept in stock, the tablets in the room being inaccessible to an unauthorized user, and a feed mechanism for tangibly transporting a defined portion of the lot out of the room to each user. Container according to claim 16,
characterized in that the tablets are kept in stock in the form of possibly rolled up blister packs. Container according to one of claims 16 or 17,
characterized in that it further comprises a programmable control unit which drives the feed mechanism at programmed times for transporting at least one strip by a programmed distance. Container according to one of claims 16 to 18,
characterized in that each strip has tablets of the same type. Container according to one of claims 16 to 19,
characterized in that it comprises a plurality of mutually parallel strips of tablets, which are transported by the feed mechanism together or independently. Container according to claim 16,
characterized in that the tablets themselves are designed as tear-off endless strips and the dosage is effected by means of the pushed out of the container length of the strip. Container according to claim 21,
characterized in that the endless strips are provided with a peelable cover. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it is designed portable. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it comprises an autonomous power supply. Container according to claim 24,
characterized in that the power supply is mechanical. Container according to claim 24,
characterized in that the power supply is electrical. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it is modular with other containers of the same kind connectable. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized
that he is integrated in a mobile phone. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the tablets are offered in an output window (22). Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the tablets are offered to the user only in a defined period of time and after the defined period, the previously offered tablets for the user are no longer accessible. Container for the automatic dispensing of tablets or the like
comprising: a tablet supply stationarily arranged with respect to the housing (2) of the container (1), the tablets occupying a defined position in the housing and being inaccessible in the housing for an unauthorized user, and a dispensing area movable relative to the tablet supply to access a defined area of the tablet supply for each user. Container according to claim 31,
characterized in that the dispensing area is moved by a drive mechanism driven by a control unit. Container according to claim 32,
characterized in that the control unit is programmable with respect to. The timing and the Dinstanz the drive of the drive. System for the controlled delivery of drugs, having one with a telecommunication interface equipped container according to one of preceding claims and another Telecommunication subscriber, with the container unidirectional or bidirectional exchanges data. Method for the controlled automated delivery of tablets to patients, comprising the following steps: Opening at least one unauthorized storage space of a programmable output container by an authorized user, Introducing tablets in loose and / or continuous form into the at least one storage space by an authorized user, Programming of the output container with regard to future dispensing times of tablets, and automatically dispensing a defined amount of tablets at the programmed times from the reservoir of the dispensing container to an accessible area for each user.

Images