MEDICINE DISPENSING VENDING MACHINE WITH INTEGRATED PRESCRIPTION READING, ROBOTIC DISPENSING, TELEMEDICINE ACCESS, AND PERSONALIZED HEALTHCARE

Abstract

This invention presents a medicine dispensing vending machine (MDVM) that integrates AI-based prescription reading, robotic dispensing, telemedicine access, and personalized healthcare features. Designed to enhance accessibility and convenience, the MDVM provides secure medication dispensing, prescription verification, drug interaction alerts, and remote telemedicine consultations, supporting a comprehensive healthcare experience.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention pertains to automated healthcare and medication dispensing technology, specifically a Medicine Dispensing Vending Machine (MDVM) designed to enhance accessibility, convenience, and personalized healthcare. The MDVM combines advanced technologies such as prescription reading, robotic dispensing, telemedicine integration, and personalized healthcare features to improve the efficiency and safety of medication management.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional methods of medication dispensing and prescription verification can be time-consuming, prone to errors, and limited in accessibility, especially for individuals with mobility constraints or those in remote areas. Patients often encounter delays in obtaining medications outside pharmacy hours, and healthcare providers struggle with managing prescription adherence and drug interactions. Existing vending systems lack the advanced integration of healthcare functionalities, such as telemedicine consultations, automated prescription verification, and personalized medication reminders.
This invention addresses these limitations by introducing a Medicine Dispensing Vending Machine (MDVM) that integrates prescription reading, secure robotic dispensing, and real-time telemedicine access. Utilizing AI-driven Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for reading prescriptions, robotic arms for dispensing, and telemedicine platforms for consultations, this machine provides a comprehensive solution to meet healthcare needs in a secure, efficient, and user-friendly manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides an MDVM that combines multiple advanced features, including AI-based prescription reading, secure robotic dispensing, telemedicine access, and personalized healthcare services. The MDVM captures and interprets prescription details through OCR, automates dispensing with robotic arms, and offers secure online payments. It provides healthcare functionalities such as drug interaction alerts, personalized reminders, and real-time telemedicine access, enhancing patient safety, medication adherence, and convenience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Medicine Dispensing Vending Machine (MDVM) is designed to automate and secure the medication dispensing process. It comprises multiple components that work together to streamline prescription input, payment, medication dispensing, and healthcare access.
The Prescription Input System includes a high-resolution camera and AI-based OCR algorithms that read prescription slips, extracting details such as medication names, dosage, and patient information. For visually impaired users, the MDVM offers a voice-assisted input option, ensuring accessibility for all.
The Automated Dispensing System incorporates a robotic arm capable of retrieving medications accurately from various compartments. These compartments maintain optimal storage conditions, including temperature control for medications requiring cold storage. The robotic arm is guided by an intelligent inventory management system that tracks stock levels and ensures precise dispensing.
Payment and Security are handled through secure online gateways, allowing contactless transactions via QR codes. Compliance with data privacy regulations is ensured through data encryption and secure storage.
Innovative Features of the MDVM include prescription verification, drug interaction alerts, and educational resources. By cross-referencing healthcare databases, the MDVM verifies prescription authenticity and alerts users to any potential drug interactions. Audio messages provide information about the dispensed medication, improving user awareness and safety.
The Telemedicine Integration feature enables users to engage in on-demand video consultations with healthcare professionals. A video consultation booth within the MDVM provides privacy, allowing users to consult with doctors for prescription renewals or adjustments. The MDVM is also equipped with an emergency button and connectivity to local medical facilities, enhancing healthcare access in urgent situations.
The ESP32 Microcontroller serves as the central processing unit, coordinating the camera, robotic arm, payment system, and notification features. The MDVM sends notifications through SMS, email, or app alerts, reminding users of their medication schedules, prescription renewals, or scheduled telemedicine appointments.
The MDVM is designed with Accessibility Features, including wheelchair-friendly dimensions and audio/visual assistance options, ensuring usability for all individuals. The system also includes a health information kiosk that provides tips, public health announcements, and other valuable community resources.
, Claims:1. A medicine dispensing vending machine (MDVM) comprising a prescription input system, an automated dispensing mechanism, a payment module, and a control system for inventory management and access control.
2. The MDVM as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the prescription input system includes an OCR-based camera for reading prescription slips and a voice-assisted input for visually impaired users.
3. The MDVM as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the automated dispensing system features a robotic arm with multi-temperature compartments for secure and precise medication retrieval.
4. The MDVM as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the payment module enables contactless transactions through QR codes and secure online gateways.
5. The MDVM as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the control system includes prescription verification and drug interaction alert capabilities, enhancing medication safety.
6. The MDVM as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a telemedicine consultation platform enables users to engage in video consultations for prescription renewals and medical advice.
7. The MDVM as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it includes a health information kiosk providing health tips, local resources, and emergency support.
8. A method of dispensing medication as claimed in Claim 1, involving prescription reading, robotic retrieval, secure payment, and telemedicine consultation in an automated process.
9. The MDVM as claimed in Claim 1, wherein accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly design and audio/visual assistance for users with disabilities.
10. The MDVM as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the control system sends personalized medication reminders via SMS, email, or mobile app notifications.

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