US20210338496A1 - Systems and Methods for Maintaining a Supply of a Health-Related Item - Google Patents
Systems and Methods for Maintaining a Supply of a Health-Related Item Download PDFInfo
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- US20210338496A1 US20210338496A1 US17/374,847 US202117374847A US2021338496A1 US 20210338496 A1 US20210338496 A1 US 20210338496A1 US 202117374847 A US202117374847 A US 202117374847A US 2021338496 A1 US2021338496 A1 US 2021338496A1
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- health
- item
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61B90/90—Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F17/00—First-aid kits
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- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
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- G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
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- G06K19/0723—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
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- G06K7/10009—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
- G06K7/10366—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves the interrogation device being adapted for miscellaneous applications
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- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
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- G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
- G16H20/10—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
- G16H20/13—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients delivered from dispensers
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- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/20—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
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- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/63—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C2011/007—Receptacles for personal medical or care products, e.g. drugs, condoms or patches; Small first-aid kits
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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- A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
- A61B2050/005—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers with a lid or cover
- A61B2050/0051—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers with a lid or cover closable by rotation
- A61B2050/0056—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers with a lid or cover closable by rotation about a lateral axis in the lid plane
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- A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
- A61B2050/3008—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments having multiple compartments
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
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- A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
- A61B2050/3011—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments having carrying handles
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- A61B50/31—Carrying cases or bags, e.g. doctors' bags
- A61B2050/311—Cases
Definitions
- the technical field is directed to a system and a method for maintaining a supply of a health-related item.
- a system for maintaining a supply of a health-related item includes, but is not limited to, a carrier configured to contain the health-related item.
- the system further includes, but is not limited to, a container having a compartment configured to store the carrier.
- the system includes, but is not limited to, an item presence sensor coupled to the container.
- the system includes, but is not limited to, a sensor tag coupled to carrier and configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor.
- the system includes, but is not limited to, one or more data processors configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor and configured to determine whether the health-related item is present within the container based upon proximity of the sensor tag to the item presence sensor.
- a processor-implemented system for maintaining a supply of a health-related item includes, but is not limited to, a storage device for storing instructions for maintaining the supply of the health-related item.
- the system further includes, but is not limited to, one or more data processors configured to execute the instructions to receive, by one or more data processors, presence data of the health-related item from a storage space, the storage space comprises an item presence sensor configured to determine whether the health-related item is present within the storage space, receive, by one or more data processors, status data of the health-related item from a database, access, by one or more data processors, a reorder model that generates a reorder signal in response to the presence data and the status data, the reorder model comprises a pre-specified reorder threshold, and generate the reorder signal upon satisfying the pre-specified reorder threshold.
- the system includes, but is not limited to, a storage device for storing instructions for maintaining the supply of the health-related item.
- the system further includes, but is not limited to, one or more data processors configured to execute the instructions to receive, by one or more data processors, presence data of the health-related item from a storage space, the storage space comprises an item presence sensor configured to determine whether the health-related item is present in the storage space, receive, by one or more data processors, geographic location data of the storage space from a database, access, by one or more data processors, a tracking model that generates an elevated-usage signal in response to the presence data and the geographic location data, the model comprises a pre-specified usage threshold, and generate the elevated-usage signal upon satisfying the pre-specified usage threshold.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a system for maintaining a supply of health-related items including a container;
- FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is another flow chart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is an image illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a graphical user interface of the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is an image illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of another graphical user interface of the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is an image illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of another graphical user interface of the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is an image illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a graphical analysis of the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 9 is another flow chart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 10 is another flow chart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 11 is another flow chart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are perspective views illustrating non-limiting embodiments of a carrier of the system of FIG. 1 .
- Coupled means that one element/node/feature is directly or indirectly joined to (or directly or indirectly communicates with) another element/node/feature, and not necessarily mechanically.
- drawings may depict one exemplary arrangement of elements, additional intervening elements, devices, features, or components may be present in an embodiment of the depicted subject matter.
- certain terminology may also be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting.
- an embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.
- integrated circuit components e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.
- module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/or processor device, individually or in any combination, including without limitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.
- ASIC application specific integrated circuit
- processor shared, dedicated, or group
- memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs
- combinational logic circuit and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.
- a system 10 for maintaining a supply of a health-related item 12 is provided herein with reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 12 .
- the system 10 includes a carrier 46 configured to contain the health-related item 12 .
- the system 10 further includes a container 14 having a compartment 28 configured to store the carrier 46 .
- the system 10 further includes an item presence sensor 16 coupled to the container 14 .
- the system 10 further includes a sensor tag 18 coupled to carrier 46 and configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor 16 .
- the system 10 further includes one or more data processors 20 configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor 16 and configured to determine whether the health-related item 12 is present within the container 14 based upon proximity of the sensor tag 18 to the item presence sensor 16 .
- an exhausted supply of the health-related item 12 may be automatically reordered, when appropriate, and a user of the system 10 may obtain information and statistics relating to usage of the health-related item 12 .
- Information may include allergy information, potential negative interactions between medications, recommendations regarding scheduling appointments with a healthcare professional, usage by a family member or a dependent, communication with healthcare providers regarding usage, etc.
- Statistics may include elevated-usage statistics of certain health-related items 12 or certain classes of health-related items 12 based on geographical location, age, gender, ethnicity, profession, environment, lifestyle, etc.
- the health-related item 12 may include over-the-counter (OTC) medications, prescription medications, bandages, sterilizing solutions, lotions, creams, sprays, medical devices, or combinations thereof.
- suitable health-related items 12 include items having trade names or common names, such as Tylenol, Motrin, Naprosyn, Aspirin, Benadryl, Claritin, Hydrocortisone cream, Cough drops, Vitamin C, Mucinex, Sudafed, Flonase, Airborne, Orajel, Pepto, Gas-X, Tums, Ducolax, Imodium, Pepcid, Bandages, Neosporin, Sanitizing Wipes, Diaper Cream, Saline Nasal Spray, Thermometer, Suture Kit, Aspirator, and the like. It is to be appreciated that any of the items identified by their trade names may also be included as a generic item.
- the system 10 includes a plurality of health-related items 12 that may be the same or different.
- the system 10 may include the carrier 46 configured to contain the health-related item 12 .
- the carrier 46 may be formed from a polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic material.
- the container 14 may be formed from non-polymeric materials, such as glass-containing materials, ceramic-containing materials, metal-containing materials, and the like.
- the carrier 46 defines a pocket 48 , and the health-related item 12 is disposed within the pocket 48 .
- the carrier 46 may be translucent to permit visibility of the health-related item 12 disposed within the pocket 48 . It is to be appreciated that only a portion of the health-related item 12 may be disposed within the pocket 48 for the health-related item 12 to be considered disposed within the pocket 48 .
- the carrier 46 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with the compartment 28 such that undesired movement of the carrier 46 relative to the compartment 28 is minimized.
- the pocket 48 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with the health-related item 12 such that movement of the health-related item 12 relative to the carrier 46 is minimized.
- the system 10 includes a plurality of carriers 46 configured to contain the plurality of health-related items 12 . It is to be appreciated that when the system 10 includes the plurality of health-related items 12 , one of the carriers 46 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with one or more of the same health-related item 12 and another one of the carriers 46 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with one or more of a different health-related item 12 .
- one of the carriers 46 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with twenty bandages and another one of the carriers 46 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with six two-packs of ibuprofen.
- suitable carriers 46 include boxes, sleeves, blister packs, bottles, caddies, casings, packages, syringes, wrappers, bags, and the like.
- the carrier 46 includes a base 108 and a cover 110 opposite the base 108 .
- the carrier 46 further includes two or more sides 112 , such as four sides 112 , disposed between the base 108 and the cover 110 .
- the pocket 48 is defined between the base 108 , the cover 110 , and the sides 112 .
- the sensor tag 18 may be couple to the carrier 46 , such as coupled to the base 108 within the packet 48 . However, it is to be appreciated that the sensor tag 18 may be coupled to any portion of the carrier 46 .
- the container 14 may be formed from a polymeric material. However, it is to be appreciated that the container 14 may be formed from non-polymeric materials, such as glass-containing materials, ceramic-containing materials, metal-containing materials, and the like.
- the container 14 may include a housing 22 and one or more covers 24 pivotably coupled to the housing 22 .
- the cover 24 may be coupled to the housing 22 in any manner known in the art, such as slidably coupled, rotatably coupled, coupled via friction or interlocking components, and the like.
- the container 14 includes a first cover 24 A and a second cover 24 B with the first cover 24 A and the second cover 24 B opposite each other relative to the housing 22 .
- the container 14 may further include one or more latches for securing the cover 24 to the housing 22 .
- the system 10 may include a storage space.
- the storage space may be any space configured to store the health-related items 12 that is defined by “fencing” the health-related items 12 to a predetermined area utilizing the item presence sensor 16 .
- suitable storage spaces may include shelves, closets, bags, containers, vehicles, boxes, rooms, etc.
- the storage space may include the container 14 .
- the housing 22 may define one or more cavities 26 configured to receive the health-related items 12 .
- the housing 22 may include one or more spacers 30 configured to cooperate with the housing 22 and the one or more cavities 26 for forming the compartment 28 within the cavity 26 .
- the housing 22 may include a plurality of compartments 28 configured to store the plurality of carriers 46 .
- the size and orientation of the compartments 28 may be adjustable relative to each other such that health-related items 12 having various configurations and sizes may be received by the compartments 28 and sufficiently supported by the housing 22 .
- the item presence sensor 16 must be sufficiently aligned relative to each of the compartments 28 for determining whether the health-related item 12 has been displaced from the container 14 .
- the housing 22 includes a first compartment 28 A facing the first cover 24 A and a second compartment 28 B facing the second cover 24 B.
- the system 10 further includes the item presence sensor 16 coupled to the container 14 .
- the item presence sensor 16 is disposed within the container 14 and configured to determine whether one or more of the health-related items 12 has been displaced from the container 14 .
- suitable item presence sensors 16 include light sensors (e.g., visible light sensors, infrared light sensors, and ultraviolet light sensors), electromagnetic field sensors (e.g., Radio-frequency identification (RFID) or RFID/near-field communication (NFC)), pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, and combinations thereof.
- RFID Radio-frequency identification
- NFC Near-field communication
- the item presence sensor 16 is an RFID/NFC sensor.
- the item presence sensor 16 includes an antenna and a sensor controller.
- suitable sensor controllers include NFC/RFID controller breakout boards, such as the NFC/RFID controller breakout board commercially available from Adafruit Industries of New York City, N.Y. under the tradename PN532.
- the system 10 may include more than one item presence sensor 16 disposed within the container 14 with each of the item presence sensors 16 disposed adjacent one of the compartments 28 of the housing 22 .
- the housing 22 includes eighteen compartments 28 with one of the item presence sensors 16 disposed adjacent each of the compartments 28 such that the system 10 includes eighteen item presence sensors 16 .
- nine of the item presence sensors 16 are oriented in a 3 ⁇ 3 array with the system 10 including two 3 ⁇ 3 arrays disposed adjacent the compartments 28 .
- the item presence sensor 16 may be disposed between the first compartment 28 A and the second compartment 28 B.
- the item presence sensor 16 may be disposed adjacent a side portion 32 of the compartment 28 , the base portion 34 of the compartment 28 , or a combination thereof. Selection of either the side portion 32 or the base portion 34 for location of the item presence sensor 16 may be dependent on the type of health-related item 12 included in the compartment 28 . For example, detection by the item presence sensor 16 of health-related items 12 including a metal-containing backing, such as a wipe packet, may be improved by placing the item presence sensor 16 adjacent the side portion 32 of the compartment 28 . This placement of the item presence sensor 16 may reduce interference caused by the metal-containing backing. In one embodiment, the item presence sensor 16 is disposed adjacent the base portion 34 of the compartment 28 .
- the item presence sensor 16 is disposed adjacent the side portion 32 of the compartment 28 .
- the item presence sensor 16 may have a detection range of from about 1 centimeter (cm) to about 50 cm, alternatively from about 1 cm to about 10 cm, or alternatively from about 2 cm to about 8 cm.
- the system 10 may further include the sensor tag 18 coupled to each of the health-related items 12 .
- the sensor tag 18 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the health-related items 12 utilizing an adhesive, a fastener, stitching, or combinations thereof.
- the sensor tag 18 is coupled to the carrier 46 and thus the sensor tag 18 is indirectly coupled to the health-related item 12 , when present.
- the sensor tag 18 is configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor 16 .
- the sensor tag 18 may be passive or active.
- the sensor tag 18 may be an RFID tag including a unique identification (UID).
- UID unique identification
- the system 10 includes a plurality of sensor tags 18 with each of the carriers 46 including one of the plurality of sensor tags 18 .
- Each of the plurality of sensor tags 18 has a unique identification and thus each of the health-related items 12 may correspond with have a particular UID different from the other health-related items 12 .
- the RFID/NFC sensor may be passively energized by radio waves generated by the item presence sensor 16 .
- the RFID tag is a metal-type RFID tag which exhibits improved detection by the item presence sensor 16 in the presence of various materials, such as metal foils.
- Other non-limiting examples of the sensor tag 18 may include a contact-based integrated circuit, such as a microchip. The contact-based integrated circuit may be configured to cooperate with the item presence sensor 16 .
- the item presence sensor 16 may be in electrical communication with the contact-based integrated circuit of the sensor tag 18 when the health-related item 12 is present in the container 14 .
- the system 10 further includes one or more data processors 20 configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor 16 .
- the one or more data processors 20 can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the container 14 , a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, or generally any device for executing instructions.
- the one or more data processors 20 may be communicatively coupled with any component of the system 10 through wired connections, wireless connections and/or devices, or a combination thereof. Examples of suitable wired connections includes, but are not limited to, hardware couplings, splitters, connectors, cables or wires.
- suitable wireless connections and devices include, but not limited to, Wi-Fi device, Bluetooth device, wide area network (WAN) wireless device, Wi-Max device, local area network (LAN) device, 3G/4G/5G broadband device, GSM/CDMA cellular networks, infrared communication device, optical data transfer device, radio transmitter and optionally receiver, wireless phone, wireless phone adaptor card, or any other devices that can transmit signals in a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths including radio frequency, microwave frequency, visible or invisible wavelengths.
- the system 10 may be centralized or decentralized.
- the system 10 may further include a server 36 .
- the server 36 may be located distant from the container 14 and communicatively coupled to the container 14 , as described above.
- the system 10 or the server 36 may include a cloud computing environment for communicatively coupling the server 10 and the container 14 .
- the system 10 may be decentralized and operate on a peer-to-peer network whereby the various data generated by the system 10 is contained on a blockchain.
- the system 10 includes various nodes, such as user nodes which may include the container 14 and logistics nodes for managing ordering, delivery, and status updates of the health-related items 12 . It is to be appreciated that the system 10 may utilize a combination of centralized and decentralized operations.
- the system 10 may be configured to determine, by the one or more data processors 20 , whether one or more of the health-related items 12 is present within the container 14 based upon the proximity of the sensor tag 18 to the item presence sensor 16 utilizing a displacement model 50 .
- the displacement model 50 may be an algorithm configured to determine when one or more of the health-related items 12 have been displaced from the container 14 or whether one or more of the health-related items 12 are present within the container 14 .
- the determination of whether one or more of the health-related items 12 have been displaced from the container 14 or whether one or more of the health-related items 12 are present within the container 14 is based upon whether the item presence sensor 16 detects the sensor tag 18 .
- the item presence sensor 16 is configured to generate an inquiry signal
- the sensor tag 18 is configured to generate a feedback signal in response to the inquiry signal when the carrier 46 is stored in the container 14 .
- the one or more data processors 20 may be further configured to generate presence data for each of the health-related items 12 based upon whether the item presence sensor 16 detects the sensor tag 18 corresponding to the health-related item 12 .
- the presence data may be utilized to generate a graphical user interface 62 (e.g., a dashboard 62 A, an inventory list 62 B, or a product information page 62 C) of the presence of the health-related items 12 .
- the sensor tag 18 is in proximity of the item presence sensor 16 when the sensor tag 18 is within a detection range of the item presence sensor 16 of from about 1 centimeter (cm) to about 50 cm, alternatively from about 1 cm to about 10 cm, or alternatively from about 2 cm to about 8 cm.
- the sensor tag 18 when the sensor tag 18 includes the contact-based integrated circuit, the sensor tag 18 is in proximity of the item presence sensor 16 when the contact-based integrated circuit is in direct electrical communication with the presence sensor 16 .
- the sensor tag 18 may be in proximity of the item presence sensor 16 utilizing direct electrical communication (e.g., contact-based integrated circuit), indirect electrical communication, visual-based identification (e.g., barcode and matrix barcode), infrared-based identification (e.g., IRID), emission spectra identification, or combinations thereof.
- direct electrical communication e.g., contact-based integrated circuit
- indirect electrical communication e.g., visual-based identification (e.g., barcode and matrix barcode), infrared-based identification (e.g., IRID), emission spectra identification, or combinations thereof.
- the systems 10 is configured to initiate detection of the sensor tag 18 by the item presence sensor 16 at pre-specified intervals of time.
- the pre-specified intervals of time may extend from about 1 second to about 240 hours, alternatively from about 1 minute to about 12 hours, alternatively from about 10 minutes to about 6 hours, or alternatively from about 4 hours to about 6 hours.
- the system 10 is configured to generate an initiation signal at pre-specified intervals of time
- the item presence sensor 16 is configured to generate an inquiry signal in response to the initiation signal.
- the system 10 is configured to initiate detection of the sensor tag 18 by the item presence sensor 16 when the cover 24 is moved from an open position to a closed position, or from a closed position to an open position, relative to the housing 22 .
- the housing 22 includes a door sensor 64
- the cover 24 includes a magnet 66 configured to cooperate with the door sensor 64
- the door sensor 64 is configured to generate an initiation signal in response to separation of the magnet 66 and the door sensor 64
- the item presence sensor 16 is configured to generate an inquiry signal in response to the initiation signal.
- the system 10 may be further configured to determine, by the one or more data processors 20 , usage data of the health-related items 12 based on geographic location of the container 14 utilizing a tracking model 52 .
- the usage data may be based on whether one or more of the health-related items 12 is present within the container 14 .
- the tracking model 52 may be an algorithm configured to determine whether one or more of the health-related items 12 has been displaced from the container 14 in view of the geographic location of the container 14 .
- the tracking model 52 may be utilized to determine elevated utilization of one or more of the health-related items 12 in view of the geographic location of the container 14 .
- the determination of elevated utilization may be based on whether a pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied.
- the pre-specified usage threshold may be statically (e.g., fixed usage amount) or dynamically (e.g., relative to usage outside geographic location) generated.
- An elevated-usage signal may be generated when the pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied.
- the tracking model 52 may be utilized to determine whether an elevated increase of a disease or an occurrence is present in a particular geographic location. For example, an elevation in the use of gastrointestinal medication in one state-wide geographic location relative to the use of the gastrointestinal medication in an entire country-wide geographic location may indicate the presence of food-borne pathogens in the one state-wide geographic location.
- the geographic location of the container 14 may be based on GPS receiver, pre-specified user information (e.g., mailing delivery address), IP address, and the like.
- the determination of geographic location may be based on the pre-specified intervals of time described above or when the cover 24 is moved from an open position to a closed position, or from a closed position to an open position, relative to the housing 22 .
- the container 14 may include a unique identification (UID) for tracking the geographic location of the container 14 .
- the usage data may be utilized to generate a graphical analysis 58 (e.g., a heat map) of the usage of the health-related items 12 .
- the system 10 may be further configured to determine, by the one or more data processors 20 , a status of each of the health-related items 12 utilizing a status model 56 .
- the status may include expiration information related to the health-related items 12 , recall information related to the health-related items 12 , or a combination thereof.
- the status model may be an algorithm configured to determine whether one or more of the health-related items 12 are expired or recalled. Upon determination that one or more of the health-related items 12 is expired or recalled, the one or more data processors 20 may be configured to determine whether the expired or recalled health-related item 12 is present in the container 14 .
- the one or more data processors 20 may initiate a determination of whether one or more of the health-related items 12 is present within the container 14 is based upon whether the item presence sensor 16 detects the sensor tag 18 . If the expired or recalled health-related item 12 is present in the container 14 , a notification may be sent to a user to instruct the user to discard the expired and/or recalled health-related item 12 .
- Status data which includes the expiration information and the recall information, may be located in a status database. The status data located in the status database may correspond to the UID of the carrier 46 that contains the health-related item 12 .
- the system 10 may be further configured to access, by the one or more data processors 20 , a reorder model 54 configured to generate a reorder signal in response to the presence data and/or the status data.
- the system 10 is configured to determine, by the one or more data processors 20 , whether the supply of one or more of the health-related items 12 has been exhausted utilizing the reorder model 54 .
- the reorder model may be an algorithm configured to determine whether the reorder signal is generated and thus whether one or more of the health-related items 12 may be sent to the user for restocking the container 14 .
- the reorder model 54 includes the pre-specified reorder threshold for determining whether the reorder signal is generated.
- the reorder threshold is a pre-specified quantity or weight of the health-related items 12 .
- the reorder model 54 may generate a reorder signal in response to the presence data upon satisfying the pre-specified reorder threshold.
- the container 14 includes a three-day supply of the health-related items 12 such that any displacement of the health-related items 12 from the container 14 will satisfy the pre-specified reorder threshold.
- the system 10 may be further configured to be utilized in a regulated environment, such as OSHA regulated environment, required to possess onsite a specific supply of health-related items 12 .
- a regulated environment such as OSHA regulated environment
- suitable regulated environments includes manufacturing sites, construction sites, energy generation sites, chemical processing sites, laboratories, hospitals, restaurants, and the like.
- the system 10 may be configured to notify the user of the change and may be configured to initiate a delivery process for sending the user a compliant supply of health-related items 12 .
- the system 10 may be further configured to generate a usage notification in response to opening of the cover 24 , displacement of one or more health-related items 12 , or a combination thereof.
- the usage notification may be utilized for notifying a supervisor of the user that the container 14 was opened, that a specific item 12 was utilized which may relate to one or more injuries, or a combination thereof.
- the system 10 may be configured to generate a report including a listing of the specific item 12 that was utilized and a listing including potential injuries related to the specific item 12 .
- the system 10 may be also configured to generate a report confirming that a compliant supply of health-related items 12 is available onsite in the regulated environment, such as an incident report.
- the system 10 may be actively monitored to comply with regulation of the regulated environment.
- the system 10 may be further configured to determine, by the one or more data processors 20 , usage data of the health-related items 12 based on a tracking model.
- the usage data may be based on whether one or more of the health-related items 12 is present within the container 14 .
- the tracking model 52 may be an algorithm configured to determine whether one or more of the health-related items 12 has been displaced from the container 14 .
- the tracking model 52 may be utilized to determine reduced utilization of one or more of the health-related items 12 .
- the determination of reduced utilization may be based on whether a pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied.
- the pre-specified usage threshold may be statically (e.g., fixed usage amount) generated.
- a reduced-usage signal may be generated when the pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied.
- the tracking model may be utilized to determine whether a user's use of a certain health-related item 12 has been reduced.
- the system 10 may then be configured to alert a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional of the reduced usage. For example, a reduction in the use of an antipsychotic medication by a user may indicate that intervention is necessary by a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional.
- the system 10 may be further configured to determine, by the one or more data processors 20 , usage data of the health-related items 12 based on a tracking model.
- the usage data may be based on whether one or more of the health-related items 12 is present within the container 14 .
- the tracking model 52 may be an algorithm configured to determine whether one or more of the health-related items 12 has been displaced from the container 14 .
- the tracking model 52 may be utilized to determine unexpected/unauthorized utilization of one or more of the health-related items 12 .
- the determination of the unexpected/unauthorized utilization may be based on whether a pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied.
- the pre-specified usage threshold may be statically (e.g., fixed usage amount) generated. An unexpected/unauthorized-usage signal may be generated when the pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied.
- the tracking model may be utilized to determine whether a user's use of a certain health-related item 12 is unexpected/unauthorized.
- the system 10 may then be configured to alert a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional of the unexpected/unauthorized usage. For example, a displacement by a second user of a health-related item 12 after a first user already displaced the same health-related item 12 within a pre-specified time period may indicate that the usage is unexpected/unauthorized and indicate that intervention is necessary by a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional.
- the determination of the unexpected/unauthorized utilization may be based on identity of the user by comparing the identity of the user to a user database which includes one or more user assignments for each of the health-related items 12 .
- the identity of the user may be based on biometrics, such as finger prints, voice recognition, iris scan, visual recognition, or combinations thereof. Further, the identity of the user may be based on authentications, such as pass codes, passwords, electronic keys, or combinations thereof.
- the system 10 may then be configured to alert a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional of the unexpected/unauthorized usage. For example, a displacement by a second user of a health-related item 12 assigned to only a first user may indicate that the usage is unexpected/unauthorized and indicate that intervention is necessary by a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional.
- the system 10 may be further configured to generate a request for an appointment with a healthcare professional after a pre-specified usage threshold has been exceeded.
- the system 10 may be further configured to generate alerts regarding potential allergy restrictions of a user of the system 10 relating to the health-related items 12 or negative interactions between a user's medication and the health-related items 12 .
- the system 10 may be further configured to generate alerts for a family member, caregiver, or guardian, after a pre-specified usage threshold has been exceeded.
- the system 10 is configured to execute the instructions to receive, by the one or more data processors 20 , the presence data of the health-related items 12 from a storage space (in certain embodiments, the container 14 ), receive, by the one or more data processors 20 , status data of the health-related items 12 from a database, the status data includes recall data and expiration data for the health-related items 12 , access, by one or more data processors 20 , the reorder model 54 that generates the reorder signal in response to the presence data and the status data, and generate the reorder signal upon satisfying the pre-specified reorder threshold.
- the storage space may be any space configured to store the health-related items 12 that is defined by “fencing” the health-related items 12 to a predetermined area utilizing the item presence sensor 16 .
- suitable storage spaces may include shelves, closets, bags, containers, vehicles, boxes, rooms, etc.
- the system 10 is configured to execute the instructions to receive, by the one or more data processors 20 , presence data of the health-related items 12 from the storage space (in certain embodiments, the container 14 ), receive, by the one or more data processors 20 , geographic location data of the storage space from the database, access, by the one or more data processors 20 , the tracking model 52 that generates the elevated-usage signal in response to the presence data and the geographic location data, and generate the elevated-usage signal upon satisfying the pre-specified usage threshold.
- the system 10 is configured to execute the instructions to receive, by the one or more data processors 20 , presence data of the health-related items 12 from the storage space (in certain embodiments, the container 14 ), access, by the one or more data processors 20 , a tracking model that generates a reduced-usage signal in response to the presence data, and generate the reduced-usage signal upon satisfying a pre-specified usage threshold.
- the system 10 is configured to execute the instructions to receive, by the one or more data processors 20 , presence data of the health-related items 12 from the storage space (in certain embodiments, the container 14 ), access, by the one or more data processors 20 , a tracking model that generates a unexpected/unauthorized-usage signal in response to the presence data, and generate the unexpected/unauthorized-usage signal upon satisfying a pre-specified usage threshold.
- the system 10 may further include a computing device 38 configured to be utilized by the user.
- the computing device 38 may include smart phones, tablets, personal computers, wearables (e.g., smart watch, headset, and the like), smart hub (e.g., Amazon Echo, Google Home, and the like) and or combinations thereof.
- the computing device 38 may be configured to provide an operating system, such as Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana, Google Assistant and Apple Siri.
- the system 10 may be configured to communicate with a cloud-based application for memorializing occurrences of aliments.
- suitable cloud-based applications include calendars, Apple Health, or a combination thereof.
- the computing device 38 may be separate from the container 14 . Alternatively, the computing device 38 may be directly coupled to the container 14 . The computing device 38 may be communicatively coupled to the container 14 and the server 36 . Notifications generated by the system 10 may be received and accessible by the computing device 38 .
- the system 10 may be configured to generate a graphical user interface 60 that can be displayed on the computing device 38 , such as an inventory dashboard 62 A (see FIG. 5 ), an inventory list 62 B (see FIG. 6 ), or a product information page 62 C (see FIG. 7 ), or configured to generate a graphical analysis 58 that can be displayed on the computing device 38 , such as a heat map (see FIG. 8 ).
- the computing device 38 is configured to analyze the sensor tag 18 corresponding to the health-related items 12 to obtain information regarding the health-related items 12 .
- the system 10 may be configured to communicate with devices for the purpose of dosing/adjusting medication, such as a scale, a blood pressure determination device, a thermometer, a glucometer, air quality monitor, or combinations thereof.
- the system 10 may be configured to provide a preliminary diagnosis of an ailment and treatment recommendation utilizing the health-related items 12 by receiving information from a user, a device, or a combination thereof.
- the information received may be applied to a diagnosis model to generate a diagnosis data in response to the information.
- the diagnosis data may be applied to a treatment model and generate treatment data in response to the diagnosis data.
- the system 10 may be configured to provide instructions for usage of the health-related items 12 visually on a display or audibly by a speaker based on the diagnosis data.
- the system 10 includes a messaging component configured to communicate with a healthcare professional or provider to assist in usage of the health-related items 12 within the container 14 .
- suitable messaging components include text messaging, voice communication, e-mail, push notifications, or combinations thereof.
- the system 10 is configured to generate and send a notification to Emergency medical services (EMS) in response to the use of certain health-related items 12 commonly utilized in an emergency, such as an ASA for heart attack or an EpiPen for anaphylactic attack.
- EMS Emergency medical services
- the system 10 includes a pharmaceutical database including information regarding pharmaceuticals that possess incompatibilities with other pharmaceuticals and including information regarding the pharmaceuticals currently utilized by the user.
- the system 10 includes a pharmaceutical model configured to apply the heath-related items 12 to the pharmaceutical database and generate an incompatibility signal based on the pharmaceuticals currently utilized by the user.
- the system 10 includes a form creation component, such as a “sick note” based on usage of the system 10 .
- the system 10 is configured to be “geo-fenced” within a certain location based on GPS, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi connection, or combinations thereof. If the system 10 , such as the container 14 , is removed from the “geo-fence,” the system 10 may generate a notification to a user regarding the current location of the container 14 .
- the system 10 includes a storage device 40 for storing instructions for maintaining the supply of health-related items 12 .
- the instructions stored in the storage device 40 may include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. It is to be appreciated that while the executable instructions may be ordered, intervening executable instructions may be included between any two or more the executable instructions expressly described above.
- the one or more data processors 20 are configured to execute the instructions stored within the storage device 40 , to communicate data to and from the storage device 40 , and to generally control operations of the system 10 pursuant to the instructions.
- the system 10 may further includes a temperature sensor.
- the system 10 can monitor the temperature of the health-related items 12 or the compartments 28 to determine whether the health-related items 12 is or has been exposed to a temperature outside of the recommended temperature range by the manufacture of the health-related item 12 .
- the system 10 may further include a battery 42 with the battery 42 configured to energize the container 14 .
- the battery 42 may be configured to energize any component of the system 10 .
- the container 14 includes the battery 42 disposed therein.
- the battery 42 may be separate from the container 14 .
- the container may further include a data port 44 .
- the data port 44 may be configured to electrically couple the battery 42 to the electrical grid for charging the battery 42 , transmit information to the one or more data processors 20 , or a combination thereof.
- the data port 44 is a USB port.
- a method for maintaining a supply of a health-related item may include the step 68 of initiating the system 10 .
- the system 10 may be initiated by opening and closing the cover 24 or after waiting the pre-specified interval of time.
- the method may further include the step 70 of powering up the one or more data processors 20 .
- the method may further include the step 72 of determining the number of item presence sensors 16 .
- the method may further include the step 74 of reading the UIDs of the sensor tags 18 by the item presence sensors 16 .
- the method may further include the step 76 of determining whether all item presence sensors 16 attempted to read the UIDs of the sensor tags 18 .
- the method may further include the step 78 of generating a list of the UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that were read by the item presence sensors 16 .
- the method may further include the step 80 of establishing a communication connection (e.g., via Wi-Fi) from the container 14 to the server 36 .
- the method may further include the step 82 of establishing a communication connection from the server 36 to the container 14 .
- the method may further include the step 84 of transmitting the UID of the container 14 from the container 14 to the server 36 via the communication connection.
- the method may further include the step 86 of transmitting the health and status information (e.g., location, battery life, connection quality, etc.) of the container 14 from the container 14 to the server 36 via the communication connection.
- the method may further include the step 88 of transmitting the list of UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that were read by the item presence sensors 16 from the container 14 to the server 36 via the communication connection.
- the method may further include the step 90 of receiving the list of UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that were read by the item presence sensors 16 from the container 14 .
- the method may further include the step 92 of receiving the UID of the container 14 from the container 14 and the health and status information container 14 .
- the method may further include the step 94 of comparing the list of UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that were read by the item presence sensors 16 to a database including supply information for the UID of the container 14 relating to the UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that are expected to be present in the container 14 .
- the method may further include the step 96 of classifying the UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that are not present in the container 14 as “absent.”
- the method may further include the step 98 of applying the count of “absent” classifications for each UID of the sensor tags 18 to the pre-specified reorder threshold.
- the method may further include the step 100 of adding the UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that exceed the pre-specified reorder threshold to a reorder database.
- the method may further include the step 102 of determining whether any UIDs are included in the reorder list.
- the method may further include the step 104 of initiating an order process for the health-related items 12 corresponding to the UIDs included in the reorder list.
- the method may further include the step 106 of generating an alert regarding the health-related items 12 corresponding to the UIDs included in the reorder list, transmitting the alert to the computing devices 38 , and displaying or announcing the alert on the computing devices 38 .
Abstract
System and methods for maintaining a supply of health-related items are provided herein. The system includes, but is not limited to, a carrier configured to contain the health-related item. The system further includes, but is not limited to, a container having a compartment configured to store the carrier. The system includes, but is not limited to, an item presence sensor coupled to the container. The system includes, but is not limited to, a sensor tag coupled to carrier and configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor. The system includes, but is not limited to, one or more data processors configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor and configured to determine whether the health-related item is present within the container based upon proximity of the sensor tag to the item presence sensor.
Description
- This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/640,212 filed on Feb. 19, 2020, which is a U.S. National-Stage entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 based on International Application No. PCT/US2018/047784 filed on Aug. 23, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/549,317, filed Aug. 23, 2017, which are all hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.
- The technical field is directed to a system and a method for maintaining a supply of a health-related item.
- Healthcare costs are increasing at an uncontrolled rate. Many of these cost increases are due to patients unnecessarily utilizing the emergency department for conditions that can be reasonably treated, or at minimum, stabilized outside the hospital and thus allow the patient to schedule an appointment with their primary care physician. One barrier preventing the treatment or stabilizing of the conditions outside the hospital is access to the medications, devices, and supplies commonly utilized to treat or stabilized the conditions. While the medications, devices, and supplies are likely available at a local store, a patient's stock of these health-related items at home or office may be limited, expired, or recalled without the patient knowing until the need arises. In many cases, the patient will go to the emergency department rather than attempt to find an item suitable to treat or stabilize the condition.
- While it is important for patients to utilize these health-related items when appropriate, healthcare professionals are not typically in a position to monitor usage of these items outside of the hospital/clinical environment. Monitoring usage can provide useful information to the patient, patient's family, primary healthcare provider, or other healthcare professional.
- As such, it is desirable to provide a system and a method for maintaining a supply of a health-related item. In addition, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.
- A system for maintaining a supply of a health-related item is provided herein. The system includes, but is not limited to, a carrier configured to contain the health-related item. The system further includes, but is not limited to, a container having a compartment configured to store the carrier. The system includes, but is not limited to, an item presence sensor coupled to the container. The system includes, but is not limited to, a sensor tag coupled to carrier and configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor. The system includes, but is not limited to, one or more data processors configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor and configured to determine whether the health-related item is present within the container based upon proximity of the sensor tag to the item presence sensor.
- A processor-implemented system for maintaining a supply of a health-related item is also provided herein. The system includes, but is not limited to, a storage device for storing instructions for maintaining the supply of the health-related item. The system further includes, but is not limited to, one or more data processors configured to execute the instructions to receive, by one or more data processors, presence data of the health-related item from a storage space, the storage space comprises an item presence sensor configured to determine whether the health-related item is present within the storage space, receive, by one or more data processors, status data of the health-related item from a database, access, by one or more data processors, a reorder model that generates a reorder signal in response to the presence data and the status data, the reorder model comprises a pre-specified reorder threshold, and generate the reorder signal upon satisfying the pre-specified reorder threshold.
- Another processor-implemented system for maintaining a supply of a health-related item is also provided herein. The system includes, but is not limited to, a storage device for storing instructions for maintaining the supply of the health-related item. The system further includes, but is not limited to, one or more data processors configured to execute the instructions to receive, by one or more data processors, presence data of the health-related item from a storage space, the storage space comprises an item presence sensor configured to determine whether the health-related item is present in the storage space, receive, by one or more data processors, geographic location data of the storage space from a database, access, by one or more data processors, a tracking model that generates an elevated-usage signal in response to the presence data and the geographic location data, the model comprises a pre-specified usage threshold, and generate the elevated-usage signal upon satisfying the pre-specified usage threshold.
- Other advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a system for maintaining a supply of health-related items including a container; -
FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is another flow chart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is an image illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a graphical user interface of the system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is an image illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of another graphical user interface of the system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is an image illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of another graphical user interface of the system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is an image illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of a graphical analysis of the system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is another flow chart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 10 is another flow chart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11 is another flow chart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the system ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are perspective views illustrating non-limiting embodiments of a carrier of the system ofFIG. 1 . - The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
- The features and advantages identified in the present disclosure will be more readily understood, by those of ordinary skill in the art, from reading the following detailed description. It is to be appreciated that certain features, which are, for clarity, described above and below in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. In addition, references in the singular may also include the plural (for example, “a” and “an” may refer to one, or one or more) unless the context specifically states otherwise.
- The use of numerical values in the various ranges specified in this disclosure, unless expressly indicated otherwise, are stated as approximations as though the minimum and maximum values within the stated ranges were both proceeded by the word “about.” In this manner, slight variations above and below the stated ranges can be used to achieve substantially the same results as values within the ranges. Also, the disclosure of these ranges is intended as a continuous range including every value between the minimum and maximum values.
- Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components, and with reference to symbolic representations of operations, processing tasks, and functions that may be performed by various computing components or devices. It should be appreciated that the various block components shown in the figures may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.
- The following description may refer to elements or nodes or features being “coupled” together. As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, “coupled” means that one element/node/feature is directly or indirectly joined to (or directly or indirectly communicates with) another element/node/feature, and not necessarily mechanically. Thus, although the drawings may depict one exemplary arrangement of elements, additional intervening elements, devices, features, or components may be present in an embodiment of the depicted subject matter. In addition, certain terminology may also be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting.
- Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components and with reference to symbolic representations of operations, processing tasks, and functions that may be performed by various computing components or devices. Such operations, tasks, and functions are sometimes referred to as being computer-executed, computerized, software-implemented, or computer-implemented. In practice, one or more processor devices can carry out the described operations, tasks, and functions by manipulating electrical signals representing data bits at memory locations in the system memory, as well as other processing of signals. The memory locations where data bits are maintained are physical locations that have particular electrical, magnetic, optical, or organic properties corresponding to the data bits. It should be appreciated that the various block components shown in the figures may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.
- For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to graphics and image processing, touchscreen displays, and other functional aspects of certain systems and subsystems (and the individual operating components thereof) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the subject matter.
- As used herein, the term “module” refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/or processor device, individually or in any combination, including without limitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.
- A system 10 (or processor-implemented system 10) for maintaining a supply of a health-related
item 12 is provided herein with reference toFIGS. 1-3 and 12 . Thesystem 10 includes acarrier 46 configured to contain the health-relateditem 12. Thesystem 10 further includes acontainer 14 having acompartment 28 configured to store thecarrier 46. Thesystem 10 further includes anitem presence sensor 16 coupled to thecontainer 14. Thesystem 10 further includes asensor tag 18 coupled tocarrier 46 and configured to be communicatively coupled with theitem presence sensor 16. Thesystem 10 further includes one ormore data processors 20 configured to be communicatively coupled with theitem presence sensor 16 and configured to determine whether the health-relateditem 12 is present within thecontainer 14 based upon proximity of thesensor tag 18 to theitem presence sensor 16. By determining whether the health-relateditem 12 is present within thecontainer 14, an exhausted supply of the health-relateditem 12 may be automatically reordered, when appropriate, and a user of thesystem 10 may obtain information and statistics relating to usage of the health-relateditem 12. Information may include allergy information, potential negative interactions between medications, recommendations regarding scheduling appointments with a healthcare professional, usage by a family member or a dependent, communication with healthcare providers regarding usage, etc. Statistics may include elevated-usage statistics of certain health-relateditems 12 or certain classes of health-relateditems 12 based on geographical location, age, gender, ethnicity, profession, environment, lifestyle, etc. - The health-related
item 12 may include over-the-counter (OTC) medications, prescription medications, bandages, sterilizing solutions, lotions, creams, sprays, medical devices, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable health-relateditems 12 include items having trade names or common names, such as Tylenol, Motrin, Naprosyn, Aspirin, Benadryl, Claritin, Hydrocortisone cream, Cough drops, Vitamin C, Mucinex, Sudafed, Flonase, Airborne, Orajel, Pepto, Gas-X, Tums, Ducolax, Imodium, Pepcid, Bandages, Neosporin, Sanitizing Wipes, Diaper Cream, Saline Nasal Spray, Thermometer, Suture Kit, Aspirator, and the like. It is to be appreciated that any of the items identified by their trade names may also be included as a generic item. In various embodiments, thesystem 10 includes a plurality of health-relateditems 12 that may be the same or different. - With particular reference to
FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C , as introduced above, thesystem 10 may include thecarrier 46 configured to contain the health-relateditem 12. Thecarrier 46 may be formed from a polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic material. However, it is to be appreciated that thecontainer 14 may be formed from non-polymeric materials, such as glass-containing materials, ceramic-containing materials, metal-containing materials, and the like. In certain embodiments, thecarrier 46 defines apocket 48, and the health-relateditem 12 is disposed within thepocket 48. Thecarrier 46 may be translucent to permit visibility of the health-relateditem 12 disposed within thepocket 48. It is to be appreciated that only a portion of the health-relateditem 12 may be disposed within thepocket 48 for the health-relateditem 12 to be considered disposed within thepocket 48. - The
carrier 46 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with thecompartment 28 such that undesired movement of thecarrier 46 relative to thecompartment 28 is minimized. Thepocket 48 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with the health-relateditem 12 such that movement of the health-relateditem 12 relative to thecarrier 46 is minimized. In certain embodiments, thesystem 10 includes a plurality ofcarriers 46 configured to contain the plurality of health-relateditems 12. It is to be appreciated that when thesystem 10 includes the plurality of health-relateditems 12, one of thecarriers 46 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with one or more of the same health-relateditem 12 and another one of thecarriers 46 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with one or more of a different health-relateditem 12. For example, one of thecarriers 46 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with twenty bandages and another one of thecarriers 46 may be configured to dimensionally cooperate with six two-packs of ibuprofen. Non-limiting examples ofsuitable carriers 46 include boxes, sleeves, blister packs, bottles, caddies, casings, packages, syringes, wrappers, bags, and the like. - In certain embodiments, the
carrier 46 includes abase 108 and acover 110 opposite thebase 108. Thecarrier 46 further includes two ormore sides 112, such as foursides 112, disposed between the base 108 and thecover 110. Thepocket 48 is defined between the base 108, thecover 110, and thesides 112. As will be described in greater detail below, thesensor tag 18 may be couple to thecarrier 46, such as coupled to thebase 108 within thepacket 48. However, it is to be appreciated that thesensor tag 18 may be coupled to any portion of thecarrier 46. - The
container 14 may be formed from a polymeric material. However, it is to be appreciated that thecontainer 14 may be formed from non-polymeric materials, such as glass-containing materials, ceramic-containing materials, metal-containing materials, and the like. Thecontainer 14 may include ahousing 22 and one ormore covers 24 pivotably coupled to thehousing 22. However, it is to be appreciated that thecover 24 may be coupled to thehousing 22 in any manner known in the art, such as slidably coupled, rotatably coupled, coupled via friction or interlocking components, and the like. In certain embodiments, thecontainer 14 includes afirst cover 24A and asecond cover 24B with thefirst cover 24A and thesecond cover 24B opposite each other relative to thehousing 22. Thecontainer 14 may further include one or more latches for securing thecover 24 to thehousing 22. Alternative to thecontainer 14, thesystem 10 may include a storage space. In various embodiments, the storage space may be any space configured to store the health-relateditems 12 that is defined by “fencing” the health-relateditems 12 to a predetermined area utilizing theitem presence sensor 16. Non-limiting examples of suitable storage spaces may include shelves, closets, bags, containers, vehicles, boxes, rooms, etc. The storage space may include thecontainer 14. - The
housing 22 may define one ormore cavities 26 configured to receive the health-relateditems 12. Thehousing 22 may include one ormore spacers 30 configured to cooperate with thehousing 22 and the one ormore cavities 26 for forming thecompartment 28 within thecavity 26. Thehousing 22 may include a plurality ofcompartments 28 configured to store the plurality ofcarriers 46. The size and orientation of thecompartments 28 may be adjustable relative to each other such that health-relateditems 12 having various configurations and sizes may be received by thecompartments 28 and sufficiently supported by thehousing 22. However, it is to be appreciated that theitem presence sensor 16 must be sufficiently aligned relative to each of thecompartments 28 for determining whether the health-relateditem 12 has been displaced from thecontainer 14. In various embodiments, thehousing 22 includes afirst compartment 28A facing thefirst cover 24A and asecond compartment 28B facing thesecond cover 24B. - As introduced above, the
system 10 further includes theitem presence sensor 16 coupled to thecontainer 14. In embodiments, theitem presence sensor 16 is disposed within thecontainer 14 and configured to determine whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 has been displaced from thecontainer 14. Non-limiting examples of suitableitem presence sensors 16 include light sensors (e.g., visible light sensors, infrared light sensors, and ultraviolet light sensors), electromagnetic field sensors (e.g., Radio-frequency identification (RFID) or RFID/near-field communication (NFC)), pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, theitem presence sensor 16 is an RFID/NFC sensor. In embodiments wherein theitem presence sensor 16 is an RFID/NFC sensor, theitem presence sensor 16 includes an antenna and a sensor controller. Non-limiting examples of suitable sensor controllers include NFC/RFID controller breakout boards, such as the NFC/RFID controller breakout board commercially available from Adafruit Industries of New York City, N.Y. under the tradename PN532. - With particular reference to
FIG. 2 , thesystem 10 may include more than oneitem presence sensor 16 disposed within thecontainer 14 with each of theitem presence sensors 16 disposed adjacent one of thecompartments 28 of thehousing 22. In an exemplary embodiment, thehousing 22 includes eighteencompartments 28 with one of theitem presence sensors 16 disposed adjacent each of thecompartments 28 such that thesystem 10 includes eighteenitem presence sensors 16. In an exemplary embodiment, nine of theitem presence sensors 16 are oriented in a 3×3 array with thesystem 10 including two 3×3 arrays disposed adjacent thecompartments 28. In an exemplary embodiment, theitem presence sensor 16 may be disposed between thefirst compartment 28A and thesecond compartment 28B. - Referring back to
FIGS. 1-3 , theitem presence sensor 16 may be disposed adjacent aside portion 32 of thecompartment 28, thebase portion 34 of thecompartment 28, or a combination thereof. Selection of either theside portion 32 or thebase portion 34 for location of theitem presence sensor 16 may be dependent on the type of health-relateditem 12 included in thecompartment 28. For example, detection by theitem presence sensor 16 of health-relateditems 12 including a metal-containing backing, such as a wipe packet, may be improved by placing theitem presence sensor 16 adjacent theside portion 32 of thecompartment 28. This placement of theitem presence sensor 16 may reduce interference caused by the metal-containing backing. In one embodiment, theitem presence sensor 16 is disposed adjacent thebase portion 34 of thecompartment 28. In another embodiment, theitem presence sensor 16 is disposed adjacent theside portion 32 of thecompartment 28. Theitem presence sensor 16 may have a detection range of from about 1 centimeter (cm) to about 50 cm, alternatively from about 1 cm to about 10 cm, or alternatively from about 2 cm to about 8 cm. - As introduced above, the
system 10 may further include thesensor tag 18 coupled to each of the health-relateditems 12. Thesensor tag 18 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the health-relateditems 12 utilizing an adhesive, a fastener, stitching, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, thesensor tag 18 is coupled to thecarrier 46 and thus thesensor tag 18 is indirectly coupled to the health-relateditem 12, when present. Thesensor tag 18 is configured to be communicatively coupled with theitem presence sensor 16. Thesensor tag 18 may be passive or active. In embodiments wherein theitem presence sensor 16 is an RFID/NFC sensor, thesensor tag 18 may be an RFID tag including a unique identification (UID). In certain embodiments, thesystem 10 includes a plurality ofsensor tags 18 with each of thecarriers 46 including one of the plurality of sensor tags 18. Each of the plurality of sensor tags 18 has a unique identification and thus each of the health-relateditems 12 may correspond with have a particular UID different from the other health-relateditems 12. The RFID/NFC sensor may be passively energized by radio waves generated by theitem presence sensor 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the RFID tag is a metal-type RFID tag which exhibits improved detection by theitem presence sensor 16 in the presence of various materials, such as metal foils. Other non-limiting examples of thesensor tag 18 may include a contact-based integrated circuit, such as a microchip. The contact-based integrated circuit may be configured to cooperate with theitem presence sensor 16. Theitem presence sensor 16 may be in electrical communication with the contact-based integrated circuit of thesensor tag 18 when the health-relateditem 12 is present in thecontainer 14. - As introduced above, the
system 10 further includes one ormore data processors 20 configured to be communicatively coupled with theitem presence sensor 16. The one ormore data processors 20 can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with thecontainer 14, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, or generally any device for executing instructions. The one ormore data processors 20 may be communicatively coupled with any component of thesystem 10 through wired connections, wireless connections and/or devices, or a combination thereof. Examples of suitable wired connections includes, but are not limited to, hardware couplings, splitters, connectors, cables or wires. Examples of suitable wireless connections and devices include, but not limited to, Wi-Fi device, Bluetooth device, wide area network (WAN) wireless device, Wi-Max device, local area network (LAN) device, 3G/4G/5G broadband device, GSM/CDMA cellular networks, infrared communication device, optical data transfer device, radio transmitter and optionally receiver, wireless phone, wireless phone adaptor card, or any other devices that can transmit signals in a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths including radio frequency, microwave frequency, visible or invisible wavelengths. - The
system 10 may be centralized or decentralized. In certain embodiments, thesystem 10 may further include aserver 36. Theserver 36 may be located distant from thecontainer 14 and communicatively coupled to thecontainer 14, as described above. Thesystem 10 or theserver 36 may include a cloud computing environment for communicatively coupling theserver 10 and thecontainer 14. In other embodiments, thesystem 10 may be decentralized and operate on a peer-to-peer network whereby the various data generated by thesystem 10 is contained on a blockchain. In this decentralized embodiment, thesystem 10 includes various nodes, such as user nodes which may include thecontainer 14 and logistics nodes for managing ordering, delivery, and status updates of the health-relateditems 12. It is to be appreciated that thesystem 10 may utilize a combination of centralized and decentralized operations. - With reference to
FIGS. 3-7 , thesystem 10 may be configured to determine, by the one ormore data processors 20, whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 is present within thecontainer 14 based upon the proximity of thesensor tag 18 to theitem presence sensor 16 utilizing adisplacement model 50. Thedisplacement model 50 may be an algorithm configured to determine when one or more of the health-relateditems 12 have been displaced from thecontainer 14 or whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 are present within thecontainer 14. In certain embodiments, the determination of whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 have been displaced from thecontainer 14 or whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 are present within thecontainer 14 is based upon whether theitem presence sensor 16 detects thesensor tag 18. In various embodiments, theitem presence sensor 16 is configured to generate an inquiry signal, and thesensor tag 18 is configured to generate a feedback signal in response to the inquiry signal when thecarrier 46 is stored in thecontainer 14. The one ormore data processors 20 may be further configured to generate presence data for each of the health-relateditems 12 based upon whether theitem presence sensor 16 detects thesensor tag 18 corresponding to the health-relateditem 12. The presence data may be utilized to generate a graphical user interface 62 (e.g., adashboard 62A, aninventory list 62B, or aproduct information page 62C) of the presence of the health-relateditems 12. - In various embodiments, the
sensor tag 18 is in proximity of theitem presence sensor 16 when thesensor tag 18 is within a detection range of theitem presence sensor 16 of from about 1 centimeter (cm) to about 50 cm, alternatively from about 1 cm to about 10 cm, or alternatively from about 2 cm to about 8 cm. Alternatively, in embodiments when thesensor tag 18 includes the contact-based integrated circuit, thesensor tag 18 is in proximity of theitem presence sensor 16 when the contact-based integrated circuit is in direct electrical communication with thepresence sensor 16. It is to be appreciated that thesensor tag 18 may be in proximity of theitem presence sensor 16 utilizing direct electrical communication (e.g., contact-based integrated circuit), indirect electrical communication, visual-based identification (e.g., barcode and matrix barcode), infrared-based identification (e.g., IRID), emission spectra identification, or combinations thereof. - In certain embodiment, the
systems 10 is configured to initiate detection of thesensor tag 18 by theitem presence sensor 16 at pre-specified intervals of time. The pre-specified intervals of time may extend from about 1 second to about 240 hours, alternatively from about 1 minute to about 12 hours, alternatively from about 10 minutes to about 6 hours, or alternatively from about 4 hours to about 6 hours. In an exemplary embodiment, thesystem 10 is configured to generate an initiation signal at pre-specified intervals of time, and theitem presence sensor 16 is configured to generate an inquiry signal in response to the initiation signal. In certain embodiment, thesystem 10 is configured to initiate detection of thesensor tag 18 by theitem presence sensor 16 when thecover 24 is moved from an open position to a closed position, or from a closed position to an open position, relative to thehousing 22. In an exemplary embodiment, thehousing 22 includes adoor sensor 64, thecover 24 includes amagnet 66 configured to cooperate with thedoor sensor 64, thedoor sensor 64 is configured to generate an initiation signal in response to separation of themagnet 66 and thedoor sensor 64, and theitem presence sensor 16 is configured to generate an inquiry signal in response to the initiation signal. - With reference to
FIGS. 3, 4, and 8 , thesystem 10 may be further configured to determine, by the one ormore data processors 20, usage data of the health-relateditems 12 based on geographic location of thecontainer 14 utilizing atracking model 52. The usage data may be based on whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 is present within thecontainer 14. Thetracking model 52 may be an algorithm configured to determine whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 has been displaced from thecontainer 14 in view of the geographic location of thecontainer 14. Thetracking model 52 may be utilized to determine elevated utilization of one or more of the health-relateditems 12 in view of the geographic location of thecontainer 14. The determination of elevated utilization may be based on whether a pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied. The pre-specified usage threshold may be statically (e.g., fixed usage amount) or dynamically (e.g., relative to usage outside geographic location) generated. - An elevated-usage signal may be generated when the pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied. The
tracking model 52 may be utilized to determine whether an elevated increase of a disease or an occurrence is present in a particular geographic location. For example, an elevation in the use of gastrointestinal medication in one state-wide geographic location relative to the use of the gastrointestinal medication in an entire country-wide geographic location may indicate the presence of food-borne pathogens in the one state-wide geographic location. The geographic location of thecontainer 14 may be based on GPS receiver, pre-specified user information (e.g., mailing delivery address), IP address, and the like. The determination of geographic location may be based on the pre-specified intervals of time described above or when thecover 24 is moved from an open position to a closed position, or from a closed position to an open position, relative to thehousing 22. Thecontainer 14 may include a unique identification (UID) for tracking the geographic location of thecontainer 14. The usage data may be utilized to generate a graphical analysis 58 (e.g., a heat map) of the usage of the health-relateditems 12. - With reference to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thesystem 10 may be further configured to determine, by the one ormore data processors 20, a status of each of the health-relateditems 12 utilizing astatus model 56. The status may include expiration information related to the health-relateditems 12, recall information related to the health-relateditems 12, or a combination thereof. The status model may be an algorithm configured to determine whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 are expired or recalled. Upon determination that one or more of the health-relateditems 12 is expired or recalled, the one ormore data processors 20 may be configured to determine whether the expired or recalled health-relateditem 12 is present in thecontainer 14. In other words, the one ormore data processors 20 may initiate a determination of whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 is present within thecontainer 14 is based upon whether theitem presence sensor 16 detects thesensor tag 18. If the expired or recalled health-relateditem 12 is present in thecontainer 14, a notification may be sent to a user to instruct the user to discard the expired and/or recalled health-relateditem 12. Status data, which includes the expiration information and the recall information, may be located in a status database. The status data located in the status database may correspond to the UID of thecarrier 46 that contains the health-relateditem 12. - The
system 10 may be further configured to access, by the one ormore data processors 20, areorder model 54 configured to generate a reorder signal in response to the presence data and/or the status data. In certain embodiments, thesystem 10 is configured to determine, by the one ormore data processors 20, whether the supply of one or more of the health-relateditems 12 has been exhausted utilizing thereorder model 54. The reorder model may be an algorithm configured to determine whether the reorder signal is generated and thus whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 may be sent to the user for restocking thecontainer 14. Thereorder model 54 includes the pre-specified reorder threshold for determining whether the reorder signal is generated. In embodiments, the reorder threshold is a pre-specified quantity or weight of the health-relateditems 12. Thereorder model 54 may generate a reorder signal in response to the presence data upon satisfying the pre-specified reorder threshold. In an exemplary embodiment, thecontainer 14 includes a three-day supply of the health-relateditems 12 such that any displacement of the health-relateditems 12 from thecontainer 14 will satisfy the pre-specified reorder threshold. - The
system 10 may be further configured to be utilized in a regulated environment, such as OSHA regulated environment, required to possess onsite a specific supply of health-relateditems 12. Non-limiting examples of suitable regulated environments includes manufacturing sites, construction sites, energy generation sites, chemical processing sites, laboratories, hospitals, restaurants, and the like. As the regulations change, thesystem 10 may be configured to notify the user of the change and may be configured to initiate a delivery process for sending the user a compliant supply of health-relateditems 12. Thesystem 10 may be further configured to generate a usage notification in response to opening of thecover 24, displacement of one or more health-relateditems 12, or a combination thereof. The usage notification may be utilized for notifying a supervisor of the user that thecontainer 14 was opened, that aspecific item 12 was utilized which may relate to one or more injuries, or a combination thereof. Thesystem 10 may be configured to generate a report including a listing of thespecific item 12 that was utilized and a listing including potential injuries related to thespecific item 12. Thesystem 10 may be also configured to generate a report confirming that a compliant supply of health-relateditems 12 is available onsite in the regulated environment, such as an incident report. Thesystem 10 may be actively monitored to comply with regulation of the regulated environment. - The
system 10 may be further configured to determine, by the one ormore data processors 20, usage data of the health-relateditems 12 based on a tracking model. The usage data may be based on whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 is present within thecontainer 14. Thetracking model 52 may be an algorithm configured to determine whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 has been displaced from thecontainer 14. Thetracking model 52 may be utilized to determine reduced utilization of one or more of the health-relateditems 12. The determination of reduced utilization may be based on whether a pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied. The pre-specified usage threshold may be statically (e.g., fixed usage amount) generated. A reduced-usage signal may be generated when the pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied. The tracking model may be utilized to determine whether a user's use of a certain health-relateditem 12 has been reduced. Thesystem 10 may then be configured to alert a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional of the reduced usage. For example, a reduction in the use of an antipsychotic medication by a user may indicate that intervention is necessary by a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional. - The
system 10 may be further configured to determine, by the one ormore data processors 20, usage data of the health-relateditems 12 based on a tracking model. The usage data may be based on whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 is present within thecontainer 14. Thetracking model 52 may be an algorithm configured to determine whether one or more of the health-relateditems 12 has been displaced from thecontainer 14. Thetracking model 52 may be utilized to determine unexpected/unauthorized utilization of one or more of the health-relateditems 12. The determination of the unexpected/unauthorized utilization may be based on whether a pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied. The pre-specified usage threshold may be statically (e.g., fixed usage amount) generated. An unexpected/unauthorized-usage signal may be generated when the pre-specified usage threshold is satisfied. The tracking model may be utilized to determine whether a user's use of a certain health-relateditem 12 is unexpected/unauthorized. Thesystem 10 may then be configured to alert a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional of the unexpected/unauthorized usage. For example, a displacement by a second user of a health-relateditem 12 after a first user already displaced the same health-relateditem 12 within a pre-specified time period may indicate that the usage is unexpected/unauthorized and indicate that intervention is necessary by a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional. - Alternatively, the determination of the unexpected/unauthorized utilization may be based on identity of the user by comparing the identity of the user to a user database which includes one or more user assignments for each of the health-related
items 12. The identity of the user may be based on biometrics, such as finger prints, voice recognition, iris scan, visual recognition, or combinations thereof. Further, the identity of the user may be based on authentications, such as pass codes, passwords, electronic keys, or combinations thereof. Thesystem 10 may then be configured to alert a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional of the unexpected/unauthorized usage. For example, a displacement by a second user of a health-relateditem 12 assigned to only a first user may indicate that the usage is unexpected/unauthorized and indicate that intervention is necessary by a family member, guardian, or healthcare professional. - The
system 10 may be further configured to generate a request for an appointment with a healthcare professional after a pre-specified usage threshold has been exceeded. Thesystem 10 may be further configured to generate alerts regarding potential allergy restrictions of a user of thesystem 10 relating to the health-relateditems 12 or negative interactions between a user's medication and the health-relateditems 12. Thesystem 10 may be further configured to generate alerts for a family member, caregiver, or guardian, after a pre-specified usage threshold has been exceeded. - In embodiments, the
system 10 is configured to execute the instructions to receive, by the one ormore data processors 20, the presence data of the health-relateditems 12 from a storage space (in certain embodiments, the container 14), receive, by the one ormore data processors 20, status data of the health-relateditems 12 from a database, the status data includes recall data and expiration data for the health-relateditems 12, access, by one ormore data processors 20, thereorder model 54 that generates the reorder signal in response to the presence data and the status data, and generate the reorder signal upon satisfying the pre-specified reorder threshold. In various embodiments, the storage space may be any space configured to store the health-relateditems 12 that is defined by “fencing” the health-relateditems 12 to a predetermined area utilizing theitem presence sensor 16. Non-limiting examples of suitable storage spaces may include shelves, closets, bags, containers, vehicles, boxes, rooms, etc. - In embodiments, the
system 10 is configured to execute the instructions to receive, by the one ormore data processors 20, presence data of the health-relateditems 12 from the storage space (in certain embodiments, the container 14), receive, by the one ormore data processors 20, geographic location data of the storage space from the database, access, by the one ormore data processors 20, thetracking model 52 that generates the elevated-usage signal in response to the presence data and the geographic location data, and generate the elevated-usage signal upon satisfying the pre-specified usage threshold. - In embodiments, the
system 10 is configured to execute the instructions to receive, by the one ormore data processors 20, presence data of the health-relateditems 12 from the storage space (in certain embodiments, the container 14), access, by the one ormore data processors 20, a tracking model that generates a reduced-usage signal in response to the presence data, and generate the reduced-usage signal upon satisfying a pre-specified usage threshold. - In embodiments, the
system 10 is configured to execute the instructions to receive, by the one ormore data processors 20, presence data of the health-relateditems 12 from the storage space (in certain embodiments, the container 14), access, by the one ormore data processors 20, a tracking model that generates a unexpected/unauthorized-usage signal in response to the presence data, and generate the unexpected/unauthorized-usage signal upon satisfying a pre-specified usage threshold. - With reference to
FIGS. 3 and 5-8 , thesystem 10 may further include acomputing device 38 configured to be utilized by the user. Thecomputing device 38 may include smart phones, tablets, personal computers, wearables (e.g., smart watch, headset, and the like), smart hub (e.g., Amazon Echo, Google Home, and the like) and or combinations thereof. Thecomputing device 38 may be configured to provide an operating system, such as Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana, Google Assistant and Apple Siri. Thesystem 10 may be configured to communicate with a cloud-based application for memorializing occurrences of aliments. Non-limiting examples of suitable cloud-based applications include calendars, Apple Health, or a combination thereof. - The
computing device 38 may be separate from thecontainer 14. Alternatively, thecomputing device 38 may be directly coupled to thecontainer 14. Thecomputing device 38 may be communicatively coupled to thecontainer 14 and theserver 36. Notifications generated by thesystem 10 may be received and accessible by thecomputing device 38. Thesystem 10 may be configured to generate a graphical user interface 60 that can be displayed on thecomputing device 38, such as aninventory dashboard 62A (seeFIG. 5 ), aninventory list 62B (seeFIG. 6 ), or aproduct information page 62C (seeFIG. 7 ), or configured to generate agraphical analysis 58 that can be displayed on thecomputing device 38, such as a heat map (seeFIG. 8 ). In certain embodiments, thecomputing device 38 is configured to analyze thesensor tag 18 corresponding to the health-relateditems 12 to obtain information regarding the health-relateditems 12. - In embodiments, the
system 10 may be configured to communicate with devices for the purpose of dosing/adjusting medication, such as a scale, a blood pressure determination device, a thermometer, a glucometer, air quality monitor, or combinations thereof. Thesystem 10 may be configured to provide a preliminary diagnosis of an ailment and treatment recommendation utilizing the health-relateditems 12 by receiving information from a user, a device, or a combination thereof. The information received may be applied to a diagnosis model to generate a diagnosis data in response to the information. The diagnosis data may be applied to a treatment model and generate treatment data in response to the diagnosis data. Thesystem 10 may be configured to provide instructions for usage of the health-relateditems 12 visually on a display or audibly by a speaker based on the diagnosis data. - In embodiments, the
system 10 includes a messaging component configured to communicate with a healthcare professional or provider to assist in usage of the health-relateditems 12 within thecontainer 14. Non-limiting examples of suitable messaging components include text messaging, voice communication, e-mail, push notifications, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, thesystem 10 is configured to generate and send a notification to Emergency medical services (EMS) in response to the use of certain health-relateditems 12 commonly utilized in an emergency, such as an ASA for heart attack or an EpiPen for anaphylactic attack. - In embodiments, the
system 10 includes a pharmaceutical database including information regarding pharmaceuticals that possess incompatibilities with other pharmaceuticals and including information regarding the pharmaceuticals currently utilized by the user. Thesystem 10 includes a pharmaceutical model configured to apply the heath-relateditems 12 to the pharmaceutical database and generate an incompatibility signal based on the pharmaceuticals currently utilized by the user. - In embodiments, the
system 10 includes a form creation component, such as a “sick note” based on usage of thesystem 10. - In embodiments, the
system 10 is configured to be “geo-fenced” within a certain location based on GPS, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi connection, or combinations thereof. If thesystem 10, such as thecontainer 14, is removed from the “geo-fence,” thesystem 10 may generate a notification to a user regarding the current location of thecontainer 14. - In embodiments, the
system 10 includes astorage device 40 for storing instructions for maintaining the supply of health-relateditems 12. The instructions stored in thestorage device 40 may include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. It is to be appreciated that while the executable instructions may be ordered, intervening executable instructions may be included between any two or more the executable instructions expressly described above. When thesystem 10 is in operation, the one ormore data processors 20 are configured to execute the instructions stored within thestorage device 40, to communicate data to and from thestorage device 40, and to generally control operations of thesystem 10 pursuant to the instructions. - The
system 10 may further includes a temperature sensor. Thesystem 10 can monitor the temperature of the health-relateditems 12 or thecompartments 28 to determine whether the health-relateditems 12 is or has been exposed to a temperature outside of the recommended temperature range by the manufacture of the health-relateditem 12. - The
system 10 may further include abattery 42 with thebattery 42 configured to energize thecontainer 14. However, it is to be appreciated that thebattery 42 may be configured to energize any component of thesystem 10. In certain embodiments, thecontainer 14 includes thebattery 42 disposed therein. However, it is to be appreciated that thebattery 42 may be separate from thecontainer 14. - The container may further include a
data port 44. Thedata port 44 may be configured to electrically couple thebattery 42 to the electrical grid for charging thebattery 42, transmit information to the one ormore data processors 20, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, thedata port 44 is a USB port. - With reference to
FIG. 9 , in exemplary embodiments, a method for maintaining a supply of a health-related item is provided herein. The method may include thestep 68 of initiating thesystem 10. Thesystem 10 may be initiated by opening and closing thecover 24 or after waiting the pre-specified interval of time. The method may further include thestep 70 of powering up the one ormore data processors 20. The method may further include the step 72 of determining the number ofitem presence sensors 16. The method may further include the step 74 of reading the UIDs of the sensor tags 18 by theitem presence sensors 16. The method may further include thestep 76 of determining whether allitem presence sensors 16 attempted to read the UIDs of the sensor tags 18. The method may further include thestep 78 of generating a list of the UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that were read by theitem presence sensors 16. The method may further include thestep 80 of establishing a communication connection (e.g., via Wi-Fi) from thecontainer 14 to theserver 36. The method may further include thestep 82 of establishing a communication connection from theserver 36 to thecontainer 14. The method may further include thestep 84 of transmitting the UID of thecontainer 14 from thecontainer 14 to theserver 36 via the communication connection. The method may further include thestep 86 of transmitting the health and status information (e.g., location, battery life, connection quality, etc.) of thecontainer 14 from thecontainer 14 to theserver 36 via the communication connection. The method may further include thestep 88 of transmitting the list of UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that were read by theitem presence sensors 16 from thecontainer 14 to theserver 36 via the communication connection. - With reference to
FIG. 10 , in exemplary embodiments, the method may further include thestep 90 of receiving the list of UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that were read by theitem presence sensors 16 from thecontainer 14. The method may further include thestep 92 of receiving the UID of thecontainer 14 from thecontainer 14 and the health andstatus information container 14. The method may further include thestep 94 of comparing the list of UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that were read by theitem presence sensors 16 to a database including supply information for the UID of thecontainer 14 relating to the UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that are expected to be present in thecontainer 14. The method may further include thestep 96 of classifying the UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that are not present in thecontainer 14 as “absent.” The method may further include thestep 98 of applying the count of “absent” classifications for each UID of the sensor tags 18 to the pre-specified reorder threshold. The method may further include thestep 100 of adding the UIDs of the sensor tags 18 that exceed the pre-specified reorder threshold to a reorder database. - With reference to
FIG. 11 , in exemplary embodiments, the method may further include thestep 102 of determining whether any UIDs are included in the reorder list. The method may further include thestep 104 of initiating an order process for the health-relateditems 12 corresponding to the UIDs included in the reorder list. The method may further include thestep 106 of generating an alert regarding the health-relateditems 12 corresponding to the UIDs included in the reorder list, transmitting the alert to thecomputing devices 38, and displaying or announcing the alert on thecomputing devices 38. - While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Claims (21)
1. A system for maintaining a supply of a health-related item, the system comprising:
a carrier configured to contain the health-related item;
a container having a compartment configured to store the carrier;
an item presence sensor coupled to the container;
a sensor tag coupled to carrier and configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor; and
one or more data processors configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor and configured to determine whether the health-related item is present within the container based upon proximity of the sensor tag to the item presence sensor.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system comprises a plurality of health-related items, the system comprises a plurality of carriers configured to contain the plurality of health-related items, and the container comprises a plurality of compartments configured to store the plurality of carriers.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the system comprises a plurality of sensor tags, each of the carriers comprises one of the plurality of sensor tags, and each of the plurality of sensor tags has a unique identification.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the item presence sensor is configured to generate an inquiry signal, and the sensor tag is configured to generate a feedback signal in response to the inquiry signal when the carrier is stored in the container.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to determine, by the one or more data processors, whether one or more of the health-related items have been displaced from the container based upon the proximity of the sensor tag to the item presence sensor utilizing a displacement model.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the displacement model is configured to generate presence data for each of the health-related items based upon whether the item presence sensor detects the sensor tag of the carrier corresponding to each of the health-related items.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the system is configured to determine, by the one or more data processors, whether the supply of one or more of the health-related items has been exhausted utilizing a reorder model, the reorder model comprises a pre-specified reorder threshold, and the reorder model generates a reorder signal in response to the presence data upon satisfying the pre-specified reorder threshold.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a housing and a cover pivotably coupled to the housing, and the housing comprises the compartment.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the container comprises a first cover and a second cover, the first cover and the second cover are opposite each other relative to the housing, the housing comprises a first compartment facing the first cover and a second compartment facing the second cover, and the item presence sensor is disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment.
10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the housing comprises a door sensor, the cover comprises a magnet configured to cooperate with the door sensor, the door sensor is configured to generate an initiation signal in response to separation of the magnet and the door sensor, and the item presence sensor is configured to generate an inquiry signal in response to the initiation signal.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to generate an initiation signal at pre-specified intervals of time, and the item presence sensor is configured to generate an inquiry signal in response to the initiation signal.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the carrier is formed from a polymeric material and defines a pocket, and the health-related item is disposed within the pocket.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein item presence sensor comprises an RFID/NFC sensor and the sensor tag comprises an RFID tag.
14. A processor-implemented system for maintaining a supply of a health-related item, the system comprising:
a storage device for storing instructions for maintaining the supply of the health-related item; and
one or more data processors configured to execute the instructions to:
receive, by one or more data processors, presence data of the health-related item from a storage space, the storage space comprises an item presence sensor configured to determine whether the health-related item is present within the storage space;
receive, by one or more data processors, status data of the health-related item from a database;
access, by one or more data processors, a reorder model that generates a reorder signal in response to the presence data and the status data, the reorder model comprises a pre-specified reorder threshold; and
generate the reorder signal upon satisfying the pre-specified reorder threshold.
15. The processor-implemented system of claim 14 , wherein the storage space comprises a container, the container comprises a housing and a cover pivotably coupled to the housing, the housing comprises a compartment, and the compartment is configured to store the health-related item.
16. The processor-implemented system of claim 15 , wherein the container comprises a first cover and a second cover, the first cover and the second cover are opposite each other relative to the housing, the housing comprises a first compartment facing the first cover and a second compartment facing the second cover, and the item presence sensor is disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment.
17. The processor-implemented system of claim 14 , wherein the status data comprises recall data, expiration data, or a combination thereof, for the health-related item.
18-20. (canceled)
21. A system for maintaining a supply of a health-related item, the system comprising:
a carrier configured to contain the health-related item;
a container having a compartment configured to store the carrier, the carrier removable from the compartment;
an item presence sensor coupled to the container;
a sensor tag coupled to carrier and configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor; and
one or more data processors configured to be communicatively coupled with the item presence sensor and configured to determine whether the health-related item is present within the container based upon proximity of the sensor tag to the item presence sensor.
22. The system of claim 21 , wherein carrier is configured to dimensionally cooperate with the compartment.
23. The system of claim 21 , wherein the carrier is configured to be removed from the compartment by a user.
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US202016640212A | 2020-02-19 | 2020-02-19 | |
US17/374,847 US20210338496A1 (en) | 2017-08-23 | 2021-07-13 | Systems and Methods for Maintaining a Supply of a Health-Related Item |
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US16/640,212 Continuation US11090206B2 (en) | 2017-08-23 | 2018-08-23 | Systems and methods for maintaining a supply of a health-related item |
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EP4270415A1 (en) * | 2022-04-27 | 2023-11-01 | Rhenus SN digital GmbH & Co. KG | First aid station |
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US11090206B2 (en) | 2021-08-17 |
US20200360202A1 (en) | 2020-11-19 |
WO2019040770A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 |
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