WO2005023171A2

WO2005023171A2 - Intelligent tablet dispensing

Info

Publication number: WO2005023171A2
Application number: PCT/EP2004/010080
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rudolf Huber; Rene BÜHLER
Original assignee: Precisa Instruments Ag
Priority date: 2003-09-10
Filing date: 2004-09-09
Publication date: 2005-03-17
Also published as: WO2005023171A3; EP1514531A1

Abstract

A method for dispensing tablets to patients in a controlled, automated manner, comprising the following steps: at least one supply area of a programmable dispensing container which cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons is opened by an authorized user; the tablets are introduced into the at least one supply area in loose or bulk form by said authorized user; the dispensing container or future dispensing times for the tablets are programmed; a defined amount of tablets is dispensed at the programmed times from the dispensing container and released into an area which can be accessed by any user. A container or similar is provided in order to dispense tablets (5,6) in an automated manner. Said container comprises at least one substantially closed receiving area (3,4) for tablets; a dispensing mechanism (12) for removing the tablets from the receiving area (3,4) and making them accessible for a user, said tablets being unable to be accessed by an unauthorized user in the receiving area; a programmable control unit (9) which controls the dispensing mechanism (12) at programmable times in order to dispense a specific amount of tablets (5, 6) so that the tablets can be introduced into the area which can be accessed by any user.

Description

Intelligent tablet dispensing

The present invention relates to mobile or stationary containers for the automatic delivery of tablets, diet food, etc. and to methods for the controlled automated delivery of tablets to patients. “Automated” is to be understood in such a way that the device has a mechanism that makes the products mentioned available to the user without manual intervention.

In the health sector, it is known that the proper intake of medication, especially tablets, etc. is a problem. On the one hand, patients do not take the tablets prescribed by the doctor in time or in the right dosage. On the other hand, there is the problem that patients can be prescribed tablets by various doctors, which can develop undesirable side effects among themselves.

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

The central idea here is that the tablets are simply offered to the user at the right time and in the right dosage. This is done by pre-programmed

Times the appropriate means from an inaccessible by an unauthorized user

Storage room, for example, is transported to an output area and thus made accessible to a human user. In this context, the patient is considered an unauthorized user. Typical examples of authorized users are doctors, pharmacists,

Pharmaceutical manufacturers etc.

More specifically, this object is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

According to the invention, therefore, a container for the automatic dispensing of tablets or the like is provided, the container having at least one essentially closed receiving space (storage space) for tablets. Furthermore, a dispensing mechanism is provided in order to offer the tablets in a tangible manner to a user from the receiving space. In the recording room, however, the tablets are for an unauthorized user, i.e. not accessible to users other than a specialist such as a pharmacist or doctor. Finally, the container has a freely programmable control unit which controls the dispensing mechanism at programmed points in time for dispensing a certain amount of tablets.

The tablets can be separated in the be kept in bulk or contiguous.

The recording area is closed with a locking mechanism that can only be opened by authorized users (specialists, doctors, pharmacists). The Recording space can be locked by means of an electronic and / or mechanical lock.

The container can have means which emit a visual, optical or tactile (vibration etc.) signal at the programmed times in order to draw the attention of a user to the current dispensing of the medication and the necessary intake of the medication at that time.

The container can have a telecommunication interface with which it can exchange information with other telecommunication participants. The container can thus send out information and / or receive information wirelessly or by wire. Come as a telecommunications partner

Expert databases that contain information on diseases and / or medications, doctors, pharmacists or even health insurance companies in question.

The telecommunications interface can be designed to transmit information relating to the dispensing and / or removal of tablets. It is thus possible, for example, for feedback from the dispensing container to an authorized body (doctor, pharmacist, etc.) that the dispensing and also the removal of the tablets is correct, i.e. in the right dose and at the right time.

The container can have a display with a

Control unit can be connected, for example

Output product information regarding the tablets contained in the container.

Furthermore, the display can be connected to the control unit in order to display the programmed dispensing times and / or dispensing quantities of the tablets, so that the Users themselves an impression of the future

Can provide medication revenue.

In addition, it is possible for the container to have means, such as sensors, for inputting information relating to the physical condition of a user (blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar values, etc.).

The container can have a plurality of separate receiving spaces which are connected to the same or to different dispensing mechanisms. It is therefore possible to administer a combination of tablets.

The container can have a data memory which is connected to the control unit and in which the dispensing of tablets is stored by means of the at least one dispensing mechanism. On the one hand, the programming of the dispensing quantities and dispensing times for tablets can be stored in this data memory. On the other hand, it can also be documented in this data memory whether the tablets have been dispensed and removed by the user properly.

It can thus be determined afterwards by triggering the data storage whether the tablets have been administered properly. The triggering can take place for example by means of the telecommunication interface.

The dispensing mechanism can gravimetrically quantify the amount or number of tablets being dispensed at the time. with the help of a weighing mechanism.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, a container according to the invention for the automatic dispensing of

Tablets and / or the like at least one in

Essentially unlocked space in which tablets in Form of at least one continuous strip are kept in stock. The tablet strips are not accessible to an unauthorized user in this room.

Furthermore, a feed mechanism is provided which has a defined section of such

Tablet strip transported by a defined distance, so that the defined section in one

Area of the container in which the

Tablet strips are accessible to the user at any time.

The feed mechanism is advantageously designed to actively transport the defined section of the strip to the outside (in the case of passive transport, for example, by means of gravity). Such an active one

Pushing out the strip section through an actuator represents a signal for the user, by which he is reminded of the ingestion. The separate generation of a reminder signal is therefore not absolutely necessary in this case.

The strip is advantageously kept in stock in the closed space when rolled up. This enables a correspondingly flat and overall space-saving outer shape of the container. This is particularly advantageous for a mobile, in particular portable variant of the container.

This feed can of course take place at programmed times, so that programmed at these

Times the user has on the necessary tablets.

The tablets can be kept in stock, for example, in the form of rolled-up blister packs. The container can still be a programmable

Have control unit which controls the feed mechanism at the programmed times for transporting at least one at least one strip by a programmed distance.

Each strip can have tablets of the same type. Alternatively, tablets of various types can also be accommodated in a strip, which can be done, for example, by appropriate filling on the part of the pharmacist or pharmaceutical manufacturer.

The container can have a plurality of strips of tablets which are guided parallel to one another and can be transported programmably together or independently of one another by the feed mechanism.

The tablets themselves can be designed as tear-off endless strips, so that the dosing is carried out very simply by means of the length of the strip that is available to the user.

The endless strips of tablets can be provided with a removable cover etc. in order to protect the medicinal product against the weather.

The container can in particular be designed to be portable (mobile), which alone is necessary if the filling should only be carried out by the authorized specialist (pharmacist, etc.).

The container advantageously also has an autonomous energy supply (rechargeable batteries, batteries, mechanical energy stores such as springs, etc.).

As said, energy supply can thus be mechanical or electrical. In order to be able to keep different amounts of tablets available and still keep the housing dimensions of the container manageable, several containers of this type can be connected to one another in a modular manner.

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

The tablets can either be pushed out of the housing or can be offered in an output window for the user to grasp.

It can be provided that the tablets are only offered to the user in a defined period of time and after the defined period of time the tablets are no longer accessible to the user and are transported back to the closed receiving space, for example. This prevents medication that has not been taken properly from being thrown away or from being outside the recording room for an indefinite period of time.

Finally, the present invention also provides a method for the automatic controlled delivery of tablets to patients. In this case, a storage space of a programmable dispensing container, which cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons, is opened by an authorized force and tablets are brought into a storage space of the container in loose and / or continuous form. Finally, the programmable dispenser is programmed by the specialist with regard to future dispensing times and dispensing quantities of tablets. Finally, the tablets are automatically dispensed in a defined amount programmed times from the pantry of the

Output container into an area accessible to every user.

Further features, properties and advantages of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the drawings attached to the system. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, in which tablets are kept in stock in loose form, FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment in which tablets are kept and offered as quasi-continuous strips, FIG. 3 shows a modification of FIG 2 in that tablets are kept in blister strips, FIG. 4 shows a modification of FIGS. 2 and 3 in that the tablets are kept in strips in the form of rolls and are offered in a window of the housing of the dispensing container for grasping by the user become,

5 shows a system in which an output container according to the invention is integrated into an overall system according to the invention with databases and authorized telecommunication partners, and FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the dispensing area is moved with respect to the medicaments arranged in a stationary manner in the dispensing container.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the figures.

All of the exemplary embodiments have in common that they relate to a medication delivery container which stores medication (for example tablets, etc.) or comparable goods (diet food, etc.) from an area which is not accessible to an unauthorized user (storage room) at programmed times ) makes it accessible to everyone by the

Medicines can be transported, for example, to an area that is accessible to every user. This programming, the actuation of an output mechanism for transporting the programmed times, is carried out by means of a microchip in the container, so that one can speak of a type of “intelligent medicament box”.

In addition, the medication can of course also be accommodated in the container in a stationary manner, in which case the accessible area moves with respect to the essentially stationary tablet supply.

In Fig. 1, a device is provided in which different types of tablets 5, 6 are held in storage containers 3 and 4 of a dispensing container 1 with a housing 2. Each of the storage containers 3, 4 has a filling opening 7 or 8, which is provided with a closure, such that the filling or removal of tablets from the storage containers 3, 4 only can be carried out by authorized persons who can overcome the mechanical or electronic lock.

The dispensing container 1 has a central control unit 9, such as a microchip, which can be used via a programming interface 10 without contact or with a physical connection through an authorized body, such as a pharmacy, doctor, health insurance, etc., with regard to the dispensing times and dispensing quantities of the tablets in the dispenser 1 is freely programmable. This programming of the output quantities and output times can be stored in a data memory 11 connected to the central control unit.

The dispensing container 1 shown in FIG. 1 can have an autonomous energy supply (rechargeable batteries, batteries) or can be provided for mains operation.

The central control unit 9 controls an output mechanism 12 (mechanical flap, etc.) at the programmed times stored in the data memory 11 such that the output quantities of the corresponding tablet types 5, 6 programmed at these times are transported into an area of the output container 1, in which they are then accessible to every user. In the present case, tablets 5, 6 become passive, i.e. by gravity, transported into an output space 13 which can be accessed by any user.

At the same time as the tablets are dispensed at the programmed times, the central control unit 9 can also control the output of optical signals by means of a display 14, etc., acoustic signals by means of a loudspeaker 15 or else tactile signals (vibration mechanism, etc.) to remind you of the correct and timely intake of the tablets given.

The dispensing space 13 can be designed such that it detects, for example, gravimetrically (i.e. via weight measurement) or via sensors, whether and if so at what times the tablets in the dispensing space 13 were actually removed by the user. If this does not take place within a defined time after the tablets 5, 6 have been dispensed, it can be provided that the central control unit 9 again triggers the output of reminder signals.

In addition to the programming interface 10, the central control unit 9 can also be connected to a telecommunication interface 16, which can be wireless or also wired. By means of this interface 16, the intelligent dispensing container 1 can thus communicate with other telecommunication participants, such as doctors, pharmacists or even expert databases, as will be shown later with reference to FIG. 5.

Incidentally, it is also possible to enter data in the intelligent output container 1. This can be done on the one hand in that the display 14 is designed as a touchscreen. In addition, a keyboard can of course also be provided on the dispensing container 1 (not shown).

Finally, it may also be possible for the intelligent dispensing container 1 to have sensors by means of which a user's body parameters (blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar values, etc.) are entered. On the one hand, the intelligent dispensing container 1 can evaluate these entered values by means of the central control unit 9 and, if necessary, autonomously the dispensing time and Change the dispensing quantity (thus the dosage) of the tablets. On the other hand, these recorded body parameters can also be transmitted to a doctor, for example, via the interface 16. Thus, if necessary. the doctor may also remotely change the programming of the dispensing quantities (dosage) and dispensing times via the telecommunications interface 16.

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 differs essentially from that of FIG. 1 in that the dispensing container 1 is designed as a kind of mobile intelligent box. Another difference is that the medication is no longer kept in stock in the form of loose tablets, but rather in the form of quasi-endless strips 17 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “endless strips”) and, if necessary, is dispensed. In this case, the central control unit controls 9 for example by means of an electric motor and a transport roller 19 at the programmed times to advance the quasi-endless strip 17 by a programmed distance, so the tablets are actively conveyed in this case.

In general, a “mobile” or “portable” or “portable” dispensing container 1 has the advantage for the user that it practically does not restrict the mobility of the user. In contrast, a comparable stationary dispensing container has the disadvantage that the user can access a specific one Location is tied or a corresponding relocation of such an output container requires comparatively great effort, and it should be borne in mind that free mobility contributes decisively to self-determination and thus to the quality of life of the user.

Active transport of the tablets from the container or dispensing container 1 by means of an integrated one Compared to passive systems

Advantage that it is independent of the orientation of the dispensing container 1 with respect to gravity. This is particularly important in the case of a portable dispensing container 1 because its orientation to the vertical is generally changed during transport. For example, such a dispensing container can be inserted by the user into a clothing or handbag or the like and transported in this without fear of a corresponding restriction in dispensing.

Furthermore, the active reminder of the strip automatically reminds the user of taking the tablet. In this case, separate signaling is not necessary. This is particularly advantageous for small, portable container designs.

Thus, a predetermined distance and thus also a predetermined amount of the medicament is moved from the storage room, which is inaccessible to an unauthorized user, into an area in which the desired dosage is accessible to a user.

For example, it can be provided that a specific section of the endless strip 17 is transported outwards from the inside of the dispensing container 1 by a mechanical or electromechanical actuator via an output shaft 20 (active), so that this portion can be easily gripped by the user. The cross-sectional size of the output shaft 20 can be adapted to the cross-sectional size of the endless strip 17.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the endless strip 17 at locations that separate certain dosage units, ie at "separation points", predetermined kinks or predetermined breaking points or the like, for example in the form of a perforation or a fold. In this way, the user can easily separate the desired amount of tablets, that is to say the corresponding section of the endless strip 17, from the rest of the endless strip Such separating points can advantageously also serve as points of attack for the feed mechanism, that is to say for example a transport roller or a transport wheel or the like.

The active conveyance of the endless strip 17 in the form of a feed can thus be provided, for example, in such a way that the desired separation point after the feed (or a “feed unit”) has ended, for example in the area of the delivery shaft 20 - or a small piece thereof is displaced outside - is located and in this way a particularly easy separation of the corresponding amount of medication is possible for the user.

The feed mechanism described can be implemented with comparatively simple means, so that an overall light and small arrangement can be achieved. This is advantageous with regard to a portable variant.

A programmed chip is provided as the central control unit 9. In the case of a portable variant, this chip and the feed mechanism are supplied with energy by an autonomous energy source, for example in the form of a battery, solar cells or a mechanical energy store.

A portable variant of the dispensing container 1 can also be integrated particularly advantageously into a mobile terminal, for example into a cell phone, a palm-top computer (for example PDA: personal digital assistant) or the like, or “physically connected” to such a terminal In this case, the mobile terminal can advantageously serve as an (integrated) telecommunication interface of the output container. This connection is also advantageous for the signaling that may be provided to remind the user that the tablet is being taken, because the signaling device provided in the mobile terminal can simply be used for this purpose.

Of course, with such a connection, a common energy source and / or a common storage unit can advantageously be provided for programming.

Finally, the connection is advantageous because there are two portable devices that the user usually carries with them. Forgetting one of the two "parts", ie either a mobile terminal or a dispenser, is therefore impossible.

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 is a modification of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 in that the medicaments in the form of tablets are kept in stock in blister strips 18 and dispensed. This means that conventional blister strips can also be used. Each strip can contain tablets of the same type or tablets of different types and sizes. In this case, it is preferably provided that the container 1 is filled with blister strips by the pharmacy in accordance with the information provided by the attending doctor.

Each endless strip 17 can contain different drugs. However, it is preferably provided that a separate quasi continuous strip 17 is provided for each type of medication, so that several are used for the administration of different types of medication Output chutes 20, 21 lying one above the other or in parallel can be provided with closure flaps, in which the quasi-endless strips 17 are thus guided and transported essentially parallel to one another.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, the medication itself can also be designed as an endless strip 17, a film-like cover (wrapping) preferably being provided in order to protect the medication from the weather both in the storage space and in the dispensed state. This foil can, for example, be torn off and pulled off by the user.

The variant of a “packaged” tablet in the form of a blister strip section or in the form of a strip with a film cover or the like has the advantage that the user does not have to take the tablet immediately after the desired strip section has been detached, but rather still has time to to wait for a suitable time for taking the tablets, for example to give the user the opportunity to add water

Organize tablet intake or the like. This

Advantage is obviously again noteworthy in particular in connection with a portable variant of the container according to the invention.

2 schematically shows that the endos strip 17 is provided in a straight line in the container 1. Alternatively, it can be provided that the endless strip 17 is stored rolled or rolled up in the container 1. This enables a correspondingly flat and space-saving outer shape of the container. The possible flat shape is also advantageous for transport, because a flat container can easily be inserted into a clothing pocket or the like. The dispensing containers 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 have the advantage that they can be connected in a modular manner to other containers of the same type in a simple manner, so that, for example, a correspondingly larger supply of tablets can be given to a patient for longer trips abroad. Each container can have correspondingly modular connecting means in order to connect the containers one above the other or one behind the other.

Now 2 and 3, the embodiment according to Fig. 4a and ^'4b differs from that shown in FIG. Such a way that they are held integrally held with tablets in the form of a tablet roller 23 in stock. Otherwise, the housing 2 of the dispensing container in this case is preferably circular (disc-shaped). The desired tablet can be transported into an area accessible to the user by means of a correspondingly controlled rotation of the roller 23 by means of the central control unit and an electric motor, which can be done for example by means of an output window 22, ie an opening in the housing 2. This output window 22 can be covered, for example, with a flap 27 which may be transparent and which can be opened by the user.

5 shows how a dispensing container 1 according to the invention can be integrated into a system in a network-like manner, which includes further telecommunication participants 26 (for example doctor, pharmacist, health insurance company) as well as databases 24, 25 integrated in the network, for example with regard to diseases, indications, side effects, impermissible combinations of medications etc. are filed.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 now differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4 in that the tablet supply 28 is stationary in the

Pantry is kept and therefor the area that is accessible to the user, is moved relative to the tablet supply 28 arranged stationary in the housing 2 of the dispensing container. For example, an output window driven by the programmed chip can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the supply 28.

It should be noted that all of the components that have been described in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 can also be present in exemplary embodiments 2 according to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 6.

A method according to the invention using such intelligent medicament dispensing container 1 is to be described in more detail below:

An authorized person, such as a pharmacist or doctor, opens the closure of the corresponding storage container using a mechanical or electronic key and fills this storage container with medication. This storage container is then closed again for an unauthorized user and, in particular, for the patient, in an inaccessible manner. Furthermore, the authorized person carries out the programming of the chip with regard to the dispensing quantities and dispensing times as well as the type of tablets to be dispensed.

At these programmed times, the corresponding tablets are then transported in the prescribed dosages from the area which is not accessible to the patient in an area of the container which is accessible to the patient. The correct dispensing of the tablets as well as the correct removal of the tablets from the dispensing area can be carried out directly to the authorized person (doctor, pharmacist, etc.) by means of the microchip and the telecommunications interface. be reported and / or stored in the data memory, so that the proper dispensing and removal of the tablets from the dispensing area can be checked subsequently.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Fig.l:

1 dispenser

2 housings

3 storage containers 4 storage containers

5 tablets

6 tablets

7 filling opening with closure

8 - "- 9 central control unit (microchip)

10 programming interface for 9

11 data memories

12 Output mechanism

13 Output area 14 Display, touch screen if necessary

15 speakers

16 telecommunications interface

Fig. 2, 3:

17 continuous strips

18 blister strips with at least two connected tablets

19 drive unit for feeding 17 or 11 20, 21 parallel discharge openings Fig. 4:

22 output windows

23 tablet roll

27 transparent cover flap

Fig. 5:

24, 25 databases integrated in a network 26 telecommunication subscribers

Fig. 6:

28 in the housing 2 stationary tablet supply

29 Dispensing area (delivery window) which moves in a programmed manner with regard to the tablet supply

Claims

Expectations !

1. Container for the automatic delivery of tablets (5, 6) or the like. , comprising: - at least one substantially closed receiving space (3, 4) for tablets, - an ejection mechanism (12) to offer the tablets from the receiving space (3, 4) for a user to grasp, the tablets in the receiving space for are inaccessible to an unauthorized user, and - a programmable control unit (9) which controls the dispensing mechanism (12) at programmable times for dispensing a certain amount of tablets (5, 6) to place the tablets in an area accessible to every user bring to.

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the dispensing mechanism is an active transport mechanism with an actuator.

3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tablets (5, 6) in the receiving space (3, 4) are received individually.

4. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has means which to the programmed Output a visual, optical or tactile signal at times.

5. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a telecommunications interface in order to exchange information.

6. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that the telecommunication interface is designed to transmit information relating to the dispensing and / or removal of tablets.

7. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a display.

8. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that the display is connected to the control unit in order to output product information relating to tablets.

9. A container according to claim 9, characterized in that the display is connected to the control unit in order to display the currently programmed output times and / or quantities.

10. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has means, for example sensors for entering information regarding. physical condition of a user.

11. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that it has a plurality of receiving spaces which are separate from one another and which are connected to the same or to different output mechanisms.

12. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a memory which is connected to the control unit and in which the dispensing of tablets is stored by means of the at least one dispensing mechanism.

13. A container according to claim 13, characterized in that the memory can be read out at an authorized point and / or the memory content can be read out remotely by means of the telecommunication interface.

14. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing mechanism gravimetrically detects the quantity or number of tablets dispensed at a time.

15. Container for automatically dispensing tablets or the like. , comprising - at least one essentially closed space in which tablets in the form of at least one coherent strip are kept in stock, the tablets being inaccessible to the unauthorized user, and - an active feed mechanism around a defined section of the strip transportable from the room for every user using an integrated actuator.

16. A container according to claim 16, characterized in that the feed mechanism is designed to actively transport the defined section of the strip to the outside.

17. A container according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the strip is kept in stock in the closed space in a rolled-up state.

18. Container according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the tablets are kept in stock in the form of optionally rolled-up blister packs.

19. Container according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that it further comprises a programmable control unit which controls the feed mechanism at programmed times for transporting at least one strip by a programmed distance.

20. Container according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that each strip has tablets of the same type.

21. Container according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that it has a plurality of strips of tablets which are guided parallel to one another and which can be transported together or independently of one another by the feed mechanism.

22. A container according to claim 16, characterized in that the tablets themselves as tearable endless strips are formed and the metering takes place by means of the length of the strip pushed out of the container.

23. A container according to claim 23, characterized in that the endless strips are provided with a removable cover.

24. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed to be portable.

25. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an autonomous energy supply.

26. A container according to claim 26, characterized in that the energy supply is mechanical or electrical.

27. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is modularly connectable to other containers of the same type.

28. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is integrated in a mobile communication device.

29. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tablets are offered in an output window (22).

30. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tablets are only offered to the user in a defined period of time and after the defined period of time the tablets previously offered are no longer accessible to the user.

31. A container for the automatic dispensing of tablets or the like, comprising: a tablet supply arranged stationary with respect to the housing (2) of the container (1), the tablets taking up a defined position in the housing and in the housing for an unauthorized user are not accessible, and - a dispensing area which can be moved with respect to the tablet supply in order to make a defined area of the tablet supply accessible to every user.

32. Container according to claim 32, characterized in that the delivery area is moved by a drive mechanism which is controlled by a control unit.

33. Container according to claim 33, characterized in that the control unit with respect. the times and the distance of the control of the drive can be programmed.

34. System for the controlled delivery of medication, comprising a container equipped with a telecommunications interface according to one of the preceding claims and a further telecommunications subscriber, with the container exchanges data unidirectionally or bidirectionally.

35. A method for the controlled automated dispensing of tablets to patients, comprising the following steps: - opening of a storage space of a programmable dispenser, which is inaccessible to unauthorized persons, by an authorized user, - introducing tablets in loose and / or connected form into the at least one storage space by an authorized user, - programming the dispensing container with regard to future dispensing times of tablets, and - automatically dispensing a defined amount of tablets at the programmed times from the storage space of the dispensing container into an area accessible to any user.