WO2024026010A1

WO2024026010A1 - Health management apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2024026010A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/028829
Authority: WO
Inventors: Justin GAUVIN; Ted Matthew MILLS; Jacob Wright
Original assignee: Tespo Ip, Llc
Priority date: 2022-07-29
Filing date: 2023-07-27
Publication date: 2024-02-01

Abstract

An apparatus is provided with a housing defining a cavity and supporting one or more lights. A first wireless transceiver is positioned within the cavity to communicate with a first remote device over a wireless protocol. A near field communication identifier is positioned within the cavity to detect a tag on a second remote device. A controller is in communication with the first and second wireless transceivers and the light, the controller configured to receive a signal from the first wireless transceiver indicative of a time to take a supplement, operate the light to provide an alert to a user, receive a signal from the near field communication identifier in response to the user positioning the tag adjacent to the near field communication device, and send a signal via the first wireless transceiver in response to receiving the signal from the near field identifier.

Description

HEALTH MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 63/393,380 filed July 29, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Various embodiments generally relate to an apparatus, system and method for the connected adherence tracking and delivery of supplements and/or pharmaceuticals as well as tracking activity from other personal devices, such as personal health devices and items.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventionally, consumers have supplements that are packaged in bulk in bottles, cans, or other containers. As such, the consumer has to remember the quantity and time that they would like to take the supplement. This may become more complicated for consumers that are taking multiple supplements simultaneously, as they may have different dosage or timing requirements associated with each supplement. This may also result in a consumer over-dosing or under-dosing. Additionally, for a consumer that is ill, managing supplements may become complicated and difficult.

[0004] Pill boxes and the like have been developed to help organize pill consumption for people, but require a high degree of discipline to use regularly, and also require the person to manually fill the pill box with supplements on a regular basis as well as recall when to take the supplement.

[0005] Furthermore, the use of personal health devices continues to expand to consumer use, and the consumer may be separately tracking or monitoring various health parameters or data from various devices. SUMMARY

[0006] According to the disclosure, an apparatus includes a housing defining a cavity, with the housing supporting one or more lights. A first wireless transceiver is positioned within the cavity to communicate with a first remote device over a wireless protocol. A near field communication identifier is positioned within the cavity to detect a tag on a second remote device. A controller is in communication with the first and second wireless transceivers and the light, the controller configured to receive a signal from the first wireless transceiver indicative of a time to take a supplement, operate the light to provide an alert to a user, receive a signal from the near field communication identifier in response to the user positioning the tag adjacent to tire near field communication device, and send a signal via the first wireless transceiver in response to receiving the signal from the near field identifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic of an apparatus within a network system according to an embodiment;

[0008] FIGURE 2 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0009] FIGURE 3 illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 2;

[0010] FIGURE 4 illustrates various views of a lower housing member for use with the apparatus;

[0011] FIGURE 5 illustrates various views of a pad for use with the apparatus;

[0012] FIGURE 6A and 6B illustrates various views of an upper housing member for use with the apparatus;

[0013] FIGURE 7 illustrates a first and second sides of a component for use with the apparatus;

[0014] FIGURE 8 illustrates various views of a light cover for use with the apparatus; [0015] FIGURES 9-15 illustrate an illuminated apparatus of Figure 2 and various schematic views of lights of the apparatus in different controlled states;

[0016] FIGURE 16 illustrates a diagram of communication protocols for use with the apparatus;

[0017] FIGURE 17 illustrates a provisioning chart for use with the apparatus; and

[0018] FIGURE 18 illustrates a schematic view of a network of multiple apparatuses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0020] The invention relates generally to an apparatus, system and method for tracking delivery of supplements as well as tracking data from personal health devices, and may also provide connected adherence, tracking, customization, and guidance for the delivery and/or dosing of supplements in conjunction with the data from the personal health devices. The apparatus 100 and system 102 arc shown in Figure 1.

[0021] As used herein, supplement may refer to a pharmaceutical, a dietary formula, a nutritional supplement, another edible, or any combination thereof. As used herein, supplement and formula or formulas are interchangeable. For example, a supplement may include a pill, a capsule, a caplet, a custom-formulated powder-form, a granulated and/or oil form, a beadlet-form, a liquid dietary formulas, and/or other pharmaceuticals or supplements in measured doses or any other ingestible material that may be fit into the serving chamber, a container, or as a standalone item. A supplement may also refer to other prescription or over the counter item such as an injectable medication, insulin, an ointment or other topical medication, medication for an inhaler, a liquid for use with a dropper such as an eye, ear, or nose dropper, a medication contained in a patch, or the like. A supplement may also refer to other consumables such as food or a liquid. Both terms are intended to broadly define any and all types of nutraceuticals, vitamins, minerals, fibers, fatty acids, proteins, amino acids, effervescents, herbal medicines, bodybuilding formulas, pharmaceuticals, therapeutics, medicines, pet products, drugs, treatments and any other like substance that is ingested or non-ingested for useful purposes. Formulas is also intended to broadly include foods for humans, animals and plants.

[0022] The supplements may be provided in various containers, such as pill bottles, liquid bottles, blister packs, injectables, tubes, and other forms of packaging. A container 104 is shown in Figure 1. A container 104 may additionally include other recordable items of the consumer such as a supplement dispensing pod, bottle, container, inhaler, eye dropper, ear dropper, nose dropper, patch, wrist band, identification card, necklace, ring, injectable pen, topical medicines, blister card, drinking bottle, food container, medical device, medical product, medical consumable, office product, office inventory, labeled card, numbered card, and the like.

[0023] The consumer may additionally have one or more personal devices 106, which may include personal health devices 106. As used herein, a personal health device may refer to an activity tracker such as a wearable device that measures heart rate, steps, calories burned, and the like. A personal health device may additionally refer to a scale for measuring weight, a blood pressure measurement device, and other similar devices that provide data associated with the health and/or activity of the consumer. The personal health devices may be connected to the apparatus 100 as described below. Examples of personal health devices 106 are shown in Figure 1.

[0024] Figures 1-15 illustrate an apparatus 100 according to an embodiment, and for use in monitoring intake, improving adherence, and sending reminders to a user or a consumer. Additional elements for the apparatus are listed on the exploded view in Figure 3. The apparatus may be used with a single user, or with multiple users, as described below. The apparatus 100 may be a compact and portable design, and may be sized to sit on a countertop or table in a consumer’s home, and may furthermore, be easily packed or taken with the consumer during travel. The apparatus 100 may further be used without being connected to an external electrical source for true remote use via power from an internal battery.

[0025] The apparatus 100 provides for a hub to connect and transfer information between different wireless protocols in order to transfer information to and from a consumer regarding scheduling of supplements, such as pharmaceuticals, as well as for personal health devices. The apparatus 100 may further allow for communication of information to and from health professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and the like. The apparatus 100 is intended for home or personal use, and may aid the consumer in taking medication as prescribed, as well as providing information related to both patient dosage history and confirmation of supplements consumed and personal health information back to a server or remote health professional for use in medication reordering, changes in dosages or schedules, monitoring consumer patient health, and the like.

[0026] According to one example, the pharmacy fdls prescriptions or over the counter medication into a container 104 with a tag 202 as described below. Each tag is provided or programmed with a unique identifier or unique ID number, as well as information associated with the supplement within the container 104, such as name, dosage, quantity, and the like. The consumer receives the tagged container 104 from the pharmacy, with the pharmacy programming the tags. Alternatively, a health professional or other supplier of supplements may tag items or containers for the consumer, and furthermore may program the tags with information related to the supplement, container, dosage, or other information, or with information related to the personal item, via an application or other program. Additionally, a consumer may directly tag personal items or containers. For example, tags with information selected by the consumer may be created and delivered to the consumer for application to the appropriate item or container. Alternatively, the consumer, or another person may program generic tags with selected information associated with a container or personal item.

[0027] The tag 202 may contain other information for non-pharmaceutical containers 104. For example, a series of cards may be tagged, with each card and tag associated with a different response for the consumer. For example, the apparatus 100 may ask the consumer how they are feeling on a scale of one to ten, and the consumer may select the appropriately labeled and tagged item for use in responding. The cards may be labeled and tagged with a “yes” or a “no” for the consumer to use in responding to questions from the apparatus 100. Cards with other labels may likewise be provided within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In further examples, a drinking bottle may be tagged for use in tracking consumption of liquids, prepackaged food may be tagged to track calories, macronutrients, or diet of the consumer, or the like.

[0028] The apparatus 100 is placed within the home or other location as desired by the user, and may furthermore be positioned on a countertop or table, on the wall via a wall mount, and may be taken with the consumer during travel. The apparatus 100 is connected to the internet via a wireless connection. In one example, the apparatus 100 is connected via a wireless cellular connection, and in other examples, may be alternatively or additionally connected via a WiFi connection over a local area network such as 802.11. The apparatus 100 additionally connects to other personal health devices, supplement dispensing machines, or the like via a wireless connection directly between the two devices, e.g. over Bluetooth.

[0029] The apparatus 100 may provide an audio alert or notification as well as a visual alert or notification, e.g. via lights, to the user regarding a time to take medication, or the dose time. In response to being notified, the user would position the container 104 with the tag adjacent to the apparatus 100, e.g. by touching the apparatus 100 with the tag and/or container which provides an indication that the medication is being managed and that the user has taken the dose.

[0030] The apparatus 100 may then provide an audible request for confirmation from the user, e.g. by asking, “Did you take medication A? Press the Up arrow for yes, or the Down arrow for no.” The user would then select the appropriate button to confirm or deny that the medication was taken. The apparatus 100 may further request information regarding the general state of health or other questions from the user, such as “On a scale of 1-10, how are you feeling today?” Furthermore, the apparatus may request confirmation from the user regarding the amount of the supplement remaining, e.g. “Your medication A appears to be low, please press Home to confirm your refill.” Additionally, the apparatus 100 may play audio messages from a health professional. Furthermore, and via an application on a personal mobile device or the like, friends and family may additionally be able to send audible messages to play to the user on the apparatus 100. [0031] In various examples, the apparatus 100 receives data associated with usage or consumption of a supplement, for example, from a dispensing machine 106, a container 104, or a personal device 108 of the consumer running an application in communication with the apparatus 100, and data from personal health devices. The apparatus 100 also provides information or notifications to the consumer regarding when to take supplements, and these notifications may be provided both visually and audibly.

[0032] The apparatus 100 may provide commands or notifications or alerts directly to the consumer. The apparatus 100 may be provided with wireless communication over WiFi (via a local area network) and/or cellular network to communicate with other remote devices, such as remote servers 112 or remote health professionals 110. The apparatus 100 may also be provided with Bluetooth or similar wireless protocols to communicate with other paired devices, such as a personal mobile device 108 or cellular phone of the consumer, paired supplement dispensers 106, or with paired personal health devices 108. The apparatus 100 may additionally be provided with a near field communication (NFC) device to read tags, e.g. tags on a container 104, and may be further configured to write to other NFC devices in an active system. As used herein, a personal mobile device 110 refers to a cellular telephone, a tablet, a personal computer such as a laptop or desktop computer, or the like. A personal health device 108 refers to a device that provides health data regarding the consumer, and may include a fitness watch or wristband, a heart rate monitor, a pedometer, an oxygen saturation monitor or pulse oximeter, a scale for weight, a smartcap for a supplement container, an inhaler, a blood pressure monitor, a thermometer, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy machine, a glucose monitoring device, and the like.

[0033] In one example, the apparatus 100 may be used in conjunction with a dispensing device 106 and associated pods 104, such as a device described in PCT Patent Publication No. WO 2015/073402, on May 24, 2015, PCT Patent Publication No. WO 2016/126904, published August 11, 2016, and PCT Patent Publication No. WO 2021/189026, published September 23, 2021, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein, and for which copies were appended to and filed with the priority application hereto (U.S. Serial No. Serial No. 63/393,380). Furthermore, the apparatus may be used in conjunction with an application on a mobile device 110 or computer of the consumer that may also provide notifications and alerts directly to the user. [0034] As described below, the apparatus 100 may act as an interactive daily assist device with a speaker, LED headlight, buttons and more to get users to interact and help them monitor and track their schedules of medication, health tracking devices and more

[0035] The apparatus further is provided with NFC or RFID tag reading to allow for use and tracking of NFC tagged medications, emotion cards, medications not in pill bottles, inhalers, injectables, etc. The user brings the tagged container 104 to the NFC identifier area on the apparatus 100 and the apparatus provides a speaker indicator and LED light flashing indicating a syncing indicating a usage was logged and recorded in response to reading the tag.

[0036] Referring to Figures 2-15, an apparatus 100 is illustrated according to an embodiment, the apparatus 100 has a housing 150. In one example, the housing 150 may be generally cylindrical, or puck-shaped. The housing 150 may be formed from a plastic material, and furthermore, may be formed using an injection molding technique or the like. In one example, the housing 150 is formed from a lower housing member 152 and an upper housing member 154 that cooperate with one another to enclose a cavity defined by the housing 150.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the lower housing member 152 defines a floor 160 and a peripheral lower side wall 162. The lower housing member 152 may be formed from a single integral piece as shown. The lower housing member 152 defines a recessed region 164 on a first, lower side of the floor. A pad 166 as shown in Figure 5 may be connected to the lower housing member 152 and received within the recessed region 164. The pad 166 may be formed with a natural or synthetic rubber or another material that prevents the apparatus 100 from sliding on an underlying surface. The pad 166 may be connected to the lower housing member 152 via an adhesive, such as an adhesive layer on one surface of the pad. The pad 166 may additionally have a textured or patterned surface that engages the underlying surface.

[0038] The recessed region 164 may be surrounded by a channel 165 that intersects another recessed region 167 that extends outwardly to the outer peripheral edge of the lower housing member. The recessed region 167 is sized to receive a plug to charge the battery or power the apparatus 100 via an external power source, such as from an electrical outlet on the wall. The channel 165 is sized to receive at least a portion of the electrical cord that is connected to the plug. The channel 165 may also intersect the peripheral edge of the lower housing member at various points around the edge, and may be used to change the point at which where the cord exits the channel 165 and extends away from the apparatus, e.g. while the apparatus 100 is sitting on a tabletop or is mounted to a wall, e.g. horizontal or vertical orientations. The channel 165 may further be used to take up excess cord, for example, if the apparatus is positioned close to an outlet. The lower housing member 152 additionally provides mounts 168 to connect to the upper housing member 154, e.g. using fasteners such as a threaded fastener. The lower housing member 152 also includes mounts 170 to connect various components of the apparatus as described below and retain the components within the cavity. The mounts 170 may include a cradle for the battery, standoffs to support one or more integrated circuits, mounts for a speaker, a microphone, lights, and the like.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the upper housing member 154 has an upper substrate 180, and a peripheral side wall 182. The side wall 182 of the upper housing member cooperates with the side wall 162 of the lower housing member to enclose the cavity. In one example, the upper housing member side wall 182 overlaps and surrounds the lower housing member side wall 162. The upper housing member 154 has associated mounts 184 that cooperate with the mounts 168, 170 of the lower housing member 152 to connect the two to one another and/or support the various components within the housing.

[0040] The housing supports a controller 190, as shown in Figure 7 with both front and back sides of a board supporting the controller shown, may be provided as one or more controllers or control modules for the various components and systems. The controller 190 and control system may include any number of controllers, and may be integrated into a single controller, or have various modules. Some or all of the controllers may be connected by a controller area network (CAN) or other system. It is recognized that any controller, circuit or other electrical device disclosed herein may include any number of microprocessors, integrated circuits, memory devices (e.g., FLASH, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or other suitable variants thereof) and software which co-act with one another to perform operation(s) disclosed herein. In addition, any one or more of the electrical devices as disclosed herein may be configured to execute a computer-program that is embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium that is programmed to perform any number of the functions as disclosed herein. In the example shown in Figure 7, the controller 190 and many of the components of the apparatus 100 are provided on a single board mounted within the cavity of the housing.

[0041] The housing also supports a battery on the mounts 170, which may be a rechargeable battery, in electrical communication with the controller. The battery may be connected via a charging cable to recharge the battery via a remote power source such as a wall outlet.

[0042] The housing also supports one or more wireless receivers, transmitters, or transceivers. In one example, the apparatus has a local area network (wireless or WiFi) transceiver 192, e.g. 802.11 b/g 2.4Ghz, a cellular transceiver 194, e.g. 802.15 LTE Cat Ml/Cat N61/EGPRS, or the like. The transceivers allow for the controller to send and receive communications from the apparatus in a wireless manner. The housing may further support a Bluetooth (BLE) transceiver 196 that allows for communication with paired devices, such as a paired personal mobile device or telephone of the consumer, or a paired personal health device.

[0043] The housing may additionally support a near field communications (NFC) initiator 198. The NFC initiator 198 may detect an NFC, UHF, or passive high frequency RFID (or HF-RFID) tag 202, for example, as a tag or target that is provided and programmed on or in one or more recordable containers or personal items such as supplement dispensing pod, bottle, container, inhaler, eye dropper, ear dropper, nose dropper, patch, wrist band, necklace, ring, injectable pen, topical medicines, blister card, drinking bottle, food container, medical device, medical product, medical consumable, office product, office inventory, labeled cards, numbered cards, or the like, for example, via radio- frequency identification (RFID) by generating a radio frequency field. A non-limiting example of a tag 202 is shown in Figure 1, and is attached to each item or container. Each tag 202 may be provided with a unique identifier to associate it with the container or personal item or supplement, and may further contain additional information as described herein. The tag 202 may be provided with an adhesive backing or may otherwise be adhered to the container or personal item. Alternatively, the tag 202 may be printed or otherwise incorporated into the item or container. Furthermore, the tag may be provided as a fob that is connected to the container or item, e.g. via a fastener such as a clip. The tag 202 may alternatively be provided on a wristband or card and contain information regarding the identity of the consumer, and may be used by the apparatus 100 to confirm the identity of the consumer, for periodic requests for the consumer to check in, or the like. For an apparatus 100 intended for use with multiple users, each user may be required to confirm their identity to the apparatus 100 via an associated identifier tag, e.g. on a wristband, in response to the apparatus 100 calling them by name or providing a color light indicative of the associated user. The apparatus 100 may then provide customized instructions and or requests for information for that user, e.g. as to their supplement or other required information.

[0044] The NFC initiator 198 may be provided on the same board as the integrated circuit for the controller 190. The location of the NFC initiator 198 under the housing shell, e.g. beneath the upper housing member 154, may be shown via an indicia 200 on the upper housing member. The consumer then knows where to locate or position the tag on the container 104 or other object relative to the apparatus 100 such that the NFC initiator 198 can detect and read the tag via the radio field generated by the NFC initiator. In one example, the tag may be provided as a passive tag such that the tag acts like a transponder and is read-only by the NFC initiator 198 on the apparatus. In another example, the tag may be an active tag such that it also generates a radio field and information may be also passed from the apparatus 100 to the tagged device, such as a supplement container in a peer-to-peer communication.

[0045] The upper substrate 180 may protrude outwardly and define a region 210 for a user interface. The user interface may include ports for one or more indicator lights 212, one or more inputs 214 for the user (as shown as apertures in Figures 6A and 6B for the associated button inputs), as well as ports 216 for audio input and/or output. A speaker 220 (e.g. an audio amplifier) may be mounted within the housing cavity and adjacent to the audio ports of the user interface, e.g. with an one or more audio out ports. The speaker may be further mounted on the same board as the integrated circuit for the controller. In various embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further be provided with a microphone to receive audio inputs from a consumer, and the microphone may be mounted on the same board as the integrated circuit. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 may be provided without a microphone or other audio input such that the only inputs to the apparatus 100 are via the tags 202 and other wirelessly connected devices.

[0046] In further examples, the apparatus 100 may be provided with a camera to image the user, containers, or other personal items or devices via still images or video. The camera may be connected to the controller and may have an associated port or window in the housing of the apparatus for use in imaging. Alternatively, a camera may be a standalone device that is separate from the apparatus and wirelessly connected to the apparatus, e.g. via a Bluetooth or other connection, and may provide data indicative of the image to the controller in the apparatus 100.

[0047] The apparatus 100 may additionally be provided with one or more indicator lights 222 that provides information, alerts, or notifications to the consumer, e.g. via the ports 212. The indicator lights may in communication with the controller 190 and controlled thereby. In one example, at least some of the indicator lights, e.g. the ones in the user interface region, may be mounted on the same board as the integrated circuit.

[0048] In one example, the apparatus 100 has a side or “headlamp” indicator light 230 that is positioned within the cavity of the housing, and adjacent to the side wall 182. The indicator light 230 may be provided by one or more light emitting diodes, and may be provided in various colors. In the example shown, the light 230 faces away from an external translucent cover 232 and faces towards an internal diffuser wall 231 within the housing. Light from the light 230 is directed internally into the housing to the wall 231, and then reflects or diffuses off of the wall 231 and then passes through the cover 232 to provide a glow appearance for the headlamp when viewed external to the apparatus 100. A translucent cover 232 or panel may be positioned between the lower and upper housing members 152, 154 to define a portion of the side wall of the apparatus 100. In other examples, the lights 230 may be otherwise positioned. The cover 232 is shown in Figure 8, and includes mounts 234 that cooperate with the mounts on the lower and upper housing members 152, 154 to retain the cover 232 relative to the housing members. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the side wall 182 of the upper housing member 154 may be cutaway to provide a recessed region to receive the cover 232.

[0049] The controller 190 may control the side indicator lights such that different colors are emitted through the light cover 232. Furthermore, the controller 190 may control the indicator lights 230 such that they are operated as a steady light or in a flashing or blinking pattern. Different alerts may therefore be provided to the user based on the light color and operation. In one example, and as shown in Figure lO^different color lights 230 are controlled to indicate (i) schedule of supplement to be taken, (ii) scheduled supplement taken, (iii) error or review schedule for supplement, (iv) apparatus syncing, (v) action, and (vi) firmware updating or sleep mode via the cover 232. An action includes both requiring action by the consumer as well as an action that was taken by the user of the device. An Action may be an audio message that was sent to the apparatus 100 with the user needing to press buttons on the apparatus to engage with or respond to the audio message or scan a tag on an item to respond to the message or inquiry. An action may be indicated if the device was moved from on top of a container holding items, indicating the container was opened. An action may further include the apparatus viewing the consumer via a camera vision system, with the camera watching a user consume or use the scheduled event item like consuming their medication pill, or drinking, eating, etc., and the apparatus 100 may be further configured to respond with audio and visual lights regarding the action taken.

[0050] The apparatus 100 may additionally be provided with a status indicator light 240 on an upper surface of the housing, e.g. in the user interface, and this light may likewise be provided by one or more light emitting diodes 222 that are controller by the controller 190 to provide different color and/or patterns of light emission to provide notification. In one example and as shown in Figure 11, different color lights 240 are provided to indicate (i) review needed for mobile application reports, (ii) review needed for mobile application schedule, (iii) battery status or battery recharging needed, and (iv) apparatus is in sleep more or not status update.

[0051] The apparatus 100 may additionally be provided with a connection status indicator light 250 on an upper surface of the housing, e.g. in the user interface, and this light may likewise be provided by one or more light emitting diodes 222 that are controlled by the controller 190 to provide different color and/or patterns of light emission to provide notification regarding the connection of the apparatus to a local area network or cellular network. In one example and as shown in Figure 12, different color lights 250 are provided to indicate (i) apparatus is connected to WiFi, (ii) apparatus is connected to cellular, and (iii) apparatus is in sleep more or not connected.

[0052] The apparatus 100 additionally has a home button 260 or input. In one example, the home button 260 is provided by a mechanical button or switch that may be pushed or otherwise activated by a user. The home button 260 may be activated to have the apparatus 100 wake up and exit a sleep mode, e.g. by pressing the home button multiple times. The home button 260 may also be activated to repeat a message such as an audio message, or to have the consumer confirm a message or notification, e.g. to confirm an audio inquiry from the apparatus 100. The home button 260 may be positioned between first and second selector inputs 262, 264 or buttons. In one example, the first and second selector buttons 262, 264 may be provided as up and down arrows, respectively, and may also be pushed or otherwise activated by the user to provide other inputs to the apparatus 100.

[0053] The home button 260 may be provided with a backlight 266 provided by one or more light emitting diodes, such as diodes 222, and controlled by the controller 190 to provide a notification to the consumer regarding dispensing of supplements. The backlight 266 may be provided as a ring that surrounds the button 260, and may be controlled to colors and/or patterns as is shown in Figure 13. The home button notification light 266 may be operated in conjunction with the side wall notification light 230, with the operation of the two synchronized such that they illuminate with the same color and/or pattern. Furthermore, the home button notification light 266 may flash when an audio message is being relayed and the apparatus is asking the consumer to confirm information.

[0054] For example, during an audio message from the speaker and with the home button light 266 flashing, the consumer may press the first selector button 262 to confirm information or change a setting, or press the second selector button 264 to confirm information or change a setting. In one example and as shown in Figure 14, the first selector button 262 may be used to answer yes, well, true, correct, or strong in response to an audio message question, or to select a first option or increase the volume. The second selector button 264 may be used to answer no, false, not well, or weak in response to an audio message question, or to select a second option or decrease the volume.

[0055] A supplement dose notification light 270 may also be provided in the user interface, and provided by one or more lights, such as light emitting diodes 222, that are controlled by the controller 190. In the example shown in Figure 15, there are three dose notification lights 222, and one, two, or all three may be selectively activated. The supplement dose notification light 270 may be activated by the controller 190 based on information received from the remote dispensing device, mobile application, confirmation from the consumer that a dose has been taken, or another input. In one example and as shown in Figure 15, different color lights are provided to indicate (i) the dispensed dose is correct or completed, (ii) the dose is scheduled to be taken or is due, (iii) an error or that the apparatus is on mute, (iv) to use the selector buttons, (v) that the first selector button has been activated, and (vi) that the second selector button has been activated.

[0056] The lights in the user interface may be provided by LEDs on the board, with light pipe elements 280 connecting each LED to the light port in the housing. The light pipe elements 280 may be provided by a transparent or translucent plastic or other material, fiber optic material, or the like. The light pipe elements direct the light from each LED to the appropriate light port on the housing. The light pipe elements additionally cooperate with the housing to provide a finished surface and are sized to fill or substantially fill the ports for the lights on the user interface. Note that the light pipe elements are shown as both a cylindrical rod element, as well as an annular ring, and other shapes or sizes are also contemplated.

[0057] Figure 16 illustrates a functional diagram of communication protocols for the apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 17 illustrates a provisioning chart for use with the apparatus 100 according to an embodiment for communication between the apparatus 100 and a personal health device 108, starting at 300, and finishing at 302.

[0058] Figure 18 illustrates a network of multiple apparatuses 100 that are in communication with one another. In one example, the apparatuses 100 are at the same house or building, and may be provided on different floors or rooms for multiple access points by the user. The apparatuses 100 may exchange information regarding sending and receiving wireless signals from tags 202, other personal devices, and the like. In one example, one apparatus 100 may be selected as the leader, with the other apparatuses 100 provided as followers to it, such that only one apparatus is in communication with the cloud or internet, e.g. via WiFi or cellular networks. In other examples, each apparatus 100 may be in individual communication with a WiFi or cellular network. Additionally, the apparatuses 100 may be linked and synchronized with one another such that they all provide the same reminder or inquiry I request of the consumer, e.g. as the consumer may move within the building. Furthermore, the network may include or push notifications to a personal mobile device of the consumer such that the consumer is reminded of a time to take medication, or the request or inquiry is sent to the consumer while the consumer is away from the apparatus or building. In this case and if the consumer is away from the apparatus, it is envisioned that the consumer may use an application on the personal mobile device to check in or confirm that a dosage was taken.

[0059] According to various examples, various methods may be provided for use by the apparatus, with the method comprising the steps described above with reference to controller functions, communication protocols, provisioning between the apparatus and a health device, and for assembly of the apparatus 100.

[0060] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the disclosure and invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosure and invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus comprising: a housing defining a cavity, the housing supporting one or more lights; a first wireless transceiver positioned within the cavity to communicate with a first remote device over a wireless protocol; a near field communication identifier positioned within the cavity to detect a tag on a second remote device; and a controller in communication with the first and second wireless transceivers and the light, the controller configured to receive a signal from the first wireless transceiver indicative of a time to take a supplement, operate the light to provide an alert to a user, receive a signal from the near field communication identifier in response to the user positioning the tag adjacent to the near field communication identifier, and send a signal via the first wireless transceiver in response to receiving the signal from the near field identifier.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to send the signal via the first wireless transceiver in response to receiving the signal from the near field identifier to confirm that the supplement has been taken.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first remote device is one of a server, a personal mobile device, and a supplement dispensing system.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the second remote device is one of a container for a supplement and a personal item.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to operate the light to alert the user that it is time to take a scheduled supplement.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the controller is further configured to operate the light to provide confirmation to the user that they have taken their scheduled supplement.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing further supports a speaker in communication with the controller.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the controller is further configured to operate the speaker to provide an audible alert to the user in conjunction with operating the light.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the controller is further configured to operate the speaker to provide information to the user regarding the supplement in the housing with the tag in response to receiving the signal from the near field identifier.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing supports one or more buttons in communication with the controller; and wherein the controller is further configured to receive a signal indicative of a confirmation or a denial in response to a user activating the button.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a third wireless transceiver positioned within the cavity to communicate with a third remote device over a second wireless protocol; wherein the controller is further configured to receive a signal from the third wireless transceiver indicative of data from the third remote device, and send a signal via the first wireless transceiver indicative of the data from the third remote device.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the third remote device is a personal health device.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the second wireless transceiver is a Bluetooth transceiver.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising connecting a plurality of remote personal health devices to the third wireless transceiver.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing supports a battery in communication with the controller; and wherein the apparatus is operable solely using power from the battery.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to receive a signal via the first transceiver indicative of a supplement being dispensed via a remote supplement dispensing machine, and send a signal via the first wireless transceiver to one of a remote server and a personal mobile device indicative of the supplement being dispensed.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to track a number of doses of a supplement read by the identifier, compare the number to a prescribed number of doses of the supplement, and send a signal indicative of a number of doses remaining.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the signal indicative of the number of doses remaining initiates a refill procedure for the supplement.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to identify a user in response to receiving an input to the near field communication identifier from a tag.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the controller is further configured to provide an alert to the user regarding a supplement based on the identity of the user.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to request information from the user, and receive a response via an input to the near field communication identifier from a tag.