Abstract:
The disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for taking care of elderly, disabled, or other dependents. The devices and methods may be useful for dependents that are not willing or able to live in an environment which has a caretaker physically present. Example devices and methods can facilitate communication between a caretaker and a dependent. Devices and methods can optionally facilitate disbursing medications remotely.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/498,010 (entitled “Web Enabled Audiovisual Medication Dispensing Apparatus,” filed Jun. 17, 2011) which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Medical care devices for delivery of medication to elderly, child, or disabled dependents may allow the dependents to remain in their homes longer, reduce costs of medical care, and provide a way for caretakers to ensure the delivery of the correct type and quantity of medications to their charges. 
     Communication with elderly or impaired persons may be more challenging than with other persons due to a lower rate of adoption of electronic communication. Some reasons for this lower rate of adoption may be impairments to vision, hearing, cognitive skills, or mobility. The physical effects of ageing, such as arthritis and failing eyesight and memory, can cause issues in the autonomous taking of medicines. 
     SUMMARY 
     In certain examples, an apparatus for communicating with a dependent may comprise web link circuitry operable to communicate with a remote device, a medication cartridge assembly electrically coupled to the web link circuitry, and a mass-sensing receptacle electrically coupled to the web link circuitry. 
     In certain examples, a method of making an apparatus may include electrically coupling web link circuitry with a medication cartridge assembly, wherein the web link circuitry is operable to communicate with a remote device and electrically coupling the web link circuitry with a mass-sensing receptacle, wherein the mass-sensing receptacle is operable to detect if mass is present in the mass-sensing receptacle. 
     In certain examples, an apparatus may comprise web link circuitry, where the web link circuitry is operable to communicate with a smartphone of a caregiver, the web link circuitry is configured to allow only an authorized user to establish communication with the dependent. The apparatus may further comprise a medication cartridge assembly, wherein the medication cartridge assembly is electrically coupled to the web link circuitry. The apparatus may further comprise a mass-sensing receptacle, wherein the mass-sensing receptacle is electrically coupled to the web link circuitry, and wherein the mass-sensing receptacle is configured to transmit the mass of medication in the mass-sensing receptacle. 
    
    
     
       A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These as well as other objects and advantages of a web enabled audiovisual medication dispensing system will be more completely understood and appreciated by referring to the following more detailed description of the example embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view illustration of an apparatus according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view illustration of an apparatus according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a method of contacting a caregiver according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a method of remotely dispensing medication according to an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following description of example embodiments is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 
     In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
     Devices and methods can facilitate communication with persons who may have trouble autonomously caring for themselves (“dependents”). Dependents may struggle with common communication technology, such as cellular phones, email, or text messaging. Certain example devices and methods can facilitate the provision of medication to dependents. Certain example devices and methods may combine both the ability to connect socially and the ability to provide remote medication management into a device that can be simple for a caregiver and the dependent to use. Certain embodiments of the devices and methods can allow a caretaker and dependent to communicate through a pre-configured VOIP (voice-over-internet-protocol software) connection, either via audio alone or via video call. Certain example devices and methods can facilitate the remote dispensing of medication by a caretaker. Certain embodiments of the device and its method of use can help ensure that the medication has been consumed. 
     Certain embodiments of the disclosure may be designed for use with elderly dependents. Elderly dependents often struggle with new technology, and the simplification of using voice-over-internet-protocol software (VOIP) technology may remove these barriers. Elderly dependents may need a caretaker due to deteriorating health, yet be unable or unwilling to move to an assisted living facility or hire a full-time caretaker. By providing access to a remote caretaker, devices or methods may help elderly dependents safely stay in their own homes longer. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure may be useful to intellectually disabled dependents. Intellectually disabled dependents similarly may struggle with modern communication technology, and simplification of technology, accomplished for example through the use of VOIP technology, may allow those dependents to more easily communicate with a remote caretaker. 
     Additionally, embodiments of the disclosure may be useful for child dependents. Children may lack the skills and maturity to communicate with a caretaker using modern communication technology, and simplification of technology accomplished, for example, through the use of VOIP technology, may allow those dependents to more easily communicate with a remote caretaker. 
     Many dependents have difficulty managing their own medication consumption. Even when medications are organized or prepackaged for the dependent, the dependent can forget to take the medication at the appropriate time. Certain embodiments of the disclosure may help dependent persons remember to take their medications. 
       FIG. 1  is a front view illustration of an apparatus  100  according to an example embodiment. The apparatus  100  may include a camera  104 , a video display  106 , a speaker  108 , a one-touch call button  110 , a microphone  112 , and an optional keypad  120 , arranged on or at least partially in, a communication housing  102 . The camera  104 , video display  106 , speaker  108 , one-touch call button  110 , and microphone  112  may be arranged on, or at least partially in, the communication housing  102  such that a dependent can easily use the apparatus  100  to communicate with a caretaker. In certain examples, the medication dispensing apparatus  100  may include a medication management assembly  114 . The medication management assembly  114  may include a medication door  116  and mass-sensing receptacle  118 . The apparatus may be controlled by a computer control mechanism (not shown). In certain examples the computer control mechanism is a microcontroller, a motherboard, a processor, or other component capable of controlling electrically coupled components of the apparatus. 
     Certain examples may comprise a communication housing  102 . The communication housing  102  may provide structure and protection for other components (e.g. camera  104 , video display  106 , speaker  108 , one-touch call button  110 , microphone  112 , keypad  120 , etc.). The communication housing  102  may be made of a material, including but not limited to polymer (for example, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene and the like) or metal. The communication housing  102  may include a base (not shown). The base may rest on a countertop or other substantially horizontal surface. The communication housing  102  may be a solid structure with a hollow center portion. Components may be arranged on, or at least partially in, the communication housing  102  so as to be accessible to a dependent or caretaker. In certain examples, portions of components may protrude through openings in the solid walls of the communication housing  102  to make them accessible to a dependent or caretaker. 
     Certain embodiments may comprise web link circuitry (not shown). In certain examples, the camera  104 , video display  106 , speaker  108 , one-touch call button  110 , microphone  112 , audio amplifier (not shown), medication door  116 , and mass-sensing receptacle  118  may be electrically coupled or otherwise interconnected via the web link circuitry. In certain examples, the web link circuitry may be operable to communicate with a remote device (e.g. smartphone, computer, and the like). The web link circuitry may be coupled to a caregiver&#39;s phone or computer through 3G, 4G, wireless, wired, telephonic, or other means of electrical signal transmission. The web link circuitry may be contained, at least partially, in the communication housing  102 . 
     In certain examples, the web link circuitry may be programmed using the keypad  120 . In certain embodiments, the web link circuitry may be contained at least partially within the communication housing  102 . Web link circuitry may be configured so as to permit communication between a caretaker and a dependent. In certain examples, web link circuitry may be configured to transmit data from the camera  104  and microphone  112  to a caretaker&#39;s smartphone, and receive data from the caretaker&#39;s smartphone and transmit the data from the smartphone to the video display  106 , speaker  108 , or medication management assembly  114 . In certain examples, web link circuitry may be configured to allow only authorized users to establish communication using the apparatus  100 . 
     Camera  104  is operable to capture video of a dependent. Camera  104  may be coupled to web link circuitry (not shown) such that the web link circuitry may transmit video from the camera  104  to a caretaker. In certain examples, camera  104  is a wide-angle web camera. In certain examples, the camera  104  may be disposed on or at least partially in, the communication housing  102 . The camera  104  may be coupled to web link circuitry so as to allow a remote caretaker to view a dependent. An example camera  104  may be turned on or off using web link circuitry. Video data from the camera  104  may be sent to the caretaker, for example, via the web link circuitry. In some embodiments, the camera  104  may be arranged on, or at least partially in, the communication housing  102  such that the camera  104  collects image data corresponding to images of the dependent. In certain examples, the camera lens of camera  104  may face approximately horizontally relative to a surface on which the apparatus  100  set. In other examples, the camera lens of camera  104  may face a direction that is angled up or down relative to a plane of a surface on which the apparatus  100  sets. The camera  104  may be electrically coupled to the web link circuitry. The camera  104  may be configured to capture images and transmit the images to the web link circuitry. The camera  104  may be configured to receive images from the web link circuitry  102  and transmit the images to a caregiver. 
     An example apparatus may include a video display  106 . The video display  106  is operable to display video of a caretaker to a dependent. The video display  106  may be sufficiently big such that dependents with poor eyesight can see the caretaker on the screen without straining their eyes. The video display  106  may be arranged on, or at least partially in, the communication housing  102 . The video display  106  may be electrically coupled to the web link circuitry. In certain examples, if a call is initiated between a caretaker and a dependent, the video display  106  may show an image from a camera near a caretaker. For example, where a caretaker initiates a call from a smartphone with a video camera, the caretaker&#39;s smartphone may send the image of the caretaker to the dependent. The image of the caretaker may be sent either directly, such as through the web link circuitry, or through an intermediate. In certain examples, the video display  106  may also be used to show other images at the discretion of the caretaker, such as images of medications or reminders. The web link circuitry may be configured to transmit images to the video display  106 , and the video display  106  may be configured to display the images received from the web link circuitry. 
     An example apparatus  100  may comprise at least one speaker  108 . The speaker  108 , or speakers, may be arranged on or at least partially in the communication housing  102 , such that audio from the caretaker may be broadcast to the dependent. The speaker  108  may be coupled to an audio amplifier that is operable to amplify audio signals from the caretaker. Audio data from a caretaker may be transmitted from the caretaker&#39;s phone or computer to the web link circuitry, optionally through the audio amplifier, to the speaker  108 . Optionally, the volume of the audio transmitted by the speaker  108  may be adjusted using the keypad  120 . Optionally, the volume of the audio transmitted by speaker  108  may be adjusted using a volume knob, such as a rotary dial (not shown). 
     An example apparatus may include a one-touch call button  110 . The one-touch call button  110  may allow a dependent to easily initiate contact with another person, such as a caretaker. The one-touch call button  110  may be arranged, for example, on, or at least partially in, the communication housing  102 . In an example device, by pressing the one-touch call button  110  a call may be initiated to a caretaker&#39;s phone or emergency services. In certain examples, the entity that is called when the one-touch call button  110  is depressed is programmable through the keypad  120 . The one-touch call button  110  may be electrically coupled to the web link circuitry. The web link circuitry may be configured to make a phone call to a caregiver (e.g. a call is made to a caregiver&#39;s smartphone) at or around the time the one-touch call button  110  is pressed. 
     An example apparatus  100  may comprise a microphone  112 . In certain examples, the microphone  112  may be electrically coupled to the web link circuitry. The microphone  112  may be arranged on, or at least partially in, the communication housing  102 , such that audio from the dependent may be captured by the microphone  112  and transmitted to the caretaker through web link circuitry. In certain examples, the microphone  112  may be configured such that when a computer control mechanism activates the apparatus  100  and a call is initiated between the caretaker and dependent, the microphone  112  transmits audio signals to a remote device through the web link circuitry. The microphone  112  may be configured to capture audio input and transmit the input to the web link circuitry. The web link circuitry may be configured to receive audio input from the microphone  112  and transmit the audio input to a caregiver. 
     An example apparatus may comprise a keypad  120 . The keypad  120  may be a touch-screen, an array of buttons, or any other type of keypad operable to electrically communicate with components of the apparatus. In certain examples, the keypad  120  may be operable to allow a user to program who is called when the one-touch call  110  button is pressed. In certain examples, the keypad  120  may be operable to allow a dependent to send text messages, and other message types, to a caretaker. In certain examples, the keypad  120  may be operable to allow a dependent to adjust the volume of audio produced by speaker  108 . In certain examples the keypad  120  may facilitate the programming of 3G, 4G, and web access connectivity of the apparatus  100 . 
     An example device may optionally comprise a medication management assembly  114 . In certain examples, the medication management assembly  114  may include its own housing, such as is shown in  FIG. 1 . In other examples, the components of the medication management assembly  114  (e.g. medication door  116 , mass-sensing receptacle  118 , medication chute  204 , or medication cartridge assembly  202 ) may be on, or at least partially in, the communication housing  102 . Optionally, a communication housing  102  and a medication management assembly  114  may be designed to couple or interlock with each other. An example of a medication management assembly  114  comprises medication cartridge assembly  202 , a medication chute  204 , and a medication door  116 . An example medication management assembly may optionally comprise a mass-sensing receptacle  118 . 
     The medication door  116  may optionally be arranged on the surface of, or at least partially in, the medication management assembly  114 , such that medication will travel down the medication chute  204  and through the medication door  116 . The medication door  116  may be either powered to open when the medication cartridge assembly  202  is activated by the web link circuitry, or it may be passive and open with the force of falling medication. The medication door  116  may be disposed between a medication chute  204  and a mass-sensing receptacle  118 . 
     An example apparatus  100  may include an optional mass-sensing receptacle  118 . In certain examples, the mass-sensing receptacle  118  may be arranged underneath the medication door  116 . In certain examples the mass-sensing receptacle  118  may be disposed at the bottom of the medication chute  204 , such that solid form medication falls through the medication door  116  and into the mass-sensing receptacle  118 . The mass-sensing receptacle  118  may be electrically coupled to the web link circuitry so that a caregiver can determine whether the medication management assembly  114  has dispensed the appropriate quantity of medication. The mass-sensing receptacle  118  may be configured to transmit data to web link circuitry and the web link circuitry may transmit the data such that a caregiver can remotely determine how much mass remains in the mass-sensing receptacle  118 . The mass-sensing receptacle  118  may be configured to transmit data corresponding to the mass of objects (e.g. medication) in the mass-sensing receptacle  118 . The data corresponding to the mass of objects in the mass-sensing receptacle  118  may be transmitted to a caregiver via web link circuitry. In certain examples, the mass-sensing receptacle  118  is shaped like a cup, bowl, or dish. 
     A medication cartridge assembly  202  (see  FIG. 2 ) is operable to release medication for consumption by a dependent. The medication cartridge assembly  202  may be any medication cartridge assembly capable of remote activation. In certain examples, the medication cartridge assembly  202  may be remotely activated by a caretaker. In certain examples, the medication cartridge assembly  202  may be electrically coupled to the web link circuitry. In certain examples, the medication cartridge assembly  202  may be activated using web link circuitry. 
     An optional medication chute  204  may be arranged on, or at least partially in, the medication management assembly  114 , such that medications that are released by the medication cartridge assembly  202  travels down the medication chute  204  towards the medication door  116 . 
     Certain examples may facilitate the managing of a dependent&#39;s medication. In certain examples, a video phone may optionally be electrically or physically coupled to a medication management assembly  114 . In some embodiments, the medication management assembly  114  may be electrically connected to web link circuitry. In certain examples, the medication management assembly  114  can disburse medication, either automatically, on demand by a dependent, or remotely by, for example, a caretaker. 
       FIG. 2  is a side-view illustration of an apparatus  200  according to an example embodiment. The apparatus  200  of  FIG. 2  may be substantially similar to the apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The apparatus  200  may include components such as the camera  104 , video display  106 , speaker  108 , one-touch call button  110 , microphone  112 , and optional keypad  120  arranged on or at least partially in, communication housing  102 . The apparatus  200  components may be arranged on, or at least partially in, the communication housing  102  such that a dependent can easily use apparatus  200  to communicate with a caretaker. In certain examples, the apparatus  200  may further include a medication management assembly  114 . The medication management assembly  114  may include components such as the medication door  116 , mass-sensing receptacle  118 , medication cartridge assembly  202 , and medication chute  204 . The components of the apparatus  200  may be substantially similar to those components described in  FIG. 1 . 
     A caretaker&#39;s phone number may be either a traditional phone line number, or it may be a VOIP number or IP address, or it may be any other address that permits communication. For example, entering the caregiver&#39;s phone number into the keypad  120  may result in establishing a connection to a smart phone, land-line phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a tablet. 
     Some examples of the apparatus  200  may include a medallion. The medallion may be used to facilitate communication. For example the medallion may be used to create a connection between a dependent and a caretaker or to emergency services. In certain embodiments, a medallion may allow a dependent to quickly request assistance. The request for assistance may transmit a message to a caretaker or emergency services without requiring a dependent to have close access to a phone or access to the apparatus. In some embodiments, a medallion may be carried with the dependent, such as on a necklace. The medallion may be electrically coupled to the web link circuitry. In certain examples, the medallion may be configured to send an emergency signal directly to a caretaker or emergency services or other remote parties. 
     Embodiments of the invention may incorporate software which is password protected, such that a caretaker&#39;s authorization must be established before audio or visual communication or medication management system control is established. Authorized users of the device may include caretakers, dependents, or other entities, such as medical professionals, who possess the valid authentication key for the device. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a method  300  of establishing and terminating communication between a caretaker and dependent, according to an example embodiment. The method may include supplying power to a computer control mechanism  302 . The power to the computer control mechanism may be continuous and substantially uninterrupted so as to allow a dependent to utilize the corresponding apparatus at virtually any time. The computer control mechanism may be a microcontroller, processor, motherboard, or any other component capable of controlling electrical signals in example embodiments. A call may be initiated between a caretaker and a dependent  304 . In some examples, the call may be initiated some time after the dependent presses the one-touch call button  110  or a button on a medallion. In other examples, the call may be initiated some time after the caretaker dials the phone number of the dependent or optionally, the computer control mechanism may establish a connection to web link circuitry. The computer control mechanism or web link circuitry waits for a valid personal identification number (PIN), password, or other valid authentication key  306 . The PIN, password, or other valid authentication key may be programmed into the device using the keypad  120 . In certain examples if no PIN is detected or if an invalid PIN is detected the computer control mechanism or web link circuitry may wait for a valid PIN. In certain examples, if an invalid PIN, password, or other authentication key is detected the computer control mechanism may disconnect from the web link circuitry or the computer control mechanism may provide another opportunity to enter a valid PIN, password, or authentication key. If a valid authentication key is detected then power is supplied to the camera  104 , video display  106 , microphone  112 , optionally to the optional audio amplifier, and optionally to the speaker  108  (if the speaker requires power)  308 . At this point the dependent has established a telephonic connection. The call is ended after the reason for the call is resolved or remains unresolved  310 . The call may be ended by the dependent, such as by pressing the one-touch call button  110  or powering off the apparatus. Alternatively, the call may be ended by the entity who received the call, such as a caretaker. Power to the camera  104 , the audio amplifier, video display  106 , microphone  112 , and the speaker  108  is turned off  312 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a method  400  of remotely dispensing medication according to an example embodiment. In certain examples, the medication may be dispensed remotely through a remote caregiver. Power may be supplied to a computer control mechanism  402 . The power to the computer control mechanism may be continuous and substantially uninterrupted so as to allow a dependent to utilize the apparatus at virtually any time. The computer control mechanism may be a microcontroller, processor, motherboard, or any other component capable of controlling electrical signals in example embodiments. A call may be initiated from a caregiver  404 . The caregiver may initiate the phone call using a web application, by dialing the phone number of the dependent, or by other means of communicating with an example apparatus. Optionally, the computer control mechanism may establish a connection to web link circuitry. At this point, in order to gain access to the apparatus the caregiver may be required to supply a sufficient PIN, password, or other authentication key. The computer control mechanism or web link circuitry may detect whether a valid PIN, password, or authentication key is presented  406 . The PIN, password, or other valid authentication key may be programmed into the device using the keypad  120 . In certain examples if no PIN is detected or if an invalid PIN is detected the computer control mechanism or web link circuitry may wait for a valid authentication key. In certain examples, if an invalid PIN, password, or other authentication key is detected the computer control mechanism may disconnect from the web link circuitry or the computer control mechanism may provide another opportunity to enter a valid PIN, password, or authentication key. If a valid authentication key is detected then power is supplied to the camera  104 , video display  106 , microphone  112 , optionally to the optional audio amplifier, and optionally to the speaker  108  (if the speaker requires power)  408 . In certain examples, the caregiver may control at least one medication cartridge assembly command switch. A caregiver may press the at least one medication management assembly command switch  410 . A medication management assembly command switch may command a medication assembly to power on, power off, or dispense medication. The medication management assembly command switch may be, for example, a number on a phone dial pad which has been pre-programmed to initiate medication release. Power is supplied  412  to the medication cartridge assembly  202 . Medication may be released  414 . The medication may be released from a medication cartridge assembly  202  into a medication chute  204 . The medication chute  204  may direct the medication through a medication door  116  and into a mass-sensing receptacle  118 . The mass-sensing receptacle  118  may detect the amount of mass present  416  in the mass-sensing receptacle  118 . The mass-sensing in the mass-sensing receptacle  118 . The mass-sensing receptacle  118  may indicate, through the web link circuitry, whether mass is still present  418  in the mass-sensing receptacle  118 . When there is no longer mass present in the mass-sensing receptacle  118  it may be assumed that the dependent has ingested the medication. The medication cartridge assembly  202  is powered off  420 . The call may be ended  422 . The audiovisual components, such as the camera  104 , audio amplifier, microphone  112 , speaker  108 , and video display  106  may be turned off  424 . 
     The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe example embodiments of the disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications, combinations and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents.