CA2905398A1

CA2905398A1 - Medicine reminder apparatus using two solar cells and method thereof

Info

Publication number: CA2905398A1
Application number: CA2905398A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Joonseong Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-09-21
Filing date: 2015-09-21
Publication date: 2017-03-21
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-21
Also published as: CA2905398C

Abstract

Disclosed herein are a medicine reminder apparatus and method using two solar cells. The apparatus includes a cabinet, a light source, a timer, a pull up switch, a first solar cell, and a second solar cell. The timer sets a predetermined time, and sets off an alarm when the predetermined time is elapsed. The pull up switch connected to the timer provides a start signal or a stop/reset signal to the timer. The first solar cell is connected to a positive polarity of the pull up switch in forward bias and generates a voltage by the light source. The second solar cell is connected to a negative polarity of the pull up switch in reverse bias and generates a voltage by the light source.

Description

MEDICINE REMINDER APPARATUS USING TWO SOLAR CELLS AND
METHOD THEREOF
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field [0001] The present invention generally relates to a medicine reminder apparatus and method, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for indicating when medicine should be taken using two solar cells.

2. Description of the Related Art [0002] Generally, medicine works to its full potential when it is taken after specific intervals of time and/or specific time of day. In spite of this, many people forget to take medicine at the set time, especially seniors who are suffering from memory loss or people dealing with an illness that produces symptoms of memory loss.

[0003] The failure to remember to take doses when they are due can lead to consequences such as lack of needed supplements to prevent symptoms, overdoses due to double or triple doses.

[0004] To ensure that people remember to take their medicine at the due time, a reminder is needed so-called a medicine timer.

[0005] However, all prior products do not accommodate convenient and facile usage while preserving simplicity and cost-effectiveness. These prior products can be categorized into four types.

[0006] First, there are simple medicine holders that have timers that alerts a user when a pre-set time has passed and indicates that a dose is due to take such as U.S.
Patent No. 7,054,231 (entitled "C-shaped Medication Reminder Device"), U.S. Patent No. 5,953,288 (entitled "Container for Medication"), and U.S. Patent No. 4,361,408 (entitled "Timer and Alarm Apparatus").

[0007] However, the first type fails to reset a timer on alarming automatically, which leaves a chance for an error of dosing. That is, people can forget to reset, and this cause to miss their next dosages.

[0008] Second, there are timer devices that are attached to the original container cap or replacing the cap such as U.S. Patent No. 7,408,843 (entitled "Medicine Cap Timing Apparatus"), U.S. Patent No. 7,382,692 (entitled "Add-On Timer for Medicine Container"), U.S. Patent No. 7,362,660 (entitled "Add-On Medicine Dispenser Timer"), and U.S. Patent No. 6,859,136 (entitled "Device for Alerting Users of Medicine").

[0009] There are three problems that this type of medicine timers presents.

[0010] First, a timer device that replaces the cap of the original container would only interact with a specific type of container that matches the timer cap's size and compatibility.

[0011] Second, the medicine that can be regulated this device would only be limited to people that use containers as a storage. Medicine stored in compartments with lifting covers, plastic Ziploc bags, or one-use medicine pockets would not be supported with this type of devices.

[0012] Finally, the automatic stop and reset of the timer would be triggered by the removal and insertion of the cap. Therefore, if people forget to put on the cap, or the cap is inserted wrong, the timer fails to function.

[0013] Third, there are much complex medicine dispenser devices such as U.S.
Patent No.
7,302,311 (entitled "Cartridge for Dispensing Pill-or-Capsule Form Medications in Desired Doses"), U.S. Patent. No. 6,961.285 (entitled "Drug Delivery Management System"), U.S.
Patent. No. 6,259,654 (entitled "Multi-View Medication Organizer and Dispenser"), U.S.
Patent. No. 5,838,224 (entitled "Medication Organizer Assembly"), U.S. Patent.
No.
5,706,257 (entitled "Preprogrammed Medication Reminder"), U.S. Patent. No.
5,289,157 (entitled "Medicine Reminder and Storage Device"), and U.S. Patent. No.
4,275,384 (entitled "Portable Medicine Cabinet with Timer").

[0014] Such devices are unnecessarily expensive and difficult to manage. The program for the devices requires a longer process. Such an intricate device is not an efficient medicine dispenser, because there are many alternatives that require less cost and effort to produce.
The above devices are also less portable and inconvenient for people constantly moving around.

[0015] Fourth, there are medicine holders that involve placing the original medicine container inside, automatically stopping the timer once the container is taken out of the holder, and resetting when it is placed by in with the holder cover shut.

[0016] This type of medicine holders provide solutions for many of the aforementioned problems of the other types of medicine timers. However, the problem with this is that it leaves the possibility of the timer not resetting when the cover is not closed.

[0017] To resolve the above-mentioned issues, a medicine holder that can hold original medicine containers while having the function of a timer and alarm that resets the timer is needed.

[0018] A particular aspect of the medicine timer device should be a sensor that can detect the presence of the container or any medication inside the holding compartment.
This sensor needs to be accurate, while still preserving the device's simplicity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a medicine reminder apparatus and method for indicating when medicine should be taken using two solar cells which are capable of generating a start signal or stop/reset signal to a timer.

[0020] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention to accomplish the above object, there is provided a medicine reminder apparatus, including a cabinet; a light source attached to a ceiling of the cabinet; a timer configured to set a predetermined time, and to set off an alarm when the predetermined time is elapsed; a pull up switch connected to the timer, and configured to provide a start signal or a stop/reset signal to the timer; a first solar cell connected to a positive polarity of the pull up switch in forward bias, and configured to generate a voltage by the light source; and a second solar cell connected to a negative polarity of the pull up switch in reverse bias, and configured to generate a voltage by the light source.

[0021] The second solar cell may be located in the inner area of the cabinet than the first solar cell, and a first output voltage of the first solar cell is higher than a second output voltage of the second solar cell.

[0022] The second solar cell may be used for dropping a control voltage of the pull up switch below a threshold of logic levels to generate at least one of the start signal and the stop/reset signal.

[0023] The first output voltage may be 1.4V and the second output voltage may by 1.2V, and the threshold is 0.7V.

[0024] The cabinet may have a size to include a medicine container.

[0025] Insides of the cabinet may be black to prevent light from different light sources.

[0026] The light source may be a light emitting diode that has a level of light intensity to offer a same exposure to light for the first solar cell and the second solar cell.

[0027] The pull up switch may provide the start signal or the stop/reset signal to the timer when the first solar cell is blocked from light, and the second solar cell generates a voltage so that a control voltage of the pull up switch drops below a threshold of logic levels.

[0028] A size of the first solar cell may be different from that of the second solar cell to generate different voltages each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medicine reminder apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 2 is an open position of a cover of the medicine reminder apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 3 is an inside view from the top of the medicine reminder apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 4 is an inside view from the top blocking two solar cells from a medicine container shown in FIG. 1;

[0.034] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a circuit connection of the medicine reminder apparatus;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram showing a voltage change according to elapsed time;
and [0036] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for reminding medicine taking time in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The present invention may be variously changed and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.
[0038] However, it should be understood that those embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to specific disclosure forms and they include all changes, equivalents or modifications included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0039] The terms used in the present specification are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0040] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless a description to the contrary is specifically pointed out in context.
[0041] In the present specification, it should be understood that the terms such as "include" or "have" are merely intended to indicate that features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof are present, and are not intended to exclude a possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof will be present or added.
[0042] Unless differently defined, all terms used here including technical or scientific terms have the same meanings as the terms generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.
[0043] The terms identical to those defined in generally used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings identical to contextual meanings of the related art, and are not interpreted as being ideal or excessively formal meanings unless they are definitely defined in the present specification.
[0044] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar elements throughout the drawings and repeated descriptions of the same components will be omitted.
[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medicine reminder apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] A medicine reminder apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 100, a cover 110, a timer 120, a first solar cell 130, a second solar cell 140, a light source 150, and an arrow sign 160.
[0047] The cabinet 100 is an appropriate size to fit most conventional medicine containers.
The insides of the cabinet may be black to ensure that the light from the light source 150 is the only source of light.
[0048] The cover 110 may be black or dark to block any light from the outside.
[0049] The timer 120 has an ability to countdown, start, stop, and reset time from a signal.
That is, the timer 120 may be set a predetermined time and set off an alarm when the predetermined time is elapsed.
[0050] The timer 120 may have logic levels that are compatible with voltages produced by the first solar cell 130 and the second solar cell 140.
[0051] The first solar cell 130 and the second solar cell 140 may generate voltages from the light source 150. The voltage levels according to the voltages generated by the first solar cell 130 and the second solar cell 140 are compatible with the logic levels of the timer 120.
[0052] The second solar cell 140 is located in the inner area of the cabinet 100 than the first solar cell 130.
[0053] A size of the first solar cell 130 may be different from that of the second solar cell 140 so that both may generate different voltages each other.
[0054] The light source 150 may be a light emitting diode that has a level of light intensity to offer a same exposure to light for the first solar cell 130 and the second solar cell 140.

[0.055] FIG. 2 is an open position of the cover 110 of the medicine reminder apparatus shown in FIG. 1. A medicine container 200 is located in the bottom of the cabinet 100.
[0056] FIG. 3 is an inside view from the top without a medicine container 200 in the cabinet 100, and FIG. 4 is an inside view from the top blocking two solar cells with a medicine container 200.
[0057] The arrow sign 160 may point a direction in which the medicine container 200 is located.
[0058] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a circuit connection of the medicine reminder apparatus.
[0059] A pull up switch 500 is connected to the timer 120 to provide a start signal or a stop/reset signal.
[0060] The first solar cell 130 generates an output voltage V1, and is connected to a positive polarity of the pull up switch 500 in forward bias. The second solar cell 140 generates an output voltage V2, and is connected to a negative polarity of the pull up switch 500 in reverse bias. The first solar cell 130 is forward biased to a polarity of the timer 120 (an output voltage V3).
[0061] The pull up switch 500 may provide the start signal or the stop/reset signal to the timer 120 when the first solar cell 130 is blocked from light, and the second solar cell 140 generates a voltage so that a sum of generated voltages from the first solar cell 130 and the second solar cell 140 is lower than a predetermined threshold voltage.
[0062] A pull up registor may be attached to the pull up switch 500 so that only a decrease of voltage generates the start signal or stop/reset signal.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram showing a voltage change according to elapsed time.
[0064] The first output voltage V1 of the first solar cell 130 may be higher than a second output voltage V2 of the second solar cell 140.
[0065] The second solar cell 140 is used for dropping a control voltage of the pull up switch 500 below a threshold of logic levels to generate at least one of the start signal and the stop/reset signal.
[0066] Assuming that V1, V2 and V3 is 1.4V, 1.2V and 1.0V respectively. When the cabinet 100 is empty, the first solar cell 130 and the second solar cell 140 work and generate a high logic level ((1.4V-1.2V)+1.0V = 1.2V).
[0067] At the insertion of the medicine container 200, first of all, the medicine container 200 covers the first solar cell 130 and blocks from light. This means that only the second solar cell 140 is exposed to light and generates negative voltage of V2. Therefore, the voltage level of the circuit drops due to the negative voltage (1.0V-1.2V = - 0.2V) at Ti.
It drops down from the high logic level (1.2V) to the low logic level (-0.2V). When the voltage level of the circuit drops below the threshold of logic levels (for example, 0.7V), a start signal is provided to the timer 120.
[0068] When the medicine container 200 is completely pushed into the position which blocks the first solar cell 130 and the second solar cell 140, the voltage results in 1.0V.
[0069] When the pre-set time has elapsed, an alarm is set off alerting the user. The alarm stops when the medicine container 200 is taken out for consuming. That is, the medicine container 200 is extracted, the second solar cell 140 is exposed to the light at first.
[0070] When the second solar cell 140 is exposed to light, its negative voltage causes the voltage of the circuit to drop below the threshold logic level (for example, resulting in -0.2V) at T2, and a stop/reset signal is provided to the timer 120. The reset may work together with the start signal.
[0071] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for reminding medicine taking time in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] First, the light source 150 is turned on in the cabinet 100 at S700, and a predetermined time is set so that the timer 120 sets off an alarm when the predetermined time is elapsed at S710.
[0073] Thereafter, the medicine container 200 is inserted into the cabinet 100. The medicine container 200 blocks light going to the first solar cell 130 at S720, and the start signal is provided to the timer 120 due to dropping of the voltage level of the circuit below the threshold of the logic level at S730.
[0074] Thereafter, the medicine container 200 is inserted further so that the medicine container 200 blocks light going to the first solar cell 130 and the second solar cell 140 at S740.
[0075] When the timer 120 sets off an alarm, the medicine container 200 is extracted. At this time, the second solar cell 140 is exposed to light first at S750, and the stop/reset signal is provided to the timer 120 due to dropping of the voltage level of the circuit below the threshold of the logic level at S760.
[0076] Thereafter, the medicine container 200 is fully extracted from the cabinet 100 so that the first solar cell 130 and the second solar cell 140 are exposed to light at S770.
[0077] In accordance with the present invention having the above configuration, there is an advantage that the user may operate the timer and alarm without any action required. After the time is set, the timer automatically starts itself when the medicine container is placed inside the cabinet, and resets when the medicine container is taken again.
[0078] Further, the efficient detecting ability of the solar cells allows the apparatus to recognize the presence of the medicine container, while its simplicity allows the production of the apparatus to be an uncomplicated process and cost-efficient.
[0079] As described above, optimal embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in the drawings and the specification. Although specific terms have been used in the present specification, these are merely intended to describe the present invention and are not intended to limit the meanings thereof or the scope of the present invention described in the accompanying claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are possible from the embodiments.
Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should be defined by the technical spirit of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A medicine reminder apparatus, comprising:
a cabinet;
a light source attached to a ceiling of the cabinet;
a timer configured to set a predetermined time, and to set off an alarm when the predetermined time is elapsed;
a pull up switch connected to the timer, and configured to provide a start signal or a stop/reset signal to the timer;
a first solar cell connected to a positive polarity of the pull up switch in forward bias, and configured to generate a voltage by the light source; and a second solar cell connected to a negative polarity of the pull up switch in reverse bias, and configured to generate a voltage by the light source.

2. The medicine reminder apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second solar cell is located in the inner area of the cabinet than the first solar cell, and a first output voltage of the first solar cell is higher than a second output voltage of the second solar cell.

3. The medicine reminder apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second solar cell is used for dropping a control voltage of the pull up switch below a threshold of logic levels to generate at least one of the start signal and the stop/reset signal.

4. The medicine reminder apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first output voltage is 1.4V and the second output voltage is 1.2V, and the threshold is 0.7V.

5. The medicine reminder apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cabinet has a size to include a medicine container.

6. The medicine reminder apparatus of claim 5, wherein insides of the cabinet is black to prevent light from different light sources.

7. The medicine reminder apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode that possesses a level of light intensity to offer a same exposure to light for the first solar cell and the second solar cell.

8. The medicine reminder apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pull up switch provides the start signal or the stop/reset signal to the timer when the first solar cell is blocked from light, and the second solar cell generates a voltage so that a control voltage of the pull up switch drops below a threshold of logic levels.

9. The medicine reminder apparatus of claim 1, wherein a size of the first solar cell is different from that of the second solar cell to generate different voltages each other.