Abstract: An assembly for delivering medication to a patient has a cartridge loadable with a coiled strip of successively, physically linked medication-containing pouches. The cartridge is inserted into a delivery unit which has an advance mechanism which engages the strip and drives pouches successively out of the cartridge. Pouches are fed successively to an inspection mechanism and a separation station. At the inspection station indicia on successive pouches representing a medication schedule are inspected and compared and validated against a separately stored medication schedule recorded at the time the medication is packaged in the cartridge. A separation mechanism mounted at the separation station is used to separate a pouch at the leading end of the strip from the adjacent pouches. At a pouch exit, separated pouches are routed to a delivery zone.

Abstract: An indexable dispenser is provided for use with a supplements cartridge having a plurality of serving chambers each sealed by a membrane to store a volume of supplement. The dispenser has a housing, a lance, an electrical power source, and a wireless transmitting and receiving device.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to data science and data analysis, computer software and systems, and control systems to provide a platform to facilitate implementation of an interface and one or more sensors, and, more specifically, to one or more sensors and/or computing algorithms that implement specialized logic to facilitate in-situ monitoring and characterization of resource usage and/or device usage to determine usage of one or more consumables to updates inventories of consumables for automated replenishment of a consumable. In at least one example, sensors and/or computing algorithms facilitate formation of an automated home inventory replenishment network. In some examples, a method may include accessing sensor data if a consumable is processed, determining multiple modes of operation for a device, correlating a type of consumable associated with a mode of operation, and updating an amount of inventory for a consumable responsive to an amount consumed and a modified consumption rate.

Abstract: A numerical control device of a machine tool recognizes a failure of a vibration detection unit in a relatively short time to minimize damage to functions achieved using the vibration detection unit. A program interpreting unit interprets an automatic tool exchange operation, and a storage unit is instructed to store vibration information V(x) from the vibration detection unit. After the automatic tool exchange operation is finished, the storage unit is instructed to stop storage. When none of the vibration information V(x) stored in the storage unit exceeds a prescribed vibration level, a vibration information analysis unit determines abnormality of the vibration detection unit.

Abstract: A tissue collection device (1) for collection of one or more exposed tissue samples (2) from a biopsy needle or biopsy device, which tissue collection device comprises one or more pieces of a carrier medium (6) and is arranged to temporarily bring a piece of carrier medium into physical contact with the tissue sample, while the tissue sample is still positioned in the biopsy needle or biopsy device, so that the tissue sample (2) adheres to the carrier medium (6) and is removed from the biopsy needle (3) or biopsy device (4) with the carrier medium (6), when the carrier medium (6) is removed from the biopsy needle or biopsy device again. Furthermore, a biopsy device comprising such a tissue collection device is disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for generating information, a device for human-computer interaction, and a computer readable medium. The method may include: acquiring gravity sensing data of a shelf carrying an item; and identifying, in response to determining that the item on the shelf is taken based on the gravity sensing data, the taken item based on the gravity sensing data and an acquired image of the taken item, and generating order information of the taken item.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking inventory are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for tracking inventory includes receiving weight sensor data representing a weight of a physical item in the storage unit, adding the weight of the physical item to a profile corresponding to the physical item, determining that the weight of the physical item is less than a predetermined threshold weight associated with the physical item, generating notification information associated with the physical item, and sending the notification information. In some embodiments, a method for tracking inventory includes receiving sensor data representing a location of a physical item, adding the location of the physical item to a profile corresponding to the physical item, receiving audio data representing a request for the location of the physical item, retrieving the location of the physical item from the profile, generating responsive data representing the of the physical item, and sending the responsive data.

Abstract: A home appliance and a control method therefor are provided. The home appliance includes a display, a sensor to detect whether a door is opened or closed, and at least one processor configured to control the display to display one or more objects, and based on sensing, by the sensor, at least one of an opening or a closing of the door, provide visual feedback to the one or more objects.

Abstract: A medication adherence system and corresponding medication box for improving medication adherence. The system includes the medication box, which is transparent and has a machine-readable marker, such as a QR code, on or beneath the floor thereof. The marker is capable of being scanned and read through the transparent bottoms of individual chambers. Data embedded in the marker includes, but is not limited to, the user's medication plan, the date and time when the medication is to be ingested, and instructions for recording the date and time when the marker is scanned and read. The underlying software program/application processes this information and provides an indication as to the user's compliance with the medication plan.

Abstract: In some instances, a method performed by a smart pill bottle delivery device is provided. The method comprises determining one or more prescription timing intervals indicating times for the user to take one or more medication units of the medication based on retrieving a prescription for the user from memory, providing one or more visual notifications indicating for the user to take the one or more medication units based on the one or more prescription timing intervals, subsequent to providing the one or more visual notifications, detecting position information indicating an action performed by the user, and causing display of a second display screen based on the position information indicating the action performed by the user.

Abstract: A medication dispensing and monitoring system of the present invention includes a housing containing an interior for storing and dispensing medication to an authorized patient at a desired time. The invention is programmed to dispense medication at the desired time and activates alarms if the proper procedure is not completed and/or if other undesirable events occur. The invention includes a secondary dispenser as a failsafe to ensure that the patient can obtain a dose of the contained medication in the event of a device malfunction or patient error.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for data mesh-based environmental augmentation are presented. Attribute data associated with a user may be received from a plurality of attribute sources. A portion of the attribute data. may include real-time data. A portion of the real-time data indicative of an identity of the user may be identified. The identity of the user may be authenticated with respect to the real-time data by analyzing the identified portion of the real-time data. Based on the authentication of the identity of the user, a user activity being performed by the user may be identified based on the real-time data, and the user activity may be augmented according to a user setting.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method to detect timing components of a timing system. A processor sends signals to timing components and compares the responses with each other and with stored characteristic responses to detect if a timing component is present, if its characteristics have changed, to identify the connected timing component, and, if communication protocols are used, exchange data.

Abstract: An apparatus for personal health maintenance has a sensor attached at least indirectly to a carrier member in turn attachable to a user or subject and configured for measurement of at least one physiological parameter of the user. A reservoir contains a preselected composition. An electronic processor is operatively connected to the sensor for receiving a signal therefrom encoding a measurement of the physiological parameter, the processor being configured for determining a divergence of the physiological parameter from a predetermined magnitude, the processor being operatively connected to a dispensing mechanism for ejecting, from the reservoir, an amount of the composition to be administered to the user to reduce divergence of the physiological parameter from the predetermined magnitude. The dispensing mechanism includes an expandable polymer composite layer with gas-filled micro-bubbles or microspheres expandable by operation of a heating element.

Abstract: A system and method for comprehensive remote monitoring of a user's vital signs and bodily functions includes a wearable monitor in bi-directional communication with a gateway element that communicates with one or more external devices to allow remote access to user vital sign and bodily function information.

Abstract: A system for home clothing and footwear products arrangement includes a shelter arrangement which comprises a plurality of shelter elements for storing and sheltering a plurality of dressing items, a control center which is a computing device, an electrical terminal, a position indication arrangement for indicating a position of a target dressing item for a user, and an identifier coupled to the shelter arrangement for establishing communication between the control center and the electrical terminal, so as to allow a user to quickly find his or her target clothing or footwear product.

Abstract: Secure medication storage is described herein. A smart latch includes an actuator, a communication interface, a display, and a processor. The actuator is configured to open and close a latch to secure a door of the enclosure. The processor can be configured to receive a user credential for accessing the enclosure, validate the user credential for accessing the enclosure, trigger the actuator to open the latch, thereby allowing the door to be opened, and trigger the actuator to close the latch after detecting that the door is closed, thereby securing the door.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for monitoring unauthorized access into a container or bottle, and alerting the authorized user, or someone designated by the authorized user, of any unauthorized access.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for dispensing biologic drug compositions. The apparatus includes an automated device that can store a biologic drug under the desired conditions. When authorized, the automated device can process the stored biologic drug by performing the desired processing steps to prepare the biologic drug for administration to a patient. The automated device may include a computing system to transmit patient information to a remote location and receive authorization from a remote location.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions is provided. The apparatus includes multiple dosing stations, each dosing station having an output opening for dispensing solid drug portions, a collector for collecting dosed quantities of solid drug portions dispensed by the dosing stations and forwarding the dosed quantities of solid drug portions to a packager, and multiple fall ducts configured to guide the solid drug portions from the output openings to the collector, each fall duct having an outlet and a number of inlet openings, the output openings of the dosing stations being aligned with the inlet openings of the fall ducts when a fall duct is positioned adjacent to a column of dosing stations. Each fall duct includes a first part and a second part detachably connected together.

Abstract: A manually indexable dispenser, a system, and a method are provided for use with dispensing a nutritional supplements cartridge having a plurality of serving chambers each sealed by a membrane to store a volume of granulated nutritional supplement. The dispenser, the system, and the method are configured to transmit a wireless signal indicative of dispensing of supplements and/or a time of dispensing, and receive a wireless signal containing data indicative of a user notification for a reminder for a user to take a supplement at a specified time.

Abstract: A method including coordinating displaying a personalized list of recommended items on a graphical user interface of a user electronic device of a user. Coordinating displaying can occur after applying a first set of rules to historical sales data available to a retailer to detect a personal replenishment cycle for an item of a set of items purchased by the user. The personal replenishment cycle for the item purchased by the user can comprise an estimated time period of how often the user purchases the item. The historical sales data can comprise a record of the user purchasing the item on one or more dates. Coordinating displaying further can occur after applying a second set of rules to identify if the user has stopped purchasing the item. Coordinating displaying also can occur after applying a third set of rules to the personal replenishment cycle for the item to identify the personalized list of recommended items for the user to consider replenishing. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A consumption-monitoring storage system comprised of consumption-monitoring racks and a control program. The consumption-monitoring racks can have a flat horizontal base and substantially vertical or diagonal sidewalls or siderails. The consumption-monitoring racks can measure the volumetric level of a consumable product for each product container occupying each consumption-monitoring rack. Each product container can have transparent sections or windows positioned opposite each other that provide access to its respective interior volumetric space and the consumable product, allowing measurement of the volumetric level of the consumable product. The control program communicates with the consumption-monitoring racks.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system, comprising one or more medication panels, each having a plurality of docking ports located at a vertical displacement one from another. The medication dispensing system comprises: a plurality of medication container assemblies for storing medication, coupled to the plurality of docking ports; one or more actuators; a gripping assembly, movable vertically by the one or more actuators to a proximate one or more of the medication container assemblies for picking a medication dosage out of the one or more of the medication container assemblies; and a receptacle carrier having a receptacle mount for holding one or more medication receptacles configured to receive the medication dosage.

Abstract: A medical cart is provided that allows confirmation that individual medicines have been managed at appropriate temperatures. The medical cart includes: shelves on which medicines can be placed; and a control part which communicates with an RF tag provided for each of the medicines and equipped with a temperature sensor, at appropriate time intervals via an antenna part provided in the vicinity of each of the shelves, and the control part has a memory part which stores ID information of the RF tag and temperature information sensed by a temperature sensor of the RF tag.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a device, which can comprise a pill reservoir, a first layer, and a chamber. The first layer comprises an inclined entry passage open to the pill reservoir and an exit passage open to a dispense passage. A portion of the chamber layer can travel linearly in close communication within a tubular shaped portion of the first layer.

Abstract: A method for shipping and handling of goods based on automatically operated, dual-access storage boxes is provided with at least one computerized dual-access storage box, at least one vehicle-authentication module, a central server module, and at least one courier vehicle. the vehicle-authentication module performs an authentication process on the courier vehicle goes for conditional access to the computerized dual-access storage box. The central server module receives an authentication request from the vehicle-authentication module. Accordingly, the vehicle-authentication module performs a first unlock event, if the courier vehicle is granted an authentication confirmation. This automatically opens a vehicle-side door for delivery of a cargo. Similarly, the central server module receives a user unlocking request. Accordingly, the central server module performs a second unlock event if the user unlocking request is verified.

Abstract: Techniques for identifying an automatic replenishment device (ARD) to item pairing based on an interaction by a user with a component of the ARD are disclosed herein. In embodiments, information from an ARD may be received that corresponds to an identify request based at least in part on an interaction with a component of the ARD. The information may include a device identifier for the ARD and a registration token. ARD data that identifies the ARD and the item associated with the ARD may be determined based at least in part on the received information. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a notification may be generated based at least in part on the ARD data where the notification is configured to present the item associated with the ARD. The notification may be transmitted to a user device associated with the ARD.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a communication interface, a storage, and a controller. The controller is configured to acquire consumable item information including remaining amount information about a remaining amount of a consumable item, determine whether an order condition for ordering a new consumable item is met on the basis of the remaining amount information, determine whether the consumable item has been used in rapid pace on the basis of the remaining amount information, receive a user instruction whether an order of the new consumable item is placed when determining that the consumable item currently in use has been used in rapid pace, and transmit order information including information about the order of the new consumable item to a server when determining that the order condition is met or in response to receipt of the user instruction to place the order of the new consumable item.

Abstract: A server system tracks purchases by a user of consumable items. Notifications of use of an appliance using a consumable item are received and an estimated amount of the consumable item is decremented in response to the notification. A consumption rate is determined based on the notifications and an expected runout date is calculated. Delivery of the consumable items is then invoked on or before the runout date. The appliance may include, for example, be a network-enabled washing machine that reports loads washed, a refrigerator that detects items removed therefrom, a coffee maker that reports cups of coffee prepared.

Abstract: A portable asset dispensing device includes a container configured to be moved to a plurality of locations, an interior and an end. A door is positioned at the end of the container and includes a locking mechanism. A security access device is disposed at the end and configured to accept access information, and a controller controls access into the container and tracks a plurality of items within the interior of the container. The device includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) readers disposed within the interior of the container, the plurality of RFID readers being configured to detect RFID tags located on the plurality of items within the interior of the container and communicate the items to the controller.

Abstract: A system and method for item replenishment comprise a subscription device that associates tags with items, a tag tracking device for collecting data on the tags associated with the items, and a management system that monitors changes in use of the items, including analyzing use patterns to determine when the items should be replenished, replaced, or upgraded.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for storing, dispensing, and facilitating replenishment of a dispenser. The dispenser may store and dispense one or more types of consumable items. Additionally, the dispenser may include one or more sensors for sensing a storage status of the dispenser (e.g., the quantity consumable items remaining in the dispenser). Further still, the dispenser may communicate storage status updates to a remote device on which a related application can be executed, for updating a current storage status, and presenting a notification to a user of the remote device, suggesting the purchase of additional consumable items to replenish the dispenser. The related application may further present the user with other types of purchasing-related information, such as cross merchandise opportunities, a retailer located nearest to the user/mobile device where the additional consumable items can be purchased from, as well as other shopping-related features and/or functionalities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stress-measuring system for determining a level of stress of a user, in particular for monitoring an upcoming burnout, the system (10) comprising: an alarm clock (12) for initiating an alarm at an arbitrary preset time, wherein the system (10) comprises an interface (14) for switching off the alarm; a vital sign sensor (16) for measuring a first vital sign of the user while the user operates the interface (14); and a processing unit (18) for determining the level of stress of the user based on the sensed first vital sign.

Abstract: Determination of content for presentation by a client device based on item usage data captured by a sensor network is disclosed. Data describing usage of one or more items at a location is received from a sensor network associated with the location. Content is received from a server and a subset of the received content is selected based on attributes of the data from the sensor network and attributes of the content. The subset of the received content is transmitted to a client device for presentation. In one embodiment, data describing interaction with the subset of the received content is received from the client device and transmitted to a content distribution server for use in selecting additional content. In an embodiment, second content determined by the server using interaction with the subset of the received content and data from the sensor network is received from the server.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for performing inventory management using RFID technology. The system includes a double-door box for receiving one or more items containing RFID tags. Items are scanned against a baseline content data to confirm all items are present and whether any items have expired. The box has security features to prevent unauthorized access to its contents and create an audit trail of access. Access to the box may be granted when two users present separate authorized RFID-enabled cards, wrist bands, or other items. Multiple locking features provide for additional security. A drop box mechanism on top of the housing allows for items to be deposited into the box without the same security protocols needed for accessing items. Scanning, authorization, and notification functions may be controlled remotely by an outside server or locally by a processing unit contained within the box itself.

Abstract: Provided is a pill dispensing apparatus that automatically dispenses pills to patients. Also provided is a method of automatically dispensing pills to patients.

Abstract: An item dispensing device includes a plurality of stacked item ejection units, a cylindrical shared delivery pipe penetrating throughout the item ejection units, and an item dispensing unit connected to a lower end of the shared delivery pipe and provided with an item dispensing slot. A plurality of item ejection ports are opened in side wall portions of the shared delivery pipe. The item ejection unit includes a circular rotor and an energizing mechanism. In the rotor, item holders opened radially inward are disposed intermittently along the circumferential direction. The energizing mechanism energizes the item held in any one of the plurality of item holders radially inward and pushes out the item through an opening of the item holder substantially horizontally to the item ejection port when the opening is aligned with the item ejection port with rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A timer device and method for receiving a container includes a base. A timer circuit is within the base. An electric current source is coupled to the timer circuit. A sensor is coupled to the base and is electrically coupled to the timer circuit. A display is coupled to the base and is electrically coupled to the timer circuit for displaying a time value. The base defines a support surface for supporting the container. The sensor transmits a time initiation electrical signal to the timer circuit upon the container being positioned on the support surface. The time initiation electrical signal activates the timer circuit and transmitting the time value to the display. The time value provides a reminder display to the individual of the time interval from the container being positioned on the support surface.

Abstract: An enhanced smart refrigerator (ESR) for automatically populating a virtual shopping cart is provided. The ESR stores a purchase log including a purchase history of a target product. The ESR determines a current interval between a most recent delivery date and a proposed next delivery date based on the purchase history of the target product, and calculates a purchase propensity for the target product based on the current interval and the purchase history of the target product, and automatically adds the product to the virtual shopping cart for submission to a party for purchase of the target product if the purchase propensity meets a first criteria.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for storing, dispensing, and facilitating replenishment of a dispenser. The dispenser may store and dispense one or more types of consumable items. Additionally, the dispenser may include one or more sensors for sensing a storage status of the dispenser (e.g., the quantity consumable items remaining in the dispenser). Further still, the dispenser may communicate storage status updates to a remote device on which a related application can be executed, for updating a current storage status, and presenting a notification to a user of the remote device, suggesting the purchase of additional consumable items to replenish the dispenser. The related application may further present the user with other types of purchasing-related information, such as cross merchandise opportunities, a retailer located nearest to the user/mobile device where the additional consumable items can be purchased from, as well as other shopping-related features and/or functionalities.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products improve healthcare of patients. An electronic patient chart is retrieved and displayed at a patient room computer system. The electronic patient chart is also displayed at a remotely-located primary computer system, such as a nurse's station or other monitoring party. The patient room computer system is linked to the remotely-located primary computer system such that updates to the electronic patient chart received at the patient room computer system are also updated at the primary computer system to permit monitoring.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser may include a body having a base for resting on an underlying foundation in use. The body may include a tablet drop channel that extends in a direction at an angle (?) relative a base plane formed by the base, and a support structure for accommodating at least two tablet cartridge units may be arranged one above the other in relation to the base. Each tablet cartridge unit may have an opening allowing a tablet from the associated tablet cartridge unit to be released into the tablet drop channel via gravitational force, whereby each tablet cartridge unit is inclined at an angle (?) relative the base plane.

Abstract: Methods and systems for pre-configuring a payment vehicle are described. In some embodiments, transaction criteria pertaining to a payment vehicle is proactively received in advance of an anticipated transaction. A transaction authorization request may be received from a point of sale device and may be generated by the point of sale device in response to an attempted use of the payment vehicle. Information about the transaction in the transaction request may be compared with the transaction criteria to determine whether to authorize the transaction.

Abstract: Medicine feeding canister for in an automated medicine dispensing device, wherein the canister comprises a housing, a storage for storing a plurality of medicine units, a discharge for discharging the medicine units and a feeding mechanism for feeding the stored medicine units to the discharge, wherein the storage comprises a plurality of medicine holders, each of the medicine holders being arranged for holding one medicine unit separated from the other held medicine units, and wherein the feeding mechanism is arranged for feeding the medicine units in the medicine holders to the discharge.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a sound input interface, and a controller configured to be capable of recognizing sound that is input to the sound input interface. The controller is configured to, once recognizing predetermined sound other than voice of a user, inform, if information included in the predetermined sound matches schedule information of the user, information including the matched schedule information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for configuring or controlling a device is provided. In addition, a computer program product, and a device are provided. The method comprises detecting, by the device, an event, generating serialized event data in response to the event, receiving the event data from the device, identifying, via an expression, at least one element of the event data, wherein the element indicates a state of the device, performing at least one operation on the element of event data, wherein the operation includes determining the state of the device, displaying a result of the operation, determining whether an indication of an error in the result is received, and when a determination is made that there is no error and the result indicates that the state of the device is a specified state, performing, by the device, a task.

Abstract: A cap for a medication container includes a housing with a top portion and a bottom portion. The top and bottom portions together define a cavity therebetween. A sliding plate is disposed in the cavity adjacent the bottom portion. A microcontroller with a contact sensor is disposed in the cavity between the top portion and the sliding plate. The sliding plate is configured to slide toward and activate the contact sensor where the cap is secured to the medication container in a closed state. The sliding plate is also configured to slide away from and not activate the contact sensor where the cap is removed from the medication container in an open state.

Abstract: A method and system for spatially arranging a plurality of video frames for display on a layout region is provided. The plurality of video frames are selected from a video sequence based on a determination of motion of an object within the video sequence. An image layout path is determined for the selected video frames. An anchor point is determined for each selected video frame based on a determination of motion of the object depicted in the video frame, each said anchor point locating a selected video frame with respect to the layout path. The selected plurality of video frames are spatially arranged on the layout region relative to the determined image layout path and in accordance with the determined anchor points.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining when a tablet has been removed from a blister pack are presented. A method includes measuring an electrical characteristic, such as electrical resistance or impedance, between at least two terminals that are in electrical communication with a lidding film included in the blister pack, wherein the removal of a tablet from the blister pack results in an opening in the lidding film, thereby giving rise to a finite change in the electrical characteristic. Another method determines the state of the blister pack using electrical resistance tomography or electrical impedance tomography.