FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to medication, nutrient or other dispensary substance dispensing apparatus, and control systems and computer program applications for controlling such apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dispensing the appropriate medication, nutrient, dietary supplement or other dispensary substance to users at the correct prescribed times and in the correct doses is a problem addressed by various automatic medication dispensing systems.

For example, one previously considered system has a series of rings grouped as a rotary drum and controlled for dispensing medication on a daily basis into a divided pill box. A computer control module controls the movement of the various components and is programmable for loading and dispensing different medication regimes. In another previously considered system, medication is loaded into a series of cylinders mounted in a circular arrangement. The medication is then dispensed from one of the cylinders at a programmed time. In another, a pill tray is associated with a control system and a dispensing tray, the pill tray having a plurality of sections each associated with a time period, and the medication in the respective sections being passed to the dispensing tray at the associated respective time periods. In another, an annular pill tray is rotated to present the contents of each section at respective programmed times. There are a number of disadvantages associated with prior automatic medication or supplement dispensing systems. Automatic systems known to the art typically dispense medication in the form of pills or tablets, or otherwise in tubs containing them, which can be difficult for users with motor deficiencies to handle, or to pick up or collect from the dispensing trays used in these systems. Prior systems also tend to be highly complex, with many moving parts thereby requiring high degrees of regular maintenance and parts replacement. Such systems are also relatively bulky, with the automated system parts requiring large amounts of space and adding weight and complexity; in particular many such mechanisms using rotary components occupy large amounts of dead space unused for either storage or for the dispensing arrangement. These systems can be difficult to expand for extra capacity, as the arrangements are so complex, or would be become unwieldy by the expansion required. They can be difficult or time consuming to load.

In addition, although prior systems aim to dispense the medication at the correct time, they may not have reliable systems for helping to ensure that the

medication is actually picked up or taken by the user. Furthermore, prior systems can be complicated and time consuming to programme. Moreover, such systems do not provide protected or security- enabled access for the user and for the care-giver loading the device.

The present invention aims to address these problems and provide

improvements upon the known devices and methods.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention are set out in the accompanying claims. ln general terms, one embodiment of a first aspect of the invention can provide a dispensary substance dispensing apparatus, comprising: a storage area for storing dispensary substance articles; a dispensing area for the articles; a driver; and a transport device, wherein in response to a dispensing prompt, the transport device is operable by the driver to carry an article in an at least partly linear direction from the storage area towards the dispensing area.

This provides a far more simple apparatus, with fewer moving parts requiring maintenance, which also allows a compact arrangement for dispensing the articles.

The dispensary substance may be a chemical substance, dietary supplement, nutrient, medicant, medicament, medication, medicine, restorative, tonic, vitamin, treatment, remedy, herbal extract or part, pharmaceutical, pharmacon,

therapeutic substance, or the like. The article may be a container or medium for the medication, dispensary substance or nutrient, such as a sachet, or a pill or tablet, or a piece of matter embodying the substance, such as a piece of organic matter having medicant, restorative, remedial or therapeutic or the like properties, or an ingestible sheet impregnated with the substance.

In an alternative arrangement, the transport device is operable by the driver to initiate transportation of an article in an at least partly linear direction from the storage area towards the dispensing area. Preferably, the driver uses a rotary action to drive linear carriage of the article. This feature in particular provides the simple means for providing dispensing without excessive bulk or complex parts.

Suitably, the transport device is configured to contain the article in the storage area in addition to carrying the article towards the dispensing area. This means that the apparatus does not require separate parts for these two functions. ln an embodiment, the transport device comprises a single component with a single degree of freedom of movement, which single component operable by the rotary action of the driver. Preferably, the transport device comprises a helical coil, which coil operable by the rotary action of the driver to carry the article along an axis of the coil. This allows the use of a single component alone for the transport device, again simplifying the apparatus.

In another embodiment, the transport device comprises a conveyor, which conveyor operable by the rotary action of the driver. Preferably, the conveyor comprises a plurality of receptacles for containing dispensary substance articles.

The dispensing prompt may take different forms. For example, a prompt from programming instructions stored in the apparatus may instruct the driver to operate the transport device, for instance at a given medication or supplement dispensing time. The dispensing prompt may alternatively be provided by a user interaction.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a user interaction device, and the transport device is operable by the driver to carry the article in response to a user interaction.

Suitably, the transport device for containing the article is shaped to complement the form of the article. Preferably, the article is substantially planar in shape, and the portion of the transport device for containing the article defines a containing volume substantially planar in shape.

This feature among others allows for the use of sachets or envelopes (or other generally planar medication, nutrient or other dispensary substance containers) as the article, rather than pills or tablets, which in turn provides a far more compact apparatus. The contents of the sachet may nevertheless be a pill or tablet, or other form in which the medication, nutrient or dispensary substance may be deliverable or ingestible, such as a part of a plant or root. In

embodiments however, the contents of the sachet may be a powder or similar fine loose solid.

In embodiments, the apparatus comprises a controller for controlling the driver in response to the dispensing prompt. Preferably, the controller is programmable, and the apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving programming instructions from a remote device. In an embodiment, the programming instructions from the remote device are compilable on the remote device using a web interface. This provides a simple and more accessible means for programming the apparatus.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a lockable housing containing the storage area, the driver and the transport device, and on which housing a (or the) user interaction device is disposed.

Suitably, the user interaction device comprises a biometric feature detector. Preferably, the user interaction device is configured to detect a biometric feature of the user, and provide an output signal for control of one of: the driver; and a lock of the lockable housing. This provides security for use of the apparatus by the medication or supplement user or consumer to prevent unauthorised use, and for restricting access to load the apparatus to (other) authorised users.

In embodiments, the apparatus comprises a dispensing receptacle for dispensed articles, and the dispensing receptacle comprises a sensor for detecting removal of a dispensed article from the dispensing receptacle. Preferably, the sensor is a light sensor, and wherein in a first state a sensor system is configured to remain idle when the light sensor is at least partially obscured, and in a second state the sensor system is configured to return a confirmation signal when the object obscuring the light sensor is removed. Such features provide a means for determining whether once dispensed the medication or supplement article has actually been picked up or removed from the dispensing receptacle. In the case of determining that the article has not been removed, this can prompt provision of an alert, and/or restriction of a following article or next dose, for example in order to prevent double-dosing. In an embodiment, the light sensor comprises a reflective object sensor. The reflective object sensor may comprise a light emission device and a light sensing or receiving device. One embodiment of a second aspect of the invention can provide a dispensary substance dispensing apparatus, comprising: a storage area for storing dispensary substance articles; a dispensing area for the articles; a driver; and a transport device, wherein in response to a dispensing prompt, the transport device is operable by the driver to carry an article from the storage area towards the dispensing area, and wherein a portion of the transport device for containing the article is shaped to complement the form of the article.

One embodiment of a third aspect of the invention can provide a dispensary substance dispensing apparatus, comprising: a storage area for storing dispensary substance articles; a dispensing area; a dispensing receptacle for dispensed articles; a driver; and a transport device, wherein the transport device is operable by the driver to carry an article from the storage area towards the dispensing area, and wherein the dispensing receptacle comprises a sensor for detecting removal of a dispensed article from the dispensing receptacle.

One embodiment of a fourth aspect of the invention can provide a dispensary substance dispensing apparatus, comprising: a storage area for storing dispensary substance articles; a dispensing area for the articles; a driver; and a transport device, wherein in response to a dispensing prompt, the transport device is operable by the driver to initiate transportation of an article in an at least partly linear direction from the storage area towards the dispensing area, and wherein the driver uses a rotary action to drive linear transportation of the article.

One embodiment of a fifth aspect of the invention can provide a method of dispensing a dispensary substance for a dispensary substance dispensing apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a storage area for storing dispensary substance articles; a dispensing area for the articles; a driver; and a transport device, the method comprising, in response to a dispensing prompt, operating the transport device by the driver to carry an article in an at least partly linear direction from the storage area towards the dispensing area.

One embodiment of a sixth aspect of the invention can provide a computer program application comprising computer program code adapted, when loaded into or run on a computer or processor, to cause the computer or processor to generate programming instructions for the controller of the apparatus according to the above described embodiments.

As mentioned above, the exemplary arrangements described herein may be implemented to carry or otherwise transport dispensary substance articles from the storage area towards the dispensing area. In some arrangements, the dispensary substance article may be carried/transported to the dispensing area. In other arrangements, the dispensary substance article may be

carried/transported part of the way to the dispensing area, and then, for example, the dispensary substance article may arrive at the transport area under, say, force of gravity, either through freefall (if this can be arranged so that the dispensary substance article is not damaged during the fall) or in a more controlled manner such as by sliding down a dispensing chute within the dispensing apparatus. One embodiment of a seventh aspect of the invention can provide a substance dispensing apparatus, comprising: a storage area for storing substance articles; a dispensing area for the articles; a driver; and a transport device, wherein in response to a dispensing prompt, the transport device is operable by the driver to carry an article in an at least partly linear direction from the storage area towards the dispensing area.

The above aspects and embodiments may be combined to provide further aspects and embodiments of the invention.

Processors and/or controllers may comprise one or more computational processors, and/or control elements having one or more electronic processors. Uses of the term "processor" or "controller" herein should therefore be considered to refer either to a single processor, controller or control element, or to pluralities of the same; which pluralities may operate in concert to provide the functions described. Furthermore, individual and/or separate functions of the processor(s) or controller(s) may be hosted by or undertaken in different control units, processors or controllers.

To configure a processor or controller, a suitable set of instructions may be provided which, when executed, cause said control unit or computational device to implement the techniques specified herein. The set of instructions may suitably be embedded in said one or more electronic processors. Alternatively, the set of instructions may be provided as software to be executed on said computational device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a medication or supplement dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 2 to 4 are diagrams illustrating alternative dispensing systems for a dispensing apparatus according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a control system for a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating steps for a method of dispensing medication, nutrients or other dispensary substances for a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating steps for a method of refilling medication or supplements for a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating steps for a method of scheduling medication or supplements for a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating an alternative dispensing system for a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention provide simplified and compact arrangements for automatically dispensing medication, nutrients or other dispensary substances. In particular, embodiments of the invention are directed to the dispensing of sachets of medication or dietary supplements, rather than pills or tablets, which are easier for certain users to handle. Particular embodiments provide features to aid security and determine retrieval of the medication or supplement by the user.

These embodiments are less complicated (and expensive) than prior cup and robotic arm mechanisms. They are able to dispense a set of medication or supplement with uncomplicated internal machinery. For example, in one embodiment, a dispensing apparatus dispenses an easily- consumable single sachet of medication, upon notification of timeliness and confirmation of readiness by the medication recipient (most usually a patient), with alerts should the medication regime not be adhered to.

A care-giver (or similar) arranges medication or supplements into sachets or envelopes, according to a particular recipient's schedule. Each sachet is placed into a slot within the dispenser, pertinent to that particular timeslot (e.g. morning). For example, each coil (or similar - see Figures 2 to 4) may correspond to a time of day (such as: first thing in the morning; 4pm; after breakfast; with lunch) for a recipient's medication, treatment or dietary schedule. Multiple days may be stored. The recipient's schedule is pre-programmed into the dispenser's online interface, with the time of day each medication/supplement slot is needed by the patient.

Upon reaching the pre-determined timeslot for the patient, the dispenser emits a loud sound and flashes a bright light. This alerts the recipient to the need for consumption. The recipient acknowledges their presence by pressing a button or utilising a biometric identifier (e.g. fingerprint scanner). The dispenser then issues a single sachet of medication/supplement, corresponding to that time slot. No further medication/supplement will be dispensed until the next time slot.

In an embodiment, should a medication notification be ignored for a set period of time, the dispenser triggers an alert. This results in an email and/or SMS to preset care recipients to undertake remedial action. Otherwise, the adherence to medication is logged and may be viewed remotely by any personnel to whom access has been granted. Alerting the care giver(s) may also be undertaken by other methods, such as by mobile application push notifications and the like. Embodiments of the invention provide inexpensive adherence to medication for those unable or unwilling to follow manual adherence. These mechanisms are a more robust approach to medication delivery and uncomplicated for those who are required to undertake refilling.

Furthermore, with the introduction of biometric sensors, the risk of unsupervised access to medication (e.g. children) by triggering of dispensation by a non- medication recipient, is lowered. The same mechanism can be utilised to limit access to those authorised to resupply the medication.

Dispensation via a sachet is believed to be most suitable for individuals who might otherwise struggle with loose pills (or similar). This includes those with motor deficiencies. Minimal space is taken using this approach and it also provides for pre-packaged daily dosages from suppliers - which is starting to become more popular. The remote analysis and monitoring of the device means integration with command centres is also possible - as well as individual caregiver monitoring. The inclusion of role-based access means only those who are authorised to view certain information will be privy to it. This maximises the ability to determine medication recipients' medication status from anywhere in the world - and to react fast.

Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a medication, nutrient, dietary supplement or other dispensary substance dispensing apparatus (100) according to an embodiment of the invention. The dispenser is an electronic and mechanical apparatus that can provide on-time and error-free medication adherence even when the medication recipients (patients) are elderly or dementia impaired. It uses a combination of electronic, mechanical and sensing components.

The main parts of the apparatus are the driver, here the motors (1 19) and the transport device, here the coils (106). Each of a set of four transport coils (106) is driven by a corresponding motor. In operation, this motor rotates, rotating the coil, thereby moving the convolutions of the coil in a forward direction. Here the coils are straight, and therefore the movement is in a linear, longitudinal direction along the axis of the coil. This simple, single movement (rotation) provided to a single component, the coil, being the only moving part in the transport device, provides a simplified arrangement with as few as possible moving parts, and provides linear movement with a simple rotary drive. Other options can be provided for these components - for example, as shown in later drawings, the coils can be replaced by alternative transport means, such as simple conveyor arrangements. The motors can be replaced by similar drive means, as long as these provide controllable movement of the transport device. In use, the transport device of embodiments of the invention is used both for storage and for dispensing of the medication or supplement articles. Here, this dual function is provided by the coils; each package of medication, such as a sachet, is contained between two convolutions of the coil. On loading the entire coil can be filled with the medication packages. On activation, the coil moves and transports the sachets longitudinally along the coil until the final coil convolution drops the sachet - this is the dispensing area, which takes different forms in different embodiments.

In other embodiments, as shown below, the storage and dispensing dual function is provided by alternative arrangements, which move between the two areas. In alternatives not illustrated, the function can be provided by a dual coil system, in which two coils contain and transport the items. For example, each coil can hold one corner of a rectangular sachet. The coils process forward in the same way, carrying the item forward. Another particular advantage of this and the other simple arrangements described here is that the storage and containment of the medication or supplement packages in the transport device is made far more compact than in previous arrangements, due to the similarity in shape or figure/configuration between the containing portion, and the item to be contained (here the sachet). In this embodiment, the space or pitch between the coils is defined by two neighbouring convolutions or rings, and the package rests on the part of the coil which links these two rings. Since the rings are relatively close together, this space is ideal for containing a relatively flat or planar object. Sachets are therefore readily contained, and each storage area is therefore far more compact than in previous arrangements. The space between the rings matches or is comparable to the format/form or shape of the item contained.

Effectively, the medication to storage space ratio is relatively high - in previous arrangements, with one or two pills in the bottom of usually quite large pockets or troughs, the medication to storage space ratio is low.

A further advantage of such arrangements is that there is little wasted or dead space in the arrangement. The items, whether on such a coil or on a linear conveyor as below, are transported through essentially the same space that the items are/were stored in. There is no separate space or area required for storage; the space is also used for transport. In comparison to previous systems having annular ring dispensers, there is no dead space (as there would be in the centre of the annulus), in part because the transport is linear, and also because the physical volume used for storage and also for transport does not enclose any other volumes which become wasted space. For example, the coil in Figures 1 and 2 occupies only the volume defined by the outer edges of the rings of the coil. The spaces between the coils are used for storage, and also for

transportation. The space in the section or diameter of each coil (the core along the length of the coil) is also occupied by the next medication package or sachet in the series. Furthermore, the single rotational movement of the drive device of embodiments of the invention, providing the (linear) movement of the transport portion, provides all of the functions of storage, transport/movement, dispensing, replenishing the next item for dispensing and other functions which in prior systems are all provided by different components, making different movements. Here, the coil or conveyor stores the items, moves them towards the dispensing area or end of the transport section, drops them for dispensing, and of course provides the next item in line ready for dispensing.

In addition for these embodiments, in contrast to the prior art, it is simple to vary the number of medication or dietary supplement days by lengthening the mechanism, to accommodate situations where one week is an insufficient supply - without creating excess bulk within the dispenser. The coil or conveyor can simply be made longer (or shorter) during manufacture, to accommodate the needs of the medication situation. Adding several days or doses worth of coils, for example, adds barely any length or weight to the arrangement. In prior systems, further storage areas would require much more additional space given the lack of compactness, and given the usual complexity of these systems would either be difficult or impossible to implement.

Referring now to other features detailed in Figure 1 , a microcontroller (1 14) loaded with control software commands a series of four or more of the above described dispensing mechanisms (106, 1 19) via a stepper motor driver (1 18), each mechanism being assigned to dispense medication or a supplement at a given time or in a given combination at specific times of the day to distinct patients. The microcontroller unit interfaces through general inputs and outputs (GPIOs) with a stepper motor driver to drive the corresponding motor of the dispensing mechanism. The stepper motor provides steps of single revolutions of the coil, to dispense a single item at a time. An array of LEDs (1 10) and a buzzer (1 12) generate the required audible and visual alarms. The fingerprint scanner (1 16) identifies and authenticates the users. In other embodiments, other biometric features can be used for identification such as images of the user compared with stored images, or retinal scans. The advantage of this system over prior systems is that the biometric feature detector (here a fingerprint scanner) can be used both for identifying the correct user (and locking out anyone else), and for identifying one or more caregivers who are authorised to load the machine. In alternative embodiments, other means of generating the alarm(s) or alerts can be used, such as a display screen and speaker, or a voice-guided system. Any such electronic means sufficient to appropriately alert audibly and/or visually the user may be used. A sensor (104) is used to detect if the medication or supplement was left in the tray. Here, a light sensor is used - this is particularly applicable to the use of medication/supplement packages such as sachets, as an area of a dispensing receptacle can be effectively covered by the sachet, and therefore a light sensor can be triggered. When the sachet is removed, the light sensor is again triggered, and a signal can be sent to the controller (1 14) to confirm removal of the sachet.

In a particular embodiment, a reflective object sensor is used. This type of sensor has both a light emitting device and receiver device; the light emission is reflected from an object proximate to the sensor, so if an object is present (or close enough) the light reflected is detected by the receiver. These sensors can for example be used to detect whether an object is on, or 0.5mm to 5mm over, the sensor. In other embodiments, other sensors may be used, such as a pressure sensor under the dispensing receptacle, or a movement sensor. Any type of sensor which can detect the presence of the medication article, and/or detect its removal, can be used.

The advantage of these arrangements over the prior systems, is that prior systems were only able to check that the medication had been successfully expelled from the dispensing device (into a dispensing tray), or that the tray had been re-inserted into the device, or that the device had been turned round or over in a particular way (to drop the items), or even merely that a button had been pressed by the user acknowledging an alarm. These systems are all inadequate in the case where the patient might be unable to recall exactly what to do when the alarm is sounded, or might wish to ignore the dose presented, for example. Detection that the item has been removed from the dispensing area goes a step further, ensuring that the item has been taken or picked up by the user. This feature can thus allow use of this information, once determined. In addition to alerting a care giver that a medication or supplement article has not been picked up by the user, for example the release of the next dose may be prevented, if the last dose was not removed or picked up as expected. This can help to prevent double-dosing, for instance.

The use of a sensor in this way also provides the ability to detect errors or malfunctions. For example, when refilling the care giver or nurse may

accidentally skip one of the slots or coil spaces, so that when the time comes to serve that dose on the particular day or time, the spiral/helical coil (transport device) spins to release a dose, but no medication/supplement is dispensed. The tray sensor will then detect that no medication is resting on the tray, and therefore note an error (reconciled with the device(s) controlling the transport device). The system can then send an alert to the caregiver. Similarly, such a system can also be used to note an error and provide an alert for sachets or packets becoming jammed or lodged in the dispensing device, and not reaching the tray area when expected. The arrangement in Figure 1 also includes a lid release mechanism (120), which can be controlled by the controller (1 14) on the basis of the input from the fingerprint scanner (1 16). A power supply (108) is also provided. In

embodiments, a backup power supply may be provided.

The four separate coils in Figure 1 can be used for different types of medication or supplements, so that different medications are dispensed at different types of day (or simultaneously, or all at once). They can also be used for example to programme different medications for up to four different users of the same apparatus.

Figures 2 to 4 are diagrams illustrating alternative dispensing systems for a dispensing apparatus according to embodiments of the invention. In Model I (200, Figure 2), the medication or supplement 201 is preloaded in colour-coded envelopes (202). A helical coil (208) is rotated by a stepper motor (206) to move forward one envelope at a time. The "pushed" envelope lands on a tray (210) to be collected by the medication recipient. A sensor (212) at the bottom of the tray detects the time the envelope is left in the tray. A lid (204) prevents unauthorised persons altering the dosage.

In Model I I (300, Figure 3) the medication (201 ) is preloaded in the envelopes (202). A conveyor belt (308) with compartments is rotated by a stepper motor (306) to unload one envelope at a time. Here, the comparable shape to the envelope is provided by the space between the compartments of the conveyor. The rotary motion providing the linear motion is the rotating motor 306 running the conveyor.

The "unloaded" envelope lands on a tray (310) to be collected by the recipient. A sensor (312) and lid 304 are provided in similar fashion to Figure 2. ln Model I I I (400, Figure 4), the medication or supplement 201 is loaded in cups (402) attached to a conveyor belt (408) which is rotated by a stepper motor (406) to unload the medication in a cup seating at the tray (410) to be collected by the recipient. The bottom of the cup is not translucent, which allows a light sensor (412) at the bottom of the tray to detect if the cup has been lifted from the tray. A lid (404) is again provided.

It should be noted that amounts of medication or supplements, and numbers of different doses per day (and therefore slots/spaces used) may be varied for different recipients. For example, for one recipient, there may only be one dose per day, and therefore one slot/coil space used per day. Therefore one transport device or device section (e.g. one helical coil or conveyor run, see Figures 2 to 4) may contain many days' worth of doses for that user. Another user may require four doses per day, of different medications. These doses can be loaded in sets of four in the transport device, so that each day's first dose follows the previous day's fourth dose.

Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a control system (500) for a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. This diagram illustrates components or modules of firmware which provide functions and control of the apparatus.

A medication or dietary database is provided (51 0), either locally in a memory or storage device, or downloaded from the network (506). When dosage time arrives, the scheduler (512) will initiate a loud sound and a visual signal via the signalling component (516) that will continue until the medication recipient removes the medication or a pre-defined time limit is exceeded.

Authentication and adherence sensors input to the hardware controller (514), where algorithms ensure that the correct medication recipient receives the appropriate dosage on-time and alerts the caregiver via the adherence module (518) should the medication recipient fail to take the medication according to the planned schedule. Mechanical locking mechanisms activated by the hardware controller 514 eliminate medication recipient errors or abuse. A fingerprint scanner (which can input to the hardware controller 514, or be assigned as one of the system interfaces (502)) ensures that the correct medication recipient is receiving the appropriate medication. This eliminates the risk of potential non-medication recipients (e.g. children, spouse) taking unprescribed medication. Additionally, it authenticates caregivers to ensure that only authorised personnel can alter dosages and schedules.

The opening of the loading lid is locked (514) and controlled by the software (508, scheduler 512) to ensure that only the authorised caregiver can load or alter the content.

In an embodiment, the medication will not be dispensed if the medication recipient attempts to activate the dispensing button outside the scheduled time. If the medication is not taken for a preconfigured period of time the dispenser will initiate an alert protocol to alert family members and caregivers (518). A sensor at the delivery tray detects if the medication has been served but not taken and alerts accordingly.

In addition, the loading trays for each dispensing mechanism are colour-coded to minimise errors during refilling.

The medication is presented to the medication recipients in envelopes, sachets or cups to reduce the possibility of spillage and increase ease of consumption.

The dispenser is designed to be operated through a web interface (504). It allows operation through a direct wifi pairing with mobile devices and computers, via a network 506; an API interface is also provided (508). The software components include a system interface 502 to interact with the network, storage and 10 of the microcontroller. The web based interface 504 is here provided in a browser format, accessible by mobile devices, that allows the caregivers to configure the device, schedule and administer dosages.

In an alternative embodiment, a local interface mounted on the housing itself is provided for control. This may also access either a locally stored or network downloaded database.

The medication database (510) facility allows the caregivers to maintain a database of description and dosage of the drugs in use. The scheduler (512) triggers the events, activates and deactivates the signalling modules (516). The hardware controller (514) controls the dispensing mechanisms and processes the signals from the sensors. The adherence module (518) allows API configurations for alerting the caregivers.

The computing devices illustrated may include software and/or hardware for providing functionality and features described herein. The computing devices may therefore include one or more of logic arrays, memories, analog circuits, digital circuits, software, firmware and processors. The hardware and firmware components of the computing devices may include various specialized units, circuits, software and interfaces for providing the functionality and features described herein.

The microcontroller 1 14 for example has a processor coupled to a memory, storage, and interfaces. The processor may be or include one or more microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs) and programmable logic arrays (PLAs). The memory may be or include RAM, ROM, DRAM, SRAM and MRAM, and may include firmware, such as static data or fixed instructions, BIOS, system functions, configuration data, and other routines used during the operation of the computing devices and processors. The memory also provides a storage area for data and instructions associated with applications and data handled by the processor.

Storage provided may include non-volatile, bulk or long term storage of data or instructions. The storage may take the form of a solid-state storage medium, disk, tape, CD, DVD, or other reasonably high capacity addressable or serial storage medium. Multiple storage devices may be provided. Some of these storage devices may be external to the apparatus, such as network storage or cloud-based storage, accessible for example via the network 506. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating steps (600) for a method of dispensing medication, nutrients, supplements or other dispensary substances for a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

The process starts (602) and a user scans (604) his/her finger to identify if he/she is an authorised caregiver (606). Authorised caregivers can unlock the lid (608) that gives access to the loading area (610) of the dispensing mechanism. This prevents medication recipients or unauthorised persons from altering the preloaded dosages. In addition, authorised caregivers are able to access the graphical user interface to set up dosage times (612) and load the

medication/supplement dosage and description database.

When the next dosage time (614) in the scheduler is triggered, an audible and visual alarm is activated (616) and repeated until the recipient authenticates through the fingerprint scanner (618). Once the recipient is successfully authenticated (620), the corresponding dispensing device is activated (622) and the dosage is presented at the dispensing tray. The audible and visual alarm will only stop (636, 624, 626) when the medication is removed from the tray, then assumed taken. Should the recipient fail to scan his/her finger or leave the medication in the tray beyond the preconfigured period of time (632), an alert protocol (634) is initiated to notify the caregivers of the non-adherence.

For every successful delivery of medication/supplement (626) the software will discount the corresponding medication (628) from the inventory and will alert the caregivers when it is time to refill (630). In an alternative embodiment, for circumstances for instance in which

authentication of the recipient is not required (for example, where no other persons have access to the apparatus) the dispensing/transport device may be activated to dispense the dosage simply by the scheduler (or by some

programmed instructions having scheduled timing), for example at a scheduled dosage time. The audible/visual alarm may nevertheless be activated to alert the recipient, and stopped when the medication is removed.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating steps (700) for a method of refilling

medication/supplements for a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

The process starts (702) when dosages are dispensed (704) from the apparatus, and a check is made to determine whether a stock level has been reached (706), for example whether the dispenser is empty, or whether a minimum threshold of stock has been reached. The stock level can be checked automatically, for example by a sensor in the transport device, or by weighing the level of stock remaining, or by recording and referring to the integer number of cycles processed (dosages dispensed) since the last refill. If the level has not been reached, the check is performed next time a dose is dispensed (704). If the level has been reached, the caregiver is alerted that replenishment is needed (708). For replenishment, the caregiver/user's fingerprint is scanned (710), and the identity of the fingerprint is checked (712). If the fingerprint matches the caregiver's, the loading lid is unlocked (714) and the caregiver loads the medication (71 6). The caregiver can then update the inventory control system (718) manually, or the level of stock can also be assessed automatically. The lid is then locked (720) and the process is completed (722).

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating steps (800) for a method of scheduling for a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. The process starts (802) and the user provides some kind of authentication to the web interface (804). This can be a login and password, PIN, chip card reader and PIN or the like. If the authentication is verified, the user is confirmed as the caregiver authenticated for the device (806), and the caregiver can then configure the schedule (808) using the web interface. The process finishes (81 0) when the user finishes the configuration, or logs out.

Figures 9 and 1 0 are diagrams illustrating an alternative dispensing system for a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. Certain features in these diagrams are the same or similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, though here there are additional dispensing coils (908).

The medication 201 is preloaded in the colour-coded envelopes (202), and placed into one of the helical coils (908), which are rotated by a stepper motor (906) to move forward one envelope at a time. The lid (904) prevents

unauthorised persons altering the dosage, and allows access for loading the coils.

In this embodiment, there are a plurality of rows of dispensing coils arranged in a stack, forming a matrix of dispensing coils, as shown in Figure 10, an end on view of the apparatus and the stack/matrix of coils. Here, the matrix is four coils wide, and three coils high. In other embodiments, the matrix can be different sizes, with different numbers of coils in the rows and columns. As in Figure 2, "pushed" envelopes land on a tray (910) to be collected by the recipient; here the tray may be enlarged and have sloping sides, as shown in Figure 10, in order to catch the envelopes dispensed from higher coils. In this embodiment (and as an alternative for other embodiments), there is only one sensor (912) in the tray, rather than one sensor under each coil. The sloping sides of the tray 910 ensure that the envelope from any of the dispensing coils will always travel down to the centre of the tray where the sensor is located, so that the sensor can check for removal of the envelope.

This arrangement of more coils than in the embodiment of Figure 2, and on multiple levels of dispensing coils, allows for dispensing for multiple users from a single device, and with greater flexibility. For example, each different user can be assigned a separate dispensing coil to be loaded with medication. Using the fingerprint reading, the different users/patients can be identified and the apparatus can dispense the medication/supplement for a particular patient.

This matrix arrangement of a stack of a plurality of dispensing coils, can also be used with the transport devices and dispensing arrangements illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, and in the other alternatives described above. For example, a set of conveyors as illustrated in Figure 3 can be arranged in a stack or matrix similar to that illustrated in Figure 10.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention has been described by way of example only, and that a variety of alternative approaches may be adopted without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.