IoT-Based Smart Medicine Dispenser to Control and Supervise Medication Intake

This paper presents a system consisting of a smart medicine dispenser of solid medications (pills, capsules,...) and a mobile application for its configuration and management. The main idea is to offer a solution to help people (especially vulnerable ones) to avoid incorrect medication intakes. In this regard, the smart dispenser delivers the required medication if two conditions are met: (1) it is the scheduled time for a medication intake, and (2) the person who removes the medication from the dispenser (patient or caregiver) can be identified and is authorized to do so. Person identification and authorization is performed through facial recognition by the dispenser and through a username and a password by the mobile application. Moreover, the system reminds the users whenever a medication intake should take place through mobile notifications and lights and sounds emitted by the dispenser. The system development has been guided by a Test-Driven Development Methodology for Internet of Things (IoT)-based Systems to promote its quality and reliability.