Device Design
A user can adjust the iQueue to his/her own medication regimen by setting the device to "program" mode and then following the simple set of questions displayed on the LCD screen and responding with button-pushes. The user interface is similar to that of an automatic teller machine, with predefined menu options. All programmed dosing schedule information, as well as a record of whether or not a dose was successfully dispensed at the appropriate time, is recorded to a removable media card. Four (4) AA-size batteries provide power for the iQueue. Once the iQueue is programmed, the mode must be set to "load" so a pill cartridge of up to 14 pills can be loaded into the central column. The iQueue is then ready for use when returned to "lock" mode. At the times each day designated by the user, the cutting and/or dispensing motor is engaged. The pill at the top of the column is displaced from its resting position to the cutting position, where the blade advances to cut it in half. Half of the pill is dispensed via the release hole and the other half is retained in the iQueue by the advanced blade. The patient is alerted by a set of audible beeps, which if the user prefers can be switched instead to a strong vibration setting, so the dose can be taken as prescribed.
Early Device Prototype Images
Processor. An Atmel ATMega168 microcontroller programmed in an Arduino physical computing environment provides control for the various components and features of the device, including motor control, the user interface, and data recording.
LCD screen. Displays messages in high-contrast with white text on a black background.
Buttons. Four tactile-response buttons that the user can push in response to prompts from the LCD.
Setting switch. There are three modes: 1) The "program" setting prompts a set of questions that enables the user to set the time, date, timing of dose, and quantity of dose; 2) The "load" setting allows for user to open the iQueue and insert the pill cartridge; and 3) The "lock" setting prevents opening of device for safety reasons.
microSD card and socket. Dosing schedule and dosing history are stored to commercially-available solid-state removable media card for later analysis and/or transmission to a healthcare provider.
Pill cartridge. An internal casing that can be customized and replaced for different pill types and can hold at least fourteen pills, depending on pill dimensions, that have been stacked and oriented.
Platform. A spring-loaded platform that advances pills to the top of the cartridge.
Motor. 141:1 gear ratio 5-Volt motor that advances the cutting blade along the blade track.
Angled blade. A long-lasting steel blade that cuts pills cleanly with minimal force.
Cutting block. Pills are pushed here prior to cutting. When the blade is advanced, the pill is cut using a combination of force and three-point bending. The dispensed pill exits here.
Infrared sensors. The positions of pills within the column and cutting block are tracked, allowing the processor to intelligently operate based on the status of the device.
Pushing mechanism. The user must simply slide a lever to dispense a pill.
Multimodal indicators. LEDs, a speaker, and a vibrating motor -- in any combination -- alert the user when a dose is ready.
Power supply. The device is designed to draw power from and last for at least a week on two rechargeable lithium polymer batteries.
Photo slideshow of prototype and prototyping process: