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User Interface - Simulator
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Pill Dispenser Setup
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App Architecture
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Schematics
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Figma mockup
Pill Reminder: Revolutionizing Medication Management for Seniors
Inspiration
Incorrect medication dosing is a leading cause of preventable deaths, with 50% of medications not taken as prescribed, contributing to 125,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Seniors face even greater risks, as they often manage multiple prescriptions and deal with challenges like memory loss, vision issues, and reduced dexterity. Motivated by these challenges, we created Pill Reminder to help seniors manage their medications safely, confidently, and independently.
What It Does
Pill Reminder simplifies medication management by allowing users to snap a photo of their prescription label. The app scans and extracts the dosage instructions, sends them to a smart pill dispenser that only dispense the right dose is taken at the right time. With clear reminders, buzzer alerts, and real-time notifications, it takes the guesswork out of medication management.
How We Built It
- Figma: Designed an intuitive, responsive interface with high-contrast elements for easy navigation.
- Flutter: Developed the app's prescription scanning, pill scheduling, and reminder features.
- OCR: Scanned prescriptions to extract drug names, doses, and times.
- Gemini AI: Analyzed scanned data for accurate medication instructions.
- Flask Backend: Handled user requests, stored data, and managed communication with the pill dispenser.
- JS Object database: Secured database storage for user profiles, prescriptions, and reminders.
- Arduino + Servo Motor: Controlled the pill dispenser to release the correct dose.
- Serial Communication: Ensured seamless interaction between software and hardware for accurate pill dispensing.
Challenges We Overcame
- Backend Server Setup: Ensured smooth communication between cloud-deployed software and locally-run hardware.
- OCR Accuracy: Overcame challenges in reading various fonts and handwritten prescriptions.
- Hardware Integration: Fine-tuned communication between Arduino and the pill dispenser for precise pill release.
- User Interface Design: Created a simple, accessible interface tailored to seniors, ensuring ease of use.
Accomplishments We’re Proud Of
- Fully Integrated System: A seamless combination of software and hardware components.
- Reliable Core Functionality: The system reliably scans prescriptions, schedules medications, and operates the dispenser.
- Effective Teamwork: Our team successfully collaborated to solve complex challenges.
- Diverse Tech Stack: We utilized tools like Figma, Flutter, Flask, and MongoDB to deliver a robust and smooth user experience.
What We Learned
- Adapting to New Technologies: We quickly picked up new skills in AI, OCR, and hardware integration.
- Problem Solving and Flexibility: We learned to think critically and adapt to unexpected challenges.
- User-Centered Focus: We prioritized accessibility and simplicity, ensuring the app is easy for seniors to use.
- Team Communication: We improved collaboration and problem-solving skills throughout the development process.
What’s Next for Pill Reminder
- Cloud Hosting + User Authentication: Enhance scalability and secure user data.
- Improving Dispenser: 3-D printing a customizable, affordable dispenser for wider access, and implementing a wireless-communication module for the dispenser.
- Cross-Platform Deployment: Expand the app to iOS, Android, and web versions for broader accessibility.
- Caregiver Features: Introduce tools for caregivers to monitor and manage medication schedules for seniors.
Pill Reminder is more than just an app—it’s a step towards making healthcare safer, easier, and more accessible for everyone.
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