GB2606201A

GB2606201A - Lockable cabinet

Info

Publication number: GB2606201A
Application number: GB2106147.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Niven Norman
Original assignee: Medication Support Ltd
Current assignee: Medication Support Ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-29
Filing date: 2021-04-29
Publication date: 2022-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2041-04-29
Also published as: GB202106147D0; GB2606201B; IE20220220A1; WO2022229663A1; IE87644B1

Abstract

A cabinet 100 for storing medicines, the cabinet having at least one openable door 105 for providing access to an interior 110 of the cabinet to access medicines stored within, a lock 115, communication means 120 for receiving instruction data from a computer server via a computer network, where the instruction data indicates an instruction to enable a state of the lock, and processing means 130 to authenticate the received instruction data and configure the state of the lock according to the authenticated instruction data. The cabinet may also include an output means 150 for indicating the state of the lock, and an override control 116 which may operate a mechanical release on a latch. The communication means may transmit log data indicating an access history of the cabinet to the server. The cabinet may also include a storage means 140 for storing the log data. The log data may further include a power state history and network signal history of the cabinet. An image capture 190 means may capture and send image data of a cabinet user to the computer server. The image capture means may be a part of the cabinet or may be a separate device.

Description

LOCKABLE CABINET

[0001] The present invention relates to a lockable cabinet. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a cabinet for storing medicines.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Existing technologies in this field relate to cabinets for storing medicines in which access to an interior of the cabinet is provided by a lock that is locked and unlocked by a person wishing to access the cabinet. For example, in existing technologies, a patient unlocks and locks the cabinet with a physical object, such as a key or RFID tag, by entering security information, such as a password or pin code or by using biometric information such as a fingerprint or image recognition of personal information.

[0003] In some situations, existing cabinets may be used in situations where a patient cannot be trusted to access medicine on their own. In these situations, a trusted person, e.g. a carer, pharmacist or other healthcare provider must unlock and lock the cabinet.

However, since these cabinets can only be unlocked in person, the trusted person and the patient must both be located, at least temporarily, the premises at which the cabinet is located at the same time so that the patient is able to access their medicine accompanied by the trusted person permitted to access the cabinet.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] In accordance with the present inventions there is provided a cabinet for storing medicines, comprising: at least one openable door for providing access to an interior of the cabinet to access medicines stored therein; a lock configurable in a locked state to lock the at least one door in a closed position and an unlocked state to allow the door to open; communication means communicable with a computer network for receiving instruction data from a computer server via the computer network, wherein the instruction data is indicative of an instruction to enable a state of the lock; and processing means configured to: authenticate the received instruction data; and configure the state of the lock according to the authenticated instruction data in the unlocked state.

[0005] Optionally, the cabinet may comprise output means arranged to provide at least one output indicative of whether the lock is in the locked state or the unlocked state.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cabinet comprises an override control arranged to provide access to the interior of the cabinet to access medicines stored therein.

[0007] Optionally, the communication means is configured to communicate with the computer server using a local communication protocol.

[0008] In some embodiments, the communication between the cabinet and the computer server is encrypted.

[0009] Optionally, the communication means is configured to transmit log data to the computer server via the computer network, and wherein the log data comprises first information indicative of an access history of the interior of the cabinet. In some embodiments, the cabinet comprises storage means configured to store the log data.

[0010] Optionally, the log data may comprise at least one of second information indicative of a power state history of the cabinet and third information indicative of a network signal history of the cabinet.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one openable door is arranged to at least partially open in response to the lock being configured in the unlocked state.

[0012] The cabinet may be associated with identification information. The instruction data may comprise the identification information and the processing means may be configured to authenticate the received instruction data in dependence on the identification information.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cabinet may comprise an image capture means arranged to capture image data of a user of the cabinet and optionally, the cabinet is arranged to transmit the captured image data to the computer server [0014] In accordance with the present inventions, there is provided a system for controlling access to medicine, comprising: the cabinet as described above; the computer server configured to transmit the instruction data to the cabinet via the computer network; and an image capture means arranged to capture image data of a user of the cabinet and transmit the captured image data to the computer server.

[0015] The computer server may be configured to authenticate a user to enable access data stored on the computer server.

[0016] Optionally, in the system described above, the cabinet comprises the image capture means. Optionally, in the system described above, the image capture means is a separate device to the cabinet.

[0017] In accordance with the present inventions, there is provided a computer-implemented method for controlling access to medicine stored in a cabinet comprising: at least one openable door for providing access to an interior of the cabinet to access medicines stored therein and a lock configurable in a locked state to lock the at least one door in a closed position and an unlocked state to allow the door to open, the method comprising: receiving, by communication means of the cabinet, instruction data from a computer server, via a computer network communicable with the communication means, wherein the instruction data is indicative of an instruction to enable a state of the lock of the cabinet; authenticating the received instruction data; and configuring the state of the lock according to the authenticated instruction data in the unlocked state.

[0018] Optionally, the method comprises providing at least one output indicative of whether the lock is in the locked state or the unlocked state.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method comprises the communication means and the computer server communicating using a local communication protocol.

[0020] The method may comprise encrypting communication between the cabinet and the computer server.

[0021] Optionally, the method comprises transmitting, by the communication means, log data to the computer server via the computer network, and the log data comprises first information indicative of an access history of the interior of the cabinet. In some embodiments, the method comprises storing the log data in storage means of the cabinet.

[0022] Optionally, the instruction data may comprise the identification information and the method may comprise authenticating the received instruction data in dependence on the identification information.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method comprises capturing image data of a user of the cabinet and optionally, transmitting the captured image data to the computer server [0024] In accordance with the present inventions, there is provided computer software which, when executed, is arranged to perform a method as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a cabinet according to an embodiment of the invention in a first state and a first position; Figure 2 illustrates the cabinet of Figure 1 in the first state and a second position; Figure 3 illustrates the cabinet of Figures 1 and 2 in a second state and third position; Figure 4 illustrates a system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 illustrates a system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 illustrates a method performed by a system according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 9 illustrates a service provider device according to the invention. 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0026] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cabinet for storing medicines, where access to an interior of the cabinet is provided by a lock which is remotely controlled. In the following description, an individual who is required to take the medicine will herein be referred to as a "service user". An individual who remotely controls access to the cabinet via a computer network will herein be referred to as a "service provider". The service provider may be an authorised individual with the authority to provide a remote monitoring service for medication by controlling access to the cabinet.

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a cabinet 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The cabinet 100 is suitable for storing medicines and providing controlled access to the medicines stored therein. The cabinet 100 comprises at least one openable door 105 for providing access to an interior 110 of the cabinet 100 to access medicines stored therein. The cabinet 100 further comprises a lock 115 which prevents access to the interior 110 of the cabinet 100 when in a locked state and allows access to the interior 110 of the cabinet 100 when in an unlocked state. The cabinet 100 comprises communication means 120 communicable with a computer network and processing means 130 configured to perform at least one operation.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cabinet 100 is a cuboid. The cabinet 100 is formed of a first side wall 101 and a second side wall 102. The cabinet 100 is also formed of a bottom surface 103 and a top surface 104, the at least one openable door 105 and a back surface 106. The first side wall 101 is disposed opposite to the second side wall 102 and the bottom surface 103 is disposed opposite to the top surface 104. The back surface 106 is disposed opposite to the door 105. The cabinet 100 may comprise a front surface 107, which may be positioned such that the front surface 107 is adjacent to the door 105 when the door 105 is closed. The front surface 107 may be sized such that a size of the front surface 107 and a size of the door 105 in total has the same size as the back surface 106. The door 105 may be attached directly to the second side wall 102 via a hinge attachment (not shown) about which the door 105 moves between positions corresponding to the locked and unlocked states. In other embodiments, the door 105 may be attached to the front surface 107. In some embodiments, the front surface 107 may not be part of the cabinet 100 because the door 105 is the same size as the back surface 106.

Other embodiments will be envisaged where the door 105 is attached to a different side wall or is completely removable from the walls and surfaces 101-104 and/or the cabinet 100 comprises more than one door. It will be appreciated that the cabinet 100 may be shaped differently. For example, the cabinet may be formed in the shape of a cylinder or a cube. The cabinet 100 may be formed of a material suitable for securely storing medicines i.e. resistant to tampering or gaining unauthorised access, such as a suitably heavy duty plastic or a metal. For example, the material may at least one of waterproof, durable and light resistant.

[0029] The cabinet 100 may be associated with identification information. The identification information is information that is unique to each specific cabinet such that it allows a specific cabinet to be identified. For example, the identification information may be information that allows a specific cabinet to be identified electronically, e.g. a serial number or device key. In some embodiments, the identification information may be set by the service user, for example a password. The identification information may be stored in storage means, as discussed below.

[0030] The lock 115 is electronically controlled to be configurable in the locked state and the unlocked state. The lock 115 is attached to cabinet 100 such that the lock 115 controls access to the interior 110 of the cabinet 100 by locking or unlocking the door 105. The lock 115 is configured such that when the at least one openable door 105 is open, the lock 115 is in the unlocked state. Figure 1 shows the door 105 fully open, i.e. in a "first position", such that the lock 115 is in the unlocked state, i.e. in a "first state". Figure 2 shows the cabinet 100 with the lock 115 in an unlocked state, i.e. the "first state" such that the door 105 is partially open, i.e. in a "second position". The lock 115 is also arranged such that when the door 105 is closed, the lock 115 is configurable in the locked state.

Figure 3 shows the door 105 closed, i.e. in a "third position", such that the lock 115 is configured the locked state, i.e. in a "second state". The lock 115 may only be configured into the unlocked state when the door 105 is in the position shown in Figure 3, that is the 'closed position'.

[0031] The lock 115 is remotely controlled such that the lock 115 is configured in the locked state or the unlocked state in dependence on a received signal. Advantageously, use of remotely controlled lock 115 means that access to medicine stored within the cabinet 100 may be provided to a service user who is vulnerable without a trusted person, e.g. carer or family member, present to unlock the cabinet 100 in person.

[0032] The lock 115 may be any fastening device that is released by an electronic signal.

The lock 115 may be a mechanical fastener that is configurable in the locked or unlocked state in dependence on the electronic signal. The terms "latch 115" and "lock 115" will be used interchangeably herein. The lock 115 may be associated with an electromagnet. In some embodiments, the electronic signal may control a solenoid which in turn controls the lock 115 to be configured into the locked or unlocked state. The lock 115 may also be arranged such that it is configurable into the locked and unlocked state using an override control 116, as will be discussed below. It will be appreciated that the cabinet 100 may comprise an alternative fastening device to a latch. For example, the lock 115 may be implemented using a dead-bolt.

[0033] The latch 115 may be formed of a first component 115a and a second component 115b which are arranged to co-operate with each other to engage with one another when the door 105 is closed to configure the latch 115 into the locked state. The first component 115a and the second component 115b are arranged to disengage with one another to configure the latch 115 into the unlocked state to allow the door 105 to open. The first component 115a may be attached to the front surface 107 or the first side wall 101 if the front surface 107 is not present. The second component 115b may be attached to the door 105, such that when the door 105 is closed, the first component 115a and the second component 115b engage with one another. As will be appreciated, the first component 115a may be attached to a different surface or wall of the cabinet 100.

[0034] Although the lock 115 is shown in Figures 1-3 as being visible from outside the cabinet 100 in Figure 1-3, it will be appreciated that the lock 115 may be contained with the interior of the cabinet 100. In embodiments of the cabinet 100 in which there are more than one door 105, each door may be associated with a respective lock, which may be separately controlled.

[0035] The latch 115 and the door 105 may be configured such that the door is arranged to at least partially open in automatically response to the latch 115 being configured in the unlocked state. That is, the latch 115 may be spring-loaded, such that when the latch 115 is configured into the unlocked state, the door 105 is at least partially opened in response to a spring of the latch 115 releasing when the latch 115 is configured in the unlocked state. In other embodiments, the door 105 may be at least partially opened by an actuator which is arranged to move in response to the latch 115 being configured in the unlocked state.

[0036] The latch 115 and the door '105 may be configured such that when the door 105 is closed, the latch 115 is configured into the locked state. That is, when the latch 115 is spring-loaded and when the door 105 is closed, the latch 115 may be engaged and thereby configured into the locked state. For example, the spring of the latch 115 may be compressed when the latch 115 is engaged by the door 105, when the door 105 is closed.

It will be appreciated that the latch 115 may be arranged such that the configuration of the latch 115 into the locked state is independent from the door 105 being closed. For example, the door 105 may be closed but the latch 115 may remain unlocked until the latch 115 is electronically controlled into the locked state.

[0037] The communication means 120 is communicable with a computer network and is configured to perform wireless communication to transmit and receive data. The communication means 120 may be a communication unit 120 which is configured to communicate with an external computing device, such as a server or computer via the computer network. The communication unit 120 may perform wireless communication according to one or more communication protocols. For example, the communication unit 120 may perform at least one of short-range wireless communication for a local communication protocol, e.g. Bluetooth or Wireless Fidelity (VViFi) and long-range wireless communication e.g. 4G cellular communication. The communication unit 120 may comprise at least one antenna 170 for performing the wireless communication. In other embodiments, the communication unit 120 may transmit and receive data via a wired connection, such as a connection to an Ethernet network or the like. The communication unit 120 may be configured to automatically connect to known nodes on the computer network. For example, when the communication means 120 is communicable with the computer network using WiFi, the communication means 120 may automatically connect to known WiFi hotspots or wireless routers. The communication unit enables an exchange of IP data packets with a remote computing device in some embodiments.

[0038] The processing means 130 may be a processor 130 configured to perform at least one operation which may include processing data and controlling another component of the cabinet 100, for example the lock 115. The processor 130 may be configured to encrypt data transmitted by the communication unit 120. The processor 130 may comprise an output interface (not illustrated) via which data and/or commands are output by the processor 130 and an input interface (not illustrated) via which data and/or commands are input to the processor 130. Implementation of the processor 130 can be in hardware alone (a circuit), have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0039] The cabinet 100 may comprise storage means 140, herein referred to as a storage device 140. The storage device 140 may be arranged to store electronic data associated with the cabinet 100, such as the identification information. The storage device 140 may also store log data. The storage device 140 may store a computer program comprising computer program instructions. The computer program may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory etc) forming the storage device e.g. one or more memory devices communicably coupled with the processor 130.

[0040] The cabinet 100 may comprise output means 150, which may be at least one output device 150. The at least one output device 150 is arranged to provide feedback and/or an indication to the user proximal to the cabinet 100. The indication may indicate, to the service user, a status of the cabinet 100. The at least one output device 150 is located to be visible at an exterior of the cabinet 100, such that it is visible when the door 105 is closed. The at least one output device 150 may provide at least one output indicative of whether the lock 115 is in the locked state or the unlocked state. The at least one output device 150 may be arranged to provide a visual indication, such as a light emitter e.g. an LED or display, an audio indication, such as a speaker or a hapfic indication e.g. vibration.

[0041] In an embodiment, the at least one output device 150 comprises a first output device. The first output device may provide at least one output of a first output indicative that the door 105 is closed and the lock 115 is in the locked state and a second output indicative that the door 105 is open and the lock 115 is in the unlocked state. The first output may comprise controlling an LED to provide the first output. For example, the first output may comprise the LED providing a red light. The second output may comprise controlling the LED to provide the second output. For example, the second output may comprise the LED providing a green light. Advantageously, providing the first output and the second output enables the user to know whether the door 105 is open or not, i.e. whether the lock 115 is in the unlocked state or the locked state.

[0042] In some embodiments, the at least one output device 150 may comprise a first output device and a second output device in which the first output device provides the first output and the second output device provides the second output. For example, the first output device may be a first LED and the second output device may be a second LED. In some embodiment, the at least one output device 150 may provide an output indicative of a fault of the cabinet 100.

[0043] The cabinet 100 may comprise the override control 116 arranged to provide access to the interior 110 of the cabinet 100 to access medicines stored therein. The override control 116 operates a mechanical release on the latch 115 to configure the latch 115 into the unlocked state. The override control 116 may control the first component 115a and the second component 115b to disengage with one another to configure the latch 115 into the unlocked state to allow the door 105 to open. The override control 116 is a control that is manually operated in person using a physical object e.g. key or security information e.g. a pin code, to unlock and lock the lock 115. The security information may be known by or the key may belong to a trusted person, e.g. a carer or family member, who is able to unlock and lock the cabinet 100 in person. The override control 116 may be used if the latch 115 is unable to open. For example, if the cabinet 100 is unable to communicate via the computer network and/or no mains supply power is provided to the cabinet 100, access to medicines stored within the cabinet 100 may still be provided by using the override control 116 to unlock the latch 115. The override control 116 is arranged such that it is accessible by a user when the door 105 is closed. For example, the override control 116 may be arranged on the front surface 107 as shown in Figures 1-3, or the override control 116 may be arranged on the door 105 or the first side wall 101 such that is accessible when the door 105 is closed.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cabinet 100 may comprise a power supply unit 160. The power supply unit 160 provides power to the cabinet 100 such that the cabinet 100 is able to communicate using the communication unit 120 and use the processor 130 to control the lock 115. When the cabinet 100 is powered on, the communication unit 120 may establish a connection with the computer network. The power supply unit 160 may be connected to the mains electricity supply using a power cord. Advantageously, the power cord may be detachable from the cabinet 100 such that if the power cord is pulled, it will detach from the cabinet 100.

[0045] The power supply unit 160 may also comprise a backup battery that may be a chargeable or non-chargeable battery. When the backup battery is a chargeable battery, the battery may be automatically charged when connected to the mains electricity supply. When the cabinet 100 is unable to receive power from the mains electricity, the cabinet 100 may obtain power from the backup battery. Advantageously, using the backup battery means the lock 115 may be remotely controlled in the event of mains supply electricity power failure if connectivity to the computer network remains. When the cabinet 100 is powered by the backup battery, the storage device 140 of the cabinet 100 may store the power failure of the mains supply electricity as log data. The communication unit 120 may transmit the log data stored in the storage device 140 when the mains supply power is provided again. When the cabinet 100 is disconnected from the computer network, the storage device 140 of the cabinet 100 may store the network failure as log data. The communication unit 120 may transmit the log data stored in the storage device 140 when connection to the computer network is re-established.

[0046] Advantageously, the front surface 107 protects at least one of the lock 115, the communication unit 120, the processor 130, the storage device 140 and the power supply unit 160, which are positioned in the interior 110 of the cabinet 100, from tampering with these components when the door 105 is in the closed position. Furthermore, at least one of the lock 115, the communication unit 120, the processor 130, the storage device 140 and the power supply unit 160 may be encased within a housing (not illustrated) to protect from tampering when the door 105 is in the open position.

[0047] In some embodiments, the cabinet 100 may comprise an image capture means 190. The image capture means 190, for example a camera, may be arranged to capture image data relating to the cabinet 100. For example, the camera 190 may be arranged to face the service user of the cabinet 100. The communication unit 120 of the cabinet 100 may be arranged to transmit the captured image data to an external device, such as a server or computer, via the computer network. The camera 190 may be arranged to capture still or video image data. The camera 190 may be arranged within the interior 110 of the cabinet 100, such as mounted in the interior 110 of the cabinet on the top surface 104 or the back surface 106.

[0048] Advantageously, the camera 190 may be used to capture image data of a service user, for example when taking medicine stored in the cabinet 100. When the captured image data is transmitted to a computer server, the service provider is able to remotely monitor the service user taking the medicine by viewing the captured image data using a service provider device, as will be explained below. Other positions of the camera 190 within the interior 110 of the cabinet 100 or mounted externally to the cabinet 100 will be envisaged, such that the camera 190 is arranged to, in use, capture image data showing a person (e.g. a service user) accessing the cabinet 100.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1-3, the door 105 may comprise a handle 180 to facilitate movement of the door 105 into the closed position and the open position. It will be appreciated that the handle 180 may be positioned at any location on the door 105 other than the position indicated in Figures 1-3.

[0050] Figure 4 illustrates a system 400 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The system 400 comprises the cabinet 100 illustrated in Figures 1-3, and a computer server 420 which communicates using the computer network 450. In some embodiments, the system 400 may further comprise at least one of an external image capture means 410 and a service provider device 430. The cabinet 100 uses the communication unit 120 to communicate with the computer server 420 via the computer network 450. The computer server 420 may store data received from the cabinet 100. Data stored on the computer server 420 may include data transmitted from the communication unit 120 of the cabinet 100, data about the cabinet 100, captured image data and data about the service user to which the cabinet 100 belongs. The computer server 420 may be configured to authenticate a user as the service provider to enable the service provider to access data stored on the computer server 420. For example, the service provider may directly access the computer server 420 and the computer server 420 may authenticate the user as a service provider. In this way, the computer server 420 is secured to prevent unauthorised access to the data stored on the computer server 420. The computer server 420 may authenticate the cabinet 100, for example, using the identification information, which may be transmitted by the cabinet 100 to the computer server 420. The computer server 420 may be a remote server.

[0051] As mentioned above, the system 400 may also comprise the service provider device 430. The service provider device 430 may be used by the service provider to access and view data stored on the computer server 420. The service provider device 430 may receive and display a status of each cabinet connected to the computer network 450 from the computer server 420. The service provider device 430 may output the status of each cabinet 100 to the service provider. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the service provider device 430 may comprise an output device, such as a display, to provide at least one of a locking state indication 910 and a connectivity status indication 920 of at least one cabinet. In some embodiments, the service provider device 430 may provide a door status indication 930.

[0052] The service provider device 430 may allow for the initiation of transmission of the instruction data by the computer server 420 to the cabinet 100. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the service provider device 430 may comprise an input device, such as a touch screen, to receive an input indicative of initiation of transmission of the instruction data to unlock the cabinet 100, herein referred to as the 'unlock input' 940. In some embodiments, the input device of the service provider device 430 receives an input indicative of an enabling of the 'unlock input', herein referred to as the 'enabling input' 950. When the enabling input 950 is received, the unlock input 940 may then be enabled, such that the service provider is able to input the unlock input 940 to initiate transmission of the instruction data to unlock the cabinet 100. Advantageously, use of the 'enabling input' introduces a two-step process in which the 'unlock input' cannot be received until the 'enabling input' has been received, which thereby reduces the risk of accidental unlock of the cabinet.

[0053] The service provider device 430 may be used to access, such as view, the log data stored on the computer server 420 which was transmitted to the computer server 420 by the cabinet 100. The log data may comprise first information indicative of an access history of the interior 110 of the cabinet 100. That is, the first information may be indicative of when the lock 115 was configured in the locked state and the unlocked state. The first information may also comprise information indicative of when the door 105 was in the open and closed position. The log data may comprise at least one of second information indicative of a power history of the cabinet 100 and third information indicative of a network signal history of the cabinet 100. That is, the second information may be indicative of when the cabinet 100 was powered by the mains electricity supply or the backup battery, or when the cabinet experienced a complete power outage. The third information may be indicative of when the cabinet 100 was connected to the computer network 450 and when the cabinet 100 was disconnected to the computer network 450.

[0054] The service provider device 430 may be used by the service provider to authenticate themselves. For example, when the service provider device 430 is used to access data stored on the computer server 420, a user may be required to input verification information, such as a username and password, to log into an account associated with a user to verify the user is a service provider, i.e. an authorised person with the authority provide a remote monitoring service for medication by controlling access to the cabinet 100. Once the service provider has been verified, they may then be authenticated and provided with data stored on the computer server 420 via the service provider device 430. The computer server 420 may only transmit information about cabinets which are associated with a specific service provider. The computer server 420 may store user history data that is indicative of which service provider has controlled which cabinet 100. The service provider device 430 may be used to access data indicative of a record of when the enabling input 950 and/or the unlock input 940 were input by the service provider associated with the account. The computer server 420 and the service provider device 430 may belong to the same party. The service provider device 430 may be a desktop computer, mobile phone, laptop or any other suitable electronic device.

[0055] The service provider device 430 may be used to view the image data captured by the camera 190 of the cabinet 100. The service provider device 430 may access the captured image data from the computer server 420 and output the captured image data to the authorised service provider. As shown in Figure 9, the service provider device 430 may output a camera feed output 960. The camera feed output 960 may be an output indicative of the captured image data of the camera 190 of the cabinet 100 or an external camera, which will be discussed below. The camera feed output 960 may be an interactive button, which the service provider may select via a user input. When the camera feed output 960 is selected, the service provider device may display a larger sized output of the captured image data.

[0056] As discussed above, some embodiments of the cabinet 100 may not comprise the camera 190. However, the system 400 may comprise an external image capture means 410 arranged to capture image data relating to the cabinet 100. The external image capture means 410 is independent and separate (i.e. external to) the cabinet 100. The external image capture means 410 transmits the captured image data to the computer server 420. The external image capture means 410 may be an external camera 410 arranged to capture still or video image data and transmit the captured image data to the computer server 420. The external camera 410 may communicate with the computer server 420 using the same computer network 450 that the communication unit 120 of the cabinet 100 uses to communicate with the computer server 420. When the external camera 410 is separate to the cabinet 100 (i.e. external to the cabinet), the image data may contain an image of the cabinet 100 arranged in use i.e. mounted on a wall and an area proximal to the cabinet 100 so as to contain image data of a person accessing the cabinet 100.

[0057] Advantageously, the external camera 410 may be used to capture image data of a service user, for example when taking medicine stored in the cabinet 100. When the captured image data is transmitted to the computer server 420, the service provider is able to remotely monitor the service user taking the medicine by viewing the captured image data using the service provider device 430.

[0058] Figure 5 illustrates a system 500 according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 500 comprises the cabinet 100 illustrated in Figures 1-3, the external image capture means 410 the computer server 420 and the service provider device 430. In the system 500, the cabinet 100 communicates with the computer server 420 via the computer network 450 using an intermediate device 530. The intermediate device 530 may operate as a VViFi hotspot. That is, the communication unit 120 of the cabinet 100 may establish a connection to the intermediate device 530 to join the computer network 450. In some embodiments of the system 500, the external image capture means 410 may be a component of an intermediate device 530 (as shown in Figure 5) and in other embodiments of the system 500, the external image capture means 410 may be separate from both the cabinet 100 and the intermediate device 530.

[0059] Figure 6 illustrates a method 600 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The method 600 may be performed by the cabinet 100. The method 600 includes method step 610 which comprises receiving instruction data. The communication unit 120 of the cabinet 100 receives the instruction data from the computer server 420 via the computer network 450. The instruction data may be received using VVi-Fi communication. The instruction data is indicative of an instruction to enable a state of the lock 115, for example the unlocked state or the locked state. The instruction data may comprise the identification information associated with the cabinet 100 to be used to authenticate the instruction data, as will be discussed below.

[0060] Method 600 includes method step 620 which comprises authenticating the received instruction data. The method step 620 may comprise authenticating the received instruction data in dependence on the identification information. That is, method step 620 may comprise the processor 130 authenticating the instruction data by comparing the identification information transmitted with the instruction data received from the computer server 420 with pre-stored identification information. Advantageously, by authenticating that the instruction data originates from the computer server 420, the cabinet 100 is secured from unauthorised unlocking of the lock 115, such as by forging the instruction data.

[0061] Method step 620 may also comprise encrypting communication between the cabinet 100 and the computer server 420. Advantageously, using encrypted communication between the computer server 420 and the cabinet 100 protects against unauthorised remote activation of the lock 115 and provides a secure method of transmitting the log data. The encrypted communication between the communication unit and the computer server 420 may use Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT) as the message format and transmit the MQTT over Transport Layer Security/Secure Sockets Layer to ensure messages are private when going across a public network, such as the internet.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the computer server 420 may encrypt communication of data transmitted to the cabinet and/or the cabinet 100 may encrypt communication of data transmitted to the computer server 420. For example, the instruction data transmitted from the computer server 420 to the cabinet 100 may be encrypted by the computer server 420 and/or log data transmitted from the cabinet 100 to the computer server 420 may be encrypted by the cabinet 100.

[0063] Method 600 comprises configuring the state of the lock 115 in method step 630. The state of the lock 115 is configured according to the authenticated instruction data. When the instruction data is authenticated, the lock 115 may be configured in the unlocked state in dependence on the instruction data. For example, if the instruction data received by the communication unit 120 is indicative of an instruction to enable the unlocked state of the lock 115, the processor 120 may configure the lock 115 in the unlocked state. As discussed above, the door 105 may also at least partially open in response to the lock 115 being configured in the unlocked state. When the lock 115 is configured into the unlocked state, the at least one output device 150 of the cabinet 100 may provide the second indication to inform the service user or trusted person that the lock 115 is unlocked.

[0064] As discussed above, embodiments of the invention may comprise the latch 115 which is arranged to engage and be configured into the locked state upon closing of the door 105. However, it will be appreciated that the method 600 may be performed a second time when the instruction data is indicative of an instruction to enable the locked state of the latch 115 if the latch 115 is not arranged to engage and be configured into the locked state upon closing of the door 105.

[0065] Figure 7 illustrates a method 700 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 700 may be performed by the cabinet 100. Method steps 710, 720 and 730 correspond to method steps 610, 620 and 630, respectively. The method 700 comprises providing an output in method step 705. Method step 705 may comprise providing at least one output which is indicative of whether the lock 115 of the cabinet 100 is in the locked state or the unlocked state. The at least one output may be provided by the at least one output device 150. For example, method step 705 may comprise the first output device providing the first output indicative that the lock 115 is in the locked state when the door 105 is closed or providing the second output indicative that the lock 115 is in the unlocked state when the door 105 is open.

[0066] Although method step 705 is illustrated as being performed at the beginning of method 700, it will be appreciated that method step 705 may be repeated throughout the method 700 such that an output is continuously provided by the cabinet 100. That is, the first output indicative that the lock 115 is in the locked state when the door 105 is closed may be provided until the lock 115 is configured in the unlocked state, at which point the first output device may provide the second output indicative that the lock 115 is in the unlocked state and the door 105 may be opened.

[0067] When the cabinet 100 comprises the camera 190, the method 700 may include capturing image data in method step 740. The camera 190 may be automatically activated when the latch 115 is configured into the unlocked state. In method step 750, the captured image data may be transmitted to the computer server 420. The service provider may access the captured image data transmitted to the computer server 420 via the service provider device 430 to monitor the service user take the medicine.

[0068] Once the lock 115 is configured in the unlocked state, the service user is able to take the medicine stored in the cabinet 100. The camera 190 may continuously transmit captured image data to the computer server 420, such that the service provider is able to watch the service user take the medicine and confirm that the service user has taken the correct dosage [0069] The method 700 comprises method step 760 which includes storing log data. The log data may be stored on the storage device 140. The log data may comprise information associated with the cabinet 100 that is to be transmitted to the computer server 420 such as the first information, the second information and the third information.

[0070] The method 700 may include method step 770 which comprises transmitting the log data from the cabinet 100 to the computer server 420. Method step 770 may also comprise encrypting the communication between the cabinet 100 and the computer server 420. Advantageously, using encrypted communication between the computer server 420 and the cabinet 100 protects against unauthorised remote activation of the lock 115 and provides a secure method of transmitting the log data. It will be appreciated, that method step 760 may be performed without storing the log data in the storage device 140 at method step 750. In other words, the transmission of the log data to the computer server 420 may be performed in real time.

[0071] Once the service user has taken the medicine, the service user returns the medicine to inside the cabinet 100. When the service provider is able to confirm that the medication has been placed within the cabinet using the captured image data, the service user may close the door 105. At this point, when the door 150 is closed, the camera 190 may deactivate such that it no longer captures image data and the communication unit 120 may terminate transmission of the captured image data to the computer server 420.

[0072] As discussed above, embodiments of the invention may comprise the latch 115 being arranged to engage, upon closing of the door 105, to be configured into the locked state. Method step 780 comprises configuring the latch 115 in the locked state when the door 105 is closed. When the latch 115 is configured into the locked state, the at least one output device 150 of the cabinet 100 may provide the first indication to inform the service user that the latch 115 is configured in the locked state. The cabinet 100 may transmit log data to the computer server 420 to indicate that the latch 115 is in the locked state.

[0073] It will be appreciated that in embodiments of the invention in which the latch 115 is not arranged to engage, upon closing of the door 105, to be configured into the locked state, the latch 115 may be electronically controlled to be configured into the locked state. As such, the computer server 420 may transmit the instruction data to the cabinet 100 via the computer network 450 to configure the latch 115 into the locked state. For example, the service provider may initiate transmission of the instruction data to configure the latch 115 into the locked state once the service provider has viewed the service user close the door 105 on the captured image data. The method 700 may then comprise configuring the latch 115 into the locked state in dependence on the instruction data. The method may further comprise the cabinet 100 authenticating the instruction data to configure the latch 115 into the locked state before configuring the latch 115 into the locked state.

[0074] Figure 8 illustrates a method that may be performed by the system 400 or 500 comprising the external camera 410, rather than the camera 190 of the cabinet 190. The method 800 may be performed in conjunction with certain method steps from methods 600 or 700 as shown in Figure 8. That is, the method 800 performed by the system 400 or 500 may comprise the cabinet 100 performing a plurality of the method steps 705, 710, 720, 730, 760, 770, 780 of the method 700 and the external camera 410 performing method steps 810 and 820. Method step 810 comprises the external camera 410 capturing image data of the service user. The captured image data may include the cabinet 100 in view of the image capture means 410. Method step 820 comprises the external camera 410 transmitting the captured image data to the computer server 420. The service provider may access the captured image data transmitted to the computer server 420 via the service provider device 430 to monitor the service user take the medicine.

[0075] The methods 600, 700 and 800 may be repeated as often as necessary, for example at times when the service user is required to take a dose of medication. The cabinet 100 has been described as being used in situations when a service user is required to be monitored when taking a dose of medicine. However, the cabinet 100 and systems 400, 500 may also be used when the medicine stored within the cabinet 100 is to be refilled. In such situations, a trusted person, who may be a carer or family member, refills the medication stored in the cabinet. The methods 600 and 700 work in the same way as already described when the medicine is being replaced.

[0076] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

[0077] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0078] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0079] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMSA cabinet for storing medicines, comprising: at least one openable door for providing access to an interior of the cabinet to access medicines stored therein; a lock configurable in a locked state to lock the at least one door in a closed position and an unlocked state to allow the door to open; communication means communicable with a computer network for receiving instruction data from a computer server via the computer network, wherein the instruction data is indicative of an instruction to enable a state of the lock; and processing means configured to: authenticate the received instruction data; and configure the state of the lock according to the authenticated instruction data in the unlocked state.
2. The cabinet of claim 1, comprising output means arranged to provide at least one output indicative of whether the lock is in the locked state or the unlocked state.
3. The cabinet of claim 1 or 2, comprising an override control arranged to provide access to the interior of the cabinet to access medicines stored therein.
4. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the communication means is configured to communicate with the computer server using a local communication protocol.
5. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein communication between the cabinet and the computer server is encrypted.
6. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the communication means is configured to transmit log data to the computer server via the computer network, and wherein the log data comprises first information indicative of an access history of the interior of the cabinet.
The cabinet of claim 6, wherein the cabinet comprises storage means configured to store the log data.
The cabinet of any claim 6 01 7, wherein the log data comprises at least one of second information indicative of a power state history of the cabinet and third information indicative of a network signal history of the cabinet.
The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one openable door is S arranged to at least partially open in response to the lock being configured in the unlocked state.
10. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the cabinet is associated with identification information.
11. The cabinet of claim 10, wherein the instruction data comprises the identification information and the processing means is configured to authenticate the received instruction data in dependence on the identification information.
12. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the cabinet comprises an image capture means arranged to capture image data of a user of the cabinet and optionally, wherein the cabinet is arranged to transmit the captured image data to the computer server
13. A system for controlling access to medicine, comprising: the cabinet of any of claims ito 11; the computer server configured to transmit the instruction data to the cabinet via the computer network; and an image capture means arranged to capture image data of a user of the cabinet and transmit the captured image data to the computer server.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the computer server is configured to authenticate a user to enable access data stored on the computer server.
15. The system of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the cabinet comprises the image capture means.
16. The system of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the image capture means is a separate device to the cabinet.
17. A computer-implemented method for controlling access to medicine stored in a cabinet comprising: at least one openable door for providing access to an interior of the cabinet to access medicines stored therein and a lock configurable in a locked state to lock the at least one door in a closed position and an unlocked state to allow the door to open, the method comprising: receiving, by communication means of the cabinet, instruction data from a computer server, via a computer network communicable with the communication means, wherein the instruction data is indicative of an instruction to enable a state of the lock of the cabinet; authenticating the received instruction data; and configuring the state of the lock according to the authenticated instruction data in the unlocked state.
18. The method of claim 17, comprising providing at least one output indicative of whether the lock is in the locked state or the unlocked state.
19. The method of claim 17 or 18, comprising the communication means and the computer server communicating using a local communication protocol.
20. The method of any of claims 17 to 19, encrypting communication between the cabinet and the computer server.
21. The method of any of claims 17 to 20, comprising transmitting, by the communication means, log data to the computer server via the computer network, and wherein the log data comprises first information indicative of an access history of the interior of the cabinet.
22. The method of claim 21, comprising storing the log data in storage means of the cabinet.
23. The method of any of claims 17 to 22, wherein the instruction data comprises the identification information and the method comprises authenticating the received instruction data in dependence on the identification information.
24. The method of any of claims 17 to 23, comprising capturing image data of a user of the cabinet and optionally, transmitting the captured image data to the computer server.
25. Computer software which, when executed, is arranged to perform a method according to any of claims 17 to 24.