Monitoring of the medication distribution and the refrigeration temperature in a pharmacy based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology

Elie N. Mambou, S. M. Nlom, Theo G. Swart, K. Ouahada, A. R. Ndjiongue, H. C. Ferreira

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

For the past 15 years since its appearance, Internet of Things (IoT) technology has been leading the planet towards a smart world where all devices and physical objects, referred to as "things", will be connected via electronic sensors through the Internet. The distribution of medication to patients at a pharmacy in certain regions is still very traditional and outdated. Patients wait for a long time in queues to receive their medications, this is mostly due to the absence of an efficient distribution system. Also, the refrigeration temperature within several pharmacies is a huge problem, as medications must be kept at a constant temperature for an optimal results. In this paper we propose a simple and reliable approach to monitor a pharmacy store, the method is based on electronic sensors connected to an Intel Galileo board, to perform a medication search and also to control the refrigeration temperature within pharmacy shelves. The implementation cost of such systems is considerably cheaper than a software based system; this makes such systems appropriate for underprivileged areas. This system was designed and built for a pharmacy but it can be generalized for other purposes.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 18th Mediterranean Electrotechnical Conference
Subtitle of host publicationIntelligent and Efficient Technologies and Services for the Citizen, MELECON 2016
EditorsConstandinos Mavromoustakis, Soulla Louca, Constantinos S. Pattichis, Julius Georgiou, Despina Michael, A. Paschalidou, Efthyvoulos Kyriacou, Vasos Vassiliou, Christos Panayiotou, Elias Kyriakides, Georgios Ellinas, George Hadjichristofi, C. Loizou
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781509000579
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jun 2016
Event18th Mediterranean Electrotechnical Conference, MELECON 2016 - Limassol, Cyprus
Duration: 18 Apr 201620 Apr 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 18th Mediterranean Electrotechnical Conference: Intelligent and Efficient Technologies and Services for the Citizen, MELECON 2016

Conference

Conference18th Mediterranean Electrotechnical Conference, MELECON 2016
Country/TerritoryCyprus
CityLimassol
Period18/04/1620/04/16

Keywords

  • Intel Galileo board
  • Xively
  • Zapier
  • potentiometer
  • relay
  • temperature sensor
  • touch sensor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Automotive Engineering

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