MediPi - Automated Medication Dispenser System

📋 Overview

MediPi is an automated medication dispensing system designed for healthcare facilities. It combines a centralized web-based management system with distributed IoT dispensers to ensure patients receive their medications on time, every time.

Key Features

• Automated Dispensing: Schedule-based medication dispensing with RFID authentication
• Central Management: Web dashboard for managing patients, medications, and schedules
• Offline Operation: Dispensers continue to work even when disconnected from the network
• Real-time Monitoring: Track dispenser status, medication levels, and adherence rates
• Alert System: Notifications for missed doses, low stock, and system issues

🏗️ System Architecture

Components

1. Central Hub (Raspberry Pi 4)

   • Next.js web application with TypeScript
   • SQLite database with Prisma ORM
   • Mosquitto MQTT broker
   • Node-RED middleware for IoT communication

2. Dispenser Units (Raspberry Pi Zero 2W)

   • 6 servo-controlled medication chambers
   • OLED display for patient feedback
   • RFID reader for authentication
   • Buzzer for alerts
   • Python-based hardware controller

📱 Features

Web Dashboard

• Patient Management: Add, edit, and assign patients to dispensers ✅
• Medication Inventory: Track stock levels and set low-stock alerts ❌
• Schedule Creation: Define medication schedules with time and dosage ✅
• Real-time Monitoring: View dispenser status and recent dispensing events ✅
• Alert Dashboard: Monitor missed doses and system issues ❌

Dispenser Functionality

• RFID Authentication: Secure patient verification before dispensing 🟨
• Scheduled Dispensing: Automatic alerts when medication is due ✅
• Offline Mode: Continue operation even without network connectivity ✅
• Hardware Control: Precise servo control for accurate dispensing ❌
• User Feedback: OLED display and audio alerts for patient guidance ✅

🔧 Hardware Requirements

Central Hub (Raspberry Pi 4)

• Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB+ RAM recommended)
• MicroSD card
• Ethernet connection or WiFi
• Power supply

Each Dispenser Unit

• Raspberry Pi Zero 2W
• 6x Continuous rotation servos
• 128x64 OLED display (I2C)
• MFRC522 RFID reader
• Piezo buzzer
• PCA9685 servo driver board
• 4.5/5V power supply (3A+)

🛠️ Development

Tech Stack

• Frontend: Next.js, TypeScript, TailwindCSS, DaisyUI
• Backend: Next.js API Routes, Prisma ORM
• Database: SQLite
• IoT Communication: MQTT, WebSockets
• Hardware Control: Python, RPi.GPIO, Adafruit libraries

🙏 Acknowledgments

• Developed as part of the Embedded Systems unit final project

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⚠️ Disclaimer

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE ⚠️

The current version is an early prototype and MUST NOT be used in real healthcare settings.

This system is for educational and demonstration purposes only.