Title: Electronic drug packaging for improved compliance
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns an electronic drug packaging for
improved compliance.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Electronic drug packagings for improving an adherence to a
prescribed dosage pattern of a medication are known per se. These
packagings often suffer from being complicated to use. This makes the
packaging less suitable for certain groups of people. Other packagings suffer
from being too fragile, unable to withstand daily use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general it is desirable to improve adherence to a prescribed
dosage pattern of a medication. It is also desirable to provide a system that
can be used at low costs. It is also desirable to provide a system that is
rugged.
According to the invention is provided a packaging system for
medicaments. The system includes an exchangeable blister pack including
a plurality of pockets for each housing a unit of medicament. The system
further includes a processing unit. The blister pack includes a first electric
circuit that is wiredly connected to the processing unit. The blister pack
includes a second electric circuit that is wirelessly connected to the
processing unit. The processing unit is arranged for wirelessly retrieving
information representative of a prescribed dosage pattern of the units from
the second electric circuit. The processing unit is arranged for wiredly
retrieving information representative of actual taking of a unit from the
blister pack from the first electric circuit.
The exchangeable blister pack can contain a plurality of units of a
medicament, such as pills, tablets, capsules or the like. The exchangeable
blister pack can be a single use packaging that is to be discarded after
taking all of the units initially included in the blister pack. It will be
appreciated that the exchangeable blister pack of the system can be
replaced by another, e.g. full, blister pack e.g. after depletion of the former
blister pack. The exchangeable blister pack can include a first sheet, e.g. a
plastic sheet, including the plurality of pockets for holding the units. The
exchangeable blister pack can include a second sheet, e.g. an aluminum
sheet or laminate sheet, closing the pockets. The second sheet is breakable
so as to allow removal of the units from the pockets.
Optionally, the second sheet includes the first electric circuit.
The first electric circuit can include a plurality of switches, each pocket of
the first sheet having a switch of the plurality of switches associated
therewith, such that removal of a unit from its pocket opens the associated
switch. The processing unit then can be wiredly connected to the switches,
the processing unit being arranged for determining opening of a switch. A
switch may include a frangible electric conductor. Opening of the switch
may include breaking of the frangible electric conductor. The opening of a
switch is representative of an actual taking of a unit from the blister pack.
The second electric circuit can include a memory storing the
information representative of the prescribed dosage pattern of the units.
The prescribed dosage pattern can e.g. include prescribed intervals between
the taking of a unit of the medicament. Alternatively, or additionally, the
prescribed dosage pattern can include prescribed moments, such as
prescribed clock times, for the prescribed taking of a unit of the
medicament. The information representative of the prescribed dosage
pattern can include timing data, such as intervals or moments.
Alternatively, or additionally, the information representative of the
prescribed dosage pattern can include a code, the code being representative
of the dosage pattern. The code can be recognized by the processing unit
and linked to an actual dosage pattern. A plurality of codes and associated
dosage patterns may be stored in a memory associated with the processing
unit. The second electric circuit can include a communication section, such
as an antenna for communicating the information to the processing unit.
The second electric circuit can e.g. be arranged to communicate through
radio frequency identification (RFID), e.g. according to ISO/IEC 18000-3,
and/or near field communication (NFC), e.g. according to ISO/IEC 18092,
ECMA-340, ISO/IEC 21481 and/or ECMA-352. The second electric circuit
can include an, unpowered, NFC chip, sometimes also referred to as a tag.
The processing unit being arranged for both wiredly and
wirelessly retrieving information from the blister pack provides several
advantages. The wiredly retrieving of information representative of actual
taking of a unit from the blister pack allows for cheap and robust retrieval
of information. Also, as this retrieval of information is performed wiredly it
ensures physical connection between the blister pack and the processing
unit. This may prevent tampering or misreading of information. The
wirelessly retrieving of information representative of a prescribed dosage
pattern of the units allows for retrieval of complex information without the
need for a complex physical interface between the blister pack and the
processing unit. This too may prevent misreading of the information and/or
reduce the risk of malfunction. Also current wireless information retrieval
technologies, such as for example NFC, allow for cheap storage and retrieval
of information, which is of great importance if the blister pack is to be a
disposable.
Optionally, each pocket of the plurality of pockets has a switch of
the plurality of switches associated therewith, such that removal of a unit
from its pocket opens the associated switch, wherein each switch has an
electrical resistance. Optionally the switches are electrically connected in
parallel and the blister pack includes a first contact electrically conductively
connected to a first side of the switches and a second contact electrically
conductively connected to a second side of the switches. Thus, the first side
of each switch of the plurality of switches is electrically conductively
connected to the first contact and the second side of each switch of the
plurality of switches is electrically conductively connected to the second
contact. This allows for a very simple wired interface between the
processing unit and the first and second contacts of the blister pack. The
opening of a switch results in a change of the resistance of the first electric
circuit between the first and second contacts. The processing unit can be
arranged to detect a change in resistance between the first and second
contacts. The processing unit thus can be arranged for determining opening
of a switch, and/or how many switches of the plurality of switches are open
on the basis of the determined electric resistance.
It is also possible that the first sheet includes more than one
pluralities of pockets. The first electric circuit can then include a first
plurality of switches electrically connected in parallel, and a second
plurality of switches electrically connected in parallel, each plurality of
parallel switches being arranged for wired connection to the processing unit.
The blister pack can include a plurality of pluralities of pockets, the first
electric circuit including a plurality of pluralities of switches, wherein the
switches within each plurality of switches are electrically connected in
parallel.
Optionally, each switch has a different resistance. Optionally
within each plurality of switches each switch has a different resistance.
Then the opening of an individual switch has a different effect on the
effective resistance of the first electric circuit between the first and second
contacts than the opening of an other switch. The processing unit can be
arranged for determining which switches of the plurality of switches are
open on the basis of the determined electric resistance.
Optionally, when using a plurality of pluralities of switches, in
each plurality of switches the switches are connected in parallel by first and
second tracks. The first track electrically conductively connects first sides
of the switches. The second track electrically conductively connects second
sides of the switches. Optionally, the second tracks of the plurality of
pluralities of switches are connected to a common contact. This provides the
advantage that a compact wired connection can be provided with few contact
terminals.
Optionally, the processing unit includes a resistor electrically
connecting connection points of the processing unit that are arranged for
wired connection to the first and second contacts of the blister pack. This
provides the advantage that malfunction and/or defects in the first electric
circuit can easily be detected.
Optionally, the second electric circuit is included in a tag, such as
a sticker, attached to the blister pack. This provides the advantage that the
second electric circuit can easily be applied at a production site where the
blister pack is manufactured or packaged. Alternatively, the second electric
circuit can easily be applied at a point of service, such as at a pharmacy or
by a general practitioner.
Optionally, the first electric circuit is provided on a separate,
preferably electrically non-conductive, sheet adhered to the second sheet of
the blister pack. Optionally, the first electric circuit is provided as a sticker
adhered to the second sheet of the blister pack. This provides the advantage
that the first electric circuit can easily be applied at a production site where
the blister pack is manufactured or packaged. Alternatively, the first
electric circuit can easily be applied at a point of service, such as at a
pharmacy or by a general practitioner.
Optionally, the processing unit includes a memory arranged for
storing the information representative of actual taking of a unit from the
blister pack.
Optionally the processing unit includes a clock, such as a real
time clock. The processing unit can be arranged for storing an indication of
time, such as a timestamp, at which a unit was taken from the blister pack.
Optionally, the processing unit includes an alarm unit arranged
for, according to the prescribed dosage pattern, indicating to a user that a
unit of medicament has to be taken. The alarm unit can for instance be a
buzzer, a loudspeaker or a light source.
Optionally, the processing unit is arranged to determine an
alternative dosage pattern on the basis of the prescribed dosage pattern and
on the basis of a time of an actual taking of a unit of medication. For
instance, if a unit of medication has been taken too late, it may be desirable
that the processing unit can calculate a suitable delay time for the next unit.
It is possible that information relating to allowability of an alternative
dosage pattern and/or relating to the alternative dosage pattern is stored in
the memory of the second electric circuit.
Optionally, the processing unit includes a communications unit
arranged for communicating with an external data processor. The
communications unit can include a physical connector, such as a USB
connector, for wiredly connecting the processing unit to the external data
processor, such as a personal computer. Alternatively, or additionally, the
communications unit can be arranged for wirelessly communicating with
the external data processor, such as via Bluetooth, Wifi, Zigbee or the like.
The processing unit can e.g. communicate the information representative of
the actual taking of a unit of medicament from the blister pack to the
external data processor. Then a reviewer, such as a medical professional,
can review adherence to the prescribed dosage pattern.
Optionally, the packaging system further includes a housing
arranged for housing the blister pack when wiredly and wirelessly
connected to the processing unit. The housing can e.g. be substantially
rigid. The housing can be dimensioned such that the blister pack is housed
entirely within the housing. The housing can protect the blister pack from
damage.
Optionally, the housing includes a cover movable between an
opened state allowing taking of a unit and a closed state preventing taking
of a unit. Thus, easy access to the blister pack can be provided. Optionally,
the housing is provided with a lock, such as a child- safe and/or
senior-friendly lock. Optionally, the system further includes a switch
arranged for switching the processing unit in a power save mode when the
cover is in the closed state.
The invention also relates to a blister pack including a first sheet
including a plurality of pockets for each housing a unit of medicament and a
second sheet closing the pockets, the second sheet being breakable for
removing the units from the pockets. The second sheet includes a first
electric circuit including a plurality of switches. Each pocket of the first
sheet has a switch of the plurality of switches associated therewith, such
that removal of a unit from its pocket opens the associated switch. The
switches are electrically conductively connected to one or more contacts.
The contacts can be wiredly connected to a processing unit. Optionally the
switches are electrically connected in parallel. The blister pack may include
a first contact electrically conductively connected to a first sides of the
switches and a second contact electrically conductively connected to a second
side of the switches. Optionally, each switch has a different resistance.
Optionally, the blister pack includes a second electric circuit
including a wireless communication circuit including a memory storing
information associated with the units. Optionally the wireless
communication circuit is a passive wireless communication circuit, such as a
near field communication circuit.
The invention also relates to a method for improving medicament
intake. The method includes providing an exchangeable blister pack
including a plurality of pockets each housing a unit of medicament, and a
processing unit. The blister pack includes a first electric circuit that is
wiredly connected to the processing unit. The blister pack includes a second
electric circuit that is wirelessly connected to the processing unit. The
processing unit is arranged for wirelessly retrieving information
representative of a prescribed dosage pattern of the units from the second
electric circuit, and for wiredly retrieving information representative of
actual taking of a unit from the blister pack from the first electric circuit.
The method further includes providing an indication that a unit of
medication needs to be taken, on the basis of the information representative
of the prescribed dosage pattern and the information representative of the
actual taking of a unit of medication.
Optionally, the method further includes determining an
alternative dosage pattern on the basis of the prescribed dosage pattern and
on the basis of a time of an actual taking of a unit of medication.
The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a blister
pack. The method includes providing an assembly of a first sheet including
a plurality of pockets, each housing a unit of medicament, and a second
sheet closing the pockets, the second sheet being breakable for removing the
units from the pockets. The method includes providing a, e.g. electrically
non-conductive, third sheet including a first electric circuit including a
plurality of switches, each switch of the plurality of switches associated with
a pocket of the plurality of pockets. The method includes adhering the third
sheet to the second sheet such that removal of a unit from its pocket opens
the associated switch. Optionally, the third sheet is a sticker.
Optionally, the method includes the step of adhering a second
electric circuit to the first, second and/or third sheet, the second electric
circuit being arranged for wireless communication, such as near field
communication, NFC, the second electric circuit optionally including a
memory storing information representative of a prescribed dosage pattern of
the units. Optionally, wherein the second electric circuit is included in a tag,
such as a sticker.
Optionally, the method includes programming of the second
circuit to store information representative of a prescribed dosage pattern of
the units.
It will be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options
described in view of the packaging system apply equally to the blister pack
and to the methods. It will also be clear that any one or more of the above
aspects, features and options can be combined.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is schematic representation of a plurality of views of a
packaging system;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a packaging system in three
stages of opening;
Figure 3 is an exploded view of a packaging system;
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a blister pack;
Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a blister pack and part
of a processing unit;
Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a processing unit;
Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a system;
Figures 8A and 8B are schematic views of a lock;
Figures 9A and 9B are schematic view of taking of a unit;
Figure 10 is a schematic cross sectional view of a blister pack;
Figure 11 is a schematic view of a blister pack; and
Figure 12 is an exploded view of a packaging system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of a
packaging system 1 according to the invention. The system 1 includes an
exchangeable blister pack 2. The system 1 further includes a processing
unit 4. The system 1 further includes a housing 5.
The exchangeable blister pack 2 includes a first sheet 6 and a
second sheet 8. The first sheet 6 includes plurality of pockets 10 each
holding a pill 12, also see Figures 2 and 3. In this example the first sheet is
a plastic sheet. The second sheet 8 closes the pockets 10. The second sheet
8 is arranged to easily break when a pill 12 is pushed from the side of the
pocket 10, so as to allow easy removal of a pill 12 from its pocket 10.
In this example the exchangeable blister pack 2 is a single use
packaging that is to be discarded after all pills 12 have been taken from
their pockets 10. It will be appreciated that the exchangeable blister pack 2
of the system 1 can be replaced by another exchangeable blister pack 2. The
processing unit 4 and the housing 5 in this example is re-usable by refilling
with another blister pack 2.
In this example the second sheet 8 includes an electrically n on
conducting sheet 8a, such as a paper sheet. The electrically non-conducting
sheet 8a may be laminated to an electrically conducting sheet 8b, such as an
aluminium foil.
The second sheet 8 further includes a first electric circuit 14, see
Figures 4 and 10. The first electric circuit 14 may be included in or on the
nonconducting sheet 8a, or on further sheet 8c. The first electric circuit 14
includes a plurality of switches 16. In this example the first electric circuit
includes three groups 17.i (i=l, 2, 3) of switches 16. In this example the
switch 16 includes a frangible electric conductor 18 overlying the pocket 10
holding the pill 12. It will be appreciated that expelling the pill 12 from its
pocket 10 results in opening of the switch 16 by breaking of the frangible
electric conductor 18. It is noted that each pocket 10 of the blister pack 2
has its own switch 16. In this example each switch 16 has a predetermined
electrical resistance 19. In the examples of Figures 4, 5 and 7 the resistance
of each switch 16 is 5.1 kOhms.
It will be appreciated that, alternatively, within each group 17.i
the electrical resistance 19 of each switch 16 differs from the electrical
resistances of the other switches of the group. For example, the resistors of
a group can have values close to or equal to, 5100, 2550, 1700, 1275, 1020,
850, 728.57, and 637.5 Ohms, respectively. When each switch of a group has
a different resistance, the effective resistance of the group can be made to be
unique for each combination of opened switches. Then, it can be determined
from the measured voltage (or measured resistance) which switches are
opened and which switches are closed, i.e. which pockets contain a pill, and
which pockets are empty.
In each group 17.i the switches 16 are connected in parallel by
first and second tracks 20.i, 22.i . The first track 20.i electrically
conductively connects first sides of the switches 16 to a first contact 24.i .
The second track 22.i electrically conductively connects second sides of the
switches 16 to a second contact 26.i . The first and second contacts 24.i, 26.i
form part of a blister pack connector 27. In this example the first and
second tracks 20.i, 22.i are optimized to have minimum track length. It will
be appreciated that the second contact 26.i of the all groups 17.i in this
example is a common contact.
In this example the first electric circuit 14 is printed on a n on
conducting sheet 8c using conductive ink. Silver ink is used to print the
tracks 20.i, 22.i and conductors 18 in this example. Carbon ink is used to
print resistors 19 in this example. A coat of lamination 21 is used to block
UV rays and moisture from coming into contact with the first electric circuit
14. The non-conducting sheet 8c may be attached to the first sheet to close
6 the pockets. Alternatively the non-conducting sheet 8c may be attached to
a sheet 8a or 8b already closing the pockets. The first electric circuit 14 may
be printed on the non-conducting sheet 8c prior to attaching the n on
conducting sheet.
The blister pack 2 further includes a second electric circuit 28.
The second electric circuit 28 includes a memory 30. In this example the
memory 30 stores information representative of a prescribed dosage pattern
of the pills 12. In this example information representative of the prescribed
dosage pattern includes information representative of prescribed intervals
between the taking of a pill, such as eight hours between pills.
Alternatively the information representative of prescribed dosage pattern
can include information representative of prescribed moments, such as
prescribed clock times, for the prescribed taking of a pill, such as 7:00 AM.
The second electric circuit 28 includes a communication section
32. In this example the communication section is an antenna 34 for
communicating with an interrogating electric field, e.g. at a frequency of
13.56 MHz. In this example the second electric circuit 28 is arranged to
communicate over near field communication, NFC, e.g. according to
ISO/IEC 18092, ECMA-340, ISO/IEC 21481 and/or ECMA-352. In this
example the second electric circuit 28 is included in a tag 29, e.g. a sticker,
attached to the blister pack 2.
In this example both the first electric circuit 14 and the second
electric circuit 28 are passive circuits. Therefore, there is no need for a
power source in the blister pack 2.
The processing unit 4 includes a processing unit connector 31, see
Figures 5, 6 and 7. The processing unit connector 31 is arranged to mate
with the blister pack connector 27. In this example the processing unit
connector 31 includes a slot 32 for insertion of a side area of the blister pack.
The processing unit connector includes third contacts 34.i and fourth
contacts 36.i . The third contacts 34.i form a wired connection to the first
contacts 24.i of the first electric circuit 14. The fourth contacts 36.i form a
wired connection to the second contacts 26.i of the first electric circuit 14.
The processing unit 4 includes a processor 38. The processor 38 is
arranged for determining a resistance of the first electric circuit 14. Thereto
the processor 38 is arranged for measuring the electrical resistance between
the third and fourth contacts 34.i, 36.i . A measurement unit 39 of the
processor 38, here an analog-to- digital converter, ADC, may thereto be
arranged to determine a voltage difference between the third and fourth
contacts 34.i, 36.i when a current is known. In this example the processing
unit 4 includes resistors 40.i connected between the third and fourth
contacts 34.i, 36.i . Therefore, when all switches 16 of the blister pack 2 are
opened, the processor 38 measures a resistance between the third and
fourth contacts equal to the resistance of the resistor 40. When one or more
switches are closed the processor 38 can determine whether one or more
switches are opened and which one or more switches are opened, based on
the measured resistance and based on the predetermined different electrical
resistances of the switches 16.
The processing unit 4 includes a clock 42, such as a real time
clock. The processing unit 4 includes a memory 44. In this example the
processing unit is arranged for storing in the memory 44 an indication of
time, such as a timestamp, at which a pill 12 was taken from its pocket 10.
The processing unit 4 includes a wireless information retrieval
unit 46. In this example the wireless information retrieval unit 46 is a near
field communication unit arranged for arranged near field communication,
NFC, e.g. according to ISO/IEC 18092, ECMA-340, ISO/IEC 21481 and/or
ECMA-352. The wireless information retrieval unit 46 is arranged for
interrogating the second electric circuit 28. The wireless information
retrieval unit is arranged for retrieving information stored in the memory
30 of the second electric circuit 28. In this example the wireless information
retrieval unit 42 is arranged for retrieving information representative of the
prescribed dosage pattern of the pills 12. It will be appreciated that the
memory 30 can also store other information such as the predetermined
different electrical resistances of the switches 16, information relating to the
manufacturer of the blister pack and/or of the medication, an expiry date,
etc. All such information can also be retrieved by the wireless information
retrieval unit 46. The information retrieved by the wireless information
retrieval unit can be stored in the memory 44 of the processing unit 4.
In this example the processing unit 4 includes an alarm unit 48.
The processing unit 4 is arranged for activating the alarm unit 48 for
indicating to a user that a pill 12 has to be taken from the blister pack 2.
The processing unit 4 can activate the alarm unit 48 according to the
prescribed dosage pattern as retrieved from the second electric circuit 28.
In this example the alarm unit 48 includes a loudspeaker 50 and a light
source 52. The processing unit 4 can also be arranged to activate the alarm
unit when the blister pack 2 included in the housing 5 is depleted.
Optionally the alarm unit 48 thereto includes a separate, second light
source 53.
In this example the housing 5 houses both the blister pack 2 and
the processing unit 4. As can be seen from Figure 1, the blister pack 2 is
housed entirely within the housing 5. In this example the housing is rigid,
e.g. manufactured from plastic.
In this example the housing 5 includes a tray 5a in which the
blister pack 2 is mainly housed. The tray 5a can include first grooves 56
into which the blister pack 2 can be slidingly inserted. The housing 5
includes a head 5b, 5c in which the processing unit 4 is housed. The shells
of the head 5b, 5c may be interconnected, e.g. through fasteners 5e The
head 5b, 5c connects to the tray 5a. In this example the head 5b, 5c snapfits
to the tray 5a. Here the housing 5 further includes a blister lock 5d
which locks the blister pack 2 to the head 5b, 5c, so that the blister pack
connector 27 remains connected to the processing unit connector 31.
The housing 5 also includes a cover 58. The cover 58 is slidingly
held in second grooves 60, see Figure 3. The cover 58 can be slid from an
opened state allowing taking of a pill 12 to a closed state preventing taking
of a pill 12, and vice versa. In this example, the cover 58 includes an upper
cover part 58a and a lower cover part 58b. Hence, the cover can be slid from
an closed state to a partially opened state to a fully opened state, see figure
2.
The housing 5 is provided with a lock 62, see Figures 8A and 8B.
In this example the lock 62 includes a lip 64 that can be hooked in a recess
66. The cover further includes a hook 65 arranged for preventing the cover
58 to be detached from the body of the housing 5. In this example, the
recess 66 is positioned in a movable stopper 66a. The movable stopper 66a
is biased towards a position in which the recess 66 grips the lip 64, see
Figure 8A. If the movable stopper 66a is pressed against the biasing force of
a biasing element 66b at a tip 66b projecting through the head part 5b, the
recess 66 is moved to release the lip, see figure 8B. Then the cover 58a, 58b
can be slid aside to access the pockets 10.
The cover 58 further includes a gripping area 67 having a surface
structure enabling easy sliding of the cover by the use of a finger or thumb.
In this example the cover 58 is transparent to allow visual
inspection of the blister pack 2 without necessitating to open the cover. In
this example the housing 5 includes a support structure 69 underneath the
blister pack 2. The support structure 69 includes a plurality of opening 71
for allowing the taking of the pills 12.
In another example, see Figure 12, the processing unit 4 includes
four buttons 54. It will be appreciated that in general one or more buttons
54 can be included. The buttons are connected to the processor 38. In this
example each button is associated with a predetermined symptom, such as
drowsy, nauseous, headache, neutral, feeling cold, feeling hot, feeling better,
or the like. When a button 54 is pressed, the processing unit 4 stores
information representative of the associated symptom, preferably together
with a timestamp representative of the moment of pressing the button 54.
In this example the housing 5 houses both the blister pack 2 and
the processing unit 4. As can be seen from Figure 12, the blister pack 2 is
housed entirely within the housing 5. In this example the housing is rigid,
e.g. manufactured from plastic. In this example the housing includes first
grooves 56 into which the blister pack 2 can be slidingly inserted. The
housing also includes a retainer 57 for preventing the blister pack 2 from
unintentionally being expelled from the housing 5. In this example, the
retainer includes grips 59 for allowing to exert enough force to remove the
retainer 57 by hand.
The housing 5 also includes a cover 58. The cover 58 is slidingly
held in second grooves 60. The cover 58 can be slid from an opened state
allowing taking of a pill 12 to a closed state preventing taking of a pill 12,
and vice versa. The housing 5 is provided with a lock 62. In this example
the lock 62 includes a lip 64 that can be hooked in a recess 66. The cover
further includes a hook 65 arranged for preventing the cover 58 to be
detached from the body of the housing 5. The cover 58 further includes a
gripping area 67 having a surface structure enabling easy sliding of the
cover by the use of a finger or thumb.
The system 1 further includes a switch 68 arranged for switching
the processing unit 4 in a power save mode when the cover 58 is in the
closed state. In this example the cover 58 is transparent to allow visual
inspection of the blister pack 2 without necessitating to open the cover. In
this example the housing 5 includes a support structure 69 underneath the
blister pack 2. The support structure 69 includes a plurality of opening 71
for allowing the taking of the pills 12.
In the examples the processing unit 4 further includes a connector
70, such as a USB connector, miniUSB connector, or microUSB connector.
The connector 70 allows for wiredly connecting the processing unit 4 to an
external data processor, such as a personal computer. Alternatively, or
additionally, the processing unit can include a wireless communications unit
72 arranged for wirelessly communicating with the external data processor,
such as via Bluetooth, Wifi, Zigbee or the like. The processing unit 4 can
e.g. communicate the information representative of the actual taking of a
pill 12 from the blister pack 2 to the external data processor. The
processing unit can also communicate additional data to the external data
processor, such as data related to events of pressing a button 54. Then a
reviewer, such as a medical professional, can review adherence to the
prescribed dosage pattern and other data. The processing unit also includes
a battery 55, such as a 3.3V battery. In this example, the battery is
rechargeable through the connector 70.
The packaging system 1 according to the invention can be used as
follows.
A patient visits his or her doctor in event of illness. The doctor
prescribes a medication. In order for the medication to have maximum
effect, proper adherence to a prescribed dosage pattern is important. The
patient goes to the pharmacist to obtain the medication. The pharmacist
provides the medication, wherein units of the medication (such as pills,
tablets or capsules) are included in a blister pack 2 as described above. The
blister pack 2 has the near field communication, NFC, circuit 28. The
circuit 28 can be included in the blister pack 2 during packaging of the
medication in the blister pack, e.g. at a factory. Alternatively, the
pharmacist can apply the tag 29 including the circuit 28 to the blister pack
2. The tag 29 can e.g. be a self-adhesive tag. The NFC circuit 28 has inbuilt
memory to store information related to the prescribed dosage pattern. For
NFC circuit programming with dosage details, a computer based application
can be used, this application can be used to transmit data to the NFC circuit
through an NFC transceiver device connected to the computer.
The patient obtains, or already possesses, a processing unit 4 as
described above. The patient may e.g. obtain or possess an assembly
including the processing unit 4 and the housing 5 as described above. The
blister pack 2 is inserted into the housing 5. The blister pack 2 can e.g. be
slid into the first grooves 56 of the housing 5. The blister pack connector 27
mates with the processing unit connector 31. Thereby the first contacts 24.i
are brought in electrically conductive connection with the third contacts 34.i
and the second contacts 26.i are brought in electrically conductive
connection with the fourth contacts 36.i . The blister pack 2 now is wiredly
connected to the processing unit 4. The head 5b, 5c is connected to the tray
5a, or the retainer 57 is positioned to prevent inadvertent expulsion of the
blister pack 2 from the housing 5.
When the blister pack 2 is inserted into the housing 5 the wireless
information retrieval unit 46 reads information stored in the memory 30 of
the second electric circuit 28. In this example the processor 38 retrieves the
information representative of a prescribed dosage pattern of the pills 12 and
stores it in the memory 44. The processing unit 4 determines moments
when a pill 12 has to be taken on the basis of the prescribed dosage pattern.
For example, the processing unit determines moments when a pill 12 has to
be taken on the basis of a timestamp of a taking of a first pill from the
blister pack, and on the basis of a prescribed time interval in between two
takings of a pill. For example the processing unit determines moments
when a pill has to be taken on the basis of predetermined times defined in
the prescribed dosage pattern, e.g. at 7:00 AM and at 5:00 PM.
After inserting the blister pack 2 in the housing 5 the cover 58 is
closed. Putting the cover 58 in the closed state can bring the system 1 in
sleep mode. In sleep mode circuitry of the processing unit 4 for retrieving
information from the first and/or second electric circuit is disabled. In this
example the system is re-activated only when the cover is opened.
Nevertheless, in this example the alarm unit 48 and the optional input
buttons 54 are also functional in sleep mode. The cover 58 also prevents
false trigger and recording of medication administration.
When the processing unit 4 determines that the time indicated by
its clock 42 corresponds to a moment when a pill has to be taken, the
processing unit 4 activates the alarm unit 48. In this example, the alarm
unit 48 includes an LED light source 52 and a loudspeaker 50. When
activated the LED will flash green and the loudspeaker will generate a
sound. Reminders through multiple modes, here both auditory and visual,
ensures that the compliance adherence is maximized.
When reminded by the alarm unit 48 the patient opens the cover
58. This may end the sleep mode and render the system 1 fully operational.
The patient takes one pill 12 from its pocket 10 and administers the pill 12
as required. Taking the pill from its pocket 10 opens the associated switch
16. This is detected as a change in electrical resistance between the third
and fourth contacts 34.i, 36.i by the processing unit. In this example the
processing unit 4 polls an analog-to-digital converter, ADC, at
predetermined time intervals, of e.g. 10 ms, to determine a change in
voltage between the third and fourth contacts 34.i, 36.i . The processing unit
stores the event of taking the pill and the time associated with it. In this
example, from the electrical resistance measured between the third and
fourth contacts 34.i, 36.i the processing unit 4 determines which switch 16
has been opened, viz. which pill has been taken. The processing unit also
stores which pill has been taken with the event.
After the patient has taken the pill 12, he or she closes the cover
58 again and the system goes into sleep mode again. When the next
moment for taking a pill arises the processing unit 4 activates the alarm
unit 48 again and the process is repeated.
After taking of the last pill of the blister pack, the processing unit
may determine that the blister pack 2 is depleted. The processing unit may
then activate the alarm unit to indicate depletion, and required
replenishment, of the blister pack to the patient. In this example the alarm
unit 48 thereto activates the second light source 53. Alternatively, the first
light source 52 may be activate to flash, e.g. red, to indicate depletion of the
blister pack.
During the course of taking the medication, the patient may
experience symptoms associated with the use of the medication. When the
patient experiences such symptom, he or she can press the associated button
54 on the processing unit 4. The processing unit 4 then stores an event
indicating the time and the symptom experienced.
After, or during, the medication, the patient carries the system 1
to the physician in his or her next visit. The physician can inspect the
medication history of patient by connecting the system 1 to his computer
with the connector 70 or wireless communications unit 72. The data stored
in the memory 44 can be displayed, e.g. in the form of graphs or tables, on a
graphical user interface.
The blister pack can be manufactured as follows.
The first sheet 6 including a plurality of pockets 10 is provided.
In each pocket 10 a unit of medication is placed. The pockets are closed
with a sheet of aluminium foil 8b. The first electric circuit 14 is printed on a
first side of an electrically non-conductive sheet 8c, such as a paper sheet.
Optionally, branding and labeling information is printed on the other side of
the non-conducting sheet. The first side of the non-conductive sheet 8c is
provided with an adhesive layer. The non-conductive sheet 8c is adhered to
the aluminium foil sheet 8b. Optionally a further non-conductive sheet 8a is
interposed between the sheets 8b and 8c. The non-conductive sheet 8c may
be covered with a lamination 21. Optionally, the non-conductive sheet 8c is
provided with a transfer sheet to allow storage of the non-conductive sheet
prior to attachment to the blister pack. Optionally, a plurality of the nonconductive
sheets is stored on a roll.
Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific
examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that
various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing
from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise
description features are described herein as part of the same or separate
embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all
or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also
envisaged.
In the above examples the processing unit activates the alarm
unit according to the prescribed dosage pattern retrieved from the second
electric circuit. It is also possible that the processing unit is arranged to
determine an alternative dosage pattern in case the actual taking of a unit
of medication was not according to the prescribed dosage pattern. Thereto
the second electric circuit may store additional data such as minimum time
between takings of a unit of the medication, allowability of taking forgotten
units of the medication, earliest allowable taking times, latest allowable
taking times, etc.. The processing unit can retrieve such additional data
from the second electric circuit. For example if a pill has to be taken daily
at 8:00 AM, but the previous pill was not taken until 4:00 PM it might be
advisable to postpone activating the alarm for the taking of the next pill
until after 8:00 AM, e.g. until 11:30 AM.
In the above examples the blister pack is provided with the first
electric circuit and the second electric circuit. It will be appreciated that a
blister pack provided with the first electric circuit, but not with the second
electric circuit can also be used to advantage in certain applications. It will
be appreciated that a blister pack provided with the second electric circuit,
but not with the first electric circuit can also be used to advantage in certain
applications. A processing unit arranged for cooperating with such blister
packs can also be manufactured.
It will be appreciated that the information stored in the memory
of the second electric circuit can be encoded and/or encrypted.
It is possible that the information stored in the memory of the
second electric circuit includes information on a vendor and/or manufacturer
of the medication.
In the examples the information stored in the memory of the
second electric circuit includes information representative of prescribed
intervals between the taking of a pill or information representative of
prescribed moments, such as prescribed clock times, for the prescribed
taking of a pill. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the
memory of the second electric circuit includes one or more codes
representative of a prescribed dosage pattern. A plurality of codes and
associated dosage patterns may also be stored in the memory of the
processing unit, so that after readout the processing unit can determine the
prescribed dosage pattern associated with the read out code(s).
In the examples, the processing unit can wirelessly communicate
with the external data processor, such as via Bluetooth, Wifi, Zigbee or the
like. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the processing unit
wirelessly communicates with a further device, such as a mobile
communications device, such as a mobile phone, e.g. via Bluetooth, SMS,
GSM, or the like. The processing unit can then transmit a warning signal to
the mobile communications device, such that the mobile communications
device warns the user to take a medication.
It is possible that the device further includes a display, such as an
LCD display, for conveying information to a user. Such information can e.g.
include one or more of a current time, a planned time for the next
medication dose, a nature of the medication, a battery status, an imminent
need for replenishment of medication, or the like.
It will be appreciated that the processing unit, or part thereof, can
be embodied as dedicated electronic circuits, possibly including software
code portions. The processing unit, or part thereof, can also be embodied as
software code portions executed on, and e.g. stored in, a memory of, a
programmable apparatus such as a computer.
Although the embodiments of the invention described with
reference to the drawings comprise computer apparatus and processes
performed in computer apparatus, the invention also extends to computer
programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for
putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of
source or object code or in any other form suitable for use in the
implementation of the processes according to the invention. The carrier may
be any entity or device capable of carrying the program.
For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as
a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic
recording medium, for example a floppy disc or hard disk. Further, the
carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal
which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or other
means, e.g. via the internet or cloud.
When a program is embodied in a signal which may be conveyed
directly by a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted
by such cable or other device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an
integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit
being adapted for performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant
processes.
However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are
also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to
be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense.
For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are
described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it
will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include
embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.
In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be
construed as limiting the claim. The word 'comprising' does not exclude the
presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim.
Furthermore, the words 'a' and 'an' shall not be construed as limited to 'only
one', but instead are used to mean 'at least one', and do not exclude a
plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually
different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures
cannot be used to an advantage.
Claims
1. Packaging system for medicaments including:
an exchangeable blister pack including a plurality of pockets each
housing a unit of medicament; and
a processing unit;
wherein the blister pack includes a first electric circuit that is
wiredly connected to the processing unit,
wherein the blister pack includes a second electric circuit that is
wirelessly connected to the processing unit,
wherein the processing unit is arranged for wirelessly retrieving
information representative of a prescribed dosage pattern of the units from
the second electric circuit, and for wiredly retrieving information
representative of actual taking of a unit from the blister pack from the first
electric circuit, wherein the exchangeable blister pack has a first sheet
including the plurality of pockets and a second sheet closing the pockets, the
second sheet being breakable for removing the units from the pockets;
wherein the second sheet includes the first electric circuit, the
first electric circuit including a plurality of switches, each pocket of the
plurality of pockets having a switch of the plurality of switches associated
therewith, such that removal of a unit from its pocket opens the associated
switch, wherein the switches are electrically connected in parallel,
wherein the blister pack includes a first contact electrically
conductively connected to a first sides of the switches and a second contact
electrically conductively connected to a second side of the switches, wherein
the processing unit is wiredly connected to the first and second contacts.
2. Packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the processing
unit is arranged for determining the electric resistance of the switches
between the first and second contacts for determining opening of a switch of
the plurality of switches on the basis of the determined electric resistance.
3. Packaging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the
processing unit is arranged for determining how many switches of the
plurality of switches are open on the basis of the determined electric
resistance.
4. Packaging system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein each
switch has a different electrical resistance, and wherein the processing unit
is arranged for determining which switches of the plurality of switches are
open on the basis of the determined electric resistance.
5. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims ,
wherein the blister pack includes a plurality of pluralities of pockets, the
first electric circuit including a plurality of pluralities of switches, wherein
the switches within each plurality of switches are electrically connected in
parallel.
6. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the first electric circuit includes a first plurality of switches
electrically connected in parallel, and a second plurality of switches
electrically connected in parallel, each plurality of parallel switches being
arranged for wired connection to the processing unit.
7. Packaging system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein within each
plurality of switches each switch has a different electrical resistance.
8. Packaging system according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein in each
plurality of switches the switches are connected in parallel by first and
second tracks, the first track electrically conductively connecting first sides
of the switches, the second track electrically conductively connecting second
sides of the switches, wherein the second tracks of the plurality of switches
are connected to a common contact.
9. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the processing unit includes a resistor electrically connecting
connection points of the processing unit that are arranged for wired
connection to the first and second contacts of the blister pack.
10. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the second electric circuit includes a near field communication,
NFC, circuit including a memory storing the information representative of
the prescribed dosage pattern of the units.
11. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the second electric circuit is included in a tag, such as a sticker,
attached to the blister pack.
12. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the first electric circuit is provided on a separate, preferably
electrically non-conductive, sheet adhered to the second sheet of the blister
pack.
13. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the first electric circuit is provided as a sticker adhered to the
second sheet of the blister pack.
14. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the processing unit is further arranged for storing the information
representative of actual taking of a unit from the blister pack.
15. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the processing unit includes a clock and the information
representative of actual taking of a unit from the blister pack includes a
timestamp of the actual taking of the unit.
16. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the processing unit includes an alarm unit arranged for, according
to the prescribed dosage pattern, indicating to a user that a unit of
medicament has to be taken.
17. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the processing unit is arranged to determine an alternative dosage
pattern on the basis of the prescribed dosage pattern and on the basis of a
time of an actual taking of a unit of medication.
18. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the processing unit includes a communications unit arranged for
communicating with an external data processor.
19. Packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims,
further including a housing arranged for housing the blister pack when
wiredly and wirelessly connected to the processing unit.
20. Packaging system according to claim 19, wherein the housing
includes a cover movable between an opened state allowing taking of a unit
and a closed state preventing taking of a unit
21. Packaging system according to claim 20, wherein the system
further includes a switch arranged for switching the processing unit in a
power save mode when the cover is in the closed state.
22. Blister pack including a first sheet including a plurality of pockets
for each housing a unit of medicament and a second sheet closing the
pockets, the second sheet being breakable for removing the units from the
pockets;
wherein the second sheet includes a first electric circuit including
a plurality of switches, each pocket of the plurality of pockets having a
switch of the plurality of switches associated therewith, such that removal
of a unit from its pocket opens the associated switch, wherein the switches
are electrically connected in parallel, wherein the blister pack includes a
first contact electrically conductively connected to a first sides of the
switches and a second contact electrically conductively connected to a second
side of the switches;
wherein the blister pack includes a second electric circuit
including a wireless communication circuit including a memory storing
information associated with the units.
23. Blister pack according to claim 22, wherein each switch has an
electrical resistance.
24. Blister pack according to claim 22 or 23, wherein each switch ha
a different electrical resistance.
25. Blister pack according to any one of claims 22-24, wherein the
blister pack includes a plurality of pluralities of pockets, the first electric
circuit including a plurality of pluralities of switches, wherein the switche
within each plurality of switches are electrically connected in parallel.
26. Blister pack according to any one of claims 22-25, wherein the
first electric circuit includes a first plurality of switches electrically
connected in parallel, and a second plurality of switches electrically
connected in parallel.
27. Blister pack according to claim 25 or 26, wherein within each
plurality of switches each switch has a different electrical resistance.
28. Blister pack according to claim 25, 26 or 27, wherein in each
plurality of switches the switches are connected in parallel by first and
second tracks, the first track electrically conductively connecting first sides
of the switches, the second track electrically conductively connecting second
sides of the switches, wherein the second tracks of the plurality of switches
are connected to a common contact.
29. Blister pack according to any one of claims 22-28, wherein the
second electric circuit includes a near field communication, NFC, circuit
including a memory storing the information representative of the prescribed
dosage pattern of the units.
30. Blister pack according to any one of claims 22-29, wherein the
second electric circuit is included in a tag, such as a sticker, attached to the
blister pack.
31. Blister pack according to any one of claims 22-30, wherein the
first electric circuit is provided on a separate, preferably electrically nonconductive,
sheet adhered to the second sheet of the blister pack.
32. Blister pack according to any one of claims 22-31, wherein the
first electric circuit is provided as a sticker adhered to the second sheet of
the blister pack.
33. Method for improving medicament intake including:
providing an exchangeable blister pack including a plurality of
pockets each housing a unit of medicament; and a processing unit; wherein
the blister pack includes a first electric circuit that is wiredly connected to
the processing unit, wherein the blister pack includes a second electric
circuit that is wirelessly connected to the processing unit, wherein the
processing unit is arranged for wirelessly retrieving information
representative of a prescribed dosage pattern of the units from the second
electric circuit, and for wiredly retrieving information representative of
actual taking of a unit from the blister pack from the first electric circuit;
providing an indication that a unit of medication needs to be
taken, on the basis of the information representative of the prescribed
dosage pattern and the information representative of the actual taking of a
unit of medication.
34. Method according to claim 33, further including determining an
alternative dosage pattern on the basis of the prescribed dosage pattern and
on the basis of a time of an actual taking of a unit of medication.
35. Method for manufacturing a blister pack including the steps of:
- providing an assembly of a first sheet including a plurality of
pockets, each housing a unit of medicament, and a second sheet closing the
pockets, the second sheet being breakable for removing the units from the
pockets;
providing a, e.g. electrically non-conductive, third sheet including
a first electric circuit including a plurality of switches, each switch of the
plurality of switches associated with a pocket of the plurality of pockets;
adhering the third sheet to the second sheet such that removal of
a unit from its pocket opens the associated switch.
36. Method according to claim 35, wherein the third sheet is a sticker.
37. Method according to claim 35 or 36, further including the step of
adhering a second electric circuit to the first, second and/or third sheet, the
second electric circuit being arranged for wireless communication, such as
near field communication, NFC, the second electric circuit optionally
including a memory storing information representative of a prescribed
dosage pattern of the units.
38. Method according to claim 37, wherein the second electric circuit
is included in a tag, such as a sticker.
39. Method according to claim 37 or 38, further including
programming of the second circuit to store information representative of a
prescribed dosage pattern of the units.