DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to metered dose inhalers (MDI) and in particular relates to monitoring functionality of the MDI.

BACKGROUND
A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is a device that delivers a specific amount of medicament to the lungs, in the form of a short burst of aerosolized medicine that is usually self-administered by the patient via inhalation. It is a commonly used delivery system for treating asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases.
Conventional MDIs are merely mechanical devices and do not offer any feedback about the manner in which the device has been used during the administration of medicine. Accordingly, in absence of guidance by a physician or pulmonologist, a user may remain oblivious of an incorrect manner of a usage of the device, and end up ruining his health in the long run. More specifically, the problem is more severe with people of the low technical bend of mind, old-age and having dexterity related problems. Such people, despite being repeatedly guided to the best extent by physicians or paramedic, always tend to use the device incorrectly. Furthermore, in case a user is mandated to use the MDI periodically during the day as per a medical prescription, then a user has to rely either upon his own memory or set reminders in an extraneous time-based device.
Further, another problem as associated with conventional MDI is the absence of any provision of logging data related to past or current usage of the device. Accordingly, the user has to rely upon his memory or hand-drawn notes in order to communicate even the simplest information (e.g. how many times a day MDI has been used) to the physician or a paramedic. Even if the patient is under a constant surveillance of physicians (e.g. admitted in ICU), yet some attendant is always required to manually track the usage of MDI. Even if the user is constantly being imaged by CCTV, still a video-footage has to be manually scanned by either a human being or an extraneous image processing technique in order to gather usage of the MDI.
Accordingly, there has been a long felt need of a smart MDI that is capable of automatically alerting a user regarding its usage in real-time.
There has been another long felt need of an MDI that is capable of automatically recording an information about is usage.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
The present subject matter describes a metered dose inhaler having housing and a canister adapted to hold the medicament. The canister adapted to be received in the housing. The metered dose inhaler comprises a structural assembly enclosed within the housing adapted to receive the canister and a circuit assembly positioned adjacent to the structural assembly and the canister within the housing. The structural assembly comprises a stem block defining a flow path between the canister and an opening for dispensing the medicament. The structural assembly further comprises a first displaceable member pivoted within the structural assembly and adapted to be laterally displaced from a first position to a second position.
The circuit assembly comprises an inductor, an acoustic sensor, and a processor. The processor receives a first signal from the inductor indicating a first time the first displaceable member has reached the second position during inhalation and a second signal from the inductor indicating a second time the first displaceable member has reached the first position after inhalation. The processor further receives a third signal from the acoustic sensor indicating dispensing of the medicament from the opening via the flow path during inhalation. The processor thereafter determines at least one parameter associated with the dispensing of the medicament based on the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal. The at least one parameter associated with the dispensing of the medicament comprises:
a) duration of inhalation and
b) quality of inhalation;
c) quantity of medicament released from the opening during inhalation; and
d) quantity of medicament remaining within the canister.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1a illustrates an isometric view of a metered dose inhaler, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1b illustrates a side-view of the metered dose inhaler as shown in Figure 1a.
Figure 2 illustrates a front-view of the metered dose inhaler as shown in Figure 1a.
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the metered dose inhaler without a dust cap as shown in Figure 1a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4a illustrates a first isometric view of the metered dose inhaler without housing as shown in Figure 1a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4b illustrates a second isometric view of the metered dose inhaler without housing as shown in Figure 1a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a first perspective view of a structural assembly of the metered dose inhaler without housing as shown in Figures 1a, 4a, and 4b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a second perspective view of a structural assembly and a circuit assembly of the metered dose inhaler without housing as shown in Figures 1a, 4a, and 4b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Figure 1a illustrates an isometric view of a metered dose inhaler (MDI) 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1b illustrates a side-view the MDI 100, as shown in Figure 1a, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. In an implementation, the MDI 100 is ‘press and breathe’ type of MDI that is readied for use by opening a protective mouthpiece cover or a dust cap and require a user to ‘press’ the mounted canister and ‘breathe’ through the mouthpiece simultaneously for dispensing a medicament.
The MDI 100 comprises a housing 102 and a canister 104 adapted to hold the medicament. The medicament is a pharmaceutical formulation comprising one or more active substances, a propellant stored in a high pressurized state in the canister 104 and optionally other excipients such that the medicament is delivered by the MDI 100 as unit doses in form of an aerosol-mist or aerosol-spray. The housing 102 is adapted to receive the canister 104. The canister 104 can be in form of a can or vial and therefore the housing 102 has cross-section similar to that of the canister 104. The canister 104 may be detachably mounted such that the canister 104 may be removed, sterilized, and refilled with new medicament once the old medicament has been consumed by a user, thereby enabling reuse of the MDI 100.
The housing 102 further includes a protrusion or nozzle (not shown in the figure), which in turn acts as a mouthpiece for inhalation purposes. The nozzle includes an opening (not shown in the figure) for dispensing a metered dose of the medicament. During operation, when the canister 104 is pressed by the user and inhalation process is initiated, the medicament is transported from the canister 104 via the nozzle through the opening into the user’s mouth. The protrusion or the nozzle is covered by a protective dust cap 106. The dust cap 106 removed to the initiate inhaling process.
The MDI 100 further comprises a structural assembly (not shown in the figure) and a circuit assembly (not shown in the figure). The structural assembly is enclosed within the housing 102. The structural assembly adapted to receive the canister 104. The circuit assembly is positioned adjacent to the structural assembly and the canister 104 within the housing 102. The circuit assembly is adapted to determine various parameters associated with dispensing of the medicament and parameters associated with proper use of the MDI 100 itself. The circuit assembly may also include a memory (not shown in the figure) to save the various parameters thus determined. The memory also stores a predetermined number of doses that can be taken by the user as prescribed by a physician. Typically, the predetermined number of doses is loaded prior to the enclosing of the circuit assembly 410 within the housing. In an example, the memory is capable of storing data related to predetermined number doses, for example, 1000 doses.
Further, the circuit assembly may provide access to data pertaining to an ongoing operation or a historical usage of the MDI 100 to the user. To this end, the circuit assembly includes an electronic module 108 to display the data and provide real-time sound alerts, either as a part of feedback regarding an ongoing operation or as a reminder to the user about using the MDI 100 for inhalation (in accordance with a medical-prescription).
Further, the MDI 100 may be communicatively coupled with a data-acquisition device or a computing device 110 (hereinafter referred interchangeably) over a wireless network (represented by arrows) for communicating the logged data. Examples of the computing device include, but not limited to, server, desktop, smartphone, laptop, and a tablet. In one implementation, the wireless network can be a short-range wireless network. Examples of short-range wireless network include, but not limited to, Bluetooth (e.g. Bluetooth Low Energy communication) and Near Field Communications (NFC). In an example, the MDI 100 may communicate through Bluetooth 4.0/4.1 and operate within a range of 5 meters. In another implementation, the wireless network can be long-range wireless network. Examples of long-range wireless network include, but not limited to, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct.
In one example, the computing device 110 can be a centralized server at a hospital synchronized periodically with the MDI 100 over the wireless network to store all the data logged. In another example, the computing device 110 can be a smartphone or a medical tablet belonging to a physician or a paramedic, thereby leading to a timely diagnosis of ailment and regular-tracking of the latest patient health. In another example, the computing device 110 can be a smartphone belonging to a patient and reminders to use the MD1 100 may be communicated to the patient through the smartphone. In such examples, the smart-phone may also be implemented with a mobile-app to render the collected information statistically in terms of ‘graphic charts’, thereby enabling a tracking of progress during the period of treatment.
Further, the MDI 100 includes a data-access provision 112 to extract the data as logged or stored in the memory by the circuit assembly on to the computing device 110. In one example, the data-access provision 112 can be a data transmitting/receiving port such as USB port that transmits/receives data via a data cable. The MDI 100 may also communicate the logged data to the computing device 110 via a data cable connected between the data-access provision 112 and a corresponding port of the computing device 110. The data-access provision 112 may be provided on a bottom end of the housing 102. In addition, the data-access provision 112 may also act as a charging port for the MDI 100.
Figure 2 illustrates a front-view of the MDI 100 as shown in Figure 1, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The electronic module 108 includes a display module 200 to display numeric data in terms of aforesaid determinative parameters such as dose count, doses remaining, etc. Examples of the display module 200 include but not limited to an LCD numeric display, LED numeric display, and an electrophoretic display. The electronic module 108 also includes a visual alert component 202 to communicate visible alerts to the user. The visual alerts correspond to different scenarios such as incorrect/correct orientation of the MDI 100 during inhalation process, low battery, etc. Examples of the visual alert component 202 include but not limited to LED and an LCD screen. In an example, the visual alerts can be indicated by using LED that emits different colors. In an example, the LED can emit red color indicate the incorrect orientation of the MDI 100. On contrary, the LED can emit green color indicate the correct orientation of the MDI 100.
In addition, the electronic module 108 may comprise an audio signaling device (not shown in the figure) to provide an audio-alert in respect of aforementioned different scenarios. Examples of the audio signaling device include, but not limited to, beeper and buzzer. Further, the electronic module 108 may include a control button 204 to activate/deactivate/reset the electronic module 108. Example of the control button 204 includes but not limited to push button. As indicated in Figure 1a and Figure 1b, the housing 102 defines an enclosure having a plurality of recesses to accommodate the display module 200, the visual alert component 202, and the control button 204.
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the MDI 100 without a dust cap 106 as shown in Figure 1, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. As described earlier, the housing 102 includes a protrusion 300 (such as the protrusion described earlier in reference to Figure 1a) having an opening 302. The dust cap 106 can be mounted on the protrusion 300 in a snap-fit arrangement to form a sealing engagement with the housing 102.
Apart from drug-delivery related components and aforesaid electronics, the MD1 100 also includes various sensors or transducers for sensing the operation therein, as explained in later paragraphs. Overall, the MDI 100 is an electro-mechanical device that comprises a combination of electrical components and digital electronics to sense various types of events pertaining to the operation, process the signals generated as a result of sensing in a pre-defined manner, log resultant-data within the memory, and wirelessly communicate such logged data.
Accordingly, Figure 4a illustrates a first isometric view and Figure 4b illustrates a second isometric view of the MDI 100 without the housing 102 as shown in Figure 1a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first isometric view is a view from a front side of the MDI 100 comprising components of the electronic module 108. The second isometric view is a view from a back side of the MDI 100 comprising the protrusion 300.
Referring to Figure 4a and Figure 4b, the MDI 100 comprises a structural assembly 400 (such as the structural assembly described in reference to Figure 1a). The structural assembly 400 is enclosed within the housing 102. The canister 104 is fixed atop the structural assembly 400 and vertically mounted on the structural assembly 400. To this end, the structural assembly 400 includes a support stem 402
Now, as described earlier, the canister 104 is in form of a can with a top end 404 and a bottom end 406. The canister 104 further includes a valve assembly (not shown in the figure) at the bottom end 406 that enables longitudinal movement of the canister 104, as explained later. The valve assembly also includes a valve stem 408 through which the medicament is dispensed from the canister 104. The valve stem 408 is received by the structural assembly 400 and the support stem 402 provides a structural support to the canister 104 within the structural assembly 400 defining a rest position and orients the canister 104 in the structural assembly 400 while insertion during replacement.
During inhalation process, the user exerts a pressure on the top end 404 of the canister 104. This causes the canister 104 to move in a longitudinal downward direction (represented by arrow), thereby enabling the support stem 402 to move in the longitudinal downward direction. Consequently, the support stem 402 moves the spring member from the expanded position to a contracted position. At the contracted position of the spring member, the bottom end 406 of the canister 104 comes in an abutting relationship with the structural assembly 400, thereby defining activation position of the canister 104. At this activation position, the canister 104 dispenses medicament through the valve stem 408. In addition, the support stem 402 facilitates a controlled extraction of the medicament. When the user releases the pressure from the top end 404 of the canister 104, the spring member moves from the contracted position to the expanded position, thereby the causing the valve stem 408 and the canister 104 to move in a longitudinal upward direction.
The MDI 100 further comprises a circuit assembly 410 (such as the circuit assembly described in reference to Figure 1a). The circuit assembly 410 is positioned adjacent to the structural assembly 400 and the canister 104 within the housing 102. The circuit assembly 410 includes a board 412 with the display module 200 and the control button 204. The board 412 further includes a member 414 such that the circuit assembly 410 is fixedly mounted within the housing 102. Thus, the circuit assembly 410 is in form of printed circuit board (PCB) assembly.
Figure 5 illustrates a first perspective view of the structural assembly 400 of the MDI 100 without the housing 102 as shown in Figures 1a, 4a, and 4b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first perspective view is a view from a back side of the structural assembly 400 that is positioned adjacent to the circuit assembly 410. The structural assembly 400 includes a stem block (not shown in the figure). The stem block is linked with the canister 104 and the structural assembly 400 within the MDI 100 and is detachably implemented within the structural assembly 400 of the MDI 100. As such, the stem block defines a flow path between the canister 104 and the opening 302 for dispensing the medicament. Also, the stem-block can be removed and washed for reuse. In other words, such a provision enables the flow path of the MDI 100, through which the medicament flows, to be washed and sterilized. Such stem block acts as a constituent component of the structural assembly 400 within the MDI 100 used for mounting the canister 104.
The structural assembly 400 further comprises a first displaceable member 500. The first displaceable member 500 is pivoted within the structural assembly 400 and is adapted to be laterally displaced from a first position to a second position. The first displaceable member 500 further comprises a conducting member 502 mounted thereon.
The structural assembly 400 further comprises an opening 504 that directs a passage of air as caused due to inhalation towards an acoustic sensor (not shown in the figure) provided with the circuit assembly 410.
Figure 6 illustrates a second perspective view of the structural assembly 400 and the circuit assembly 410 of the MDI 100 without the housing as shown in Figures 1a, 4a, and 4b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The second perspective view is similar to the second isometric view illustrated in Figure 4b. The structural assembly 400 includes locking members 600 to sealingly engage with slots provided on the board 412 of the circuit assembly 410 prior to being enclosed within the housing 102.
Further, the circuit assembly 410 includes an inductor 602 mounted on the board 412. The conducting member 502 mounted on the first displaceable member 500 is operatively connected with the inductor 602 at the first position. This first position of the first displaceable member 500 corresponds with the rest position of the canister 104. The conducting member 502 is operatively disconnected with the inductor 602 at the second position when the first displaceable member 500 is laterally displaced from the first position to the second position. This second position corresponds to the activation position of the canister 104. The circuit assembly 410 further includes a processor (not shown in the figure) and an acoustic sensor (not shown in the figure), mounted on the board 412. In an implementation, the acoustic sensor is a microphone. The acoustic sensor is positioned within the flow path of the stem block that produces signals in response to inhalation.
During the inhalation process, the user exerts a pressure on the top end 404 of the canister 104 causing the canister 104 to move in a longitudinal downward direction from the rest position to the activation position. Once the canister 104 has reached the activation position, the user inhales the medicament. During inhalation, the first displaceable member 500 moves from the first position to the second position. As such, the conducting member 502 loses contact with the inductor 602, thereby subjecting the inductor 602 to a current-change and causing the inductor 602 to generate a first signal against said current-change. In an example, the signal is an EMF signal. The first signal indicates a first time the first displaceable member 500 has reached the second position during inhalation. After the inhalation, the first displaceable member 500 moves from the second position to the first position. As such, the conducting member 502 again contacts with the inductor 602, thereby subjecting the inductor 602 to a current-change and causing the inductor 602 to generate a second signal against said current-change. In an example, the signal is an EMF signal. The second signal indicates a second time the first displaceable member 500 has reached the first position after inhalation. The first signal and the second signal are then transmitted to the processor.
Further, during the inhalation, the acoustic sensor generates a third signal indicating dispensing of the medicament from the opening 302 via the flow path and transmits to the processor. The acoustic sensor generates the third signal based on a vapor pressure of the propellant within the medicament. As would be understood, the vapor pressure of the propellant decreases with each dose of the medicament.
Thus, the processor receives the first signal and the second signal from the inductor 602 and the third signal from the acoustic sensor. The processor then determines at least one parameter associated with the dispensing of the medicament based on the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal. The at least one parameter associated with the dispensing of the medicament include duration of inhalation; quality of inhalation; quantity of medicament released from the opening during inhalation; and quantity of medicament remaining within the canister 104.
The processor determines the duration of inhalation based on a time difference between the first time and the second time.
The processor determines the quality of inhalation and quantity of medicament released from the opening 302 during inhalation based on the vapor pressure indicated by the third signal.
The processor increments a count of medicament based on the third signal since one signal is equivalent to one count. Typically, the count is set at zero and is incremented by one after receiving the third signal. The processor then determines the quantity of medicament remaining within the canister 104 based on a difference between the predetermined number of total doses stored in the memory and the count thus incremented.
As described earlier, the processor stores these determined parameters in the memory. The processor may store the data by annotating time-stamps to the collected data based on a real-time clock maintained by the processor. Further, the processor may transmit the collected to the computing device 110 either via the wireless network or through the data-access provision 112 using techniques as known in the art.
Further, the processor outputs the determined parameters to the user. Thus, the processor may display the count thus incremented and the quantity of medicament remaining within the canister 104 on the display module 200. The processor may generate a visual alert on the visual alert component 202 when the quality of inhalation and quantity of medicament released from the opening 302 is not appropriate.
Further, the circuit assembly 410 includes an accelerometer (not shown in the figures) mounted on the board 412. The accelerometer is communicatively coupled with the processor and is adapted to determine an orientation of the MDI 100; and a shaking movement of the MDI 100 prior to the inhalation. As would be understood, the accelerometer measures movement and rotation in x, y, z directions. As such, the accelerometer detects the orientation of the MDI 100 during the actuation of medicament. Likewise, the accelerometer detects the number of times and directions in which the MDI 100 is shaken right before the inhaler dosage. The accelerometer then transmits corresponding signals to the processor for further processing. As such, the processor may generate an audio alert through the audio signaling device when the orientation is not appropriate or the MDI 100 is not shaken prior to inhalation.
Further, the circuit assembly 410 includes a battery 604 mounted on the board 412. The battery 604 powers all the electronic components within the circuit assembly.
Further, the structural assembly 400 comprises a second displaceable member 606 adapted to be displaced from a rest position to an activation position. The second displacement member 606 is displaced in accordance with the movement of the canister 104 from the rest position to the activation position The circuit assembly 410 further comprises a mechanical switch 608 operationally connected with the second displaceable member 606. The second displaceable member 606 triggers the mechanical switch 608 when the second displaceable member 606 reaches the activation position. The mechanical switch 608 then activates the processor to perform various actions as described earlier. As such, the processor is initially in a sleep mode to conserve power and is then activated by the mechanical switch 608 during inhalation. Further, the mechanical switch 608 also confirms the completion of a dose.
Further, the present subject matter describes a method for analyzing an inhalation-process in the MDI 100. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a first signal from the inductor 602 indicating a first time the first displaceable member 500 has reached second position during inhalation; receiving a second signal from the inductor 602 indicating a second time the first displaceable member 500 has reached the first position after inhalation; receiving a third signal from the acoustic sensor indicating dispensing of the medicament from the opening 302 via the flow path during inhalation; determining at least one parameter associated with the dispensing of the medicament based on the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal.
While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. Clearly, the invention may be otherwise variously embodied, and practiced within the scope of the following claims.
The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A metered dose inhaler (100) having a housing (102) and a canister (104) adapted to hold a medicament, the canister (104) adapted to be received in the housing (102) and to move from a rest position to an activation position, the metered dose inhaler (100) comprising:
a structural assembly (400) enclosed within the housing (102) and adapted to receive the canister, the structural assembly (400) comprising:
a stem block defining a flow path between the canister (104) and an opening (302) for dispensing the medicament; and
a first displaceable member (500) pivoted within the structural assembly (400) and adapted to be laterally displaced from a first position to a second position; and
a circuit assembly (410) positioned adjacent to the structural assembly (400) and the canister (104) within the housing (102), the circuit assembly (410) comprising:
an inductor (602);
an acoustic sensor; and
a processor adapted to:
receive a first signal from the inductor indicating a first time the first displaceable member (500) has reached the second position during inhalation;
receive a second signal from the inductor (602) indicating a second time the first displaceable member (500) has reached the first position after inhalation;
receive a third signal from the acoustic sensor indicating dispensing of the medicament from the opening (302) via the flow path during inhalation; and
determine at least one parameter associated with the dispensing of the medicament based on the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal.

2. The metered dose inhaler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter associated with the dispensing of the medicament comprises:
duration of inhalation;
quality of inhalation;
quantity of the medicament released from the opening during inhalation; and
quantity of the medicament remaining within the canister (104).

3. The metered dose inhaler (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processor determines the duration of inhalation based on a time difference between the first time and the second time.

4. The metered dose inhaler (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the processor increments a count of medicament based on the third signal.

5. The metered dose inhaler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first displaceable member (500) comprises a conducting member (502) mounted thereon such that conducting member (502) is operatively connected with the inductor (602) at the first position and operatively disconnected with the inductor (602) at the second position.

6. The metered dose inhaler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circuit assembly (410) further comprises an accelerometer communicatively coupled with the processor, the accelerometer adapted to determine :
an orientation of the metered dose inhaler; and
a shaking movement of the metered dose inhaler prior to the inhalation.

7. The metered dose inhaler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the structural assembly (400) further comprises a second displaceable member (606) adapted to be displaced from a rest position to an activation position; and
the circuit assembly (410) further comprises a mechanical switch (608) operationally connected with the second displaceable member (606) such that the second displaceable member (606) triggers the mechanical switch (608) when the second displaceable member (606) reaches the activation position, the mechanical switch (608) activating the processor.

8. The metered dose inhaler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the acoustic sensor is a microphone.

9. The metered dose inhaler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor transmits the at least one parameter associated with the dispensing of the medicament thus determined to a computing device (110), the computing device (110) being communicatively coupled with the metered dose inhaler (100).