DE102020214411A1 - Adaptation device for an inhaler, sensor module, method for providing an inhaler with information and method for operating a sensor module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an adaptation device (100) for an inhaler, with an adaptation interface (110) for detachably connecting a sensor module (105) to the inhaler and an information device (120) for providing information (123) for a communication device (125) of the sensor module (105).

Description

State of the art

The invention is based on an adaptation device for an inhaler, a sensor module, a method for providing an inhaler with information and a method for operating a sensor module according to the species of the independent claims.

In the case of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, patients usually have to inhale medication several times a day. There are a number of different dispensing principles, device types and manufacturers. The manufacturer-specific specifications for the correct use of the inhaler or spray also differ significantly in some cases.

Disclosure of Invention

Against this background, with the approach presented here, an adaptation device for an inhaler, a sensor module, a method for providing an inhaler with information and a method for operating a sensor module are presented according to the main claims. Advantageous developments and improvements of the device specified in the independent claim are possible as a result of the measures listed in the dependent claims.

The approach presented here advantageously offers a sensory retrofit solution for inhalers or sprays, regardless of the manufacturer and model, in order to be able to record a correct application and give the user appropriate feedback. With the help of inexpensively produced and device-specific adapter components, a sensor module can be advantageously connected and used with many different inhalers and sprays.

An adaptation device for an inhaler is presented, with an adaptation interface for detachably connecting a sensor module to the inhaler and an information device for providing information for a communication device of the sensor module.

The adaptation device can, for example, be designed to be device-specific, which means that a suitable adaptation device can advantageously be used for different inhalers from different manufacturers. The adaptation interface of the adaptation device enables the sensor module to be detachably connected to the adaptation device and thereby to different models of inhalers. For example, the sensor module can detect physical measurement parameters such as sound waves, vibration, acceleration and additionally or alternatively the gravitational field of the earth, with the aim of supporting correct use of the inhaler by a user. Since the manufacturer-specific specifications for the correct use of an inhaler or spray differ significantly in some cases, the information device, which can also be referred to as a recognition device, provides relevant information for the sensor system in the adapter. For example, in addition to the type of inhaler, other information relevant to a patient or manufacturer can be transmitted, such as the type of active substance and concentration of a drug, information about the manufacture and expiry date of the inhaler, or where and with what orientation the sensor module is placed. The information can thus be, for example, inhaler-specific, application-specific or patient-specific information, or the information can include corresponding information. This has the advantage that the inhaler can also be recognized via a fully automatic recognition of the adaptation device, as a result of which the operation and setup of the device can be made much more intuitive for a user and can have a positive effect on the user experience. The sensor module can be used to support the user in an active substance application process by recording physical measurement parameters. Advantageously, because of the adaptation device, the sensor module does not have to be an inhaler-specific device that is only produced for a specific inhaler. Instead, the sensor module can be used for a large number of different inhalers that differ, for example, in their housing shape. Advantageously, with the approach described, inhaler-integrated measurement technology can also be dispensed with.

According to one embodiment, the adaptation interface can be formed as part of an inhaler housing of the inhaler. For example, the inhaler housing can be a plastic housing that is formed, for example, with a flared ring or a screw cap, to which the sensor module can be attached by a user. Advantageously, the adaptation device can thereby be manufactured in a particularly material-friendly manner.

According to a further embodiment, the adaptation device can have a fastening device for detachably connecting the adaptation device to the inhaler. For example, a form-fitting and additionally or alternatively force-fitting connection can be made via the fastening device conclusive connection of the adaptation device to the inhaler can be made possible. Advantageously, the adaptation device can be manufactured independently of the inhalers in large numbers and thus inexpensively.

According to a further embodiment, the fastening device can be formed as a U-shaped clamping unit. The clamping unit can, for example, comprise two curved arm elements which enable the adaptation device and thus also the sensor module to be clamped to an inhaler housing. In addition or as an alternative, the adaptation device can also be clamped directly to a cartridge with the required active substance used for the inhalation process via such a clamping unit. This has the advantage that a user can particularly easily attach the adaptation device and thus the sensor module to an inhaler or to a cartridge and also detach it again.

According to a further embodiment, the adaptation interface can include a receiving surface for receiving the sensor module, it being possible for the information device to be arranged on the receiving surface. The receiving surface can, for example, correspond in shape and size to a main surface of the sensor module and can be formed, for example, as a slight indentation within the adaptation device, into which the sensor module can be inserted. The information device can be arranged directly on the receiving surface, for example in the form of a chip or a code that is printed or glued on, for example. When the sensor module is used, a minimum distance between the information device and the communication device of the sensor module can advantageously be achieved, as a result of which the transmission of electronic data, for example using RFID technology, can be optimized. Information can be transmitted in encrypted form, which can improve the protection of a user's personal data. In addition to the reading of information by the sensor module, information can also be uploaded to the information device, for example how often the inhaler is used.

According to a further embodiment, the information device can include a passive transponder. This can be, for example, an RFID or NFC transponder with stored information. The transponder can, for example, be integrated directly in the inhaler housing or in or on an adapter component of the adaptation device. Such a structure can, for example, be overmoulded during an injection molding process of the component. There is also the option, for example, of printing an RFID transponder onto the corresponding component using a special printing process. Advantageously, a passive transponder does not require its own energy supply and at the same time the costs of the inhaler housing or the adaptation device can be kept low. In addition, the RFID or NFC technology used can also be used to communicate with another mobile device, such as a smartphone.

According to a further embodiment, the information device can comprise an optically readable element. For example, the information device can be printed onto the receiving surface of the adaptation interface as a two-dimensional data matrix, for example in the form of an OR code or a barcode. In other words, for example, the inhaler housing or an adapter component can be provided with a corresponding pattern that can be read out, processed and interpreted using an optical readout device in the sensor module. Advantageously, such an optically readable element can be produced simply and inexpensively and does not require its own power supply.

In addition, a sensor module with an attachment interface for detachably attaching the sensor module to an adaptation interface of a variant of a previously presented adaptation device is presented. The sensor module also includes a communication device that is designed to read out the information from the information device of the adaptation device. For example, the sensor module can be an independent unit that can be placed on the inhaler by means of the adapter device presented above, regardless of the size and shape of the inhaler housing. The sensor module can detect the adaptation device and thus the medical device used, for example, electromagnetically via RFID or NFC, optically, for example via a QR code or barcode, and mechanically, electrically conductively or electrically capacitively. By consistently separating the sensor module from the inhaler, the sensor module can advantageously be manufactured inexpensively and in large numbers. In other words, the sensor module presented here can be a modular sensor attachment to support the application of inhalers and sprays, which can support a user in using the inhaler correctly. Advantageously, the sensor module can be combined with different inhalers in different embodiments. By means of the communication device, the sensor module can also read out inhaler-specific information provided by the information device of the adapter device. For example, information such as the active substance type and concentration of a drug, information on the manufacture and expiry date, originality of the inhaler and the drugs it contains, and additionally or alternatively the number of inhalation portions contained and used can be transmitted in this way. Using such information, the sensor module can, for example, detect other physical measurement parameters such as sound waves or the orientation of the inhaler with respect to the earth's gravitational field. Advantageously, this can reduce the influence of human errors during an active substance application process, which contributes to the safety of the correct operation of the inhaler.

According to one embodiment, the communication device can have a transmission unit for data exchange with a mobile device. For example, the transmission unit can have a transmission interface via which a sensor signal can be provided wirelessly for the mobile device, for example. The mobile device can be, for example, a smartphone, a smart watch or a tablet with a corresponding app, through which data from the sensor module can be read out and displayed to a user. Advantageously, information relevant to a user can be called up on the mobile device, for example whether the inhalation was carried out correctly, possibly with instructions on which sub-process was not carried out correctly, or what could be done better in the next application. For example, a user can call up an app on their smartphone to find out, for example, the type of active ingredient and concentration of their drug, information about its manufacture and expiration date, or the number of inhalation portions contained and used. This information can be processed automatically, for example, which advantageously also enables an evaluation of statistics over a longer period of time or an automatic reordering of the medication or a determination of the daily dose in comparison to consumption. For example, particularly in the case of reusable inhalers that are designed for a limited number of application cycles, the number of cycles that have taken place so far can be recorded and the user can be informed, for example, of the remaining strokes or the remaining service life. Additionally or alternatively, the originality of the inhaler, which can also be referred to as an inhaler, and the medication contained can be monitored. For example, this information can be compared and validated with a central database via the connection to the mobile device. Advantageously, this enables plagiarism detection, or protection against forgery, even in less regulated healthcare systems.

According to a further embodiment, the communication device can comprise an optical readout unit for optically reading out the information device. The optical readout unit can be an integrated camera, for example, which can be used to optically read out information, for example a QR code or a barcode. Advantageously, when reading an optical element, use can be made of proven technology that is easy for a user to implement.

According to a further embodiment, the communication device can comprise a radio interface for reading out the information device. For example, in this embodiment, RFID or NFC technology can be used for data transmission. In this embodiment, modern encryption technologies, for example RFID technology, can advantageously be used to protect personal or sensitive data. Here, for example, a passive transponder can be used in the adaptation device as electronic access control. Additionally or alternatively, passive readout units can function as a link or identification code to an online network, database or platform. For example, these could be equipped with an additional security barrier, such as a password, fingerprint or voice recognition.

In addition, an inhaler system with an inhaler and a variant of a previously presented adaptation device and a variant of a previously presented sensor module is presented. The electronics contained in the adaptation device and sensor module enable data to be recognized and transmitted. Advantageously, no further aids, such as a smartphone or a camera, are required to identify the inhaler. The components used are sufficient, consisting of the inhaler, adaptation device and sensor module. The comprehensive approach of a reusable sensing module means that inhalers from different manufacturers can be used to advantage and at the same time manufacturer-independent data provision and processing models can be established. Such an inhaler system therefore has the advantage that all of the aforementioned advantages can be optimally implemented.

In addition, a method for providing an inhaler with information is presented, the method comprising a step of providing the inhaler and a step of attaching an information device to a variant of a previously presented adaptation device on the inhaler. Known methods can be used for fastening, depending on the type of adaptation device. Depending on the type of adaptation device, the information can be or will be stored in different ways, for example permanently or modifiably in the adaptation device.

In addition, a method for operating a variant of a previously presented sensor module is presented, the method comprising a step of reading out the information using the communication device. In order to read out the information, the communication device can be designed, for example, to send out a suitable communication signal to the adaptation device. Optionally, the read information can be passed on to a mobile device.

This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware or in a mixed form of software and hardware.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Adaptionsvorrichtung und eines Sensormoduls;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Inhalatorsystems;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines scheibenförmigen Inhalators;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Adaptionsvorrichtung;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Adaptionsvorrichtung;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Sensormoduls;
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Adaptionsvorrichtung und eines Sensormoduls;
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Adaptionsvorrichtung, eines Sensormoduls und eines mobilen Geräts;
• 9 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verfahrens zum Versehen eines Inhalators mit Informationen; und
• 10 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben eines Sensormoduls.

Exemplary embodiments of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an adaptation device and a sensor module;
• 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an inhaler system;
• 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a disc-shaped inhaler;
• 4 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an adaptation device;
• 5 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an adaptation device;
• 6 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a sensor module;
• 7 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an adaptation device and a sensor module;
• 8th a schematic representation of an embodiment of an adaptation device, a sensor module and a mobile device;
• 9 a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for providing an inhaler with information; and
• 10 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a sensor module.

In the following description of favorable exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference symbols are used for the elements which are shown in the various figures and have a similar effect, with a repeated description of these elements being dispensed with.

1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an adaptation device 100 and a sensor module 105. The adaptation device 100 is designed to detachably connect the sensor module 105 to an inhaler, not shown in this representation. For this purpose, the adaptation device 100 has an adaptation interface 110 with a receiving surface 115 for receiving the sensor module 105 . In this exemplary embodiment, an information device 120 is arranged directly on the receiving surface 115, which includes a passive transponder 122, merely by way of example. Information device 120 is designed to provide information 123 for a communication device 125 of sensor module 105 . The information 123 includes, merely by way of example, the exact model of the inhaler used, information on manufacture and expiry date and additionally or alternatively information on the precise positioning of the adaptation device 100 and, via this, optionally information on the positioning of the sensor module 105 on the inhaler. This makes it possible, for example, to calculate the correct orientation of the inhaler in relation to the earth's gravitational field during an active substance application process using a corresponding sensor system. The information 123 is stored in the information device 120 in a suitable manner or is impressed into the information device 120 .

The sensor module 105 can be detachably attached to the adaptation interface 110 via an attachment interface 130 , with the communication device 125 being arranged directly on the attachment interface 130 in this exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the communication device 125 comprises a radio interface 135 for automatically reading out the information from the information device 120. The communication device 125 in this exemplary embodiment is correspondingly designed to to transmit a communication signal 140 via the radio interface 135 upon contact of the sensor module 105 with the adaptation device 100 and/or triggered by a readout event and to receive information 123 in the form of an information signal in response to the transmitted communication signal 140 . In this exemplary embodiment, RFID technology can be used for this purpose, with the sensor module 105 supplied with energy representing an active partner for the passive transponder of the adaptation device 100 . All information can be transmitted in encrypted form, since the passive transponder 122 can be used as an electronic access control for the user's personal or sensitive data. According to one exemplary embodiment, a readout process of the information device 120 takes place automatically as soon as the communication device 125 is brought close enough to the information device 120 when the sensor module 105 clicks into the adaptation device 100 . For example, the attachment interface 130 includes a switching device that is designed to provide a coupling signal for activating the communication device 125 when the attachment interface 130 is coupled to the adaptation interface 110 of the adaptation device 100 . In the same way, a process of uploading external information can also be implemented. This means that both the communication device 125 and the information device 120 can be operated as transmitters or receivers, depending on the application. Due to the defined, form-fitting installation and a small distance between transmitter and receiver, only a low energy requirement is required for the reading and/or uploading process in this exemplary embodiment.

2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an inhaler system 200. The inhaler system 200 comprises an inhaler 205, an adaptation device 101 and a sensor module 105, the adaptation device and the sensor module being the ones in 1 described adaptation device and the sensor module described can act. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor module 105 is detachably mounted on the adaptation device 100, which in turn is arranged on the inhaler 205. For this purpose, the adaptation device 100 has a fastening device 210 which, by way of example, is designed as a U-shaped clamping unit. The adaptation device 100 and the sensor module 105 arranged on the adaptation device 100 are non-positively attached to the inhaler 205 via the attachment device 210 . The sensor module 105 is designed to detect this process by sensors while a user is using the inhaler 205 to administer an active substance and to provide the user with corresponding information.

3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a disk-shaped inhaler 300, wherein the adaptation interface 110 is formed as part of an inhaler housing 305 of the disk-shaped inhaler 300. Similar to the in 1 In the representation of the adaptation device described above, the information device 120 is also arranged directly on the receiving surface 115 of the adaptation interface 110 and thus also directly on the housing of the inhaler 300 in this exemplary embodiment. In other words, the transponder is integrated directly into the housing of the inhaler 300 in this exemplary embodiment. According to different exemplary embodiments, information device 120 is integrated into the housing, for example cast or applied to a surface of the housing, for example glued or printed on.

4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an adaptation device 100. This can be the in the 1 and 2 Act adaptation device described, with the difference that in this embodiment, the information device 120 comprises an optically readable element 400. The element 400 that can be read optically is designed as a QR code purely by way of example, which can be read out with an optical readout unit of the communication device of the sensor module. For example, the information device 120 is printed on a surface of the adaptation device 100 .

5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an adaptation device 100. This can be the in 1 , 2 and 4 acting adaptation device described. Congruent to the in 4 In the representation described, the information device 120 also has an optically readable element 400 in this exemplary embodiment, with the difference that in this exemplary embodiment the optically readable element 400 is in the form of a barcode.

6 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a sensor module 105. This can be the in the 1 and 2 act described sensor module, with the difference that the communication device 125 has an optical readout unit 600 in the form of a camera in this embodiment. The optical readout unit 600 is designed to read out an optically readable element of the information device as soon as it is attached to the adaptation device by means of the attachment interface 130 .

7 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an adaptation device 100 and a sensor module 105. The representation shown here corresponds to FIG 1 described representation of an adaptation device and a sensor module, with the difference that the information device 120 in this embodiment in 5 has the optically readable element 400 described in the form of a barcode. In this exemplary embodiment, this barcode can be optically read out by the camera integrated in the communication device 125 when the sensor module 105 and the adaptation device 100 are coupled. Optionally, the sensor module 105 is designed to illuminate the optically readable element 400 in order to facilitate reading. In this case, the communication signal 140 can be a light beam for illuminating the optically readable element 400 . Light beams reflected by the optically readable element 400 include the information 123 and are received by the camera of the communication device 125 according to one exemplary embodiment.

8th shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an adaptation device 100, a sensor module 105 and a mobile device 800. This can be the in the 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 and 7 described adaptation device and the sensor module described in number one, 2, 6 and 7 act. In this exemplary embodiment, the mobile device 800 is implemented as a smartphone, purely by way of example. Alternatively, the mobile device can be a smart watch or a tablet, for example. In this exemplary embodiment, the communication device 125 includes a transmission unit 805. The transmission unit 805 is designed, merely by way of example, to provide information 123 received from the information device 120 via a data signal 810 for the mobile device 800. In another exemplary embodiment, the transmission unit can additionally be designed to receive information from the mobile device 800 . A data exchange between the sensor module 105 and the mobile device 800 is thus possible. As a result, the communication device 125 represents an active interface for a connection from an inhaler or an inhaler-specific adaptation device 100 to a mobile terminal device.

9 FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 900 for providing an inhaler with information. The method 900 comprises a step 905 of providing the inhaler and a step 910 of attaching an information device to an adaptation device on the inhaler. If the adaptation device is integrated into a housing of the inhaler, for example, step 910 can be carried out at the same time as step 905 of providing, in which the inhaler is manufactured, for example. If the adaptation device is permanently attached to the inhaler, step 910 can be carried out, for example, by printing or gluing the adaptation device on. If the adaptation device is detachably attached to the inhaler, step 910 can be carried out, for example, by clipping the adaptation device onto the inhaler.

10 10 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1000 for operating a sensor module. In this exemplary embodiment, the method 1000 includes a step 1005 of automatically attaching the sensor module to an inhaler via an adaptation device. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the fastening step can also be carried out manually. In this exemplary embodiment, the step 1005 of attaching is followed by a step 1010 of reading out the information by means of the communication device. After step 1010 of reading out, there is only an optional step 1015 of forwarding the information to a mobile device.

Claims (14)

Adaptation device (100) for an inhaler (205; 300), wherein the adaptation device (100) has an adaptation interface (110) for detachably connecting a sensor module (105) to the inhaler (205; 300) and an information device (120) for providing information (123) for a communication device (125) of the sensor module (105). Adaptation device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the adaptation interface (110) is formed as part of an inhaler housing (305) of the inhaler (205; 300). Adaptation device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the adaptation device (100) has a fastening device (210) for detachably connecting the adaptation device (100) to the inhaler (205; 300). Adaptation device (100) according to claim 3 , wherein the fastening device (210) is formed as a U-shaped clamping unit. Adaptation device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptation interface (110) comprises a receiving surface (115) for receiving the sensor module (105), the information device (120) being arranged on the receiving surface (115). Adaptation device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information device (120) comprises a passive transponder (122). Adaptation device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information device (120) comprises an optically readable element (400). Sensor module (105) with an attachment interface (130) for releasably attaching the sensor module (105) to an adaptation interface (110) of an adaptation device (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 and having a communication device (125) which is designed to read out the information (123) from the information device (120) of the adaptation device (100). Sensor module (105) according to claim 8 , wherein the communication device (125) has a transmission unit (805) for data exchange with a mobile device (800). Sensor module (105) according to any one of the preceding Claims 8 until 9 , wherein the communication device (125) comprises an optical readout unit (600) for optically reading out the information device (120). Sensor module (105) according to any one of the preceding Claims 8 until 10 , wherein the communication device (125) comprises a radio interface (135) for reading the information device (120). Inhaler system (200) with an inhaler (205; 300) and an adaptation device (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 and a sensor module (105) according to any one of Claims 8 until 11 . A method (900) for providing an inhaler (205; 300) with information (123), the method (900) comprising the steps of: providing (905) the inhaler (205; 300); and attaching (910) an information device (120) to an adaptation device (100) according to any one of Claims 1 until 7 on the inhaler (205; 300). Method (1000) for operating a sensor module (105) according to one of Claims 8 until 11 , wherein the method (1000) comprises the following step: reading out (1010) the information (123) by means of the communication device (125).

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