GB2529536A

GB2529536A - Smart medication packaging

Info

Publication number: GB2529536A
Application number: GB1511550.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Graham Palmer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-01
Filing date: 2015-07-01
Publication date: 2016-02-24
Also published as: GB201511550D0; GB201411697D0

Abstract

An apparatus for remotely monitoring the removal of material stored within at least one container 201, 202, 203, comprising a sensor attached to the container, a communications gateway 204 and at least one remote server. The removal of material stored within the containers is detected by the sensors and information about said removal is sent from the sensors, via short range wireless channels 205, 206, 207 to a communications gateway 204 which is in communication with the internet 104 using a further channel 108. The information may be forwarded to a remote device such as a server (Fig 1, 105, 106, 107). Information may be sent via the internet, cell phone or Bluetooth (RTM). The apparatus is a device to monitor the storage of medicines, pills or the like, contained in items such as a cardboard box, blister pack, pill box or eye drop bottle. One of the objectives is to monitor patient compliance with the prescribed medication regime.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GB1511550.4 RTTVI Date:t7 December 20t5 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Bluetooth ZigBee Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

I

Smart Medication Packaging

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the remote monitoring of removal of material from packaging, and specifically when the material is medication and the packaging is medication packaging, with the remote monitoring of medication adherence.

2) Description of the Related Art

Poor compliance with medication is a huge problem for patients, the family and carers, and for health services. Up to 50% of medication is not taken as prescribed, and up to 10% of hospital admissions are attributed to medication being taken incorrectly. A variety of solutions exist to help patients improve their adherence. Some make it easier for patients to remember which medication to take at which time, by packaging medication in time-of-day and day-of-week packaging. Others present patients with reminders such as flashing lights attached to the medication packaging. Others present include mechanical means to present the patients with the pills that are to be taken, at the time at which they should be taken. These solutions provide no feedback to remotely located healthcare professionals or to carers that lets them know that the medication has been taken, or to take action if it has not been. It is well known that patient-reported adherence data is often inaccurate and of little use to determine the actual consumption of medication, or to permit interventions to improve the patient's medication adherence. Other techniques involve placing medication in specialist packaging which monitors when medication is taken and notifies remotely located healthcare professionals or carers but such solutions are expensive or difficult to use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for remotely monitoring the removal of material stored within at least one container, comprising a sensor attached to the container, a communications gateway and at least one remote server, wherein the sensors communicate with the communications gateway through a first communication channel, and the communications gateway communicates with the remote servers through a second communications channel. The removal of material stored within the containers is detected by the sensors and information about the removal is transferred from the sensors through the first communications channel to the communication gateway, and from the communication gateway through the second communications channel to the servers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an environment in which the invention may be embodied; Figure 2 shows the home of a patient in which the invention may be used; Figure 3 shows a sensor installed in a medication package; Figure 4 shows the elements of a sensor; Figure 5 shows the elements of a communication gateway; Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a sensor in both plan and elevation views; Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a sensor inserted into a medication package; Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a sensor; Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a sensor inserted into a medication package; Figure 10 shows a medication package with a pattern of conductive areas; Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of the sensor for use with a medication package with a pattern of conductive areas; Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of medication packaging which is fabricated to include a volume into which a sensor can be placed; Figure 13 shows a sleeve into which medication packaging can be slid; Figure 14 shows an assembly which can be wrapped around medication packaging; Figure 15 shows an eye drop bottle and an eye drop dispenser; Figure 16 shows a cross section of an eye drop dispenser with an eye drop bottle installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 Figure 1 illustrates an environment in which embodiments of the invention herein described may be used. Homes 101, 102 and 103 connect to the Internet 104 and servers 105, 106 and 107 connect to the Internet 104 in such a manner that equipment in the homes may communicate with the servers.

The homes 101, 102 and 103 are connected to the Internet 104 through communications channels 108, 109 and 110 respectively. Communications channels 108, 109 and 110 may be implemented using a plurality of communications technologies, including GSM wireless technology, broadband technology or telephone lines.

It will be understood that the use of the invention is not restricted to use within homes, but that it may be used in other locations also.

Figure 2 Figure 2 shows home 101 of a patient 208. Patient 208 uses medication contained in one or a plurality of medication packaging 201, 202 and 203. Each medication package 201, 202 and 203 of contains a sensor which determines when patient 208 consumes the medication. The sensors in medication packaging 201, 202 and 203 connect to communications gateway 204 using short-range wireless radio channels 205, 206 and 207 respectively. Communications channels 205, 206 and 207 may be implemented using the WiFi technology or Bluetooth technology or ZigBee technology or other short-range wireless technologies.

Gateway 204 communicates with the Internet 104 using communications channel 108.

The sensors in medication packaging 201, 202 and 203 detect when medication is consumed by patient 208. The sensors record this information together with the time at which the medication was consumed. The sensors transmit this information wirelessly to the communications gateway 204 either immediately or at a later time. The communications gateway forwards this information to one or a plurality of the servers 105, 106 and 107 either immediately or at a later time for subsequent processing and possible interventions.

In the preferred embodiment the medication consumption data is processed in such a manner that a family member of the patient 208 is informed when the patient 208 takes the medication, or when the patient 208 fails to take the medication at the correct time. This enables the family member to take action to assist the patient 208 to adhere better to his medication schedule.

In a further embodiment medication consumption data is processed in such a manner that the health care professionals caring for patient 208 can view the patient's medication adherence record and can intervene with the patient to improve the patient's medication adherence.

In a further embodiment medication consumption data is used in clinical trials of a medication to an provide accurate record of when patient 208 consumes the medication.

Further uses of the the medication consumption data can be envisaged.

Although the preferred embodiment of the the present invention is for monitoring of the consumption of medication, it will be understood thatfurther embodiments permit the monitoring of the consumption further materials contained within further packaging.

Figure 3 Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a medication package 201 in which the medication package is a cardboard box designed to contain pills enclosed within a blister-pack. End face 302 closes the box to retain the medication and tab 303 tucks inside medication package 201 to hold end face 302 in place. In alternative embodiments of medication package 201 alternative arrangements of construction may be used to retain the medication and to permit access to the medication.

Sensor 301 includes electronics and transducers which detect when the medication package 201 is opened and the medication removed.

Sensor 301 records the time and date at which the medication package is opened and the medication removed. Sensor 301 transmits this information to communications gateway 204 through communications channel 205, either immediately the medication is removed, or later.

Sensor 301 can be placed inside medication package 201 at the time the medication packaging 201 is manufactured, or by a pharmacist at the time the medication is prescribed, or by patient 208 after the medication is in possession of patient 208.

Preferably, sensor 301 is re-usable and can be removed from medication package 201 when the medication is finished, and re-deployed in another medication package.

Figure 4 Figure 4 shows the principle elements of sensor 301. A microprocessor 401 comprises a central processing unit, memory, a real-time clock and input/output elements. The microprocessor 401 executes software instructions stored in the memory so as to implement the desired functionality of the sensor. The real-time clock permits the microprocessor 401 to record the time at which medication consumption events occur.

Short-range radio 402 is controlled by the microprocessor 401 and communicates wirelessly using antenna 403 with communications gateway 204. The sensor is powered by a battery 404.

A transducer 405 is used to sense when the medication is taken. Software running on microprocessor 401 determines when a signal from transducer 405 indicates that medication has been removed, and then stores information about this event, together with the time and date at which the event occurred, in the memory of the microprocessor 401.

When the microprocessor 401 establishes communication with the communications gateway 204 it transmits the stored information about the medication consumption event, including the time and date of the event, to the communications gateway 204.

A display 406 may optionally be provided. Display 406 provides information to the patient 208. In the preferred embodiment display 406 is a light-emitting diode. In further embodiments display 406 displays text or graphics to patient 208. Display 406 could be used to inform patient 208 whether or not the medication is due to be taken, or could provide visual assurance that a medication consumption event had been successfully recorded. Display 406 could be used as part of a pairing process to establish a secure wireless communications channel between sensor 301 and communications gateway 204.

In the preferred embodiment, transducer 405 is a push-button switch which is pressed by patient 208 when he takes the medication.

In a further embodiment transducer 405 is an electrical switch that changes state as two parts of medication packaging 301 move with respect to each other. In this embodiment the signal from the electrical switch is processed by software in the microprocessor 401 to determine when the medication packaging 201 is opened, and this is interpreted as the medication being removed.

In a further embodiment transducer 405 is a motion sensor. In this embodiment the signal from the motion sensor is processed by software in the microprocessor 401 to determine when the motion of the sensor 301 indicates that the medication inside has been removed removed.

In a further embodiment transducer 405 is a light sensor. In this embodiment, when the patient 208 opens the medication packaging 201 an increase in light is detected by the light sensor and this is interpreted as the medication being removed.

In a further embodiment transducer 405 is a pressure sensor with the pressure-sensitive elements of the transducer arranged so that pressure changes as the medication packaging 201 is opened. In this embodiment the signal from the pressure sensor is processed by software in the microprocessor 401 to determine when the medication packaging 201 is opened, and this is interpreted as the medication being removed.

It will be understood that such a pressure sensor can be fabricated from a thin film of pressure-sensitive material comprising conductive filler particles combined with an elastomeric binder. Such material can be applied to the outer surfaces of medication packaging to implement a thin, low-cost pressure sensor.

In a further embodiment transducer 405 is a capacitive switch sensor in which the capacitance of an area of conductive material present on medication packaging 201 changes when patient 208 handles the package or when two pads of medication packaging 301 move with respect to each other. In this embodiment the signal from the capacitive switch sensor is processed by software in the microprocessor 401 to determine that the medication package has been opened and the medication has been removed.

In a further embodiments further transducers and further signal processing software may be used to determine when the medication package 301 is opened or when the medication is removed.

The elements of sensor 301 are also present in the further embodiments of the sensors in medication packaging 202 and 203. The further embodiments of the sensors will differ in the detail of transducer 405 and in the nature of the software instructions stored in microprocessor 401.

Figure 5 Figure 5 shows the principle elements of communications gateway 204. A computing element 501 comprises a central processing unit, memory and input/output elements. The computing element 501 executes instructions stored in the memory so as to implement the desired function of the communications gateway 204. Short-range radio 502 is controlled by the microprocessor 501 and communicates wirelessly using antenna 503 with sensors in medication packages 201, 202 and 203.

Communications gateway 204 contains a second communications element for the purpose of communicating with the Internet 104 through communications channel 108. In the preferred embodiment shown in figure 7 this second communications element is GSM radio 504 which communicates wirelessly with the GSM cell-phone network using antenna 505. It will be understood that other communications channels to the Internet can be used in further embodiments of communications gateway 204.

The communications gateway is powered by power supply 506. In the preferred embodiment power supply 506 is a mains power supply connected to the domestic mains electricity supply. It will be understood that other power supplies can be used in further embodiments of communications gateway 204.

In a further embodiment communications gateway 204 is implemented by a broadband router in which short-range radio 502 implements the WiFi radio technology.

In a further embodiment communications gateway 204 is implemented by a mobile phone which contains a short-range radio 502. In such an embodiment application software running within computing element 501 may provide a user interface to patient 208. Such application software may issue timed reminders to patient 208, and may permit the patient 208 to review his medication adherence and may perform other tasks to assist with improving medication adherence.

Figure 6 Figure 6 shows the preferred embodiment of sensor 301 in both plan and elevation views.

Battery compartment 601 encloses microprocessor 401, short-range radio 402 and battery 404 of the sensor 301. Body 603 incorporates display 406 implemented as a light-emitting diode, transducer 405 implemented as a push-button switch and antenna 403. Body 603 is connected to battery compartment 601 by electrical conductors present in the flat flexible cable 602.

It will be understood that the principal elements of sensor 301 can be arranged differently between body 601, battery compartment 603 and flat flexible cable 602.

Figure 7 Figure 7 shows the sensor 301 shown in figure 6 after it has been inserted into medication packaging 201. Medication packaging 201 contains medication enclosed within a blister-pack 701.

In the preferred embodiment sensor 301 is fixed to the inside of medication packaging 201 by a spring clip which fastens the body 603 to the end face 302. In further embodiments sensor 301 is fixed to the inside of medication packaging 201 by adhesive or a twist tie or other fastening means.

Sensor 301 may be inserted into medication packaging 301 by patient 208 or by a healthcare professional or a carer. This constitutes an advantage of the present invention over prior art as it permits monitoring of medication adherence without requiring the medication to be transferred to alternative monitoring packaging.

The patient 208 removes blister pack 701 by opening the end face 302, which reveals body 603. Patient 208 indicates that he has removed the medication by pressing the push-button switch that is the manifestation of transducer 405. The sensor 301 then records the medication consumption event and transmits this information to gateway 204, either immediately or at a later time. The light emitting diode that is the manifestation of display 406 may light to provide visual feedback to patient 208.

Further user interface functions may be implemented in further embodiments. For example, the display 406 may present text or graphics to patient 208. In this further embodiment the display 406 could notify patient 208 whether or not the medication is due to be consumed.

Figure 8 Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of sensor 301 in which all the principal elements of sensor 301 are contained within body 603.

Figure 9 Figure 9 shows the further embodiment of sensor 301 shown in figure 8 after it has been fastened to end face 302 of medication packaging 201. Medication packaging 201 contains medication enclosed within a blister-pack 701.

It will be understood that the sensor 301 could also be fastened to the outside of end face 302 or to another surface of medication packaging 201.

Figure 10 Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of medication packaging 201 in which the medication package is a cardboard box designed to contain pills enclosed within a blister-pack. The cardboard box is fabricated with a pattern of conductive areas which can be used to sense whether the box is open or closed. In the preferred embodiment these conductive areas are printed with conductive ink.

Conductive area 1001 is applied to the outer surface of tab 303. Conductive area 1002 is applied to the inner surface of medication packaging 201 and is positioned such that when tab 303 is inserted into the cardboard box to close the box, conductive area 1001 makes electrical contact with conductive area 1002.

Conductive area 1003 is applied to the outer surface of end face 302. Conductive area 1004 is applied to the inner surface of end face 302. Conductive areas 1001 and 1003 are electrically connected by conductive area 1005 on the outside of the end face 302 and tab 303. Conductive areas 1002 and 1004 are electrically connected by a further conductive area on the inside of the box and end face 302. The conductive area connecting conductive areas 1002 and 1004 is not shown in this figure.

It will be understood that if a sensor 301 is fitted to the end face 302 in such a manner that it makes electrical contact with conductive areas 1003 and 1004 then the sensor 301 is able to determine whether conductive area 1001 is touching conductive area 1002 and therefore whether medication packaging 201 is open or closed. When the medication packaging is closed an electrical circuit is completed from conductive area 1003 to 1004 through the other conductive areas 1005, 1001, 1002, and the conductive area connecting conductive area 1002 and 1004.

When sensor 301 detects the opening and closing of medication packaging 201 it determines that the medication has been removed and stores this information in its memory for transmission to communications gateway 204, either immediately or at a later time. This represents an advantage over the embodiment illustrated in figure 6, which requires patient 208 to press a button in order to record the medication consumption event.

For purposes of clarity, conductive areas 1003 and 1004 are shown offset with respect to each other in figure 10. It will be understood that conductive areas 1003 and 1004 can be superimposed on opposite sides of end face 302. Such an arrangement may be superior for purposes of fixing sensor 301 to end face 302 and making a good electrical connection from sensor 301 to conductive areas 1003 and 1004 by means of applying pressure by a spring clip or an alternative fixing means.

It will be understood that further embodiments of medication packaging 201 are possible in which further arrangements are provided to open and close the medication packaging 201, and that in these further embodiments further patterns of conductive areas may be provided in such a manner that an electrical circuit is in either the open state or the closed state when the medication package 201 is closed and the electrical circuit is in the opposite state when medication packing 201 is open.

In one such further embodiment of medication packaging 201, medication packaging 201 is a two-part sliding sleeve box in which an inner box slides into an outer sleeve. In this embodiment one part of the electrical circuit is a pattern of conductive areas arranged on the inner surface of the outer sleeve and another part of the electrical circuit is a pattern of conductive areas arranged on the outer surface of the inner box. These patterns are arranged such that the electrical circuit is in either the open state or the closed state when the inner box is inserted into the outer sleeve, and the electrical circuit is in the opposite state when the inner box is partially or fully withdrawn from the outer sleeve.

Figure 11 Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of sensor 301 which mounts onto end face 302 of the medication packaging 201 shown in figure 10. Sensor 301 is shown in both elevation and plan views.

Spring clip 1101 serves both to fasten sensor 301 to end face 302 and to form one electrical terminal of sensor 301. Conductive area 1102 forms a second electrical terminal of sensor 301. Preferably, conductive area 1102 is part of the printed circuit board of sensor 301 and is plated with gold or with an alternative metal that will resist tarnishing.

Spring clip 1101 fastens this embodiment of sensor 301 to the end face 302 of medication packaging 201 shown in figure 10 and in figure 9. End face 302 is positioned between spring clip 1101 and conductive area 1102. The dimensions of sensor 301 and the conductive areas 1003 and 1004 are arranged such that spring clip 1101 makes electrical connection with conductive area 1003 and conductive area 1102 makes electrical connection with conductive area 1004.

A further benefit of the embodiment illustrated in figure 11 is the ability of sensor 301 to determine whether or not sensor 301 is clipped onto medication packaging 201. Since the resistance of conductive ink is high when compared to the resistance of metals, it is possible to distinguish between three states. When sensor 301 is not clipped to medication packaging 301, spring clip 1101 makes direct electrical connection to conductive area 1102 with a very low resistance. When sensor 301 is clipped to medication packaging 301, and the cardboard box is shut then spring clip 1101 makes indirect electrical connection to conductive area 1102 through the pattern of conductive areas on medication packaging 201 with a higher resistance. When sensor 301 is clipped to medication packaging 301, and the cardboard box is open then spring clip 1101 does not make an electrical connection to conductive area 1102 and the resistance is very high. An arrangement of hardware and software in sensor 301 can distinguish between each of these three states and take appropriate action. For example, when sensor 301 is not clipped to medication packaging 201 the sensor can be placed in a very low power state to prolong battery life. In addition, the transition from the unclipped state to either of the clipped states can be used to initiate a a pairing process to establish a secure wireless communications channel between sensor 301 and communications gateway 204.

Figure 12 Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of medication packaging 201. In this embodiment medication packaging 201 is a cardboard box which is fabricated to include a compartment 1201 into which sensor 301 can be placed. The shape of tab 303 is adjusted to ensure it does not interfere with compartment 1201 when the box is shut.

In this embodiment the sensor 301 can be placed inside compartment 1201 at the time the medication packaging 201 is manufactured, or by a pharmacist at the time the medication is prescribed, or by patient 208 after the medication is in possession of patient 208.

Preferably, sensor 301 is re-usable and can be removed from compartment 1201 when the medication is finished, and re-deployed in another medication package.

Although figure 12 shows the compartment 1201 located on the side face of medication packaging 201, the package could be fabricated with compartment 1201 on any face.

Figure 13 Figure 13 shows a sleeve 1301 into which medication packaging 201 can be slid.

Medication packaging 201 is slid into aperture 1302. Sensor 301 is placed in compartment 1303. The sleeve 1301 can be made open at both ends or open at one end only.

Preferably, sleeve 1301 is made of transparent plastic so that the label of medication packaging 201 can be viewed when medication packaging 201 is inside sleeve 1301.

Preferably, sleeves are manufactured in a number of different sizes to suit medication packages of different sizes.

Although figure 13 shows the compartment 1303 located on the side face of sleeve 1301, the sleeve could be fabricated with compartment 1303 on any face.

Preferably, sleeve 1301 is re-usable. Medication packaging 201 and can be removed from sleeve 1301 when the medication is finished, and sleeve 1301 can be re-deployed with another medication package.

Figure 14 Figure 14 shows an assembly 1401 which can be wrapped around medication packaging 201. Sensor 301 is placed in compartment 1404.

Surfaces 1402 and 1403 are fabricated from flexible film with adhesive on their inner surfaces. Assembly 1401 may thus be wrapped around medication package 201 and fixed in place with the adhesive-backed film.

Preferably, surfaces 1402 and 1403 are transparent so that the label of medication packaging 201 can be viewed when medication packaging 201 is inside assembly 1401.

Preferably, sensor 301 is re-usable and can be removed from compartment 1404 when the medication is finished, and re-deployed in another medication package.

Figure 15 Figure 15 shows and eye drop bottle 1501 with screw cap 1502 and neck 1503.

Eye drop dispenser 1504 is designed to partially enclose eye drop bottle 1501 and to assist patient 208 with dispensing the eye drops. Eye drop dispenser is a hollow cylinder which opens along hinge 1505 so that drop bottle 1501 can be placed inside. Hole 1506 fits around neck 1503. Spacer 1507 positions the nozzle of eye drop bottle 1501 an appropriate distance from the eye of patient 208.

Figure 16 Figure 16 shows a cross section of eye drop dispenser 1504 with eye drop bottle 1501 installed. Spacer 1507 is shown.

Sensor 301 is fixed to the inside of eye drop dispenser 1504 and makes contact with the outer surface of eye drop bottle 1501. Patient 208 dispenses the eye drops by squeezing the surface of eye drop dispenser 1504. Sensor 301 incorporates an electrical switch that closes when patient 208 applies pressure to the side of eye drop dispenser 1504. In this manner sensor 301 detects when the eye drops are dispensed.

Claims

Claims 1) Apparatus for remotely monitoring the removal of material stored within at least one container, comprising a sensor attached to said container, a communications gateway and at least one remote server, wherein said sensors communicate with said communications gateway through a first communication channel, and said communications gateway communicates with said remote servers through a second communications channel; whereby the removal of material stored within said containers is detected by said sensors and information about said removal is transferred from said sensors through said first communications channel to said communication gateway, and from said communication gateway through said second communications channel to said servers.
2) Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first communication channel is a wireless communication channel.
3) Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein said sensor comprises a microprocessor, a radio for communicating through said wireless communication channel, and a transducer for detecting when said material is removed from said container, whereby said microprocessor detects the removal of said material from said container and transmits information about said removal to said communication gateway.
4) Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said communications gateway comprises a second microprocessor, a radio for communicating through said wireless communication channel, and a second communication channel for communicating with said servers.
5) Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4 where communication through said second communication channel is performed by a cell-phone modem within said communications gateway.
6) Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said communications gateway is implemented by a broadband router.
7) Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said communications gateway is implemented by a mobile phone.
8) Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said sensor is inserted inside said container.
9) Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said sensor is attached to the outside of said container.

1O)Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein components of said sensor are arranged between a first compartment and a second compartment; and said components in said first compartment are electrically connected to said components in said second compartment by a flexible electrical cable; whereby said first compartment of said sensor is fixed to a first surface of said container and said second compartment of said sensor is arranged adjacent to a contiguous second surface of said container; and said container is opened by moving said first surface with respect to said second surface; whereby said first compartment is exposed when said container is opened and is hidden when said container is closed.

11)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said sensor is attached to said container before said container reaches the person who removes said material.

12)Apparatus according to any of claims ito 10, wherein said sensor is arranged such that it can be attached to said container by the person who removes said material.

13)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein removal of said material from said container is detected by the pressing of an electrical switch on said sensor by the person who removes said material from said container.

14)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein said container incorporates an electrical switch which is in one state when said container is open and in the opposite state when said container is closed, whereby removal of said material from said container is detected by observing the state of said electrical switch.

15)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein removal of said material from said container is detected by a motion sensor contained within said sensor.

16)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein removal of said material from said container is detected by a pressure sensor on the body of said sensor, whereby the output of said pressure sensor changes as said container is squeezed as said material is removed.

17)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein removal of said material from said container is detected by a light sensor contained within said sensor, whereby the output of said light detector changes when said container is opened.

18)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein removal of said material from said container is detected by a capacitive switch sensor whereby the capacitance of an area of conductive material present on said container changes when two parts of said container move with respect to each other or when the person who removes said material handles said container.

19)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein said container is a cardboard box, and said sensor is attached to the inside of said cardboard box with a spring clip.

20)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein said container is a cardboard box, and said sensor is attached to the inside of said cardboard box with a twist tie.

21)Apparatus according to any of claims ito 18, wherein said container is a cardboard box fabricated with a first compartment for storage of said material and a second compartment into which said sensor is placed.

22)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein said container is placed into a sleeve and said sensor is placed in a compartment fabricated on one surface of said sleeve.

23)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein said container is a cardboard box, and said sensor is attached to the outside of said cardboard box with adhesive tape.

24)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein said container is an eye drop bottle, whereby said eye drop bottle is placed in an eye drop dispenser which also contains said sensor so arranged that the operation of squeezing said eye drop dispenser to dispense eye drops changes the state of an electrical switch in said sensor.

25)Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said sleeve is transparent.

26)Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said adhesive tape is transparent.

27)Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said electrical switch is formed of a pattern of conductive material applied to the surfaces of said container, such that said electrical switch changes state when two surfaces of said container move with respect to each other; and said sensor is held against said pattern of conductive material by a fixing means whereby said sensor connects electrically to a first terminal and a second terminal of said electrical switch; and said sensor determines when said container is open and when said container is closed by measuring the electrical resistance between said first terminal and said second terminal.

28)Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said fixing means is implemented by a spring clip made of metal whereby connection to said first terminal of said electrical switch is by means of said spring clip and connection to said second terminal of said electrical switch is by means of an area of conductive material on the body of said sensor; whereby said spring clip serves both to fix said sensor to said container and to make electrical connection from said sensor to said first terminal of said electrical switch.

29)Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 28, wherein said containers are medication containers and said material stored within said containers is medication, whereby information about said removal of said medication represents information about medication adherence.

30)Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said containers are medication containers and said material stored within said containers is medication, and said first communication channel is a wireless communication channel; and said sensor can be fastened to and unfastened from said medication container; and said sensor comprises a microprocessor, a radio for communicating through said wireless communication channel, and an electrical switch for detecting when said medication is removed from said medication container; wherein removal of said medication from said medication container is detected by the pressing of said electrical switch on said sensor by the person who removes said medication from said medication container.