JP2016087169A - counter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a counter capable of determining whether or not a user has inhaled powder normally.SOLUTION: A counter 10 is used for an inhaler 100 with which a user inhales powder with air intake. The counter 10 includes a flow path A. The flow path A communicates with an intake port 102 of the inhaler 100 when the counter 10 is connected with the inhaler 100. The flow path A includes a main flow path 14 and a bypass flow path 60 that branches from the main flow path 14 and has less flow rate of air intake than the main flow path 14. The flow rate of the air intake that flows in the bypass flow path 60 is detected by a flow rate sensor 38, and the flow rate is converted into an intake flow rate by a microcomputer 30. By the microcomputer 30, a determination as to whether or not the user has inhaled powder normally is made based on comparison of the obtained intake flow rate and a first threshold, and a determination as to whether or not the user has inhaled powder is made based on comparison of the intake flow rate with a second threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a counter, and more particularly to a counter used in a multi-dose dry powder inhaler.

  An example of this type of prior art is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a powder dispenser used for inhaling a metered dose of powdered medicine, which is dispensed in response to relative rotation of the powder housing means and the metering means. An apparatus for counting and displaying the number of administrations of the powdered material is disclosed.

JP 2006-263478 A

  In the powder dispenser shown in Patent Document 1, since the number of times of administration is counted in response to the relative rotation of the powder housing means and the metering means, it cannot be determined whether the user has successfully inhaled the powder. The doctor had to check with the user

  Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a counter that can determine whether or not the user has successfully inhaled the powder.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a counter used in an inhaler for a user to inhale powder medicine together with inhalation, which is in communication with an intake port of the inhaler when the counter is connected to the inhaler; Based on the comparison between the flow path through which the intake air flows, the flow rate information detection unit that detects the flow rate information related to the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the flow path, and the first threshold value, And a determination unit for determining whether or not the gas has been normally inhaled.

  In the present invention, the first threshold value is focused on the correlation between the flow rate of inhalation when the user inhales the powder together with the inhalation and the degree of arrival of the powder at a predetermined organ (for example, bronchi or lung) in the body. Is set. That is, normally, when inhaling powder together with inhalation, the higher the inspiratory flow rate, the higher the probability that the powder will reach a predetermined organ in the body. It can be estimated that it has been reached. Therefore, the predetermined value is set as the first threshold value. When the inhaler and the counter are used, the counter is connected to the inhaler so that the intake air passing through the flow path of the counter is supplied from the intake port of the inhaler to the inhaler. In this state, when the user inhales the powder from the inhaler together with the intake air, the flow rate information regarding the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the flow path of the counter connected to the inhaler is detected, and the flow rate information is compared with the first threshold value. Based on this, it is determined whether the user has inhaled the powder normally. If the flow rate information exceeds the first threshold, it is determined that the powder has reached a predetermined organ and the user has successfully inhaled the powder. On the other hand, if the flow rate information is equal to or less than the first threshold value, it is determined that the powder has not reached the predetermined organ and the user cannot inhale the powder normally. In this way, it can be determined whether or not the powder was successfully inhaled.

  Preferably, the flow path includes a main flow path and a bypass flow path that is branched from the main flow path and has a smaller intake air flow rate than the main flow path, and the flow rate information detection unit detects the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path. In this case, since the bypass channel and the main channel are included as the channel, the pressure loss can be reduced as compared with the case of only the bypass channel. Further, the flow rate information detection unit can be made smaller and the counter can be made smaller than in the case where only the main flow path is provided without providing the bypass flow path.

  Preferably, the bypass flow path is provided in the flow rate information detection unit. In this case, when it is desired to change the size (flow rate) of the bypass flow path, it can be easily handled by simply replacing the portion where the bypass flow path is formed in the flow rate information detection unit.

  More preferably, the determination unit determines whether or not the user has inhaled the powder based on a comparison between the flow rate information detected by the flow rate information detection unit and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value. Thus, by using the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value in addition to the first threshold value as the threshold value, it is determined that the powder is not inhaled if the flow rate information is equal to or less than the second threshold value, and the flow rate information is If it is greater than the second threshold and less than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that the powder has been inhaled, and if the flow rate information is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the powder has been normally inhaled. Therefore, the inhalation status of the powder can be determined in more detail.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a notification unit that notifies a result based on the determination by the determination unit. In this case, it is possible to easily recognize whether the powder medicine has been normally inhaled.

  Preferably, the notification unit includes a display unit that displays the number of times the powder medicine has been normally inhaled. In this case, the number of times the powder is normally inhaled can be easily recognized.

  According to this invention, it can be determined whether the user has successfully inhaled the powder.

(A) is a front view showing a counter according to an embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a side view (viewed from the left), and (d) is a side view (viewed from the right). ). (A) is a perspective view which shows a counter and an inhaler, (b) is a perspective view which shows the state which attached the counter to the inhaler. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the counter of FIG. (A) is a perspective view which shows a flow sensor and a sensor support member, (b) is the top view. It is a cross-sectional schematic solution figure which shows a flow sensor, a sensor support member, and a flow path. It is a cross-sectional view solution figure which shows a flow sensor, a sensor support member, and a counter main body. It is a table which shows the inhalation information for 1 inhalation. It is a flowchart which shows an example of main operation | movement of a counter. (A) is a figure which shows the display mode of LCD in a power-saving state, (b) is a figure which shows the display mode of LCD when there is an inhalation remaining number, (c) is the display mode of LCD in the case of remaining number zero, and It is a figure which shows the alerting | reporting aspect of an indicator. It is a figure which shows a mode that the display content in LCD is switched in order of the inhalation remaining number, the OK determination frequency, and the NG determination frequency. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the inhalation determination processing operation. It is a graph which shows the relationship between time and the flow volume of intake air. (A) is a figure which shows the alerting | reporting aspect in case an inhalation is OK determination, (b) is a figure which shows the alerting | reporting aspect in case an inhalation is NG determination.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a counter 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an inhaler counter used in an inhaler 100 for a user to inhale powder medicine together with inhalation. In this embodiment, the inhaler 100 is a multi-dose dry powder inhaler for inhaling asthma medication. The inhaler 100 contains powdered medicine, and for example, one use can be charged by one rotation.

  The counter 10 includes a cylindrical counter body 12. The counter body 12 is provided with a main flow path 14 through which intake air passes. The main flow path 14 passes through the central portion of the counter body 12. The main flow path 14 (flow path A (described later)) communicates with the intake port 102 of the inhaler 100 and the intake air passing through the main flow path 14 (flow path A) is supplied from the intake port 102 to the inhaler 100. The counter body 12 is connected to the inhaler 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (d), a display switching button 16 and a USB connector 18 are provided on the end face of the main body 14 on the intake inlet 14 a side in the counter body 12. Information displayed on the LCD 22 (described later) can be switched by the display switching button 16. As shown in FIG. 1 (c), a plurality (two in this embodiment) of mounting holes 20 for mounting the inhaler 100 are provided on the end surface of the main body 14 on the side of the intake outlet 14 b in the counter body 12. ing. By inserting a protrusion (not shown) of the inhaler 100 into the mounting hole 20, the counter 10 and the inhaler 100 are connected. As shown in FIG. 1A, an LCD 22 and an indicator 24 are provided in front of the outer peripheral surface of the counter body 12. The LCD 22 includes a display mark part 22a and a counter part 22b. The display mark part 22a indicates the type of information displayed on the counter part 22b, and lights any one of “remaining number”, “OK”, and “NG”. The counter unit 22b can display, for example, three digits, and the counter unit 22b displays the number of times of information indicated by the display mark unit 22a. The indicator 24 is composed of, for example, an LED, and notifies whether or not inhalation is appropriate. As shown in FIG. 1B, a suction button 26 and a buzzer 28 are provided on the back surface of the outer peripheral surface of the counter body 12. By pressing the inhalation button 26, the inhalation process can be performed. The buzzer 28 can notify the suitability of inhalation.

  Referring to FIG. 3, counter main body 12 includes a microcomputer 30, a memory 32, an RTC (real time clock) 34, a power supply 36 and a flow rate sensor 38. Connected to the microcomputer 30 are a display switching button 16, a USB connector 18, an LCD 22, an indicator 24, a suction button 26, a buzzer 28, a memory 32, an RTC 34, a power supply 36, and a flow sensor 38. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown), and the operation of the counter 10 is controlled by the microcomputer 30. The memory included in the microcomputer 30 stores a program for performing a control operation by the microcomputer 30. The memory 32 stores a first threshold value, a second threshold value, inhalation information, and the like. The first threshold is set by paying attention to the correlation between the inspiratory flow rate when the user inhales the powder together with the inhalation and the degree of arrival of the powder at a predetermined organ (for example, bronchi or lung) in the body. The When inhaling an asthma drug, the first threshold is set by paying attention to the correlation between the inspiratory flow rate and the degree of arrival of the asthma drug into the bronchi. In this embodiment, the first threshold is set to 50 L / min and the second threshold is set to 10 L / min. For example, a battery is used as the power source 36.

  4 to 6, the counter main body 12 has a sensor support member 40 inside thereof. The sensor support member 40 is made of resin and is formed in a casing shape, and has a through hole 42 extending in the longitudinal direction. The through hole 42 forms a part of the main channel 14. The through-hole 42 has two columnar cavities 44 and 46 and a columnar cavity 48 that connects the cavities 44 and 46. The cavity portion 48 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the cavity portions 44 and 46, and the cavity portions 44, 46 and 48 are formed coaxially. The diameters of the hollow portions 44 and 46 are set to be approximately equal to the diameter of the air inlet 102 of the inhaler 100, and the amount of suction is adjusted by the hollow portion 48. There is a cavity 44 on the channel inlet side and a cavity 46 on the channel outlet side. A rectangular parallelepiped recess 50 is formed on the upper surface of the sensor support member 40. The recess 50 and the cavity 44 are connected by a through hole 52, and the recess 50 and the cavity 46 are connected by a through hole 54. A flow rate sensor 38 is attached to the recess 50. The flow sensor 38 includes a bypass flow path forming member 56 and a sensor main body 58. In this embodiment, the flow sensor 38 is a thermal flow sensor. The bypass flow path forming member 56 is made of resin and formed in a casing shape. The bypass channel forming member 56 is provided with a bypass channel 60 that connects the through holes 52 and 54. In other words, the main channel 14 and the bypass channel 60 are connected via the through holes 52 and 54. A rectangular parallelepiped recess 62 is formed on the upper surface of the bypass flow path forming member 56, and a sensor body 58 is disposed in the recess 62. The sensor body 58 detects the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path 60 located below the sensor body 58. The channel A includes a main channel 14 formed in the counter body 12 and a bypass channel 60 branched from the main channel 14 and formed in the flow sensor 38. The flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass flow channel 60 is set to be smaller than the flow rate of the intake air passing through the main flow channel 14. In this embodiment, the flow rate of the intake air passing through the bypass channel 60 is set to be approximately 3% of the flow rate of the intake air passing through the cavity 48. The bypass ratio (ratio of the flow rate of the bypass flow path 60 to the flow rate of the cavity 48) is set so that the maximum amount of intake air that can be measured by the flow sensor 38 flows to the bypass flow path 60 at the time of maximum suction. It is preferable.

As shown in FIG. 7, the memory 32 stores the inhalation date, determination flag, remaining inhalation number, and flow rate data as inhalation information for one inhalation. The inhalation date and time is the date and time when inhalation is completed, and is stored until the year, month, day, hour, minute and second. If the intake flow rate exceeds the first threshold value, the determination flag is set to “1”. If the intake flow rate does not exceed the first threshold value, the determination flag remains “0”. The remaining number of inhalations after inhalation is stored as the remaining inhalation number. As each flow rate data, a suction flow rate (L / min) per sampling is stored. The flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path 60 is read by the flow rate sensor 38 in a response period of about 5 msec, for example, and the flow rate is converted into the intake flow rate (L / min) per minute by the microcomputer 30. This converted intake flow rate becomes flow rate data per sampling.
In this embodiment, the suction flow rate (L / min) larger than the second threshold value is stored as the flow rate data. Up to 200 pieces of flow rate data are stored. When the flow rate data exceeds 200, the excess data is discarded. The inhalation information shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the memory 32 for each inhalation operation. The inhalation information can be stored in the memory 32 for a maximum of 999 times. That is, inhalation information for 999 inhalation operations can be stored.

  In this embodiment, the flow rate information detection unit includes a microcomputer 30 and a flow rate sensor 38. The microcomputer 30 corresponds to the determination unit. The notification unit includes an LCD 22, an indicator 24 and a buzzer 28. The display unit includes an LCD 22. Since the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path 60 and the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the flow path A are correlated (substantially proportional to each other), the intake flow rate obtained by conversion by the microcomputer 30 This corresponds to flow rate information relating to the flow rate of the flowing intake air.

  Next, the main operation of the counter 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the main processing of the counter 10 shown in FIG. 8 and the inhalation determination processing shown in FIG. 11 are repeatedly performed at short intervals (for example, 20 msec).

  When the counter 10 is activated, the CPU of the microcomputer 30 is initialized (step S1), the number of remaining inhalations stored in the memory 32 and a threshold value for determination are read (step S3), and display processing (step S5). Proceed to

  When a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 3 seconds) elapses in a state where no operation (the inhalation button 26 has not been pressed or inhaled), as shown in FIG. 9A, the display is hidden and measurement is stopped, It becomes a power saving state.

  When the suction button 26 is pressed from the power saving state, the number of remaining suctions is displayed on the LCD 22. The display is maintained while the inhalation button 26 is continuously pressed or by pressing the inhalation button 26 again before returning to the power saving state. If there is an inhalation remaining number, it is displayed as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the remaining number is zero, it is displayed as shown in FIG. 9C, and the indicator 24 is lit in orange. Note that the flow rate is not measured even if inhaled in this state.

  In addition, referring to FIG. 10, by pressing the display switch button 16 while the remaining number of inhalations is displayed, the display content of the LCD 22 can be switched and the determination result can be confirmed. Each time the display switching button 16 is pressed, the order is switched in the order of “remaining inhalation number” → “number of OK determinations (inhalation success number)” → “NG determination number (inhalation failure number)” → “remaining inhalation number”. For example, when the inhalation upper limit number is 120 times and 20 times have been inhaled (of which OK determination is 17 times and NG determination is 3 times), it is displayed as shown in FIG.

  Next, an inhalation process is performed (step S7). In the inhalation process, inhalation by the user is performed with the inhalation button 26 pressed. Then, a flow rate acquisition process is performed (step S9). In the flow rate acquisition process, the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path 60 is detected by the flow rate sensor 38, and the flow rate is converted into a suction flow rate (L / min) per minute by the microcomputer 30, as flow rate data for one sampling. Stored in the memory 32.

  Next, inhalation determination processing is performed (step S11). In the inhalation determination process, whether or not inhalation has been normally performed is automatically determined based on the inhalation flow rate, and the remaining number of inhalation and the determination result are stored in the memory 32 and notified by the LCD 22, the indicator 24, and the buzzer 28. . Details will be described later. Even if the inhalation button 26 is released during inhalation, it does not return to the power saving state until inhalation is completed. When the suction is completed, the flow rate measurement is not performed again unless the suction button 26 is released.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a communication device such as a personal computer is connected to the USB connector 18. If the communication device is connected, inhalation information is transmitted (step S13). As a result, the inhalation information can be confirmed also in the communication device. Thereafter, if it has not been operated for a certain period of time, it is timed out, the sleep mode is set (step S15), and the process returns to step S5. Even if the display is switched before inhalation, the remaining inhalation number is displayed when the inhalation determination process is entered.

  With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the inhalation determination process shown in step S11 of FIG. 8 will be described. The inhalation determination process includes four stages of processes (1) to (4). In the microcomputer 30, the processing stage of the counter 10 at that time is, for example, "00" for process (1), "01" for process (2), "10" for process (3), and "10" for process (4). 11 "and so on. Process (1) corresponds to an inhalation determination preparation period, process (2) corresponds to an inhalation period, process (3) corresponds to an inhalation period, and process (4) corresponds to an inhalation end period. Equivalent to. The processing stage of the counter 10 is initialized in step S1 shown in FIG. 8 and set to process (1).

  First, the microcomputer 30 determines which of the processing steps (1) to (4) is in the counter 10 (step S101).

  If the processing stage in the counter 10 is processing (1), an initial value is set (step S103). That is, data for inhalation determination such as flow rate data and a determination flag is reset. Then, the remaining number of inhalations is displayed on the LCD 22 (step S105), the processing stage of the counter 10 proceeds to process (2) (step S107), and the process proceeds to step S13 shown in FIG.

  If the processing stage of the counter 10 is processing (2), the process proceeds to step S109, and the microcomputer 30 determines whether or not the suction flow rate is larger than a second threshold value (10 L / min in this embodiment). In other words, the microcomputer 30 determines whether the user has inhaled the powder based on the comparison between the inhalation flow rate and the second threshold (<first threshold). If the inhalation flow rate does not exceed the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the inhalation flow rate exceeds the second threshold value, it is determined that inhalation has started, and the processing stage of the counter 10 proceeds to process (3) (step S111). Proceed to step S13.

  If the processing stage of the counter is process (3), the process proceeds to step S113, and the microcomputer 30 determines whether or not the suction flow rate is larger than the first threshold value (50 L / min in this embodiment). In other words, it is determined whether the user has normally inhaled the powder based on the comparison between the inhalation flow rate and the first threshold value. If the suction flow rate exceeds the first threshold, the determination flag is set to “1” (step S115), and the process proceeds to step S117. On the other hand, if the suction flow rate is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value in step S113, the determination flag remains “0” and the process proceeds to step S117. In step S117, it is determined whether the suction flow rate has fallen below a second threshold value. If the inhalation flow rate is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the inhalation flow rate falls below the second threshold value, it is determined that the inhalation is finished, and the processing stage of the counter 10 proceeds to process (4) (step S119). Proceed to step S13.

  If the processing stage of the counter is process (4), the process proceeds to step S121, and the microcomputer 30 determines whether or not the determination flag is “1”. If the determination flag is “1”, it is determined that the inhalation is “OK”, and the OK process is performed (step S123). For example, the number of OK determinations is increased by 1, the remaining number of inhalations is decreased by 1, the indicator 24 lights in green, and the buzzer 28 sounds OK (beep) (see FIG. 13A). Then, the date and time of processing is acquired (step S125). On the other hand, if the determination flag is “0”, it is determined that inhalation is “NG” and an NG process is performed (step S127). For example, the number of NG determinations is increased by 1, the number of remaining inhalations is decreased by 1, the indicator 24 is lit in red, and the buzzer 28 sounds NG (beeply sounds) (see FIG. 13B). Then, the date and time of processing is acquired (step S125). Thereafter, the updated or acquired data is stored in the memory 32 (step S129), the remaining number -1 is displayed on the LCD 22 (step S131), the inhalation determination process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  According to such a counter 10, when the inhaler 100 and the counter 10 are used, the counter 10 inhales so that the intake air passing through the flow path A of the counter 10 is supplied from the intake port 102 of the inhaler 100 to the inhaler 100. Connected to the vessel 100. In this state, when the user inhales the powder from the inhaler 100 together with the intake air, the intake flow rate is obtained by the flow sensor 38 and the microcomputer 30 (that is, the intake air flowing through the flow path A of the counter 10 connected to the inhaler 100). Flow rate information regarding the flow rate is detected), and based on the comparison between the suction flow rate and the first threshold value, it is determined whether the user has normally inhaled the powder. If the inhalation flow rate exceeds the first threshold value, it is determined that the powder has reached a predetermined organ (bronchi in this embodiment) and the user has successfully inhaled the powder. On the other hand, if the inhalation flow rate is equal to or less than the first threshold, it is determined that the powder has not reached the predetermined organ and the user cannot inhale the powder normally. In this way, it can be determined whether or not the powder was successfully inhaled.

  Since the flow path A includes the bypass flow path 60 and the main flow path 14, the pressure loss can be reduced as compared with the case of the bypass flow path 60 alone. Therefore, when the inhaler 100 and the counter 10 are used, the user can easily inhale without stress. Further, the flow rate sensor 38 can be made smaller and the counter 10 can be made smaller than the case where only the main flow path 14 is provided without providing the bypass flow path 60.

  Since the bypass flow path 60 is provided in the flow sensor 38, when it is desired to change the size (flow rate) of the bypass flow path 60, it can be easily handled by simply replacing the flow sensor 38.

  By using a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value in addition to the first threshold value, it is determined that the powder is not inhaled if the inhalation flow rate is equal to or less than the second threshold value. If it is larger and less than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that the powder has been inhaled, and if the inhalation flow rate is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the powder has been normally inhaled. Therefore, the inhalation status of the powder can be determined in more detail.

  As a result of the determination by the microcomputer 30, for example, by notifying the LCD 22, the indicator 24, and the buzzer 28 of whether or not the powder was successfully inhaled, the number of times the powder was normally inhaled, the remaining number of inhalations, and the like, In addition, the user can easily recognize the information by visually and auditorily informing by numerical display, light, and sound.

  As described above, based on the comparison between the flow rate information and the threshold value (the magnitude of the flow rate), not only the success / failure of the suction is determined, but also based on the suction pattern (flow rate waveform, integrated amount, etc.) based on the flow rate and time. Inhalation success or failure can be carefully determined

  The information obtained is used not only by the user but also by medical personnel such as a doctor / pharmacist who prescribes the powder by taking in the communication device (external terminal) via the USB connector 18, for example. It can also be used for taking medication instructions and formulating future treatment policies.

  Settings such as the use time (powder time) of the inhaler 100, the upper limit number of use, the first threshold value, the second threshold value, and the flow rate measurement interval can be changed by input to the counter 10 from a communication device (external terminal).

  In the above-described embodiment, the inhaler 100 is an inhaler for inhaling an asthma drug, and the first threshold value is set by paying attention to the correlation between the flow rate of inspiration and the degree to which the asthma drug reaches the bronchi. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when inhaling powdered medicine that acts on the lung, the first threshold is set by paying attention to the correlation between the flow rate of inspiration and the degree of arrival of the powdered medicine at the lung. As described above, the first threshold value is set in accordance with the organ on which the powder is applied (where the powder should reach) by paying attention to the correlation between the flow rate of the intake air and the degree of arrival at which the powder reaches the organ.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the bypass flow path 60 is provided in the flow sensor 38 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The bypass channel may be provided in a member different from the flow rate sensor 38.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the flow sensor 38 detects the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass channel 60 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The flow rate sensor may detect the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the main flow path 14 (flow path A) without providing the bypass flow path 60.

10 Counter 12 Counter body 14 Main flow path 22 LCD
24 indicator 28 buzzer 30 microcomputer 32 memory 38 flow sensor 60 bypass flow path 100 inhaler 102 air inlet A flow path

Claims (6)

A counter used in an inhaler for a user to inhale powder medicine together with inhalation,
A flow path communicating with the intake port of the inhaler and through which the intake air passes when the counter is connected to the inhaler;
A flow rate information detector for detecting flow rate information related to the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the flow path;
A counter comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether the user has normally inhaled the powder based on a comparison between the flow rate information detected by the flow rate information detection unit and a first threshold value; The flow path includes a main flow path and a bypass flow path that is branched from the main flow path and has a smaller flow rate of the intake air than the main flow path,
The counter according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate information detection unit detects a flow rate of the intake air flowing through the bypass flow path.   The counter according to claim 2, wherein the bypass channel is provided in the flow rate information detection unit.   The determination unit determines whether or not the user has inhaled the powder based on a comparison between the flow rate information detected by the flow rate information detection unit and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value. Item 4. The counter according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   The counter according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a result based on the determination by the determination unit.   The counter according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit includes a display unit that displays the number of times the powder medicine has been normally inhaled.

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