NZ717391B2 - Devices, systems, and methods for adherence monitoring and devices, systems, and methods for monitoring use of consumable dispensers - Google Patents

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for adherence monitoring, and devices, systems, and methods are provided for monitoring use of consumable dispensers. In general, the devices, systems, and methods can facilitate an individual's adherence to a schedule for consuming consumables and can facilitate monitoring and tracking of the individual's adherence to the schedule. The devices, systems, and methods can allow data regarding the individual's historical adherence to the schedule to be accessible via a computer system. In one embodiment, an accessory is provided that can be configured to attach to consumable dispensers. The accessory can be configured to be removably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser. The accessory can be configured to provide a notification to a user indicating that a certain event occurred and/or that a certain action needs to be taken. The accessory can be configured to sense attachment thereof to and removal thereof from the dispenser. litate monitoring and tracking of the individual's adherence to the schedule. The devices, systems, and methods can allow data regarding the individual's historical adherence to the schedule to be accessible via a computer system. In one embodiment, an accessory is provided that can be configured to attach to consumable dispensers. The accessory can be configured to be removably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser. The accessory can be configured to provide a notification to a user indicating that a certain event occurred and/or that a certain action needs to be taken. The accessory can be configured to sense attachment thereof to and removal thereof from the dispenser.

Description

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ADHERENCE MONITORING AND S, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MONITORING USE OF CONSUMABLE DISPENSERS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ATIONS The present application claims priority to US. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/871,001 entitled "Devices, Systems, And Methods For Monitoring Use Of Consumable Dispensers" filed on August 28, 2013, and to US. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/871,056 entitled "Devices, s, And Methods For Adherence Monitoring And Patient Interaction" filed on August 28, 2013, which are hereby orated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE ION The present invention relates generally to devices, s, and methods for adherence monitoring and devices, systems, and methods for monitoring use of consumable dispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Consumables such as medication, vitamins, and supplements can effectively benefit an individual’s health. Consumables are typically consumed on a regular, usually daily, schedule. The closer a patient adheres to the schedule, the better the patient’s condition can be managed, e.g., because adequate s of the consumable can be consistently present in the patient’s system to tently control adverse effects of a health condition such as asthma. Consumables for respiratory conditions, for dermatological issues, for cardiac issues, etc., can be prescribed for dosage on a regular schedule and can have their zed iveness if taken on the regular schedule.

It can be difficult for patients to adhere to their treatment schedule for a variety of reasons, such as unfamiliarity with a new treatment schedule, being busy with an activity such as work, school, napping, or athletics, and simply forgetting to take the consumables on schedule. It can be particularly ult for en to remember to take their consumables on schedule, particularly if any doses are required while a child is away from their parent or an, such as during school or while at summer camp. Non-adherence to a prescribed schedule can cause any number of adverse s, such as unnecessary exacerbations, repeating symptoms, required doses of emergency treatment medication, and/or hospital emergency room visits. Adhering to a schedule can thus help better maintain a patient’s health, help reduce instances of emergency medication administration, and/or help reduce health care costs by requiring fewer emergency hospital visits or other medical practitioner consultations. ingly, there remains a need for improved devices, systems, and methods for adherence ring and s, systems, and methods for ring use of consumable dispensers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a mechanical ory removably and replaceably attachable to a consumables container that is movably coupled to a housing such that the movement of the container and the accessory as a unit relative to the housing is effective to dispense the consumable. The accessory can include a sensor configured to sense when the ory is attached to the container, a processor, and a wireless communication mechanism. The processor can be configured to cause the wireless ication mechanism to wirelessly transmit data indicative of the sensed attachment to an external device that is al to the accessory and the dispenser. The accessory can be configured to determine when the consumable is dispensed from the container.

The apparatus can vary in any number of ways. For example, the sensor can be configured to sense when the accessory is removed from the ner, and the processor can be configured to e a second signal from the sensor in response to the sensor sensing the accessory being removed from the ner. For another example, the sensor can include at least one of a motion sensor and a pressure sensor, and the sensor can be configured to sense when the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser. For yet another example, the sensor can be configured to sense when an electrical circuit is closed, thereby indicating that the accessory has been attached to the ner. For another example, the apparatus can include a memory. The sensor can be configured to r the processor to store data in the memory regarding the attachment in response to the sensor sensing the attachment, and the data transmitted by the wireless communication mechanism can e the stored data.

In some embodiments, the sensor can include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can be configured to have pressure applied thereto by the container in response to the accessory being attached to the container. The processor can be configured to determine that the accessory has been attached to the container when the pressure sensor has the re applied thereto. The pressure sensor can be configured to have the pressure released therefrom in response to the accessory being removed from the container, and the processor can be configured to determine that the accessory has been d from the ner when the pressure sensor has the pressure released therefrom.

In some embodiments, the sensor can include a motion sensor. The processor can be configured to determine that the accessory has been attached to the dispenser when the motion sensor senses a first predetermined motion of the accessory. The processor can be configured to determine that the accessory has been removed from the dispenser when the motion sensor senses a second predetermined motion of the accessory that is different from the first predetermined motion.

In some embodiments, the apparatus can e a second sensor ured to sense when the able is dispensed from the container. The apparatus can include a second mechanical accessory attachable to the dispenser. The second accessory can include the second sensor. The accessory can include the sensor at a first on and can include the second sensor at a location that is different from the first location.

In r embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a mechanical ory removably and replaceably attachable to a ables dispenser containing a consumable that is dispensable from the dispenser. The accessory can include a sensor configured to sense attachment of the accessory to the dispenser using one of pressure sensing and motion sensing, a processor configured to cause the accessory to provide a first notification in response to the sensor sensing that the accessory is attached to the dispenser so as to notify a user that the accessory has been attached to the dispenser, and a wireless communication mechanism. The processor can be configured to cause the wireless communication mechanism to wirelessly transmit data to an al device that is external to the accessory and the dispenser. The accessory can be configured to determine when the consumable is sed from the ser.

The apparatus can have any number of variations. For example, the sensor can include at least one of a motion sensor and a pressure sensor, and the sensor can be configured to sense when the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser. For another example, the sensor can be configured to sense when the accessory is removed from the dispenser, and the processor can be configured to provide a second notification when the sensor senses that the accessory is removed from the dispenser so as to notify the user that the accessory has been removed from the dispenser. For yet another example, the apparatus can include a second sensor configured to sense when the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser. For another example, the dispenser can include a housing haVing the consumable disposed therein, the accessory can be bly and replaceably able to an al surface of the housing, and the housing can include at least one of a pill bottle, a pill box, a squeezable tube, a squeezable , a e, a blister pack, and a respiratory inhaler.

In some ments, the apparatus can include a housing and a container. The container can be disposed within the housing, the container can contain the consumable therein, and the container can be movable relative to the housing so as to cause the able to be dispensed. The accessory can be removably and replaceably attachable to the container such that the accessory is movable with the ner relative to the housing so as to cause the consumable to be dispensed.

In another , a method is provided that in one embodiment includes attaching a mechanical accessory to a container of a consumables dispenser movably disposed within a housing of the consumables dispenser, and moving the accessory and the container relative to the housing so as to se a consumable ned in the container. A sensor can sense the attachment, and a transmitter can wirelessly transmit first data from the accessory to an external deVice. The first data can be indicative of the sensed attachment. The external deVice can be external to the accessory and the ser. The itter can wirelessly transmit second data from the accessory to the external deVice. The second data can be indicative of the dispensing.

The method can vary in any number of ways. For example, the method can include detaching the accessory from the container. The sensor can sense the detachment, the transmitter can wirelessly it third data from the accessory to the external deVice, and the third data can be indicative of the sensed detachment. For another example, the method can include, after the sensed detachment, attaching the accessory to a second container containing a second consumable. The sensor can sense the attachment of the accessory to the second container, the transmitter can wirelessly transmit third data from the accessory to the external deVice, and the third data can be indicative of the sensed attachment to the second container. For yet another example, the method can include, with the accessory attached to the dispenser, providing a notification to a user indicating that the consumable is due to be consumed according to a predetermined schedule.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The ion will be more fully understood from the ing detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: is a tic view of one embodiment of a consumables administration, management, and review ; is a schematic view of one embodiment of a network system including the system of is a schematic view of one embodiment of a computer system; is a side view of one embodiment of a consumables ser having an accessory removably and replaceably attached thereto; is a side partially transparent view of the consumables dispenser and the accessory of is a perspective view of the accessory of is a perspective lly transparent view of one embodiment of an accessory configured to be removably and replaceably attached to a consumables ser; is a side cross-sectional view of the accessory of is an exploded perspective view of the accessory of is side cross-sectional view of the accessory of the accessory removably and replaceably attached to a consumables dispenser; is an exploded perspective view of a spin ring of the accessory of ; is an exploded perspective view of a printed circuit board of the accessory of ; is an ed perspective view of a main body of the accessory of ; is a perspective view of one embodiment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a atory inhaler having first and second accessories ed thereto; is a perspective view of one embodiment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a pill bottle having first and second accessories ed thereto; is a perspective view of another embodiment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a pill bottle having first and second accessories attached thereto; is a perspective view of one embodiment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a lotion bottle having first and second accessories attached thereto; is a perspective view of one embodiment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a pill box having first and second accessories attached thereto; is a perspective view of one embodiment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a tube of cream having first and second accessories attached thereto; is a perspective view of another embodiment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a respiratory inhaler having an ory attached thereto; is a side partially transparent view of another embodiment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a respiratory inhaler having first and second accessories attached thereto; is a perspective view of another ment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a atory inhaler having an accessory ed thereto; is a perspective view of another embodiment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a pill bottle having an accessory attached thereto; is a perspective view of another embodiment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a respiratory inhaler having an accessory attached thereto; is a perspective view of yet r ment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a respiratory inhaler having an accessory attached thereto; is a perspective view of another embodiment of a consumables dispenser in the form of a pill box having an ory attached thereto; and is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an adherence monitoring and patient interaction system.

DETAILED PTION OF THE INVENTION Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the anying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the . The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments.

Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully ated upon. Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the sed systems, devices, and methods, such ions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in ction with such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that an equivalent to such linear and circular ions can be easily determined for any geometric shape.

Various ary devices, systems, and methods are provided for adherence monitoring and devices, systems, and s for monitoring use of consumable dispensers.

In general, the devices, systems, and methods can facilitate an individual’s adherence to a schedule for consuming ables and can facilitate monitoring and tracking of the individual’s adherence to the schedule. The devices, systems, and methods can allow data regarding the individual’s historical adherence to the schedule to be accessible via a computer system. A user such as the individual, the individual’s family, the dual’s care provider, a or of a clinical trial involving the individual, etc. can thus access the adherence data even when remotely located from the individual, which can facilitate evaluation and/or modification of the individual’s treatment ing the able, facilitate evaluation and/or modification of the clinical trial involving the individual, and/or can facilitate incentivizing the individual to adhere to the schedule. Examples of consumables include medications, vitamins, supplements, foods, and cosmetics.

In one embodiment, an accessory is provided that can be configured to attach to consumable dispensers, e.g., pill bottles, asthma inhalers, etc. The consumable dispensers can be existing dispensers retrofitted with the accessory or can be custom-made sers integrated with the accessory. The accessory can include a notification mechanism configured to provide a notification to a user indicating that a certain event occurred and/or that a certain action needs to be taken. For example, the accessory can e a light source (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)) configured to light up when the next dose (also referred to herein as a "dosage") of a consumable is due, a speaker configured to e an audible sound when the next dose of a consumable is due, a vibration mechanism configured to vibrate when the next dose of a consumable is due, and/or a temperature-changing element configured to increase or decrease in temperature when the next dose of a consumable is due.

The accessory can e an on-board timer configured to trigger the notification mechanism to provide a notification, e. g., light, sound, vibration, etc. The accessory can also include a power source, e. g., a battery, ured to power the timer and the notification mechanism.

The notification can help people of any age more easily adhere to their consumables le. Ailments such as asthma can therefore be better regulated through maintenance treatment, and people can be less likely to need to resort to unscheduled, emergency treatments, such as use of a rescue inhaler. The accessory can be configured to detect usage of the dispenser by being d when a consumable is dispensed from the ser so as to "wake up" a processor coupled to the accessory. In response to the detected usage, the processor can be configured to record the date and time of the dispenser’s usage in a storage unit, such as an on-board . The stored data can be transmitted to an al source, e. g., computer system, that can store the data in a network cloud, where the data can be accessed via a user ace, such as a web ace. The user ace can allow a user to view and/or analyze the person’s consumable usage trends.

In an exemplary embodiment, the accessory can be configured to be removably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser. The accessory can be configured to be used in any adherence/compliance ation for consumables, such as creams for dermatology patients, inhalers for non-asthma respiratory ailments, pill bottles, blister packs, pill boxes, syringes, squeezable bottles, and squeezable tubes. The accessory can thus be configured for use in monitoring and improving adherence and compliance for people and care-providers of people (e.g., doctors, parents, etc.) who could t from improved adherence, nmental monitoring, and/or behavior modification. For e, it can be beneficial for certain consumables to be consumed at a same time every day. The accessory can be configured to monitor use of a dispenser that dispenses ables, thereby facilitating a person’s adherence to a schedule of ing the consumable at a same time every day and/or monitoring the person’s adherence to the schedule.

The accessory can be configured to detect attachment and ment thereof from a consumables dispenser. The detection of the attachment can facilitate registration of the accessory when attached to the dispenser, e. g., registration of the accessory over a network to facilitate association of the accessory with a specific person, a specific consumable, and/or a specific dispenser. The detection of the removal can facilitate various actions regarding the ory and/or the consumable associated with the consumables dispenser from which the accessory has been d. For example, the detection of the removal can tate timely reattachment of the accessory to the dispenser if the accessory was accidentally removed therefrom. For another example, the detection of the removal can signal to a care provider of a person that the person’s accessory was removed from the person’s consumable dispenser, thereby indicating that the person may be less likely to consume the consumable according to a predetermined le and/or that the care provider should discuss the reason for the accessory’s removal with the . illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a system 10 configured to facilitate adherence monitoring and monitoring use of consumable dispensers. The system 10 can include a mechanical accessory 12 (also referred to herein as an "accessory"), a ss bridge 14, a network 16 (also referred to herein as a "distributed computing system"), a memory 18, and an interface 20 (also referred to herein as a "computer system" and a "client station"). In general, the accessory 12 can be ed to a consumables dispenser (not shown) configured to dispense a consumable disposed therein. The dispenser can include any of a variety of dispensers, such as an asthma r, an inhaler for a non-asthma respiratory ailment, a liquid or semi-liquid dispenser such as a medicament tube or pump such as for a topical cream or a topical gel, blister packs for es and/or other types of pills, a pill bottle, a e, a able bottle, and a squeezable tube. The accessory 12 can be configured to detect attachment of the accessory to the dispenser, detect removal of the accessory from the ser, detect usage of the dispenser so as to determine when a consumable has been sed from the dispenser, and/or provide a notification to a person 22 when a consumable from the dispenser is due according to a predetermined schedule..

The accessory 12 can be ured to provide data regarding dispensing of the consumable to an external , such as the interface 20. The data can be itted from the accessory 12 to the ace 20 using wireless communication, e. g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc., over the network 16, e. g., the Internet, a cloud, a local area network (LAN), etc., Via the wireless bridge 14. However, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the system need not include the wireless bridge 14 if the accessory 12 is configured to communicate over the network 16 using a wired connection instead of a wireless connection. The data communicated to the ace 20 from the accessory 12 can optionally be supplemented with data stored in and transmitted from the memory 18, such as health record data for the person 22 (e. g., complete onic health record (EHR) of the person 22, person name, person age, person medical record number, any medications or other consumables being taken by the person 22, identities of care providers for the person 22, medical diagnoses of the person 22, data for the person 22 preViously transmitted by the accessory l2, geographic home of the person 22, etc.) and environmental data (which can be helpful in analyzing data for asthma and other respiratory ailments) such as weather data, traffic data, dust data, and pollen data.

Similarly, data transmitted to the memory 18 can be stored therein so as to be associated with a record already stored therein, e.g., data gathered by the accessory 12 being added to the person’s EHR stored in the memory 18. The interface 20 can be configured to analyze the data received from the accessory l2 and can be configured to provide the received data and/or results of the analysis on a user interface (not shown) for reView by one or more users such as the person 22 and a user 24 ated with the person 22, such as a family member of the person 22, a friend of the person 22, or a medical care er (doctor, nurse, clinical trial director, etc.) for the person 22. In an ary embodiment, the user interface can be customized based on an identity of the user accessing the interface 20.

Any of a variety of users can access, interact with, control, etc. a user interface from any of a variety of locations. For example, as shown in an embodiment illustrated in the user interface can be accessible over a network 100 (e. g., over the Internet Via cloud computing) from any number of client stations 102 in any number of locations such as a medical ty 104 (e. g., a hospital, an operating room (OR), a nurse’s station, a medical device distribution facility, a medical device company, a hospital’s sterilization, records, or billing departments, etc.), a home base 106 (e. g., a person’s home or office, a surgeon’s home or office, etc.), a mobile location 108, and so forth. The client station(s) 102 can access the user interface through a wired and/or wireless connection to the network 100 such that the user ace is displayed on a display screen thereof, e. g., an LCD (liquid-crystal display), , a touch screen, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, at least some of the client station(s) 102 can access the user interface wirelessly, e. g., through WiFi connection(s), which can tate accessibility of the user interface from almost any location in the world.

Data can be transmitted wirelessly using an ng protocol such as 802.11 or a proprietary protocol, e. g., a protocol that optimizes power, data, and range for a particular use more than an existing protocol. As shown in the medical ty 104 includes client stations 102 in the form of a tablet and a er touch screen, the home base 106 includes client stations 102 in the form of a mobile phone having a touch screen and a desktop computer, and the mobile location 108 includes client stations 102 in the form of a tablet and a mobile phone, but the medical facility 104, the home base 106, and the mobile location 108 can include any number and any type of client stations. In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface can be accessible by an interface via a web address and/or a client application (also referred to herein as an .

It will be appreciated that the user interface can be accessible using one or more security features such that the aspects of the user interface available to any particular user can be determined based on the identity of the user and/or the location from which the user is accessing the user interface. To that end, each user can have a unique username, password, and/or other security credentials to facilitate access to the user ace. The ed security parameter information can be d against a database of ized users to determine whether the user is authorized and to what extent the user is permitted to interact with the user interface, view stored information, and so forth. Examples of users who can be permitted to access a user interface include patients, potential ts, significant others, friends, and family members of patients or potential patients, surgical technicians, imaging technicians (e. g., x-ray cians, MRI technicians, etc.), surgeons, nurses, hospital administrators, surgical equipment manufacturer employees, insurance providers, and operating room directors.

The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be implemented using one or more computer systems, which as mentioned above are also referred to herein as interfaces and client stations.

PTG. 3 illustrates one exemplary ment of a computer system 200. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the er system 200 can include one or more processors 202 which can control the operation of the computer system 200. The processor(s) 202 can include any type of microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), including programmable general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors and/or any one of a variety of proprietary or commercially ble single or multi-processor systems. The er system 200 can also include one or more memories 204, which can provide temporary storage for code to be executed by the processor(s) 202 or for data acquired from one or more users, storage devices, and/or ses. The memory 204 can include read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, one or more varieties of random access memory (RAM) (e. g., static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), or synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), and/or a ation of memory technologies.

The various elements of the computer system 200 can be coupled to a bus system 212. The rated bus system 212 is an abstraction that represents any one or more separate physical busses, communication lines/interfaces, and/or multi-drop or point-to-point connections, ted by riate bridges, adapters, and/or controllers. The computer system 200 can also include one or more network interface(s) 206, one or more input/output (I/O) interface(s) 208, and one or more storage device(s) 210.

The network interface(s) 206 can enable the computer system 200 to communicate with remote devices, e. g., other er systems, over a network, and can be, for example, remote desktop connection interfaces, Ethernet adapters, and/or other local area network (LAN) adapters. The U0 interface(s) 208 can include one or more ace components to t the computer system 200 with other electronic equipment. For example, the I/O interface(s) 208 can include high speed data ports, such as universal serial bus (USB) ports, 1394 ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Additionally, the computer system 200 can be accessible to a user, and thus the I/O interface(s) 208 can include display screens, speakers, keyboards, ng devices, and/or s other video, audio, or alphanumeric interfaces. The storage device(s) 210 can include any conventional unit or medium for storing data in a non-volatile and/or non-transient manner. The storage device(s) 210 can thus hold data and/or instructions in a persistent state, i.e., the value is retained despite interruption of power to the computer system 100. The storage (s) 210 can include one or more hard disk drives, flash drives, USB drives, optical drives, various media cards, diskettes, compact discs, and/or any combination thereof and can be directly connected to the computer system 200 or remotely connected thereto, such as over a network. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage device(s) can include a tangible or non-transitory computer readable medium configured to store data, e. g., a hard disk drive, a flash drive, a USB drive, an l drive, a media card, a diskette, a compact disc, etc.

The elements illustrated in can be some or all of the elements of a single physical machine. In addition, not all of the illustrated elements need to be located on or in the same physical machine. ary computer s include conventional desktop computers, workstations, minicomputers, laptop computers, tablet ers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, and the like.

The computer system 200 can include a web browser for retrieving web pages or other markup language streams, ting those pages and/or streams (visually, aurally, or ise), executing scripts, controls and other code on those pages/streams, ing user input with respect to those pages/streams (e.g., for purposes of completing input fields), issuing Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) requests with respect to those pages/streams or ise (e. g., for ting to a server information from the completed input fields), and so forth. The web pages or other markup language can be in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) or other tional forms, ing embedded Extensible Markup Language (XML), scripts, controls, and so forth. The computer system 200 can also include a web server for generating and/or delivering the web pages to client computer s.

In an exemplary embodiment, the computer system 200 can be provided as a single unit, e. g., as a single server, as a single tower, contained within a single housing, etc. The systems and methods disclosed herein can thus be provided as a singular unit ured to provide the various modules, display the various user interfaces, and capture the data described herein. The singular unit can be modular such that various aspects thereof can be swapped in and out as needed for, e. g., e, replacement, maintenance, etc., without interrupting functionality of any other aspects of the system. The singular unit can thus also be scalable with the ability to be added to as additional modules and/or additional functionality of existing modules are desired and/or improved upon.

While some embodiments are described herein in the context of web pages, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, one or more of the described functions can be performed without the use of web pages and/or by other than web browser software. A computer system can also include any of a variety of other software and/or hardware ents, including for example, operating systems and database management systems.

Although an exemplary computer system is depicted and bed herein, it will be appreciated that this is for sake of lity and convenience. In other embodiments, the er system may differ in ecture and operation from that shown and described here.

Referring again to the system 10 of the wireless bridge 14 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. The wireless bridge 14 can include a base station 38 and a router 40, as in the illustrated embodiment. A person skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the wireless bridge 14 can include these and/or other components to facilitate electronic ication, similar to that discussed above regarding the network interface 32.

The base station 38 and/or the router 40 can, as mentioned above, be included as part of the accessory 12 or can be remotely located therefrom, such as at the patient’s home, the patient’s school, the patient’s work office, the patient’s doctor’s office, the t’s day care center, etc. The accessory 12 can be configured to communicate with only one base station 38, or with a plurality of pre-approved or pre-registered base stations 38, which can help ensure that data regarding the t 22 is not transmitted to an unauthorized area.

Embodiments of wireless bridges are further discussed in Intl. App. No. l3/047507 (Intl. Pub. No. ) entitled "Devices, s, And Methods For Adherence Monitoring And Patient Interaction" filed June 25, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As ned above, any of a variety of users can access, interact with, control, etc. a user interface, with the user interface optionally being customized for a category of a particular user, such as any one or more of a relationship of the user to the person 22 (e. g., the patient, a family member of the patient, a care provider for the patient, etc.), a gender of the user, and an age of the user. The user interface can provide data regarding any one or more aspects of a system including an accessory, a consumable associated with the accessory, and a person associated with the consumable. In on to providing data to a user, the user interface can be configured to accept user input, e.g., via an I/O device, and data input by the user can be stored in any one or more memories. For example, the user interface can be configured to prompt a user to enter data in response to a question regarding consumable stration that can help explain any anomalies, e. g., a question asking what the patient was doing or experiencing when emergency medication was stered (e.g., playing sports, sleeping, attending school class, ing from allergies, etc.), etc., a question asking why a consumable dosage was missed, etc. An accessory’s processor and/or a processor located remotely from the accessory can be configured to e input answers so as to "learn" patient or and incorporate the "learned" behavior into, e.g., recommendations regarding the patient’s treatment plan and predictions of the patient’s future behavior. The system can be configured to generate and provide a report providing results of analysis using data from the accessory, which can help the person 22 and/or one or more of the person’s care providers (e. g., doctors, family members, etc.) evaluate the person’s consumables usage, facilitate the development of questions tailored to the person’s specific history, and/or facilitate comparison of the person’s consumables usage with clinical trends. Embodiments of user interfaces that can be configured for use with a system including an accessory are described in more detailed in previously mentioned Intl. App. No. l3/047507.

The system 10 as a whole can be integrated with one or more external devices, such as a lung function device / peak flow meter. The data provided by the external device(s) can be combined with the data collected by the system 10, e. g., data gathered by the accessory 12 attached to a consumables dispenser, to provide a more comprehensive picture of the person’s status, to perform additional ics, and so on.

The accessory 12 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and urations. In general, the accessory 12 can be mechanical, e.g., a physical component including machinery and/or electrical elements. The accessory 12 can be configured to be removably and replaceably attached to the dispenser so as to allow the accessory 12 to be attached to the person’s existing dispenser and/or to be removed from an empty dispenser and ed to another dispenser. Examples of the accessory include a cap ured to attach to an end of a dispenser, a band or strap configured to wrap at least lly around a dispenser, and a box ured to attach to a e of a dispenser. As mentioned above, the ory 12 can instead be integrally ed to a dispenser, such as by being integrally formed therewith during manufacturing of the dispenser before a consumer receives the dispenser.

The accessory 12 can include any one or more of an activation member 26, a sensor 28, an actuator 30, a network interface 32, a processor 34, and a power source 36. Each of the activation member 26, the sensor 28, the actuator 30, the network interface 32, the processor 34, and the power source 36 can have a variety of sizes, , and configurations.

The activation member 26 can be configured to be activated when a consumable is dispensed from the dispenser, and in some embodiments, the activation member 26 can be configured to be automatically ted when the consumable is dispensed. In other words, the consumable being dispensed in its ordinary way can activate the tion member 26 such that a user of the ser need not perform any special action to activate the activation member 26. The tion member 26 can thus be integrated into the onality of the dispenser, which can help the accessory l2 gather data regarding the consumable, as discussed further below. For example, the activation member 26 can be positioned at an end of a respiratory inhaler and can be configured to be pushed down by a user to push down a medication canister and release a metered-dose of atory medication from the inhaler such that, even t the accessory 12 attached thereto, the canister can be configured to be pushed down by a user to release a metered-dose of atory medication from the inhaler.

The activation member 26 can thus be configured to move when the respiratory medication is dispensed.

The activation member 26 can include a depressible member. For e, the depressible member can include a button, e. g., a push button, but the depressible member can be in another form, such as a depressible switch or a force sensitive or. Pushing the accessory 12, e. g., g on an inhaler to release a consumable therefrom, can automatically activate the activation member 26 as well as cause the consumable to be released.

Another example of the activation member 26 includes a motion-sensitive member such as a motion sensor configured to sense movement of the accessory 12. For example, the motion-sensitive member can be positioned at an end of a respiratory inhaler (e. g., an asthma inhaler) and can be configured to be moved by a user to move the r’s medication canister to release a metered-dose of respiratory medication from the inhaler such that, even without the accessory 12 attached thereto, the canister can be configured to be moved by a user to release a metered-dose of atory medication from the inhaler, such that the motion-sensitive member can sense movement when the accessory 12 is pushed down. For another example, a first motion-sensitive member can be positioned on an exterior plastic container of a atory inhaler (e. g., an asthma r), and a second motion-sensitive member can be positioned on a medication canister that is at least partially encased by the exterior plastic container and that is movable ve thereto when medication is dispensed.

A difference in motion ed by the two -sensitive members can indicate that a consumable was dispensed. For another example, a first -sensitive member can be coupled to a consumables dispenser at a first on, and a second motion-sensitive member can be coupled to the consumables dispenser at a second, different location. The two motion- sensitive members can be configured to sense movement in different areas of the dispenser that can together provide sensed data indicative of a consumable being dispensed, e. g., movement sensed by a first motion-sensitive member coupled to a bottle cap and movement sensed by a second motion-sensitive member coupled to a main body of the bottle to which the cap is releasable ed.

When the activation member 26 is activated, thereby indicating that a consumable is being dispensed, the activation member 26 can be configured to activate or "wake up" the processor 34. The activation member 26 can thus be configured to trigger data gathering by the processor 34. The activation member 26 can be configured to "wake up" the processor 34 in a variety of ways, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, such as by the activation member 26 being configured to cause an activation signal to be itted to the processor 34. The activation signal can cause the processor 34 to perform one or more functions in connection with dispensing of the consumable. For example, the activation member 26 can be configured to cause a circuit to close when the tion member 26 is in a depressed position. The circuit can correspondingly be open when the activation member 26 is in a non-depressed on. The closing of the circuit can cause an activation signal to be transmitted to the processor 34 and/or for a circuit within the processor 34 to be closed.

The activation of the activation member 26 can be enough to cause the processor 34 to perform function(s) in connection with dispensing of the consumable. However, in some embodiments, the processor 34 can be configured to perform the function(s) in connection with dispensing of the consumable in response to receipt of the activation signal only upon a ary determination that consumable was dispensed. In other words, the processor 34 can be configured to check for false positives. The sensor 28 can be configured to facilitate the secondary determination. The sensor 28 can help eliminate false positives when, for example, the dispenser is within a backpack or other bag and is jarred against a side of the bag so as to unintentionally move the activation member 26 (e.g., partially depress the activation member 26, jostle the activation member 26 so as to register c motion, etc.) and activate or "wake-up" the processor 34 even though a consumable was not actually sed.

The sensor 28 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. The sensor 28 can be configured to sense at least one condition indicative of the consumable being dispensed from the dispenser. The sensor 28 can be configured to transmit data regarding its sensed parameter(s) to the processor 34, which can be configured to analyze the received sensed data to help determine whether a able was dispensed from the dispenser. In general, the processor 34 can be configured to determine if the sensed ter is above or below a predetermined threshold amount for the sensed parameter and conclude based on that determination whether the sensed parameter indicates that a consumable was dispensed.

The accessory 12 can include any number of sensors 28. If the accessory 12 includes a plurality of sensors 28, the sensors 28 can be configured to sense at least two different parameters so as to provide a plurality of different factors to aid in the processor’s secondary determination of the consumable being dispensed or not. For example, the accessory 12 can include a pressure sensor and a motion sensor. Alternatively, if the accessory 12 includes a plurality of sensors 28, each of the s 28 can be configured to sense a same parameter so as to provide a plurality of measurements of the parameter that can be ed with one another to assess whether a consumable was sed. For example, the accessory 12 can e a plurality of motion sensors.

The sensor 28 can be configured to continuously sense data, or the sensor 28 can be configured to sporadically sense data based on tion of the activation member 26. The sensor 28 uously sensing data can help ensure that the sensor 28 has adequate data available each time the processor 34 is activated by the activation member 26. Continually sensing data can help the processor 34 "learn" ambient conditions of the ser, the accessory 12, and/or the consumable over time, which can help the processor 34 better distinguish false positives from actual ces of the consumable being dispensed. The sensor 28 can be configured to sporadically sense data by being triggered by the processor 34 to begin sensing. The processor 34 can be configured to provide such a trigger when the processor 34 is activated by the tion member 26. Sporadically g data can consume less power than continuously sensing data, which can help prolong a life of the accessory 12.

Examples of the sensor 28 include a motion , a pH sensor, a temperature , a pressure sensor, an audio sensor, an air re sensor, and a geographic location sensor. Various embodiments of the sensor 28 are described in previously mentioned Intl.

App. No. PCT/USl3/047507. Generally, the motion sensor (e. g., an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetic field sensor, etc.) can be configured to sense motion (e. g., movement, shock, vibration, orientation, etc.) of the accessory 12, the pH sensor can be configured to sense a pH at a location where the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser, the temperature sensor can be configured to sense a change in temperature and/or ty such as a change in temperature and/or humidity of the dispenser, the pressure sensor can be ured to sense a weight or pressure being exerted thereon, the audio sensor (e. g., a microphone, etc.) can be configured to sense a sound of consumable dispensing, and the geographic location sensor (e. g., a global positioning system (GPS) , etc.) can be configured to sense a geographic location.

In some embodiments, an external device (e.g., a smartphone, etc.) can include a geographic location sensor that can provide geographic location information that can be used in combination with data sensed by the accessory’s sensor 28 to help the processor 34 determine whether a consumable was sed from a dispenser to which the accessory is coupled. For example, if sensed kinetic motion from a motion sensor of the accessory 12 indicates motion indicative of consumable dispensing, and geographic location information from the external device indicates a predetermined location where the person 22 typically dispenses consumables (e. g., the person’s home, an eating location such as the person’s n, the person’s school cafeteria, a rant, etc.), then the processor 34 can be configured to determine that the consumable was dispensed. Conversely, if the geographic location information from the external device indicates a ermined location where ables are not typically dispensed (e. g., a highway, a subway line, etc.), the processor 34 can be configured to determine that, despite the motion data indicating a motion that could be indicative of a consumable being dispensed, a able was not dispensed, such as because the dispenser is being jostled during transportation.

In some embodiments, the accessory’s sensor 28 can e a pressure sensor, which can be attached to a consumables dispenser at a location where a weight or pressure is applied to the dispenser to dispense the consumable. In other words, a weight or pressure applied to dispense the able will also be applied to the re sensor. If the weight or pressure sensed by the pressure sensor is above a predetermined threshold amount of weight or pressure, a sor (e. g., the processor 34 on board the accessory and/or a remote processor that can communicate with the accessory) can be configured to determine that a consumable was dispensed from a dispenser coupled to the accessory e weight or pressure exerted on the pressure sensor increased enough to indicate that the consumable was dispensed, e. g., a canister was pushed down so as to dispense a consumable. The ermined threshold amount of weight or pressure can vary based on the dispenser, as different dispensers can require a different amount of user-caused motion to dispense a consumable from the dispenser. For one e of a pressure sensor of an accessory, the re sensor can be positioned at a bottom of a tion canister containing respiratory medication that is pushed down to dispense medication therefrom, thereby exerting pressure on the pressure sensor disposed beneath the canister. Such a location of a pressure sensor is shown in the embodiment of , discussed further below, where an accessory 1306 including a pressure sensor is positioned at a bottom of a canister 1302. For another example of a re sensor of an accessory, the pressure sensor can be located on a cap of a pill bottle, e. g., on an internal surface thereof, and can be configured to be removed from the bottle when the cap is removed from the bottle, e. g., the cap is unscrewed, the cap is snapped off, etc. The cap being removed from the bottle can release pressure being exerted on the cap by the bottle. In other embodiments, the pressure sensor of the accessory can be located on the pill bottle instead of on the cap such that removal of the cap from the bottle can release re being exerted thereby on the pressure .

For another example of a pressure sensor of an accessory, the pressure sensor can be positioned at a portion of a consumables dispenser that typically rests on a table, shelf, or other surface when the dispenser is not in use. When resting on a surface, a weight or pressure will be continuously applied to the pressure sensor. If the weight or re sensed by the pressure sensor decreases by at least a ermined threshold amount of weight or pressure, a processor (e. g., the sor 34 on board the accessory and/or a remote processor that can icate with the accessory) can be ured to determine that the consumable was dispensed because weight or pressure exerted on the pressure sensor by the surface was removed, e.g., one or more pills were removed from a pill bottle having the accessory coupled to a bottom thereof that typically rests on a surface when the bottle is not in use. The predetermined threshold amount of weight or pressure can vary based on the dispenser, because different consumables can have ent weights and because different iptions can require different amounts of consumables to be dispensed at a time. Such a location is shown, for example, in the embodiment of , discussed further below, with an accessory 1100 ing a pressure sensor being positioned at a cap 1104 on which a tube 1102 typically rests when the tube 1102 is not in use.

In some embodiments, the sensor 28 can be disposed adjacent an g of the dispenser through which the consumables can be dispensed. A change in a ion adjacent the opening can be detected by the sensor 28, thereby indicating that a consumable was dispensed. For example, the sensor 28 can be ed nt a mouthpiece of a consumables dispenser, such as a mouthpiece of a respiratory inhaler, through which the consumables can exit the dispenser so as to be dispensed. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 28 can be positioned within a pathway within the dispenser through which the consumable passes before exiting the dispenser. The sensor 28 can thus be protected from inadvertent damage by being d e the dispenser and/or can be less likely to detect ambient ions outside the dispenser that may cause registration of a false positive of a consumable being dispensed. Such a location is shown, for example, in the embodiment of , discussed further below, with an accessory 1400 positioned adjacent a mouthpiece 1402 within a consumables y 1406.

One example of a sensor configured to sense at least one condition indicative of the consumable being dispensed from the dispenser is an air pressure sensor. Some types of consumables can cause air pressure adjacent the consumable’s exit area from the dispenser to temporarily change when the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser. The air pressure sensor can be positioned adjacent a consumable exit area such that the consumable passes thereby and/or therethrough when the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser. For example, respiratory medication administered through a mouthpiece of a medication dispenser can cause air pressure to temporarily change, e. g., increase, at the mouthpiece when medication is dispensed therefrom. The air pressure sensor can thus be located adjacent the mouthpiece. Such a location is shown, for example, in the embodiment of with the ory 1400 positioned adjacent the mouthpiece 1402 within the consumables pathway 1406.

If air pressure sensed by the air re sensor is outside a predetermined air re range, is above a predetermined air pressure temperature, and/or changes by more than a predetermined threshold amount, a processor (e. g., the sor 34 on board the accessory and/or a remote processor that can communicate with the accessory) can be configured to ine that a consumable was dispensed from a dispenser to which the accessory is coupled because the air re changed enough to indicate that the consumable was sed. For example, at least some respiratory medications dispensed from an r can cause air pressure within the dispenser’s mouthpiece to temporarily change, e. g., increase, in air pressure. The air pressure sensor can thus facilitate determination that medication was sed from the dispenser. For another example, some consumable dispensers are pressurized, such as canisters of respiratory inhalers, and change in air pressure when damaged, e.g., decrease in air pressure if the canister cracks or otherwise breaks. The air pressure sensor can facilitate determination of dispenser damage by detecting a decrease in air pressure since such a decrease would typically only be indicative of an error such as dispenser damage.

Another example of a sensor configured to sense at least one ion indicative of the consumable being dispensed from the ser is a temperature sensor. Some types of consumables can cause a temperature adjacent the consumable’s exit area from the dispenser to temporarily change when the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser. The ature sensor can be positioned adjacent consumable exit area such that consumable passes thereby and/or therethrough when the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser.

Similar to that sed above regarding the air pressure sensor, if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor changes by more than a predetermined threshold amount, a processor can be configured to determine that a consumable was dispensed from a ser to which the accessory is coupled because the temperature changed enough to indicate that the consumable was dispensed and/or that an error such as dispenser damage occurred. For example, respiratory medication administered through a mouthpiece of a medication dispenser can cause a temperature adjacent the mouthpiece to temporarily change, e. g., decrease, at the iece when medication is dispensed therefrom. The temperature sensor can thus be located adjacent the mouthpiece. Such a location is shown, for example, in the embodiment of with the ory 1400 positioned adjacent the iece 1402 within the consumables pathway 1406.

In some embodiments, the sensor configured to sense at least one condition indicative of the consumable being dispensed from the dispenser can include a motion sensor.

A change in kinetic motion of the accessory, and hence the dispenser to which the accessory is attached, can indicate that a consumable was dispensed from the dispenser. For example, if the motion sensor is attached to a pill box and the motion sensor senses that the box was titled, a processor (on-board the accessory and/or located off-board from the ory) in communication with the motion sensor can infer that a consumable was dispensed from the pill box. In addition, as discussed herein, the processor can be configured to consider one or more additional data that can be used to further confirm or to refute that a consumable was dispensed, such as information from a second motion sensor attached to the pill box. The motion sensor can be configured to be omnidirectional, e.g., sense motion in every direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the motion sensor can be three-dimensional, e.g., sense motion in three ions such as along x, y, and z axes. If the motion sensed by the motion sensor is above a predetermined threshold amount of motion, a processor (on-board the accessory and/or located off-board from the accessory) can be configured to determine that a consumable was dispensed because the accessory including the sensor moved enough to cause the consumable to be dispensed from the ser to which the accessory is attached.

The predetermined threshold amount of motion can vary based on the dispenser, as different dispensers can require a different amount of user-caused motion to dispense a consumable from the dispenser. ories including motion sensors are shown, for example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 14-20 and 23-26, which are discussed further below.

In some ments, the motion sensor can be configured to sense motion (e.g., tilting, g, rotation, a jolt, etc.) and to sense ation. If the motion sensor is configured to sense orientation, a processor (on-board the accessory and/or located off-board from the ory) can be ured to determine whether the sensed orientation matches a predetermined orientation indicative of a consumable-dispensing position of the dispenser.

For e, respiratory inhalers are typically held in an upright position when medication is dispensed in order for the dispenser to be comfortably held by hand with the dispenser’s mouthpiece at a person’s mouth. The motion sensor sensing this orientation can thus be indicative of a consumable being dispensed. In some ments, the motion sensor sensing this ation for at least a predetermined minimum amount of time can be indicative of the consumable being dispensed, while the motion sensor sensing this orientation for less than the predetermined minimum amount of time can be sed as not being indicative of a consumable being dispensed, e. g., because the dispenser was only briefly in that orientation while being dropped into a person’s purse. For another example, a type of the motion sensed can be indicative of whether a consumable was dispensed, such as a small vibration typically not being indicative of dispensing, but a sensed motion that corresponds with lifting a dispenser, then tilting the dispenser, and then placing the dispenser back to its original position typically indicates dispensing.

In some embodiments, the motion sensor can be positioned on an al surface of a consumables dispenser, such as a strap or band that can be d around an external surface of the dispenser. The accessory ing the motion sensor can thus be retrofitted to existing consumable dispensers without requiring any modification of the dispenser (other than the simple attachment of the accessory thereto).

In some embodiments, the motion sensor can be ed as part of a strap or band ured to attach to a consumables dispenser, and the strap or band can be configured to sense one or more nmental factors (e.g., ature, humidity, vibration, time of day, etc.). Sensed data regarding the one or more environmental factors can be used to help determine whether motion detected by the motion sensor is actually indicative of a consumable being dispensed from the dispenser.

The actuator 30 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and urations. The actuator 30 can be configured to indicate to a user, e. g., to the person 22, a care provider for the person 22, etc., that a predetermined condition has occurred. The predetermined condition can reflect that action by the user is needed, such as the patient 22 consuming the able (e. g., taking a pill, applying cream, taking a dose of medication, etc.), the dispenser being ed due to a lot amount of consumables remaining therein, or the ser being replaced due to no consumables remaining therein. The predetermined condition can occur without any user action, such as a scheduled dose of the consumable not being taken and data being transmitted from the accessory 12 to the wireless bridge 14. The processor 34 can be configured to actuate one or more of the actuators 30 in response to the processor 34 detecting occurrence of the predetermined condition, as discussed further below.

Examples of the actuator 30 include a light (e. g., an LED, a fluorescent material, etc.) configured to nate, a speaker ured to output an audible sound, a vibration element configured to vibrate so as to cause palpable and/or audible vibration of the accessory 12 and/or the dispenser, a temperature-changing element configured to temporarily heat and/or cool so as to cause a palpable change in temperature of the accessory 12 and/or the dispenser, and a display screen configured to display text and/or images as a message to the user. If the actuator 30 includes a light, the accessory 12 can include the actuator 30 at a location configured to make the light visible from all vantage points of the accessory 12. For example, the actuator 30 can e a plurality of lights arranged around a full perimeter of the accessory 12, e. g., arranged equidistantly around the perimeter.

The accessory 12 can include any number of actuators 30, e. g., zero, one, two, three, etc. If the accessory 12 includes a plurality of actuators 30, in an exemplary ment, each of the actuators 30 can be configured to provide a different type of notification than at least one other of the actuators 30, e.g., a plurality of ors 30 including at least one light and at least one speaker, so as to allow the accessory 12 to provide a plurality of different notifications when a consumable is due and/or to provide a different type of notification upon different types of predetermined conditions, a light of a first color and one vibration element for a consumable being due, a light of a second color for a consumable in the dispenser running low and a blinking light of the second color for a consumable in the dispenser being ed, a ng light when a dose is missed and a notification such as an email, text message, or phone call (which can be a live phone call or an automated phone call and can include leaving a voicemail or other ed message) being sent to a location remote from the dispenser indicating that the dose was missed, etc.

The accessory 12 can be configured to cause a notification to be transmitted to a on remote from the ser instead of or in addition to a notification being provided via the or 30 at the dispenser. Providing a remote notification can tate supervision of the person 22 and/or management of the ’s treatment plan. For example, if the person 22 is a child, it can be beneficial to notify the user 24 associated with the person 22 upon occurrence of certain events to help make the user 24 aware of the person’s status so the user 24 can take any appropriate action in real time and/or at a later time.

For another example, if a dose of a consumable is due, the processor 34 can be configured to cause a first notification to be provided to the person 22 via the actuator 30 at the dispenser and to cause a second notification to be provided to the user 24, who may be at a on remote from the person 22. The user 24 can then decide whether to independently contact the person 22 as a secondary reminder to take the consumable.

For yet another example, if the processor 34 determines that a consumable was dispensed outside of the person’s predetermined schedule, the sor 34 can be configured to cause a notification such as an email, text message, or phone call to be provided to the user 24, who, given this atypical use of the able, may be the person’s care provider or be able to contact the person’s medical care provider as the ’s parent or guardian. If multiple off-schedule doses are detected, the person’s care provider may choose to contact the person 22 (or an adult contact for the person 22 if the person 22 is a child) to discuss possible changes to the ’s health and/or to the ’s treatment plan.

For still another example, if the processor 34 determines that the consumable is g low, the processor 34 can be ured to cause a cation such as an email, text message, or phone call to be provided to the user 24, such as the person’s doctor or pharmacist, who can begin processing a new supply of consumables for the person 22 before the patient’s current consumables are depleted.

For another example, if a consumable is not dispensed within a predetermined period of time after a notification is provided indicating that a scheduled dose of the consumable is due, the processor 34 can be configured to cause a missed dosage notation to be saved in the accessory’s , and the wireless bridge 14 can be configured to wirelessly transmit the stored missed dosage notation to an external device such as the database 18. The missed dosage notation can be included as part of adherence data and/or incentives data provided on a user interface, discussed further below. An external device, e. g., the interface 20, can be configured to determine that a dose was missed without the processor 34 providing any notice thereof, such as by the external device being configured to detect that notice of an expected dose was not taken, e. g., notice of a consumable being dispensed at a scheduled date/time was not ed at the external device from the accessory In some instances, the person 22 may have multiple consumable dispensers, each of the dispensers having the same consumable contained therein. For e, the person 22 may have multiple containers of the same consumable each kept in a different location, e. g., home, work, car, etc., for easy accessibility when use of the consumable is needed. Each of the le consumable dispensers can have an accessory coupled thereto. Each of the accessories can be categorized in the system 10 as clones of one another so as to be linked together as being associated with the person 22 for a specific consumable, e.g., for a specific iption medication. Thus, when a dose of the consumable is due according to a predetermined dosage schedule, the dose will likely not be dispensed from each of the sers containing the consumable. d, the dose will likely be sed from only one of the dispensers, or none of the dispensers if the dose is missed. If any one of the dispensers having the "cloned" accessories coupled thereto dispenses the scheduled dose, the dose can be considered to have been ed on schedule. If none of the dispensers having the "cloned" accessories coupled thereto dispenses the scheduled dose, the dose can be ered to have been missed. The system 10 can thus be less likely to register false instances of missed dosages and/or less likely to transmit a notification to the person 22 and/or other person that a dose was missed when the dose was actually dispensed.

In some embodiments, in order to stop a notification (e. g., stop a light from blinking, stop a consumables dispenser from vibrating, etc.), a predetermined action must be taken in response to the predetermined condition that triggered the notification. In this way, n user actions can be more likely to happen within a short amount of time. For example, if the predetermined condition includes a dose of a consumable being due, the notification can be configured to be provided (e. g., a light continually blinks on and off, an audio tone sounds on and off, a light continually glows, etc.) until dispensing of the consumable is detected. In some embodiments, in the absence of the predetermined action being taken within a predetermined amount of time from the notification being first provided, the notification can be configured to stop after the predetermined amount of time, which can help conserve power (e. g., not require an endlessly g light, etc.) and/or can sate for situations in which it may not be currently possible for the person 22 to take the consumables dose.

The processor 34 can be ured to control one or more components of the ory 12. The processor 34 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations, as discussed above. The processor 34 in the illustrated embodiment is shown as a microcontroller, but the processor 34 can include any of a variety of elements, as mentioned above. The processor 34 can, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, e a timer configured to count time and/or a memory configured to store data. Alternatively, the timer and/or the memory can be included as part of the accessory 12 but be external components to the processor 34.

The processor 34 can be configured to cause gathered data to be stored in the memory and to cause stored data to be transmitted to an external , e. g., wirelessly transmitted via the wireless bridge 14 across the network 16 to the interface 20 and/or the memory 18. The memory 18 in the illustrated embodiment includes a database, but as discussed above, the memory 18 can include any one or more memory technologies. The interface 20 in the illustrated ment includes a client station in the form of a distributed er system (e.g., a phone, a computer, etc.), but the interface 20 can include any form of client station.

The processor 34 can be configured to transmit stored data to the interface 20 and/or the memory 18 on a predetermined transmission schedule, e.g., a schedule stored in the memory and time-tracked using the timer, in response to ence of a predetermined condition, and/or in response to a data request signal to the processor 34 from an external device. The processor 34 can be configured to delete transmitted data from the memory in response to the data having been transmitted, which can help free space for new data, the processor 34 can be ured to delete transmitted data on a r deletion schedule (e.g., at the top of each hour, at the end of a day, at the end of a week, twice daily, etc.), or the processor 34 can be configured to delete itted data as needed for e space. The processor 34 can be configured to maintain all data until the data is transmitted to an al device, which can help prevent data loss. The processor 34 can be configured to mark data stored in the memory as having been transmitted to an al device, which can facilitate clearing of the accessory’s memory and/or help ensure that data is not unnecessarily edly transmitted to an external device. s types of data can be received and stored by the processor 34. For example, data sensed by the sensor 28 can be received and stored. For another example, data regarding occurrences of predetermined conditions can be . Examples of predetermined conditions include a consumable being dispensed (e. g., as triggered by activation of the activation mechanism 26 and/or as confirmed by data from the sensor 28), low power source 36 power, power source 36 depletion, a consumable not being dispensed in accordance with a predetermined schedule, and device component failure. The processor 34 can therefore be configured to receive, store, and transmit a relatively complete picture of the patient’s consumable usage and of a functional status of the dispenser and a functional status of the accessory 12. Data transmitted by the processor 34 can be analyzed by and/or viewed on the interface 20, as discussed further below.

The processor 34 can be configured to in a running tally of a total amount of consumables dispensed from the dispenser. In this way, the processor 34 can be configured to determine when the dispenser is running low on the consumable and/or when all the consumables have been sed from the dispenser. For example, some types of dispensers, such as respiratory inhalers, can be ured to dispense a predetermined amount of medication each time the medication is dispensed therefrom. The sor 34 can be configured to maintain the running tally of a total amount of consumables dispensed from the dispenser by adding a predetermined value to the previously logged total amount each time a able is determined to have been dispensed from the dispenser. For another example, the accessory 12 can be configured to detect an amount of a consumable dispensed, e. g., by using the sensor 28, and to subtract the measured amount from a previously stored total amount of ables in the dispenser to arrive at a current total amount of consumables in the dispenser.

The processor 34 can be configured to provide a warning to a user when the processor determines that the dispenser is running low on consumables and/or when all consumables have been dispensed from the dispenser. Providing warnings about low/no consumables remaining can help the user effectively manage reordering and replacement of consumables. The processor 34 can be configured to provide the warning by ing the or 30.

The processor 34 can be configured to actuate the actuator 30 by transmitting a signal thereto. In response to the ring signal from the processor 34, the actuator 30 can be configured to provide an audible and/or palpable signal to a user, e. g., to the patient 22, indicating one or more predetermined ions. One example of the predetermined ion is the low consumables g mentioned above, and another e of the predetermined condition is the consumables depleted warning also mentioned above.

Another example of the predetermined condition is a notification when a dosage of the consumable is due. In other words, the accessory 12 can be configured to e notice to a user, e. g., to the patient 22, that a consumable needs to be taken in order to adhere to a predetermined schedule. The ory 12 providing the notification can allow the dispenser itself to play a role in a person’s regimen, which can help reduce the need for the person 22, the person’s family, the person’s doctor, etc. to maintain and monitor an external notification system, such as watch alarms, alarms on a mobile device, phone calls to the patient, text messages to the patient’s mobile phone, etc.

The processor 34 can be configured to determine that a dosage of a able is due in a variety of ways. A predetermined schedule for the person 22 can be accessible to the processor 34, e. g., stored in a memory included in the accessory 12 or stored in an external memory accessible via the k 16, such as the memory 18. The predetermined schedule can, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, be specific to the person 22 as ined by the person 22 and/or the person’s doctor or other care provider, or the predetermined schedule can be dictated by a manufacturer of the able. The accessory 12 can be configured to er itself, e. g., with the memory 18, when purchased and/or when attached to a dispenser so as allow the ermined schedule to be transmitted to the accessory 12, e. g., from the memory 18. This registration can facilitate identification of "clone" ories. The accessory 12 can be ured to detect ment and detachment thereof from a dispenser, as sed further below, which can facilitate registration of the accessory 12 when attached to the dispenser. The processor 34 can be configured to determine when a consumable is due according to the predetermined schedule based on time counted by the timer. The accessory 12 can thus be configured as a self- contained monitoring unit able to notify the user that a consumable is due to be taken regardless of the accessory’s location relative to the interface 20 and/or other external device.

Alternatively, or in addition, an external device such as the interface 20 can be configured to determine when a dosage of the consumable is due for the person 22 in a similar way and transmit a signal to the accessory 12 via the network 16. The signal can cause the actuator 30 to be actuated. Allowing the external device to r the actuator 30 can provide backup functionality to the processor 34 and/or can help move processing resources off-board from the accessory 12, which can help reduce cost and/or help reduce a size of the accessory 12.

Another example of a predetermined condition is data being transmitted from the accessory 12 via the network interface 32. Providing notice to the user that data is being transmitted can help explain why the accessory 12 may be g or otherwise making a noise not typically associated with the dispenser. Similarly, another predetermined condition is data being transmitted to the accessory 12 via the network interface 32, such as an update to the patient’s predetermined schedule stored onboard the accessory 12.

As mentioned above, a predetermined condition can e the power source 36 running low, thereby indicating that the accessory 12 is due for l from the dispenser and replacement with another accessory. Similarly, another predetermined condition is the power source 36 being depleted of available power.

As mentioned above, a predetermined ion can include failure of any component of the accessory 12, such as a e of the sensor 28 or the actuator 30, thereby indicating that the accessory 12 should be removed from the dispenser and replaced with another ory. The processor 34 can be configured to detect failure of a component of the accessory 12, such as by being mmed to regularly query component(s), as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, and, based on a response received from the queried component, including whether a response was received or not, determine whether the component is properly functioning.

The network interface 32 can be configured to facilitate electronic communication of the accessory 12 with one or more external devices such as the wireless bridge 14. The network interface 32 can have a y of sizes, shapes, and configurations, as discussed above. Although the network interface 32 is rated as a radio and as being in electronic communication with the wireless bridge 14 in the illustrated embodiment, the network interface 32 can be a component other than a radio and can be configured to be in electronic communication with a wireless bridge and/or any number of other components to facilitate communication over the network 16. The network interface 32 can be ured to communicate using long-range, low frequency / low power / low bandwidth radio communication using a proprietary, an open source, or a mesh protocol.

The power source 36, e. g., one or more batteries, one or more solar panels, one or more piezo ts, one or more ively charged power elements, etc., can have a y of sizes, shapes, and configurations. The power source 36 can be configured to e power to one or more of the accessory’s components, e. g., to the sensor 28, the processor 34, the wireless bridge 14, the actuator 30, etc. In some ments, an accessory can lack a power source and instead be d by an external power source, such as a power source wired to the accessory via wired connection or a power source configured to telemetrically provide power when moved into proximity of the accessory. In some embodiments, an accessory can include an on-board power source, as in the illustrated embodiment of configured to provide power to only a portion of the accessory’s on- board components, and the accessory can be configured to have another portion of the accessory’s rd components be powered by an external power source. Providing power with an external power source can help reduce a size of the accessory and/or free space for other components.

In some embodiments, the power source 36 can be configured to move between a first state in which the power source 36 es a first amount of power to components of the accessory l2 and a second state in which the power source 36 provides a second, greater amount of power to the components of the accessory 12. The power source 36 can thus be configured to conserve power by being in the first state when the greater amount of power provided in the second state is not necessary for proper functioning of the accessory l2.

Embodiments of power sources being configured to move between first and second states are described in more detail in previously mentioned Intl. App. No. PCT/USl3/047507.

In some embodiments, the accessory 12 can include energy-harvesting technology (solar, piezo, etc.) configured to increase a life of the power source 36, e.g., to increase a battery life of a battery when the power source 36 includes a y.

The accessory 12 can include a housing 42 configured to house the activation member 26, the sensor 28, the actuator 30, the k interface 32, the processor 34, the power source 36, and the wireless bridge 14. The accessory 12 as a singular unit including the housing 42 and all components housed n can be configured to be bly and replaceably attached to the dispenser, thereby ng simple attachment of a single piece to the dispenser to attach the accessory l2 thereto. The accessory 12 can thus lack any required user assembly and can be easily ed to a dispenser by adults and by at least older children.

The housing 42 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations and can be formed from one or more materials. In an ary embodiment, the housing 42 can be formed from one or more polymers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene (ABS), etc.) and can be non-toxic. The housing 42 can be rigid or, as in the illustrated embodiment, have some degree of flexibility, which can facilitate depression of the activation member 26, as discussed further below. The housing 42 can be arent or ucent so as to allow a light to visibly shine hrough, as also discussed further below. The housing 42 can be waterproof so as to help protect the various components housed therein from moisture damage. The housing 42 can be permanently closed or sealed (e.g., closed or sealed under conditions of ry end-user use) so as to help prevent tampering with and/or inadvertent damage to the various components housed therein. The housing 42, and hence the ory 12, can be configured to be disposable, e. g., thrown out or recycled. An accessory can, in some embodiments, be non-removably attached to a dispenser, in which case the accessory can be configured to be disposed of with the dispenser.

The housing 42 is shown in the illustrated embodiment as housing all of the tion member 26, the sensor 28, the actuator 30, the network interface 32, the processor 34, the power source 36, and the wireless bridge 14, but one or more of these ents can be disposed in at least one other housing configured to attach to the ser similar to that discussed herein regarding the housing 42. For e, the wireless bridge 14 can be housed in a second housing (not shown) of the accessory 12, which can help facilitate hardware and/or software repair and/or upgrades d to electronic communication that otherwise do not substantially affect operation of the accessory 12. The second g can be made, configured, and used similar to that discussed herein regarding the housing 42.

The accessory 12 can be configured to be attached to the dispenser in a variety of ways. The accessory 12 can include an attachment mechanism ured to engage the dispenser and removably and replaceably attach the accessory 12 thereto. Examples of the attachment mechanism include a magnet configured to magnetically attach the accessory 12 to a magnet included in or a metallic al of the dispenser, ®, a cavity formed in the accessory configured to fit around a portion of the dispenser in a press fit, a strap or band configured to be tied to secure the ory 12 to the dispenser, a strap or band configured to elastically secure the accessory 12 to the dispenser similar to a rubber band, a clip configured to clip the accessory 12 to the dispenser, and a guide track configured to slidably receive a portion of the dispenser n. The attachment mechanism as a magnet can be particularly effective for use with pressurized dispensers, such as respiratory inhalers, which are typically metallic containers. The attachment mechanism being attachable to the dispenser by press fit can help prevent tachment of the accessory 12 to the dispenser because the cavity can be configured to be attachable to the dispenser in one location via the press fit, e.g., the cavity being configured to only accommodate one unique portion of the dispenser. The accessory 12 can thus be keyed to the dispenser so as to be attachable thereto in a predetermined orientation relative thereto, as further described in previously mentioned Intl. App. No.

PCT/USl3/047507. The accessory 12 can be included as part of a kit including a plurality of differently sized and/or differently shaped members (e. g., flexible rings, rigid rings, etc.) configured to be selectively attached to the accessory 12 to tate press fit of the accessory 12 to a particular dispenser. For example, one of the members having a size and shape ponding to a circular size of an end of a atory inhaler can be inserted into a cavity of an ory in the form of a cap so as to be seated in a groove formed n. The member can be configured to form a press fit with the inhaler when the cap is attached thereto. The attachment mechanism being an able member, such as a strap or band, can facilitate attachment of the accessory 12 to differently sized and/or irregularly shaped dispensers. In some embodiments, the adjustable member can be configured to cally adjust to a size and shape of the dispenser to which the adjustable member is attached, such as by being an elastic member. In some embodiments, the adjustable member can be configured to be manually adjustable to be securely attached to a dispenser, such as by being adjustable similar to a belt with a hook and release mechanism or a slidably adjustable member.

] The attachment mechanism can allow the accessory 12 to be replaceably and removably attached to the dispenser without requiring any modification of the dispenser by the end-user or by a designer or manufacturer of the dispenser to accommodate the accessory 12. In this way, the accessory 12 can be used with nearly any consumables dispenser regardless of whether or not the dispenser was made for use with the ory 12. Examples of attachment mechanisms that can allow for such attachment include a magnet, a cavity, and a strap or band. Other attachment isms, such as a magnet or Velcro®, may require a modification of the dispenser to allow attachment of the accessory 12 thereto, such as by attaching a magnet or Velcro® to the dispenser using a self-stick adhesive.

] A consumables ser to which the accessory 12 is removably and replaceably ed can be configured to se a consumable whether or not the accessory 12 is attached thereto. The consumables dispenser can thus be available to the person 22 for use even if an unexpected error occurs with the accessory 12, e. g., the accessory 12 is accidentally , the person 22 accidentally forgets to attach the accessory 12 to a new dispenser, etc., and the person 22 will not have to miss any required doses of the consumable due to the accessory error. The accessory 12 being configured to be replaceably and removably attached to a consumables dispenser can facilitate this maintained functionality of the dispenser. FIGS. 4, 7, and 14-26, which are discussed further below, illustrate embodiments of accessories configured to be coupled to consumables sers that can properly dispense consumables whether or not the accessory is attached thereto.

In some embodiments, the accessory 12 can include a grip mechanism configured to facilitate attachment of the ment mechanism to the ables dispenser. The grip mechanism can be configured to deform when the attachment mechanism is attached to the dispenser, which can help form a secure interference fit n the accessory l2 and the dispenser, can compensate for differently sized dispensers, and/or can compensate for an uneven dispenser surface to which the accessory 12 is d. For example, the grip mechanism can include protrusions extending ly inward from a cavity formed in the accessory l2 and being configured to deform when the dispenser is seated in the cavity. For another example, the grip mechanism can include a textured surface on an interior surface of a strap or band ured to engage an exterior surface of the dispenser.

A consumables dispenser to which an accessory can be coupled can include a al dose counter or other dose counting mechanism, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the physical dose counter or other dose counting mechanism can be linked to or integrated with the accessory. For example, the al dose counter can be located at a bottom of the ser, and an accessory can be linked to or integrated with the physical dose counter or other dose counting mechanism so as to also be located at the bottom of the dispenser. If the linked or integrated accessory is configured to be bly and eably coupled to the dispenser, the physical dose counter or other dose counting ism can be removed and replaced with the accessory. In some embodiments, the accessory can be a separate element from the physical dose counter or other dose counting mechanism. In such a case, the accessory and the physical dose counter or other dose counting mechanism can be located at a same on relative to the dispenser, e. g., both at a top thereof, or can be located in different locations ve to the dispenser, e. g., one on a top of the dispenser and one of a side of the dispenser.

] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate one embodiment of an accessory 302. The accessory 302 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 removably and replaceably ed to a dispenser 304 and is shown in as a standalone element unattached to any dispenser. The dispenser 304 of FIGS. 4 and 5 is a respiratory inhaler that includes a housing 3 l2 and a medication canister 3l4 removably and replaceably seated in the dispenser housing 3 l2 and containing a medication for treating a respiratory condition such as asthma, but as mentioned above, an accessory can be configured to attach to a variety of different types of dispensers containing different types of consumables.

A g 300 of the accessory 302 can be a cap, as in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4-6. The cap can be configured to removably and replaceably attach to a portion of the dispenser 304, such as to an end of the canister 314 containing the consumable and being configured to be pressed by a user to dispense the able from the dispenser. The accessory 302 can thus be configured to be sed to cause consumable to be dispensed from an output 306 of the ser 304 similar to how the consumable would be dispensed from the dispenser 304 without the accessory 302 attached thereto. The accessory 302 can thus be relatively seamlessly integrated into a ’s familiar use of the ser 304. The accessory 302 can include a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown), which can be engaged in response to the ng of the accessory 302 to tate a determination as to whether a able was dispensed from the dispenser 304, as described in more detail in previously mentioned Intl. App. No. l3/047507. In general, the PCB can be d to the accessory’s processor on-board the accessory, or the PCB can be configured to cooperate with at least one off-board component, e. g., a CPU control store (CCS) module located outside the cap.

In the illustrated ment, the ment mechanism of the accessory 302 includes a cavity 308 formed in the housing 300. The cavity 308 can be configured to receive a portion of the dispenser 304 therein, e. g., an end portion of the dispenser 304. As in the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 308 can be configured to only be attachable to that one portion of the dispenser 304, which can help ensure that the accessory 302 is properly attached to and used with the dispenser 304 because there is only one option to the user in choosing where to attach the accessory 302 to the dispenser 304.

] The g 300 can include a symbol 310 thereon, e.g., printed thereon, formed therein as a depression (as in the illustrated embodiment), formed thereon as a protrusion, embedded therein, etc. The symbol 310 can include any one or more of numbers, alphabet characters, and geometric shapes, logos, and other symbols. Although only one symbol 310 is shown in the illustrated embodiment, a housing can include any number of symbols thereon. The symbol 310 can identify a manufacturer of the accessory 12, can identify a specific consumable or type of consumables for use with the accessory 12, and/or can be decorative (e. g., a person’s name, a person’s first initial, a cartoon character, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the symbol 310 includes a plus sign. Symbols for accessories are further described in previously mentioned Intl. App. No. PCT/USl3/047507.

FTGS. 7-10 illustrate another embodiment of an accessory 400 in the form of a cap configured to be removably and eably attached to a ser. The accessory 400 is shown in FIGS. 7-9 as a standalone element unattached to any dispenser and is shown in removably and eably ed to a er 402 of a consumables dispenser. The canister 402 in this illustrated embodiment contains an inhalable consumable, e. g., respiratory medication, disposed therein, and is configured to be seated in a housing (not shown) and moved relative thereto to dispense the consumable through a mouthpiece (not shown) of the dispenser housing, as discussed herein. However, as mentioned above, the accessory 400 can be configured to attach to a variety of different types of dispensers containing different types of consumables.

As in this illustrated embodiment, the accessory 400 can include a distal portion 404, also referred to herein as a "distal base," and a proximal portion 406, also referred to herein as a "proximal cap." The proximal cap 406 can be configured to move relative to the distal base 404, thereby g the consumable to be dispensed from the dispenser and causing the accessory 400 to detect usage of the dispenser, e. g., to detect that the able was dispensed. The proximal cap 406 and the distal portion 404 can each have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations.

As in this illustrated embodiment, the proximal cap 406 can include a lid 408 and a bias element 410. The lid 408 can have a y of sizes, shapes, and configurations. In this illustrated embodiment, the lid 408 includes a domed member. The lid 408 can include a mating element 412 configured to engage a corresponding mating feature 414 of the distal base 404 so as to non-removably mate the proximal cap 406 to the distal base 404. Such permanent fixation of the proximal and distal portions 406, 404 can help protect any electronic components disposed within the accessory 400. In some embodiments, the al cap 404 can be removably and replaceably mated to the distal base 404, which can allow replacement of one or more the accessory’s electronic ents, e.g., replacement of a depleted battery, replacement of a burned out light, etc.

] As in this illustrated embodiment, the mating element 412 can include a t foot ing distally from the proximal cap 406, and the mating feature 414 can include a ledge extending from the distal base 404, e. g., from a spin ring 416 of the distal base 404.

The spin ring 416 is also illustrated in PTG. 11. The ledge in this illustrated embodiment includes four ledges extending radially inward from an interior surface of the distal base 404, one ledge for each bayonet foot. In other embodiments, there can be r number of ledges and another number of bayonet feet. For example, there can be one ledge configured to engage each bayonet foot, e.g., one ledge extending circumferentially around the spin ring 416. For another example, there can be an equal number of bayonet feet and ledges such that each one of the bayonet feet engages one of the ledges. The bayonet foot can be configured to be movable toward and away from the ledge in response to the proximal cap 406 being depressed, e. g., by a user manually pressing down on the lid 408, and released, e. g., by the user releasing manual pressure from the lid 408. In other embodiments, the distal base’s mating feature can include a bayonet foot, and the proximal cap’s mating element can include a ledge.

The lid 408 can include a button 418 facing the distal base 404. In general, the button 418 can be configured to be depressed when a able is dispensed from a dispenser to which the accessory 400 is ed, e. g., from the canister 402 of , as discussed further below. The button 418 can thus be ured to detect usage of the dispenser.

The lid 408 can be configured to be movable relative to the distal base 404 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the lid 408 can be at a first ce from the distal base 404, the at least one mating element 412 can be engaged with the at least one mating feature 414 (e. g., the bayonet feet can be in contact with the , as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10), the bias element 410 can be in an expanded configuration, and the button 418 can be out of contact from the distal base 404. In the second position, the lid 408 can be at a second ce from the distal base 404 that is less than the first ce, the at least one mating element 412 can be disengaged from the at least one mating feature 414 (e.g., the bayonet feet can be out of contact with the ), the bias element 410 can be in a compressed configuration, and the button 418 can be pressed against the distal base 404 (e. g., against a processor assembly 420 of the distal base 404, discussed further below). The first ce can define a void space between the button 418 and the distal base 404 (e. g., against the processor assembly) when the button 418 is in a non- depressed position, as in FIGS. 8 and 10. The void space can provide some "give" space for movement of the button 418, which can help prevent the consumable from being accidentally dispensed.

The bias element 410 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. In general, the bias element 410 can be configured to bias the lid 408 to the first on, e. g., bias the button 418 away from the processor assembly 420. Examples of the bias element 410 include a coil spring, a volute spring, an c member similar to a rubber band, a leaf spring, and a wave spring. In this illustrated embodiment, the bias t 410 includes a wave spring. A bias strength or spring rate of the bias element 410 can vary based on one or more factors, such as a height of the bayonet feet 412, a height of the button 418, etc. For example, the bias strength or spring rate of the bias element 419 can be about 26.0 lb/in. A size of the bias element 410 can vary based on one or more factors, e. g., a diameter of the button 418, a diameter of the lid 408, etc. For example, the bias element 410 can have an outer diameter of about 0.526 in., a radial wall thickness of about 0.058 in., and a free length of about 0.325 in. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a bias element may not have a e measurement but nevertheless be considered to be "about" that ement due to one or more factors, such as manufacturing tolerances.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bias element 410 can surround the button 418, e. g., extend circumferentially therearound, as in this illustrated embodiment. By extending circumferentially around the button 418 configured to be d in response to manual ion of the accessory 400 by a user, e. g., by the user pressing down thereon, the bias element 410 can be configured to help evenly transmit the force applied by the user to the button 418, thereby helping to ensure that the button 418 is pressed against the distal base 404 regardless of where on the lid 408 the user presses to dispense a consumable. For example, if a user presses down on the lid 408 at a substantial center thereof (e. g., where a symbol is on the lid 408) so as to be pushing substantially directly on top of the button 418, the applied user force can facilitate pressing of the button 418. However, a user may not always press the lid 408 at a substantial center thereof and/or may not always press on the lid 408 in a direction that the button 418 extends such that the button 418 is not pressed directly downward. The bias element 410 completely surrounding the button 418, as in this rated embodiment, can help ensure that off-center user pressure on the lid 408 s the button 408 down against the distal base 404. The bias element’s center can be substantially at the button’s center, as in this illustrated embodiment, which can help ensure that nter user pressure on the lid 408 presses the button 408 down against the distal base 404, even if the re is far off the lid’s .

As in this illustrated embodiment, the distal base 404 can include the spin ring 416, the processor assembly 420 (also shown in ), a grip ring 422, a main body 424 (also shown in ), a power source 426, a power source protective member 428, and a power source g 430. The spin ring 416, the processor assembly 420, the grip ring 422, the main body 424, the power source 426, the power source protective member 428, and the power source housing 430 can each have a y of sizes, shapes, and configurations.

The spin ring 416 can include an outer member 432 and an inner member 434 configured to be seated in the outer member 432, e. g., seated in a central portion f. The outer and inner members 432, 434 can be overmolded. The spin ring 416, e.g., the outer member 432, can be configured to seat the bias element 410 so as to sandwich the bias element 410 between the spin ring 416 and the lid 408. The spin ring 416 can have a central opening 436 extending therethrough in which the button 418 can be configured to move in a downward ion toward the processor assembly 420 ying the spin ring 416 and to move in an upward direction away from the processor assembly 420. Each of the outer and inner members 432, 434 can have central apertures 432a, 434a that define the central opening 436.

The processor assembly 420 can include a side sensor 438, a positive power source contact 440, a processor 441, a PCB 442, at least one light 443 (e. g., at least one LED, etc.), a negative power source contact 444, an antenna 445 configured to facilitate wireless communication, and a force sensitive resistor 446. The processor 441 can include a memory (not shown). The positive and negative power source contacts 440, 444 can be configured to contact corresponding positive and negative contacts of the power source 426 to facilitate power supply from the power source 426 o the PCB 442.

The PCB 442 can, as mentioned above, be coupled to the accessory’s processor, or the PCB 442 can be configured to cooperate with at least one off-board component, e. g., a CPU control store (CCS) module d outside the accessory 400. As sed above, the PCB 442 can be configured to, in response to actuation of the button 418 on the force sensitive resistor 446 (e. g., by moving the proximal portion 406 toward to the distal portion 404), record the date and time of the usage of the dispenser to which the ory 400 is coupled in a e unit, such as an on-board memory included in the PCB 442. The stored data can be transmitted to an external source, e. g., computer system, as also discussed above.

] The force sensitive resistor 446 can be ured to facilitate detection of the movement of the proximal cap 406 relative to the distal base 404 so as to facilitate detection of a consumable being dispensed from a dispenser to which the accessory 400 is attached. In general, the force sensitive resistor 446 can be configured as a pressure sensor that senses a weight or pressure being exerted thereon. The force sensitive or 446 can be configured to change resistance when pressure is d thereto, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The button 418 can be configured to move within the l opening 436 of the spin ring 416 and can be configured to contact the force sensitive resistor 446 underlying the spin ring 416 when moved in a rd direction toward the PCB 442 and hence toward the force sensitive resistor 446. The force sensitive resistor 446 can be configured to change resistance in response to re applied thereto from the button 418.

In this way, when the lid 408 is pressed downward so as to move the button 418 in a downward direction, the button 418 can apply pressure to the force sensitive resistor 446, thereby changing the force sensitive or’s resistance to indicate actuation of the cap 400 and dispensing of a consumable. Similarly, when the lid 408 is released so as to move upwardly, the button 408 can move ly so as to decrease pressure on the force sensitive resistor 446, thereby again changing the resistance of the force sensitive resistor 446.

The processor can be configured to compare the force sensitive or’s resistance value with a predetermined threshold resistance value, e.g., a value stored in the memory, so as to determine whether the consumable has been dispensed. The resistance value can be a numerical value of the actual ance or can be a value representative of the actual resistance. By being able to compare specific values instead of merely detecting a sensor’s "on" or "off" position, e. g., "on" as having pressure applied thereto and "off" as having no pressure applied thereto, to determine dispensing of the consumable, the processor can help eliminate false positives. If the force sensitive resistor’s resistance value equals or exceeds the old resistance, then the processor can be configured to determine that the consumable was dispensed e a certain old amount of re has been applied to the accessory 400 attached to the dispenser containing the consumable. For example, if the threshold resistance value corresponds to a pressure of 20 N, but the force sensitive resistor’s resistance value corresponds to a pressure of 15 N (e. g., increases from 0 N without any t with the button 418 to 15 N upon contact with the button 418), then the processor can determine that dispensing of the consumable did not occur. In other words, the lid 408 can be presumed to have not been pushed with enough force to cause the consumable to exit the canister 402. For another e, if the threshold ance value corresponds to a pressure of 25 N and the force ive resistor’s resistance value corresponds to a pressure of 26 N (e.g., increases from 0 N t any t with the button 418 to 26 N upon contact with the button 418), then the processor can ine that actuation did occur. In other words, the lid 408 can be presumed to have been pushed with enough force to cause the consumable to exit the canister 402.

The predetermined threshold resistance value can depend on the dispenser to which the accessory is attached, e. g., ent canisters can require different amounts of force to dispense a consumable therefrom. The memory can be configured to store threshold resistance values for various canisters, and the processor can be configured to compare the force sensitive resistor’s resistance value with the one of the threshold resistance values corresponding to the canister to which the accessory 400 is coupled. In some embodiments, the threshold resistance value for the canister to which the accessory 400 is attached can be transmitted to the PCB 442 using the wireless bridge, and the transmitted old resistance value can be stored in the memory for later comparison with resistance values of the force sensitive resistor 446. The correct threshold resistance value for the processor to compare with the force sensitive resistor’s resistance value can be ined, whether the threshold ance value is pre-stored in the memory or is transmitted to the accessory 400, by having identification information transmitted thereto. Transmission of identification information, as well as other types of data, to an accessory is described in r detail in previously mentioned Intl. App. No. PCT/USl3/047507.

In an exemplary embodiment, a user can enter consumable schedule information (e.g., prescription information for the consumable with which the accessory 400 will be used, meal times when a vitamin with which the accessory 400 will be used should be ed, etc.) and consumable identification information (e. g., identification of the specific consumable with which the ory 400 will be used, the specific supplement with which the accessory 400 will be used, etc.) via a user interface via a client terminal, as discussed herein. The user ace can be configured to e a list of consumables from which the user can select to identify the specific consumable, and/or the user interface can allow the user to enter any consumable. The client terminal can be configured to have access to a database of consumables and their associated threshold resistance values, with the database being stored locally at the client terminal or remotely accessible to the client terminal. The client terminal can be configured to determine from the se which threshold resistance value corresponds to the consumable identified by the user. The client terminal can be configured to communicate with the accessory 400, e.g., via wireless communication between the accessory 400 and, to provide the consumable schedule information, the consumable identification ation, and the threshold resistance value to the accessory 400, which can store the received data in the memory. The accessory 400 can thus be configured to compare the force sensitive resistor’s resistance value with the threshold resistance value appropriate for the specific ser to which the accessory 400 is coupled.

The side sensor 438 can be configured to tate detection of the accessory’s attachment to and l from a consumables dispenser. ing whether the accessory 400 is attached to a dispenser can facilitate proper attachment of the ory 400 to the dispenser and/or facilitate proper use of the accessory 400. As in this illustrated embodiment, the accessory 400 can itself be configured to determine accessory removal/attachment, e. g., using the side sensor 438 and the PCB 420. In other embodiments, a processor that is off- board the accessory 400 can be configured to detect removal and attachment of the accessory 400 with respect to a consumables dispenser.

The side sensor 438 can be d adjacent a perimeter of the accessory 400 so as to be located at a radial outward on. The side sensor 438 can be configured to sense pressure. When a dispenser, e.g., a medicament canister such as the canister 402, is seated in a cavity 448 of the accessory 400, e. g., of the main body 424, the dispenser can exert outward pressure on the accessory 400 so as to apply pressure to the side sensor 438. The side sensor 438 can be configured to sense this re directed radially outward, thereby allowing the processor to determine that a ser has been attached to the accessory 400 since the side sensor 438 sensed an increase in pressure. Similarly, when a dispenser is removed from the cavity 448, the pressure exerted on the side sensor 438 can decrease. The sor can accordingly determine that the accessory 400 is no longer coupled to the dispenser since the side sensor 438 sensed a decrease in re.

] The side sensor 438 can facilitate the accessory 400 moving from a first mode, in which the accessory 400 is inactive as not being attached to a ser, to a second mode, in which the accessory 400 is active as being attached to a dispenser. In the first mode, the accessory 400 can be configured to use no or little power from the power source 426, thereby conserving resources. In some embodiments, the accessory 400 can have a third mode in which the accessory 400 is inactive as not being attached to a dispenser and as never having been attached to a dispenser. The third mode can thus reflect that the accessory 400 is at a manufacturing plant and/or is in factory packaging so as to be "new." The accessory 400 in the third mode can be configured to use no power and to not communicate with an external deVice wirelessly or Via wire. The third mode can thus be the accessory’s initial mode. Once the ory 400 has been attached to a dispenser at least once, the accessory 400 can be configured to move between the first and second modes. In the first mode in which the accessory 400 is inactive, as compared to the third mode in which the accessory 400 is also inactive, the ory 400 can be configured to use a low amount of power so as to allow an external deVice to communicate with the accessory 400, e. g., to receive data stored in the accessory’s memory regarding the accessory’s preVious attachment to a dispenser such as a date and time the accessory 400 was last removed from a dispenser, etc. By allowing the external deVice to communicate with the accessory 400 when the accessory 400 is not currently attached to a dispenser but was so attached in the past, the external deVice can be more likely to have the most up to date information and/or can use date and time ation regarding the accessory’s removal from the dispenser to prompt the user to indicate Via the user interface why the accessory 400 was removed from the dispenser (e. g., accidental removal, change in prescription, change of accessory owner, broken accessory, broken dispenser, etc.).

The accessory 400 can be configured to provide a notification to a user of the accessory 400 regarding the accessory’s attachment and/or the accessory’s non-attachment to the dispenser. The PCB 420 can be configured to trigger the notification in response to the detection of the ment and/or ion of the removal. The notification can be provided in any one or more ways, such as a light (e. g., a light that illuminates when the accessory 400 is not attached to a dispenser and is otherwise unilluminated, a light that blinks when the accessory 400 is not attached to a dispenser and is ise unilluminated, a light that illuminates in one color when the accessory 400 is not ed to a dispenser and a second light that illuminates in a different color when the accessory 400 is not attached to a dispenser, etc.); a Vibration element (e. g., a ion t that Vibrates for a predetermined length of time upon the accessory 400 being attached to a dispenser and is otherwise non-Vibrating, a ion element that Vibrates for a ermined length of time in response to the accessory 400 being unattached to a dispenser and is otherwise non- Vibrating, a Vibration element that in se to the ory 400 being unattached to a dispenser alternatively Vibrates for a predetermined length of time and does not Vibrate for a predetermined length of time, etc.); and an email message, a text message, an icon alert (e. g., a pop-up text and/or image on a smartphone or computer, etc.) or a phone call (which can be a live phone call or an automated phone call and can include leaving a voicemail or other recorded message) being sent to a location remote from the dispenser, etc.

The notification can prompt the user for an action, such as confirming (e.g., via a user interface) whether the ory 400 was replaced on the same dispenser that it was previously coupled to or was coupled to a different dispenser. Being placed onto the same or different dispenser can be important, for example, for dose scheduling purposes since a different dispenser may be associated with a different schedule, e.g., as being associated with a ent prescription, as being a stronger or weaker concentration of medicine, etc.

Another example of the action includes confirming to the user that the ory 400 was ly attached to the dispenser and is therefore ready to use. Another example of the action includes informing a user when the dispenser does not have the accessory 400 attached thereto, thereby indicating to the user that the dispenser should have the accessory 400 and/or other accessory attached thereto before dispensing any consumable therefrom. All consumable usage can therefore be more likely to be detected and analyzed.

] In other embodiments, in alternative to or in addition to a side sensor such as the side sensor 438, an accessory can be configured to identify removal/reattachment to/from a dispenser by opening an electrical circuit when the accessory is d and by closing the electrical t when the accessory is replaced. The ory can thus be ured to indicate whether it is ed to a dispenser or not attached to a ser. The accessory can be ured to make this determination itself, e.g., using an on-board processor configured to identify removal/reattachment of the accessory such as by detecting whether the electrical circuit is open or closed. atively or additionally, a processor that is off- board from the accessory can be configured to identify such removal/reattachment.

In some embodiments, in alternative to or in addition to a side sensor such as the side sensor 438, an accessory can be configured to identify removal/reattachment to/from a dispenser using a stretch sensor configured to change an electrical property (e. g., resistance) in se to being stretched. When the stretch sensor is stretched, the changed electrical property can indicate that that accessory to which the stretch sensor is coupled has been coupled to or removed from a consumables dispenser. For example, an accessory configured to couple to a cap of a pill bottle can include a h sensor configured to stretch when the cap is attached to or removed from the pill bottle.

The grip ring 422 can be configured to facilitate handling of the accessory 400.

The grip ring 422 can be formed from rubber and/or other material configured to facilitate gripping of the accessory 400 by hand. The grip ring 422 can be particularly useful in gripping the accessory 400 during attachment of the ory 400 to and removal of the accessory 400 from a dispenser. The grip ring 422 can be of a color different than a color of the main body 424, e. g., a primary color grip ring 422 and a white main body 424, etc., which can help improve aesthetics of the accessory 400 and/or can help tate identification of the dispenser to which the accessory 400 is attached, e. g., an accessory with a yellow grip ring being attached to a person’s regular inhaler and another accessory with a red grip ring being attached to the person’s emergency inhaler. In some embodiments, the main body 424 can be coded in a similar way, e. g., different colored main bodies being attached to different consumable containers.

The main body 424 can e a proximal body 450 and a distal body 452. In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal and distal bodies 450, 452 can be movably ed together in a fluid tight seal, which can help protect the components contained within the main body 424 and/or can help prevent fluid from leaking into the accessory 400 and damaging any components disposed therein. The proximal and distal bodies 450, 452 can be overmolded to form the main body 424 and be movably attached together. The proximal portion’s lid 408 and the distal portion’s main body 424 can define a housing of the accessory 400 which, as discussed above, can have some degree of flexibility (e. g., the deformation of the distal body 452), can be transparent or translucent (e. g., at least the lid 408 through which a light can be configured to glow), can be waterproof, can be permanently closed or sealed, and/or can be configured to be able.

The proximal body 450 can e a sensor protector 454 ing distally therefrom at a ll thereof, e. g., at a perimeter of the proximal body 450. The sensor protector 454 can be configured to have the side sensor 438 disposed adjacent thereto, and the sensor protector 454 can be configured to t the side sensor 438 so oned and/or be configured to facilitate electronic communication between the side sensor 438 and the PCB 442. The distal body 452 can include a pocket 456 formed in a sidewall thereof and configured to receive the sensor protector 454 and the side sensor 438 therein. The pocket 456 can help protect the side sensor 438 from pressure applied thereto, e.g., pressure directed radially outward from a dispenser inserted into the cavity 448.

The main body 424 can define the accessory’s cavity 448 configured to receive a dispenser, e. g., a canister such as the canister 402, in a distal portion f. The main body 424 can be configured to deform in response to ion of the dispenser into the cavity 448.

The cavity’s sidewall can be defined by an inner surface of the distal body 452, as in this illustrated embodiment. The distal body 452 can be formed from a material (e. g., thermoplastic elastomers, etc.) configured to flex so as to allow the ation. The proximal body 450 can be formed from a material (e.g., ABS, etc.) that is more rigid than the al forming the distal body 452, which can help provide stability to the main body 424 and the accessory 400 while still allowing the accessory 400, e. g., the distal body 452, to deform in response to the accessory 400 being coupled to a dispenser. The ation of the accessory 400, e. g., of the main body’s distal body 452, can facilitate a secure interference fit between the accessory 400 and the dispenser to which the accessory 400 is coupled. Different sers can have different sizes, and the deformation can make the accessory 400 more versatile by facilitating a secure interference fit between the accessory 400 and different sized dispensers.

The main body 424 can include a grip mechanism 458 which, as mentioned above, can be configured to facilitate attachment of the accessory 400 to a dispenser and can be configured to deform when the accessory 400 is attached to a dispenser. As in this illustrated embodiment, the grip mechanism 458 can include a plurality of protrusions extending radially inward from the cavity 448, e. g., from the inner e of the distal body 452 that defines the cavity 448. gh the accessory 400 includes four grip isms 458 in this illustrated ment, an accessory can include another number of grip mechanisms. Each of the grip mechanisms 458 can be configured to deform radially outward in response to pressure exerted thereon by a dispenser inserted into the cavity 448. In this illustrated ment, the protrusions each include a longitudinally extending rib that extends along an entire udinal length 448L of the cavity 448, as shown in In this illustrated embodiment, the cavity’s longitudinal length 448L of the cavity 448 is about 0.32 in., but the longitudinal length 448L of the cavity 448 can be different in other embodiments. Similarly, the accessory’s longitudinal length 400L is about 1.04 in. and the accessory’s width 400W is about 1.28 in. in this illustrated embodiment, but the accessory 400 in other embodiments can have a different longitudinal length 400L and/or a different width 400W. The values of the ory’s longitudinal length 400L and width 400W in this illustrated embodiment can facilitate use of the accessory 400 with a variety of tly available respiratory inhalers.

The power source 426 can be configured to provide power to one or more components of the accessory 400, e. g., components of the PCB 420. The processor 441 can be configured to facilitate power saving by being configured to move between a first state in which the power source 426 provides a first amount of power to components of the accessory 400 and a second state in which the power source 426 provides a , greater amount of power to the components of the accessory 400. The power source 426 is in the form of a coin cell battery in this illustrated embodiment, and is only a single battery, but the power source in other embodiments can be another type of power source (e. g., another type of battery, etc.) and/or can include more than one power source (e. g., e a battery pack, etc.).

] The power source protective member 428 can be configured to help t the power source 426 from being damaged during movement of the accessory 400 when a consumable is being dispensed. The power source protective member 428 can have a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of the power source 426, which can facilitate full protection of the power source. The power source protective member 428 in this illustrated embodiment includes a cushion, but the power source protective member 428 can have other configurations in other embodiments.

The power source housing 430 can be configured to seat the power source protective member 428 and the power source 426 therein. The power source housing 430 can be ently closed so as to prevent access to the power source 426 seated therein or, as in this illustrated embodiment, the power source housing 430 can be configured to be ively closed so as to allow access to the power source 426 seated therein. Allowing access to the power source 426 can allow the power source 426 to be removed and replaced in the event that the power source 426 is depleted and/or allow the power source 426 to be removed for safety reasons prior to disposal of the accessory 400. The power source housing 430 can be configured to be selectively closed in a variety of ways. For e, as in this illustrated embodiment, the power source housing 430 can be configured to be detached from and reattached to the main body 424, such as by being twisted. For another example, the power source housing 430 can include a hinged door (not shown) configured to allow the power source housing 430 to be selectively manually opened and closed.

An accessory can be configured to be attached to a consumables dispenser in a variety of different locations relative to the dispenser. In some embodiments, an accessory can be configured to be attached to a top of a ables dispenser. For example, the accessory can be configured to attach to a top of a canister of a dispenser, such as a canister containing atory medication and being configured to be seated in a housing of the dispenser, e. g., an exterior plastic container of a respiratory r (e. g., an asthma inhaler).

The accessory 302 of the embodiment of the accessory 400 of the embodiment of and accessories 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300, of the embodiments of FIGS. 14-21 are examples of accessories ured to be attached to a top of a dispenser.

The specific locations where ories are attached to dispensers in the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 14-21 as well as in other embodiments provided herein are examples, and ories can be attached at various other locations, e. g., a different on on an external e of a dispenser.

The accessory 600 of is a cap similar to the accessory 302 of and is shown in d to a top of a canister 602 of a consumable dispenser 604 in the form of a respiratory inhaler similar to the dispenser 304 of The dispenser 604 in this illustrated embodiment also has a second accessory 606 coupled thereto. The second accessory 606 in this illustrated embodiment includes a band or strap configured to be wrapped around the dispenser 604, e. g., around a housing 608 thereof that seats the canister 602 therein and that is configured to be held by hand when the consumable is dispensed h the dispenser’s mouthpiece 610. The second accessory 606 in this illustrated embodiment es a sensor in the form of a motion sensor.

In the embodiment of , the accessory 700 is coupled to a consumables dispenser 702 in the form of a pill bottle having a releasable cap 704 at a top thereof to which the accessory 700 is coupled. The ory 700 can include a motion sensor. The dispenser 702 in this illustrated embodiment also has a second accessory 706 coupled thereto, which can include a second motion sensor. The second accessory 706 in this illustrated ment is disposed inside the dispenser 702 where the pills are contained. The second accessory 706 can be freely movable within the dispenser 702 similar to a pill being freely movable n, as in this illustrated embodiment, which can facilitate removing and replacing the second accessory 706. Alternatively, the second accessory can be coupled to an inner surface of the dispenser 702, e. g., to an interior sidewall thereof, such as with an In the embodiment of , the accessory 800 is coupled to a consumables dispenser 802 in the form of a pill bottle having a releasable cap 804 at a top thereof to which the ory 800 is coupled. The dispenser 802 in this illustrated embodiment also has a second accessory 806 coupled thereto. Similar to the embodiment of , the two ories 800, 806 can each include a motion sensor. The second ory 806 in this illustrated embodiment is coupled to an exterior surface of the dispenser 802. The second accessory 806 can be attached to the dispenser’s exterior surface in a variety of ways, such as by using a Velcro® strap 808 (as in this illustrated embodiment), an adhesive, etc.

In the embodiment of , the accessory 900 is coupled to a consumables dispenser 902 in the form of a lotion bottle having a releasable cap 904 at a top thereof to which the accessory 900 is coupled. The dispenser 902 in this illustrated embodiment also has a second accessory 906 d thereto. Similar to the embodiment of , the two accessories 900, 906 can each include a motion sensor. Similar to the embodiment of , the second accessory 906 can be d to an exterior surface of the dispenser 902.

In the embodiment of , the accessory 1000 is coupled to a consumables dispenser 1002 in the form of a pill box having a releasable cap 1004 at a top thereof to which the accessory 1000 is coupled. The able cap 1004 in this illustrated embodiment is , but as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, pill boxes in other embodiments can have other types of releasable caps The dispenser 1002 in this illustrated embodiment also has a second ory 1006 coupled thereto. Similar to the embodiment of , the two accessories 1000, 1006 can each include a motion sensor. r to the embodiment of , the second accessory 1006 can be coupled to an exterior surface of the dispenser 1002.

In the embodiment of , the ory 1100 is coupled to a consumables dispenser 1102 in the form of a squeezable cream tube having a releasable cap 1104 at a top thereof to which the accessory 1000 is coupled. The accessory 1100 can include a pressure sensor. The dispenser 1102 in this illustrated embodiment also has a second accessory 1106 coupled thereto. Similar to the embodiment of , the second accessory 1106 can include a motion sensor. Similar to the ment of , the second accessory 1006 can be coupled to an exterior surface of the dispenser 1102.

In the embodiment of , the accessory 1200 is coupled to a consumables ser 1202 in the form of a disc-shaped respiratory r having a mouthpiece 1204 h which a consumable (e.g., a dry powder) disposed in the dispenser 1202 can be dispensed in response to actuation of a slidable button 1026. Similar to the embodiment of , the accessory 1200 can include a motion sensor. Similar to the embodiment of , the accessory 1200 can be coupled to an exterior surface of the dispenser 1202.

The accessory 1300 of is a cap similar to the ory 302 of and is shown in coupled to a top of a canister 1302 of a consumable dispenser 1304 in the form of a respiratory inhaler similar to the dispenser 304 of The dispenser 1304 in this illustrated embodiment also has a second accessory 1306 coupled thereto. The second accessory 606 in this illustrated embodiment is to a bottom of the dispenser 1304 and includes a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure changes caused by movement of the canister 1302 relative to a housing 1308 of the dispenser 1304.

] In some ments, an accessory can be configured to be ed to a bottom of a consumables dispenser. For example, the accessory can be configured to attach to a bottom of a consumables dispenser’s canister adjacent a mouthpiece of the dispenser through which the consumable can be dispensed, the canister being configured to be depressed by a user to dispense the consumable out a mouthpiece of the dispenser. The accessories 1306 and 1400 of the embodiments of FIGS. 21 and 22 are examples of accessories configured to be attached to a bottom of a dispenser.

The accessory 1400 of is positioned adjacent a mouthpiece 1402 of a consumables dispenser 1404, which in this illustrated embodiment includes a respiratory inhaler, within a passageway 1406 of the dispenser’s housing 1410 h which the able 1412 ned in the dispenser’s er 1408 can be released. The accessory 1400 in this illustrated embodiment es an air pressure sensor configured to sense changes in air pressure In some embodiments, an accessory can be configured to be attached to a side of a consumables dispenser. For example, the accessory can be configured to attach to a sidewall of a pill bottle. For another example, the accessory can be configured to be attached to a ll of a dispenser housing configured to seat a medication canister therein. The accessories 606, 706, 806, 906, 1006, 1106, 1500, 1600, 1700, and 1800 of the embodiments of FIGS. 14-19, and 23-26 are examples of accessories configured to be attached to a side of a dispenser.

In the embodiment of , the accessory 1500 is coupled to a consumables dispenser 1502 in the form of a pill bottle similar to the ser 702 of . Similar to the embodiment of , the accessory 1500 can include a motion sensor and can be coupled to the dispenser 702 with a band or strap, e. g., around an or surface of the bottle below the bottle’s cap 1504.

In the embodiment of , the accessory 1600 is coupled to a consumables dispenser 1602 in the form of a respiratory inhaler r to the dispenser 304 of Similar to the embodiment of , the accessory 1600 can include a motion sensor and can be coupled to the dispenser 1602 with a band or strap, e. g., around an or surface of the dispenser’s housing 1604.

In the embodiment of , the accessory 1700 is d to a consumables dispenser 1702 in the form of a respiratory inhaler similar to the dispenser 304 of Similar to the embodiment of , the accessory 1700 can include a motion sensor and can be coupled to the dispenser 1702 with a clip, e. g., clipped to an exterior surface of the ser’s housing 1604.

In the embodiment of , the accessory 1800 is d to a consumables dispenser 1802 in the form of a pill box similar to the dispenser 1002 of . The pill box 1802 in this illustrated embodiment is rectangular, while the pill box 1002 of is circular. Pill boxes can have other shapes in other embodiments. r to the embodiment of , the accessory 1800 can include a motion sensor and can be coupled to the dispenser 1802 with a band or strap, e.g., around an exterior surface of the dispenser 1802.

In some embodiments, an accessory can be configured to be attached to a part of a consumables dispenser configured to be manually actuated by a user to dispense the consumable from the dispenser. The part of the dispenser can be located at a variety of locations, depending on the configuration of the dispenser, e. g., at a top of the dispenser, on a side of the dispenser, etc. For e, the ory can be configured to attach to a top of a consumables ser’s canister, which can be configured to be depressed by a user to dispense the consumable out a mouthpiece of the ser. For another example, the accessory can be configured to attach to a pill bottle cap configured to be unscrewed from the pill bottle to allow consumables (e.g., pills) to be dispensed from the pill bottle. The accessory 310 of the embodiment of the accessory 400 of the ment of and accessories 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1300, of the embodiments of FIGS. 14- 19 and 21 are examples of accessories configured to be attached to a part of a consumables dispenser ured to be ly actuated by a user to dispense the consumable from the dispenser.

In some embodiments, a ables dispenser can have a plurality of accessories coupled thereto. Each of the accessories can be coupled to a top of the dispenser, each of the accessories can be coupled to a bottom of the dispenser, each of the ories can be coupled to a side of the dispenser, each of the accessories can be coupled to a part of a consumables ser configured to be manually actuated by a user to dispense the consumable from the dispenser, or the accessories can each be coupled to the dispenser at different locations (e. g., one accessory coupled to a top of a dispenser and r accessory coupled to a bottom of the dispenser, one ory coupled to a part of a ables dispenser ured to be manually actuated by a user to dispense the consumable from the dispenser and another accessory coupled to a side of the dispenser, etc.).

FIGS. 14-19 and 21 illustrate embodiments of dispensers each having a plurality of accessories coupled o. A dispenser having a plurality of accessories coupled thereto can help better distinguish false positives from actual instances of the consumable being dispensed because dispensing can be verified in at least two ways, e. g., verified once with each accessory. A processor associated with the dispenser, e. g., a processor that is part of one of the accessories, can be configured to determine that a consumable was dispensed only when all of the accessories indicate that a consumable has been sed, e.g., when all of the accessories have been activated. A dispenser having a plurality of accessories coupled thereto can allow one of the accessories to be removed from the dispenser for , replacement, etc. without having to disturb the other one or more accessories coupled to the dispenser.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the plurality of accessories can be removably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser, and at least one other of the ity of accessories can be non-removably coupled to the dispenser. In this way, the dispenser can be ensured of having at least one accessory coupled thereto at all times since at least one of the accessories can be movably coupled thereto. Thus, if an error occurs with the removable and replaceable accessory/accessories, then dispensing of ables can still be accurately determined by a processor associated with the dispenser considering activation of the properly attached and properly functioning one or more of the plurality of accessories.

Examples of such errors e as a person forgetting to removably attach an accessory to the dispenser before using the accessory, an accessory not being properly removably coupled to the dispenser, and an accessory’s battery being depleted.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the plurality of accessories can be configured to be manually manipulated to cause dispensing of the consumable from the dispenser (e. g., be pressed to dispense the consumable as with an accessory in the form of a cap coupled to an inhaler canister), and at least one other of the ity of accessories can be ured to passively detect dispensing of the consumable (e. g., be a sensor configured to passively sense a parameter such as motion, pH, temperature, noise, or geographic location).

Dispensing of the consumable can thus be more accurately determined than if the dispenser has no passive accessories or if the dispenser has no accessories configured to cause consumable dispensing by user manipulation thereof because the dispensing can be detected in different ways.

A ser can include a ity of accessories with at least two of the accessories including a -sensitive member. As discussed above, a difference in motion ed by the at least two -sensitive s can indicate that a consumable was dispensed. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of accessories can include a motion- sensitive , while in other embodiments, at least two of the plurality of accessories can include a motion-sensitive member and at least one of the plurality of accessories can lack a motion-sensitive member and be configured to be detect dispensing of a consumable in another way, e. g., by sensing temperature, by being depressed, etc.

PTG. 27 is a schematic block m of one exemplary embodiment of a consumables analysis system 1900. The system 1900 can include a plurality of s which can each be implemented using one or more digital data processing systems of the type described above, and in particular using one or more web pages which can be viewed, manipulated, and/or interacted with using such digital data processing systems. The system 1900 can thus be implemented on a single computer system, or can be distributed across a plurality of er systems. The system 1900 also includes at least one database, which can be stored on and accessed by computer systems. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any of the modules or databases sed herein can be subdivided or can be combined with other modules or databases.

The system 1900 can e an accessory data input module 1902, a remote data input module 1904, an adherence module 1906, and a consumables module 1908, and an incentives module 1910. Any of the accessory data input module 1902, the remote data input module 1904, the adherence module 1906, and the consumables module 1908, and the incentives module 1910 can be used independently from one another and can be used in combination with any one or more of the other modules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910. Each of the modules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910 is discussed further below in turn. Although each of the modules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910 is illustrated in as a single- component module, each of the s 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910 can include any number of ent modules, e.g., one, two, three, etc., the same or different from any of the other modules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910. r, as mentioned above, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any of the modules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910, and any of their s component modules, can be subdivided or can be combined with other modules, including modules illustrated in as being in different ones of the modules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910.

The system 1900 can also include an accessory data database 1912 and a remote data database 1914. The accessory data database 1912 can be ured to be accessible by the accessory data input module 1902 and to store data regarding a mechanical accessory.

The remote data database 1914 can be configured to be accessible by the remote data input module 1904 and to store data regarding individuals in an individual database 1916 and data ing incentives in an incentives database 1918. Each of the databases 1912, 1914 can include any number of component databases, e.g., one, two, three, etc., the same or ent from any of the other databases 1912, 1914. As mentioned above, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the databases 1912, 1914, and any of their various component databases (if any), can be subdivided or can be combined with other databases, including databases rated in as being in different ones of the databases 1912, 1914. Any portion of any of the databases 1912, 1914 can be configured to be accessed, e. g., read from and/or written to, by any one or more of the modules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910 and any onal module(s) (if any). Although the system 1900 in the illustrated embodiment stores data in database(s), any of the systems disclosed herein can store data in database(s) and/or in other memor(y/ies).

Generally, the system 1900 can be configured to allow individual data 1916 to be input via the accessory data input module 1902 and remote data 1914 to be input via the remote data input module 1904. The adherence module 1906 can be configured to analyze the input individual data 1916 and/or the input remote data 1914 so as to output an indication of at least one individual's adherence to a predetermined consumables schedule. The consumables module 1908 can be configured to analyze the input individual data 1914 and/or the input remote data 1914 so as to output one or more recommended s to a patient's predetermined consumables schedule, one or more recommended changes to how soon before a dose is due are consumable dose notifications provided to the person by an accessory attached to a ables dispenser, and/or one or more recommended changes to a patient's consumable (e.g., change to different brand, etc.). The ives module 1910 can be ured to e the input dual data 1916 and/or the input remote data 1914 so as to output ives data for at least one individual. The system 1900, embodiments thereof, and embodiments of user interfaces that can be provided thereby are described in further detail in previously ned Intl. App. No.

PCT/US131047507.

Although the invention has been described by reference to specific embodiments, a person skilled in the art will understand that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. A person skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments.

Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims (23)

CLAIMS :

1. A system comprising: an al device comprising a processor; and a plurality of apparatuses each ured to be associated with one of a plurality of medication dispensers comprising a same type of medication; wherein each of the plurality of apparatuses comprise a processor, a sensor, and a wireless communication mechanism; wherein the sensor of each of the plurality of apparatuses is configured to sense a condition indicative of the medication being sed from one of the plurality of medication dispensers; wherein the processor of each of the plurality of apparatuses is configured to wirelessly transmit data indicating that the medication was dispensed to the al device via the wireless communication mechanism; and wherein the processor of the external device is configured to: associate each of the plurality of apparatuses with a respective medication dispenser of the plurality medication dispensers; compare the data with a dosing schedule of the medication in the plurality of medication dispensers; and ine that a dose of medication was ed on schedule based on the data from any one of the plurality of apparatuses and the dosing le.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor of each of the plurality of apparatuses is r configured to receive the dosing schedule from the external device.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor of each of the plurality of apparatuses comprises at least one of a pressure sensor, a force sensitive resistor, a ic sensor, a motion sensor, or a temperature sensor.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, upon determining that the dose of medication was consumed on schedule, the processor of the external device is further configured to provide a cation via a display or speaker housed within the external device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of apparatuses further se a memory configured to store the data. (26814011_1):RWB

6. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tuses is ured to be removably and replaceably attachable to a respective container that is movably coupled to a respective housing of a respective medication dispenser of the plurality tion dispensers.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein movement of the respective container and the respective apparatus as a unit relative to the respective housing is effective to dispense at least a portion of the medication.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein each of the ity of apparatuses further comprise: an attachment sensor configured to sense a condition indicative of one of the plurality of tuses being attached to the respective ner; and wherein the processor of each of the plurality of apparatuses is configured to cause the wireless communication mechanism to wirelessly transmit data indicative of the sensed attachment to the external device.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the sensor of each of the plurality of apparatuses is configured to sense a weight or applied pressure, the weight or applied pressure for causing nt of the respective container and the tive apparatus as a unit relative to the respective housing.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the ss communication mechanism of each of the plurality of apparatuses is configured to wirelessly it the weight or applied pressure to the external device; and wherein the processor of the external device is configured to determine whether the weight or applied pressure is equal to or above a threshold amount, the old amount determined based on at least one of a type of the respective container or the type of medication in the respective container.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the data indicating that the medication was dispensed is based on the weight or applied pressure being equal to or above the threshold amount.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor of each of the plurality of apparatuses is configured to determine r the weight or applied pressure is equal to or above a threshold amount of weight or applied pressure, the threshold amount determined based on at least one of a type of the respective container or the type of tion in the respective container; and (26814011_1):RWB wherein the processor of each of the plurality of apparatuses is configured to cause an indicator to provide a notification when the weight or applied pressure is equal to or above the threshold .

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the ss communication mechanism of each of the plurality of apparatuses is configured to receive the threshold amount from the external device.

14. A method comprising: associating each of a plurality of apparatuses with one of a plurality of medication dispensers comprising a same type of medication; sensing a condition, via a respective tus of the plurality of apparatuses, indicative of the medication being dispensed from the medication ser of the respective apparatus; wirelessly transmitting data indicative of the sensed condition; comparing the data with a dosing schedule of the medication in the plurality of medication dispensers; determining that a dose of medication was ed on schedule based on the data from the respective apparatus of the plurality of apparatuses and the dosing schedule; and providing a notification via a display or speaker indicating that the dose of medication was consumed in accordance with the dosing schedule.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: sending the dosing schedule to the plurality of apparatuses.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: sensing an attachment of the respective apparatus to one of the plurality of tion sers.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of medication dispensers comprise a container and a housing, and wherein nt of the ner and the respective apparatus as a unit relative to the housing is effective to dispense at least a portion of the medication in the container.

18. The method of claim 17, further sing: sensing a weight or applied pressure via the tive apparatus, the weight or applied pressure for causing movement of the ner and the respective apparatus as a unit relative to the housing; and (26814011_1):RWB determining r the weight or applied pressure is above a threshold amount, the threshold amount determined based on at least one of a type of the container or a type of the medication.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the data indicative of the medication being dispensed is based on the weight or applied pressure being above the threshold amount.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: providing a notification via a display or speaker upon determining that the weight or applied pressure is above the threshold amount.

21. The system of claim 8, wherein the attachment sensor is configured to sense when the accessory is removed from the container, and the processor is configured to receive a signal from the sensor in se to the sensor sensing the accessory being removed from the container.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of apparatuses is configured to be removably and replaceably attachable to a respective medication ser of the plurality medication dispensers; and wherein each of the ity of apparatuses r comprise: an attachment sensor configured to sense a ion indicative of the respective apparatus being attached to the respective medication dispenser; and wherein the processor of each of the plurality of apparatuses is configured to cause the communication circuit to ssly transmit data indicative of the sensed ment to the external device.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the attachment sensor includes at least one of a motion sensor and a pressure ,. Gecko Health Innovations, Inc. By the Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON & FERGUSON Per: (26814011_1):RWB