WO2024028963A1

WO2024028963A1 - Eye drop assistance apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2024028963A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/029571
Authority: WO
Inventors: 加藤千比呂; 原直子
Original assignee: 合同会社クオビス
Priority date: 2022-08-01
Filing date: 2022-08-01
Publication date: 2024-02-08
Also published as: JP7179399B1; JP2024020115A

Abstract

An eye drop assistance apparatus 100 comprises: an air fan 101; an air chamber 102 serving as an air chamber for an airflow discharged from the air fan 101; a cylindrical air duct 104 in communication with the air chamber 102; an eye drop container fixing attachment 105 on which an eye drop container 106 is mounted so as to be replaceable and which fixes a nozzle of the eye drop container 106 so as to face downward, the nozzle being fixed onto an upper wall of an air duct 106 that is in a horizontal state; an eye drop container pressing mechanism 108 that presses a prescribed position of a side surface of the eye drop container 106 mounted on the eye drop container fixing attachment 105; and a trigger arm 107 that controls an operation of the eye drop container pressing mechanism 108. Due to this configuration, there is no need for a patient to direct their gaze upward when applying the chemical solution in the eye drop container 106, and an appropriate amount of the chemical solution can be applied while the patient is in a comfortable horizontal attitude.

Description

eye drop aid

The present invention relates to an eye drop aid for instilling a medical solution in an eye drop container onto the cornea of a patient's eye.

For many eye diseases, the first choice of treatment is to instill a medicinal solution onto the corneal surface, and continuous instillation of a prescribed amount on a regular basis leads to effective treatment.

Ordinary eye drops are performed by placing a drop of medicine on the cornea from an eyedropper containing the medicine while the patient is in an upward position.

However, even healthy adults sometimes fail to ensure that only one drop of the drug solution is placed in the correct position on the cornea, making the task even more difficult and burdensome for the elderly and people with disabilities. In addition, eye drops are not limited to one drug, but often three or four drugs are instilled into the eyes, making it complicated for patients to administer the eye drops.

Furthermore, although eye drops are a tedious task for patients, they have to continue using them at a fixed time every day for a long period of time, which can lead to patients giving up and dropping out of treatment. There are many cases where patients are unable to maintain their will to actively participate in treatment (adherence).

In order to solve such problems, an eye-drop assisting device has been disclosed which solves the problem of stability of the drop position and drop amount during eye-dropping work and allows easier and more reliable eye-dropping.

For example, the eye drop aid described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which the eye drop container can be stably placed at a predetermined position in front of the patient's eyes, and the eye drop can be instilled into the patient's eyes from diagonally above. ing.

The eye drop aids described in Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 discharge the medicinal solution horizontally using a manual pump or a piezoelectric micropump, so that the eye drop can be administered while the patient's line of sight is horizontal, and the amount of medicine dispensed at one time is also small. A configuration is disclosed that remains constant.

The droplet generating device described in Patent Document 5 discloses a configuration in which a medicinal solution is turned into atomized microparticles and discharged horizontally, thereby making it possible to instill a fixed amount into the eyes while the patient's line of sight is horizontal.

Patent Document 6 discloses a monitoring system that uses a wireless communication function such as WiFi to send eye drop data obtained from a sensor of an eye drop aid to an external smartphone, etc., and allows doctors and patients themselves to check eye drop history etc. via the Internet. has been done.

JP2020-81321 JP2019-118760 JP2016-202584 JP2018-196534 JP2016-154868 WO2019-176902

However, there are still many problems with the above conventional technology. For example, in the configurations disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the eye drops fall from above the eyes, forcing the patient to face diagonally upward, which does not eliminate the burden on the neck. Furthermore, there is a problem that the amount of instillation is determined by the patient's operation and is not stable.

In the configurations disclosed in Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4, in the case of Patent Document 3, the medicinal liquid is once held at a predetermined position within the auxiliary device and then discharged, and in the case of Patent Document 4, it is delivered to a discharge pump. A tube is inserted into the eye drop container to introduce the drug solution, and the drug solution is further sent to a micropump and discharged by the micropump. Therefore, in any configuration, there is a possibility that the drug solution may come into contact with parts in the auxiliary device and be contaminated, and when using multiple eye drops, changing and setting up the eye drop containers also becomes a time-consuming task. There is.

In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 5, the medical solution must be stored in a tank housing within the eye drop device, and a normal eye drop container cannot be used as is. Furthermore, since the chemical liquid comes into contact with the tank housing and the piezoelectric ejector, there is a possibility that the chemical liquid may be contaminated. Furthermore, when using multiple eye drops, this droplet generation device is required for each, which poses a problem in terms of cost.

The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 6 discloses a monitoring system that allows doctors and patients to check the history of eye drops and alert them to forgetting to use the eye drops. However, no means of supporting patients is disclosed, and there is a problem of how to support patients and improve adherence.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is an eye drop aid that does not require the patient to look up when instilling the drug solution in the eye drop container, and allows the patient to instill an appropriate amount of the drug solution into the eye in a comfortable horizontal position. The purpose is to provide

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an eye drop aid for administering a medical solution in an eye drop container to a patient's eye, which includes an air fan and an air chamber that serves as an air chamber for the air flow discharged from the air fan. An eye drop in which a chamber, a cylindrical air duct communicating with the air chamber, and the eye drop container are replaceably attached, and the nozzle of the eye drop container is fixed to the upper wall of the air duct in a horizontal state with the nozzle facing downward. The tube includes a container fixing attachment, an eye drop container pressing mechanism that presses a predetermined position on the side surface of the eye drop container attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment, and a trigger arm that controls the operation of the eye drop container pressing mechanism. One end side of the opening of the shaped air duct serves as an inlet through which the air flow discharged from the air fan flows through the air chamber, while the other end side of the opening serves as an eyepiece opening with which the patient's eyelid periphery comes into contact. , a liquid medicine introduction hole is formed in the upper wall of the air duct for introducing into the air duct the liquid drops dropped from the nozzle of the eye drop container attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment. do.

This eye drop aid further includes an operating means for operating the air duct into a horizontal state or into an inclined state where the eyepiece port is higher than the inlet port when the patient administers the drug in the eye drop container. It is preferable.

With these configurations, the drops of the drug solution that are moved horizontally by the airflow can move horizontally due to inertia, pass through the eyepiece port, and reach the cornea. In addition, the air duct is arranged horizontally or so that the eyepiece side at the other end is slightly above the inlet side at the end of the air duct, and if the horizontal is 0 degrees, the angle of the air duct is arranged between 0 degrees horizontally and 20 degrees diagonally upward. The angle can be determined by considering the appropriate placement of the air fan, air duct, and eyepiece.

In this eye drop aid, it is preferable that at least one airflow exhaust port is formed in the side wall of the air duct near the eyepiece port.

In this eye drop aid, the eye drop aid further includes: the air duct has an opening height of 10 mm or more and 25 mm or less, and a horizontal distance from the drug solution dripping port of the eye drop container to the eyepiece port of 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less; Calculate the relative flow velocity of the air flow in the air duct with respect to the drug droplet, which is necessary to horizontally move the drug droplet dropped from the drug droplet of the eye drop container into the air duct, using the following (Equation 1). Further, it is preferable to include an air fan control means for controlling the air fan so that the flow velocity in the air duct is 10 m/sec or more and 40 m/sec or less based on the obtained relative flow velocity.
[Number 1]
Here, U: relative velocity between the flow rate of the air flow in the air duct and the droplet of the drug solution, L: horizontal distance from the droplet of the eye dropper to the center (cornea) of the air duct eyepiece, H: droplet of the eyedropper Vertical distance from to the center of the air duct eyepiece (cornea) (difference in height between the droplet and the center of the eyepiece), m: mass of the droplet of the drug solution, ρ: density of air, d: diameter of the droplet of the drug solution

In this eye drop aid, the eye drop container fixing attachment includes a set plate on which the eye drop container can be attached facing downward, and a pressing position adjustment mechanism that adjusts the pressing position of the eye drop container, and the inner surface of the set plate. A support guide is arranged to press and support the side surface of the eye drop container, and the lower end of the set plate is removably fitted into a set guide groove formed on the outer wall of the air duct, and the lower end of the set plate It is preferable that the side region is provided with an open space that allows the cap of the eye drop container to be opened and closed when the eye drop container is attached.

With this configuration, the eye drop container fixing attachment is placed on the upper surface of the air duct on the flow path between the air duct inlet and outlet, and the nozzle of the eye drop container is inserted into the drug solution introduction hole provided on the upper surface of the air duct, and the eye drop container fixing attachment is placed on the upper surface of the air duct on the flow path between the air duct inlet and outlet. The eye drop container is attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment so that the eye drop container is fixed such that the eye drop opening is near the inner upper surface of the air duct, and the air duct is provided with a set plate provided at the lower part of the eye drop container fixing attachment. It is possible to have an attachment/detachment mechanism that allows easy fixation, such as by inserting it into a fixed guide.

In this eye drop aid, the eye drop container pressing mechanism is connected to a trigger arm rotation axis that is a rotation axis of the trigger arm, and is connected to the trigger arm so that when the trigger arm is pulled, the eye drop container pressing mechanism It is preferable to include a pressing rod that acts in a direction to press the eye drop container from the side.

In this eye drop aid, the eye drop container pressing mechanism includes an electric drive means that is electrically driven in conjunction with the trigger arm, and when the trigger arm is pulled, the eye drop container is pressed from the side using the electric drive means. It is preferable to include a pressing rod that acts in a direction to press the container.

With these configurations, the pressing mechanism that presses a part of the eye drop container is arranged to face the side surface of the eye drop container fixing attachment, and directly presses the side surface of the eye drop container fixed at a predetermined position of the eye drop container fixing attachment. However, in order to make the pressing position appropriate, the eye drop container is pressed via a pressing position adjustment mechanism provided in the eye drop container fixing attachment. A pressing rod or a pressing cam is provided to press the side of the eye drop container or the pressing position adjustment mechanism of the eye drop container fixing attachment. The pressing rod is either integrated with the trigger arm or driven by a link mechanism. The pressing cam can be driven by converting the movement of the trigger arm into rotational movement of the cam using a gear or link that interlocks with the trigger arm, or the pressing rod or pressing cam can be driven by an electromagnetic actuator, a motor, or the like.

In this eye drop aid, the eye drop aid further includes an air flow inflow control valve disposed near the inlet of the air duct, and the eye drop container pressing mechanism interlocked with the trigger arm to apply a maximum pressure within a pressing range. It is preferable to include a valve driving mechanism that opens the inflow control valve when the inflow control valve reaches a position near the position, and closes the inflow control valve when the trigger arm is released.

As in this configuration, an inflow control valve may be arranged between the air chamber and the chemical liquid introduction hole of the air duct to control the inflow of air flow. When the inflow control valve is closed, it can stop unnecessary air from flowing in and increase the air pressure inside the air chamber, allowing it to function as a plenum air chamber that temporarily increases the air pressure. When the inflow control valve opens, the air pressure inside the plenum air chamber is high, so the airflow temporarily flows in at a high flow rate, but after a predetermined time, the flow rate becomes steady, and this temporarily high flow rate causes the air flow to flow in at a high flow rate. It is possible to increase the initial horizontal acceleration of the chemical solution, and if the maximum static pressure is high even with an air fan with a low air volume, the flow velocity in the air duct will increase in a short time immediately after opening the inflow control valve, increasing the flow rate of the chemical solution. It has the effect of accelerating the droplets and ensuring that the drug solution reaches the cornea of the patient's eye.

Furthermore, with this configuration, the inflow control valve is opened and closed in conjunction with the movement of the trigger arm. When the trigger arm is pulled, the pressing mechanism that presses the eye drop container in conjunction with the movement and the drug solution dripping mechanism open the inflow control valve in synchronization with the timing at which the drug solution is discharged as a droplet from the eye drop container; The instantaneous high-speed airflow accelerates the chemical liquid in the horizontal direction as it falls. If the horizontal acceleration is sufficiently faster than the falling acceleration, the medical solution moves approximately horizontally within the air duct, passes through the eyepiece port of the air duct, and reaches the cornea of the patient's eye. When the trigger arm is returned to its original position, the inflow control valve is closed and the inflow of air is stopped, which is preferable because unnecessary air inflow is also eliminated.

In this eye drop aid, it is preferable that the eye drop aid further include communication means capable of transmitting data to an external terminal via a wired/wireless network.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an eye drop aid for administering a medical solution in an eye drop container to a patient's eye, which comprises an air fan and an air discharged from the air fan in communication with the air fan. a cylindrical air duct through which the air flows; an eye drop container fixing attachment to which the eye drop container is replaceably attached and fixed to the upper wall of the air duct in a horizontal state with the nozzle of the eye drop container facing downward; an eye drop container pressing mechanism that presses a predetermined position on a side surface of the eye drop container attached to a container fixing attachment; and a trigger arm that controls the operation of the eye drop container pressing mechanism; one end of the opening of the cylindrical air duct; The side of the air duct serves as an inlet for the airflow discharged from the air fan, while the other end of the opening serves as an eyepiece opening into which the patient's eyelids come into contact. The eye dropper is characterized in that a drug solution introduction hole is formed for introducing the drug solution drops dropped from the nozzle of the eye drop container attached to the attachment into the air duct.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an eye dropper, which is characterized by comprising the eye drop aid described above and an eye drop container.

The eye drop aid according to the present invention includes an air fan, an air chamber serving as an air chamber for the air flow discharged from the air fan, a cylindrical air duct communicating with the air chamber, and an eye drop container that are replaceably attached. an eye drop container fixing attachment that fixes the eye drop container with the nozzle facing downward to the upper wall of the air duct in a horizontal state; and an eye drop container pressing mechanism that presses a predetermined position on the side surface of the eye drop container attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment. , and a trigger arm that controls the operation of the eye drop container pressing mechanism. A drug solution introduction hole is formed in the upper wall of the air duct for introducing into the air duct the drug solution drops dropped from the nozzle of the eye drop container attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment. With this configuration, a patient using the eye drop aid according to the present invention does not need to look upward when instilling the drug solution in the eye drop container, and can instill an appropriate amount of drug solution into the eye in a comfortable horizontal position. can.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an eyedropper including an eyedropper aid according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is used. It is a sectional view of the eyedropper same as the above. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a fan air volume vs. static pressure characteristic graph. It is a figure showing an example of an eye drop container. (a) A cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' of the eye drop container fixing attachment provided in the eye drop aid as above, and (b) a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' of the eye drop container fixing attachment same as the above. (a) A side view of the eye drop aid with the above eye drop container fixing attachment removed, and (b) a perspective view of the eye drop aid with the same eye drop container fixing attachment removed. (a) An external view showing an example of a pressing mechanism for manually pressing the same eye drop container as above, and (b) a sectional view showing an example of a pressing mechanism for manually pressing the eye drop container same as above. It is a figure which shows an example of the press mechanism which presses an eyedrops same as the above container electrically. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation|movement of the air fan with which the eye drop aid same as the above is equipped. (a) thru|or (c) It is a figure which shows an example of the inflow control valve which manually controls the inflow of the air into the air duct with which the eyedrops aid same as the above is equipped. (a) and (b) It is a figure which shows an example of the inflow control valve which electrically controls the inflow of the air into the air duct with which the eyedrops aid same as the above is equipped. (a) thru|or (c) It is a figure which shows an example of the left-right eye detection means with which the eye-drop aid same as the above is equipped. It is a functional block diagram of the same eyedrops aid as above. It is a sectional view of the eye dropper concerning the modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the external communication means and network system connected with the eye drop aid based on Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a patient support system using an external device. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a patient support system via a network system. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of patient support software. It is a figure showing an example of an eye drop instruction screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of an encouragement message. It is a figure which shows an example of the graph showing the relationship between a test result, a score, and various events.

(Embodiment 1)
An eye drop aid according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. In the first embodiment, the eye drop aid drops droplets of eye drops to be instilled into the eyes of a patient for the treatment of eye diseases, etc., into an air stream flowing horizontally or diagonally upward within 20 degrees to the horizontal. Then, the droplets of the eye drops are moved approximately horizontally by the drag force of the air flow and delivered to the patient's eyes.

Here, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in the following order.
(1) Basic structure of the drug delivery means that horizontally delivers the eye drops dropped from the eye drop container to the patient's eye (2) Structure of the eye drop container fixing attachment (3) Structure of the eye drop container pressing mechanism (4) Air (5) Configuration and operation of the valve that controls air flow into the air duct (6) Automatic detection of the patient's left and right eyes (7) Configuration and electrical system of the eye drop aid (Functional block diagram of eye drop aid)

(1) Basic configuration of a drug solution delivery means that horizontally delivers the eye drops dropped from the eye drop container to the patient's eye First, drug solution delivery that delivers the eye drops dropped from the eye drop container horizontally to the patient's eye The basic structure of the means will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In the first embodiment, a state in which the eye drop container 106 is attached to the eye drop aid 100 will be referred to as the eye dropper 1, and a state in which the eye drop container 106 is removed from the eye drop aid 1 will be referred to as the eye drop aid 100.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the eyedropper 1 according to the first embodiment in use. When instilling the eye, the patient grasps the grip 109 provided on the eyedropper aid 100 with either the left or right hand and holds the eyedropper 100. Keep it almost horizontal. Next, by pressing the trigger arm 107 with a finger, the medical solution in the eye drop container is administered to the patient's eye at the patient's own timing.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the eyedropper 1 according to the first embodiment, in which the drug solution is dropped from the generation of airflow, and the drug solution is moved by the combined force of the drag force caused by the airflow and gravity to reach the corneal surface of the patient. An example of the basic configuration to be achieved is shown.

The air fan 101 in FIG. 2 is a fan driven by a motor, and the air flow blown from the air outlet 101a flows into the air chamber 102, and then flows from the outlet 102a of the air chamber 102 to the inlet 104a of the air duct 104. The airflow is discharged upward and laterally from an exhaust port 104b arranged near the eyepiece port 104d on the opposite side of the air duct 104 from the inflow port 104a. An inflow control valve 103 is arranged between the air chamber 102 and the air duct 104 to control opening and closing of air flow. Further, a liquid medicine introduction hole 104c is formed on the upper surface of the air duct 104 between the inlet port 104a and the exhaust port 104b of the air duct 104, for introducing the liquid droplets dropped from the eye drop container 106 into the air duct 104. The eye drop container fixing attachment 105 is connected to the drug solution introduction hole 104c, and the eye drop container 106 is fixed to the eye drop container fixing attachment 105 so that the drug solution dripping port 106a of the eye drop container 106 is on the lower side. It is arranged near the chemical liquid introduction hole 104c of the air duct 104. A droplet passage sensor may be placed above the eyedropper 104d, and can detect whether the droplet of the drug solution that has moved horizontally through the air duct 104 has normally passed through the eyedropper 104d. Further, the patient may fixate the patient's eyes by looking at the fixation target LED 116 through the eyepiece 110 and the air duct 104 and the half mirror 117. When the camera 111 takes pictures using infrared light, the half mirror 117 may be a cold mirror. Note that the air fan 101 is not limited to a means for rotating a fan by a motor, and may be any other means for blowing air.

The air chamber 102 has a sufficient volume to function as a plenum air chamber, and the air chamber 102 has a sufficient volume to function as a plenum air chamber. It is preferable to adjust the volume in consideration of the capacity of the air fan 101 within a range of 5×10 ⁻⁵ m ³ to 40×10 ⁻⁵ m ³ as a volume that does not cause problems.

The air blowing performance of the air fan 101 is generally indicated by the maximum air volume and maximum static pressure.The air volume when there is no air resistance and the wind pressure is 0 is the maximum air volume, and when the air outlet is sealed, the air volume is 0. The air pressure at which this happens is the maximum static pressure. The characteristics of the air fan 101 are as shown in FIG. 3, on a graph where the horizontal axis is the air volume and the vertical axis is the static pressure, from the maximum air volume point 1501 on the horizontal axis to the maximum static pressure point 1502 on the vertical axis. It is shown as an air volume-static pressure characteristic (P-Q characteristic) by a connecting curve.

Here, calculation of the flow velocity of the air flow within the air duct 104 will be explained. The chemical liquid dropped by the chemical liquid dropping mechanism is accelerated downward by gravity, and also accelerated in the horizontal direction by the air flow within the air duct 104. Since the gravitational acceleration is constant at 9.8 m/ ^sec2 , the horizontal acceleration must be sufficiently higher than the gravitational acceleration in order for the chemical solution to fly horizontally, and the airflow in the air duct 104 acts. It is necessary that the drag force generated by the droplet of the chemical liquid horizontally accelerates at an acceleration sufficiently higher than the acceleration of gravity. The flow rate of the air flow to generate the drag force necessary for acceleration by such an air flow is determined by the drag coefficient from the Reynolds number of the dropped particle, which can be calculated from the diameter of the dropped particle of the chemical solution and the relative velocity of the air flow to the dropped particle. It is preferable to calculate the flow velocity of the airflow by calculating CD and calculating from the resistance coefficient CD and the effect F required for acceleration.

The treatment of the drag force that particles in a fluid receive from the fluid is usually divided into three areas. When the relative velocity between the fluid and particles is very small and the particle size is small, that is, when the Reynolds number is 2 or less, it is treated as the Stokes region, and when the relative velocity between the fluid and particles is very high and the particle size is between 500 and 100,000, the Reynolds number is 2 or less. The case where the Reynolds number between the above two regions is between 2 and 500 is called the Allen region.

The drag coefficient CD of the drag force exerted on the particles by the fluid in the three regions is expressed by the following [Equations 2] to [Equations 4].
[Math 2] Stokes range
[Math 3] Allen range
[Math 4] Newton range
Here, CD: drag coefficient, Rep: Reynolds number

The drag force F and Reynolds number Rep that the dropped particles of the chemical liquid moving in the air duct 104 receive from the air flow are expressed by the following [Equation 5] and [Equation 6].
[Number 5]
Here, F: drag force exerted on the particle, CD: drag coefficient, ρ: density of air 1.2, U: relative velocity between the fluid and the dropped particle, Dp: diameter of the dropped particle [Equation 6]
Here, Rep: Reynolds number, U: relative velocity between fluid and dropped particles, Dp: diameter of dropped particles, ρ: density of air 1.2, μ: viscosity of air 0.000018

In order to calculate the drag force that sufficiently horizontally accelerates a dropped droplet of chemical solution, it is necessary to find the diameter and mass of the dropped droplet assuming that it is a sphere. The eye drop container 106 is commercially available in various shapes from eye drop manufacturers, but the average volume of each drop of medicine dropped from the eye drop container 106 is generally about 0.04 ml. Calculating backwards from the formula for the volume of a sphere, the diameter of one droplet dropped from the eye drop container 106 is 4.24 mm. If the relative velocity between the air flow and the dropped particles is 2 m/sec, the Reynolds number will be 565.3 from [Equation 6], and if the relative velocity is 2 m/sec or more, the CD will be in the Newtonian range as shown in [Equation 4]. Become. In this case, since CD is a constant value of 0.44, the drag force F is F=1.49×10 ⁻⁵ N from [Equation 5].

In order to make dropped drops of a chemical solution fly in the horizontal direction, it is necessary to accelerate the dropped drops with an acceleration higher than the gravitational acceleration of 9.8 m/sec ^2. Assuming that the density of the drug solution is 1000, which is approximately the same as water, the mass of the dropped drops is greater than the volume of the dropped drops. If it is 4 × 10 ^-5 kg, even if the acceleration is 9.8 m/sec, which is the same as the gravitational acceleration, the drag force F will be 3.92 × 10 ^-4 N, and the relative velocity of the air flow and the dropped particles will be 2 m/sec. A drag force greater than the 1.49×10 ⁻⁵ N obtained by Therefore, the airflow needs to have a higher relative velocity, and the Reynolds number becomes higher, so the drag coefficient CD can be considered in the Newtonian range. From now on, the resistance coefficient CD applied to the dropped particles is treated as CD=0.44, which is in the Newton range of [Equation 4].

For example, when the opening height of the air duct 104 is 14 mm, the horizontal distance from the drug solution dripping port 106a of the eye drop container 106 to the eyepiece port 104d of the air duct 104 is 30 mm, and the air duct 104 is arranged so that the angle is horizontal, the drug solution The dropped drop reaches the corneal apex by moving horizontally 30 mm while falling 7 mm, which is half of the vertical dimension of 14 mm. When dropping a medical solution from the eye drop container 106, the initial velocity of the dropped droplets is naturally 0 m/sec both in the falling direction and in the horizontal direction, so from the following [Equation 7] of uniformly accelerated motion, the moving distance x is x = 1/2 at ² (a: acceleration, t: time). Since the horizontal movement distance is 30/7 times the vertical movement distance, the horizontal acceleration is also 30/7 times, and since the gravitational acceleration is 9.8 m/sec ² , the horizontal acceleration is 42 m with 9.8 x 30/7. /sec ² is required.
[Math 7] Formula for uniformly accelerated motion
Here, x: distance traveled, v0: initial velocity, a: acceleration, t: time

The effect of the air flow required for the dropped droplet of the chemical solution to obtain an acceleration of 42 m/sec ² in the horizontal direction is 1.68×10 ^-3 N, assuming that the mass of the dropped droplet is 4×10 ⁻⁵ kg, and [number 5] and calculate the relative flow velocity U of the air flow back to 21.2 m/sec, and the Reynolds number of the dropped particles at that time is 5992 from [Equation 6]. Since U in [Equation 5] is the relative velocity, the actual flow velocity in the air duct needs to be increased by the amount that the velocity of the dropping droplets of the chemical solution increases, but in [Equation 7], the initial velocity is 0 m/sec, the moving distance is 30 mm, and the acceleration is When calculating the time t by substituting 42 m/sec ² , it becomes approximately 0.0378 sec, and the horizontal movement speed vh of the dropped drops of the chemical solution at that time is 1.59 m/sec. Therefore, it is preferable that the flow velocity of the air flow within the air duct 104 is adjusted within the range of 21.2 m/sec to 22.79 m/sec. To summarize the equations from the above, the flow velocity of the air flow in the air duct 104 and the horizontal relative velocity U of the dropped droplets of the chemical solution can be determined from the following [Equation 8].
[Number 8]
Here, U: relative velocity between the flow rate of the air flow in the air duct and the droplet of the drug solution, L: horizontal distance from the droplet of the eye dropper to the center (cornea) of the air duct eyepiece, H: droplet of the eyedropper Vertical distance from to the center of the air duct eyepiece (cornea) (difference in height between the droplet and the center of the eyepiece), m: mass of the droplet of the drug solution, ρ: density of air, d: diameter of the droplet of the drug solution

The flow velocity required for the air flow in the air duct 104 to move the droplets of the medical solution to the cornea through the eyepiece port 104d of the air duct 104 is determined by the vertical dimensions of the air duct 104 and from the drug solution dripping port 106a of the eye drop container 106 to the eyepiece port 104d of the air duct 104. It changes depending on the distance. The larger the vertical dimension, the smaller the acceleration should be, and the larger the distance to the eyepiece port 104d, the larger the acceleration should be. The opening height of the air duct 104 as a component of the eye drop aid 100 is approximately 10 mm to 25 mm, and the horizontal distance from the drug solution drip opening of the eye drop container 106 to the eyepiece port 104d is approximately 20 mm to 50 mm, depending on the size of the eye drop container 106 and the like. This is an applicable size depending on the shape of the patient's face surface, etc., and it is not preferable to set the distance from the drug solution dripping port 106a of the eyedropper container 106 to the eyepiece port 104d to be 50 mm or more because the required flow velocity required for the airflow becomes significantly large. Based on this dimensional configuration range, the flow velocity of the air flow required to blow the dropped drops of the chemical solution to a predetermined position may be adjusted within the range of 12.97 m/sec to 32.42 m/sec, and the flow velocity of the air flow required is influenced by the internal shape and angle of the air duct 104, temperature, atmospheric pressure, etc., so it can be adjusted within the range of 10 m/sec to 40 m/sec.

Next, the air volume performance required of the air fan 101 will be explained. The air flow blown by the air fan 101 flows into the air chamber 102, and when the inflow control valve 103 is closed, the air flow stops and the air pressure inside the air chamber 102 increases, and after a certain period of time, the air flow stops. The air pressure inside the air chamber 102 is increased to around the maximum static pressure of the air fan 101. When the inflow control valve 103 opens in accordance with the operation of the trigger arm 107, the air in the air chamber 102 flows into the air duct 104 at once, and the air flow speed increases to the maximum flow speed in a short time. The air volume converges to a steady air volume determined by the balance between the air blowing capacity of the air chamber 102 and the pressure loss Q of the air flow inside the air chamber 102 and the air duct 104. The pressure loss P is expressed by the pressure loss coefficient C and the air volume Q as shown in [Equation 9] below.
[Number 9]
Here, P: pressure loss, C: pressure loss coefficient, Q: air volume

When the air duct 104 is a cylinder, the inner diameter is 14 mm when the opening height is 14 mm, and the air flow pressure loss of the air duct 104 is calculated assuming that the distance from the inlet 104a to the exhaust port 104b is 50 mm. The air flow velocity within the air duct 104 for delivering drops of the drug solution to the cornea is between 21.2 m/sec and 22.79 m/sec, assuming that the horizontal distance from the drug drop opening 106a of the eye drop container 106 to the cornea is 30 mm. It has been mentioned above that the range is adjusted. Since the air chamber 102 has a large space, pressure loss is ignored. Assuming that the average flow velocity Um of the air flow in the air duct 104 is 22 m/sec and the kinematic viscosity coefficient ν of the air is 1.582×10 ⁻⁵ (1 atm, 25 degrees C), the Reynolds number Rep of the air duct 104 is as follows: 10], Rep=19469, and if the Reynolds number Rep is 2310 or more, it is a turbulent region, so the pipe friction coefficient μ is determined from Prandtl's empirical formula, and μ is about 0.025.
[Number 10]
Here, Rep: Reynolds number, Um: average flow velocity, d: inner diameter of pipe (inner diameter of air duct), ν: kinematic viscosity coefficient

Assuming that the friction coefficient μ of the air duct 104 is 0.025, the air density γ is 1.2 kg/m ³ , and the gravitational acceleration g is 9.8 m/sec ² , the pressure loss of the air duct 104 is approximately 103. 2Pa (1.032×10 ⁻⁴ MPa).
[Number 11]
Here, ΔP: pressure loss, μ: coefficient of friction of the pipe, l: length of the pipe, d: diameter of the pipe, γ: density of air, Um: average flow velocity, g: gravitational acceleration

In order to set the average flow velocity of the air in the air duct 104 to 22 m/sec, the amount of air flowing into the air duct 104 needs to be 0.203 m ³ /min. Since the pressure loss of the air duct 104 is 103.2 Pa, the performance required of the air fan 101 requires that the air fan 101 has a wind pressure of 103.2 Pa or more when the air volume is 0.203 m ³ /min.

Furthermore, assuming that the volume of the air chamber 102 of the first embodiment is approximately 7×10 ⁻⁵ m ³ , the air volume required to increase the air pressure within the air chamber 102 by 103.2 Pa within 0.1 seconds is 0.085 m ³ /sec or more, but this is much smaller than the air volume of 0.203 m ³ /min to ensure the required flow velocity in the air duct 104, so there is no problem.

Considering the appropriate size of the air duct 104 of the first embodiment, the inner diameter is 10 mm to 25 mm, the moving distance from the drug solution dripping port 106a of the eye drop container 106 to the cornea is 20 mm to 50 mm, and the air duct 104 has an inflow port 104a to an exhaust port. An appropriate size for the distance to 104b is from 40 mm to 70 mm, considering the operation of the eye drop aid 100 and the ease of holding it. From this range, when the inner diameter of the air duct 104 is 25 mm and the horizontal movement distance from the drug solution dripping port 106a to the cornea is 20 mm, the required average flow velocity in the air duct 104 is the lowest, about 12.97 m/sec. Similarly, when the inner diameter is 10 mm and the distance is 50 mm, the average flow velocity is the highest, about 32.4 m/sec. Furthermore, the respective required air volumes are 0.382 m ³ /min when the inner diameter is 25 mm and the horizontal movement distance to the cornea is 20 mm, and when the inner diameter is 10 mm and the horizontal movement distance to the cornea is 50 mm, it is 0.153 m ³ /min. Also, when calculating the pressure loss from the distance from the inlet 104a to the exhaust port 104b of the air duct 104 from 40 mm to 70 mm, when the distance is 40 mm, the inner diameter is 25 mm, and the horizontal movement distance of the dropped particles is 20 mm, it is 16.1 Pa, and when the distance is 70 mm, it is 16.1 Pa. Assuming that the inner diameter is 10 mm and the horizontal movement distance of the dropped particles is 50 mm, the pressure is 483 Pa.

As described above, the air blowing capacity required for the air fan 101 must be greater than the air volume and pressure loss calculated from the average flow velocity in the air duct 104 and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the air flow of the air duct 104. 103, the air pressure in the air chamber 102 has been increased to around the maximum static pressure of the air fan 101, which temporarily provides an air volume higher than the air blowing capacity of the air fan 101, making it possible to lower the air volume of the air fan 101. be. Although the air fan 101 of the first embodiment uses a sirocco fan (centrifugal fan), an axial fan may be used depending on the required air blowing capacity.

(2) Configuration of eye drop container fixing attachment Next, the configuration of the eye drop container fixing attachment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. The eye drop container fixing attachment 105 removably attaches the eye drop container 106 to the eye drop container fixing attachment 105, and is further removably fixed at a predetermined position above the air duct 104. By using this eye drop container fixing attachment 105, the drug solution dripping port 106a of the eye drop container 106 is placed at an appropriate position with respect to the air duct 104, and the drug solution can be dropped into the air duct 104.

A plurality of types of eye drop container fixing attachments 105 may be prepared according to the shape and dimensions of the eye drop container 106, but the drug solution drip opening 106a of the eye drop container 106 is arranged at the same position regardless of which eye drop container 106 is used. The configuration is as follows. In addition, in order to press the eye drop container 106 at an appropriate position, the eye drop container 106 is provided with a pressing position adjustment mechanism for applying the force exerted by the pressing portion 108a of the pressing point adjustment arm 108 to the appropriate position of the eye drop container 106. There is.

FIG. 4 is an example of a general eye drop container 106. An eye drop container 106 for general eye drops prescribed in ophthalmology facilities, etc. includes a drug solution filling container 401 filled with eye drops, a removable cap 402, a threaded portion 403 for screwing the cap, and an eye drop container for dropping the eye drops. A nozzle 404 is provided. There is a drip opening 405 at the tip of the eye drop nozzle 404, the drug solution filling container 401 has a cylindrical shape or a shape with dimples on the side of the cylinder, and the eye drop nozzle 404 is fitted inside the threaded part 403. ing. Each size varies depending on the manufacturer and the type of drug solution.The diameter of the drug solution filling container 401 is 18 mm to 24 mm, the height is 20 mm to 30 mm, the outer diameter of the threaded part 403 is 11 mm to 17 mm, the height is 13 mm to 16 mm, and the eye drop nozzle 404 The diameter is about 4 mm to 6 mm, and the height is about 9 mm to 11 mm.

FIG. 5 is an example of a configuration diagram of the eye drop container fixing attachment 105. The eye drop container fixing attachment 105 is equipped with a side support guide 302 and a rear support guide 303 that support the side and rear surfaces of the eye drop container 106 inside the eye drop container insertion barrel 301 (set plate 305), and the left and right side support guides 302a, 302c are The eye drop container 306 is fixed from the side by being pressed inward by left and right support guide pressing leaf springs 302b and 302d, respectively. The spring constant and deflection range of the support guide pressing plate springs 302b and 302d are determined so that the side support guides 302a and 302c can be pressed from 18 mm to 24 mm in accordance with the diameter of the drug solution filling container of the eye drop container 306. The rear support guide is adjusted by the rear position adjustment plunger 303a to match the diameter of the drug solution filling container of the eye drop container 306. The eye drop container fixing attachment 105 fixes the eye drop container 306 by means of a side support guide 302 and a rear support guide 303 to form an integral unit. A lower opening 301a is opened at the lower part of the eye drop container insertion barrel 301, into which the threaded portion 306a of the eye drop container 306 and the eye drop nozzle 306b are inserted. The diameter of the lower opening 301a is larger than the diameter of the cap of the eye drop container 306, so that the cap can be attached to the eye drop container 306 even when the eye drop container 306 is attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment 105.

As shown in FIG. 2, the eye drop container 106 is pressed by the pressing part 108a of the pressure point adjustment arm 108 from the air fan 101 side of the eye drop container fixing attachment 105 to drip the medicine, but the pressing position differs depending on the diameter and height of the eye drop container 106. , it is necessary to position the pressing portion 108a appropriately in accordance with the eye drop container 106.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, the pressing rod pressing point 107b of the pressing rod 107a integrated with the trigger arm 107 is fixed, and can be adjusted to the appropriate position according to the size of the eye drop container 106 via the pressing position adjustment mechanism 304 of the eye drop container fixing attachment 105. You can press the desired position. The pressing position adjustment mechanism includes first pressing means (309, 310, 311) that can adjust the vertical position of the pressing position of the eye drop container 106 and the pressing width of the eye drop container 106, and the first pressing means (309, 310, 311). and a second pressing means (303a) located at a position facing the eye drop container 106 and capable of adjusting the pressing width of the eye drop container 106. In the example of FIG. 5, a pressing plunger 309 is inserted into a slit 311 of a pressing point adjusting arm 108 that rotates around an adjusting arm rotation shaft 308 disposed at the upper part of an eye drop container fixing attachment 105, and is fixed with a double nut 310. The rear nut 310b is stopped so as not to rotate, and the pressing plunger 309 is screwed into the rear nut 310b until the amount of pressure is appropriate. The pressing plunger 309 is moved along the slit 311 so that the height position of the eye drop container 306 becomes an appropriate height position, and the front nut 310a is tightened and fixed. When the pressing point 107b of the pressing rod 107a contacts and presses a predetermined position of the pressing point adjusting arm 108, the pressing plunger 309 connected to the pressing point adjusting arm 107 presses the eye drop container 306 at a prescribed position. Thereby, even if the shape and size of the eye drop container 306 are different, the pressing position can be set to an appropriate position, and a certain amount of the drug solution can be reliably dropped from the eye drop container 306.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the eye drop container fixing attachment 105 is removed. The eye drop container fixing attachment 105 is provided with a set plate 305 for easily replacing the eye drop container fixing attachment 105 and administering the eye drops to a patient who is instilling a plurality of drugs into the eye. As shown in FIG. 6(a), by simply inserting the set plate 305 that connects the eye drop container fixing attachment 300 to the air duct 104 of the eye drop aid 100 into the set guide 312 for the attachment set provided on the side of the air duct 104, the eye drop container fixing attachment 300 can be dropped. The container fixing attachment 105 is easily fixed to the top of the air duct 104. Therefore, when using a different eye drop, the eye drop can be easily replaced by attaching the eye drop container 106 to another eye drop fixing attachment 105 in advance. In this way, the eye drop container fixing attachment 105 includes the set plate 305 to which the eye drop container 106 can be attached facing downward, and the pressing position adjustment mechanism that adjusts the pressing position of the eye drop container 106. Support guides (side support guide 302 and rear support guide 303) that press and support the side surfaces of the eye drop container 106 are disposed on the inner surface of the set plate 305, and the lower end of the set plate 305 is connected to a set formed on the outer wall of the air duct 104. The set plate 305 is removably fitted into the guide 312, and an open space S1 is provided in the lower region of the set plate 305 so that the cap of the eye drop container 106 can be opened and closed when the eye drop container 106 is attached.

Further, each eye drop container fixing attachment 105 is equipped with a tag, an electronic chip such as RFID, a bar code, or a QR code (registered trademark) in order to assign a unique tag or ID to each eye drop container fixing attachment 105. The attachment 105 may be provided with a shape-based identification means (which serves as an identifier for identifying at least one of the types of the fixed attachment 105) or a notch in the attachment 105. The eye drop aid 100 in FIG. 2 includes a tag reading sensor 114 such as a sensor, an RFID reading chip, and a camera for reading these tags and IDs. If the eye drop aid 100 is equipped with this means for identifying these tags and IDs, by reading the tags of each eye drop container fixing attachment 105, the tag of the eye drop container fixing attachment 105 and the type of eye drops attached are registered in advance. If so, it would be possible to record which eye drops were applied each time.

(3) Configuration of eye drop container pressing mechanism Next, the configuration of the eye drop container pressing mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The pressing point of the pressing rod of the eye drop container pressing mechanism may be configured to directly press the eye drop container, but in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pressing rod is configured to An example of a pressing mechanism for pressing the eye drop container via the pressing position adjustment mechanism of the eye drop container fixing attachment and causing the eye drop solution to drip into the air duct is shown. Here, FIG. 7 shows an example of manual pressing, and FIG. 8 shows an example of an eye drop container pressing mechanism that presses electrically.

In the eye drop container pressing mechanism using a manual mechanism shown in FIG. 7, a trigger arm 107 rotates around a trigger arm rotation axis 501 disposed above the air duct 104, and the trigger arm 107 applies force by a finger of a patient or an eye drop assistant. When the manual point 502 is pulled toward the eyepiece 104d, the eye drops are dripped from the eyedrop container 106, and the drops are moved approximately horizontally toward the eyepiece 104d by the drag force caused by the air flow in the air duct 104, and reach the cornea. Eye drops are applied.

In the case of FIG. 7, the eye drop container pressing mechanism is connected to the trigger arm rotation shaft 501 which is the rotation axis of the trigger arm 107, and when the trigger arm 107 is pulled, the eye drop container pressing mechanism A pressing rod 107a that acts in a direction to press the eye drop container 106 is provided. The pressing rod 107a is arranged at an appropriate height between the trigger arm rotating shaft 501 and the air duct 104, and the trigger arm 107 and the pressing rod 107a operate together. When the trigger arm 107 is pulled toward the eyepiece 104d, the pressing point 107b of the pressing rod 107a also moves toward the eyepiece. When the pressing point 107b contacts the pressing rod pressing position of the pressing point adjustment arm 108 disposed on the eye drop container fixing attachment 105, force is applied by the pressing rod 107a in the side direction of the eyepiece 104d, and the pressure is applied via the pressing point adjusting arm 108. to press the eye drop container 106. Since the movement range of the trigger arm 107 is mechanically limited, the integrated pressure point adjustment arm 108 can only move up to the limit position, and the eye drop container 106 is always pressed to a certain position and cannot be pressed any further. do not. As a result, a constant amount of the drug solution is always dropped from the eye drop container 106 into the patient's eye. When the pressing rod 107a returns, the pressing force applied to the eye drop container 106 is released and the eye drop container 106 returns to its original shape. Since the eye drop container 106 is always fixed downward, the medicine in the eye drop container 106 also accumulates in the lower part of the eye drop container 106 and in the eye drop nozzle, and the air inside the container accumulates above the eye drop container 106. The amount of chemical liquid that is pressed is always dropped, and a constant amount of chemical liquid (one drop of chemical liquid) is always dropped.

FIG. 8 shows the driving of the pressing rod 605 by an electromagnetic solenoid 606 as a mechanism for pressing the eye drop container 106 using an electric mechanism. In this case, the eye drop container pressing mechanism uses an electromagnetic solenoid (electric drive means) 606 that is electrically driven in conjunction with the trigger arm 601, and when the trigger arm 601 is pulled, the eye drop container is pressed from the side using the electromagnetic solenoid 606. A pressing rod 605 that acts in a direction to press 609 is provided. The pressing rod 605 can be electrically driven by an electric motor or an electromagnetic actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid or a voice coil motor. In the case of an electromagnetic actuator, linear motion is possible and the pressing rod 605 can be directly driven, but in the case of a motor, a link mechanism or a cam mechanism is required to convert rotational motion into linear motion via a reduction gear. FIG. 8 shows an example in which a pressing rod 605 is disposed on the shaft of an electromagnetic solenoid 606, and the pressing rod 605 directly drives the pressing point adjustment arm 610 of the eye drop container fixing attachment.

A predetermined angular position of the trigger arm 601 is detected by a trigger arm position sensor 602. The trigger arm position sensor 602 is a reflective photointerrupter, and is arranged so as to be able to detect the photointerrupter reflective tape 603 attached to the trigger arm 601, and is configured to detect a predetermined angular position of the trigger arm 601. It has become. The first angular position where the trigger arm 601 is not operated is defined as the "trigger arm start position", and the trigger arm 601 is pulled toward the eyepiece 604a side of the air duct 604 to a predetermined position, and the trigger arm 601 is pressed integrally with the trigger arm 601. The angular position at which the rod 605 starts pressing the eye drop container 609 via the eye drop container pressing mechanism is defined as the "trigger arm pressing position." When the trigger arm 601 reaches the trigger arm pressing position, the electromagnetic solenoid 606 is turned on and the pressing rod 605 starts pressing. Since the stroke of the electromagnetic solenoid 606 is constant, the amount of pressure is also constant. The pressing rod 605 driven by the electromagnetic solenoid 606 presses the eye drop container 609 via the pressing point adjustment arm 610 to drip the medical solution. Since the operating range in which the pressing rod 605 operates is constant, the eye drop container 609 is always pressed to a constant position, and the amount of liquid medicine to be dropped is also constant. When the operator releases the trigger arm 601, the trigger arm 601 is returned to the trigger arm start position by a trigger arm return spring 608 disposed coaxially with the trigger arm rotation axis 607, and returned to the trigger arm start position by the trigger arm position sensor 602. When this is detected, the electromagnetic solenoid 606 is turned off, the pressure on the eye drop container 609 is released, and the eye drop container 609 returns to its original shape.

In FIG. 8, a dropped droplet passage sensor 611 is provided at the upper part near the eyepiece port 604a, and detects whether the droplet of drug solution dropped from the eyedropper container 609 has passed normally through the eyepiece port 604a, and sends the data to the control unit. . This dropped droplet passage sensor 611 allows it to be confirmed whether the pressing mechanism operates properly and whether the eye drops have normally passed through the eyepiece opening 604a. The dropped particle passage sensor 611 in FIG. 8 is composed of a reflective photointerrupter, and detects the reflected light from the lower surface of the air duct 604 when the droplet of the chemical solution passes through, because it is no longer returned to the sensor due to reflection or refraction on the surface of the dropped particle. . Note that this dropped particle passage sensor 611 can also be detected by a transmission type photointerrupter, an ultrasonic sensor, etc., and can also be placed on the side surface of the air duct 604.

(4) Structure and operation of air flow generating means using an air fan Next, the structure and operation of the air flow generating means using an air fan will be described with reference to FIG. The drive and voltage of the air fan 101 shown in FIG. 9 are controlled by a control unit 113, and the control unit 113 receives a signal from a trigger arm position sensor 701, a signal from a contact sensor 703 disposed at the operating portion of the trigger arm 107, or The air fan 101 is activated by recognizing the start of the eyedrop operation by the operator based on a signal that detects whether the patient's eye is close to the eyepiece 110 of the eyedropper aid 100 by an eyepiece detection contact sensor placed near the eyepiece port 104d of the air duct 104. make it work. Thereafter, the air fan 101 continues to operate until the trigger arm 107 returns to its original position, at which point it stops. The trigger arm 107 is configured to always return to its original position by spring force, so when the operator of the eye drop aid 100 releases the trigger arm 107, the trigger arm 107 automatically returns to the starting position, and the trigger arm position sensor 701, it is detected that the air fan 101 has returned to the starting position, and the air fan 101 is stopped. Furthermore, FIG. 13, which will be described later, is an example of the electrical system configuration of the eye drop aid 100, and the air fan 1804 is controlled by an air fan control section 1801a provided in the control unit 1801, and the drive ON/OFF and drive voltage are controlled manually or automatically. be controlled.

With the above configuration, the air fan 101 operates only when the eye is instilled, thereby preventing wasteful air from flowing into the air chamber 102 or the air duct 104, and by controlling the drive voltage, the air fan 101 is operated only when the eye is instilled, and by controlling the drive voltage, the air fan 101 is operated only when the eye is instilled. It is possible to adjust the discharge amount, which has the effect of minimizing power consumption and extending the life of the motor. Furthermore, when the patient's eye comes into contact with the eyepiece 110 or when the operator starts pulling the trigger arm 107, the air fan 101 starts operating and sends air to the air chamber 102, and the operator pulls the trigger arm 107 and applies eye drops. The air fan 101 has the ability to blow air such that the air pressure in the air chamber 102 can be raised to a predetermined pressure within the time until the liquid is dropped from the eye drop container 106. In a normal operation, this operation elapsed time is 0.3 seconds or more, which is sufficient time to increase the pressure in the air chamber 102 to an appropriate pressure.

(5) Configuration and operating method of a valve that controls the inflow of air into the air duct Next, refer to FIGS. 10 and 11 regarding the configuration and operating method (valve drive mechanism) of the valve that controls the inflow of air into the air duct. I will explain. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing the configuration of an inflow control valve that controls air inflow into the air duct 802. FIG. 10 is an example of the configuration of an inflow control valve using a manual mechanism, and FIG. 11 is an example of an inflow control valve using an electric mechanism. This is an example of the configuration of a valve.

In the configuration of the inflow control valve with a manual mechanism shown in FIG. 10, a swing type check valve 801 is placed immediately after the inflow port 802a of the air duct 802 as an inflow control valve to control the inflow of air from the air chamber 803. ing. The swing type check valve 801 has a rotation reset arm 801 a and a rotation stop arm 801 b that are interlocked by a rotation shaft 806 and are arranged outside the air duct 802 . When the swing check valve 801 is closed, the claw portion 804a of the rotation stopper 804 engages the rotation stopper arm 801b, and the claw portion 804a is pushed upward by the spring 804b, so that the valve is braked so as not to open. The swing type check valve 801 is normally closed, and even when the air fan starts blowing air, the air flow remains in the air chamber, increasing the air pressure inside the air chamber. The rotation stopper 804 operates in conjunction with the movement of the trigger arm 805, and the trigger arm 805 is pulled toward the eyepiece port 802b of the air duct 802 by the operator, and the eye drop container is pressed through the eye drop container pressing mechanism to release the eye drop solution. When the trigger arm 805 moves to the dripping position, the claw portion 804a of the rotation stopper 804 is pushed downward by the release cam 805a attached to the trigger arm 805 and moves in the direction of releasing the brake, and the swing type check valve 801 is braked. is released, and the high air pressure inside the air chamber 803 causes the valve to open all at once, allowing air to flow into the air duct. The air flow within the air duct 802 generated by this operation passes through the air duct 802 at a high flow rate and blows the droplets of the drug solution dropped from the eye drop container toward the patient's cornea.

The trigger arm 805 is provided with a valve reset bar 805b for returning the swing type check valve 801 to the closed position. The swing type check valve 801 acts on the rotating reset arm 801a in the closing direction. When the operator releases the trigger arm 805, the trigger arm 805 returns to the starting position due to spring force, and the valve reset bar 805b pushes the cam 801c to return the swing type check valve 801 to the closed position via the rotating reset arm 801a. . The claw portion 804a of the rotation stopper 804 has a gently tapered shape so as not to hinder the closing movement of the swing type check valve 801, and when the swing type check valve 801 returns to the completely closed position, the claw portion 804a swings. It is caught on the upper side of the swing type check valve 801, and the swing type check valve 801 maintains the closed state.

Such a manually operated inflow control valve generates a high-speed air flow in the air duct 802 to ensure that the droplets of the drug solution are delivered to the cornea, and when the eye drop operation is completed, the inflow control valve is automatically closed and the next The reset operation for eye drop operation is completed. Although the example shown in FIG. 10 uses a swing type check valve, a valve mechanism such as a butterfly valve, ball valve, reed valve, or diaphragm may also be used.

In the structure of the inflow control valve using an electric mechanism shown in FIG. 11, the inflow control valve is a swing type check valve 901, and is connected to the rotating shaft of the swing type check valve 901 via a motor 902 and a worm gear 903. ing. The swing type check valve 901 can detect the open/closed state of the swing type check valve 901 using a valve position sensor 904 that detects the open/closed state of the valve. The motor 902 is controlled by a control unit 906, and a valve position sensor 904 that detects the open/closed state of the swing type check valve 901 and a trigger arm position sensor 905 that detects the position of the trigger arm are connected to the control unit 906. When the trigger arm 805 of the swing type check valve 901 is at the trigger arm start position, the motor 902 is rotated until the swing type check valve 901 is in the closing position, thereby closing the swing type check valve 901. When the trigger arm 805 is pulled toward the eyepiece port of the air duct by the operator and moved to the trigger arm pressing position where eye drops are dropped, the control unit 906 drives the motor 902 to open the swing type check valve 901. When the trigger arm 905 is released by the operator and returns to the trigger arm start position, the control unit 906 reversely drives the motor 902 to rotate the swing type check valve 901 to the closed position and maintains that position.

The inflow control valve of such a motorized mechanism generates a high-speed airflow in the air duct 802 to ensure that the droplets of the drug solution are delivered to the cornea, and when the eye drop operation is completed, the inflow control valve is automatically closed and the next The reset operation for eye drop operation is completed. Although the example in Figure 11 uses a swing type check valve, other valve mechanisms such as butterfly valves, ball valves, reed valves, diaphragms, etc. may also be used.

(6) Automatic detection of patient's left and right eyes (left and right eye detection means)
Next, automatic detection of the patient's left eye and right eye will be described with reference to FIG. 12. Eye drops are administered to patients in various patterns depending on the type, degree, and symptoms of the eye disease. Depending on the patient, multiple eye drops may be instilled, the prescription for eye drops may be different for the left and right eyes, and the number of eye drops may vary, so patients must manage which type of eye drops to use, when and how many times. However, in daily life, it often happens that people forget to apply eye drops or make mistakes. Therefore, it is an effective means for the patient who manages the eye drops and the patient's caregiver to keep a record of what kind of eye drops were instilled in each of the left and right eyes and when and when. By connecting the eye drop aid to an external device such as a mobile terminal or a personal computer and leaving the eye drop history on the external device, it becomes possible to effectively manage treatments such as eye drops. Therefore, it is extremely important to automatically detect which eye, the left or the right, the eye is instilled in, in order to keep and manage treatment records.

FIG. 12 is an example of a detection method (left and right eye detection means) that automatically detects which eye, left or right, the eye drop aid is in close contact with. Examples of commonly used methods for detecting whether the patient's eyes are left or right include analyzing an image of the patient's face or eyes captured by a camera to determine whether it is the left or right eye, or by placing the patient's face on a chin rest. If the eye dropper is fixed, there is a method of detecting the position of the eye dropper with respect to the chinrest for discrimination, but for a portable eye dropper 1, a simpler discrimination method is desirable. In the example shown in FIG. 12, when the patient touches the eyepiece of the eyedropper with the eyelid of the patient's eye, a reflective optical sensor 1003 is used to detect and determine which side of the eyedropper the patient's nose is located near. It shows.

When the eyepiece of the eyedropper is brought into contact with the eyelid of the patient's eye, the patient's nose is located slightly below the side of the air duct of the eyedropper aid that constitutes the eyedropper. In FIG. 12, a left reflective optical sensor 1003a and a right reflective optical sensor 1003b are arranged at the bottom of both sides of an air duct 1001 of the eye drop aid. These reflective optical sensors 1003 detect that when a patient's nose is near the sensor, infrared light emitted from the reflective optical sensor 1003 is reflected or scattered on the patient's nasal surface and returns to the reflective optical sensor 1003. The presence of the nose is detected by receiving the light coming from the nose.

The left reflective optical sensor 1003a and the right reflective optical sensor 1003b are connected to the control unit 1004 and transmit detected signals. If there is no nose detection signal from either sensor, or if a detection signal is being sent from both sensors, the control unit 1004 determines whether the eye drop aid is not in the designated position or is blocked by the operator's hand or the like. If it is determined that the right eyelid is in contact with the eyepiece 1002, and a detection signal is sent only from the left reflective optical sensor 1003a, it is determined that the eyelid of the right eye is in contact with the eyepiece 1002, and a detection signal is transmitted only from the right reflective optical sensor 1003b. If so, it is determined that the eyelid of the left eye is in contact with the eyepiece 1002.

Information on the left and right eyes discriminated by the control unit 1004 is transmitted to an external device such as a smartphone via a communication means, and is effectively used as information for evaluating the eye drop condition and information on the eye drop history. In addition, if the eye drop container pressing mechanism or inflow control valve of the eye drop aid is electric, the discrimination information of the left eye/right eye automatic detection function determines whether or not to perform the eye drop operation to ensure that the eye drop is administered reliably. It is possible to operate the

With the above-mentioned left eye/right eye detection system, this eye drop aid can easily detect the left and right eyes that are close to each other and optimize the operation of the eye drop aid. This allows patient support software on external devices and patient support systems on the Internet to evaluate eye drop conditions and record eye drop history. In the first embodiment, a reflective optical sensor is used as the nose detection sensor, but the sensor may also be an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitance sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, or the like.

(7) Configuration of the electrical system of the eye drop aid (functional block diagram)
Next, the configuration (functional block diagram) of the electrical system of the eye drop aid will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 shows an example of an electrical system configuration in the case of an electric push mechanism and an inflow control valve in the eye drop aid 100. An electromagnetic solenoid 1803 is used as an electric eye drop container pressing mechanism, and a valve drive by a motor 1805 is used for inflow control.

A control unit 1801 provided in the eye drop aid 100 is configured to control the entire system and drive the air fan 1804, solenoid 1803, and motor 1805. The sensor unit 1802 includes a sensor communication board 1802a, a trigger arm position sensor 1802b, a valve position sensor 1802c, an eyepiece sensor 1802d, a droplet passing sensor 1802e, a contact sensor 1802f, a left and right eye detection sensor 1802g, and a tag reading sensor 1802h, and performs sensor communication. The board 1802a is configured to convert the values of each sensor into digital values and communicate with the control unit.

That is, the eye drop aid 100 includes a dropped droplet passage sensor 1802e that can detect droplets of the drug solution passing through the air duct 104 at a predetermined position in the air duct 104 to detect whether the drug solution has normally reached the cornea. I can do it. Additionally, a trigger arm position detection sensor 1802b detects the position of the trigger arm 107, a valve position sensor 1802c detects the opening/closing angle of the inflow control valve, a G sensor detects the tilt and movement of the eye drop aid 100, and a G sensor detects whether the patient's left or right eye By arranging the left and right eye detection sensor 1802g that detects whether the patient's eyes are close to It is possible to evaluate whether there are any abnormalities. Furthermore, if a camera 1809 (photographing means) capable of photographing the patient's eyes is placed inside the air chamber 102 or near the inlet 104a of the air duct 104, the opening of the eyelids when the eye drops are delivered to the patient's eyes is possible. The condition and position, as well as the adhesion state of the eye drops delivered to the cornea, can be evaluated using captured images.

The chemical droplet passage sensor 1802e disposed in the air duct 104 detects the droplet passage using an optical transmission type or reflection type sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. The trigger arm position detection sensor 1802b is detected by a potentiometer or encoder that is linked to the trigger arm 107, detection of an optical slit or reflector using an optical transmission type or reflection type sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like. The valve position sensor 1802c is preferably a switch that is linked to the valve, a potentiometer or encoder that is linked to the rotation axis of the valve, or a transmission or reflection type optical sensor that directly detects the open/closed state. Note that, in this electrical system, for example, when the eye drop aid 100 is a manual eye drop container pressing mechanism and an inflow control valve, unnecessary functional units can be omitted depending on the system configuration.

Further, the control unit 1801 includes an air fan control section 1801a, and the air flow in the air duct 104 necessary for horizontally moving the droplets of the drug droplet dropped from the eye drop container 106 into the air duct 104 relative to the droplet droplet of the drug solution. Calculate the flow velocity using the above (Equation 8), and control the voltage sent to the air fan 101 so that the flow velocity in the air duct 104 is 10 m/sec or more and 40 m/sec or less based on the obtained relative flow velocity. I can do it.

In addition, the control unit 1801 can store image data transmitted from the anterior eye camera (imaging means) 1809, and can communicate with the smartphone via short-range communication such as WiFi or Bluetooth (registered trademark) via the communication unit (communication means) 1808. , communicates data with external devices such as personal computers and tablet PCs. Communication unit 1808 transmits various detection data to an external terminal via a wired/wireless network. Note that the camera 1809 is disposed within the air chamber 102 or near the inlet 104a of the air duct 104, and photographs the ocular surface through the air duct 104. Since the on-off valve disposed in the air duct 104 blocks the inflow port 104a, it is preferable that the blocking wall is made of a transparent material that allows light to pass through so that the patient's eyes can be photographed.

In this way, the eye drop aid 100 according to the first embodiment can constitute an external communication means, and can be connected to an external device such as an external smartphone, personal computer, tablet PC, or Wi-Fi terminal through the communication unit 1808. Then, the data detected by the above-described sensors 1802b to 1802h arranged in the eyedropper aid 100, the eyedropper status, the evaluation results, and the image of the patient's eye taken by the camera 1809 are transmitted. In addition, the transmitted data and images are sent to servers and cloud systems on the Internet via smartphones and computers, and these data can be shared by patients, patients' families, caregivers and other supporters, and medical institutions for viewing and viewing. A home monitoring system that can be evaluated and support patient treatment can be realized.　

A control unit 1801 controls the system using data values and image data sent from a sensor unit 1802 and an anterior segment imaging camera 1809, and also sends the status of the eye drop aid 100 and the patient's eye drops to a patient support system using an external device and a network system. The status can be sent as data, and as a result, data and information that can be used to support patient treatment can be provided.

As described above, the invention according to the first embodiment is an eye drop aid 100 for administering a medical solution in an eye drop container to a patient's eye. An air chamber 102 that serves as an air chamber for air flow, a cylindrical air duct 104 communicating with the air chamber 102, and an eye drop container 106 that is replaceably attached to the upper wall of the air duct 106 in a horizontal state. Controls the operations of the eye drop container fixing attachment 105 that fixes the nozzle facing downward, the eye drop container pressing mechanism 108 that presses a predetermined position on the side of the eye drop container 106 attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment 105, and the eye drop container pressing mechanism 108. A trigger arm 107 is provided. One end of the opening of the cylindrical air duct 104 serves as an inlet 104a through which the air flow discharged from the air fan 101 flows through the air chamber 102, while the other end of the opening comes into contact with the area around the patient's eyelids. This becomes an eyepiece port 104d. A liquid medicine introduction hole 104c is formed in the upper wall of the air duct 104 for introducing into the air duct 106 the liquid drops dropped from the nozzle of the eye drop container 106 attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment 105.

With this configuration, when instilling the medicinal solution in the eye drop container 106 into the eye, the patient using the eye drop aid 100 does not need to look upward, and an appropriate amount of the medicinal solution is injected into the patient's eye in a comfortable horizontal position. I can do it. That is, the patient can instill the eye while looking horizontally without looking up by simply pulling the trigger arm 107 of the eye drop aid 100, and the eye drop solution passes through without contacting any parts of the eye drop aid 100. Therefore, the eye drops can be delivered to the patient's eyes without being contaminated by the parts of the eye drop aid 100, and the above-mentioned medicine drop mechanism can reliably drip a certain amount of eye drops, and the patient can easily and reliably drop the eye drops in a comfortable position. And it can be safely instilled into the eyes.

In addition, the eye drop container fixing attachment 105 can be easily attached to and removed from the eye drop aid 100, making it possible for patients who are instilling multiple eye drops to exchange and administer eye drops without complicated operations.

(Modified example)
Next, an eyedrop aid according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 14. The eye drop aid 100 according to this modification has a configuration in which the air chamber 102 is omitted. In the eye drop aid 100 according to the first embodiment described above, when the air flow flows into the air duct 104 through the air chamber 102, the air flow inside the air duct 104 becomes uniformly smooth, so that the air flow between the air fan 101 and the air duct 104 becomes uniform. An air chamber 102 was placed in the air chamber 102. However, in this modification, the air outlet of the air fan 101 is directly connected to the air duct 104, and with this configuration, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved, and the device can be made more compact and lightweight. This makes it possible to reduce costs and reduce costs.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without changing the spirit of the invention. For example, the usage example shown in FIG. 1 is just one example, and the eye drop aid 100 may be fixedly mounted on a height-adjustable support and the eye drop may be applied while keeping the eye drop in a horizontal state. For example, since the size of the eye drop container 106 varies depending on the type of drug, manufacturer, etc., instead of using a complicated mechanism such as the eye drop container pressing mechanism and the pressing position adjustment mechanism as described above, a special product that differs depending on the size of the eye drop container may be used. It is also conceivable to use an eye drop container fixing attachment 105 as a. In this case, each time the eye drop container 106 is attached, it is not necessary to make fine adjustments to the pressing position of the eye drop container fixing attachment 105, which is convenient for use. That is, if separate eye drop containers 106 of different sizes are attached in advance to the dedicated eye drop container fixing attachment 105 and stored with the caps closed, the eye drop containers can be fixed even for patients who use multiple eye drops. Eye drops can be easily replaced by simply replacing the attachment 105.

(Embodiment 2)
Embodiment 2 of the eye drop aid according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15 to 21. In the second embodiment, instillation is carried out from the droplet passage sensor for the drug solution, the anterior segment image capturing camera, the G sensor, the left and right eye detection sensor, the eyepiece sensor, etc. arranged in the eyedrop aid 100 described in the first embodiment. A detection means for detecting state data, an evaluation means for evaluating the state of the eye drops based on the obtained detection data, and communication for communicating the detection data and evaluation data by the evaluation means with a smartphone, tablet PC, personal computer, etc. This is a home monitoring system and a patient support system in which a doctor and a patient share the data using means to monitor the status of eye drop treatment and encourage the patient to continue the eye drop treatment. Note that the same components as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Here, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in the following order.
(8) Configuration of external communication means and network system (9) Operation of patient support software that supports eye instillation (10) Functions and operations of patient support software other than during eye instillation (11) Dedicated software executed on in-hospital terminal equipment (12) Operation of dedicated software executed on the supporter's mobile terminal

(8) Configuration of external communication means and network system FIG. 15 shows the overall configuration of a home monitoring system S for supporting patient treatment. Eye dropper 1101 is connected to the Internet 1109 by one of a plurality of connections. Connection means include means via a router 1102 connected to a wired local area network (LAN), means via a wireless router 1103 using short-range wireless such as wireless LAN or Bluetooth, and mobile communication such as a mobile terminal 1104 such as a smartphone. It is connected to the Internet (WAN) by means such as via a network.

Data obtained from the droplet passing sensor, anterior segment image capturing camera, G sensor, left and right eye detection sensor, etc. arranged in the eye dropper 1101, as well as data evaluating the eye drop condition based on these data, are transferred to the connection means. The information is stored in a mobile terminal 1104, a cloud service 1105 on the Internet, or a fixed server 1110 via the Internet. These eye drop condition data are accumulated together with information on the date and time when the eye drop was applied, eye drop information, and the like.

Information on the date and time when the eyedrops were applied is obtained from a clock included in the eyedropper auxiliary tool or a clock on a mobile terminal connected to the eyedropper. The eye drop information is obtained by the eye dropper 1101 automatically identifying the eye drop inserted into the eye drop container fixing attachment, or by the user selecting the eye drop using a function of software installed on the mobile terminal 1104. Information is identified and stored with the data.

On the other hand, medical personnel such as doctors and pharmacists, and supporters 1108 such as family members and caregivers access the cloud service 1005 and the fixed server 1110 via terminal devices 1007 such as smartphones, personal computers, and tablet terminals connected to the Internet 1109. The data accumulated in the system can be viewed, evaluated, and analyzed at any time, making it possible to support patient treatment.

Furthermore, the cloud service 1105 and the fixed server 1110 are equipped with software that analyzes the accumulated data, and analyzes the data through statistical processing, uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) and deep learning, and analyzes the data using AI (Artificial Intelligence) and deep learning. It becomes possible to determine and implement effective support methods to improve patient adherence.

The data stored in the cloud service 1105 and the fixed server 1110 can be composed of data of multiple patients, and with the patient's consent, the above analysis and analysis can be performed using big data composed of multiple patient data. This can lead to improvements in prediction and proposal accuracy.

These analyzed data can be checked on the terminal device 1107 as data used by medical personnel 1108 for diagnosis and determining treatment policies, and can also be checked on the eye dropper 1101, the patient's mobile terminal 1104, and the supporter's terminal. This can be confirmed using the device 1107 or the like. Furthermore, it is also possible to change the operation of software running on the patient portable terminal 1104 using the analysis data in order to improve patient adherence.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a patient support system using an external device.
The eye drop aid 1201 includes a drop control unit 1201a that pressurizes a part of the eye drop container in conjunction with the drive of the air fan and drips a drop of medicine when the patient operates a trigger arm, and a drop control unit 1201a that is arranged in the eye drop aid. An eye drop condition detection unit 1201b that detects data indicating the eye drop state from a dropped particle passage sensor, an anterior segment image capturing camera, a G sensor, a left/right eye detection sensor, etc., and an eye drop evaluation unit that analyzes the data and evaluates the eye drop state. 1201c, and a communication section 1201d for transmitting the data, analysis results, evaluation results, etc. to the mobile terminal, and receiving information, instructions, etc. from the mobile terminal. This communication unit is a module that enables wired connections such as USB and wired LAN, and short-range wireless connections such as Bluetooth, WiFi, and wireless LAN.

The patient mobile terminal 1202 includes a control unit 1202a that controls the components of the patient mobile terminal 1202 using a processor such as a CPU and memory to realize various functions, and a memory such as a RAM that stores data received from the eye drop aid. a communication unit 1202c that realizes communication connection to a communication network such as the Internet and communication with an eye drop aid, a screen display unit 1202d such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL display, and an operation input unit 1202e such as a touch panel. Equipped with etc. Furthermore, the system works to ensure that eye drop treatment can be continued based on various data including eye drop information and eye drop plans that the patient himself inputs and saves on his mobile device, eye drop implementation information and eye drop status received and accumulated from the eye drop aids, etc. It includes an adherence analysis support section 1202f.

Note that even when the eye drop aid 1201 is not connected to the mobile terminal 1202, the eye drop aid 1201 is equipped with a screen display section, an operation input section, and a storage section so that the eye drop aid 1201 alone can encourage continuation of eye drop treatment. , an adherence analysis support section may be provided.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a patient support system via a network system.
The eye drop aid 1301 includes a drop control unit 1301a that pressurizes a part of the eye drop container in conjunction with the drive of the air fan and drips a drop of medicine when the patient operates a trigger arm, and a drop control unit 1301a that is arranged in the eye drop aid. An eye drop condition detection unit 1301b that detects data indicating the eye drop state from a dropped particle passage sensor, an anterior segment image capturing camera, a G sensor, a left/right eye detection sensor, etc., and an eye drop evaluation unit that analyzes the data and evaluates the eye drop state. The unit 1301c transmits the data, analysis results, evaluation results, etc. to the fixed server 1303 and mobile terminals via a wide area network, and receives information, instructions, etc. from the fixed server 1303 and mobile terminals via the wide area network. The communication unit 1301d is provided for communication. This communication unit is a module that enables wired connections such as USB and wired LAN, and short-range wireless connections such as Bluetooth, WiFi, and wireless LAN.

The patient mobile terminal 1302 includes a control unit 1302a that controls the components of the patient mobile terminal 1302 using a processor such as a CPU and memory to realize various functions, and a memory such as a RAM that stores data received from the eye drop aid. a communication unit 1302c that realizes a communication connection to a communication network such as the Internet and communication with an eye drop aid, a screen display unit 1302d such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL display, and an operation input unit 1302e such as a touch panel. Equipped with etc. Furthermore, eye drop information, eye drop plans, and treatment plans that the patient himself/herself enters directly into a mobile device and saves, or that doctors and pharmacists provide via the Internet, as well as eye drop administration received and stored from the eye drop aids. It includes an adherence analysis support unit 1302f that works to continue eye drop treatment based on information and various data including eye drop status.

Note that even if the eye drop aid 1301 is not connected to the patient's mobile terminal 1302 and is directly connected to a fixed server via the Internet, the eye drop aid 1301 is designed so that the eye drop aid alone can encourage continuation of eye drop treatment. The device may also include a screen display section, an operation input section, a storage section, and an adherence analysis support section.

Although FIG. 17 shows an example in which the patient mobile terminal 1302 is connected to the Internet via a home LAN, it is also possible to use the patient support system by connecting to a LAN outside the home, including a nursing facility. .

The fixed server 1303 receives sensor data, analysis results, and evaluation results sent by the eye drop aid 1031, eye drop information and eye drop plans entered on the patient's mobile terminal, doctor/pharmacist's terminal, and even from the eye drop aid. The communication unit 1303a receives information such as eye drop status data such as daily eye drop status and eye drop implementation status automatically recorded in the patient mobile terminal, and responds when a request is received from the patient mobile terminal 1032 or the in-hospital terminal device 1304. A control unit 1303b that returns information, analyzes various data received by the transmitting/receiving unit using statistical processing, AI, deep learning, etc. to predict disease progression, or is effective for improving patient adherence. An adherence analysis support unit 1303c determines and executes the support method, and collects various data received by the transmitting/receiving unit, analysis results by the adherence analysis support unit 1303c, and patient (contractor) information (contractor ID, password). , medical institution/medical staff in charge, date of birth, gender, healthcare information, scheduled date and time of visit, measurement results of various testing devices, etc.). Although a fixed server is used in the example of FIG. 17, a cloud service or the like may also be used.

The in-hospital terminal device 1304 includes an operation input unit 1304a such as a keyboard that accepts input from a doctor, a software execution unit 1304b that executes dedicated software on a web browser, etc., and an operation input unit 1304a that allows data on the eye instillation status of the target patient and information based on AI, etc. A request generation unit 1304c that obtains analysis results, eye drop plans, etc., receives data on target patients stored in the fixed server 1303, test results performed with in-hospital testing equipment, and eye drop plans and treatment plans created by doctors. - Includes a communication unit 1304d for transmitting comments and the like to a fixed server, a screen display unit 1304e, a storage unit 1304f, and the like.

The supporter mobile terminal 1305 allows the supporter to input messages to the patient via an operation input unit 1305a such as a touch panel, a software execution unit 1305b that executes dedicated software on a web browser, etc., and an operation input unit 1305a to input messages to the patient. It includes a request generation unit 1305c that obtains eye drop situation data, analysis results by AI, etc., eye drop schedule, etc., a communication unit 1305d, a screen display unit 1305e such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL display, a storage unit 1305f, and the like.

(9) Operation of patient support software that supports administration of eye drops FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of patient support software that supports application of eye drops. Patient support software functions as software that supports patients in continuing eye drop treatment and helps maintain and improve adherence. As pre-processing of the flowchart, the user (patient, supporter, medical personnel) installs the patient support software onto the patient portable terminal used in the patient support system via the Internet or the like.

When the patient support system is operated via a network system as shown in FIG. 17, the user obtains the subscriber ID from the fixed server, sets a password, etc., and records it in the storage units of both the patient mobile terminal and the fixed server. Additionally, other patient (contractor) information (name, date of birth, gender, race, supporter's name, supporter's unique ID, medical institution/pharmacy in charge, doctor in charge, etc.) is also recorded. The supporter's unique ID is a unique ID that is assigned when providing support by installing patient support software on a supporter's mobile device, etc., and allows them to exchange messages over the Internet and access fixed servers to view patient data. It is used when carrying out. The data recorded in the fixed server is recorded in association with the usage contractor ID. Further, the patient support software and the eye drop aid are connected via WiFi or the like, and the unique ID of the eye drop aid is recorded in the storage section of the patient's mobile terminal.

In S1401, basic eye drop information is registered. Basic information about eye drops includes name of eye drops, target eye (right eye, left eye, both eyes), number of drops per day, number of drops per day, duration of eye drops (time of day), date of prescription, and information on the doctor/pharmacist in charge. There is. Methods for acquiring this information include reading the QR code provided by the pharmacy with the camera of the patient's mobile terminal or eye drop aid; A method is to read the barcode on the eye drops with a camera or barcode reader equipped on a fixed attachment, and obtain information on the corresponding eye drops via the Internet. A method of reading a QR code containing basic eye drop information using the camera of the patient's mobile terminal or the camera of an eye drop aid, or a method in which a doctor or pharmacist registers it directly from dedicated software running on an in-hospital terminal and registers it on a fixed server over the Internet. There are two methods: a method in which the user directly inputs data using the input function of the patient support software, and a method in which these methods are combined.

Furthermore, the eye drop container of the registered eye drop is attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment 105 and inserted into the eye drop aid, and the acquired information of the unique tag of the eye drop container fixing attachment is associated with the basic eye drop information of the eye drop. You can register. This makes it possible to automatically determine the type of eye drops inserted, making it possible to prevent mix-ups of eye drops.

In S1402, when the set time comes, an eye drop plan for the day is created based on the basic eye drop information and is displayed on the screen of the patient's mobile terminal to notify the patient. At this time, a voice or an alarm sound may be used to warn the user. It may be possible to temporarily or permanently change the eye instillation time setting on this screen.

In S1403, when it is time for eye instillation, a message prompting the patient to instill the eye is displayed on the screen of the patient's mobile terminal in S1404, and notification is given by voice or alarm sound. At this time, a message may also be automatically sent to registered supporters. When the user turns on the power of the eye drop aid and establishes communication between the eye drop aid and the patient's portable terminal in S1405, the process moves to eye drop support processing execution step S1406. During this time, the user can be informed of the current situation by displaying instructions on how to turn on the eye drop aid on the screen, or by expressing the process until communication is established between the eye drop aid and the patient's mobile device using illustrations, animations, audio, etc. It is also possible to make the situation easier to understand and guide smooth operation. Further, in order to improve familiarity and improve the patient's motivation for eye drop treatment, the eye drop aid may be expressed using anthropomorphic or anthropomorphic illustrations, animations, sounds, etc.

In S1406, the patient is supported to perform correct and effective eye drop operation using the eye drop aid. Information about the eye drops to be instilled and the target eye are displayed on the screen of the patient's portable terminal in an easy-to-understand manner using images, illustrations, etc., and the user is prompted to insert the eye drop container fixing attachment into the eye drop aid. In addition, if it is determined that there is little or no remaining amount of eye drops to be instilled based on the capacity of the eye drops or the history of eye drops, the user is instructed to check the remaining amount of eye drops or to replace the eye drop bottle with a new one. It is also possible. When a plurality of eye drops are administered during the same time period, information on all eye drops may be displayed. When the order of eye drops is determined, it is desirable to highlight the eye drops to be instilled in order to distinguish them from other eye drops by color, size, icon display, etc. When the user inserts the eye drops attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment into the eye drop aid, the RFID tag is read and compared with basic eye drop information to identify the inserted eye drop and provide information on the inserted eye drop. It is also possible to display this on the screen, or to warn the user if the inserted eyedrops are not the correct eyedrops to prompt the user to replace them with the correct eyedrops. In addition, if the eye drop container fixing attachment is equipped with a camera for photographing the eye drops or a barcode reader for identifying them, the operation will be performed using the eye drop information determined from the camera image and the barcode. It is possible to determine.

When the patient support software confirms that the eye drops to be instilled are correctly set in the eye drop aid, it displays on-screen instructions on how to instill the eye using the eye drop aid, using illustrations, animations, etc. In particular, in order to prevent the user from mistaking the target eye (left and right) for which the eye drops are being applied, it is desirable to display an illustration of a face with the eye drop aid applied to the target eye to prevent confusion between the left and right eyes.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an eye drop instruction screen. Here, an example is shown in which a plurality of eye drops are instilled at the same time. The eye drops 1501 to be currently instilled are displayed in a large and emphasized manner along with the name of the eye drops, a photograph, etc., and information 1502 about other eye drops is displayed in a small and inconspicuous manner. Furthermore, the current number of eye drops among the eye drops to be instilled at the same time is displayed on 1503 so that the progress status can be grasped. The front face illustration 1504 is arranged in a mirror-inverted manner so that when the patient looks at the screen, the patient's own face is reflected in the mirror, so that the patient can imitate what he sees and operate it, and the left and right eyes can be adjusted. This can prevent mix-ups. Instead of the front face illustration 1504, or to overlap with the front face illustration, a video of the patient's own face captured in real time by a front camera 1508 mounted on the screen of the smartphone may be displayed. . At that time, the video is displayed so that the patient's smartphone screen is mirrored, as if it were reflected in a mirror, with the right eye on the right side of the screen and the left eye on the left side of the screen. By arranging the target eye display 1505 along with an arrow etc. on the side of the eye to which the eye is being instilled in the front face illustration 1504 or the real-time video of the patient's face, and by displaying the illustration 1506 of the eye drop aid as if it is placed on the eye to which the eye is being instilled, can clearly show at a glance which eye the eyedrop aid should be applied to. A message column 1507 displays operation instructions for the patient, current progress status, and the like.

When a patient approaches the eye drop aid, the eye drop aid is equipped with an automatic left/right eye detection function that can detect whether the eye is the left or right eye. If they do not match, a warning display or sound will be displayed to inform the user that the eye to which the eye drop aid is being applied is incorrect, or if the eye drop aid is placed in the wrong eye, the eye drop aid will automatically perform the instillation operation. You can stop. Since it is difficult to visually confirm the instructions on the screen of the mobile terminal until the eye drop aid is applied to the target eye and the eye is instilled, it is preferable to use voice guidance to guide the instructions.

When the user administers eye drops in S1407, the patient support software sends eye drop status data such as data obtained from various sensors of the eye drop aid, anterior segment images, and eye drop status evaluation results obtained by analyzing these data. receives and analyzes it, and determines whether or not the eye instillation was successful in S1408.

There are no limitations to the method of determining whether or not eye instillation has been successful, but an example is a method of determining by combining information from multiple sensors provided on the eye instillation aid and multiple images of the anterior segment in time series. For example, if there is no response from the droplet passage sensor within a certain period of time after the patient performs eyedropping, it can be determined that eyedropping has failed. On the other hand, even if there is a reaction in the dropped particle passage sensor, if it is determined from the value of the G sensor that the eye drop aid is tilted to a certain extent and the eye drop cannot reach the target eye, it can be determined that the eye drop has failed. When it is determined that the eye drops have reached the position of the target eye based on the values of the dropped particle passage sensor and the G sensor, multiple time-series anterior segment images (videos) taken by the imaging means are analyzed and the eye drops are removed. It can be determined whether the drug has been delivered to the cornea or conjunctiva. For example, if the eye drops are delivered to the target eye with the eyelids open, it is determined whether or not the eyelids are correctly opened by performing preprocessing using various image filters to identify the presence and position of the pupil and iris. It can be judged that the instillation was successful. In addition to the general filtering method that uses image processing such as contour extraction, it is also possible to use a method that uses artificial intelligence or deep learning that has learned image patterns of success and failure of eye drops to determine success or failure of eye drops. .

If it is determined that the eye instillation was successful, the process moves to S1409. If unsuccessful, the user is notified of this and the process returns to S1406.

If all the eye drops to be performed at the same time have been completed in S1409, the process moves to S1410, and the information on the eye drops performed in the flow (date and time of eye drops, instilled eye drops, eye drop status data, eye drop location, etc.) is stored. Record. If all eye drops have not been completed yet, the process returns to S1406 to instill the next eye drop. When instilling multiple eye drops in succession, the eye drops may flow out of the eye if they are injected continuously in a short period of time, and the eye drops may not be as effective as they should be. Then you can set an appropriate waiting time. Further, in order to encourage the patient to close their eyes and wait for the effect of the eye drops to be exerted, illustrations, animations, sounds, etc. may be used to guide the patient. Furthermore, illustrations, animations, or audio may be used to guide the patient to remove the eye drop container fixing attachment from the eye drop aid, close the cap, and put it away each time a single eye drop is completed. .

In S1411, the eye drop situation is evaluated based on the accumulated daily eye drop implementation information, such as whether the eye drops are being applied according to the eye drop plan, and the patient's motivation and adherence to eye drop treatment is scored and notified. Support processing is executed to maintain and improve patient adherence and motivate patients to continue treatment, by providing advice and displaying messages to improve patient adherence, and providing information about the disease being treated and eye drop treatment.

Furthermore, in the case of a patient support system via a network system, it is also possible to notify registered supporters such as family members and caregivers that eye drops have been administered. The notification method is to install a dedicated patient support software app on the supporter's mobile device, and then automatically notify the patient that the eye drops have been administered from the patient's mobile device through the message function built into the dedicated app. It is also possible to notify using a registered SNS. Supporters who receive the notification can reply with a message.

You may also incorporate elements of gamification to motivate you to improve your score. There are no limitations on the method as long as it is a method that motivates score improvement that leads to continued treatment. For example, by linking the score to the growth and condition of characters such as animals and plants, you can look forward to seeing positive changes such as characters growing, becoming more energetic, and becoming happy if you continue to use eye drops properly. This will lead to motivation to continue eye drop treatment. On the other hand, if the score decreases and the plants wither and lose their vitality, the character will be motivated to restart the eye drop treatment in order to raise the score and revive the character. Alternatively, the game may be made to progress each time the score increases. For example, if the score or the number of days the eye drops meet the criteria, the game can proceed to the next stage, or items that can be used in the game can be obtained. Furthermore, it may be possible to share the progress of the game, information on acquired items, etc. with registered supporters, family members, friends, etc. Furthermore, scores and accumulated points may be exchanged for real-world goods and services. The content of the adherence analysis support process executed is recorded and can be used to analyze the relationship between the process content and subsequent changes in patient behavior, and to determine a more effective support process method. It is possible.

In S1412, it is automatically determined whether all eye drops scheduled for today have been completed, and if completed, the process ends, and if not completed, the process waits until the next eye drop time.

(10) Functions and operations of patient support software other than during eye instillation Adherence analysis support processing is executed not only at the time of eye instillation as shown in Figure 19, but also at various timings, and is used to maintain and improve patient adherence and continue treatment on a daily basis. Provide motivational support.

An example of a support method is to provide messages of encouragement. FIG. 20 is an example of an encouragement message display screen. A score 1601, a message of encouragement 1602, etc. are displayed on the screen. The content of the message can be determined depending on the score, eye drop status, visit status, etc., and it is desirable to use positive expressions as much as possible. In addition to text and voice messages, it is also possible to create a more friendly atmosphere by having the characters speak with facial expressions that match the content of the message, as in 1603. In addition, we provide knowledge and information about the target disease that is effective in maintaining and improving adherence, such as 1604, based on the patient's score, eye drop status, visit status, and time elapsed since the start of treatment, allowing the patient to tap a button, etc. After opening the content (detailed content) and confirming it, points may be given to increase the score. The contents of 1604 also include the patient's history of eye drops, changes in test results such as intraocular pressure, treatment plans, etc., so that the patient understands his or her condition, characteristics of the disease, goals, etc., maintains and improves adherence, and motivates continued treatment. The content is not limited as long as it leads to the attachment.

As for the message notification timing, a more effective timing may be determined based on the patient's reaction history to past messages. For example, the time and place where the probability of tapping 1604 and confirming the content is highest may be analyzed from past reaction history. Regarding the content 1602 of the encouragement message, it is possible to generate an effective message that leads to positive behavior change toward eye drop treatment based on past reaction history and the like.

In addition to checking the detailed content, points are awarded when applying eye drops, visiting the hospital, and receiving medicine to increase your score. The size of points may be changed depending on the degree of importance and effect. Furthermore, if it is determined that adherence is decreasing or the desire to continue eye drop treatment is decreasing, the score may be decreased. Deterioration in adherence and motivation can be determined based on factors such as a decrease in the rate of instillation, failure to adhere to the instillation time, and delays in visiting the clinic.

As the appointment date and time approaches, a message will be displayed informing you of the appointment date and time, the name of the hospital, the doctor in charge, etc., to prevent you from forgetting to come to the hospital. Visit appointment dates and times can be set by scanning a QR code containing the medical appointment issued by special software running on the in-hospital terminal at the time of the previous visit, using the camera of the patient's mobile terminal or the camera of the eye drop aid; There are two methods: direct registration from dedicated software running on the terminal and registration on a fixed server over the Internet, and direct input by the user using the input function of patient support software.

The date when the eye drops will run out is estimated based on the eye drop capacity, the number of prescribed eye drops, and the history of eye drops in the eye drop information.If the estimated date approaches and the scheduled visit date has not been set, the estimated date will be used. A message may be displayed to encourage patients to visit the hospital. At the same time, a function for setting a scheduled visit date or a function for making a reservation for a visit via the Internet may be operated.

The patient support software on the patient's mobile device allows you to check the eye condition at any time, test results such as tonometer and visual field test, score status, remaining amount of eye drops, eye drop information, visit appointment date, detailed content about target diseases and eye drops, past information, etc. It is possible to view the exchange of messages.

Various test results can be displayed in graphs and tables in an easy-to-understand manner, along with eye drop status, score trends, and events such as hospital visits and changes in eye drops. FIG. 21 is an example of a graph showing the relationship between test results, scores, and various events. In this example, in order from the top, the visual field sensitivity obtained by the visual field test 1701, the intraocular pressure value measured by the tonometer 1702, the score trend obtained by the patient support software 1703, the date of visit, the start of eye drops, the change of eye drops, etc. Events 1704 are displayed in chronological order. Regarding visual field sensitivity, by displaying an approximate straight line (dotted chain line 1705 in this example) of multiple measured values in a given period together with each data value, it shows the degree of sensitivity decrease in that period, and changes in the degree of sensitivity decrease in each period. are displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. Regarding the intraocular pressure value, the set target intraocular pressure is displayed on the graph (horizontal dotted line 1706 at the bottom) to clarify the treatment goal. The score may be expressed by the height and color of the bar graph 1707 to indicate adherence and motivation to continue treatment. If you tap the data on the graph, you may be taken to a screen where you can check detailed data.

From the graph of this example, it can be seen that once the eye drop treatment was started, the intraocular pressure decreased to some extent and the progression of the visual field was suppressed compared to before the eye drops, but the target intraocular pressure was not reached. If the eye drops are changed on the second visit after starting the eye drops, and the eye drop treatment is continued correctly (as judged by the continued high score), the target intraocular pressure will be reached and visual field progress will be observed in the test at the next visit. It can be seen that it is further suppressed. After that, if the score decreases, it becomes clear that the intraocular pressure has increased. By checking this graph, patients can understand the effects and goals of eye drop treatment, as well as the significance of continuing it, and it can further motivate them to maintain and improve adherence and continue treatment. In addition, the patient support software automatically issues an alert and notifies the patient and support staff if the patient continues to forget to use eye drops, or if test values such as intraocular pressure worsen, and provide advice and treatment for eye drops. It is possible to deliver messages that motivate people to continue. Additionally, an in-hospital terminal device will also issue an alert, allowing the doctor in charge to remotely support the patient.

Additionally, patients can record comments at any time. Comments include questions and concerns about symptoms, side effects, diseases, and eye drops. By sharing these comments with medical professionals such as doctors and pharmacists, they can become a resource for receiving accurate advice the next time you visit a hospital. Additionally, the patient support system will be able to analyze the content of comments and automatically provide necessary knowledge and information.

These functions allow the patient support software to be close to the patient on a daily basis, support the continuation of eye drop treatment, and help maintain and improve adherence.

(11) Operation of dedicated software executed on in-hospital terminal devices Dedicated software executed on in-hospital terminal devices is used by medical professionals such as doctors and pharmacists not only when patients visit the hospital, but also on a daily basis when they are with patients. It works to support the continuation of eye drop treatment.

Here, an example of the behavior when visiting the hospital will be explained. After the patient visits the hospital and is interviewed, various necessary tests (refraction test, visual acuity test, intraocular pressure measurement, visual field test, ophthalmoscopy, etc.) are conducted, followed by an examination by a doctor. When a doctor specifies a target patient in the examination room, the dedicated software reads the patient's daily eye drop status and score from a fixed server, and displays various data, allowing the doctor to understand the patient's daily eye drop treatment status. It becomes possible. In addition, the test results of the day are recorded on the fixed server, and the latest test results can be viewed from the patient's mobile terminal or the supporter's mobile terminal. In addition, as in FIG. 21, it is also possible to display the relationship in an easy-to-understand manner in a graph or table along with the eye drop status, score changes, and events such as visits to the hospital and changes in eye drops.

Based on the patient data displayed on the dedicated software, the doctor can give advice to the patient or change the eye drops or eye drop schedule as necessary. In addition, basic information about the eye drops to be prescribed (eye drop name, target eye (right eye, left eye, both eyes), number of drops per day, number of drops per day, duration of eye drops (time of day), prescription date, etc.) ) can be set and recorded on a fixed server.

Additionally, make a reservation for your next visit and record it on the fixed server.

Finally, visit points are automatically awarded and delivered to the patient's mobile device along with a message. Messages can be automatically generated by patient support software based on daily eye drops and test results, the doctor can select from multiple automatically generated comments, or the doctor can input them directly. The message can also be automatically delivered to set supporters. Delivered messages are recorded on a fixed server and can be checked at any time from a patient's mobile device.

The basic eye drop information can also be set from dedicated software running on a terminal device at the pharmacy and recorded on a fixed server. It is also possible to read the QR code for electronic medicine notebook registration issued by the pharmacy with a camera mounted on a patient's mobile terminal and record it on a fixed server via patient support software. If dedicated software is running on a pharmacy's terminal device and the pharmacist is registered as the responsible pharmacy, the pharmacist can view data such as the patient's eye drop status, and can provide various advice based on that data.

Medical professionals such as doctors and pharmacists not only receive information when a patient visits the hospital, but also receive measurement results such as the patient's daily eye drop status and intraocular pressure that are recorded on a fixed server via dedicated software running on a terminal device. It is possible to check at any time. Furthermore, it is possible for a medical worker to send a message to the patient's portable terminal if necessary. Furthermore, if there is an abnormality in the patient's eye drop score or intraocular pressure measurements, the dedicated software can automatically issue an alert and notify the doctor. With these functions, medical professionals can monitor the status of a patient's eye drop treatment even when the patient is not in the hospital, and can accurately support the maintenance and improvement of patient adherence and continuation of treatment. It becomes possible to support the patient to prevent the deterioration of the condition.

(12) Operation of dedicated software executed on the supporter's mobile terminal The dedicated software executed on the supporter's mobile terminal allows supporters such as family members and caregivers to monitor the continuation status of the patient's eye drop treatment on a daily basis. By deepening their understanding of the disease that the patient is suffering from, the support person works to stay close to the patient and provide support so that the eye drop treatment can be continued.

Supporters can check the patient's daily eye drop status and test results such as intraocular pressure recorded on the fixed server at any time via dedicated software running on the terminal device. Furthermore, messages can be exchanged between the patient and the support person as needed.

Furthermore, it is also possible to receive notifications delivered by the patient support software to the supporter's mobile terminal for each event such as when the patient performs daily eye drops or visits the hospital. It is also possible to view knowledge and information regarding the target disease.
These functions enable supporters to grasp the status of a patient's eye drop treatment and accurately support the maintenance and improvement of patient adherence and continuation of treatment.

The patient support system uses healthcare information accumulated on patient mobile devices (activity information such as walking/running distance and number of steps, calories burned, sleep information, physical measurement data such as weight, height, BMI, blood pressure and heart rate).・Utilizing data measured by other devices (such as blood sugar levels), etc., and analyzing the status of the eye drops and various test results, we can analyze the causal relationship between the progress of the target disease and various data, and determine the target disease. Processing that provides suggestions for lifestyle habits that are effective in suppressing the progression of eye disease, maintaining and improving adherence, and providing motivation for continuing eye drop treatment may be performed. In addition, we will build big data by accumulating multiple patients' eye drop conditions, various test results, and healthcare information on a fixed server, and use artificial intelligence and deep learning technology to utilize this data to create even more accurate progression prevention methods. It is also possible to construct and execute processes that will help clarify the issue, maintain and improve adherence, and motivate continued treatment. Furthermore, patient healthcare information such as blood pressure values and activity information can be displayed simultaneously with test results such as intraocular pressure and visual field, scores, and events on the graph in Figure 21, allowing patients to view the graphs and events themselves. By checking the data, you can use it to improve your lifestyle habits. Furthermore, it is also possible to give advice on lifestyle habits that are considered effective by checking with a doctor.

The patient support system registers medication information (such as drug name, dosing time, dosage, etc.) for not only eye drops but also other oral medications, patches, and supplements to improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It may also be equipped with functions that display messages to prevent forgetting, record medication history, analyze medication status, and encourage patients to maintain and improve adherence and motivate them to continue treatment. In addition, it is possible to simultaneously display the medication status and scores of medications and supplements other than eye drops on the graph in Figure 21, allowing patients to check the graph and data themselves to determine whether they are taking eye drops or other medications or supplements. This data can be used to help physicians understand the relationship between patients and their patients, and to help physicians analyze this data to determine treatment plans and provide advice to patients.

As described above, the second embodiment is a patient support system for the eyedropper installed in a patient's home or nursing care facility, and includes communication means provided in the eyedropper aid 100 similar to the first embodiment described above. The external device that communicates provides treatment support such as registered patient's eye instillation date and time, notification of eye instillation schedule, tracking and history of eye instillation actions, and cautions against deviations from the patient's treatment plan, as well as from stored data and eye instillation history. Evaluations of the patient's eye drop status and willingness to participate in treatment can be quantified and provided on the display screen of an external device or through audio.

In addition, the external device that is communicatively connected to the eye drop aid 100 is connected to a fixed server on the Internet, a cloud system, and other Internet terminals, and the numerical data and image data stored in the external device are transferred to the fixed server on the Internet. The results are saved in a cloud system and analyzed, and the analysis results, eye drop treatment history, eye drop status, and evaluation score of the patient's desire for treatment are shared on external devices and other Internet terminals, allowing patients to receive treatment together with their doctors, caregivers, etc. Try to improve your grades. That is, the patient's eye drop condition can be detected and evaluated, and the data can be shared between the doctor and the patient, thereby improving the patient's adherence.

In addition, the instructions and information conveyed to the patient by software installed in the external device include information on eye drop times, reminders to forget to use eye drops, daily eye drop/medication schedule, eye drop history, consultation instructions, and past data at medical institutions. information, history, medical information, etc. In addition, to motivate patients to continue treatment, the system evaluates and displays the patient's condition and motivation by scoring and displaying the condition and motivation of the patient based on the condition of the eye drops, the continuity of the eye drops, data from medical institutions, data linked with other diagnostic devices, etc. Furthermore, it displays advice and visual incentives to improve the patient's score, increasing the patient's desire to continue treatment.

Furthermore, by connecting to external devices such as smartphones, personal computers, and tablet PCs using external communication means and sharing and analyzing patient data, medical institutions, patients, and patient supporters can monitor the patient's condition and continue the patient's treatment. It is possible to build a home monitoring system that can support patients by confirming their situation and intentions. Furthermore, the software installed in the external device supports the patient's daily treatment activities such as eye drops and medication, and also provides appropriate advice and encouragement to improve the patient's desire to continue treatment, depending on the patient's participation in treatment. I can do it.

In other words, the home monitoring system according to Embodiment 2 uses patient data, medication history, drug types and information, doctor's instructions, appointment reservations, estimates future disease trends using the AI system, and improves motivation to continue treatment. A support system can be built to support patients by providing them with regular advice and encouragement.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without changing the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in order to achieve the object of the present invention, the present invention is implemented as a method that includes steps of characteristic configuration means included in a home monitoring system and a patient support system, or as a program that includes those characteristic steps. You can also. The program can not only be stored in a ROM or the like, but can also be distributed via a recording medium such as a USB memory or a communication network.

1 Eye dropper 100 Eye drop aid 101 Air fan 102 Air chamber 103 Inflow control valve 104 Air duct 104a Inflow port 104b Exhaust port 104c Liquid introduction hole 104d Eyepiece port 105 Eye drop container fixing attachment 106 Eye drop container 106a Drug solution dripping port 107 Trigger arm 107a ,605 Pressing rod (eye drop container pressing mechanism)
108 Pressure point adjustment arm 109 Grip (operation means)
302 Side support guide (support guide)
303 Rear support guide (support guide)
303a plunger (second pressing means)
305 Set plate 309 Pressing plunger (first pressing means)
310 Double nut (first pressing means)
310a Before nut (first pressing means)
310b After nut (first pressing means)
311 Slit (first pressing means)
312 Set guide groove 501 Trigger arm rotation axis 606 Solenoid (electric drive means)
801 Spring check valve (inflow control valve)
1003 Reflective optical sensor (left and right eye detection means)
1801a Air fan control unit (air fan control means)
S1 open space

Claims

An eye drop aid for administering a medical solution in an eye drop container to a patient's eye,
air fan and
an air chamber serving as an air chamber for the air flow discharged from the air fan;
a cylindrical air duct communicating with the air chamber;
an eye drop container fixing attachment on which the eye drop container is replaceably attached and fixed to the upper wall of the air duct in a horizontal state with the nozzle of the eye drop container facing downward;
an eye drop container pressing mechanism that presses a predetermined position on a side surface of the eye drop container attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment;
a trigger arm that controls the operation of the eye drop container pressing mechanism,
One end side of the opening of the cylindrical air duct serves as an inlet through which the air flow discharged from the air fan flows through the air chamber, while the other end side of the opening serves as an inlet where the patient's eyelids come into contact. Becomes a mouth,
A liquid medicine introduction hole is formed in the upper wall of the air duct for introducing into the air duct the liquid drops dropped from the nozzle of the eye drop container attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment. Eye drop aid.
The eye drop aid further includes:
A claim further comprising an operating means for operating the air duct in a horizontal state or in an inclined state in which the eyepiece port is higher than the inlet port when the patient administers the drug in the eye drop container. The eye drop aid according to 1.
The eye drop aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one airflow exhaust port is formed in a side wall of the air duct near the eyepiece port.
The eye drop aid further includes:
When the opening height of the air duct is 10 mm or more and 25 mm or less, and the horizontal distance from the drug solution dripping port of the eye drop container to the eyepiece port is 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less, the drug solution can be dripped from the drug solution dripping port of the eye drop container into the air duct. Calculate the relative flow velocity of the air flow in the air duct with respect to the chemical droplet, which is necessary to move the chemical droplet in the horizontal direction, using the following (Equation 1), and based on the obtained relative flow velocity, The eye drop aid according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an air fan control means for controlling the air fan so that the flow velocity in the air duct is 10 m/sec or more and 40 m/sec or less.
[Number 1]
Here, U: Relative velocity between the flow rate of the air flow in the air duct and the dropped droplet of the drug solution, L: Horizontal distance from the droplet of the eye drop container to the center (cornea) of the air duct eyepiece, H: Opening height of the air duct , m: mass of the droplet of the chemical solution, ρ: density of air, d: diameter of the droplet of the drug solution
The eye drop container fixing attachment is
a set plate on which the eye drop container can be attached facing downward;
A pressing position adjustment mechanism that adjusts the pressing position of the eye drop container,
A support guide that presses and supports a side surface of the eye drop container is disposed on the inner surface of the set plate,
The lower end of the set plate is removably fitted into a set guide groove formed on the outer wall of the air duct,
The eye drop aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an open space is provided in a lower region of the set plate to allow the cap of the eye drop container to be opened and closed when the eye drop container is attached. Ingredients.
The eye drop container pressing mechanism is
a trigger arm rotation axis that is a rotation axis of the trigger arm;
Claim 1, further comprising: a pressing rod connected to the trigger arm and acting in a direction to press the eye drop container from the side via the trigger arm rotation axis when the trigger arm is pulled. Or the eye drop aid described in 2.
The eye drop container pressing mechanism is
an electric drive means that is electrically driven in conjunction with the trigger arm;
The eye drop aid according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pressing rod that acts in a direction to press the eye drop container from the side using the electric drive means when the trigger arm is pulled.
The eye drop aid further includes:
an air flow inflow control valve disposed near the inlet of the air duct;
a valve driving mechanism that opens the inflow control valve when the eye drop container pressing mechanism interlocked with the trigger arm reaches a maximum pressing position of a pressing range, and closes the inflow control valve when the trigger arm is released; The eye drop aid according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an eye drop aid according to claim 1;
The eye drop aid according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a communication means capable of transmitting data to an external terminal via a wired/wireless network.
An eye drop aid for administering a medical solution in an eye drop container to a patient's eye,
air fan and
a cylindrical air duct that communicates with the air fan and allows airflow discharged from the air fan to flow;
an eye drop container fixing attachment on which the eye drop container is replaceably attached and fixed to the upper wall of the air duct in a horizontal state with the nozzle of the eye drop container facing downward;
an eye drop container pressing mechanism that presses a predetermined position on a side surface of the eye drop container attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment;
a trigger arm that controls the operation of the eye drop container pressing mechanism,
One end side of the opening of the cylindrical air duct serves as an inlet into which the air flow discharged from the air fan flows, while the other end side of the opening serves as an eyepiece port against which the patient's eyelid periphery comes into contact;
A liquid medicine introduction hole is formed in the upper wall of the air duct for introducing into the air duct the liquid drops dropped from the nozzle of the eye drop container attached to the eye drop container fixing attachment. Eye drop aid.
An eyedropper comprising the eyedropper aid according to claim 1 or claim 10 and an eyedropper container.