U.S. patent application number 12/415168 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-07 for medication blister pack with embedded user interface.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANASONIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Takako Aparicio, Bernard Burg, Kristen Ingalz, Ira Nydick, Patrick Suel, Shinichi Takarada, Masaaki Yamashita.
Application Number | 20100000899 12/415168 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41463522 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100000899 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burg; Bernard ; et
al. |
January 7, 2010 |
MEDICATION BLISTER PACK WITH EMBEDDED USER INTERFACE
Abstract
A personal medication package is provided with an embedded user
interface. The medication package includes an array of storage
compartments for storing medication as well as visual indicia that
is integrated into the medication package. The visual indicia are
formed from color changing ink that is deposited onto the
medication package. Consequently, the medication package can be
manufactured and disposed of in an ecologically friendly
manner.
Inventors: |
Burg; Bernard; (Menlo Park,
CA) ; Nydick; Ira; (San Jose, CA) ; Suel;
Patrick; (San Jose, CA) ; Ingalz; Kristen;
(San Jose, CA) ; Aparicio; Takako; (San Jose,
CA) ; Yamashita; Masaaki; (Cupertino, CA) ;
Takarada; Shinichi; (San Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREGORY A. STOBBS
5445 CORPORATE DRIVE, SUITE 400
TROY
MI
48098
US
|
Assignee: |
PANASONIC CORPORATION
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
41463522 |
Appl. No.: |
12/415168 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61078713 |
Jul 7, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.1 ;
206/531; 206/534 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 7/0436 20150501;
A61J 2205/20 20130101; A61J 7/0409 20130101; B65D 83/0463
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.1 ;
206/531; 206/534 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/04 20060101
B65D083/04; B65D 51/24 20060101 B65D051/24 |
Claims
1. A personal medication dispensing apparatus comprising: a
disposable medication package having an array of storage
compartments that store medication therein; visual indicia disposed
proximate select storage compartments in the array of storage
compartments, where the visual indicia is formed from a color
changing ink deposited onto the medication package; and a
controlling device that detachably couples to the medication
package and operates to activate one or more of the visual
indicators.
2. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the visual indicia is further defined as a plurality of visual
indicators, where one visual indicator is associated with each
storage compartment.
3. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the visual indicia is further defined as instructions associated
with articles contained in the storage compartments.
4. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the medication package is comprised of a transparent hosting sheet
having the array of storage compartments formed therein and a
sealing layer secured to the hosting sheet in a manner that
encloses the storage compartments.
5. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 4 wherein
the color changing ink is deposited onto an inward facing surface
of the sealing layer.
6. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the color changing ink is further defined as thermochromic ink.
7. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 further
comprises an activation circuit electrically coupled between each
of the visual indicia and the controlling device, where the
activation circuit is formed from a conductive ink deposited onto
the medication package and the color changing ink is deposited onto
portions of the conductive ink.
8. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 7 wherein
the activation circuit is configured to detect removal of articles
from the array of storage compartments
9. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 further
comprises a sensing mechanism integrated into the medication
package and operable to detect removal of articles from one or more
of the storage compartments.
10. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the controlling device includes a microcontroller, an external
communication interface and a power source integrated therein.
11. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the controlling device does not include a user interface but is
configured to communicate via a wireless transceiver to a device
having a user interface.
12. A personal medication dispensing apparatus comprising: a
blister pack formed from a hosting sheet made of a transparent
material with a plurality of pockets formed therein and a sealing
layer that encloses the plurality of pockets; and a visual
indicator associated with each of the pockets, each visual
indicator is comprised of color changing ink deposited onto an
inward facing surface of the sealing layer.
13. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12
wherein the color changing ink for each visual indicator is formed
in the shape of a circle that is concentric with its associated
pocket.
14. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12
further comprises an activation circuit that integrates into the
blister pack and operates to change state of the color changing
ink.
15. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 14
wherein the activation circuit is formed from a conductive ink
deposited onto the sealing layer and the color changing ink for
each visual indicator is deposited onto portions of the conductive
ink underneath the associated pocket.
16. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12
further comprises an activation circuit that integrates into the
blister pack and is configured to selectively weaken the sealing
layer adjacent to each pocket.
17. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12
further comprises a microcontroller and a power source embedded
into the blister pack.
18. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12
further comprises a wireless transceiver embedded in the blister
pack.
19. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12
further comprises a housing adapted to receive the blister pack,
where the housing includes a microcontroller, an external
communication interface, and a power source.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/078,713, filed on Jul. 7, 2008. The entire
disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to medication dispensing and,
more particularly, to a medication blister pack having an embedded
user interface.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Medication compliance is a serious problem, especially in
the elderly. Twenty percent of all prescriptions that are written
are never filled and up to sixty percent of all medication
prescribed is taken incorrectly or not at all. Solutions aimed at
improving medication compliance are needed.
[0004] Blister packs are a type of pre-formed plastic packaging
commonly used for distributing small consumer goods, including
medication. Blister packs provide a cheaper but less robust
alternative for distributing medication than other types of
personal medication dispensing devices. In particular, blister
packs fail to provide the necessary user interface need to address
compliance concerns. Applicant proposes an improved medication
blister pack with an embedded user interface that alleviates some
of these concerns. This section provides background information
related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior
art.
SUMMARY
[0005] A personal medication package is provided with an embedded
user interface. The medication package includes an array of storage
compartments for storing medication as well as visual indicia that
is integrated into the medication package. The visual indicia are
formed from color changing ink that is deposited onto the
medication package. Consequently, the medication package can be
manufactured and disposed of in an ecologically friendly
manner.
[0006] The medication package may detachably couple to a
controlling device to form a personal medication dispensing
apparatus device. The controlling device is comprised of a
microcontroller, an internal power source and an external
communication interface but does not necessarily include a display.
Rather, simple and effective user interface functions are achieved
using the embedded interface of the enhanced medication package. To
provide more robust functionality, the personal medication
dispensing apparatus may be configured to interface autonomously
with a cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) or another type
of portable consumer device.
[0007] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary disposable medication package
(or blister pack) for distributing medication;
[0009] FIGS. 2 and 3 depicts the disposable medication package that
detachably couples to an exemplary controlling device to form a
personal medication dispenser;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional side view of the
disposable medication package;
[0011] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate how the disposable medication
package may be configured to provide instructions for taking
medications;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram depicting the personal
medication dispenser;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram depicting an alternative
embodiment of the personal medication dispenser; and
[0014] FIG. 9 depicts the personal medication dispenser interfacing
with a cell phone.
[0015] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary disposable medication
package 12 or blister pack for distributing medication. The
medication package 12 is comprised primarily of a hosting sheet 14
having an array of pockets 15 formed therein and a sealing layer 16
secured to the hosting sheet 14 in a manner that encloses the
pockets. Pockets may be sized to house a single pill and/or sized
to house multiple pills in single pocket. While the following
description is provided with reference to a blister pack, it is
readily understood that the concepts disclosed herein are
applicable to other types of personal medication packages.
[0017] Blister packs may be manufactured using a conventional
form-fill-seal process. First, the hosting sheet is formed using
either a thermoforming or cold forming process. Medication is
placed into each of the pockets of the hosting sheet (which serve
as storage compartments) and then enclosed therein by the sealing
layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the hosting sheet is made from a
transparent plastic material; whereas, the sealing layer may be
made from paper or aluminum. Other types of materials including
those which are recyclable or disposable are also contemplated by
this disclosure.
[0018] To address compliance concerns, blister packs may be
enhanced with an embedded user interface. FIG. 4 further
illustrates an exemplary implementation for how visual indicators
may be disposed proximate to each blister 15. In this example,
color changing ink 17 is disposed directly underneath each blister
15. The color changing ink is further formed in the shape of a
circle that is concentric with the circular shape of the blister
and preferably with a larger radius than the blister. It is readily
understood that the color changing ink may take other shapes (e.g.,
triangular or rectangular) and other forms (e.g., dots, dashes,
lines, etc.). Likewise, the color changing ink may be disposed
adjacent to or otherwise proximate to the blister in a manner which
indicates an association between an indicator and an associated
blister. When activated, the indicator provides a visual cue as to
which medication in the blister pack is to be taken. Thus, the
visual indicators achieve an embedded user interface that is
intuitive to users, especially the elderly.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the color changing ink 17 may be
a thermochromic ink that is deposited onto the inward facing side
of the sealing layer 16. Thermochromic ink is sensitive to
temperature change. For example, when subject to a temperature
change of about 5 degrees F., a thermochromic ink may change from a
clear state to a specific color, such as blue, or conversely from a
specific color to a clear state. It is envisioned that photochromic
ink and other types of color changing inks may be used in place of
thermochromic ink. Since the blister pack can be implemented using
paper and ink, it can be manufactured and disposed of in an
ecologically friendly manner. This approach provides a distinct
advantage over solutions which include batteries, processors,
etc.
[0020] Visual indicators are activated by a controlling device 20
that detachably couples to the blister pack 12 to form a personal
medication dispenser 10 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. More
specifically, an activation circuit is electrically coupled between
each of the visual indicators and a controller residing in the
controlling device as further described below. The blister pack 12
may couple to the controlling device 20 using various types of
connector designs as are readily found in the art.
[0021] Returning to FIG. 4, the activation circuit may take the
form of a conductive ink 19 deposited onto the medication package.
In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive ink 19 is deposited
directly onto the inward facing side of the sealing layer 16 and
the color changing ink 17 is overlayed onto portions of the
conductive ink 19. When current passes through the thin layer of
conductive ink, resistance in the ink creates heat. The heat from
the conductive ink causes the thermochromic ink to change
state.
[0022] A similar approach may be used to provide messages along
with a visual cue for taking a medication. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate
exemplary implementations. In FIG. 5, a visual cue is provided for
taking Medication A as indicated by visual indicator 52.
Concurrently therewith, an instruction for how to take Medication A
may also be displayed to the user as indicated at 54. In FIG. 6, a
visual cue is provided at 62 for taking Medication B. In this
instance, Medication B is different from Medication A and thus a
different instruction is provided at 64 for taking this medication.
In either instance, the instructions may be generated using color
changing ink in the manner described above. It is contemplated that
the same instruction may be given for more than one type of
medication contained in the blister pack or that different
instructions may be given (either concurrently or at differing
times) for a single type of medication. Likewise, it is readily
understood that other types of messages such as warnings or legal
notices may be provided in this manner.
[0023] FIG. 7 depicts a schematic for an exemplary activation
circuit 70 in the context of the personal medication dispenser 10.
The activation circuit 70 includes a parallel circuit path 71 for
each of the blisters and its corresponding visual indicator. Each
circuit path originates from a different terminal of a
microprocessor 22 embedded in the controlling device 20 and passes
underneath the color changing ink that forms a visual indicator in
the medication package 12. Each circuit path is completed using a
common return path 73 to the microprocessor 22. In operation, the
microprocessor 22 outputs a current through one or more of the
circuit paths, thereby activating the visual indicator associated
with the selected circuit paths. Other circuit arrangements,
including circuit paths having more than one visual indicator, are
contemplated by this disclosure.
[0024] The activation circuit may optionally be configured to
weaken the sealing layer adjacent to a blister of interest. In this
arrangement, conductive ink is also deposited directly onto the
inward facing side of the sealing layer and disposed directly
underneath or along the edges of each blister (as indicated at 74).
When current passes through the conductive ink, heat generated from
the ink warms the base of the blister and weakens the sealing
layer. This enables pills to be more easily removed from the
blisters of interest. This function may require more heat than is
needed to change the state of the color changing ink. To increase
resistance, the conductive ink may be configured in a serpentine,
zig-zag, or spiral shape as indicated at 75. It is also envisioned
that this function may be implemented using a circuit that is
separate and independent from the circuit used to activate the
visual indicators.
[0025] Blister packs may also be embedded with a sensing mechanism
for detecting when medication has been removed from a blister. To
sense the removal of the medication, a sensing circuit is
positioned proximate to each blister such that removal of a pill
from a blister causes a change in a sensed circuit parameter. In an
exemplary embodiment, the sensing circuit is formed by a conductive
ink deposited on the sealing layer of the medication package in the
manner described above. The conductive ink forms a circuit path
that passes underneath each blister. When a pill is removed, the
sealing layer is ruptured and the circuit path is broken. The
sensing circuit may include a separate parallel circuit path
between each blister and the microprocessor. By periodically
checking connectivity of each circuit path, the microcontroller can
determine when a disbursement has occurred. Further details
regarding suitable sensing circuits may be found in U.S. Pat. No.
5,412,372 which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0026] In a preferred implementation, the activation circuit for
the visual indicators also serves as the sensing circuit. To check
connectivity, the microcontroller injects a relatively short pulse
of current in each circuit path. The current pulses are of
sufficient duration to determine connectivity but not long enough
to change the state of (heat) the color changing ink which forms
the visual indicators. It is also contemplated that the activation
circuit and the sensing circuit may be independent from each
other.
[0027] With continued reference to FIG. 7, the enhanced blister
packs 12 described above may be interfaced with different types of
controlling devices 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the controlling
device 20 is equipped with a microprocessor 22, a memory 24, an
internal power source (i.e., battery) 26 and an external
communication interface 28. A microcontroller may be substituted
for the microprocessor 22 and memory 24. The external communication
interface 28 may be a passive interface, such as serial port or a
USB port, or an active interface, such as a Bluetooth compatible
transceiver device. The controlling device 20 may also be equipped
with a display, a keypad, or other user interface components.
However, it is not necessary that the controlling device include
these components since the blister pack provides an embedded user
interface.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment, at least some of these
controlling components may be integrated into the blister pack 12
as shown in FIG. 8. For example, the blister pack 12 is embedded
with a very small microprocessor 22' and a battery 26'. To improve
the disposable nature of the pack, the battery may be implemented
using eco-friendly printable battery technology. This arrangement
supports the basic dispensing functions described below and enables
the blister pack to function autonomously without the need for a
controlling device. The blister pack may also be embedded with an
external communication interface 28'. In this way, more robust and
processor intensive functions may be handled cooperatively with
another computing device interfaced via the external communication
interface with the blister pack.
[0029] In either embodiment, various medication compliance
functions can be provided by software (computer executable
instructions) embedded into the controlling components of the
personal medication dispenser 10. For instance, a medication
dispensing schedule may be downloaded via the external
communication interface onto the medication dispenser 10. Visual
indicators on the blister pack can then be activated in accordance
with the medication dispensing schedule. The visual cues provide an
indication as to which medications in blister pack are to be taken
as well as the appropriate timing for taking the medication.
[0030] Once a medication is removed from the blister pack, this
event may be detected and recorded in a local memory device. Actual
dispersal times can be compared to scheduled times and, if
appropriate, the remaining medication dispensing schedule can be
adjusted to account for deviations from the schedule. Subsequently,
compliance data can be exported via the external communication
interface from the controlling device and/or blister pack and
reported to appropriate medical personnel. Various other medication
compliance functions may also be supported and/or implemented by
the personal medication dispenser 10. In an exemplary embodiment,
the medication compliance functions may be provided by the Wellness
Diary software available from Nokia but other application software
(including custom developed software) also falls within the scope
of this disclosure.
[0031] In a preferred implementation, the controlling device 20 of
the personal medication dispenser 10 is configured to interface
autonomously with a cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) or
another type of personal portable consumer device 80 as shown in
FIG. 8. In this approach, robust and processor intensive functions
may be carried out by the software residing on the portable
consumer device 80; whereas, simple functions may be handled
cooperatively or autonomously by the personal medication dispenser
10.
[0032] For example, a medication dispensing schedule may be
maintained on the portable consumer device 80. Detailed scheduling
information is displayed on the display of the portable consumer
device 80. When a medication is to be dispensed, a command is sent
from the portable consumer device 80 to the controlling device 20
of the personal medication dispenser 10. The controlling device in
response activates a visual indicator corresponding to the
medication to be taken or otherwise executes a command received
from the portable consumer device. Thus, there is no need for the
controlling device 20 to provide a display, a keypad or extensive
processing capability. Rather, simple and effective user interface
functions are achieved using the embedded interface of the enhanced
blister pack.
[0033] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the invention.
[0034] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are
skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as
examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in
many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit
the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments,
well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known
technologies are not described in detail.
[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the"
may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The
method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to
be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the
particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically
identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood
that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
* * * * *