TWI892677B - Smart medicine capsule - Google Patents

Abstract

A smart medicine capsule is provided by the present application. The smart medicine capsule is used for placing a plurality of drugs, and the smart medicine capsule includes: a blister shell body including a plurality of grooves, the grooves configured to correspondingly accommodate the drugs; a flexible sheet configured to attach to the blister shell body to seal the grooves, the flexible sheet including a plurality of sensing circuits, and the sensing circuits respectively correspond to the grooves; and a data processing device electrically connected to the sensing circuits to determine each of the sensing circuits in a closed state or in a short state.

Description

Smart Drug Capsules

The present invention relates to medical supplies, in particular to a smart drug capsule.

The current common medication collection model involves patients presenting their prescription to a pharmacy after medical treatment. The pharmacist then places the medication in a canister or bag for the patient to take home. However, this model lacks documentation or verification to allow doctors and pharmacists to verify that patients are taking their medications on time. To ensure timely medication intake, devices such as smart pill boxes have been developed in recent years to address this issue. However, smart pill boxes are expensive to manufacture and are often reused. Therefore, if not properly cleaned, residual medication in the smart pill box can lead to cross-contamination. Besides potentially reducing medication effectiveness, cross-contamination can also result in patients taking medications not specified in their prescription, potentially leading to unexpected medical problems (e.g., drug allergies).

To solve or avoid the above problems, the present invention provides a smart drug capsule that can achieve the effect of a smart medicine box.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a medical device that not only verifies whether a patient has taken medication but also records the time of medication use to monitor the patient's medication habits. Furthermore, the smart drug capsule provided by the present invention can prevent cross-contamination caused by residual medication.

To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a smart drug capsule for storing a plurality of drugs, comprising: a blister body including a plurality of grooves correspondingly accommodating the drugs; a flexible patch configured to adhere to the blister body to seal the grooves, the flexible patch having a plurality of sensing circuits, each corresponding to the grooves; and a data processing device electrically connected to the sensing circuits for determining whether each sensing circuit is in a connected state or a disconnected state.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the data processing device confirms that the medicine contained in the groove has not been removed when the sensing circuit is in the open state; and confirms that the medicine contained in the groove has been removed when the sensing circuit is in the open state.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible patch has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being opposite to the second surface, the first surface being in contact with the blister body, and the sensing circuits being disposed on the second surface.

In one embodiment of the present invention, any sensing circuit of the flexible patch includes: a first signal circuit electrically connected to the data processing device; a first electrode electrically connected to the first signal circuit; a connecting circuit electrically connected to the first electrode; a second electrode electrically connected to the connecting circuit; and a second signal circuit electrically connected to the second electrode, wherein the second signal circuit is electrically connected to the data processing device; wherein the first electrode, the connecting circuit, and the second electrode are located within a region of the groove corresponding to the sensing circuit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the data processing device includes: a circuit board, a slot, a Bluetooth transmission element, a battery, and a housing. The slot, the battery, and the Bluetooth transmission element are disposed on the circuit board. The slot is used to electrically connect the first signal line and the second signal line. The Bluetooth transmission element is used to transmit the open state or the disconnect state of the sensing loop. The battery provides power required by the Bluetooth transmission element and the sensing loop. The housing is used to accommodate the circuit board.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell clamps and engages the blister body and the flexible patch to prevent the blister body and the flexible patch from separating from the data processing device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible patch is made of a flexible material.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible material is paper.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the smart drug capsule further comprises: a wireless transmission device detachably connected to the outer shell, the wireless transmission device being used to transmit data from the Bluetooth transmission element.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing has at least one sliding rail, and the housing is detachably connected to the wireless transmission device via the sliding rail.

As described above, a pharmacist places medication in a recess in the blister body, then attaches a flexible patch to the blister body to seal the medication within the recess. A data processing device clamps and snaps the blister body and flexible patch together, electrically connecting the flexible patch's sensing circuit. When a patient removes medication from any recess, they puncture the flexible patch and the corresponding sensing circuit, causing the sensing circuit to become disconnected. The smart drug capsule provided by the present invention determines whether medication has been taken by detecting whether the sensing circuit is open or disconnected, thereby confirming when and if the patient has taken the medication. Furthermore, the disposable flexible patch and blister body not only avoid cross-contamination caused by residual medication, but also achieves the efficacy of prior technologies (such as smart medicine boxes) at a lower cost.

100: Smart Medicine Capsules

110: Bubble Shell Body

112: Groove

120: Flexible patch

120a: First surface

120b: Second surface

122: Sensing loop

1221: First signal line

1222: First electrode

1223: Connection line

1224: Second electrode

1225: Second signal line

124: Plug-in area

130: Data processing device

131: Circuit board

132: Slot

133: Bluetooth transmission component

134:Battery

135: Shell

135a: Lower housing

135b: Upper shell

136: Positioning column

137: Folding

1352: Slide Rail

140: Wireless transmission device

150: Positioning hole

A: Area

Figure 1 is a front view of a smart drug capsule according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the back side of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a bubble shell body in an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a second surface of a flexible patch in an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a circuit board according to the embodiment of Figure 5.

In order to make the above and other purposes, features, and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the following will specifically cite preferred embodiments of the present invention and provide a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Please refer to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is a front view of a smart drug capsule according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a back view of the embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic view of a blister body according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic view of a second surface of a flexible patch according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic view of a circuit board according to the embodiment of Figure 5. This embodiment provides a smart drug capsule 100 for storing a plurality of drugs (not shown). The capsule comprises a blister body 110, a flexible patch 120, a data processing device 130, and a wireless transmission device 140.

The blister body 110 includes a plurality of grooves 112, each of which accommodates the medication. Specifically, the blister body 110 is transparent and made of, for example, plastic or other suitable materials.

The flexible patch 120 is configured to adhere to the blister body 110 to close the recesses 112. The flexible patch 120 has a plurality of sensing circuits 122, each corresponding to the recesses 112 and converging into an insertion area 124. The flexible patch 120 has a first surface 120a and a second surface 120b. The first surface 120a is opposite to the second surface 120b. The first surface 120a adheres to the blister body 110, and the sensing circuits 122 are disposed on the second surface 120b. Each sensing circuit 122 of the flexible patch 120 includes a first signal line 1221, a first electrode 1222, a connecting line 1223, a second electrode 1224, and a second signal line 1225. The first signal line 1221 is electrically connected to the data processing device 130. The first electrode 1222 is electrically connected to the first signal line 1221. The connecting line 1223 is electrically connected to the first electrode 1222. The second electrode 1224 is electrically connected to the connecting line 1223. The second signal line 1225 is electrically connected to the second electrode 1224, and the second signal line 1225 is electrically connected to the data processing device 130. The first electrode 1222, the connecting line 1223, and the second electrode 1224 are located within an area A of the recess 112 corresponding to the sensing circuit 122. When a patient removes medication from the recess 112, the first electrode 1222, the connecting line 1223, or the second electrode 1224 is destroyed, causing the sensing circuit 122 to switch from the open state to the closed state. It should be understood that the patterns of the first electrode 1222, the connecting line 1223, and the second electrode 1224 can have different shapes or designs as needed. The flexible patch 120 is made of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the flexible material 120 is paper. In other words, the flexible patch 120 can be made of paper, and the sensing circuit 122 can be formed on the paper. This allows the patient to easily puncture the flexible patch 120 and the corresponding sensing circuit 122 to remove the medication sealed in the recess 112. In some embodiments, the flexible patch 120 can also be made of a non-conductive flexible polymer film, such as polyimide (PI) or a similar material, and the sensing circuit 122 can be formed on the flexible polymer film. Furthermore, the sensing circuits 122 can be coated with a protective coating to prevent them from being affected by environmental factors (such as moisture) and causing unexpected disconnection. In addition, a plurality of positioning holes 150 are provided on the blister body 110 and the flexible patch 120 after bonding.

The data processing device 130 is electrically connected to the sensing loops 122 to determine whether each sensing loop 122 is in a connected or disconnected state. The data processing device 130 includes a circuit board 131, a slot 132, a Bluetooth transmission element 133, a battery 134, and a housing 135. The slot 132, the battery 134, and the Bluetooth transmission element 133 are mounted on the circuit board 131. The slot 132 electrically connects the first signal line 1221 and the second signal line 1225. The Bluetooth transmission element 133 transmits the connected or disconnected state of the sensing loop 122. The battery 134 provides power to the Bluetooth transmission element 133 and the sensing loop 122. The outer shell 135 comprises a lower shell 135a and an upper shell 135b. The lower shell 135a is used to accommodate the circuit board 131. A plurality of positioning posts 136 are disposed within the lower shell 135a, and these positioning posts 136 extend through the positioning holes 150. The upper shell 135b is coupled to and fixed to the lower shell 135a. The upper shell 135a has a folding portion 137 located above the slot 132. When the insertion area 124 is inserted into the slot 132, the folding portion 137 engages the lower shell 135a, thereby clamping and fastening the blister body 110 and the flexible patch 120. In this way, the outer shell 135 clamps and fastens the blister body 110 and the flexible patch 120 to prevent them from separating from the data processing device 130. In other embodiments, the lower shell 135a and the upper shell 135b of the outer shell 135 can clamp and fasten the blister body 110 and the flexible patch 120 using hooks. Once clamped and fastened, the patient cannot open the outer shell 135 to remove the blister body 110 and the flexible patch 120 from the data processing device 130.

The wireless transmission device 140 is detachably connected to the housing 135 and is used to transmit data from the Bluetooth transmission component 133. Specifically, the wireless transmission device 140 receives data from the Bluetooth transmission component 133 and transmits the data from the Bluetooth transmission component 133 to an external device. It should be understood that the external device can be a computer, a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, or other device with a data processor. The wireless transmission device 140 and the external device can be connected and transmitted via Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wi-Fi, or other similar technologies. In addition, the wireless transmission device 140 also includes a rechargeable battery (not shown) that provides the power required by the wireless transmission device 140. The exterior of the lower housing 135a is provided with at least one slide rail 1352, and the lower housing 135a of the outer case 135 is detachably connected to the wireless transmission device 140 via the slide rail 1352. Because the wireless transmission device 140 is detachably connected to the outer case 135, it can be reused. That is, each time medication is collected, the wireless transmission device 140 can be assembled into a new data processing device 130. It can then be paired with the new data processing device 130 to facilitate data transmission. It should be understood that the detachable connection between the housing 135 and the wireless transmission device 140 may also be achieved through other mechanisms or mechanisms, such as a magnetic attraction mechanism or a snap-on mechanism.

As described above, a pharmacist places medication in a recess in the blister body, then attaches a flexible patch to the blister body to seal the medication within the recess. A data processing device clamps and snaps the blister body and flexible patch together, electrically connecting the flexible patch's sensing circuit. When a patient removes medication from any recess, they puncture the flexible patch and the corresponding sensing circuit, causing the sensing circuit to become disconnected. The smart drug capsule provided by the present invention determines whether medication has been taken by detecting whether the sensing circuit is open or disconnected, thereby confirming when and if the patient has taken the medication. Furthermore, the disposable flexible patch and blister body not only avoid cross-contamination caused by residual medication, but also achieves the efficacy of prior technologies (such as smart medicine boxes) at a lower cost.

Although the present invention has been disclosed with reference to preferred embodiments, this is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the attached patent application.

100: Smart Medicine Capsules

110: Bubble Shell Body

112: Groove

120b: Second surface

130: Data processing device

1352: Slide Rail

140: Wireless transmission device

Claims (4)

A smart drug capsule for storing multiple medications comprises: A blister body comprising a plurality of grooves corresponding to the medications; A flexible patch made of paper, configured to adhere to the blister body to seal the grooves, and having a plurality of sensing circuits, each corresponding to the grooves and converging into an insertion area; A plurality of positioning holes provided on the adhered blister body and the flexible patch; A data processing device electrically connected to the sensing circuits for determining whether each sensing circuit is in a connected or disconnected state. The data processing device comprises: A lower housing for accommodating a circuit board. The lower housing has at least one slide rail on its exterior and a plurality of positioning posts on its interior, which extend through the positioning holes. The circuit board is provided with a slot, a Bluetooth transmission element, and a battery. The slot is electrically connected to the plug-in area. The Bluetooth transmission element transmits the on/off state of the sensing circuit. The battery provides power to the Bluetooth transmission element and the sensing circuit. An upper housing, coupled to and fixed to the lower housing, has a folding portion located above the slot. When the plug-in area is inserted into the slot, the folding portion engages the lower housing to clamp and fasten the blister body and the flexible patch. A wireless transmission device is detachably connected to the at least one sliding rail. The wireless transmission device is used to transmit data from the Bluetooth transmission element. The wireless transmission device also includes a rechargeable battery that provides power required by the wireless transmission device. The smart drug capsule as described in claim 1, wherein in response to the sensing circuit being in the open state, it is confirmed that the drug contained in the groove has not been removed; and in response to the sensing circuit being in the open state, it is confirmed that the drug contained in the groove has been removed. The smart drug capsule as described in claim 1, wherein the flexible patch has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface is opposite to the second surface, the first surface is adhered to the blister body, and the sensing circuits are arranged on the second surface. The smart drug capsule of claim 1, wherein any sensing circuit of the flexible patch comprises: a first signal circuit electrically connected to the data processing device; a first electrode electrically connected to the first signal circuit; a connecting circuit electrically connected to the first electrode; a second electrode electrically connected to the connecting circuit; and a second signal circuit electrically connected to the second electrode, wherein the second signal circuit is electrically connected to the data processing device; wherein the first electrode, the connecting circuit, and the second electrode are located within a region of the recess corresponding to the sensing circuit.