DE102011010308A1 - Method for removal control of medical or pharmaceutical products from an orderly packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for removal control, which is characterized by the following steps (a) the consumer V opens a chamber K1 of the packaging (1) filled with the product N1 and removes the product N1 from the chamber K1, (b) of the consumer V creates a photo file P1 from the packaging (1) after it has been opened with a, preferably portable, camera device, (c) the photo file P1 is automatically stored in a database, (d) the consumer V opens a further chamber K2 at a later time the packaging (1) and removes the product N2 contained therein, (e) the consumer V generates a further photo file P2 from the blister pack (1) after the opening process of the chamber K2 with the camera device, (f) the photo file P2 is also automatically added stored in the database so that (g) a repeated series of operations in the database results in a continuous series of consumer-associated photo data P1, P2 ... Pn and (h) information about the removal of the product by the consumer V is generated via an automatic image analysis of the photo files P, P1 ... Pn.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for removal control of medical products, pharmaceutical products or correspondingly presented products such. As tablets, pills, dragees, suppositories, ampoules or the like from an orderly packaging by a consumer.

Technological background

In an orderly packaging, the individual products to be stored in the packaging are in an orderly system. A "typical" ordered packaging is z. B. a so-called blister pack. Here, the individual products are presented to the consumer visible in a grid. The blister pack comprises on the one hand a cardboard, plastic or aluminum foil existing rear wall to the other a plastic film molding, in which the individual chambers are formed for the individual products. Particularly in the field of pharmaceutical products blister packs are widely used. They allow the consumer at any time to have an overview of the contents of the packaging. For many pharmaceutical products, regular consumption by the consumer is essential. But also for non-pharmaceutical products, such. As homeopathic products, it depends on a regular intake to ensure efficacy.

Today, so-called electronic blisters are used for removal control. In this case, current-carrying conductor tracks are printed on the cover so that the conductor tracks lead over the Ausdrückbereiche a tablet in the blister. The electronic blister is connected to electronics arranged in a housing. As soon as a tablet is pushed out of the blister, the conductor is destroyed irreversibly. This state change is recognized by the electronics and processed or displayed in a display. Such electronic blisters are used in addition to the use in clinical research and to improve compliance.

Nearest prior art

A corresponding electronic blister DE 33 35 301 A as well as from the 10 2004 060 213 A1 known. However, this type of acquisition is associated with a very high capital expenditure.

Object of the present invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a particularly simple and cost-effective method for the removal control of products from ordered packaging available. In a further aspect, the method should also provide the opportunity to collect data for statistical purposes.

Solution of the task

The above object is achieved by the method according to claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are claimed in the subclaims.

• (a) der Verbraucher V öffnet eine mit dem Erzeugnis N1 gefüllte Kammer K1 der Verpackung und entnimmt das Erzeugnis N1 aus der Kammer K1,
• (b) der Verbraucher V erzeugt von der Verpackung nach deren Öffnungsvorgang mit einer vorzugsweise portablen Kameraeinrichtung eine Fotodatei P1,
• (c) die Fotodatei P1 wird automatisch in einer Datenbank abgespeichert,
• (d) der Verbraucher V öffnet zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt eine weitere Kammer K2 der Verpackung und entnimmt das darin enthaltene Erzeugnis N2,
• (e) der Verbraucher V erzeugt von der Blisterverpackung nach dem Öffnungsvorgang der Kammer K2 mit der Kameraeinrichtung eine weitere Fotodatei P2,
• (f) die Fotodatei P2 wird ebenfalls automatisch in der Datenbank abgespeichert, so dass
• (g) durch mehrfach wiederholtem Ablauf in der Datenbank eine kontinuierliche Reihe von verbraucherzugeordneten Fotodateien P1...Pn generiert wird und
• (h) über eine automatische Analyse, insbesondere Bildanalyse von Fotodateien P...Pn Informationen zur Entnahme des Erzeugnisses durch den Verbraucher V generiert werden.

The method comprises the following method steps:

• (a) the consumer V opens a chamber K1 filled with the product N1 and removes the product N1 from the chamber K1,
• (b) the consumer V generates a photo file P1 from the packaging after its opening operation with a preferably portable camera device,
• (c) the photo file P1 is automatically stored in a database
• (d) the consumer V subsequently opens another chamber K2 of the package and removes the product N2 contained therein,
• (e) the consumer V generates another photo file P2 from the blister pack after opening the chamber K2 with the camera device,
• (f) the photo file P2 is also automatically stored in the database so that
• (g) generating a continuous series of user-assigned photo files P1 ... Pn by repeatedly repeating the database, and
• (h) via an automatic analysis, in particular image analysis of photo files P ... Pn information on the removal of the product by the consumer V are generated.

Using the current possibilities of digital photography and image analysis, the method makes it possible to collect photo data as raw data in a database, to analyze it electronically and to use it for checking the removal of the products. Consumers can on the one hand to the necessary withdrawal / taking a drug, birth control pills, etc. automatically remembered, eg. B. if the consumer within a given time window no photo made from the packaging. On the other hand, the collected raw data can also be used to analyze the sampling behavior of a large number of consumers. Since a digital camera device is part of the vast majority of mobile phones, the raw data can be created in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner with an already existing in almost every consumer mobile phone and further processed automatically. This results in the advantage of a very simple and cost-effective detection option, which also offers the possibility to include a large number of consumers in the inventive method.

If the photo file is provided with a time stamp, that is, an information as to when the photo file was created, an automated analysis of the removal over time can be easily made as a variable. In addition, additional additional product information (expiration date, packaging-own ID, which identifies the specific packaging and the products contained therein and / or number of the respective chamber) can be simultaneously recorded and evaluated in the photo file. As such an ID z. B. a barcode on the package z. B. on the blister and fed to an analysis.

Expediently, depending on the automatic image analysis of the photo files P,... Pn, at least one piece of information is output on the consumer side, for example in the form of a warning if the removal should not have taken place at a given time or if the consumer is taking his income (eg. Intake at longer intervals) should change.

Characterized in that a central database is provided as a database, the method comprises the participation of a plurality of consumers V1 ... Vn, as a camera device, a camera device with transmitting and receiving function, preferably provided with a camera device mobile phone is provided, the photo files P1. ..Pn from the camera device with transmitting and receiving function of the respective consumer V1 ... Vn are transmitted via a mobile network to the central database and the transmitted to the central database photo files P1 ... Pn are consumer-stored in the central database, can the raw data of a plurality of consumers recorded in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner and thus a consumer-related evaluation and / or statistical evaluation of a variety of consumers to optimize therapies are performed. As a mobile network is any standard digital mobile network such. As the GSM network, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. in question.

It is also possible to carry out an evaluation of the photo data P1 ... Pn in the camera device with transmitting and receiving function and only a part of the result data (eg person ID, time stamp and / or chamber number) to the central database for storage and further evaluation. In this case, it is not necessary to transfer the entire photo file, but only additional or generated information. This can reduce the cost of transmission over the mobile network.

Preferably, the camera device with the transmitting and receiving function of the respective consumer comprises a so-called "app" (application program), which determines the sequence of acquisition of the raw image data. In particular, it comprises a menu item in the menu which allows consumers to start the program "Collection of data for removal control". Once the consumer has created a photo file, the app causes the photo file to either be stored in a dedicated memory in the electronics of the camera device or the photo file to be transmitted over the mobile network to a central database. The app, the consumer can download, for example, from the Internet to fit his mobile phone.

Conveniently, the app can produce a special viewfinder optics in the display of the camera device, for example in the form of two spaced apart at a particular distance lines, which make it easier for the consumer to align the viewfinder on the object (blister). For example, the consumer may adjust the distance on the camera device so that the two vertical sides of the package are approximately in the region of the two vertical lines. This makes it easier for the consumer to create photo files with approximately the same size images of the packaging. This in turn facilitates fully automated image matching.

To distinguish false photo files from "correct", the app can also make a plausibility check of the photo file by image comparison, with the result that a false image is suppressed and / or the consumer receives a warning. Alternatively, the plausibility check can be carried out in the area of the central database. This is advantageous for consumers with older mobile phones, who do not yet have a powerful operating program in the mobile phone.

The fact that, the app of the camera device with transmitting and receiving function additionally ensures that the respective photo files P1 ... Pn are sent by the mobile phone at fixed intervals (eg hourly) continuously to the central database, a photo file series is generated with time constancy, which is only left in a self-induced by the photo. This structure can also be used for analysis purposes.

Likewise, packaging particularly adapted to the process can be used. It can be used to test how the consumer responds to certain types of packaging, whether to identify preferences, how placebos affect, etc.

The output image (reference photo file) can either be created by the consumer himself or it is provided by the manufacturer, in which the consumer is z. B. sends as MMS, it downloads from the Internet, etc.

The present invention further relates to a mobile telephone or camera device with an app, wherein the mobile phone or the camera device including the app is provided for performing the method according to any one of claims 1-11.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an app for a mobile telephone or a camera device, which is provided for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1-11.

Description of the invention with reference to embodiments

Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are explained in detail with reference to drawing figures. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of the basic principle of the method according to the invention;

2 a schematic representation of the method according to the invention using a central database;

3 the flow control steps in the context of an apps of a mobile telephone for the use of the inventive method and

4 a schematic representation of the start menu ( 4A ) and the viewfinder of a mobile telephone as part of the sequence control of the apps of the mobile telephone ( 4B ).

1 shows the basic sequence of the method according to the invention. The starting point is an orderly packaging, so a package in which the products to be packaged are not loose, but housed in individual chambers. These must be opened to remove the product. In 1 is a so-called blister pack as an example of an orderly packaging 1 which comprises a total of eight chambers K with eight products N accommodated in the chambers. By means of an in 1 not shown camera device, such as a mobile phone, is from the blister pack 1 a digital photo, ie a digital photo file P1 (eg in the file format "jpg") created. The photo file P1 can with additional information, such. As a timestamp to be provided. The photo file is then fed to a database, which is either provided on the consumer side (eg the database of the mobile telephone) or is located in a central location. In the latter case, the transmission of the photo file via a communication network, preferably via the mobile network. In a next step, the photo file P is evaluated by being compared with an already existing photo file P (reference photo file) either by image comparison or comparison of details recognizable in the image (eg edges of the chambers) and thereby by the difference the current photo file P1 to the reference photo file P the information z. B. "chamber K1 opened, product N1 removed" can be generated.

As part of the evaluation, a plausibility check of the currently created photo file can also be carried out, preferably via image matching.

From this result data are generated, for example, in the event that the consumer has not taken a product within a designated time window.

On the basis of this result data is then output, for example in the form of a warning or an indication of change in the removal behavior, etc ..

In accordance with the method of the invention, photo files P1 ... Pn are created over time as a variable over time to determine the removal behavior of the consumer with respect to the ordered package 1 capture.

2 shows in a highly simplified schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention using a central database 4 , The consumer V1 puts of the still unopened blister pack 1 a photo file P (reference photo file) at a time T ago and transmits it via his mobile phone 3 over the mobile network 5 to a central database 4 , In this example, this photo file P serves as a reference. The consumer V1 withdraws again a product N1 of the chamber K1 of the blister pack 1 and photograph the blister pack 1 at a time T1, whereby the photo file P1 is generated. The photo file P1 with the time stamp T1 is automated in the manner described above to the central database 4 transfer. The process repeats until the blister pack is used up (Tn, Nn, Pn). A sequence of photo files P-Pn is stored in the central database.

If within a certain time frame from the central database 4 no photo file P1 ... or Pn is received from the consumer V1, for example because the consumer V1 has forgotten to take the product N, can from the central database 4 or a related control 7 or computing unit an information package 8th (For example, an SMS, a call with an automatic announcement or the like, preferably also via the mobile network 5 , to the mobile phone 3 of the consumer V1 are transmitted. This reminds the consumer V1 and enables them to take the drug or pill in time.

The transmission over the mobile network 5 enables data of a large number of consumers Vn in the central database in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner 4 collecting, evaluating and taking action, such as As compliance tests, evidence of changes in the intake behavior, concrete information in relation to incompatibilities, etc. harness and possibly output to the respective consumer.

In another embodiment, not shown in the drawing, the storage of photo files in a database, the evaluation of the photo files P and the generation of result data are made self-sufficient in the mobile phone of the consumer when the operating software of the mobile phone. Accordingly, the issuing of a warning occurs exclusively as a result of the control steps made in the mobile telephone.

In the case of a cost-related reduction of the transmission data of photo files, it is also possible to make an analysis of the photo files already in the mobile phone, so the consumer and only only selected results data such. B. to transfer the time stamp, the identity of the person and / or the specific number of the chamber of the package to the central database. As a result, the transmission costs are reduced because smaller amounts of data must be transferred to the central database.

The identification of the respective consumer in the central database is expediently via the identifier of his mobile phone (SIM card number).

In 3 is the sequence of an apps for performing the method according to the invention in the context of the use of a mobile phone reproduced. Preferably, in the main menu of the mobile telephone, a menu item M (F, eg "Pill removal" (cf. 4A ). If the consumer selects the "Pill removal" menu item, the application program is started by activating the recording mode. Here can (cf. 4B ) in the display 9 provide guidance to the consumer, for example in the form of two in 4B illustrated, vertical lines 10 . 11 and / or a cross point (not shown).

The consumer directs the receiving device of his mobile phone accordingly with respect to the blister pack 1 so look out the sides of the blister pack 1 roughly with the location of the lines 10 . 11 to match ( 4B ) and presses the trigger. This creates a photo file P1 (eg with format "jpg") and at the same time provides the application program with a time stamp The photo file P1 is then automatically transmitted to a fixed mobile radio address that communicates with the central database, without the Consumers in this regard must intervene again.

If, in the area of the central database, an information intended for the consumer is to be generated, for example in the form of a warning, this information (cf. 3 ) via the mobile network to the mobile phone of the consumer back and there automatically issued as part of the Apps, for example on the screen via a sound signal, flashing signal and / or a mechanical signal (vibration alarm).

The method according to the invention makes it possible, in a simple and cost-effective manner, to provide monitoring for the removal of a product from an orderly packaging, which at the same time makes it possible to collect the data of a large number of consumers in a simple and cost-effective manner.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

blister

2

receiving station

3

mobile phone

4

Database

5

mobile network

6

Storage

7

computer unit

8th

information

9

display

10

line

11

line

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3335301 A [0004]
• DE 102004060213 A1 [0004]

Claims (13)

Method for removal control, in particular for a certain period of a consumer V of an orderly packaging, in particular blister pack, to be taken medical product or pharmaceutical products such. A tablet, a pill, a dragee, a suppository, an ampoule and the like, characterized by the following steps: (a) the consumer V opens a chamber K1 of the package filled with the product N1 ( 1 ) and removes the product N1 from the chamber K1, (b) the consumer V produced by the packaging ( 1 (c) the photo file P1 is automatically stored in a database, (d) the consumer V opens at a later time another chamber K2 of the packaging (FIG. 1 ) and removes the product N2 contained therein, (e) the consumer V generated by the blister pack ( 1 ) after the opening operation of the chamber K2 with the camera device another photo file P2, (f) the photo file P2 is also automatically stored in the database, so that (g) by repeatedly repeating the database a continuous series of consumer-assigned photo files P1, P2 ... Pn generated and (h) via an automatic analysis, preferably image analysis of the photo files P, P1 ... Pn information for removal of the product by the consumer V generated. Method for sampling control according to claim 1, characterized in that the photo file contains the image of the packaging with the individual chambers and at least one further piece of information from the group of information below: Time stamp, a visual code individualizing the specific packaging, in particular barcode, Expiration date. Method for removal control according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that depending on the automatic image analysis of the photo files, P1 ... Pn consumer side, at least one information is output. Method for sampling control according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a central database ( 4 ), the method comprises the participation of a plurality of consumers V1 ... Vn, as a camera device a camera device with transmitting and receiving function, preferably a camera device equipped with a mobile phone ( 3 ) is provided, the photo files P1 ... Pn from the camera device with transmitting and receiving function of the respective consumer V1 ... Vn via a mobile network ( 5 ) to the central database ( 4 ) and sent to the central database ( 4 ) transmitted photo files P ... Pn consumer-related in the central database ( 4 ) are stored. Method for sampling control according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the camera device with transmitting and receiving function comprises an app (application program) which fulfills the following functions: (a) providing a menu item for the start of the withdrawal control procedure to be initiated by the consumer V; (b) after production of the respective photo file automatically sending the same to a defined address. A process for the removal control according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the currently created photo file to a plausibility check is subjected in the event that this photo file P _{is negative,} there is no plausibility check (a) under remains _negative automatically sending the photo file P and / or (b) an automatic storage of the photo file P _negatively in the database is omitted and / or (c) a warning is issued to the consumer V. Method for sampling control according to claim 6, characterized in that the plausibility check is carried out either in the camera device with transmitting and receiving function as an app (application program) or in the central database. Method for removal control according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the plausibility check is performed by a digital image adjustment. Method for removal control according to at least one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the app of the camera device with transmitting and receiving function additionally ensures that the respective photo files P1 ... Pn from the mobile phone in, preferably fixed, time intervals continuously to the central database ( 4 ) is shipped. Method for removal control according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that particularly matched to the process packaging can be used. Method for removal control according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reference photo file is provided, which is either generated by the consumer himself or is made available to the consumer as an electronic file. Mobile phone or camera device with an app, characterized in that the mobile phone or the camera device and the app for performing the method according to at least one of claims 1-11 is provided. App for a mobile phone or a camera device, characterized in that the app is provided for performing the method according to at least one of claims 1-11.

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