Atomizer monitoring system and medication compliance monitoring method

Abstract

The invention discloses an atomizer monitoring system and a medicine taking compliance monitoring method using the monitoring system. The atomizer monitoring system comprises an atomizer and a remote monitoring platform. The atomizer has a nozzle opening. The atomizer internally comprises an atomizing module, a sensing assembly and a control module. The control module is electrically connected with the atomization module and the sensing assembly. The remote monitoring platform comprises an operation processing module. The operation processing module is used for analyzing and calculating at least two compliance parameters when the sensing assembly detects that the user uses the atomizer and outputting a breathing mode. The control module adjusts the atomization frequency and the atomization amount of the atomization module according to the breathing mode. Therefore, the atomizer can actively adjust the aerosol amount according to the breathing rhythm of a user, and meanwhile, the user is guided to maintain slow and deep breathing through the feedback module, so that the medicine absorption efficiency is improved, the treatment effect is optimized, and the purpose of improving the medicine taking compliance is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a monitoring system and method, and more particularly to a nebulizer monitoring system and a method for monitoring medication adherence using the system. Background Technology

[0002] The main purpose of a nebulizer is to atomize liquid medications into tiny droplets, allowing patients to inhale them directly into their lungs for rapid efficacy. Therefore, when using a nebulizer, patients should maintain slow and deep breathing to ensure the medication reaches the lungs fully and achieves maximum therapeutic effect.

[0003] Most existing nebulizers only have basic data recording functions, such as the number of times a user takes medication, the time of administration (whether it is on time), and the dosage, for users to review later. In other words, existing nebulizers cannot monitor the user's breathing in real time, and therefore cannot confirm whether the user is maintaining slow and deep breathing during treatment to ensure adequate drug absorption. Furthermore, existing nebulizers cannot provide real-time feedback or adjust their operation based on the user's breathing status, thus failing to improve user medication compliance (the degree or extent to which a user follows the treatment recommendations provided by medical personnel regarding medication timing, dosage, and frequency), and consequently affecting treatment effectiveness.

[0004] Therefore, how to improve the monitoring and feedback mechanism of atomizers to overcome the above-mentioned defects has become one of the important issues to be addressed in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a nebulizer monitoring system and a method for monitoring medication adherence using the system, in order to address the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted by this invention is to provide an atomizer monitoring system, comprising an atomizer and a remote monitoring platform. The atomizer has a nozzle. The atomizer internally includes an atomization module, a sensing assembly, and a control module. The control module is electrically connected to the atomization module and the sensing assembly. The sensing assembly is used to detect at least two compliance parameters when a user uses the atomizer. The remote monitoring platform is signal-connected to the atomizer. The remote monitoring platform includes a processing module, which analyzes and calculates the at least two compliance parameters detected by the sensing assembly when a user uses the atomizer and outputs a breathing pattern. The control module outputs a drive signal to the atomization module based on the breathing pattern to adjust the atomization frequency and atomization volume of the atomization module.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted by this invention is to provide a method for monitoring medication compliance, applied to the aforementioned nebulizer monitoring system. The monitoring method includes: providing a nebulizer to a user, and detecting at least two compliance parameters when the user breathes using the nebulizer via a sensing assembly; analyzing and calculating the at least two compliance parameters detected by the sensing assembly when the user uses the nebulizer via a processing module to output a breathing pattern; and outputting a drive signal to the nebulizer module based on the breathing pattern via a control module to adjust the nebulization frequency and nebulization volume of the nebulizer module.

[0008] One of the beneficial effects of this invention is that the nebulizer monitoring system and the medication compliance monitoring method using this system can detect the user's breathing status in real time, and analyze at least two compliance parameters obtained through a processing module to calculate and output an optimized breathing pattern. Then, the control module dynamically adjusts the nebulization frequency and volume of the nebulizer module according to the optimized breathing pattern, allowing the nebulizer to actively adjust the aerosol volume according to the user's breathing rhythm. Simultaneously, the feedback module guides the user to maintain slow and deep breathing, thereby improving drug absorption efficiency, optimizing therapeutic effects, and ultimately improving medication compliance.

[0009] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the atomizer monitoring system of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where a user uses the atomizer of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the atomizer monitoring system of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the remote monitoring platform and remote connection between the atomizer monitoring system of the present invention and a mobile device.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the nebulizer monitoring system of the present invention identifying a specific drug. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the "nebulizer monitoring system and medication adherence monitoring method" disclosed in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this invention are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions; this is stated beforehand. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0016] It should be understood that while terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this document to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein should, as appropriate, include any combination of one or more related listed items.

[0017] Example

[0018] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the atomizer monitoring system of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where a user uses the atomizer of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the nebulizer monitoring system of the present invention. The present invention provides a nebulizer monitoring system D, which can monitor the medication adherence of a user U when using a nebulizer in real time. The nebulizer monitoring system D includes a nebulizer N and a remote monitoring platform 8. The remote monitoring platform 8 is signal-connected to the nebulizer N. Specifically, the remote monitoring platform 8 is, for example, a remote server. The nebulizer N has a built-in wireless communication module (not shown in the figure), which can connect to the remote monitoring platform 8 through this module to achieve remote data transmission and monitoring. For example, the wireless communication module may include... Or communication components such as LTE, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0019] The nebulizer N includes a nebulizer body 1, a nebulization module 2, a sensing assembly 3, and a control module 4. The control module 4 is electrically connected to the nebulization module 2 and the sensing assembly 3. The nebulizer body 1 can store liquid medication and has a nozzle 10 for the user to inhale the nebulized medication. The nebulization module 2, the sensing assembly 3, and the control module 4 are disposed inside the nebulizer body 1. In one embodiment, the sensing assembly 3 is disposed adjacent to the nozzle 10, but this is not a limitation. For example, the nebulization module 2 is, for example, an ultrasonic nebulizer or an ultrasonic screen nebulizer made of piezoelectric material, which atomizes the liquid medication through high-frequency ultrasonic vibration. The sensing assembly 3 includes a pressure sensing module 31, which is, for example, a MEMS pressure sensor. The control module 4 is, for example, a microcontroller, responsible for receiving data from the pressure sensing module 31 and dynamically adjusting the nebulization frequency and atomization volume of the nebulization module 2.

[0020] Furthermore, user U can utilize the nebulizer monitoring system D of the present invention to implement a medication adherence monitoring method, which includes at least the following steps S1 to S3:

[0021] Step S1: Provide the atomizer to the user and detect at least two compliance parameters when the user uses the atomizer N through the sensing assembly 3;

[0022] Step S2: The processing module analyzes and calculates the at least two compliance parameters of the sensing assembly 3 when the user uses the nebulizer N and outputs a breathing pattern.

[0023] Step S3: The control module 4 outputs a drive signal to the nebulization module 2 according to the breathing mode to adjust the nebulization frequency and nebulization volume of the nebulization module 2.

[0024] The aforementioned at least two compliance parameters include at least two of the following: a pressure change parameter, an inspiratory time parameter, an inspiratory flow rate parameter, an expiratory flow rate parameter, a power status parameter, and an authentication code. The compliance parameters of this invention refer to parameters used to determine whether a user is following a physician's prescription and pharmacist's medication instructions, and is performing nebulizer treatment on time and at the indicated dosage. Therefore, in the field of aerosol therapy where the nebulizer N is applied, by combining at least two compliance parameters such as the aforementioned pressure change parameter, inspiratory time parameter, inspiratory flow rate parameter, expiratory flow rate parameter, power status parameter, and authentication code, the user's treatment status using the nebulizer can be clearly recorded, thereby determining the degree of their medication compliance.

[0025] Specifically, in one embodiment, when user U operates nebulizer N, pressure sensing module 31 detects the pressure change at nozzle 10 when user U breathes through nebulizer N and obtains the aforementioned pressure change parameters. Simultaneously, the pressure change parameters can also be used in conjunction with a built-in timer to obtain the aforementioned inhalation time parameters. The remote monitoring platform 8 includes a processing module 81, responsible for receiving, analyzing, and processing data from nebulizer N to provide real-time monitoring and intelligent control functions. The processing module 81 may be, for example, a processor, but this invention is not limited thereto. The processing module 81 analyzes and calculates the pressure change parameters collected by pressure sensing module 31 when detecting user U's breathing and the corresponding inhalation time parameters, to record and evaluate user U's medication administration status. Based on the collected pressure change parameters and inhalation time parameters, the processing module 81 calculates and outputs an optimized breathing pattern.

[0026] Next, based on the optimized breathing mode, the control module 4 outputs a drive signal to the nebulization module 2, causing the nebulization module 2 to adjust the nebulization frequency and volume in real time, thereby controlling the concentration and rate of the released aerosol to match the user U's inhalation duration and inhalation intensity. In this way, through the dynamic control mechanism, the drug absorption efficiency during aerosol therapy can be optimized, further improving the therapeutic effect.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the sensing assembly 3 also includes a flow sensing module 32, which is disposed inside the nebulizer body 1 and preferably adjacent to the nozzle opening 10, but this is not a limitation. For example, the flow sensing module 32 can be a hot-wire flow meter or a mechanical flow sensor. The flow sensing module 32 can detect the flow rate change of the airflow at the nozzle opening 10 when the user U breathes using the nebulizer N (i.e., inhalation flow rate parameters and / or exhalation flow rate parameters), and determine the user U's inhalation and exhalation by monitoring the speed and direction of the airflow, as well as the intensity of the user U's breathing. For example, when the flow sensing module 32 detects air flowing out (i.e., user U inhaling) inside the nebulizer body 1, the nebulization module 2 starts and releases the nebulized medication; conversely, when the flow sensing module 32 detects air flowing in (i.e., user U exhaling or stopping inhalation), the nebulization module 2 stops the nebulization operation.

[0028] In the aforementioned embodiments, by configuring the flow sensing module 32 in conjunction with the pressure sensing module 31, the processing module 81 can not only analyze and calculate the pressure change parameters obtained by the pressure sensing module 31 when detecting the user's breathing, but also analyze and calculate the inspiratory flow rate parameters and / or expiratory flow rate parameters obtained by the flow sensing module 32 when detecting the user's breathing, thereby further optimizing the output breathing pattern. Based on this optimized breathing pattern, the control module 4 enables the nebulization module 2 to not only adjust the nebulization frequency in real time, but also further control the concentration and rate of the released aerosol to match the user U's inhalation duration and inhalation intensity.

[0029] Furthermore, the pressure sensing module 31 and the flow sensing module 32 can detect changes in airflow pressure and flow rate / rate during aerosol therapy to determine whether the user's rapid breathing or other factors are affecting drug absorption, thereby understanding whether the inhalation is smooth and stable. They also determine whether the user is maintaining a slow and deep breathing rhythm, enabling the control module 4 to dynamically adjust the nebulizer N's ​​nebulization frequency and volume based on real-time data, ensuring that the nebulizer N always provides the most suitable drug delivery mode during the user's inhalation. In this way, by interpreting at least two of the compliance parameters such as pressure change, inhalation time, inhalation flow rate, and expiratory flow rate, the remote monitoring platform 8 can determine the user's medication compliance to achieve its monitoring purpose.

[0030] The remote monitoring platform 8 also includes a database 82, which is signal-connected to the atomization module 2, pressure sensing module 31, flow sensing module 32, control module 4, and processing module 81. For example, the database 82 is a system for storing, managing, and retrieving data, used to store various monitoring data from the atomizer N, such as drive signals, pressure change parameters, inhalation time parameters, inhalation flow rate parameters, exhalation flow rate parameters, and power status parameters. (See also...) Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the remote monitoring platform of the nebulizer monitoring system of the present invention connected remotely to a mobile device. The remote monitoring platform 8 can remotely connect to a mobile device M (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or laptop). The processing module 81 can display a breathing waveform P corresponding to the breathing pattern in an application within the mobile device M.

[0031] Specifically, the remote monitoring platform 8 can remotely connect to the mobile device M, allowing the user U or medical personnel to view relevant data and treatment progress in real time. The processing module 81 can convert the calculated breathing pattern into a breathing waveform P and display it in an application on the mobile device M. For example, the breathing waveform P can specifically display the user U's breathing intensity, the ratio of inhalation to exhalation time, and other key parameters (such as respiratory rate), thus intuitively presenting the user U's breathing state and helping the user U understand whether the current breathing state conforms to the optimal treatment mode (i.e., the optimized breathing mode), thereby improving medication adherence.

[0032] Continue reading Figure 3 As shown, the atomizer N also includes a power module 5. The power module 5 is located inside the atomizer body 1 and provides power to the atomization module 2, pressure sensing module 31, flow sensing module 32, and control module 4. The power module 5 can be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a replaceable disposable battery. Furthermore, the power module 5 can be connected to a remote monitoring platform 8 and store relevant power status parameters in a database 82. For example, the power status parameters may include information such as the number of times the atomizer N has been switched on and off, the number of times it has been in sleep mode, the battery level change trend, and the charging cycle, for remote monitoring and maintenance.

[0033] See Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the nebulizer monitoring system of the present invention, showing how the nebulizer N identifies a specific drug. The nebulizer N is designed for use with a specific drug, the container B of which has a unique identifier B1. To ensure that the nebulizer N can only be used with the corresponding drug, the nebulizer N is equipped with a reading module 6 for reading the identifier B1. When the reading module 6 successfully identifies the identifier B1, the control module 4 outputs a start signal to the power module 5 based on the reading result, causing the power module 5 to supply power and activate the nebulizer N, ensuring that the nebulizer N only operates after drug validation has been passed.

[0034] Furthermore, database 82 can also be used to store information related to identifier B1 for drug management and equipment monitoring. For example, identifier B1 can use NFC tags, two-dimensional barcodes (such as QR codes), RFID tags, or other anti-counterfeiting technologies to ensure the accuracy and traceability of the drug. Accordingly, reading module 6 may include NFC readers, barcode scanners, RFID readers, or other sensing devices using identification technologies to accommodate different types of drug labeling methods.

[0035] Since the aforementioned power status parameters and authentication codes can also be used in conjunction with parameters such as pressure change parameters, inspiratory time parameters, inspiratory flow rate parameters, and expiratory flow rate parameters to determine the user's medication adherence, the power status parameters and authentication codes can also be defined as medication adherence parameters and used as indicators for judging the user's medication adherence.

[0036] The nebulizer N also includes a feedback module 7. The feedback module 7 is electrically connected to the control module 4 and provides real-time feedback to assist the user U in following the correct breathing pattern during treatment. When the user U uses the nebulizer N according to the recommended breathing pattern, the feedback module 7 generates corresponding sensing signals to guide or remind the user U. For example, the feedback module 7 may include a vibration component (e.g., a miniature vibration motor), an audio component (e.g., a built-in buzzer), and a visual component (e.g., an LED indicator or display screen), and the sensing signal includes at least one of the vibration signal provided by the miniature vibration motor, the audio signal provided by the buzzer, and the visual signal provided by the LED indicator or display screen. Multiple sensing signals can be used individually or in combination to enhance the user experience. Furthermore, multiple sensing signals can also guide the user U to maintain slow and deep breathing to ensure adequate drug inhalation. Therefore, through the settings of the feedback module 7, the user U can experience a significant increase in therapeutic effect, thereby improving their medication adherence.

[0037] Beneficial effects of the embodiments

[0038] The nebulizer monitoring system D and the medication compliance monitoring method using this system provided by the present invention can use the processing module 81 to analyze at least two compliance parameters obtained by the sensing assembly 3 to monitor the user's medication compliance, and simultaneously calculate and output an optimized breathing pattern. For example, the processing module 81 can use at least two compliance parameters, such as pressure change parameters, inspiratory time parameters, inspiratory flow rate parameters, and expiratory flow rate parameters obtained by the pressure sensing module 31 and the flow sensing module 32, to monitor the user's medication compliance, and simultaneously detect the user's breathing status in real time to provide an optimized breathing pattern. Then, the control module 4 dynamically adjusts the nebulization frequency and nebulization volume of the nebulizer module 2 according to the optimized breathing pattern, thereby improving the drug absorption efficiency during treatment and optimizing the treatment effect.

[0039] Furthermore, by combining the pressure sensing module 31 with the flow sensing module 32, the present invention enables the processing module 81 to not only analyze and calculate the pressure change parameters obtained by the pressure sensing module 31 when detecting the user's breathing, but also to analyze and calculate the inspiratory and expiratory flow parameters obtained by the flow sensing module 32 when detecting the user's breathing, thereby further optimizing the output breathing pattern. Based on this optimized breathing pattern, the control module 4 enables the nebulization module 2 to not only adjust the nebulization frequency in real time, but also to further control the concentration and rate of the released aerosol to match the user U's inhalation duration and intensity. Moreover, through the feedback module 7, the user U can be guided to maintain slow and deep breathing to ensure sufficient drug inhalation, further improving the user's medication compliance.

[0040] The content disclosed above is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings are included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An atomizer monitoring system, characterized in that, The atomizer monitoring system includes: Atomizer having a nozzle, the atomizer internally including an atomization module, a sensing assembly, and a control module, the control module being electrically connected to the atomization module and the sensing assembly, the sensing assembly being used to detect at least two compliance parameters when a user uses the atomizer; and A remote monitoring platform is connected to the nebulizer via a signal. The remote monitoring platform includes a processing module for analyzing and calculating at least two compliance parameters of the sensing assembly when detecting a user using the nebulizer and outputting a breathing pattern. The control module outputs a drive signal to the nebulizer module based on the breathing pattern to adjust the nebulization frequency and nebulization volume of the nebulizer module.

2. The atomizer monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two compliance parameters include at least two of the following: a pressure change parameter, an inhalation time parameter, an inhalation flow rate parameter, an exhalation flow rate parameter, a power status parameter, and an authentication code.

3. The atomizer monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The remote monitoring platform is used to remotely connect to a mobile device, and the computing module is used to display a breathing waveform corresponding to the breathing pattern in an application within the mobile device.

4. The atomizer monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The remote monitoring platform also includes a database, which is signal-connected to the atomization module, the sensing assembly, the control module and the processing module, and is used to store the at least two compliance parameters.

5. The atomizer monitoring system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The atomizer also includes a power module for providing power to the sensing assembly, the atomizing module and the control module. The power module is connected to the remote monitoring platform. The database is used to store the power status parameters of the atomizer, including the number of times the atomizer has been turned on and off and the number of times it has been put into sleep mode.

6. The atomizer monitoring system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The nebulizer is configured to be used with a specific drug, the packaging of which has an identifier. The nebulizer also includes a reading module corresponding to the identifier. The nebulizer is activated by reading the identifier through the reading module, and the database is used to store information about the identifier.

7. The atomizer monitoring system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The identifier includes NFC tags, two-dimensional barcodes, QR-Code barcodes, or RFID tags, and the reading module includes an NFC reader, a barcode scanner, or an RFID reader.

8. The atomizer monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensing assembly includes a pressure sensing module for detecting pressure change parameters when a user breathes using the nebulizer.

9. The atomizer monitoring system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sensing assembly also includes a flow sensing module for detecting the inhalation flow rate parameter and / or the exhalation flow rate parameter when the user breathes using the nebulizer.

10. The atomizer monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nebulizer also includes a feedback module electrically connected to the control module; wherein, when the user uses the nebulizer according to the breathing pattern, the feedback module is used to generate a corresponding sensing signal.

11. The atomizer monitoring system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sensing signal includes at least one of vibration signal, audio signal and visual signal.

12. A method for monitoring medication adherence, applied to a nebulizer monitoring system, the nebulizer monitoring system comprising a nebulizer and a remote monitoring platform, the nebulizer having a nozzle, the nebulizer internally comprising a nebulization module, a sensing assembly, and a control module, the control module being electrically connected to the nebulization module and the sensing assembly, the remote monitoring platform comprising a processing module, characterized in that, The monitoring method includes: The atomizer is provided to a user for use, and at least two compliance parameters are detected by the sensing assembly when the user uses the atomizer. The processing module analyzes and calculates the at least two compliance parameters detected by the sensing assembly when the user uses the nebulizer, and outputs a breathing pattern; and The control module outputs a drive signal to the nebulization module according to the breathing pattern to adjust the nebulization frequency and nebulization volume of the nebulization module.

13. The method for monitoring medication adherence according to claim 12, characterized in that, The at least two compliance parameters include at least two of the following: a pressure change parameter, an inhalation time parameter, an inhalation flow rate parameter, an exhalation flow rate parameter, a power status parameter, and an authentication code.

14. The method for monitoring medication adherence according to claim 13, characterized in that, The remote monitoring platform is used to remotely connect to a mobile device, and the computing module displays a breathing waveform corresponding to the breathing pattern in an application within the mobile device.

15. The method for monitoring medication adherence according to claim 13, characterized in that, The remote monitoring platform also includes a database, which is signal-connected to the atomization module, the sensing assembly, the control module and the processing module, and is used to store the at least two compliance parameters.

16. The method for monitoring medication adherence according to claim 15, characterized in that, The atomizer also includes a power module for providing power to the sensing assembly, the atomizing module, and the control module. The power module is connected to the remote monitoring platform. The database is used to store the power status parameters of the atomizer, including the number of times the atomizer has been turned on and off and the number of times it has been put into sleep mode.

17. The method for monitoring medication adherence according to claim 15, characterized in that, The nebulizer is designed to be used with a specific drug, the container of which has an identifier. The nebulizer also includes a reading module corresponding to the identifier. The nebulizer is activated by reading the identifier through the reading module, and the database is used to store information about the identifier.

18. The method for monitoring medication adherence according to claim 17, characterized in that, The identifier includes NFC tags, two-dimensional barcodes, QR-Code barcodes, or RFID tags, and the reading module includes an NFC reader, a barcode scanner, or an RFID reader.

19. The method for monitoring medication adherence according to claim 13, characterized in that, The sensing assembly includes a pressure sensing module for detecting pressure change parameters when a user breathes using the nebulizer.

20. The method for monitoring medication adherence according to claim 19, characterized in that, The sensing assembly also includes a flow sensing module for detecting the inhalation flow rate parameter and the exhalation flow rate parameter when the user breathes using the nebulizer.

21. The method for monitoring medication adherence according to claim 13, characterized in that, The nebulizer also includes a feedback module electrically connected to the control module; wherein, when the user uses the nebulizer according to the breathing pattern, the feedback module is used to generate a corresponding sensing signal.

22. The method for monitoring medication adherence according to claim 21, characterized in that, The sensing signal includes at least one of vibration signal, audio signal and visual signal.

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