Medication control system

Abstract

Drug security system comprising a drug container (10), an electronic security arrangement (20) and a power supply unit (30), wherein the medication container (10) is designed to hold a medication, wherein the electronic security arrangement (20) is assigned to the drug container (10) and comprises a geoposition detection module (21), an opening status detector (22), a data output interface (23) and a control and evaluation unit (24), wherein the geoposition acquisition module (21) is configured to receive a global geoposition signal, to determine an actual geoposition and to output an actual geoposition signal, wherein the opening state detector (22) is configured to detect an opening state of the drug container (10) and to output an opening state signal, wherein the data output interface (23) is designed for wireless data transmission and is connected to a control and evaluation unit (24), wherein the control and evaluation unit (24) is connected to the geoposition acquisition module (21) and the opening state detector (22) and is configured to receive and evaluate the actual geoposition signal and the opening state signal and to output the actual geoposition via the data output interface (23) when an opening state is detected, and wherein the power supply unit (30) is designed to supply power to the electronic fuse arrangement (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drug security system, in particular for securing drugs against theft or other unauthorized access.

[0002] The transport of medications in various packaging options is well-established. These include, for example, blister packs for tablets, which are collected in cardboard or plastic packaging. Liquid medications are transported in ampoules or vials made of glass or plastic in various sizes. The medications can thus be stored, transported, and dispensed as single doses or multiple doses. The individual packages are designed and optimized for long-term storage, smooth transport, and safe dispensing.

[0003] A disadvantage here is that the packaging offers little to no protection against misuse or illegal distribution of the medications. To secure the medications, some packages are sealed. Another approach is to implement organizational measures, particularly through regulated and monitored distribution channels, such as pharmacies.

[0004] However, these organizational measures vary considerably from country to country and can fail, particularly when it comes to delivering medical aid to crisis zones or politically unstable regions. Effective protection of medications against misuse or illegal trade is then not achievable through organizational measures alone. This poses a significant problem, especially since new medications are often very expensive and therefore increasingly attractive targets for theft and illegal trade.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a technical solution for securing medicines against unauthorized access and illegal trade.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features listed in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0007] The drug security system according to the invention comprises as basic components a drug container, an electronic security arrangement and a power supply unit.

[0008] A medication container is designed to hold a medication. Its geometric dimensions are derived from the type and quantity of medication to be transported. This could, for example, be packaging for tablets with individual cavities for holding single doses. However, a medication container can also be designed as a collection container for loose tablets or for liquid medications in the form of an ampoule.

[0009] The electronic security device is assigned to the medication container. It is located in a suitable position and can preferably be located inside or integrated into the medication container. Preferably, it is an encapsulated device so that tampering without destroying the container is impossible.

[0010] The electronic security arrangement is an electronic arrangement that includes at least one control and evaluation unit and, connected to this, a geoposition detection module, an opening status detector and a data output interface.

[0011] According to the invention, the geoposition acquisition module is designed to receive a global geoposition signal. This serves to determine the current geoposition and to output a current geoposition signal to a control and evaluation unit. Preferably, this is a GNSS module known from the prior art that can receive and evaluate the signals of conventional global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). From this, the unique geoposition of the medication container on Earth, hereinafter referred to as the current geoposition, can be determined. The geoposition determination can optionally be performed continuously, upon detection of movement, or upon opening of the medication container.

[0012] Furthermore, the safety device includes an open / closed state detector designed to detect the open state of the medication container and output an open / closed state signal. For this purpose, the medication container consists, for example, of a base and a lid connected to it. The base is cuboid or cylindrical in shape to hold the medication and provides a cavity accessible to the lid. The open / closed state detector is an electronic component and is positioned so that any opening of the lid is detected at all times. The medication safety system according to the invention is not limited to a specific method of opening detection. Opening can be triggered, for example, by a mechanical sensor, an optical sensor, or even by the detection of atmospheric oxygen in a previously hermetically sealed containment.The crucial factor is that an electronically evaluable signal is emitted when the device is opened.

[0013] Therefore, opening the lid can trigger a further action, which can be determined by the control and evaluation unit.

[0014] Furthermore, the security system features a data output interface designed for wireless data transmission and connected to the control and evaluation unit. This interface is configured to transmit data via suitable, preferably state-of-the-art, wireless protocols. These include NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (Wireless Network), LoRaWAN (Long Range Wireless), and long-range radio links. Various statuses can then be transmitted to a cloud or data center of the respective pharmaceutical company.

[0015] The security device further includes the control and evaluation unit, which is connected to the geoposition detection module and the open / closed status detector. This unit receives and evaluates the current geoposition signal and the open / closed status signal and is configured to output the current geoposition via the data output interface. This occurs when the open / closed status of the medication container is detected.

[0016] The data output interface can output at least the current position and the open state as important states essential to the invention.

[0017] Using the radio protocols described above, it is possible to track the location of the medical packaging on Earth and where it was opened. This makes it possible to detect unauthorized opening if the assigned actual geolocation does not correspond to a legitimate reference geolocation.

[0018] The power supply unit is designed to provide power to the electronic safety device. The power supply can be configured for a specific duration, derived, for example, from the intended transport time. It supplies all electronic components, particularly the control and evaluation unit, with electrical energy. Furthermore, all electronic components are optimized for low energy consumption so that the power supply unit can be as compact as possible.

[0019] The advantage of this medication security system is that it protects medications from misuse or illegal distribution through a technical solution, as immediate action can be taken based on the instant detection of unauthorized opening. These advantages are particularly evident in the case of medication aid deliveries to crisis areas, as theft becomes far less attractive.

[0020] According to an advantageous further development, the drug security system is characterized by the fact that the electronic security arrangement has a neutralization actuator.

[0021] The neutralization actuator is connected to the control and evaluation unit. It serves to render a medication contained in the medication container unusable. The neutralization actuator is designed to render the medication unusable through chemical or physical action. The neutralization actuator is activated when it receives a neutralization control signal.

[0022] The neutralization actuator consists, for example, of an additional container inside the medication container and contains an electronic actuator that destroys the container. This releases a chemical substance that neutralizes the medication. Preferably, this also results in a color change, making the unusability of the medication immediately apparent, thus preventing illegal trade or accidental ingestion.

[0023] The control and evaluation unit stores a reference geoposition transmitted by the geoposition acquisition module. The control and evaluation unit also compares the actual geoposition with the reference geoposition, preferably initiated by detecting the open state of the medication container via an open state signal. If there is a discrepancy between the actual geoposition and the reference geoposition, a neutralization control signal is generated. This signal is then output to the neutralization actuator. Areas on Earth can thus be defined where the medication is permitted.

[0024] This allows the drug to be neutralized if an attempt is made to use it illegally in an area not intended for its use.

[0025] According to a further advantageous development, the drug security system is characterized by the fact that the electronic security arrangement has a data reception interface.

[0026] This device is designed for wireless data reception and is connected to the control and evaluation unit.

[0027] According to this advanced training, the control and evaluation unit is also equipped to deactivate the neutralization control signal upon receiving a deactivation command via the data reception interface. This allows authorized personnel to advantageously prevent the automatic neutralization of the medication if it is to be used in an unauthorized area. Deactivation can be performed either via a long-range radio signal by the sender or via short-range communication by authorized personnel on-site, such as a physician or a member of an aid organization.

[0028] After further advantageous development, the drug security system is characterized by the fact that an energy harvesting unit is assigned to the energy supply unit.

[0029] The energy harvesting unit is a device used to generate energy. It converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then used to charge the power supply unit of the drug security system. This allows the power supply unit to be significantly smaller while still ensuring a reliable energy supply over a very long period. The necessary kinetic energy can be harvested from movement during transport or when the lid is opened. The energy conversion is preferably achieved using piezoelectric actuators.

[0030] The invention is described as an embodiment by reference to Fig. 1. Schematic oblique view of the drug security system explained in more detail.

[0031] The Fig. Figure 1 describes an embodiment of the drug security system in a schematic oblique view.

[0032] This consists of the medication container 10, which has individual cavities for holding a medication in tablet form. The medication container 10 forms the base body that houses all other components. The base body is complemented by a lid that seals the compartment containing the tablets. The lid is permanently attached to the base body and cannot be removed.

[0033] The electronic security device 20 and the power supply unit 30 are housed in the medication container 10.

[0034] The core of the drug security system is the electronic security arrangement 20. This includes the geoposition detection module 21, an opening status detector 22, a data output interface 23, a control and evaluation unit 24, a neutralization actuator 25 and a data reception interface 26.

[0035] The geolocation module 21 records the actual position of the medication packaging and transmits this information to the control and evaluation unit 24. This unit compares the actual geolocation on Earth with predefined geofences. These geofences are defined boundaries of areas where the medication may be used. The opening status detector 22 detects when the lid is opened, thus determining whether the packaging has been opened. When the lid is opened, a signal is sent to the control and evaluation unit 24, and the actual position is also determined via the geolocation module 21. Both of these values ​​can be transmitted to the manufacturer via the data output interface 23 for further use.

[0036] In addition, depending on the programming, the control and evaluation unit 24 can activate the neutralization actuator 25 (shown only schematically) independently or optionally by means of a signal received via the data reception interface 26. This releases a chemical agent that neutralizes the tablets stored inside the medication container 10 and causes them to change color. This renders the medication unusable and protects it against misuse.

[0037] The two data interfaces 23 and 26 can receive and transmit data via various radio protocols, both at short distances and over long ranges. To enable the electronic components to operate, a power supply unit 30 is integrated into the medication container. This unit is also tamper-proof and integrated into the medication container 10. The power supply is designed to last the lifetime of the medication security system. To enable a very compact design for the power supply unit 30, one embodiment includes an energy harvesting unit 31. This unit harvests energy from the vibrations that occur during transport or when the lid is opened. Piezoelectric crystals generate sufficient energy to recharge the power supply unit 30. Reference symbols used 10 medicine containers 20 electronic security arrangement 21 Geoposition acquisition module 22 Opening state detector 23 Data output interface 24 Control and evaluation unit 25 Neutralization Actuator 26 Data reception interface 30 Energy supply unit 31 Energy harvesting unit

Claims

[1] Drug safety system, comprising a drug container (10), an electronic security arrangement (20) and a power supply unit (30), wherein the medication container (10) is designed to hold a medication, wherein the electronic security arrangement (20) is assigned to the drug container (10) and comprises a geoposition detection module (21), an opening status detector (22), a data output interface (23) and a control and evaluation unit (24), wherein the geoposition acquisition module (21) is configured to receive a global geoposition signal, to determine an actual geoposition and to output an actual geoposition signal, wherein the opening state detector (22) is configured to detect an opening state of the drug container (10) and to output an opening state signal, wherein the data output interface (23) is designed for wireless data transmission and is connected to a control and evaluation unit (24), wherein the control and evaluation unit (24) is connected to the geoposition acquisition module (21) and the opening state detector (22) and is configured to receive and evaluate the actual geoposition signal and the opening state signal and to output the actual geoposition via the data output interface (23) when an opening state is detected, and wherein the power supply unit (30) is designed to supply power to the electronic fuse arrangement (20). [2] Drug security system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electronic security arrangement (20) includes a neutralization actuator (25) which is connected to the control and evaluation unit (24) and is designed to render a drug in the drug container (10) unusable upon receipt of a neutralization control signal, wherein the control and evaluation unit (24) is designed to store a reference geoposition, to compare between the actual geoposition and the reference geoposition, and, in the event of an opening state being detected and in the event of a deviation between the actual geoposition and the reference geoposition, to generate a neutralization control signal and to output it to the neutralization actuator (25). [3] Drug security system according to claim 2, characterized by, that the electronic security arrangement (20) has a data reception interface (26) configured for wireless data reception and connected to the control and evaluation unit (24), wherein the control and evaluation unit (24) is configured to deactivate the neutralization control signal upon receipt of a deactivation command via the data reception interface (26). [4] Drug security system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the energy supply unit (30) is assigned an energy harvesting unit (31).

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