Drug dispensing device and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (300) for packaging, transporting and / or dispensing medication to a user, comprising: a closed medication reservoir (102) intended to receive at least one medication to be dispensed and comprising a medication dispensing opening (106) intended to be released during medication dispensing, and at least one sensor (110; 114) sensitive to at least one physical quantity within said reservoir (102) capable of affecting the integrity of said at least one medication located in said reservoir (102). It also relates to a medication dispensing system implementing such a device. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Medication dispensing device and system

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing medication to a user. It also relates to a medication dispensing system implementing such a device.

[0002] The field of the invention is the field of devices for packaging, transporting and dispensing medications. State of the art

[0003] There are currently a few medication dispensing devices. These devices are, most of the time, in the form of a device that delivers a dose of medication to a user, or a box containing medication in sachets or blisters. Some of these devices are in the form of a box comprising several compartments each containing a certain quantity of medication. Other dispensing devices integrate a mechanism delivering a certain quantity of medication from a medication reservoir, possibly with mechanical control of the quantity of medication delivered each time the device is used.

[0004] In all cases, the user is generally alone when taking the medication. He has no way of checking and ensuring the integrity of the medication in the dispensing device. This presents potential risks of taking a medication whose integrity has been compromised, for various reasons, and the consequences of which can be serious and harm the user's health, sometimes irreversibly.

[0005] An aim of the present invention is to remedy this drawback.

[0006] Another aim of the invention is to propose a drug dispensing device which is safer and presents less danger to the user, compared to current devices. Statement of the invention

[0007] The invention proposes to achieve at least one of the aforementioned aims by a device for packaging, transporting and / or dispensing medication comprising: - a closed medication reservoir, designed to receive at least one medication to be dispensed and comprising a medication dispensing opening designed to be released during medication dispensing; and - at least one sensor sensitive to at least one physical quantity within said reservoir which can affect the integrity of said at least one medication located in said tank.

[0008] The invention therefore provides a device comprising a reservoir in which at least one medication is placed which is then delivered to a user. According to the invention, the device comprises one or more sensors, each sensitive to one or more physical quantities inside the reservoir and capable of affecting the integrity of the medication which is in the reservoir. Thus, at any time and in particular at the time of dispensing the medication contained in the reservoir, it is possible to determine whether said at least one medication has undergone physical conditions, which, at least potentially, could have degraded the integrity of the medication(s). Consequently, the device according to the invention allows for safer and less risky dispensing of medication for the user, compared to current devices.

[0009] The dispensing opening can be closed by any suitable means, such as for example by a stopper, a membrane, a cover, etc., whether waterproof or not.

[0010] The dispensing opening can be released at the time of first use of the device according to the invention.

[0011] The release of the dispensing opening can be achieved by tearing the membrane, or by unclogging the stopper, which closes it, etc.

[0012] The medication to be dispensed may be in liquid form. In this case, the reservoir is closed in a liquid-tight, and in particular water-tight, manner, for example by a stopper, a membrane or a liquid-tight and in particular water-tight cover.

[0013] The medicament to be dispensed may be in gaseous form. In this case, the reservoir is closed in an airtight manner, for example by a stopper, a membrane or an airtight seal.

[0014] Alternatively, the medicament to be dispensed may be in solid form. In particular, the medicament may be in powder form, in capsule or tablet form, etc. In this case, the reservoir may be closed, for example, by a cap, a membrane or a seal, whether waterproof or not.

[0015] According to embodiments, at least one sensor can be arranged in the tank.

[0016] According to embodiments, at least one sensor can be arranged in or on a wall of the tank.

[0017] For example, at least one sensor may not open into the reservoir. Thus, it is not affected by the medication in the reservoir and does not alter the medication in the reservoir.

[0018] Alternatively, or in addition, at least one sensor may open into the reservoir, for example so as to allow a measurement linked to the state of the medication itself.

[0019] Alternatively, or in addition, at least one sensor may be arranged on an internal face of the wall and be located, partially or entirely, in the tank. Such a positioning allows greater sensitivity of the sensor to at least one physical quantity in the tank.

[0020] At least one sensor may be arranged in a housing provided in said tank.

[0021] Such a housing may be provided at any location in the tank, may not be waterproof, or may be waterproof for example to liquids or air.

[0022] Advantageously, at least one sensor may be arranged in, or at, an upper part of the reservoir, in a configuration of use of said device when dispensing the medication.

[0023] Such positioning makes it possible to minimize contact between the sensor and the medication in the reservoir. In addition, such positioning makes it easier to exchange data with the sensor, when the latter is a communicating sensor.

[0024] Advantageously, at least one sensor may be a sensor which degrades when the value of at least one physical quantity exceeds a threshold value.

[0025] In this case, the sensor no longer operates when the value of the physical quantity exceeds the threshold value, or communicates with a measurable variation in its response. For example, the sensor can no longer be read, or does not communicate any data, or does not measure any data. This means that at least one of the physical quantities to which said sensor is sensitive has exceeded the threshold value defined for this quantity.

[0026] The threshold value may correspond to a limit beyond which the integrity or quality of the drug in the reservoir is degraded. For example, the sensor may be sensitive to humidity. In this case, the sensor may be designed to degrade when the humidity level within the reservoir reaches a threshold value. This threshold value may correspond to the maximum humidity value that the drug can withstand and beyond which the drug also degrades. The same reasoning applies for temperature, pressure, shock, etc.

[0027] For at least one physical quantity, a single maximum value and / or a minimum threshold value can be defined.

[0028] According to embodiments, at least one sensor can comprise an RFID tag, comprising an electronic chip and an antenna, which can no longer be read, or the reading of which is altered, when the value of at least one physical quantity exceeds a threshold value.

[0029] Such a sensor comprises a component that degrades and prevents the RFID tag from being read by an external reader. This component may be the support material of the antenna so as to alter the communication properties, such as for example a paper or a resin that deteriorates with humidity or temperature. Alternatively or in addition, the antenna may also be printed with an ink that can be altered under the effect of such and such a quantity, for example temperature.

[0030] Thus, as long as the value of the at least one physical quantity does not exceed at least one threshold value associated with it, the RFID tag can be read. Otherwise, the RFID tag cannot be read.

[0031] The electronic chip can store any type of data, and in particular a device identification data. Thus, as long as the device identification data can be read, this means that the medication in the reservoir has not degraded. Otherwise, the medication in the reservoir has been degraded.

[0032] Advantageously, at least one sensor may be a sensor for measuring a value of at least one physical quantity.

[0033] In this case, unlike a degradable sensor, the measuring sensor continues to operate even when the value of the physical quantity reaches or exceeds a threshold value.

[0034] Such a sensor may be arranged to communicate the measured value to a device external to the device.

[0035] Alternatively, or in addition, such a sensor may be arranged to communicate the measured value to a chip, or a memory, of the device according to the invention for its storage.

[0036] In a non-limiting manner, at least one sensor may be sensitive to at least one of the following quantities: - temperature, - pressure, - hygrometry, - movement, acceleration or shock, - electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic radiation, - pollution, - time (elapsed time, wear, oxidation, etc.) - brightness

[0037] At least one sensor can be sensitive to a single physical quantity.

[0038] At least one sensor can be sensitive to several physical quantities.

[0039] According to embodiments, the device according to the invention can comprise at least one sensor of a state of release or not of the dispensing opening.

[0040] Such a sensor may be any type of sensor, such as for example an optical sensor monitoring the state of the dispensing opening, a resistive sensor arranged at the dispensing opening and which is degraded when said opening is open, etc.

[0041] The device according to the invention may further comprise an electronic chip for memorize at least one piece of data relating to the medication in said reservoir.

[0042] Such a chip may be coupled to, or be independent of, at least one sensor.

[0043] The electronic chip may be arranged in the tank, in particular on a wall of the tank, or in a housing provided in said tank.

[0044] The electronic chip can be arranged in the wall, in a sealed manner, in particular to liquids, so that it is not impacted by the contents of the reservoir, in particular when the medicine is liquid.

[0045] In other versions, the electronic chip may be arranged in, or on, a part, other than the reservoir, when the device according to the invention comprises at least one part other than the reservoir. For example, the electronic chip may be arranged on an electronic card equipping the device according to the invention, a base of the device according to the invention, a mechanical dispensing block, etc., where appropriate.

[0046] According to a preferred version, the electronic chip can be a chip: - readable by a reader, or a reading unit, wired or wireless, and in particular at any time, and / or - writable by a device, or a writing unit, or by a sensor equipping said device.

[0047] In particular, the electronic chip can be read and / or written at any time during the life of the device according to the invention. Thus, at each time and at each of the stages of its manufacture, its filling, its transport and its use, it is possible to write data into the electronic chip.

[0048] At least one of the data in the chip can be tested, locally or remotely, to decide whether or not to dispense the medication at a later time.

[0049] The electronic chip can be any type of chip comprising a memory space for storing data.

[0050] The electronic chip can be a read-only memory, a flash memory, a mass memory, an SSD, or any other type of memory (RAM, holographic memory, 3D XPoint, etc.).

[0051] The electronic chip may comprise or be coupled to a wired communication interface, such as a serial or parallel communication port, and / or a wireless communication interface such as an antenna.

[0052] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the electronic chip may be an RFID chip, or a radio tag, comprising an electronic chip coupled to an antenna.

[0053] The at least one piece of data written in the electronic chip can be of any type.

[0054] At least one piece of data written in the electronic chip may relate to the medication in the reservoir, and in particular at least one piece of data relating to

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[0061] the nature and composition of the drug. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one piece of data recorded in the electronic chip may relate to the device according to the invention, and in particular to its manufacture and / or its transport and / or its identification. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one item of data entered in the electronic chip may relate to the user, and in particular to their identification. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one piece of data entered in the electronic chip may relate to a dosage. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one piece of data entered in the electronic chip may relate to the identity of an actor, or to authentication, of at least one actor involved in the chain of preparation and / or delivery of said medication or said device. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one piece of data written in the chip may comprise any combination of at least one of the following data: - at least one piece of geolocation data relating to the place of manufacture of the drug, - at least one geolocation data relating to the place where the reservoir is filled with the medication, - at least one geolocation data item relating to the route taken by the device according to the invention between its place of filling and its place of use by the user, etc. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one piece of data written in the chip may comprise any combination of at least one of the following data: - at least one time stamp data relating to the time of manufacture of the drug, - at least one time stamp relating to the time the reservoir was filled with the medication, - at least one item of data relating to the duration of the journey traveled by the device according to the invention between its place of filling and its place of use by the user, - at least one piece of data relating to a duration, or a date, of validity of consumption of said medication, etc. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one piece of data recorded in the chip may comprise any combination of at least one of the following data relating to the use of said medicinal product: - at least one item of data relating to dosage, - at least one piece of data relating to the identity of the user to whom the medicine, - etc.

[0062] At least one of the data described above as being stored in the chip can alternatively be stored in a remote server, in particular in association with a device identifier.

[0063] Regardless of the storage location, at least one of these data can be tested, locally or remotely, before dispensing the medication, to authorize or not said dispensing.

[0064] At least one piece of data can be written, in the chip or in the server, at any time.

[0065] For example, at least one piece of data may be written into the chip at the time of filling the reservoir. This at least one piece of data may relate to the nature of the medication, the quantity of the medication, the manufacturer of the medication, the actor filling the medication, the time of filling the medication, a date or duration of expiry of the medication, a number or a digital authentication certificate, etc.

[0066] Alternatively, or in addition, at least one piece of data may be written into the chip during the transport of the device between its place of filling and its place of use. This at least one piece of data may relate to at least one route (place and / or date) traveled by the device according to the invention, to a transporter of said device, to a distributor of said device, etc.

[0067] Alternatively, or in addition, at least one piece of data may be written into the chip during use of the medication, such as, for example, a quantity of medication delivered during a medication dispensing step, a time stamp of a dispensing step, an identifier of the user to whom the medication was dispensed during a dispensing step, etc.

[0068] The device according to the invention may further comprise at least one biometric reader for reading at least one biometric data item of a user, such as for example a fingerprint reader, at least one retina print, etc.

[0069] Such biometric data can be used to verify the identity of the user before dispensing the medication.

[0070] The at least one biometric reader may be arranged on the tank.

[0071] Alternatively, the at least one biometric reader may be arranged in, or on, a part of said device other than the reservoir, when the device comprises parts other than the reservoir. For example, the at least one biometric reader may be arranged in, or on, an electronic card of said device, when the device is provided with such an electronic card. According to another example, the at least one biometric reader may be arranged in, or on, a base of said dispensing apparatus, when said apparatus comprises such a base.

[0072] The device according to the invention may comprise at least one module for communication with a remote site, via a wired or non-wired connection, with a view to sending and / or receiving data.

[0073] Such a communication module may, for example, transmit data relating to the identity of the device according to the invention to the remote site in order to obtain data relating to the dispensing of the medication located in the reservoir. This data may include one or more conditions to be checked in order to dispense the medication, as well as the dosage of the medication.

[0074] The at least one communication module may be arranged on, or in, the tank.

[0075] Alternatively, the at least one communication module may be arranged in, or on a part of said device other than the reservoir, when the device comprises parts other than the reservoir. For example, the at least one communication module may be arranged in, or on, an electronic card of said device, when the device is provided with such an electronic card. According to another example, the at least one communication module may be arranged in, or on, a base of said dispensing apparatus when the device is provided with such a base.

[0076] Such a communication module may be a wireless communication module of the NFC, WiFi, Bluetooth®, 3G, 4G, 5G type, or a wired communication module, for example of the Ethernet type.

[0077] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the communication module may comprise a communication module via a telephone network, such as for example a SIM card, physical or emulated.

[0078] The device according to the invention may further comprise a module for measuring a quantity of medication leaving the reservoir through the dispensing opening.

[0079] Such a module makes it possible to ensure that the quantity of medication dispensed complies with a predetermined dosage.

[0080] Such a module may comprise any type of sensor for measuring the quantity of the drug such as a weighing means, a capsule or tablet counting means, a means for measuring the volume of a drug, etc.

[0081] The device according to the invention may further comprise a closure means, arranged downstream of the dispensing opening, movable between a first position allowing the passage of medication and a second position preventing the passage of medication.

[0082] Such a shutter means may be controllable, for example by a control unit, of said device, so that, when an anomaly is detected, said shutter means is positioned in its second position.

[0083] An anomaly may be related to, or inferred from, any of the data or parameters described above.

[0084] Such a sealing means may comprise a controllable actuator provided to move a member forming a physical obstacle to the passage of the medication, into the second position. The member forming a physical obstacle may be a tab, a cover, a lid, or any other object opposing the passage of the medication. The actuator can be a motor, or a cylinder, or a magnetic actuator, or any other actuator that can be controlled by an electrical signal, or a wave.

[0085] The device according to the invention may further comprise a management unit configured to authorize or not the dispensing of the medication to the user.

[0086] The authorization, or not, of dispensation can be carried out according to: - the operating state of at least one degradable sensor, and / or - at least one piece of data measured by at least one non-degradable sensor, and / Or - at least one piece of data stored in the electronic chip, and / or - at least one predefined condition applying to said data.

[0087] The at least one piece of data tested may be any of the data listed above.

[0088] At least one condition may be a comparison of at least one data item with at least one reference data item, or a predefined threshold value.

[0089] Preferably, but in no way limiting, at least one condition may be tested before the first dispensing of medication, or before each dispensing of medication.

[0090] At least one reference data item, respectively at least one threshold value, can be previously stored in the management unit.

[0091] Alternatively, or in addition, at least one reference data, respectively at least one threshold value, can be loaded from a remote site. The loading can be carried out before the first dispensing of medication, or before each dispensing of medication.

[0092] The management unit may be a processor or a computer, or a computer chip, possibly loaded with a computer program, configured to carry out the operations described above.

[0093] According to versions, the device according to the invention may be in the form of a cartridge forming said medication reservoir, and intended to be used in a medication dispensing device.

[0094] Such an apparatus may comprise at least one location provided to receive, in particular interchangeably, a device according to the invention.

[0095] In particular, such an apparatus may be in the form of a base, or a stand, intended to receive, in particular interchangeably, a device according to the invention.

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[0106] In this case, the release of the dispensing opening of the device according to the invention can advantageously be achieved when the device according to the invention is coupled, or engaged, with the dispensing apparatus. For example, such coupling can tear a seal covering the dispensing opening. According to versions, the device according to the invention may be in the form of a medication dispensing device comprising: - the reservoir, and - at least one part forming a base of said reservoir, and cooperating with said reservoir to dispense a medication located in said reservoir. In this case, at least one of the components described above may be located in the base of the device. In particular, the base may comprise any combination of at least one of the following elements: - at least one sensor, - the biometric reader, - the communication module - the quantization module, - the shutter module, and - the management unit. In the version where the device is in the form of an apparatus comprising a reservoir and a base, said reservoir can be fixed, or integrated, to the base in a non-interchangeable manner. In this case, the reservoir is an integral part of the dispensing device and cannot be separated from the base. In this embodiment, the electronic chip may be disposed at the reservoir, or at the base. In the version where the device according to the invention is in the form of an apparatus comprising a reservoir and a base, the reservoir can alternatively be coupled to the base in a removable manner so that said base can receive, interchangeably, one of several reservoirs. In this case, the reservoir may be defined in, or be in the form of, a removable cartridge as stated above. In this case, the chip is preferably placed in, or on, the reservoir. In this case, the base is reusable with different reservoirs containing the same or different drugs. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drug dispensing system comprising: - a central server, and - at least one drug dispensing device according to the invention, in communication with said central server.

[0107] At least one dispensing device may be in communication with the remote server through wired or wireless communication.

[0108] At least one dispensing device may be in communication with the remote server through a communications network, such as the Internet.

[0109] Thus, at least one communication device can load, from or to the remote server, at least one piece of data relating to the dispensing of a medication, such as at least one condition / data item to be tested for the dispensing of a medication or one piece of data relating to the applicable dosage. Thus, it is possible to dynamically modify, on the fly and remotely, data relating to the dispensing of a medication, such as for example a dosage. It is possible to dynamically stop or start, on the fly and remotely, the taking of a medication. It is also possible to lock the dispensing due to an indicator making the medication unfit for use, such as for example an exceeding of its use-by date, an exposure value to an excessively high temperature, an unsuitable authentication certification. All these characteristics allow better control of the dispensing of a medication to a user. Description of figures and embodiments

[0110] Other advantages and characteristics will appear on examining the detailed description of embodiments which are in no way limiting, and the appended drawings in which: - FIGURES 1-2 are schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of a drug dispensing device according to the invention, in particular when said device is in the form of a cartridge adaptable to a base; - [Fig.3]-4 are schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of a drug dispensing device according to the invention, in particular when said device is in the form of a drug dispensing apparatus; and - [Fig.5] is a representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention.

[0111] It is understood that the embodiments which will be described below are in no way limiting. In particular, it will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described below isolated from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention compared to the state of the prior art. This selection comprises at least one preferably functional characteristic without structural details, or with only part of the structural details if it is this part which is solely sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art.

[0112] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0113] In the figures and in the remainder of the description, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0114] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment not limiting of a drug dispensing device, according to a side view and according to a sectional view.

[0115] The device 100 of [Fig. 1] is in the form of a cartridge intended to fit and be coupled to a device, or a base, for dispensing medication, and in particular in a removable manner and in particular in an interchangeable manner with other similar or identical devices.

[0116] The device 100 comprises a reservoir 102 for receiving a gaseous, liquid or solid medicament (in the form of a powder or capsules). Preferably, the reservoir 102 is closed, in particular in a watertight manner, and in particular in an airtight manner. In the example shown, the device 100 is formed by two parts 104i and 1042 assembled together, for example by welding, screwing or gluing, after filling said reservoir 102 with a medicament (not shown).

[0117] The reservoir 102 is connected to a dispensing opening 106 allowing the medication located in the reservoir 102 to exit said reservoir 102. In the example shown, the medication exits the reservoir by gravity because, in the use configuration, the dispensing opening 106 is located downwards.

[0118] The dispensing opening 106 is closed and protected by a cover 108, in particular in a waterproof manner and in particular in an airtight manner. This cover 108 makes it possible to protect the medication in the reservoir 102 during transport and storage of the device 100. The cover 108 is intended to be perforated during the first use of the device 100, for example by coupling the device with a medication dispensing apparatus or base.

[0119] Advantageously, the device 100 comprises a sensor 110, sensitive to at least one physical quantity, and making it possible to determine whether the medication in the reservoir has been degraded or not.

[0120] In the example of [Fig. 1], the sensor 110 is arranged inside the reservoir 102. In particular, the sensor 110 is arranged on an internal face of a bottom wall of the reservoir opposite the dispensing opening 108.

[0121] The sensor 110 is glued to the wall of the tank 102.

[0122] The sensor 110 is covered with a waterproof and / or airtight coating 112, for protect said electronic chip 110, in particular with respect to the medication in the reservoir, and vice versa.

[0123] The sensor 110 may be a conventional sensor for measuring the value of one or more physical quantities and communicating the measured values ​​to an external device, or to a memory (not shown) or an electronic chip (not shown) of the device 100.

[0124] The sensor 110 may be a sensor which degrades when the value of at least one physical quantity to which it is sensitive reaches a maximum threshold value and / or a minimum threshold value.

[0125] In the example shown, the sensor 110 is a passive RFID tag comprising an electronic chip and a communication antenna, and which is designed to be degraded when the value of at least one physical quantity to which it is sensitive reaches a maximum threshold value and / or a minimum threshold value. The electronic chip can store identification data of the device 100.

[0126] Thus, as long as the value of at least one physical quantity to which the tag 110 is sensitive has not reached a maximum threshold value and / or a minimum threshold value, said tag can be read by a reader. Otherwise, the RFID tag cannot be read by a reader: the medication in the reservoir is potentially degraded and must not be dispensed to a user.

[0127] The sensor 110 may be sensitive to one or more of the following quantities: temperature, humidity, brightness, radiation, pressure, shock, vibration, etc. acting on said tank.

[0128] Optionally, the device 100 may comprise at least one other sensor, namely a sensor 114, for measuring the value of at least one physical quantity. At least one value measured by the at least one sensor 114 may be communicated to a device external to the device 100, or to an electronic chip or a memory of said device, for storage. Such an electronic chip (or such a memory) may be the RFID tag 110, or an electronic chip (or a memory) other than the RFID tag.

[0129] In the example shown, in a schematic and non-limiting manner, the sensor 114 is arranged on an internal face of the tank 102.

[0130] In the example shown, and in a schematic and non-limiting manner, a single sensor 114 is shown. The device 100 may comprise several sensors 114, each sensitive to one or more physical quantities.

[0131] Generally, the device 100 may comprise any combination of at least one of the following sensors: - at least one position sensor, such as a GPS sensor, for measuring at least one location data of said device; - at least one sensor of a physical parameter relating to said reservoir, such as a temperature sensor within the reservoir, a hygrometry sensor within the reservoir, a sensor of light penetrating into the reservoir, at least one sensor of radiation propagating in said reservoir, at least one pressure sensor within the pressure reservoir, at least one shock sensor acting on said reservoir such as an accelerometer, at least one vibration sensor of said reservoir, and more generally a sensor for measuring any physical parameter likely to alter the medication located in the reservoir 102; - at least one sensor monitoring the state of release or not of the dispensing opening, i.e. the state of the seal 108.

[0132] [Fig. 2] is a schematic representation of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of another drug dispensing device, in a side view and in two sectional views.

[0133] The device 200 of [Fig.2] is in the form of a cartridge intended to fit and be coupled to a device, or a base, for dispensing medication, and in particular in a removable manner and in particular in an interchangeable manner with at least one other identical or similar medication dispensing device.

[0134] The device 200 of [Fig.2] includes all of the elements of the device 100 of [Fig.l], except for the differences mentioned below.

[0135] Unlike the device 100, in the device 200, the reservoir 102 is made in a single piece, for example by molding or by machining. In this case, the reservoir 102 can be filled through the dispensing opening 106. Then, the dispensing opening 106 can be closed by the cover 108.

[0136] Furthermore, unlike the device 100, in the device 200, the sensor 110 is arranged on an internal face of a side wall of the reservoir 102. This embodiment can in particular be used when the medication is not in a liquid form.

[0137] Furthermore, the device 200 does not include a sensor 114.

[0138] Each of the devices 100 and 200 can be made of any material compatible with the medicine in the reservoir, such as plastic, metal, resin, cardboard, rubber, glass, or wood, etc.

[0139] [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation of another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a drug dispensing device according to the invention, in particular when said device is in the form of a drug dispensing apparatus.

[0140] The device 300 shown in [Fig.3] comprises a cartridge 302 comprising a reservoir 102, an electronic chip 110 disposed in the reservoir 102 and a dispensing opening 106 of medication from said reservoir, in particular under the effect of gravity. The cartridge 302 may be any one of the devices 100 or 200 of FIGURES 1 and 2. In the example of [Fig.3], the cartridge 302 corresponds to the device 100 of [Fig.l] and therefore includes all the elements of this device.

[0141] In the example of [Fig.3], the cartridge 302 is coupled to a base 304, in particular in a removable manner so that the base 304 can receive interchangeably, and only one at a time, several cartridges identical or similar to the cartridge 302.

[0142] The perforation of the seal, or of the membrane, protecting the dispensing opening 106 can be carried out, in particular automatically or simultaneously, when the cartridge 302 is inserted into the base 304.

[0143] The base 304 includes a power supply (not shown), wired or by battery, for the various optional components of the device 300 which will now be described.

[0144] Generally, the device according to the invention comprises at least one sensor, each sensor being sensitive to at least one physical quantity within said reservoir that can affect the integrity of the medication located in said reservoir, such as for example the sensors 110 and 114, arranged in the reservoir 102. In the example shown, the device 300 comprises the sensor 110 and the sensor 114, each arranged in the reservoir. Alternatively, the device 300 may comprise only one of the sensors 110 and 114

[0145] The device 300 may comprise, in addition to the sensors 110 and 114, one or more sensors 306, arranged at the base 304, to measure the value of at least one parameter relating to the medication, and / or to said cartridge, and / or to the base. The measured value may be stored locally in a memory of said device, or remotely, for example at a remote server.

[0146] In the example shown, and in a schematic and non-limiting manner, a single sensor 306 is shown arranged in the base 304. Generally, the or each sensor 306 may be any one of the following sensors: - at least one position sensor, such as a GPS sensor, for measuring at least one location data of the device 300; - at least one sensor of a physical parameter relating to said device, such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, a radiation sensor, a pressure sensor, a shock sensor, a vibration sensor, etc.

[0147] Optionally, the device 300 may comprise a biometric data reader, such as a fingerprint reader 308, for identifying the user. Thus, before at least one, in particular each, dispensing of medication, it is possible to verify the identity of the user to whom the medication is dispensed, which helps to avoid errors concerning the user for whom the medication is intended, or diversion of the medication for a use other than taking the medication by the recipient patient (resale, drugs, suicide, self-medication, etc.). The identity of the user, authorized to finally dispense the prescribed medication(s), can be determined by comparing the measured biometric data to a reference biometric data previously measured and stored either locally or remotely. In the latter case, the reference biometric data can be loaded from the remote site.

[0148] The at least one biometric reader may be arranged on the reservoir 302. Alternatively, as shown in [Fig.3], the biometric reader 308 may be arranged in, or on, the base 304.

[0149] Optionally, but advantageously, the device 300 may comprise a communication module 310, wired or wireless, for example via an Internet-type network, with a remote server (not shown in [Fig. 3]). Such a communication module makes it possible to send and / or receive data relating to the medication, and / or data relating to the cartridge 302, and / or data relating to the device 300, and / or data relating to the user, and / or data relating to the dosage.

[0150] The communication module 310 may, for example, transmit data relating to the identity of the device 300, or of a user of said device, to the remote site in order to obtain data relating to the dispensing of the medication located in the reservoir. This data may include one or more conditions to be checked in order to dispense the medication, medication dosage data, etc.

[0151] The communication module 310 may be arranged on, or in, the reservoir 302. Alternatively, as shown in [Fig. 3], the communication module 310 may be arranged in, or on, the base 304.

[0152] Optionally, but particularly advantageously, the device 300 may comprise a sensor 312 of a quantity of medication leaving the reservoir 102 through the dispensing opening 106.

[0153] Such a sensor makes it possible to ensure that the quantity of medication dispensed is consistent with the dosage associated with a user.

[0154] Such a sensor 312 can be any type of mechanical, electrical, or optical sensor. In the example shown, the sensor 312 is an optical sensor making it possible to count the number of capsules leaving the reservoir 102.

[0155] The sensor 312 may be arranged on, or in, the reservoir. Alternatively, as shown in [Fig. 3], the sensor 312 is arranged in, or on, the base 304, downstream of the dispensing opening 106.

[0156] Optionally, but particularly advantageously, the device 300 can comprise a closure means 314, arranged downstream of the dispensing opening 106, movable between a first position allowing the passage of medications and a second position preventing the passage of medications.

[0157] The closure means 314 comprises a controllable actuator 314i, and provided to move a member 3142 forming a physical obstacle to the passage of the medication, into the second position. The member 3142 forming a physical obstacle may be a tab, a cover, a lid, or any other object opposing the passage of the medication. The actuator 314i may be a motor, or a jack, or even a magnetic actuator, or any other actuator which can be controlled by an electrical signal, or a wave, and moving the member 3142.

[0158] The shutter means 314 may be controllable, for example by a management unit of the device 300 so that, when an anomaly is detected, said shutter means 314 is positioned in its second position. An anomaly may be linked to any of the data or parameters described above.

[0159] The closure means 314 may be arranged on, or in, the reservoir. Alternatively, as shown in [Fig. 3], the closure means 314 is arranged in, or on, the base 304, downstream of the dispensing opening 106.

[0160] Optionally, but particularly advantageously, the device 300 comprises a management unit 316 configured to authorize or not the dispensing of the medication to the user depending on at least one piece of data stored in the electronic chip 110 and at least one predefined condition.

[0161] The management unit 316 may be a processor configured by a computer program.

[0162] The management unit 316 may be arranged on, or in, the tank. Alternatively, as shown in [Fig. 3], the management unit 316 is arranged in, or on, the base 304.

[0163] For example, the management unit may be configured to perform any combination of at least one of the following operations: - interrogating a degradable sensor, such as sensor 110, to determine its operating state; - compare temperature data, and / or pressure data, and / or hygrometry data, etc., for example measured by the sensor 114, with at least one threshold value stored locally, or loaded from a remote site; - compare biometric data read by the biometric reader with reference biometric data, stored locally or loaded from a remote site; - control the closure means according to at least one quantity data item measured by the sensor 312 and at least one dosage data item stored locally or loaded from a remote site, etc.

[0164] Of course, the device 300 may comprise other components than those which have just been described. For example, the device 300 may comprise: at least one battery powering said device, or a wired power interface; at least one computer memory, at least one display screen, touch or not, etc.

[0165] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a drug dispensing device according to the invention, in particular when said device is in the form of a drug dispensing apparatus.

[0166] The device 400 of [Fig.4] includes all of the elements of the device 300 of [Fig.3], except for the differences mentioned below.

[0167] In the example of [Fig.4], unlike the device 300, the reservoir 102 is integrated into the device 400 and is not formed by a removable cartridge 302. In other words, in the device 400, the reservoir is not removable.

[0168] [Fig. 5] is a schematic representation of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a medication dispensing system according to the invention.

[0169] The system 500 of [Fig.5] comprises a central server 502 to which a plurality of dispensing devices 504r504n are connected, via an Internet-type communication network 506. The central server is located, for example, on a site remote from each of the devices 504r504n.

[0170] At least one of the dispensing devices 504r504n may be any of the devices 100 or 200 of FIGURES 1 or 2. In this case, each dispensing device is coupled with a dispensing apparatus, or base, itself connected to said Internet network.

[0171] At least one of the dispensing devices 504r504n may be any of the devices 300 or 400 of FIGURES 1 or 2. In this case, each dispensing device is itself connected to said Internet network, possibly through a connection gateway.

[0172] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (100; 200; 300; 400) for packaging, transporting and / or dispensing medications comprising: - a closed medication reservoir (102) intended to receive at least one medication to be dispensed and comprising a medication dispensing opening (106) intended to be released during medication dispensing, and - at least one sensor (110; 114), sensitive to at least one physical quantity within said reservoir and capable of affecting the integrity of said at least one medication located in said reservoir; characterized in that at least one sensor (110) is a passive RFID tag, comprising a chip and an antenna, the reading of which is altered when the value of at least one physical quantity exceeds a threshold value.

2. Device (100; 200; 300; 400) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one sensor (110; 114) is arranged in the reservoir (102).

3. Device (100;200;300;400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (110) is arranged in a housing provided in said reservoir (102).

4. Device (100;200;300;400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (114) is a sensor for measuring a value of at least one physical quantity.

5. Device (100; 200; 300; 400) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one sensor (110; 114) is sensitive to at least one of the following quantities: - temperature, - pressure, - hygrometry, - movement, acceleration or shock, - electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic radiation, - pollution, - brightness - time (elapsed time, oxidation, wear)

6. Device (100;200;300;400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing opening (106) is closed by a membrane (108), and in that it further comprises at least one sensor for a state of release or not of said dispensing opening.

7. Device (100;200;300;400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an electronic chip for storing: - at least one item of data relating to the at least one medication located in said reservoir, - at least one item of data relating to a user, and / or - at least one item of data relating to a dosage.

8. Device (300; 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises: - at least one biometric reader (308) for reading at least one biometric data of a user; - a module (310) for communication with a remote site (502), through a wired or non-wired connection, in order to send and / or receive data; - a module (312) for measuring a quantity of medication leaving the reservoir (102) through the dispensing opening (106); - a closure means (314) arranged downstream of the dispensing opening (106), movable between a first position authorizing the passage of medication and a second position preventing the passage of medication;and / or - a management unit (316) configured to authorize or not the dispensing of the medication to the user according to at least one piece of data stored in the electronic chip (110) and at least one predefined condition applying to said data.;

9. Device (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is in the form of a cartridge forming said reservoir (102) of medication, and provided for be used in a drug dispensing device.

10. Device (300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is in the form of a medication dispensing apparatus comprising: - the reservoir (302, 102), and - at least one part (304) forming a base for said reservoir (302, 102), and cooperating with said reservoir (302, 102) to dispense a medication located in said reservoir.

11. Device (400) according to claim 10, characterized in that the reservoir (302,102) is fixed, or integrated, to the base (304) in a non-interchangeable manner.

12. Device (300) according to claim 10, characterized in that the reservoir (302,102) is coupled to the base (304) in a removable manner so that said base (304) can receive, interchangeably, one of several reservoirs.

13. Medication dispensing system (500) comprising: - a central server (502), - at least one medication dispensing device (504r504n) according to any one of the preceding claims, in communication with said central server.

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