Smart containers, sensors, and methods for medication management

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for medication management, and related systems, methods, techniques, and articles.SOLUTION: An apparatus for medication management of the present invention includes: a housing for a packet of medication; a sensor coupled to the housing for sensing whether the packet has been removed or is likely to have been removed from the housing; and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data regarding a reading of the sensor to a remote computer. A system for medication management communicates with the apparatus for medication management. The remote computer is configured to send an alert to an external device, and the alert is based on the reading of the sensor. Also, an apparatus for medication management includes: a housing for medication; and a sensor for sensing a quantity of medication within the housing. The sensor includes a plurality of conductive electrodes arranged in an interleaved pattern, and provided in a substantially horizontal position. Related systems, methods, techniques and articles are also described.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Related Applications This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 821,001, filed March 20, 2019, entitled "SMART MEDICATION CONTAINER FOR A BLISTER PACK," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 867,167, filed June 26, 2019, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING AND RESPONDING TO DATA," which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. This disclosure is related to U.S. Patent Nos. 7,928,835, 8,754,769, 9,125,798, 9,358,183, and 10,071,023, and PCT International Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 064260A1, which are also incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Field of Disclosure

[0002] Provided are medication containers having sensors configured to detect removal of one or more doses of medication from the medication container or a blister pack within the medication container, as well as related systems and computer-implemented methods for determining and providing interventions to patients, caregivers, and / or other interested parties (e.g., pharmacies), for example, to improve or maintain a patient's adherence rate to a medication regimen. [Background technology]

[0003] According to estimates, over 100 million people in the United States alone suffer from at least one chronic disease. Furthermore, chronic diseases are responsible for approximately 7 out of 10 deaths in the United States each year. Often, medications are prescribed to alleviate or treat chronic diseases, but many go unconsumed. With current adherence levels to medication regimens at 50% or less, patients are not adequately treating their chronic diseases, even though many have access to preventative or episodic medications. One reason patients fail to take their medications is patient forgetfulness. Other reasons include unclear or confusing instructions for the medication or its prescription, lack of monitoring by healthcare professionals or pharmacies of patients' adherence to medication regimens, and a lack of coordination and communication between patients, healthcare professionals, and / or pharmacies.

[0004] Timely refills are important to ensure continued therapeutic benefit, but waiting for patients to report a shortage of medication is not a surefire solution.

[0005] Additionally, medications (e.g., medicines, drugs, tablets, pharmaceuticals, and the like) are packaged in several different types of containers. However, traditional medication containers neither securely protect the medication nor provide easy access to the medication stored therein. Furthermore, traditional medication containers do not detect whether or when medication has been removed from the medication container, or if they do so, do so with limited accuracy. Furthermore, traditional medication containers do not have communication capabilities that allow for communication with a remote server computer that can use the transmitted data to generate reminders and alerts for the patient, or that allow for improved management of the refill process, for example, by triggering a reminder that fewer than a threshold number of doses remain in the medication container. Furthermore, traditional medication containers are discarded after each use.

[0006] Systems and methods are provided to improve patient adherence to a medication regimen, thereby improving patient outcomes and quality of life. For example, some systems and methods are configured with sensors that determine if and / or when a patient has taken their medication and provide reminders and / or alerts to the patient to appropriately improve adherence to the medication regimen.

[0007] Improved systems and methods are desirable to effectively reduce patient forgetfulness, improve the clarity of medication or prescription instructions, facilitate healthcare professional or pharmacy monitoring of patient adherence to medication regimens, improve collaboration and communication between patients, healthcare professionals, and / or pharmacies, and for particular configurations and uses involving blister packs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The innovations recited in the claims each have several characteristics, none of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, we will now briefly discuss some of the more prominent features of the present disclosure.

[0009] The present disclosure provides a device for medication administration. The device can include a housing for a packet of medication. The device can include a sensor coupled to the housing to detect whether the packet has been removed or is likely to have been removed from the housing. The device can include a transmitter to wirelessly transmit data regarding the sensor reading to a remote computer.

[0010] The packet can include a plurality of protrusions positioned on a backing, each containing a portion of the medication. The protrusions can be arranged in a grid format of multiple rows and columns of protrusions.

[0011] The housing may include a first housing and a second housing. The sensor may include a first sensor coupled to the first housing. The sensor may include a second sensor coupled to the second housing. The first sensor may be proximate to the second sensor in a first state in which the first and second housings are disposed in a closed position. The first sensor may be positioned at a distance away from the second sensor in a second state in which the first and second housings are disposed in an open position.

[0012] The first housing can be a base. The second housing can be a top. The top can be coupled to the base via a hinge along a long edge of each of the base and the top. The first and second sensors can be provided on opposite sides of the hinge.

[0013] The first housing may be a base. The second housing may be a cap. The cap may be coupled to the base via a hinge along a short edge of each of the base and the cap. The first and second sensors may be provided near the short edges.

[0014] The first housing can be a base. The second housing can be a top. The top can be coupled to the base via a hinge along a short edge of each of the base and cap. The first and second sensors can be provided on opposite sides of the short edges.

[0015] The first housing can be a base having an open end, and the second housing can be a tray configured to slide into and out of the base via the open end of the base. The first and second sensors can be provided near the short edges when the base and tray are in a first state in which they are disposed in a closed position.

[0016] The housing can include a base having an open end. The sensor can include a first sensor coupled to a first interior surface of the base. The sensor can include a second sensor coupled to a second interior surface of the base opposite the first interior surface. The first and second sensors can be positioned at or near the open end.

[0017] The housing can include a base having a surface configured to be coupled to or decoupled from the packet. The sensor can include a first sensor coupled to the base. The sensor can include a second sensor coupled to the packet. The first sensor can be located proximate to the second sensor in a first state in which the base is coupled to the packet. The first sensor can be positioned at a standoff distance from the second sensor in a second state in which the base is decoupled from the packet.

[0018] The measurement sensor may include at least one from the group consisting of a magnetic switch, a reed switch, a magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor, a capacitive touch sensor, an inductive touch sensor, a proximity sensor, and an electrical contact.

[0019] The present disclosure provides a system for medication management. The system can be configured to communicate with a device for medication management. The device can include a housing for a packet of medication. The device can include a sensor coupled to the housing to detect whether the packet has been removed or is likely to be removed from the housing. The device can include a transmitter to wirelessly transmit data regarding a sensor reading to a remote computer. The remote computer can be configured to send an alert to one or more of the device, the mobile communication device, and the computer. The alert can be based on the sensor reading.

[0020] The present disclosure provides a system for medication administration, the system including a housing for a medication. The housing can have an open end and a closed end opposite the open end. The system can include a sensor coupled to the housing to detect the amount of medication in the housing. The sensor can include a plurality of conductive electrodes arranged in an alternating pattern to detect the amount of medication in the housing. The sensor can be provided near the closed end. The sensor can be provided within the housing in a substantially horizontal position when the housing is in an upright position. The alternating pattern of conductive electrodes can include regularly spaced conductive electrodes. The alternating pattern of conductive electrodes can include conductive electrodes having a rectangular shape or a substantially rectangular shape. A gap can be disposed between at least two of the plurality of conductive electrodes arranged in the alternating pattern. The length of the gap can be approximately 1 mm.

[0021] The system may include one or more processors configured to trigger sensor readings. The system may include a transmitter to wirelessly transmit data regarding the sensor readings to a remote computer. The system may include a wireless receiver configured to receive a wake-up command from or otherwise initiated by the remote computer. The one or more processors may be configured to activate an alert based at least in part on receipt of the wake-up command by the wireless receiver. At least one of the one or more processors may include one from the group consisting of a variable oscillator circuit, a resonant circuit, a Wien bridge oscillator, and a switched capacitor circuit.

[0022] The present disclosure provides a method for medication administration. The method may include determining, by a processor, an orientation of the medication container based on a reading from a first sensor disposed on or within the medication container. The method may include collecting, by the processor, at least one first baseline reading from a second sensor disposed on or within the medication container based on the reading. The method may include collecting, by the processor, at least one second baseline reading from the second sensor after a delay period. The method may include comparing, by the processor, the first baseline reading to the second baseline reading. The method may include transmitting, by the processor, an alert to an external device based on the comparison of the first baseline reading with the second baseline reading.

[0023] The present disclosure provides a method for medication management. The method may include receiving, by a processor, a patient message related to a patient treated with a medication. The method may include receiving, by a processor, adherence device data from a medication container accessed by the patient. The method may include receiving, by a processor, medical information from at least one of a health care provider (HCP), an HCP computer, a pharmacist, and a pharmacy computer. The method may include processing, by the processor, at least one of the patient message, the adherence device data, and the medical information with a model. The method may include outputting, by the processor, at least one of the patient's medication history, the time the medication was taken relative to a scheduled dose time, a signal responsive to a determination that the medication was not taken by the patient, a frequency and pattern of medication taking, and a frequency and pattern of missed doses. The method may include classifying, by the processor, patients into one or more groups with respect to likelihood of de-enrollment and probability of de-enrollment based on the output of the model.

[0024] The method may include processing, by a processor, the patient message, the adherence device data, and the medical information through a model.

[0025] The method can include identifying, by the processor, a patient at risk for further non-compliance based on a frequency and pattern of non-compliance. The method can include sending, by the processor, an intervention to the patient based on the identification of the at-risk patient.

[0026] The method can include classifying, by a processor, patient messages having characteristics associated with the patient's treatment plan. The method can include predicting, by the processor, a probability of adherence based on the classified characteristics. The method can include sending, by the processor, an intervention to the patient or a patient support member or group based on the predicted probability of adherence.

[0027] The method can include identifying, by a processor, a patient who is likely to miss or become non-compliant in the future based on at least one of historical patient messages, scheduled dose times, number of doses per day, and adherence device data. The method can include sending, by the processor, an intervention to the patient or a patient support member or group based on the patient's identification.

[0028] For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain features, advantages, and novel characteristics of the innovation have been described above. Not all advantages are necessarily achieved by any particular example embodiment. Thus, the innovation may be implemented or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0029] Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, and 6B show smart medication containers configured to receive or couple to one or more blister packs containing medication according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a plan view of a smart medication container configured to receive or couple to one or more blister packs containing medication according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 1B] 1B shows a side view of the drug container of FIG. 1A.

[0032] [Figure 2A] 1 shows a plan view of a smart medication container configured to receive or couple to one or more blister packs containing medication according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 2B] 2B shows a side view of the drug container of FIG. 2A.

[0034] [Figure 3A] 10 shows a plan view of a smart medication container configured to receive or couple to one or more blister packs containing medication according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 3B] 3B shows an end view of the drug container of FIG. 3A.

[0036] [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a smart medication container configured to receive or couple to one or more blister packs containing medication according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 4B] 4B shows a side view of the drug container of FIG. 4A.

[0038] [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a smart medication container configured to receive or couple to one or more blister packs containing medication according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 5B] 5B shows a side view of the drug container of FIG. 5A.

[0040] [Figure 5C] 5C shows another side view of the drug container of FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG.

[0041] [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a side view of a smart medication container configured to receive or couple to one or more blister packs containing medication according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates another side view of a medication container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a server computer that may communicate with circuitry on or within a medication container to generate reminders and / or alerts for a patient, a caregiver, a pharmacy, any other individual or entity, and / or any combination thereof, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates a vertical cross section of a pill bottle having an interdigital capacitor (IDC) sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] [Figure 8B]For example, components of a system for identifying changes in the number of doses or amount of medication in a container such as the container of FIG. 8A are shown.

[0046] [Figure 9A] 1 illustrates an IDC sensor with a narrow trace width and a narrow gap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] [Figure 9B] 9B illustrates another IDC sensor having a wider trace width and a wider gap than the trace width and gap of the IDC sensor of FIG. 9A.

[0048] [Figure 9C] 9C illustrates another IDC sensor having a wider trace width and a wider gap than the trace width and gap of the IDC sensor of FIG. 9B.

[0049] [Figure 10] 9 shows an IDC sensor located at the bottom of the tablet bottle of FIG. 8.

[0050] [Figure 11] For example, an example of a Wien bridge oscillator including an IDC sensor such as one of the IDC sensors of FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, FIG. 9C, or FIG.

[0051] [Figure 12] 10 shows an example of a switched capacitor circuit including an IDC sensor, such as one of the IDC sensors of FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, FIG. 9C, or FIG.

[0052] [Figure 13] 1 is a method for collecting IDC sensor data according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] [Figure 14]1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, 6B, and 8A. FIG. 1B is a graph showing IDC data as a dose of medication is removed from or added to a medication container, such as the container of any of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, 6B, and 8A.

[0054] [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates a process flow diagram for determining what action to take, such as patient / caregiver outreach, pharmacy outreach, flagging in a report, or no action, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates a process flow diagram for identifying patients with high unenrollment probabilities and outreach to patients for intervention according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates a process flow diagram for identifying patients who may be non-compliant in the future and for patient outreach for intervention according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] [Figure 18] FIG. 10 illustrates a process flow diagram for message classification and potential support team actions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] [Figure 19] FIG. 1 illustrates a process flow diagram for identifying patients who may be non-compliant or non-compliant in the future and for outreach to patients for intervention according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a computing system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] Detailed Description Like reference numbers in the various drawings indicate like elements.

[0061] Systems and methods according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure enable and encourage improved medication adherence. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices including a medication container configured to receive or couple to one or more blister packs containing medication, the medication container including one or more sensors configured to detect conditions signaling the removal of the one or more blister packs from the medication container and / or the removal of one or more doses of medication from the one or more blister packs. The medication container can advantageously fulfill one or more (e.g., all) of the following objectives: securely protect the medication; allow easy access to the medication; detect when medication has been removed or is likely to have been removed from one or more blister packs; and communicate details of the medication container detections via a communications network to a remote server computer that can use these details to generate reminders and alerts for patients and / or other entities or facilities, such as a pharmacy. The one or more blister packs can be removably inserted or coupled (e.g., by the patient or a pharmacy representative) to the medication container. In some example embodiments, the one or more sensors can activate or generate one or more actions by the medication container, such as, for example, storing and / or transmitting data indicating whether medication has been or is likely to be removed from the one or more blister packs and / or causing one or more measurements (e.g., one or more measurements of the amount of medication in the one or more blister packs).

[0062] As used herein, the term "blister pack" includes any suitable packet, including, without limitation, the type of packets in which relatively small items are displayed and sold, bubble packets, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the blister pack may include one or more projections (e.g., dome-shaped projections) positioned on or attached to a backing (e.g., a relatively rigid backing). Each projection may be formed from plastic or a similar material. The backing may be formed from a relatively thin foil, cardboard, or a similar material. In some exemplary embodiments, the backing of the packet may be rectangularly shaped or approximately rectangular. In some exemplary embodiments, the packet may contain medications in any suitable pattern, such as, for example, a grid, where the medications are contained within the projections of the packet arranged in a grid format having multiple rows and columns of medications.

[0063] 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, and 6B show smart medication containers according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] 1A and 1B show a top view and a side view, respectively, of a first exemplary embodiment of a drug container 100. The drug container 100 includes a base 102 and a top 104 coupled to the base 102 (e.g., via a hinged connection) to allow the top 104 to move from a first closed position to a second open position. A blister pack 106 can fit within the drug container 100 and can be accessed by a user (e.g., a patient) by moving the top 104 from a first position to a second position. In some exemplary embodiments, the top 104 can move relative to the base 102 in a manner similar to a clamshell opening. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 102 and the top 104 can each have a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape, although other shapes (e.g., square or approximately square, circular or approximately circular) are also possible. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 102 and the top 104 can each be elongated and generally flat. In some exemplary embodiments, the top 104 can be coupled to the base 102 via a hinge along a long edge 108 of each of the base 102 and the top 104 .

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, the medication container 100 can include one or more sensors (110a, 110b). In some exemplary embodiments, the sensors can include a first sensor component 110a and a second sensor component 110b. The sensors can detect when the top 104 is opened and / or closed between the top 104 and the base 102. In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor component 110a can be disposed in or on top of the top 104, and the sensor component 110b can be disposed in or on top of the base 102. When the top 104 is opened and / or closed, the medication container 100 can detect that the blister pack has been removed or is likely to have been removed (e.g., by detecting that the top 104 has been opened or that the top 104 has been open (e.g., for some period of time) and then closed).

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, the drug container 100 includes circuitry (e.g., one or more printed circuit boards and / or one or more printed circuit board assemblies) in communication with one or more sensors (e.g., 110a, 110b). In some exemplary embodiments, the drug container 100 includes a wireless circuit board including electronic components such as a microprocessor, a wireless module, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and a power circuit. In some exemplary embodiments, the microprocessor can transmit to a server computer via a wireless antenna and over a communications network. In some exemplary embodiments, the circuitry may be included in or on the base 102. In other exemplary embodiments, the circuitry may be included in or on the top 104. In still other exemplary embodiments, the circuitry may be included in or on both the base 102 and the top 104. Upon receiving one or more outputs from one or more sensors (e.g., one or more outputs indicating whether the top 104 has been opened and / or closed), the circuitry can store in the memory of the medication container 100 and / or transmit (e.g., to a server) data indicating whether medication has been removed or is likely to have been removed from one or more blister packs 106.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., 110a, 110b) can be positioned and configured to detect whether one or more blister packs have been removed. For example, one or more sensors can detect a blister pack, then detect its absence as it is removed, and / or then detect the blister pack again as it is replaced in the medication container 100. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more sensor components can be disposed in or on the base 102 and / or top 104. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one sensor component can be included in or on the blister pack 106. For example, a sensor component can be disposed in or on the blister pack 106 or other medication packaging. A sensor component on the medication container 100 may determine when the blister pack 106 has been removed and / or replaced, and may obtain information about the medication, such as the type of medication, the batch of medication, and / or the dosage, and / or other information (e.g., the medication regimen for the particular patient for which the blister pack 106 is intended).

[0068] In some example embodiments, one or more outputs of one or more sensors may provide, for example, one or more measurements of the amount of medication in one or more blister packs 106.

[0069] Any suitable sensor or sensors (e.g., 110a, 110b) may be utilized in association with the medication container 100. For example, the sensor or sensors may include one or more magnets and reed switches, one or more magnets and Hall effect sensors, one or more optical sensors (e.g., infrared, visible light, or other), one or more pressure sensors (e.g., mechanical or semiconductor switches), one or more capacitance and / or capacitive touch sensors, one or more inductive touch sensors, one or more proximity sensors, and one or more electrical contacts.

[0070] 2A and 2B show a top view and a side view, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment of a medication container 200. The medication container 200 includes a base 202 and a cap or cover 204 coupled to the base (e.g., via a hinge connection) to allow the cap 204 to move from a first closed position to a second open position. A blister pack 206 can fit within the medication container 200 and can be accessed by a user (e.g., a patient) by moving the cap 204 from the first position to the second position. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 202 can have a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape, although other shapes (e.g., square or approximately square, circular or approximately circular) are also possible. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 202 can be elongated and flat. In some exemplary embodiments, the cap 204 can be coupled to the base 202 via a hinge along a short edge 208 of each of the base 202 and the cap 204. In some exemplary embodiments, the blister pack 206 may be slidable in and out by a user through a short edge 208 when the cap 204 is in the open position.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, the medicament container 200 can include one or more sensors (210a, 210b). In some exemplary embodiments, the sensors can include a first sensor component 210a and a second sensor component 210b. The sensors can detect when the cap 204 is opened and / or closed between the base 202 and the medicament container 200. In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor component 210a can be disposed in or on the cap 204, and the sensor component 210b can be disposed in or on the base 202. The medicament container 200 can detect that the blister pack has been removed or is likely to have been removed when the cap 204 is opened and / or closed (e.g., detecting that the cap 204 has been opened or detecting that the cap 204 has been open (e.g., for some duration of time) and then closed).

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, the medicament container 200 includes circuitry (e.g., one or more printed circuit boards and / or one or more printed circuit board assemblies 212) in communication with one or more sensors (e.g., 210a, 210b). In some exemplary embodiments, the medicament container 200 includes a wireless circuit board including electronic components such as a microprocessor, a wireless module, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and a power circuit. In some exemplary embodiments, the microprocessor can transmit to a server computer via a wireless antenna and over a communications network. In some exemplary embodiments, the circuitry may be included in or on the base 202. In other exemplary embodiments, the circuitry may be included in or on the cap 204. In still other embodiments, the circuitry may be included in or on both the base 202 and the cap 204. Upon receiving one or more outputs from one or more sensors (e.g., one or more outputs indicating whether the cap 204 has been opened and / or closed), the circuitry can store in the memory of the medication container 200 and / or transmit (e.g., to a server) data indicating whether medication has been removed or is likely to have been removed from one or more blister packs.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., 210a, 210b) can be positioned and configured to detect whether one or more blister packs have been removed. For example, the one or more sensors can detect a blister pack, then detect its absence as it is removed, and / or then detect the blister pack again as it is replaced in the medication container 200. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more sensor components can be disposed within or on the base 202 and / or cap 204. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one sensor component can be included within or on the blister pack 206. For example, a sensor component can be disposed within or on the blister pack 206 or other medication packaging. A sensor component on the medication container 200 may determine that the blister pack 206 has been removed and / or replaced, and may obtain information about the medication, such as the type of medication, the batch of medication, or the dosage, and / or may obtain other information (e.g., the medication regimen for the particular patient for which the blister pack 206 is intended).

[0074] In some example embodiments, one or more outputs of one or more sensors may report one or more measurements, such as, for example, the amount of medication in one or more blister packs 206.

[0075] Any suitable sensor or sensors (e.g., 210a, 210b) may be utilized in association with the medication container 200. For example, the sensor or sensors may include one or more magnets and reed switches, one or more magnets and Hall effect sensors, one or more optical sensors (e.g., infrared, visible light, or other), one or more pressure sensors (e.g., mechanical or semiconductor switches), one or more capacitance and / or capacitive touch sensors, one or more inductive touch sensors, one or more proximity sensors, and one or more electrical contacts.

[0076] 3A and 3B show plan and end views, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment of a drug container 300. The drug container 300 includes a base 302 having an open end 304 (e.g., short end 304). A blister pack 306 can fit within the drug container 300 and can be accessed by a user (e.g., a patient) by sliding the blister pack 306 into and out of the open end 304 of the base 302. In some exemplary embodiments, the blister pack 306 can fit rigidly within the base 302, for example, through a friction fit (e.g., one or more drug doses 306a, 306b, and 306c press against the interior surface of the base 302 when the blister pack 306 is inserted within the base 302). In some exemplary embodiments, the base 302 can have a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape, although other shapes (e.g., square or approximately square, circular or approximately circular) are also possible. In some exemplary embodiments, base 302 may be elongated and generally flat. In some exemplary embodiments, when blister pack 306 is fully inserted within base 302, at least a portion of blister pack 306 may extend beyond open end 304 (e.g., to allow a user to easily grasp and remove blister pack 306).

[0077] In some exemplary embodiments, the medication container 300 can include one or more sensors (310a, 310b). In some exemplary embodiments, the sensors can include a first sensor component 310a and a second sensor component 310b. The one or more sensors can detect when the blister pack 306 is inserted into and / or removed from the base 302. In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor components 310a and 310b can be disposed in or on top of the base 302 (one on or within the upper surface of the base 302 and another on or within the lower surface of the base 302).

[0078] In some exemplary embodiments, the medication container 300 includes circuitry (e.g., one or more printed circuit boards and / or one or more printed circuit board assemblies) in communication with one or more sensors (e.g., 310a, 310b). The circuitry may be disposed, for example, on or within a lower and / or upper surface of the base 302. In some exemplary embodiments, the medication container 300 includes a wireless circuit board including electronic components such as a microprocessor, a wireless module, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and power circuitry. In some exemplary embodiments, the microprocessor may transmit via a wireless antenna and over a communications network to a server computer. Upon receiving one or more outputs from the one or more sensors (e.g., one or more outputs indicating whether a blister pack 306 has been inserted and / or removed), the circuitry may store in a memory of the medication container 300 and / or transmit data indicating whether medication has been or is likely to have been removed from the one or more blister packs.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., 310a, 310b) can be positioned and configured (e.g., at or near open end 304) to detect whether one or more blister packs have been removed. For example, one or more sensors can detect a blister pack, then detect its absence as it is removed, and / or can then detect the blister pack again as it is replaced in medication container 300. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one sensor component can be included in or on blister pack 306. For example, a sensor component can be located in or on blister pack 306 or other medication packaging. A sensor component on the medication container 300 may determine when the blister pack 306 has been removed and / or replaced, and may obtain information about the medication, such as the type of medication, the batch of medication, or the dosage, and / or may obtain other information (e.g., the medication regimen for the particular patient for which the blister pack 306 is intended).

[0080] In some example embodiments, one or more outputs of one or more sensors may provide one or more measurements of the amount of medication in one or more blister packs 306, for example.

[0081] Any suitable sensor or sensors (e.g., 310a, 310b) may be utilized in association with the medication container 300. For example, the sensor or sensors may include one or more magnets and reed switches, one or more magnets and Hall effect sensors, one or more optical sensors (e.g., infrared, visible light, or other), one or more pressure sensors (e.g., mechanical or semiconductor switches), one or more capacitance and / or capacitive touch sensors, one or more inductive touch sensors, one or more proximity sensors, and one or more electrical contacts.

[0082] 4A and 4B show a top view and a side view, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment of a drug container 400. The drug container 400 includes a base 402 and a top 404 coupled to the base (e.g., via a hinge connection) to allow the top 404 to move from a first closed position to a second open position. A blister pack 406 can fit within the drug container 400 and can be accessed by a user (e.g., a patient) by moving the top 404 from the first position to the second position. In some exemplary embodiments, the top 404 can move relative to the base 402 in a manner similar to the opening of a clamshell. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 402 and the top 404 can each have a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape, although other shapes (e.g., square or approximately square, circular or approximately circular) are also possible. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 402 and the top 404 can each be elongated and generally flat. In some exemplary embodiments, the top 404 can be coupled to the base 402 via a hinge along a short edge 408 of each of the base 402 and the top 404 .

[0083] In some example embodiments, the medicament container 400 can include one or more sensors (410a, 410b). In some example embodiments, the sensors can include a first sensor component 410a and a second sensor component 410b. The sensors can detect when the top 404 is opened and / or closed relative to the base 402. In some embodiments, the sensor component 410a can be disposed within or on top of the top 404, and the sensor component 410b can be disposed within or on top of the base 402. The medicament container 400 can detect that the blister pack has been removed or is likely to have been removed when the top 404 is opened and / or closed (e.g., by detecting that the top 404 has been opened or that the top 404 has been open for a certain duration and then closed).

[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, the drug container 400 includes circuitry (e.g., one or more printed circuit boards and / or one or more printed circuit board assemblies 412) in communication with one or more sensors (e.g., 410a, 410b). In some exemplary embodiments, the drug container 400 includes a wireless circuit board including electronic components such as a microprocessor, a wireless module, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and a power circuit. In some exemplary embodiments, the microprocessor can transmit to a server computer via a wireless antenna and over a communications network. In some exemplary embodiments, the circuitry may be included in or on the base 402. In other exemplary embodiments, the circuitry may be included in or on the top 404. In still other exemplary embodiments, the circuitry may be included in or on both the base 402 and the top 404. Upon receiving one or more outputs from one or more sensors (e.g., one or more outputs indicating whether the top 404 has been opened and / or closed), the circuitry can store in the memory of the medication container 400 and / or transmit data indicating whether medication has been removed or is likely to have been removed from one or more blister packs.

[0085] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., 410a, 410b) can be positioned and configured to detect whether one or more blister packs have been removed. For example, one or more sensors can detect a blister pack, then detect its absence as it is removed, and / or then detect the blister pack again as it is replaced in medication container 400. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more sensor components can be disposed in or on base 402 and / or top 404. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one sensor component can be included in or on blister pack 406. For example, a sensor component may be located within or on top of the blister pack 406 or other medication packaging such that the sensor component on the medication container 400 may determine when the blister pack 406 has been removed and / or replaced, obtain information about the medication, such as the type of medication, the batch of medication, or the dosage, and / or obtain other information (e.g., the medication regimen for the particular patient for which the blister pack 406 is intended).

[0086] In some example embodiments, one or more outputs of one or more sensors may provide one or more measurements of the amount of medication in one or more blister packs 406, for example.

[0087] Any suitable sensor or sensors (e.g., 410a, 410b) may be utilized in association with the medication container 400. For example, the sensor or sensors may include one or more magnets and reed switches, one or more magnets and Hall effect sensors, one or more optical sensors (e.g., infrared, visible light, or other), one or more pressure sensors (e.g., mechanical or semiconductor switches), one or more capacitance and / or capacitive touch sensors, one or more inductive touch sensors, one or more proximity sensors, and one or more electrical contacts.

[0088] 5A, 5B, and 5C show top and side views of another exemplary embodiment of a medication container 500. The medication container 500 includes a base 502 having an open end 504 (e.g., short end 504). A blister pack 506 may fit within or on top of a tray 508, which may be configured to slide into and out of the base 502. The blister pack 506 can be accessed by a user (e.g., a patient) by sliding the tray 508 into and out of the open end 504 of the base 502. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 502 and the tray 508 each may have a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape, although other shapes (e.g., square or approximately square, circular or approximately circular) are also possible. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 502 and the tray 508 each may be elongated and generally flat. In some exemplary embodiments, when the tray 508 is fully inserted into the base 502 , the end 508 a of the tray 508 covers the open end 504 of the base 502 .

[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, the medication container 500 can include one or more sensors (510a, 510b). In some exemplary embodiments, the sensors can include a first sensor component 510a and a second sensor component 510b. The one or more sensors can detect when a tray 508 (which may or may not include a blister pack 506) is inserted into and / or removed from the base 502. In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor component 510a can be disposed within or on top of the tray 508. In some embodiments, the sensor component 510b can be disposed within or on top of the base 502.

[0090] In some exemplary embodiments, the medication container 500 includes circuitry (e.g., one or more printed circuit boards and / or one or more printed circuit board assemblies 512) in communication with one or more sensors (e.g., 510a, 510b). The circuitry may be disposed, for example, on or within a lower and / or upper surface of the base 502. In some exemplary embodiments, the medication container 500 includes a wireless circuit board including electronic components such as a microprocessor, a wireless module, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and power circuitry. In some exemplary embodiments, the microprocessor may transmit via a wireless antenna and over a communications network to a server computer. Upon receiving one or more outputs from the one or more sensors (e.g., one or more outputs indicating whether a blister pack 506 has been inserted and / or removed), the circuitry may store in a memory of the medication container 500 and transmit data indicating whether medication has been or is likely to have been removed from the one or more blister packs.

[0091] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., 510a, 510b) can be positioned and configured (e.g., at or near open end 504) to detect whether one or more blister packs have been removed. For example, one or more sensors can detect a blister pack, then detect its absence as it is removed, and / or can then detect the blister pack again as it is replaced in medication container 500. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one sensor component can be included in or on blister pack 506. For example, a sensor component can be located in or on blister pack 506 or other medication packaging. A sensor component on the medication container 500 may determine that the blister pack 506 has been removed and / or replaced, and may obtain information about the medication, such as the type of medication, the batch of medication, or the dosage, and / or may obtain other information (e.g., the medication regimen for the particular patient for which the blister pack 506 is intended).

[0092] In some example embodiments, one or more outputs of one or more sensors may provide one or more measurements of the amount of medication in one or more blister packs 506, for example.

[0093] Any suitable sensor or sensors (e.g., 510a, 510b) may be utilized in association with the medication container 500. For example, the sensor or sensors may include one or more magnets and reed switches, one or more magnets and Hall effect sensors, one or more optical sensors (e.g., infrared, visible light, or other), one or more pressure sensors (e.g., mechanical or semiconductor switches), one or more capacitance and / or capacitive touch sensors, one or more inductive touch sensors, one or more proximity sensors, and one or more electrical contacts.

[0094] 6A and 6B show side views of another exemplary embodiment of a medicament container 600. The medicament container 600 includes a base 602 having at least one surface 604 configured to couple to a blister pack (e.g., blister packs 606a, 606b). The blister packs (606a, 606b) can be coupled to the medicament container 600 via any suitable connection or coupling (e.g., via a friction fit or a snap fit) and can be accessed by a user (e.g., a patient) by decoupling the blister packs (606a, 606b) from the base 602. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 602 can have a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape (e.g., along the bottom of the base 602), although other shapes (e.g., square or approximately square, circular or approximately circular) are also possible. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 602 can be elongated and approximately flat (e.g., along the bottom of the base 602). In some exemplary embodiments, when blister pack 606 is coupled to base 602, at least a portion of blister pack 606 can extend beyond the edge of base 602. In some exemplary embodiments, base 602 can accommodate and couple to different sized blister packs (606a, 606b). In some exemplary embodiments, for example, the modular device shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B can be combined with any of the preceding exemplary embodiments shown and described in connection with FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and 5C. The exemplary embodiments can be configured to allow the modular base to fit, receive, or couple to different sized blister packs.

[0095] In some exemplary embodiments, the medication container 600 and / or the blister packs (606a, 606b) can include one or more sensors (608a, 608b). In some exemplary embodiments, the sensors can include a first sensor component 608a and a second sensor component 608b. The one or more sensors can detect when the blister packs (606a, 606b) are coupled to and / or uncoupled from the base 602. In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor component 608a can be coupled to the blister packs (606a, 606b), and the sensor component 608b can be disposed within or on the base 602.

[0096] In some exemplary embodiments, the medicament container 600 includes circuitry (e.g., one or more printed circuit boards and / or one or more printed circuit board assemblies) in communication with one or more sensors (e.g., 608a and / or 608b). The circuitry may be disposed, for example, on or within a lower and / or upper surface of the base 602. In some exemplary embodiments, the medicament container 600 includes a wireless circuit board including electronic components such as a microprocessor, a wireless module, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and power circuitry. In some exemplary embodiments, the microprocessor may transmit via a wireless antenna and over a communications network to a server computer. Upon receiving one or more outputs from the one or more sensors (e.g., one or more outputs indicating whether a blister pack (606a, 606b) has been inserted and / or removed), the circuitry may store in a memory of the medicament container 600 and / or transmit data indicating whether medication has been or is likely to have been removed from the one or more blister packs.

[0097] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., 608a, 608b) can be positioned and configured to detect whether one or more blister packs are coupled to and / or decoupled from the base 602. For example, the one or more sensors may detect a blister pack, detect its absence as it is removed, and / or then detect the blister pack again as it is replaced in the medication container 600. A sensor component can be located within or on the blister pack (606a, 606b) or other medication packaging. The sensor component on the medication container 600 can determine that a blister pack (606a, 606b) has been removed and / or replaced and can obtain information about the medication, such as the type of medication, the batch of medication, or the dosage, and / or obtain other information (e.g., the medication regimen for the particular patient for which the blister pack is intended).

[0098] In some example embodiments, one or more outputs of one or more sensors may provide one or more measurements of the amount of medication in one or more blister packs (606a, 606b), for example.

[0099] Any suitable sensor or sensors (e.g., 608a, 608b) may be utilized in association with the medication container 600. For example, the sensor or sensors may include one or more magnets and reed switches, one or more magnets and Hall effect sensors, one or more optical sensors (e.g., infrared, visible light, or other), one or more pressure sensors (e.g., mechanical or semiconductor switches), one or more capacitance and / or capacitive touch sensors, one or more inductive touch sensors, one or more proximity sensors, and one or more electrical contacts.

[0100] 7 illustrates a system 700 including a server computer 702 that can communicate with circuitry on a medication container 704 (e.g., medication containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 800) to generate one or more reminders and / or alerts for a patient, a caregiver, a pharmacy, any other individual or entity, and / or any combination thereof. The server computer 702 can include at least one communication receiver 706, at least one database 708, at least one programmable processor 2010 (FIG. 20), and at least one communication transmitter 712. The at least one programmable processor 2010 can, in different exemplary embodiments, be a processor, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, data processor, programmable data processor, and / or the like. In various exemplary embodiments, the server computer 702 may be in two-way communication with a medication container and / or one or more other computers (eg, one or more computers 714A or 714B).

[0101] In various exemplary embodiments, at least one communications receiver 706 of the server computer 702 can be configured to receive data from circuitry on one or more medication containers described herein over the first communications network 716. The data may include, for example, one or more sensor measurements indicating the opening and / or closing of a medication container cap, sliding of a tray in and out, and / or timing data (e.g., via a timestamp) indicating the time of opening and / or closing identified by one or more sensors or one or more processors on the medication container, one or more sensor measurements indicating whether one or more blister packs and / or other cartridges are present in or coupled to the medication container (e.g., one or more measurements indicating whether one or more blister packs have been inserted into and / or removed from the medication container), and / or timing data (e.g., via a timestamp) indicating the time of insertion and / or removal of one or more blister packs identified by one or more sensors and / or one or more processors of the medication container, and / or one or more sensor measurements indicating the amount of medication in one or more blister packs, and / or timing data (e.g., via a timestamp) indicating the time of measurement identified by one or more sensors or one or more processors of the medication container.Based at least in part on receipt of data (e.g., historical data stored by or otherwise accessible to the server computer in database 708, e.g., data informing one or more previous measurements received by one or more sensors and / or timing data regarding the timing of measurements) and / or other data, a server computer (FIG. 20) including one or more processors 2010 can determine whether at least one criterion has been met and, based on the determination, can trigger one or more reminders and / or alerts to the patient, caregiver, and / or other entity (e.g., a pharmacy). For example, an alert, which may include text, audio, images, video, or any combination thereof, may be sent to one or more medication containers themselves (e.g., medication containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 800), each of which may include one or more alert devices, such as, for example, one or more speakers for an audio alert and / or one or more light emitting devices (e.g., LEDs) for a visual alert, that are activated in response to receiving the alert, and / or other computing devices (e.g., computing devices, such as, for example, the patient's mobile phone 714A, laptop computer 714B, tablet computer, or other device that may receive and display one or more messages, such as, for example, one or more SMS text messages or emails).

[0102] In some example embodiments, the communications network can receive data from a medication container (e.g., medication containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 800) indicating that a patient has missed or is likely to have missed a medication.

[0103] In one example embodiment, the at least one communication receiver 706 can be configured to receive data from circuitry on the medication container 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 800 via the first communication network 716, indicating that the contents in one or more blister packs have not been removed within a preset amount of time. For example, the data indicating that the contents in one or more blister packs have not been removed within a preset amount of time can indicate whether the one or more blister packs themselves are present and / or have been removed (e.g., a binary detection), as determined, for example, by one or more sensors configured to detect the presence or absence of one or more of the one or more blister packs. Alternatively, or additionally, the data indicating that the contents in the one or more blister packs have not been removed within a predetermined amount of time may identify one or more specific values or quantities of the contents in the one or more blister packs (e.g., weight or quantity of liquid medication or tablets), for example, as determined by one or more sensors configured to determine the weight or quantity in the one or more blister packs. At least one database 708 may be communicatively coupled to the at least one communication receiver 706. The at least one database 708 may be configured to store at least the received data. The at least one programmable processor 2010 (FIG. 20) may be communicatively coupled to at least one (e.g., both) of the at least one communication receiver 706 and the at least one database 708. The at least one programmable processor 2010 may determine, upon receipt of the data or thereafter, whether the at least one criterion is met, whereby the at least one programmable processor 2010 generates an alert in response to determining that the at least one criterion is met. The at least one communication transmitter 712 may be communicatively coupled to the at least one programmable processor 2010.At least one communication transmitter 712 can be configured to transmit one or more alerts to a computing device 714 (e.g., a pharmacy computer) and / or a medication container 704 (e.g., medication containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 800) via a second communication network 718.

[0104] The notification that the contents of one or more blister packs were not removed can indicate that a dose of medication contained in one or more blister packs was not taken or otherwise removed or dispensed within a preset amount of time. Each computing device 714 is one of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a phablet computer, and a cellular telephone. In one exemplary embodiment, computing device 714 can be configured to be operated by a patient using medication container 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 800. In another example embodiment, the computing device 714 can be configured to be operated by at least one of a caregiver (e.g., a hospital, clinician, doctor, nurse, technician, clinical staff member, and / or any other caregiver) treating a patient using the medication container 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 800, a pharmacy authorized to provide medication to one or more patients, and a medical company authorized to obtain medical data of one or more patients. In one example embodiment, the first communication network 716 can be the same as or substantially the same as the second communication network 718 (e.g., the Internet). In an alternative example embodiment, the first communication network 716 can be different from or separate from the second communication network 718. The first communication network 716 can be one or more of a local area network, a wide area network, the Internet, an intranet, a cellular network, a Bluetooth network, an infrared network, any other network, and any combination thereof. The second communication network 718 may be one or more of a local area network, a wide area network, the Internet, an intranet, a cellular network, a Bluetooth network, an infrared network, any other network, and any combination thereof.

[0105] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is controlled to directly measure the number of doses (e.g., tablets) in a medication container, such as a pill bottle. For example, a direct way to determine if a patient needs a refill is to measure the number of tablets remaining in the medication container. To this end, the exemplary embodiment includes a capacitance sensor that returns a value that varies with the number of doses in the medication container. Simply stated, a capacitor is a nonlinear electronic component that has the ability to store an electric charge. Traditionally, a capacitor contains two conductive plates separated by a material with determined dielectric properties. The material is selected based on the material's ability to store energy and determines the overall capacitance. Changes in the material, such as material type or thickness, result in changes in capacitance. An exemplary embodiment includes an interdigital capacitor (IDC) to detect tablets in a pill bottle, such as the pill bottle of FIG. 8A. An IDC is essentially a variable capacitor whose capacitance changes based on the material (type and amount) resting above it. In some exemplary embodiments, IDCs are provided at relatively small scales for detecting fluid properties (microfluidics) or at large scales for binary presence detection (displacement of a mechanical button). Unexpected results include the determination that IDC sensors can be provided to detect discrete properties at the macro level (e.g., the number of pills in a bottle). Experiments have shown that IDC sensors can be deployed to overcome sources of error, such as electrical noise and temperature and humidity fluctuations, which make practical implementation extremely difficult. One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 8A-14.

[0106] FIG. 8A shows a vertical cross section 800 of a pill bottle 810 having an interdigital capacitor (IDC) sensor. FIG. 8B shows components of a system 860 for identifying a change in the number of doses or amount of medication in a container, such as the container of FIG. 8A. The pill bottle 810 includes a cavity 820 for storing pills. The bottom of the bottle 810 houses a printed circuit board assembly 840 protected by an upper layer 830 and a lower layer 850. The printed circuit board assembly 840 can include one or more of a sensor 865, a reference sensor 870, a processor 875, a memory 880, a storage device 885, an input / output device 890, a communication device 895, and a bus 898. The sensor 865 and / or the reference sensor 870 can be an IDC sensor. In various exemplary embodiments, the sensor 865 can be printed on the top of the printed circuit board assembly 840, on the side of the pill cavity 820. The printed circuit board assembly 840 can have a shape that conforms to the cross-section of the interior cavity of the drug container 810 .

[0107] The reference sensor 870 and processor 875 can be printed on opposite sides of the printed circuit board, facing the bottom layer 850, on the side opposite the pill cavity 810. The processor 875 can include a processing circuit and a microcontroller unit that can communicate with each other via a digital communication bus. For example, the processing circuit can send data from the IDC sensor 865 to a microcontroller (MCU) in the pill bottle via the digital communication bus 898 and / or the communication device 895.

[0108] The reference IDC sensor 870 may be smaller than the tablet detection IDC sensor 865. The reference IDC sensor 870 changes capacitance with changes in temperature and humidity. The reference IDC sensor 870 can obtain reliable data that can offset the effects of temperature and humidity that cause the data to drift. In various exemplary embodiments, the top (IDC sensor 865) and bottom (processing circuit 875 and reference IDC sensor 870) of the printed circuit board are separated by an internal conductive layer that is floating or connected to ground to aid in focusing the IDC detection range and reducing overall noise.

[0109] In various exemplary embodiments, memory 880 and / or storage device 885 store temperature and / or humidity calibration coefficients, sensor 865 readings, reference sensor 870 readings, instructions for processor 875 to execute, and / or timing information. Input / output device 890 and communication device 895 may be provided for inputting or offloading data or instructions to or from medication container 800.

[0110] FIG. 9A shows an IDC sensor 900A with a narrow trace width and a narrow gap. Sensor 900A can correspond to sensor 865 and / or reference sensor 870 in FIG. 8B. FIG. 9A shows right trace 910A and left trace 920A to form an interdigital capacitance sensor. Left trace 920A and right trace 910A are adjacent to each other but do not cross. The traces resemble fingers or digits, and thus the combination of the two sets of traces forms a capacitor called an interdigital capacitance (IDC) sensor. Left trace 920A and right trace 910A are printed on a circuit board 930A.

[0111] Figure 9B shows another IDC sensor 900B having a wider trace width and wider gap than the IDC sensor of Figure 9A. Sensor 900B can correspond to sensor 865 and / or reference sensor 870 of Figure 8B. Figure 9B shows a right trace 910B and a left trace 920B on a circuit board 930B to form an interdigital capacitance sensor. The left trace 920B and the right trace 910B are adjacent to each other but do not cross each other.

[0112] Figure 9C shows another IDC sensor 900C having a wider trace width and wider gap than the IDC sensor of Figure 9B. Sensor 900C can correspond to sensor 865 and / or reference sensor 870 of Figure 8B. Figure 9C shows a right trace 910C and a left trace 920C on a circuit board 930C to form an interdigital capacitance sensor. The left trace 920C and the right trace 910C are adjacent to each other but do not cross each other.

[0113] FIG. 10 shows an IDC sensor 1000 for use at the bottom of the tablet bottle of FIG. 8A. The IDC sensor 865 provided to detect tablets in the bottle cavity 920 can be optimized for tablet size and material content. Medications typically come in capsule or caplet form and are made up of a small amount of active ingredient and a large amount of additives. In some exemplary embodiments, the additives can dramatically outweigh the other materials in the tablet by weight. In various exemplary embodiments, additives of interest include, among other things, lactose and magnesium stearate. To ensure optimal detection, the IDC can be designed to produce a significant change in capacitance each time a tablet is added or removed and to be sensitive enough to detect the change at the top of the cavity (penetration depth). Trace width, trace gap, and trace shape are all variables that can be adjusted to optimize IDC performance. Analytical testing indicates that trace width and gap levels of approximately 1 mm are optimal for the exemplary tablet sizes.

[0114] Processing circuit 875 can have a variety of forms. The processing circuit can receive measurements from IDC sensor 865 and / or IDC reference sensor 870 as inputs and can output a value corresponding to the IDC capacitance such that the output changes as the IDC capacitance changes. Benchtop testing has revealed that the change in the IDC sensor in response to a single tablet is on the order of less than about 1 picofarad (less than about 1.0E-12 farads). Thus, the processing circuit can suitably be sensitive enough to reliably detect relatively small changes.

[0115] In various exemplary embodiments, the processing circuitry can comprise an integrated circuit (IC) designed to detect femtofarad (approximately 1.0E-15 farad) changes in capacitance. The IC can include any number of capacitor inputs (e.g., IDC sensors) and can output data in analog or digital formats, such as half-duplex communication protocols including Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) or full-duplex communication protocols including Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). The IC can have any number of settings that can be optimized based on IDC properties, such as base capacitance value and sensitivity to capacitance changes.

[0116] In various exemplary embodiments, the processing circuitry takes the form of a variable oscillator circuit, such as a resonant circuit (RC), as depicted in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows a Wien bridge oscillator 1100 that may be provided. A sense capacitor C3 may be connected to form a variable frequency oscillator. Thus, changes in frequency may be measured. Alternatively, a root-mean-square (RMS)-to-direct current (DC) converter may be provided to detect changes in the RMS value of the output resulting from changes in frequency.

[0117] 11, the Wien bridge oscillator 1100 includes a sense capacitor C3 operable at a capacitance X, a capacitor C4 operable at a capacitance of about 70 pF, a first resistor R1 operable at a resistance value of about 10 kΩ, a second resistor R2 operable at a resistance value of about 10 kΩ, a third resistor R3 operable at a resistance value of about 1 MΩ, a fourth resistor R4 operable at a resistance value of about 25 kΩ, a fifth resistor R5 operable at a resistance value of about 10 kΩ, a sixth resistor R6 operable at a resistance value of about 25 kΩ, a seventh resistor R7 operable at a resistance value of about 200 kΩ, a seventh resistor R8 operable at a resistance value of about 47 kΩ, and a fifth resistor R9 operable at a resistance value of about 10 kΩ. The circuit may include an eighth resistor R8 operable at a resistance of about 75 V and about 150 mA, a ninth resistor R9 operable at a resistance of 10 kΩ, a first 1N4148 diode D1 operable at a voltage of about 75 V and about 150 mA, a second 1N4148 diode D2 operable at a voltage of about 75 V and about 150 mA, a first AD8031 amplifier U1 operable at a voltage of about 2.7 V, about 800 μA, and a frequency of about 80 MHz, a third AD8031 amplifier U3 operable at a voltage of about 2.7 V, about 800 μA, and a frequency of about 80 MHz, four voltage controlled voltage sources Vc, and six signal / low noise grounds.

[0118] Other exemplary embodiments may use a switching capacitor design for the processing circuit 875, such as the switching capacitor circuit 1200 of FIG. 12, where Csen is the IDC sensor 865. In this circuit, a DC voltage is provided to fully charge the IDC capacitor. The DC source charging the IDC capacitor is then disconnected, followed by immediately connecting the IDC capacitor to another capacitor that is much larger in capacitance (more than 10 times larger), thereby partially charging the second capacitor. The charging process is repeated until the second capacitor is fully charged. A comparator on the output of the second capacitor can then be provided to determine when the second capacitor is fully charged, and the time required to reach full charge can be calculated. Based on the capacitance of the IDC capacitor, the time required to charge the second capacitor varies, thereby enabling the ability to determine changes in the IDC capacitor.

[0119] In some embodiments, the switched capacitor circuit 1200 can include one or more capacitors, resistors, comparators, voltage-controlled switches, current sources, metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSRETs), and ground. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12, the switched capacitor circuit 1200 includes a switching capacitor Csen operable at a capacitance of approximately 70 pF, an integrating capacitor Cint operable at a capacitance of approximately 0.1 μF, a resistor R2 operable at a resistance of approximately 250 kΩ, a resistor R3 operable at a resistance of approximately 50 kΩ, a resistor R4 operable at a resistance of approximately 1 MΩ, a resistor R5 operable at a resistance of approximately 100 Ω, an LTC6752 comparator U2 operable at a toggle rate of 280 MHz and a propagation delay of approximately 2.9 ns, two voltage controlled switches Vsw, three current sources 2v8 operating at a voltage of approximately 2.8 V, an Si1555DL_N complementary low threshold MOSFET M1, an RQ1A070ZP-1.5V p-channel MOSFET M2, an RQ1A070ZP-1.5V drive-p-channel MOSFET M3, and six signal / low noise grounds.

[0120] 13 illustrates a method 1300 for collecting IDC sensor data. One or more steps of the methods described herein may be performed by a controller. Method 1300 includes steps for addressing variations in sensor capacitance due to medication container movement, medication container orientation, temperature changes, and humidity changes. In response to a patient picking up or moving the medication container, tablets within the medication container may move and change the capacitance of IDC sensor 865. In response to determining that the bottle is not upright, some of the tablets may redistribute within tablet cavity 820, resulting in a change in IDC sensor 865 capacitance. Furthermore, the capacitance of IDC sensor 865 may change with changes in temperature and / or humidity.

[0121] In step 1305, method 1300 determines whether the medication container is stable (stationary) and upright. Step 1305 may utilize one or more sensors, including an accelerometer, to measure the orientation of the medication container as well as the presence or absence of motion. In response to a determination that the bottle is not stable and upright, method 1300 may return to 1305 until the medication container is stable and upright. In response to a determination that the bottle is stable and upright, method 1300 moves to step 1310.

[0122] In step 1310, method 1300 collects a series of baseline IDC samples. For example, 10 samples may be taken at intervals of approximately 2 seconds. The number of samples and the time between samples may vary in different exemplary embodiments. After collecting the series of samples, method 1300 moves to step 1315.

[0123] In step 1315, method 1300 averages the baseline IDC samples to generate a baseline IDC reading. Collecting and averaging a series of samples helps remove noise. In various exemplary embodiments, a standard deviation of the set of samples can be provided to identify and remove outliers. After averaging the samples, method 1300 moves to step 1320.

[0124] In step 1320, method 1300 delays for a period of time between readings. The delay between readings may vary based on how often the medication is to be taken by the patient. The delay between readings may be, for example, about 30 minutes, about 60 minutes, or about 2 hours. At the end of the delay, method 1300 moves to step 1325.

[0125] In step 1325, method 1300 determines whether the medication container is stable and upright, as performed in 1305. Step 1325 may use one or more sensors, including an accelerometer, to measure the orientation as well as the presence or absence of motion of the medication container. In response to a determination that the bottle is not stable and upright, method 1300 may return to step 1325 until the medication container is stable and upright. In response to a determination that the bottle is stable and upright, method 1300 moves to step 1330.

[0126] In step 1330, method 1300 collects a series of additional IDC samples. For example, 10 samples may be taken approximately 2 seconds apart. The number of samples and the time between samples may vary in different exemplary embodiments. After collecting the series of samples, method 1300 moves to step 1335.

[0127] In step 1335, method 1300 averages the baseline IDC samples to generate a further IDC reading. Collecting and averaging a series of samples helps remove noise. In various exemplary embodiments, a standard deviation of the set of samples can be provided to identify and remove outliers. After averaging the samples, method 1300 moves to step 1340.

[0128] In step 1340, method 1300 delays for a period of time between readings. The delay between readings can vary based on how often the medication is to be taken by the patient. The delay between readings can be, for example, about 30 minutes, about 60 minutes, or about 2 hours. At the end of the delay, method 1300 moves to step 1345.

[0129] In step 1345, the method 1300 determines whether to obtain more readings. In response to determining that more readings are needed, the method 1300 moves to step 1325.

[0130] In various example embodiments, data collected by method 1300 can be transmitted by communication device 895 to server 702 for further processing, such as offline processing. Offline processing conserves battery life in the medication container. As described above, raw IDC data drifts with changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore, data from reference IDC sensor 870 is provided to adjust the readings of IDC sensor 865. The adjustment is performed by determining a baseline ratio of sensor 865 and reference sensor 870 and adjusting both sets of data to allow the data to be infinite. Allowing the data to be infinite effectively calibrates or corrects the sensor 865 data for temperature and humidity fluctuations by using the reference sensor 870 data. This calibration or correction allows the two sets of data to be provided in a related state for operation.

[0131] FIG. 14 is a graph showing IDC data as doses of medication are removed from or added to a medication container, such as any of those in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, 6B, and 8A. FIG. 14 begins with an empty bottle. The IDC data shows a step increase in response to filling the bottle. As doses are removed, the IDC data decreases in a stepwise fashion. After the bottle is emptied, it may be refilled and doses may be removed. Several algorithms can be implemented to determine if a patient needs a refill. In this example, the data is sufficiently linear that a linear regression analysis can be implemented to determine when the data reaches a certain percentage of baseline, and a determination can be made that a refill is needed. In another example, when the data is parabolic rather than linear, a polynomial regression can be implemented.

[0132] In other instances, IDC data may indicate a general trend (increase or decrease) but may not be reliable enough to make decisions based on regression of only one dimension. Specifically, pattern recognition and predictive algorithms can be utilized. Machine learning models can be utilized to predict that a refill is needed and to determine the time associated with the needed refill with additional inputs. Specifically, for a model to predict and determine that a patient needs a refill, a neural network may be provided that receives inputs including IDC data, elapsed time, and an indicator of the state of the pill bottle cap when it is opened and closed, and thereby determine the time associated with the needed refill. Additional inputs and alternative models can also be provided.

[0133] The provision of capacitive sensors in pill bottles can be extended to other form factors as well. In particular, a solution with multiple capacitive sensors in a housing intended to store blister packs or weekly pill cases is another feasible solution. In a housing form factor intended to store blister packs or weekly pill cases, a printed circuit board may house a number of individual capacitive sensors aligned with the pills in their respective cavities, and this can provide for determining the removal or non-removal of individual pills.

[0134] 15-19 illustrate a method for processing receptacle data by, for example, a central processor within receptacles 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 800, a server 702, a mobile phone 714A, a laptop 714B, or other computing device networked to or receiving receptacle data, including one or more data providers in communication with the central processor via a digital communications network. One or more steps of the methods described herein may be performed by a controller. The one or more data providers may include a patient, a healthcare professional (HCP), and / or a physical receptacle containing and monitoring medication and provided with sensors, one or more processors, one or more transceivers, and a battery that provides electrical charge to the sensors, processors, and / or transceivers. The central processor may include one or more data processors executing one or more computer-implemented programs, including artificial intelligence programs, natural language processing programs, and / or data analysis programs, or any combination thereof.

[0135] The central processor may include, for example, one or more data processors at a central location having a central repository or database, but the central processor may also be a distributed processor, where multiple processors are distributed among multiple computing systems, such as server computers, or across various geographic areas, such as within a distributed computing system or distributed server system.

[0136] According to some example embodiments, the system receives data from multiple data providers or sources. For example, the system may include a physical container, including a battery and one or more sensors that generate data including, without limitation, a determination that a patient has opened the container to access and take their medication, measurements of the contents of the container, orientation of the container, e.g., via an accelerometer or from a geographic information device such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), cellular connectivity, e.g., via one or more adjacent wireless carriers or wireless connection devices, and battery power sensed and reported by a sensor associated with the container.

[0137] In some exemplary embodiments, the system is configured to receive data directly from the patient and / or their representative or via a communications network, which may be direct or indirect, i.e., through an intermediary, such as another person or computer. For example, the system may include a short message system (SMS) or multimedia message system (MMS) receiver for receiving text or multimedia messages, respectively. Alternatively, or in addition, the system may include a cellular transceiver for receiving cellular radio signals from a cellular radio. Thus, a patient or other data provider may use any of the above-mentioned data networks to send messages or calls to the system to provide data for receipt by the system.

[0138] According to example embodiments, the system can be configured as a secure system. Thus, in some example embodiments, the system may be compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, which was enacted to modernize the flow of medical information, stipulate how personally identifiable information (PII) maintained by the healthcare and health insurance industries should be protected from fraud and theft, and address limitations on health insurance coverage. For example, each container, such as a bottle, can transmit measurement data without accompanying patient-specific information. Each bottle / container can be associated with a specific patient via a code or other encoding scheme, or encrypted data that is not publicly viewable. Furthermore, all data can be securely stored in HIPAA-compliant cloud storage, such as a secure database or similar approved by government authorities for compliance with data restrictions.

[0139] The system may also receive data from pharmacies, HCPs, and / or other parties, either directly or through one of several application programming interfaces (APIs), such as, for example, a Representational Stage Transfer (REST) API, some of which manually enter data into their local system or directly into the system. In some exemplary embodiments, the system may further include a patient-facing application ("app"), such as, for example, an app on a smartphone or portable computer. Some or all of the collected data and the results of algorithms run thereon may interface with the patient-facing app to provide information to the patient. In some exemplary embodiments, the app may generate one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to present the information to the patient. In other exemplary embodiments, the app may generate a signal, such as, for example, a tactile signal, such as a vibration, or an audible signal, or a text message, or a graphical signal, such as, for example, a flashing light-emitting diode (LED) or a signaling screen or display, to represent at least some of the information presented to the patient.

[0140] Upon receiving the data, the system may process the data to determine whether a medication was taken or not, which may be configured to execute an automated intervention to the patient, their caregiver, or the pharmacy. The automated intervention may have the form of an audible signal, a visual signal, a text message, a graphical display, or the like. The automated intervention may include, without limitation, a reminder, a question, a targeted treatment (and its detailed description), an automated report to the HCP, or a suggestion of further patient intervention. The system may further process the data to determine that a refill is needed and the time of the needed refill, which may be configured to suggest further patient intervention by executing an automated report to the HCP. The system may further process the data to determine patients who may need further treatment due to several different possible issues (e.g., health issues, temperature, qualitative measurements, side effects, payments, disruptions, and the like), which may be configured to suggest further patient intervention by executing a trigger to the HCP. In yet other exemplary embodiments, the system may further process the data to determine patient emotions and patient experiences, which can be configured to implement improved treatment programs and support for the patient.

[0141] The system and methods executed thereon can be configured to execute several algorithms to improve the processing of data from multiple sources to improve patient compliance or adherence to a medication regimen or prescription for taking medications. The algorithms can be implemented or instantiated as one or more computer processes or programs and can implement algorithms that can reliably predict, without limitation, a determination that a patient will likely stop taking their medication, a determination that a patient will need a particular intervention, and a determination that a patient may have an adverse reaction. Furthermore, the algorithms can also be configured to reliably process patient messages configured to perform actions to improve adherence and / or predict the impact of schedule changes on future adherence.

[0142] 15, the system can include a patient retention prediction module 1500. The patient retention prediction module 1500 can be implemented as an executable computer program that uses models to predict or analyze a particular patient's behavior based on data received in association with the patient, such as patient messages 1510, adherence device data 1505 from a medication container accessed by the patient and / or HCP, and / or pharmacy input 1515 from a pharmacist or pharmacy computer. Other inputs 1520 can include, without limitation, a natural language processing module 1522, adherence information 1524 (e.g., from the container), other patient performance data 1526 (from various sources, including the patient themselves), and disease or condition information 1528, which can be obtained, for example, from a database or other online resource.

[0143] A model for predicting or analyzing a particular patient's behavior analyzes and provides data to generate an output representing, for example, the patient's medication history, the time of administration or missed dose relative to its scheduled administration time, and the frequency and pattern of administration and missed doses. The scheduled dose times may be based on time (e.g., time of day, morning, evening, etc.), unit / period (e.g., times per day), and periodicity. The model further analyzes and provides data to generate an output representing scheduled discontinuations due to health, personal circumstances, physician, or other issues. The model can further provide for generating a patient message. The patient message can be augmented by an artificial intelligence (AI) module that operates on the data generated by the model. The model can further provide for generating additional data from pharmacy input. The model can then be configured to predict that the patient may fall off or stop taking the medication and the expected timing of the discontinuation or discontinuation. Actions 1530 can be configured to prevent patient discontinuation, such as, for example, contacting the patient or caregiver, contacting the pharmacy, or flagging in a report.

[0144] According to other exemplary embodiments, one or more algorithms can be configured for use by the system to receive and analyze messages submitted or sent by patients. In some exemplary embodiments, the system uses natural language processing (NLP) trained on received patient messages to categorize messages into different "buckets" or classifications of messages, such as, without limitation, needing a refill, needing intervention by another party, experiencing a side effect, needing pharmacy support, or other actionable groupings or classifications.

[0145] In some example embodiments, and based on the algorithm 1600 shown in FIG. 16 , the time in the patient's treatment history when the patient message 1605 was sent is recorded and logged and processed to contextualize the information. The algorithm input 1610 can be obtained using natural language processing of the patient message 1612, adherence information 1614, and / or other patient performance information 1616. Depending on the data (e.g., time in the patient's treatment, input 1610, adherence information 1614, and / or other patient performance information 1616), the patient can be assigned a probability of unenrollment, along with being classified into one or more groups 1620 for likelihood to unenroll. The probability can be generated as a score. Using the algorithm, the patient can be contacted by the system in response to a determination that a threshold for the probability of unenrollment has been reached, interactions with the patient can be changed, modified, and altered, the patient can be requested to contact their physician, and the patient can be requested to provide feedback regarding whether the prediction was correct. Using the responses, the system updates the model to be more accurate in the future. In some example embodiments, a weighting or value system may be applied to the variables or inputs to the model, where some inputs are weighted more heavily than others to continually train the model and make it more effective.

[0146] In some exemplary alternative embodiments, algorithms can be provided for predicting medication discontinuation and / or patient intervention. Thus, the algorithms can be configured to predict when a patient is likely to further non-adherence, predict times associated with predicted further non-adherence, identify potentially at-risk patients, and generate interaction protocols to contact at-risk patients 1630 and improve their adherence.

[0147] In some example embodiments shown in FIG. 17 , the algorithm can be implemented as a method 1700 with inputs of dosage schedule and doses per day 1712, adherence and non-compliance information 1714, and other factors 1716. "Non-compliance momentum" is defined as the frequency and / or prevalence of non-administration. Doses can be prescribed by an HCP, a pharmacy, or the like. The algorithm takes into account the patient's dosage schedule, which may be based on the patient's number of doses per day 1712. The method uses non-compliance momentum and tags 1720 patients who reach a non-compliance momentum threshold as at risk for further non-compliance.

[0148] After considering the previous prompting program, the patient's condition, and the condition of the container or bottle containing the medication dose, prompting the patient for intervention 1720, for example, by call or text message, can be scheduled and sent. The call or text message can provide information that can assist the patient in improving adherence. The non-adherence momentum indicator is accurate in predicting further patient non-adherence and in time points associated with predicted further non-adherence. The non-adherence momentum indicator can be provided to prevent further non-adherence. The system shown in FIG. 17 is effective in improving the patient's overall adherence.

[0149] In some example embodiments shown in Figure 18, an algorithm can be implemented as a method 1800 for determining the impact of adherence based on schedule and / or medication changes. According to example embodiments, the algorithm can be executed by a system such that a pharmaceutical company, pharmacy, or HCP obtains key performance indicators (KPIs) for their patients for different populations. The model shown in Figure 18 also predicts how schedule and medication changes will affect patient adherence by selecting different variables, such as schedule. Method 1800 receives a patient message 1810 and includes inputs of message tagging 1820 from natural language processing of the patient message 1822, the patient's adherence history 1824, and message tags 1826.

[0150] Patients and patient messages can also be categorized by different characteristics of their treatment 1830. For example, the client can select the patient's schedule, time in the program, dose / day, dose strength, side effect profile, disease status, age, and / or gender. Regardless of the actual drug, these factors can predict patient adherence statistics, and the model can estimate the impact that use of the system will have for different tablets and different schedules. This algorithm can inform future drug development and prediction of future patient performance.

[0151] Additionally, by comparing different medication patterns from one or more patients, side effects from medications can be predicted. By collecting and storing patients' dose strengths and schedules, the system can determine which patients are more likely to experience side effects than others. Then, by matching non-compliance with past pauses, the system can predict when a patient is likely to experience a side effect or change in treatment and the time points associated with the predicted side effect or change in treatment. This information can be provided by the system to encourage and ensure that information about side effects is provided to patients, for example, by generating a message that the detected side effect is normal and not a reason to stop taking tablets in response to determining that the detected side effect is within a tolerable level or below a pre-defined qualitative or quantitative threshold, which can be preset by the client.

[0152] The number of doses a patient takes can be determined based on a reading of the container or based on patient input, or both. The patient's doses are compared to their prescription, and in response to determining that the patient has fewer than a specific number of days remaining, e.g., about five days remaining, or in response to determining that the schedule has been paused or adjusted for the doses taken, the system can automatically contact the pharmacy and notify the pharmacy that the patient needs a refill via a message or other information sent via an API connected to the system and the pharmacy. Automatic contact assists the pharmacy by reducing its workload because the pharmacy no longer has to make uninformed assumptions about the appropriate time to contact the patient about their refill or other condition. Methods 1810 and message classifications 1830 are provided to determine potential support team actions 1840.

[0153] FIG. 19 illustrates a method 1900 for message classification and prioritization to ensure patient adherence. One or more steps of the methods described herein may be performed by a controller. Method 1900 includes patient retention algorithm inputs 1910, including historical patient messages 1912, dose schedule and dose / day 1914, adherence history 1916, dose timing / day and pattern 1918, and other factors 1920. According to method 1900, an algorithm is implemented by the system that tags incoming text messages as "action needed" or "action not needed," or the like. "Action needed" patients are identified patients who may miss one or more future doses or stop taking medication 1930. Method 1900 ensures patient outreach for intervention 1940 for these identified patients. NLP and keyword matching may be used to determine whether a message contains context for processing by the system to determine whether the patient responded to a question or provided a reason for non-administration, which are actions that do not require a response. The system may also access and analyze the patient's history to determine whether the patient has acceptable adherence or does not have a significant amount of prior interaction, such as by storing their historical information in a database, and / or whether the patient is a new patient or has been participating in the program for a predetermined length of time. Using this algorithm, a relatively large percentage of messages can be correctly classified as not requiring further support. This algorithm is also relatively accurate in classifying messages that do require further support. Method 1900 helps streamline the workload of any support team and facilitates communication with patients who need support as quickly as possible. Method 1900 ensures future patient adherence.

[0154] 20 , computing system 2000 may include a processor 2010, a memory 2020, a storage device 2030, and an input / output device 2040. The processor 2010, the memory 2020, the storage device 2030, and the input / output device 2040 may be interconnected via a system bus 2050. The processor 2010 is capable of processing instructions for execution within computing system 2000. The executed instructions may implement, for example, server computer 702, one or more of medication containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 800, and / or one or more components of the system that perform the operations described in one or more of methods 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, and 1900. In some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 2010 may be a single-threaded processor. Alternatively, the processor 510 may be a multi-threaded processor. The processor 2010 is capable of processing instructions stored in the memory 2020 and / or on the storage 2030 to display graphical information for a user interface provided via the input / output device 2040.

[0155] Memory 2020 is, for example, a volatile or non-volatile computer-readable medium that stores information within computing system 2000. Storage device 2030 is capable of providing persistent storage for computing system 2000. Storage device 2030 may be a floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, optical disk drive, tape drive, or other suitable persistent storage device. Input / output device 2040 provides input / output operations for computing system 2000. In some example embodiments of the present disclosure, input / output device 2040 includes a keyboard and / or a pointing device. In various example embodiments, input / output device 2040 includes a display unit for displaying a graphical user interface.

[0156] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, input / output device 2040 may provide input / output operations for network devices. For example, input / output device 2040 may include an Ethernet port or other networking port to communicate with one or more wired and / or wireless networks (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet).

[0157] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" should be construed to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, and do not exclude one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0158] While at least one example embodiment is described as using multiple units to perform an example process, it should be understood that the example process may also be performed by one or more modules. Additionally, it should be understood that the term "controller / control unit" may refer to a hardware device that includes a memory and a processor. The memory may be configured to store modules, and the processor may be specifically configured to execute the modules to perform one or more processes, as further described below.

[0159] The use of terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., is provided herein to identify operations without describing the order of the operations, and operations may be performed in an order different from that described unless a particular order is clearly dictated by the context.

[0160] Furthermore, the control logic of the present disclosure may be embodied as a non-transitory computer-readable medium on a computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller / control unit, or the like. Examples of computer-readable media include, without limitation, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical disk storage device. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed within network-coupled computer systems such that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed fashion, for example, by a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0161] Unless specifically stated or clear from the context, the term "about" as used herein should be understood to fall within a range of normal tolerances in the art, such as, for example, within two standard deviations of the mean. "About" can be understood to fall within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from the context, all numerical values provided herein are modified by the term "about."

[0162] A medication container is provided that may include one or more sensors, including a capacitance sensor, that detects information including the contents of the medication container (e.g., the contents of a tablet or the amount of liquid medication) and transmits the detected information as electronic data to a processor. A capacitor is a nonlinear electronic component capable of storing an electric charge. Traditionally, a capacitor contains two conductive plates separated by a material with determined dielectric properties. The material is selected based on the material's ability to store energy and determines the overall capacitance. Changes in material, including material type or thickness, result in changes in capacitance. The present disclosure includes an interdigital capacitor (IDC) to detect medication in a medication container, including a tablet bottle. For example, the IDC may correspond to a variable capacitor that changes capacitance based on the material (type and amount) resting above it. A reference IDC may be provided to adjust for humidity and temperature. A change in capacitance measured by the IDC may correspond to the removal of one or more doses of medication from the medication container. Reminders and / or alerts to the patient can be triggered based at least in part on the contents of the medication container (number of doses), a determination that the container cap has been opened and / or closed, a determination of a time point associated with the opening or closing of the container cap, the location of the medication container, and / or the environment of the container. The IDC and reference IDC may be positioned or embedded, for example, in a manner such that the bottom of the medication container senses capacitance associated with the medication within the medication container and above the IDC and reference IDC sensors.

[0163] In one exemplary embodiment, data from one or more medication containers can be provided by a system and method including one or more data providers in communication with a central processor via a digital communications network. The one or more data providers can include patients, healthcare professionals (HCPs), and / or physical containers that contain and monitor medications and can include sensors, one or more processors, and / or one or more transceivers. The central processor can include one or more data processors executing one or more computer-implemented programs, including artificial intelligence programs, natural language processing programs, and / or data analysis programs.

[0164] The one or more algorithms can be configured to manage adherence to a medication program provided by an HCP, including, without limitation, an algorithm that reliably estimates the time points when a patient is likely to stop taking a medication and associated with an estimate of likely non-adherence, an algorithm that reliably estimates the time points when a patient will need a particular intervention and associated with an estimate of the need for the particular intervention, an algorithm that reliably estimates the time points when a patient may experience side effects and associated with an estimate of the side effects, an algorithm that reliably processes patient messages to take actions to improve adherence, and an algorithm that predicts the impact of schedule changes on future adherence.

[0165] Example embodiments of the present disclosure include, without limitation, articles having a tangibly embodied machine-readable medium operable to cause one or more machines (e.g., computers, etc.) to perform operations that implement one or more of the described features, as well as methods consistent with the description provided herein. Similarly, computer systems are described that may include one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors. The memory, which may include a non-transitory computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium, may contain, encode, store, or perform similar acts on one or more programs that cause the one or more processors to perform one or more of the operations described herein. Computer-implemented methods consistent with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more data processors present in a single computing system or a multiple computing system. Multiple computing systems may be connected and may exchange data and / or commands or other instructions or the like via one or more connections, including, without limitation, connections over a network (e.g., the Internet, a wireless wide area network, a local area network, a wide area network, a wired network, or the like), via direct connections with one or more of the multiple computing systems, or the like.

[0166] One or more features of the present disclosure described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuits, specially designed application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), computer hardware, firmware, computer-implemented programs, and / or combinations thereof. Various features may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and information, and to transmit data and instructions, from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally remote from each other and may interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0167] A computer program, which may also be referred to as a program, software, software application, application, component, or code, includes machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logical programming language, and / or an assembly / machine language. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to any computer program product, device, and / or equipment used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including, for example, a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal, including magnetic disks, optical disks, memory, and programmable logic devices (PLDs). The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. A machine-readable medium may store machine instructions in a non-transitory manner, including, for example, a non-transitory semiconductor memory or a magnetic hard disk, or any equivalent storage medium in a similar manner. Alternatively, or in addition, the machine-readable medium may store machine instructions in a temporary manner, including, for example, in a manner similar to a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0168] To provide for user interaction, one or more features of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, including, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or light-emitting diode (LED) monitor, to display information to the user, and a keyboard and pointing device, including, for example, a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can be provided for user interaction as well. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, including, for example, visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback, and input from the user can be received in any form, including, without limitation, acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Other possible input devices include, without limitation, touchscreens or other touch-sensitive devices, including single or multi-point resistive or capacitive trackpads, voice recognition hardware and computer-implemented programs, optical scanners, optical pointers, digital image capture devices and associated interpretation software, and the like.

[0169] Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described. A computer product is described having a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one programmable processor of one or more computing systems, cause the at least one programmable processor to perform the operations described herein. Similarly, a computer system is described that may include one or more programmable processors and a memory coupled to the one or more programmable processors. The memory may temporarily or permanently store instructions that cause the at least one programmable processor to perform one or more of the operations described herein. Additionally, the methods may be performed by one or more programmable processors within a single computing system or distributed among two or more computing systems.

[0170] The terminology used herein is intended to describe particular example implementations and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the described items. The use of the terms "comprises" and / or "having" specifies the inclusion and presence of the stated features, attributes, and components, but does not exclude the inclusion or addition of one or more other features, attributes, and components.

[0171] As used herein, phrases including "at least one of" or "one or more of" may appear followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. Also, the term "and / or" may appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or in combination with any of the other described elements or features. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B," "one or more of A and B," and "A and / or B" are intended to mean "A only, B only, or A and B together," respectively. In addition, any use of the term "based on" above is intended to mean "based on at least in part on," and unrecited features or elements are acceptable. Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" can include plural references unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0172] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of drug containers, drug regimens, and related systems and computer-implemented methods. The meaning of terms used in this description should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art.

[0173] The present disclosure should be viewed as an exemplification of one or more claimed embodiments, and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments to the specific exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

Claims

1. A device for medication management, comprising: a housing for a packet of medication; a sensor coupled to the housing for detecting whether the packet has been removed or is likely to have been removed from the housing; a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data regarding the sensor readings to a remote computer; A device having:

2. The packet includes a plurality of projections positioned on a backing, each projection containing a portion of the medicament; and 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protrusions are arranged in a grid format of multiple rows and columns of protrusions.

3. The housing includes a first housing and a second housing, the sensor includes a first sensor coupled to the first housing; the sensor includes a second sensor coupled to the second housing; the first sensor is adjacent to the second sensor in a first state in which the first housing and the second housing are disposed in a closed position; and 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is positioned at a spaced distance from the second sensor in a second state in which the first housing and the second housing are disposed in an open position.

4. the first housing is a base, the second housing is a top; the top is connected to the base via hinges along long edges of the base and the top; and The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are provided on opposite sides of the hinge.

5. the first housing is a base, the second housing is a cap, the cap is connected to the base via a hinge along a short edge of each of the base and the cap; and 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are provided near the short edge.

6. the first housing is a base, the second housing is a top; the top is connected to the base via a hinge along a short edge of each of the base and the cap; and 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are provided on opposite sides of the short edge.

7. the first housing is a base having an open end; the second housing is a tray configured to slide into and out of the base through the open end of the base; 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are provided near the short edge in the first state when the base and the tray are disposed in a closed position.

8. the housing includes a base having an open end; the sensor includes a first sensor coupled to a first interior surface of the base; the sensors include a second sensor coupled to a second interior surface of the base opposite the first interior surface; and 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second sensors are positioned at or near the open end.

9. the housing includes a base having a surface configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the packet; the sensor includes a first sensor coupled to the base; the sensors include a second sensor coupled to the packet; the first sensor is proximate to the second sensor in a first state in which the base is coupled to the packet; and 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is positioned at a standoff distance away from the second sensor in a second state in which the base is decoupled from the packet.

10. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the measurement sensor comprises at least one from the group consisting of a magnetic switch, a reed switch, a magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor, a capacitive touch sensor, an inductive touch sensor, a proximity sensor, and an electrical contact.

11. 1. A system for medication management, the system configured to communicate with a device for medication management, the device comprising: a housing for a packet of medication; a sensor coupled to the housing for detecting whether the packet has been or is likely to be removed from the housing; a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data regarding the sensor readings to a remote computer; and the remote computer is configured to send an alert to one or more of the device, the mobile communications device, and the computer; and The system, wherein the alert is based on the reading of the sensor.

12. A device for medication management, comprising: a housing for the medication, the housing having an open end and a closed end opposite the open end; a sensor coupled to the housing for sensing the amount of medication within the housing; and the sensor having a plurality of conductive electrodes arranged in an alternating pattern for sensing the amount of the medication within the housing; the sensor is provided near the closed end; and The apparatus wherein the sensor is provided within the housing in a substantially horizontal position when the housing is in an upright position.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the alternating pattern of conductive electrodes comprises regularly spaced conductive electrodes.

14. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the alternating pattern of conductive electrodes comprises rectangularly shaped or approximately rectangularly shaped conductive electrodes.

15. a gap is disposed between at least two of the plurality of conductive electrodes arranged in the alternating pattern; and The system of claim 12 , wherein the gap has a length of about 1 mm.

16. one or more processors configured to trigger readings of the sensors; a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data regarding the readings of the sensor to a remote computer; a wireless receiver configured to receive a wake-up command from or otherwise initiated by the remote computer; and The system of claim 12 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to activate an alert based at least in part on the receipt of the activation command by the wireless receiver.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the one or more processors includes one from the group consisting of a variable oscillator circuit, a resonant circuit, a Wien bridge oscillator, and a switched capacitor circuit.

18. 1. A method for medication management, comprising: determining, by a processor, an orientation of the medication container based on readings from a first sensor disposed on or within the medication container; collecting, by the processor, at least one first baseline reading from a second sensor disposed on or within the medication container based on the reading; collecting, by the processor, at least one second baseline reading from the second sensor after a delay period; comparing, by the processor, the first baseline reading to the second baseline reading; sending, by the processor, an alert to an external device based on the comparison of the first baseline reading with the second baseline reading; A method having the following.

19. 1. A method for medication management, comprising: receiving, by a processor, a patient message relating to a patient being treated with the medication; receiving, by the processor, adherence device data from a container of the medication accessed by the patient; receiving, by the processor, medical information from at least one of a healthcare professional (HCP), an HCP computer, a pharmacist, and a pharmacy computer; processing, by the processor, at least one of the patient message, the adherence device data, and the medical information through a model; outputting, by the processor, at least one of a medication history of the patient, the times at which doses of the medication were taken relative to scheduled dosing times, a signal in response to a determination that the dose was not taken by the patient, the frequency and pattern at which doses were taken, and the frequency and pattern at which doses were not taken; A method having the following.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising processing, by the processor, the patient message, the adherence device data, and the medical information through the model.

21. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising classifying, by the processor, the patients into one or more groups with respect to likelihood of de-enrollment and probability of de-enrollment based on the output of the model.

22. identifying, by the processor, patients at risk of not taking further doses based on the frequency and pattern of missed doses; sending, by the processor, an intervention to the patient based on the identification of the at-risk patient; 20. The method of claim 19, comprising:

23. classifying, by the processor, the patient messages having characteristics associated with a treatment plan for the patient; predicting, by the processor, a probability of adherence based on the classified characteristics; sending, by the processor, an intervention to the patient or patient support member or group based on the prediction of the adherence probability; 20. The method of claim 19, comprising:

24. identifying, by the processor, patients who are likely to miss doses or stop taking the medication in the future based on at least one of historical patient messages, the scheduled dosing times, the number of doses per day, and the adherence device data; sending, by the processor, an intervention to the patient or a patient support member or group based on the identification of the patient; 20. The method of claim 19, comprising:

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