A device comprising a sensing unit for validating the administration of a mist of a dose of ophthalmic liquid, and a dispersion unit suitable for the delivery of a mist of an ophthalmic liquid, and a sensing unit, therefore

Abstract

A device (200) for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid configured for communicating with a data processing unit (190) providing an output representing operation of the device based on at least one sensor input comprising a dispersion unit (90) with a housing (92) having a discharge opening (130) for a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid and a sensing unit (100) to be positioned in front of an eye and comprising a first sensor (10) for detection of the mist and communicating with the data processing unit (190), for the data processing unit (190) to register when the first sensor (10) detects the mist.

Description

[0001] A device comprising a sensing unit for validating the administration of a mist of a dose of ophthalmic liquid, and a dispersion unit suitable for the delivery of a mist of an ophthalmic liquid, and a sensing unit, therefore.

[0002] Background

[0003] When dispersing ophthalmic liquid into an eye using a device for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic, it is difficult for the patient to assess whether the liquid was dispersed correctly into the eye. This is especially true if the ophthalmic liquid is dispersed as a mist, which reduces the haptic feedback due to the increase in dispersion area and duration. In elderly patients, reduced fine motor skills and cognitive decline may contribute to uncertainty as to whether the ophthalmic liquid was administered and administered correctly. Additionally, the timing and frequency of treatment is important to know, to ensure that the patient follows the prescription. Currently the only way of ensuring this, is based on qualitative feedback from the patient and in some cases caregivers, which can be uncertain. Finally, it may be useful to track the remaining dosages in the device. The solution to these problems is pertinent for both the treatment of the patients and when evaluating a drug or device in clinical trials, since the correct administration is essential for achieving the desired treatment outcome.

[0004] Summary of invention

[0005] The disclosed invention relates to a sensing unit for validating the intended administration of the ophthalmic liquid suitable for use in combination with a unit for dispersing an ophthalmic liquid, to define a device for delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid.

[0006] The disclosed invention further relates to device with a sensing unit for validating the intended administration of the ophthalmic liquid suitable for use in combination with a dispersion unit for dispersing an ophthalmic liquid, to define a device for delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid.

[0007] 1 The suitable types of inputs comprise inputs relating to the detection of a mist, detection of a manipulation of the drug release mechanism, detection of skin contact, detection of an open eye, and / or detection of eye orientation. Various sensors may be used for detecting these inputs. The inputs may be used alone or in various combinations to validate the administration of the ophthalmic liquid. The sensor inputs are communicated to a data processing unit, which registers the administration of the ophthalmic liquid based on these sensor inputs. The data processing unit may be arranged inside the sensing unit.

[0008] The sensing unit may be a reusable attachment for the dispersion device or dispersion unit, or it may be an integral part of the dispersion device or dispersion unit. The dispersion device or dispersion unit may by way of example use an air flow, as disclosed in EP4251104A1 , or the piezoelectric effect, as disclosed in WO19143777 A1 , for dispersing the ophthalmic liquid.

[0009] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid. The device is configured for communicating with a data processing unit which is configured to provide an output representing operation of the device based on at least one sensor input and / or output. The device comprises:

[0010] - a dispersion unit configured to initiate a mist discharge procedure upon activation and including a housing having a discharge opening configured to dispense a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid to an eye to complete the mist discharge procedure, and

[0011] -a sensing unit to be positioned in front of the eye and comprising a first sensor for detection of the mist, and configured to communicate with the data processing unit, for the data processing unit to register when the first sensor detects the mist, wherein the device is configured to deactivate the sensing unit upon completion of the mist discharge procedure.

[0012] 2 The first sensor for detection of the mist facilitates the detection of whether the device has been used and whether it successfully dispensed the ophthalmic liquid during use. By having the device configured to deactivate the sensing unit upon completion if the mist discharge procedure, an energy saving is facilitated since this ensures that the sensing unit is not turned on unnecessarily between uses of the device.

[0013] Turning on the sensing unit prior to use of the device may be facilitated in various ways such as the user manually turning it on or an automated function for turning on the sensing unit prior to use of the device.

[0014] The mist discharge procedure comprises at least the discharge of the ophthalmic liquid from an internal reservoir and out through the discharge opening. The discharge cycle may further comprise steps prior to the discharge of the ophthalmic liquid such as one or more of priming the dispersion device by transferring a single dose of the ophthalmic liquid from the internal reservoir to a discharge chamber, loading a spring used for energising the discharge, pressurizing an air chamber for energising the discharge, actuating a piezoelectric element for energizing the discharge.

[0015] The discharge cycle may also comprise mounting the sensing unit to the dispersion unit.

[0016] Initiation of the mist discharge procedure may be done by any of these step including effectuating an increase in pressure in the internal reservoir and / or the discharge chamber.

[0017] In the first aspect the invention further relates to a device for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid. The device is configured for communicating with a data processing unit which is configured to provide an output representing operation of the device based on at least one sensor input and / or output. The device comprises:

[0018] - a dispersion unit configured to initiate a mist discharge procedure upon activation and including a housing having a discharge opening configured to

[0019] 3 dispense a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid to an eye to complete the mist discharge procedure, and

[0020] -a sensing unit to be positioned in front of the eye and comprising a first sensor for detection of the mist, and configured to communicate with the data processing unit, for the data processing unit to register when the first sensor detects the mist, wherein the sensing unit comprises a computer readable storage medium configured for storing the output and communicating with the data processing unit.

[0021] This facilitates that in the event that the data processing unit is unavailable for communication with the sensing unit, the sensing unit is able to internally store the sensor output and transmit the sensor output at a later time where the data processing unit is available for communication. Thus, it may be prevented that data is lost under such circumstances.

[0022] In the first aspect the invention further relates to a device for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid. The device is configured for communicating with a data processing unit which is configured to provide an output representing operation of the device based on at least one sensor input and / or output. The device comprises:

[0023] - a dispersion unit configured to initiate a mist discharge procedure upon activation and including a housing having a discharge opening configured to dispense a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid to an eye to complete the mist discharge procedure, and

[0024] -a sensing unit to be positioned in front of the eye and comprising a first sensor for detection of the mist, and configured to communicate with the data processing unit, for the data processing unit to register when the first sensor detects the mist, wherein the dispersion unit comprises a signal emission unit and the sensing unit comprises a signal receiver unit and wherein the signal emission unit is configured to communicate a unique product ID which at least identifies the dispersion unit and a content type of the dispersion unit.

[0025] 4 The signal emission unit and signal receiver unit facilitates the technical effect of identifying the content being dispersed by the dispersion unit and which dispersion unit is being used. This information may be used to keep track of whether the correct dosage is dispensed and how much contents is left in the dispersion unit. It may also be used to ensure that a user of the device is receiving the correct ophthalmic liquid and for issuing a warning if the wrong dispersion unit is used or if a dispersion unit with the wrong kind of ophthalmic liquid is about to be used. It may also be used to communicate a content type of the dispersion unit and a expiry date of the content. Such a system might be implemented together with a user profile connected to the sensing unit. Such a user profile might be stored in the sensing unit or in the data processing unit. It may alternatively be stored in a computer readable storage medium configured for communication with the sensing unit and / or the data processing unit.

[0026] In the first aspect the invention further relates to a device for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid. The device is configured for communicating with a data processing unit which is configured to provide an output representing operation of the device based on at least one sensor input and / or output. The device comprises:

[0027] - a dispersion unit configured to initiate a mist discharge procedure upon activation and including a housing having a discharge opening configured to dispense a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid to an eye to complete the mist discharge procedure, and

[0028] -a sensing unit to be positioned in front of the eye and comprising a first sensor for detection of the mist, and configured to communicate with the data processing unit, for the data processing unit to register when the first sensor detects the mist, wherein the sensing unit and dispersion unit comprises complimentary engagement means, such as snap-fits, engaging each other to releasably connect, and preferably reconnect, the sensing unit to the dispersion unit.

[0029] 5 This facilitates that the sensing device is reusable across various dispersion devices. Since the dispersion device may not be refillable this greatly reduces waste since the sensing unit and the electronics contained therein may be reused repeatably. It also means that a user who uses several kinds of dispersion units, such as dispersion units containing different kinds of ophthalmic liquid, will only need a single sensing unit.

[0030] In embodiments where this is not already provided, the device may be configured to deactivate the sensing unit upon completion of the mist discharge procedure.

[0031] By having the device configured to deactivate the sensing unit upon completion if the mist discharge procedure, an energy saving is facilitated since this ensures that the sensing unit is not turned on unnecessarily between uses of the device.

[0032] Turning on the sensing unit prior to use of the device may be facilitated in various ways such as the user manually turning it on or an automated function for turning on the sensing unit prior to use of the device.

[0033] In embodiments where this is not already provided, the sensing unit may comprise a computer readable storage medium configured for storing the output and communicating with the data processing unit.

[0034] This facilitates that in the event that the data processing unit is unavailable for communication with the sensing unit, the sensing unit is able to internally store the sensor output and transmit the sensor output at a later time where the data processing unit is available for communication. Thus, it may be prevented that data is lost in such circumstances.

[0035] In embodiments where it is not already provided, the dispersion unit may comprise a signal emission unit and the sensing unit comprises a signal receiver unit and wherein the signal emission unit is configured to communicate a product ID, such as a unique product ID, which at least identifies the dispersion unit and a content type of the dispersion unit.

[0036] 6 The signal emission unit and signal receiver unit facilitates the technical effect of identifying the content being dispersed by the dispersion unit and which dispersion unit is being used. This information may be used to keep track of whether the correct dosage is dispensed and how much contents is left in the dispersion unit. It may also be used to ensure that a user of the device is receiving the correct ophthalmic liquid and for issuing a warning if the wrong dispersion unit is used or if a dispersion unit with the wrong kind of ophthalmic liquid is about to be used.

[0037] Such a system might be implemented together with a user profile connected to the sensing unit. Such a user profile might be stored in the sensing unit or in the data processing unit. It may alternatively be stored in a computer readable storage medium configured for communication with the sensing unit and / or the data processing unit.

[0038] In embodiments where it in not already provided, the sensing unit and dispersion unit may comprise complimentary engagement means, such as snap- fits, engaging each other to releasably connect, and preferably reconnect, the sensing unit to the dispersion unit.

[0039] This facilitates that the sensing device is reusable across various dispersion devices. Since the dispersion device may not be refillable this greatly reduces waste since the sensing unit and the electronics contained therein may be reused repeatably. It also means that a user who uses several kinds of dispersion units, such as dispersion units containing different kinds of ophthalmic liquid, will only need a single sensing unit.

[0040] In a second aspect, the invention may relate to a sensing unit for the device according to nay of the first aspects, comprising:

[0041] - the data processing unit, and

[0042] - the first sensor for detection of the mist, said first sensor communicating with the data processing unit, said data processing unit being configured to register when the first sensor detects the mist.

[0043] 7 The first sensor for detection of the mist facilitates the detection of whether the device has been used and whether it successfully dispensed the ophthalmic liquid during use. The data processing unit facilitates the interpretation of the output from the first sensor to determine whether a mist was detected or not.

[0044] The dispersion unit may be configured to activate the sensing unit at or after the initiation of the mist discharge procedure.

[0045] This facilitates that the sensing unit is automatically turned on before the ophthalmic liquid is dispensed and thus facilitates that the sensing unit does not miss a dispension.

[0046] The sensing unit may be configured with a switch for turning the sensing unit on and / or off.

[0047] The switch may comprise a hall sensor in the sensing device and a magnet in the dispersion device.

[0048] This configuration of the switch facilitates that the switch may be operated via the hall sensor remotely from the dispersion unit via the magnet without adding any moving parts to the exterior of either the dispersion unit or the sensing unit.

[0049] The device may be configured to deactivate the sensing unit upon completion of the mist discharge procedure at a pre-set delay from completion of the mist discharge procedure.

[0050] This facilitates the effect of ensuring that the sensing unit is turned on for long enough to detect the mist via the first sensor and communicate the output of the first sensor to the data processing unit before the sensing unit is deactivated.

[0051] The initiation of the mist discharge procedure may include priming the dispersion device by transferring a volume of ophthalmic liquid corresponding to a single dose from an internal reservoir to a discharge chamber and wherein

[0052] 8 the dispersion unit is configured to turn on the sensing unit upon priming of the dispersion unit.

[0053] This facilitates the effect of ensuring that the sensing unit is turned on just prior to the use of the device and thus that the sensing unit is only turned on for necessary timespan for it to perform its intended function thus reducing its energy usage.

[0054] The initiation of the mist discharge procedure includes priming the dispersion device by creating an internal pressure configured to expulse a single dose of the ophthalmic liquid from the device through the discharge opening to dispense the mist of ophthalmic liquid and wherein the dispersion unit is configured to turn on the sensing unit upon priming of the dispersion unit.

[0055] This facilitates the effect of ensuring that the sensing unit is turned on just prior to the use of the device and thus that the sensing unit is only turned on for necessary timespan for it to perform its intended function thus reducing its energy usage.

[0056] The signal emission unit may be a radio frequency identifier, RFID, tag and the signal receiver unit is a radio frequency identifier, RFID, reader.

[0057] The signal emission unit may be configured to emit an electromagnetic signal with a frequency between 2.402 and 2.480 GHz and the signal receiver unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal with a frequency between 2.402 and 2.480 GHz. Such a signal is commonly known as a Bluetooth signal.

[0058] The signal emission unit is a near-field communication tag, and the signal receiver unit is a near-field communication reader.

[0059] The signal emission unit is configured to emit an electromagnetic signal with a frequency between 300 GHz and 400 THz, and the signal receiver unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal with a frequency between 300 GHz and 400 THz

[0060] 9 Detection of a dispersed mist may be accomplished e.g. using laser diffusion sensors, infrared sensors, particle dust sensors, ultrasonic sensors, capacitive sensors, humidity sensors, optical beam sensors, sound monitoring and / or optical sensors such as a camera.

[0061] Detection of a manipulation of the drug release mechanism may be accomplished e.g. using pushbutton switches, capacitive sensors, resistive touch sensors, infrared sensors, optical proximity sensors, inductive proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, force sensitive resistor sensors, piezoelectric sensors, Hall effect sensors and / or magnetic reed switches.

[0062] Skin contact detection may be accomplished using e.g. capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, infrared sensors, laser sensors, piezoelectric sensors, strain gauges, ultrasonic sensor systems, thermal sensors and / or finger-tip sensors.

[0063] Detection of an open eye, such as the eye of a human or another mammal, may be accomplished e.g. using an optical sensor such as an optical camera in combination with an image recognition algorithm.

[0064] The sensing unit may also have an indicator for displaying the status of the dispersion device such as battery life and / or remaining content in the device for ophthalmic liquid.

[0065] The device may communicate with external devices using either a wired and / or wireless connection such as Bluetooth. In the context of the invention, Bluetooth is understood to be wireless communication using a signal with a frequency between 2.402 and 2.480 GHz. The external device may be a computer, or a smart phone and the system may comprise a software such as an app for logging and processing of the data collected from the device. The external system may also be used for indicating the status of the devices such as battery life and / or remaining content in the device for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic, so as to reduce the parts and functionalities necessary in the device itself.

[0066] 10 The device may comprise a data processing unit for processing sensor inputs. The device may also comprise an indicator for indicating the status of the devices such as battery life and / or remaining content in the device.

[0067] The device may comprise a rim connected to the device using one or several distance elements with the rim being intended for contacting the skin around the eye so as to ensure the proper dispensing distance between the eye and the discharge opening of the device for dispersing the ophthalmic liquid.

[0068] Brief description of drawings

[0069] Fig.1 shows the sensing unit from the angle oriented towards the eye of the user during use.

[0070] Fig 2 shows the sensing unit of fig 1 in the same orientation with skin contact sensors on the contact rim.

[0071] Fig 3 shows the sensing unit of figure 1 or 2 from the opposite site showing the fastening means, also termed complimentary engagement means, and internal electronics.

[0072] Fig 4 shows the sensing unit of fig 2 attached to a dispersion unit.

[0073] Fig 5a shows the sensing unit of figure 2 attached to a dispersion unit and fig. 5b shows the sensing unit of figure 1 attached to the same type of dispersion unit.

[0074] In fig. 6a a preferred embodiment of the sensing unit 100 is shown without the dispersion unit 90 and in fig, 6b the preferred embodiment is shown in an exploded view.

[0075] Fig. 7 show the preferred embodiment of the sensing unit together with a preferred embodiment of the dispersion unit with the complimentary engagement means.

[0076] Figs. 8a and 8 b show a cross-section of the dispersion unit with the sensing unit mounted to it via the complimentary engagement means.

[0077] 11 Figs. 9a and 9b show the printed circuit board of the sensing unit.

[0078] Fig. 10 shows a perspective cross section view of the sensing unit mounted to the dispersion unit.

[0079] Detailed description of examples

[0080] Fig 1 shows an embodiment of the invention with a first sensor 10 for detecting a mist and a third sensor 20 being an optical sensor for detecting an eye, such as a camera. The device 200 may have a housing 120 containing the data processing unit 190 and sensing unit 100 which comprises the printed circuit board 180 wireless connection unit 170, battery, wi-fi module etc. as shown on fig 3. The device 200 may have a contact rim 70 for abutment on the skin of the user, which is connected to a base plate 40 of the housing 120 by distance beams 60. The distance beams 60 ensure that the ophthalmic liquid is dispensed over an area corresponding to the eye from a dispersion unit 90 through a discharge opening 130. The discharge opening 130 is positioned in a hole for the discharge opening 140 in the sensing unit 100.

[0081] The device 200 further comprises a release button 80 for triggering the dispersion of ophthalmic liquid and possibly a reloading handle 160 for loading ophthalmic liquid into an internal reservoir from which the ophthalmic liquid is dispersed. In another embodiment shown on figure 4 the device 200 may be a dispersion device dispersing using a piezoelectric effect.

[0082] The sensing unit 100 comprises gripping areas 150 on the housing 120 and fastening means 110 for attaching the sensing unit 100 to the dispersion unit 90. The sensing unit 100 may further comprise an indicator (not shown) on the housing 120 for indicating the status of the sensing unit 100 and / or dispersion unit 90, such as battery level, remaining dosages, and / or connection status. The fastening means 110 may also be referred to as complimentary engagement means 110.

[0083] As shown in fig. 2 the contact rim 70 may comprise a fourth sensor 30 for sensing skin contact used for sensing whether the contact rim 70 is in abutment with the skin of the user.

[0084] 12 The sensing unit 100 may be attached at the base of the dispersion unit 90 as shown in fig. 5 or at the side of the dispersion unit 90 as shown in fig. 4.

[0085] The first sensor 10 is oriented at an angle, such as 90-degree angle to the hole for the discharge opening 140.

[0086] The third sensor 20 is positioned on the base 40 of the housing 120 of the sensing unit 100 so that it is oriented normal to the eye of the user when the sensing unit 100 is placed correctly.

[0087] The fourth sensor 30 is placed on the contact rim 70 facing towards the user’s skin when the sensing unit 100 is placed correctly. There may be a plurality of these third sensors 30.

[0088] Various constellations of sensors may be utilized, and the output of the sensors may be used in different algorithms for determining how the ophthalmic liquid was dispersed.

[0089] In one embodiment of the invention correct administration of the ophthalmic liquid is logged based on two sensor outputs: press of the release button 80 detected by a second sensor 50, and detection of a mist using the first sensor 10.

[0090] In another embodiment of the invention correct administration of the ophthalmic liquid is logged based on three inputs; press of the release button 80 detected by the second sensor 50, skin contact as detected by the fourth sensors 30, and detection of a mist using the first sensor 10.

[0091] In another embodiment of the invention correct administration of the ophthalmic liquid is logged based on four inputs; press of the release button 80 detected by the second sensor 50, skin contact detected using the fourth 30, detection of an open eye using the third sensor 20, and detection of a mist using first sensor 10.

[0092] 13 In another embodiment of the invention correct administration of the ophthalmic liquid is logged based on three inputs: press of the release button 80 detected by the second sensor 50, detection of an open eye using the third sensor 20, and detection of a mist using the first sensor 10.

[0093] In another embodiment of the invention a priming shot of the ophthalmic liquid is logged when a press of the release button 80 using the second sensor 50 and detection of a mist using the first sensor 10 is registered but skin contact and / or an open eye is not detected using the fourth sensor 30 and the third sensor 20 respectively. This may alternatively be logged as an erroneous administration of the ophthalmic liquid.

[0094] In embodiments where the fourth sensors 30 are not used, the sensing unit 100 may be designed without the distance beams 60 and contact rim 70. In such an embodiment the third sensor 20 may be used for determining the correct dispersion distance and a feedback mechanism for informing the user when they are within and / or outside of the recommended dispersion range may be incorporated in the sensing unit 100 such as haptic feedback in the form of vibration, visual feedback and / or auditory feedback.

[0095] The sensing unit 100 may in some embodiments be integral with the dispersion unit 90 so as to constitute a single device 200 with both sensing and dispersing capabilities.

[0096] Figs. 6a-10 show a preferred embodiment of the sensing unit 100 and the dispersion unit.

[0097] In fig. 6a the preferred embodiment of the sensing unit 100 is shown without the dispersion unit 90. It comprises part of the complimentary engagement means 110 which together with complimentary engagement means on the dispersion unit (best seen on fig. 7 and fig. 10) defines snap-fits for mounting the sensing unit 100 to the dispersion unit 90. It further comprises the contact rim 70 and a battery housing 210 and a battery housing cover 240 mounted

[0098] 14 to a side of the housing 120 of the sensing unit 100. It further defines a hole 140 for the discharge opening 130.

[0099] In fig, 6b the preferred embodiment is shown in an exploded view. From this viev the battery 220 for powering the sensing unit 100 can be seen. It may further be inferred from figs. 6a and 6b how the batter 220 is mounted in the battery housing 210 and held in place by the battery housing 210 and the battery housing cover 230. From fig. 6b the printed circuit board 180 can seen together with a top plate 260.

[0100] Fig. 7 show the preferred embodiment of the sensing unit 90 together with a preferred embodiment of the dispersion unit 90. This figure show the complimentary engagement means 110 on both the dispersion unit 90 and the sensing unit 100 which together defines snap-fits.

[0101] Figs. 8a and 8 b show a cross-section of the dispersion unit 90 with the sensing unit 100 mounted to it via the complimentary engagement means 110. From this figure, it is easily seen how the complimentary engagement means 110 engage to create the snap-fit mounting of the sensing unit 100 to the dispersion unit 90. Figs. 8a and 8b illustrates a magnet 250 for triggering a hall sensor 240 on the printed circuit board 180. Fig. 8a show the dispersion unit 90 in a primed state wherein the dispersion unit 90 is loaded and ready for dispersing a dose of the ophthalmic liquid. Configuring the dispersion unit 90 into this primed state may define the beginning of a mist discharge procedure. Fig. 8b show the dispersion unit 90 in a relaxed state. The dispersion unit 90 is configured to enter its relaxed state upon completion of the mist discharge procedure. In the preferred embodiment, the primed state is at least defined by an air pressure being store in a pair of piston cylinders. The magnet 250 is mounted to one such cylinder. The air pressure in the piston cylinders is released via a discharge conduit (not shown) to effect the discharge of the ophthalmic liquid through the discharge opening 130 to complete the mist discharge procedure. As the air pressure is released, the pis-

[0102] 15 tons descend toward the printed circuit board 180 thereby decreasing the distance between the magnet 250 and the hall sensor 240. This brings the magnet 250 within detection range of the hall sensor 240 and upon detection of the magnet 250 by the hall sensor 240 a signal is sent to turn of the sensing unit 100. Upon priming of the dispersion unit 90, the distance between the hall sensor 240 and the magnet 250 is increased so that the magnet 250 comes out of range which may trigger the reactivation of the sensing unit 100 so that it is ready to detect a the dispensing of the ophthalmic liquid when the release button 80 is triggered to complete the mist discharge procedure by release of the air pressure in the piston cylinders as described above. This provides for a very energy efficient sensing unit 100 since it is only turned on for the required duration around the actual mist discharge procedure. There may be a certain delay from the detection of the magnet 250 by the hall sensor 240 before the sensing unit 100 is actually switched off to ensure that it is turned on until the mist discharge procedure is fully concluded.

[0103] Figs. 9a and 9b show the printed circuit board 180 of the sensing unit 100 in more detail. Fig. 9a show a surface of the printed circuit board 180 facing towards a user’s eye during use and away from the dispersion unit 90 when the sensing unit 100 is mounted to the dispersion unit 90. Fig. 9b show a surface opposite of the surface shown in fig. 9a so the surface facing away from the user’s eye during use and towards the dispersion unit 90 when the sensing unit 100 is mounted to the dispersion unit 90. in fig. 9a the first sensor 10 are shown and comprises two parts. In the preferred embodiment the first sensor is an IR sensor with one part being an infrared light emitter and the other part being an infrared light detector. In the preferred embodiment, a mist of the ophthalmic liquid will pass through the infrared light beam emitted by the infrared light emitter and reduce the intensity of infrared light reaching the infrared light detector. This decrease in intensity is used to detect the mist. On fig. 9a a fifth sensor 270 is shown which is an infrared proximity sensor. The fifth sensor 270 may be used to verify the positioning of the sensing unit 100. The infrared proximity sensor may be

[0104] 16 configured to measure a distance between the IR proximity sensor and the skin or eye of a user at least when the device 200 is arranged in the correct position for dispersing the ophthalmic liquid to an eye of the user.

[0105] Fig. 9b gives a better view of the hall sensor 240.

[0106] Fig. 10 shows a perspective cross section view of the sensing unit 100 mounted to the dispersion unit 90. Fig. 10 gives a better view of the magnet 250. It also shows how the complimentary engagement means 110 on the dispersion unit 90 and the sensing unit 100 engage to define a snap-fit. The arrangement of the printed circuit board 180 may be seen from this figure as well. the invention is further described by the following items.

[0107] Item 1 : A device (200) for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid configured for communicating with a data processing unit (190) providing an output representing operation of the device based on at least one sensor input comprising

[0108] - a dispersion unit (90) with a housing (92) having a discharge opening (130) for a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid,

[0109] - a sensing unit (100) to be positioned in front of an eye and comprising a first sensor (10) for detection of the mist and communicating with the data processing unit (190), for the data processing unit (190) to register when the first sensor (10) detects the mist.

[0110] Item 2: A sensing unit (100) for the device of item 1 , comprising

[0111] - the data processing unit (190), and

[0112] - the first sensor (10) for detection of the mist, said first sensor (10) communicating with the data processing unit (190),

[0113] - said data processing unit (190) being configured to register when the first sensor (10) detects the mist.

[0114] 17 Item 3: The sensing unit (100) of any preceding item comprising a second sensor (50) for detecting a manipulation of a mist release mechanism, such as a release button (80), communicating with the data processing unit (190).

[0115] Item 4: The sensing unit (100) of any preceding item wherein the sensing unit (100) comprises an optical, third sensor (20) for detecting an open eye and / or eye orientation, such as a camera in combination with an image recognition algorithm, communicating with the data processing unit (190).

[0116] Item 5: The sensing unit (100) of any preceding item comprising a structure (120) with a contact rim (70) for abutment against the area surrounding an eye, with a fourth sensor (30) comprised in the sensing unit (100), for detecting human skin contact and communicating with the data processing unit (190).

[0117] Item 6: The sensing unit (100) according to any preceding item, including attachment means for releasable attachment, and preferably reattachment, of the sensing unit (100) to the dispersion unit (90), such as snap-fits.

[0118] Item 7: The sensing unit (100) according to any preceding item wherein the sensing unit (100) further comprises an indicator for indicating the status of the sensing unit (100) and / or an ophthalmic liquid dispersion device (90) attached thereto, such as battery level, connection status, and / or remaining dosages.

[0119] Item 8: The sensing unit (100) of any preceding item further comprising a wireless connection unit (170), such as a Bluetooth low energy module, for connecting to an external device used for storage, processing and / or displaying data from the sensing unit (100).

[0120] Item 9: The device (200) of item 1 wherein the dispersion device (90) is configured to use a piezoelectric effect for generating a mist of the ophthalmic liquid.

[0121] Item 10: The device (200) of item 1 wherein the dispersion device (90) is configured to use an air stream for dispersing the ophthalmic liquid as a mist.

[0122] 18 Item 11 : The sensing unit (100) according to any preceding item wherein the third sensor (20) is used for measuring the administration distance and notifying the user via haptic, auditory or visual feedback whether the device 200 is held within an acceptable administration range.

[0123] Reference list

[0124] 10 first sensor (for detecting a mist)

[0125] 20 third sensor (for detecting an eye)

[0126] 30 fouth sensor (for detecting skin contact)

[0127] 40 base plate

[0128] 50 second sensor (for detecting a manipulation of the drug release mechanism)

[0129] 60 distance beam

[0130] 70 contact rim

[0131] 80 release button

[0132] 90 dispersion unit

[0133] 92 dispersion unit housing

[0134] 100 sensing unit

[0135] 110 fastening means, also termed complimentary engagement means

[0136] 120 housing

[0137] 130 discharge opening

[0138] 140 hole for discharge opening

[0139] 150 gripping area

[0140] 160 loading handle

[0141] 170 wireless connection unit

[0142] 19 180 printed circuit board (PCB)

[0143] 190 data processing unit

[0144] 200 device

[0145] 210 battery housing 220 battery

[0146] 230 battery housing cover

[0147] 240 hall sensor

[0148] 250 magnet

[0149] 260 top plate 270 fifth sensor

[0150] 20

Claims

Claims1 . A device (200) for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid and configured for communicating with a data processing unit (190) which is configured to provide an output representing operation of the device (200) based on at least one sensor input and / or output, with the device (200) comprising:- a dispersion unit (90) configured to initiate a mist discharge procedure upon activation and including a housing (92) having a discharge opening (130) configured to dispense a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid to an eye, to complete the mist discharge procedure, and -a sensing unit (100) to be positioned in front of the eye and comprising a first sensor (10) for detection of the mist and configured to communicate with the data processing unit (190), for the data processing unit (190) to register when the first sensor (10) detects the mist, wherein the device (200) is configured to deactivate the sensing unit (100) upon completion of the mist discharge procedure.

2. A device (200) for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid and configured for communicating with a data processing unit (190) which is configured to provide an output representing operation of the device (200) based on at least one sensor input and / or output, with the device (200) comprising:- a dispersion unit (90) configured to initiate a mist discharge procedure upon activation and including a housing (92) having a discharge opening (130) configured to dispense a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid to an eye, to complete the mist discharge procedure, and -a sensing unit (100) to be positioned in front of the eye and comprising a first sensor (10) for detection of the mist and configured to communicate with the data processing unit (190), for the data processing unit (190) to register when the first sensor (10) detects the mist,21wherein the sensing unit comprises a computer readable storage medium configured for storing the output and communicating with the data processing unit (190).

3. A device (200) for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid and configured for communicating with a data processing unit (190) which is configured to provide an output representing operation of the device (200) based on at least one sensor input and / or output, with the device (200) comprising:- a dispersion unit (90) configured to initiate a mist discharge procedure upon activation and including a housing (92) having a discharge opening (130) configured to dispense a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid to an eye, to complete the mist discharge procedure, and -a sensing unit (100) to be positioned in front of the eye and comprising a first sensor (10) for detection of the mist and configured to communicate with the data processing unit (190), for the data processing unit (190) to register when the first sensor (10) detects the mist, wherein the dispersion unit comprises a signal emission unit and the sensing unit comprises a signal receiver unit and wherein the signal emission unit is configured to communicate a product ID, such as a unique product ID, which at least identifies the dispersion unit and a content type of the dispersion unit.

4. A device (200) for the delivery of a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid and configured for communicating with a data processing unit (190) which is configured to provide an output representing operation of the device (200) based on at least one sensor input and / or output, with the device (200) comprising:- a dispersion unit (90) configured to initiate a mist discharge procedure upon activation and including a housing (92) having a dischargeopening (130) configured to dispense a mist of a dose of an ophthalmic liquid to an eye, to complete the mist discharge procedure, and -a sensing unit (100) to be positioned in front of the eye and comprising a first sensor (10) for detection of the mist and configured to communicate with the data processing unit (190), for the data processing unit (190) to register when the first sensor (10) detects the mist, wherein the sensing unit and dispersion unit comprises complimentary engagement means, such as snap-fits, engaging each other to re- leasably connect, and preferably reconnect, the sensing unit (100) to the dispersion unit (90).

5. The device according to any of claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein the device is configured to deactivate the sensing unit upon completion of the mist discharge procedure.

6. The device according to any of claims 1 , 3, 4 or 5, wherein the sensing unit (100) comprises a computer readable storage medium configured for storing the output and communicating with the data processing unit (190).

7. The device according to any preceding claim 1 , 2, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the dispersion unit (90) comprises a signal emission unit and the sensing unit (100) comprises a signal receiver unit and wherein the signal emission unit is configured to communicate a product ID, such as a unique product ID, which at least identifies the dispersion unit (90) and a content type of the dispersion unit (90).

8. The device according to any of claims 1 , 2, 3 or 5-7, wherein the sensing unit (100) and dispersion unit (90) comprises complimentary engagement means (110), such as snap-fits, engaging each other to re- leasably connect, and preferably reconnect, the sensing unit (100) tothe dispersion unit (90).

9. A sensing unit (100) for the device (200) of any of the preceding claims, comprising- a data processing unit (190), and- a first sensor (10) for detection of the mist, said first sensor (10) communicating with the data processing unit (190), said data processing unit (190) being configured to register when the first sensor (10) detects a mist of ophthalmic liquid.

10. The device (200) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the dispersion unit (90) is configured to activate the sensing unit (100) at or after the initiation of the mist discharge procedure.11 . The device (200) according to any of claims 1 , 5, or 10, wherein the sensing unit is configured with a switch for turning the sensing unit (100) on and / or off.

12. The device (200) according to any of claims 1 , 5, or 10-11 , wherein the switch comprises a hall sensor (240) in the sensing device (100) and a magnet (250) in the dispersion device (90).

13. The device (200) according to any of claims 1 , 5, or 10-12, configured to deactivate the sensing unit (100) upon completion of the mist discharge procedure at a pre-set delay from completion of the mist discharge procedure.

14. The device (200) according to any of claims 1 , 5 or 10-13, wherein the initiation of the mist discharge procedure includes priming the dispersion unit (90) by transferring a volume of ophthalmic liquid corresponding to a single dose from an internal reservoir to a discharge chamberand wherein the dispersion unit (90) is configured to turn on the sensing unit (100) upon priming of the dispersion unit (100).

15. The device (200) according to any of claims 1 , 5, or 10-14, wherein the initiation of the mist discharge procedure includes priming the dispersion unit (90) by creating an internal pressure configured to expulse a single dose of the ophthalmic liquid from the device (200) through the discharge opening (130) to dispense the mist of ophthalmic liquid and wherein the dispersion unit (90) is configured to turn on the sensing unit (100) upon priming of the dispersion unit (90).

16. The device (200) according to any of claims 3 or 7, wherein the signal emission unit is a radio frequency identifier, RFID, tag and the signal receiver unit is a radio frequency identifier, RFID, reader.

17. The device (200) according to any of claims 3, 7 or 16, wherein the signal emission unit is configured to emit an electromagnetic signal with a frequency between 2.402 and 2.480 GHz and the signal receiver unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal with a frequency between 2.402 and 2.480 GHz.

18. The device (200) according to any of claims 3, 7 or 16-17, wherein the signal emission unit is a near-field communication tag, and the signal receiver unit is a near-field communication reader.

19. The device (200) according to any of claims 3, 7 or 16-18, wherein the signal emission unit is configured to emit an electromagnetic signal with a frequency between 300 GHz and 400 THz, and the signal receiver unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal with a frequency between 300 GHz and 400 THz.

20. The device (200) or the sensing unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing unit comprises a second sensor (50) for detecting a manipulation of a mist release mechanism, such as a release button (80), communicating with the data processing unit (190).21 . The device (200) or the sensing unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing unit comprises an optical, third sensor (20) for detecting an open eye and / or eye orientation, such as a camera in combination with an image recognition algorithm, communicating with the data processing unit (190).

22. The device (200) or the sensing unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing unit comprises a structure (120) with a contact rim (70) for abutment against the area surrounding an eye, with a fourth sensor (30) comprised in the sensing unit (100), for detecting human skin contact, and communicating with the data processing unit (190).

23. The device (200) or the sensing unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing unit comprises attachment means (110), sue has complimentary engagement means (110), for releasable attachment, and preferably reattachment, of the sensing unit (100) to the dispersion unit (90), such as snap-fits.

24. The device (200) or the sensing unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing unit comprises an indicator for indicating the status of the sensing unit (100) and / or an ophthalmic liquid dispersion device (90) attached thereto, such as battery level, connection status, and / or remaining dosages.l ' l25. The device (200) or the sensing unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing unit comprises a wireless connection unit (170), such as a bluetooth module, such as a Bluetooth low energy module, for connecting to an external device used for storage, processing and / or displaying data from the sensing unit (100).

26. The device (200) of any of claims 1 -4, wherein the dispersion device (90) is configured to use a piezoelectric effect for generating a mist of the ophthalmic liquid.

27. The device (200) of any of claims 1 -4, wherein the dispersion device (90) is configured to use an air stream for dispersing the ophthalmic liquid as a mist.

28. The device (200) or the sensing unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing unit comprises a / the third sensor (20) is used for measuring the administration distance and notifying the user via haptic, auditory or visual feedback whether the device 200 is held within an acceptable administration range.

29. The device (200) or the sensing unit (100) according to any preceding claim, comprising an infrared proximity sensor (270) configured to measure a distance between the IR proximity sensor (270) and the skin or eye of a user at least when the device (200) is arranged in the correct position for dispersing the ophthalmic liquid to an eye of the user.

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