Medication packaging with an electronic display

Abstract

The invention relates to a medication packaging with an electronic display. The packaging comprises a dosage part and a display part. The dosage part stores the medication. The display part comprises an electronic display, a first antenna, first electronics and a power supply. The first electronics is connected to the electronic display and the first antenna. The power supply powers the first electronics, the electronic display and the first antenna. The dosage part comprises second electronics, and a second antenna. The second antenna is connected to the second electronics. The second antenna is arranged to wirelessly receive power from the first antenna to power the second electronics.

Description

[0001] MEDICATION PACKAGING WITH AN ELECTRONIC DISPLAY

[0002] The invention relates to a packaging for medication with an electronic display.

[0003] WO 2022 / 043494 Al describes a clinical supply pack with an electronic label. The label displays information, such as multilingual information provided to the supply packs after they are sealed for distribution. The label further displays information based on sensors of the supply pack.

[0004] A drawback of this type of supply pack is that the production is relatively complex and costly.

[0005] A goal of the invention is to overcome this drawback and to provide an improved packaging for medication, or at least to provide an alternative to existing solutions. This goal is achieved by the packaging for medication according to claim 1.

[0006] The packaging comprises a dosage part and a display part. The dosage part is intended for storing the medication. The display part comprises an electronic display (also referred to as "digital display label"), a first antenna, first electronics and a power supply. The first electronics is connected to the electronic display and the first antenna. The power supply powers the first electronics, the electronic display and the first antenna. The dosage part comprises second electronics and a second antenna connected to the second electronics. The second antenna is arranged to wirelessly receive power from the first antenna to power the second electronics.

[0007] By powering the dosage part wirelessly, the dosage part does not require its own power supply. This reduces the costs for producing the dosage part, both in terms of components and in terms of manufacturing complexity. In addition, reliability of production is increased.

[0008] Moreover, the dosage part is the part of the packaging for storing the medication. When the treatment or clinical trial ends (e.g. all medication is used, the medication has expired, or the treatment / trial ends otherwise) only the dosage part needs to be disposed off. The display part can be re-used with a different dosage part. Re-using the display part with a different dosage part is particularly beneficial as the electronic display and power supply are relative expensive components.

[0009] In addition, no wired connection is required between the dosage part and display part, since power is supplied wirelessly. This makes it easier to separate the dosage part and display part from each other, e.g. when disposing the dosage part at the end of treatment.

[0010] Preferred embodiments are defined below and in the dependent claims.

[0011] Preferably, the dosage part and the display part are physically coupled or attached to each other, such that the electronic display forms part of the exterior of the packaging. According to a first aspect, the dosage part comprises an inner package and the display part comprises an outer package that receives the inner package. According to a second aspect, the dosage part comprises a handheld container and the display part is coupled or attached to the exterior of the handheld container.The power supply preferably comprises a battery, such as a coin-cell battery. Alternatively, the power supply may comprise a solar cell or a printed battery provided on the outer surface of the display part.

[0012] Preferably, the second electronics is fully powered by the power received by the second antenna. In other words, the second antenna is the sole power supply of the dosage part. Preferably, the dosage part does not contain a battery. This has the additional advantage that when the dosage part is disposed off, the battery does not have to be separated from the waste stream. Additionally, this lowers the risk of the battery accidentally ending up in waste stream.

[0013] The dosage part for example comprises cardboard. The second electronics and the second antenna may be embedded in the cardboard. The display part preferably comprises a more durable material, to allow re-using the display part over a long time period. For example, the display part includes a housing made of plastic or metal. The first electronics, the power supply and the antenna are preferably embedded in the walls of the housing and / or provided on a surface of the housing. The electronic display is preferably provided on, or embedded in, an outer surface of the housing such that it forms part of the exterior of the packaging.

[0014] The first electronics (of the display part) for example comprise one or more controllers for controlling the electronic display and / or the first antenna. For example, the first electronics comprise a dedicated integrated circuit (IC) for controlling the display and / or a dedicated IC for controlling the antenna.

[0015] In an example, the packaging comprises a memory for storing information related to the medication stored in the packaging. The packaging is configured to display said information on the electronic display. This storage and display of information related to medication may be implemented in the manner described in WO 2022 / 043494 Al, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, the information comprises safety information, storage information, instructions for use, dosage information, clinical trial information, expiration date or other information relating to the medication stored in the dosage part. The information is for example stored in multiple languages. For example, the first electronics (of the display part) comprises a memory storing such information. Alternatively or additionally, the second electronics (of the dosage part) comprises a memory storing such information, particularly information relevant for medication stored in the dosage part.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first and second electronics are further arranged for wireless data communication via the first and second antennas.

[0017] For example, the second electronics (of the dosage part) is arranged to transmit information related to the medication (i.e. the medication stored in the dosage part) to the first electronics (of the display part) when the second electronics receives power from the display part. For example, the information is stored in a memory of the dosage part.In a further embodiment, the first electronics (of the display part) are arranged to control the electronic display so as to display information derived from data received from the second electronics (of the dosage part).

[0018] For example, the first electronics (of the display part) are arranged to control the electronic display so as to display information related to the medication received from the second electronics (of the dosage part).

[0019] Displaying information received from the dosage part is for example useful when re-using the display part by replacing the dosage part. In such a case, the information displayed by the display part can be updated based on the newly inserted dosage part.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the second electronics (of the dosage part) comprise one or more sensors for generating sensor data. The second electronics (of the dosage part) are arranged to wirelessly transmit the sensor data to the first electronics (of the display part) via the second antenna.

[0021] Preferably, the one or more sensors comprise a sensor for measuring an environmental parameter (e.g. temperature or humidity) and / or a use sensor for detecting whether a dose of medication is removed from the dosage part. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more sensors may comprise an accelerometer In a first example, the dosage part includes a blister pack. Such blister packs include one or more containers holding medication, each containers being sealed by a foil that can be broken to remove the medication from the respective container. In this example, the use sensor may comprise, for each container of the blister pack, a wire or printed conductive track extending over the foil of the respective container. When the foil is fringed, the wire or printed conductive track is broken. This breaks an electrical circuit comprising the wire or conductive track, which can be detected by the use sensor. An example of a blister pack with use sensor is disclosed in W02007 / 043858 A2, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. In the example of W02007 / 043858, the sealed containers of the blister pack store pills. Alternatively, a dosage part includes containers with a different medication, such as syringes or vials, wherein the containers are sealed by a foil. As before, a wire or printed conductive track extends over the foil and a use sensor is able to detect whether the wire or track is broken, i.e. when the foil is fringed.

[0022] In a second example, the dosage part includes a handheld container (e.g. a bottle or vial) with a channel through which medication can enter and leave the container. In this example, the use sensor may comprise a detector arranged to detect passage of medication through the channel. A user can remove medication (e.g. pills, tablets or capsules) from the handheld container by holding the container upside down, or at least at such an angle that the medication falls through the channel. The detector detects the passage of the medication. An example of a handheld container with use sensor is disclosed in

[0023] WO 2015 / 150240 Al, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0024] When the dosage part receives power from the display part, the electronics of the dosage part collects the sensor data and wirelessly transmits the sensor data to the display part. The display partprocesses the sensor data. For example, the display part stores the sensor data in a memory of the display part. Alternatively or additionally, the dosage part stores the sensor data in a memory of the dosage part (while receiving power from the display part).

[0025] In an embodiment, both the display part and the dosage part store the sensor data. This has the advantage that also the dosage part maintains the sensor data in case the parts are separated from each other. Optionally also other data, such as data related to the medication in the dosage part, is stored on the display part and on the dosage part.

[0026] Preferably, the display part stores identification data for identifying the dosage part and the dosage part stores identification data for identifying the display part. This enables correlating the data of the dosage part to the display part even after they have been separated from each other (e.g. by detaching the display part from the dosage part).

[0027] Preferably, the medication comprises unit dose medication. Examples of unit dose medication include pills, capsules or tablets. For example, the usage sensor performs a binary determination: whether or not each unit dose is present or absent. In another example, the usage sensor detects whether a unit dosage is removed or re-inserted into the dosage part.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the first electronics (of the display part) is arranged to associate a timestamp with the sensor data.

[0029] In the context of the invention, the term "timestamp" refers to metadata indicative of a time and / or date. For example, the first electronics comprises a real-time clock, preferably a RTC IC, to implement a clock-calendar function.

[0030] The sensor data and the associated the timestamp are stored in a memory of the display part and / or a memory of the dosage part. For example, the timestamp is communicated wirelessly via the antennas from the first electronics (of the display part) to the second electronics (of the dosage part).

[0031] By having the display part associate a timestamp with the sensor data, the dosage part does not require a means for tracking time and / or date. In particular, the dosage part can be provided without a battery, e.g. for powering an internal clock, while still being able to associate the sensor data of the dosage part with the correct time and / or date.

[0032] In an embodiment, the first electronics and / or the second electronics are arranged to determine whether the data received from the dosage part meets a predetermined criterion, and to control the electronic display to display a message in response to said determination.

[0033] For example, a memory of the dosage part stores an expiry date, which is communicated to the display part. The electronics (e.g. controller) of the display part compares the expiry date to a current date (e.g. obtained from an internal clock component). If it is determined that the expiry data exceeds a currentdate, the controller control the electronic display to display a warning message, such as "medication expired".

[0034] In a further embodiment, the first electronics and / or the second electronics are arranged to determine whether environmental parameter data (e.g. humidity data and / or temperature data) received from the environmental parameter sensor meets a predefined storage condition, and to control the electronic display to display a message in response to determining that the predefined storage condition is not met.

[0035] The predefined storage condition is for example pre-programmed in a memory of the display part. Alternatively, the predefined storage condition is stored in a memory of the dosage part, and wirelessly communicated to the display part (and optionally also stored in a memory of the display part).

[0036] For example, the predefined storage condition defines an upper and lower limit for the temperature. If the first electronics (of the display part) determines that temperature data received from the dosage part is indicative for a temperature exceeding the upper limit or falling below the lower limit, the first electronics controls the electronic display to display a warning, such as "medication expired: incorrect storage temperature".

[0037] In a further embodiment, the first electronics (of the display part) and / or the second electronics (of the dosage part) are arranged to determine whether usage data received from the use sensor and the time stamp associated with the usage data meet a predefined dosage condition, and to control the electronic display to display a message in response to determining that the predefined dosage condition is not met.

[0038] The predefined dosage condition is for example pre-programmed in a memory of the display part. Alternatively, the dosage condition is stored in a memory of the dosage part, and wirelessly communicated to the display part (and optionally also stored in a memory of the display part).

[0039] For example, the dosage condition defines a dosage of one pill every 24 hours. The use sensor of the dosage part detects the removal of a pill e.g. by breaking a foil of a blister pack or passage of a pill through the channel of a bottle. The usage data of the use sensor is communicated to the first electronics (of the display part). The first electronics associates a timestamp with the usage data. The first electronics compares the last timestamp to a current time (and / or date), and cause the electronic display to display a message accordingly. For example, a difference between the last timestamp and the current timestamp is computed. In this specific example, if the difference is less than 24 hours, the first electronics cause display of the message "next medication in $diff hours", wherein $diff represents the computed difference in hours. If the difference is more than 24 hours, the first electronics cause display of the message "Perhaps you have forgotten to take your medication".

[0040] In an embodiment, the first electronics is arranged to transmit power to the second antenna at predetermined intervals. The intervals are preferably at least 1 minute. Preferably, the intervals are in therange of 1 - 3600 minutes, more preferably 1-60 minutes, such as 1-15 minutes. Preferably, the second electronics (of the dosage part) transmits (sensor) data each time it is powered. In other words, the dosage part is interrogated by the display part every 1 - 3600 minutes, such as every 1-60 minutes.

[0041] Preferably, the first electronics determines, at each interval, whether data was received from the dosage part. If no data was received, the power transfer or data transfer may have been interrupted, e.g. due to the dosage part being temporarily removed from the display part. Preferably, the first electronics (of the display part) are configured to, if it is determined that no data was received, to interrogate the dosage part at shorter intervals. If the first electronics subsequently determines that data has been received, the first electronics returns to interrogating the dosage part at the original (longer) time intervals. For example, the first electronics is arranged to interrogate the dosage part every 30 minutes, but if it is determined that no data is received during the interrogation, the first electronics interrogates the dosage part every 5 minutes. Once data has been received, the first electronics returns to interrogating the dosage part every 30 minutes.

[0042] In an embodiment according to a first aspect, the display part is an outer package, and the dosage part is an inner package, and the outer package receives the inner package.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the first aspect, the packaging is changeable between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the closed state the outer package covers a part of the inner package storing the medication, and in the open state said part of the inner package is accessible. Preferably, the first and second antennas are positioned for power and / or data transfer when the packaging is in its closed state. For example, the first and second antennas are positioned such that their mutual distance is less than 10 cm in the closed state of the packaging, preferably less than 4 cm.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the first aspect, the outer package comprises a sleeve, and the inner package is slidably received in the sleeve. Preferably, the inner package comprises a blister pack that stores the medication in one or more individually sealed unit dosages.

[0045] In an embodiment according to a second aspect, the dosage part comprises a handheld container for storing the medication. Preferably, the display part is attached to an exterior of the handheld container. In other words, the packaging is assembled by attaching the display part to the handheld container (e.g. a bottle or vial). Such assembly is simple, as no electrical wire connection is necessary due to wireless power and communication between the display part and handheld container. For example, the display part is glued to the handheld container or fastened using screws.

[0046] Preferably, the display part is releasably coupled to the handheld container. For example, the handheld container comprises guides on its exterior surface, the guides being arranged to engage edges of the display part for slidably receiving the display part. Sliding the display part in the guides further simplifies assembly of the packaging. Preferably, the display part is clamped between the guides and the exterior of the handheld container.In a further embodiment of the second aspect, the handheld container comprises a channel through which medication can enter and leave the container, and the use sensor of the packaging comprises a detector for detecting passage of medication through the channel, wherein the detector preferably comprises a direction sensitive detector. Further details of such a use sensor are described in

[0047] WO 2015 / 150240 Al, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the second aspect, the dosage part comprises an insert unit fitted in a neck of the handheld container, the insert unit comprising the detector and the second antenna.

[0049] A distal end of the insert unit is positioned deeper in the neck than a proximal end of the insert unit. In a first embodiment, the second antenna is arranged near the distal end. For example, the second antenna extends along a circumference of the insert unit, preferably a circumference in a plane perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the insert unit.

[0050] A first side of the insert unit is closer to the display part than a second side of the insert unit. In a second embodiment, the second antenna is arranged on the first side of the insert unit.

[0051] For example, the second antenna is provided as a sticker including a coil, wherein the sticker is adhered to the insert unit, preferably the first side of the insert unit.

[0052] Preferably, the first and second antennas each comprise a coil, wherein the area enclosed by the second coil faces the area enclosed by the first coil.

[0053] In an embodiment, the dosage part is detachably attached to the display part. It is desirable to attach the display part and dosage part to prevent loss of parts. At the same time, a complete separation of the parts is desirable, e.g. to dispose the dosage part and replace it for a new dosage part.

[0054] In an embodiment, the electronic display is an electronic label, preferably an e-ink display. E-ink display have the additional advantage of low power usage.

[0055] Preferably, the first and second antennas are coils (sometimes referred to as "loop antennas").

[0056] Preferably, the first and second antennas are near-field communication, NFC, coils. NFC is a radio frequency identification (RFID) technique at 13,56 MHz. NFC is based on inductive coupling of the two coils.

[0057] In an embodiment, the packaging includes medication stored in the dosage part.

[0058] In an embodiment, the display part is further configured for establishing a wireless data link with an external computing device for data transfer. This enables the display part to transfer data, such as sensor data obtained wirelessly from the dosage part, to an external computing device. The computing device is for example a smartphone, computer, laptop.

[0059] In a first example, the first antenna is configured for wireless data transfer with an external computing device. Thus, the first antenna can establish a wireless link both with the dosage part (for powering the dosage part and for data transfer with the dosage part) and with the external computing device (for data transfer between the packaging and the external computing device). In a second example, thedisplay part comprises a further wireless interface for wireless data transfer with the external computing device. In other words, in the second example, the first antenna is used for power and data transfer with the dosage part, while the further wireless interface is used for data transfer with the external computing device. For example, the further wireless interface is a Bluetooth, Thread, Matter or Zigbee interface. Preferably, the first antenna is an NFC antenna and the further wireless interface is a non-NFC interface, preferably a nonNFC interface that provides a larger communication distance (larger than the 4 cm limit of NFC).

[0060] In an example, multiple packaging units according to the present disclosure are packed together in a box. When the box is closed, the displays of the individual packaging units are not visible. Advantageously, the box is provided with a display, such as an e-ink display, and a communication interface arranged to communicate with the packaging units according to the present disclosure. The communication interface is arranged for data transfer with the display part of each packaging, e.g. to receive data from each packaging in the box. For example, the data received from the packaging units in the box is presented on the display of the box.

[0061] Optionally, the second electronics and / or the second antenna of the dosage part is also capable of wirelessly receiving power from an external computing device (such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop) and capable of wireless data communication with the external computing device. This ensures that the dosage part can be read out, even when it cannot be read out by the display part e.g. when the dosage part is detached from the display part. Another example wherein the display part cannot read-out the dosage part may occur for embodiments wherein the display part is an outer package and the dosage part is an inner package (as described above). When the user does not properly close the packaging, the first and second antenna may not be properly aligned, and the display part may not be able to wirelessly power and receive data from the dosage part. Also in such case, it is beneficial that the dosage part can additionally be read out by an external computing device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or other electronic communication device.

[0062] The invention further relates to a method according to claim 24.

[0063] The method comprises controlling, by the first electronics, the first antenna to transmit power to the second antenna.

[0064] In an embodiment, the first electronics receive data transmitted from the second antenna to the first antenna. The first electronics associate a timestamp with the received data.

[0065] In an embodiment, the first electronics determines whether the received data meets a predetermined criterion. The first electronics control the electronic display to display a message in response to said determination.

[0066] The advantages and effects described above with respect to the packaging according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention. Moreover, features described in relation to thepackaging can be combined with features described for the method, and vice versa. The invention further relates to a computer program implementing the method, i.e. for execution by a processor included in the first and / or second electronics of the packaging.

[0067] The first and / or second electronics may be implemented in hardware, or as a combination of hardware and software. For example, the first and / or second electronics include one or more processors for executing computer readable instructions. The computer readable instructions may be stored in a memory connected to the respective processor.

[0068] The invention will be further elucidated based on the drawings:

[0069] - Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of electronic components of a packaging for medication, applicable to all embodiments described below;

[0070] - Figure 2 schematically shows, in perspective view, a packaging according to a first embodiment;

[0071] - Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the inner package of the packaging of Figure 2; - Figure 4 schematically shows details of a usage sensor of the inner package of Figure 3;

[0072] - Figure 5 schematically shows, in perspective view, a packaging according to a second embodiment;

[0073] - Figure 6 schematically shows details of components inside the packaging of Figure 5;

[0074] - Figure 7 illustrates an insert for a variant of the packaging of figures 5 and 6; and

[0075] - Figure 8 schematically shows, in perspective view, a packaging according to a third embodiment.

[0076] Figure 1 shows the electronic components of packaging 100. The packaging 100 comprises a display part 200 and a dosage part 300. The display part 200 comprises an e-ink display 202, a first NFC coil 204, a processor 206, a memory 208 and a battery 210. The processor 206 and memory 208 are together referred to as "first electronics". The battery 210 powers the electronic components 202, 204, 206, 208. The processor 206 is further connected to the memory 208, the first NFC coil 204 and the e-ink display 202. The processor 206 is configured to control the e-ink display 202 and the NFC coil 204. The dosage part 300 comprises a second NFC coil 304, a processor 306, a memory 308 and one or more sensors 312. The second NFC coil 304 is configured to wirelessly receive power from the first NFC coil 204 of the display part 200. The second NFC coil 304 is the sole source of power for the electronics of dosage part 300. Notably, the dosage part 300 does not contain a battery. The processor 306 is connected to the memory 308 and the one or more sensors 312. The processors 306, memory 308 and the sensor(s) 312 are together referred to as "second electronics".

[0077] The NFC coils 204, 304 are configured for wireless transfer of data between the display part 200 and the dosage part 300. For example, sensor data obtained from sensor(s) 312 are transferred to the display part 200 via the wireless link between NFC coils 204, 304. For example, the sensor data is stored in memoryOptionally, the NFC coil 204 of display part 200 is further arranged for wireless data transfer with an external computing device, such as a smartphone. For example, the display part 200 transfers data to the external computing device, such as sensor data that is stored in memory 208 (sensor data obtained from sensor(s) 312 of the dosage part 300 and transferred to the display part 200 via the wireless link between NFC coils 204, 304). Alternatively or additionally, the display part 200 comprises a further wireless communication interface 211, such an interface for Bluetooth, Thread, Zigbee or Matter. Interface 211 is configured to establish a wireless connection between the display part 200 and an external computing device, e.g. in the 2.4 - 2.5 GHz radio band. This enables wireless data transfer between the display part 200 and an external computing device (e.g. smartphone or laptop), without requiring the external device to be in close proximity to the packaging 100 (as required for NFC).

[0078] The dosage part 300 stores medication. This is not shown in figure 1, as figure 1 shows electronic components only.

[0079] A first example of a mechanical structure of a packaging 100 is drawn schematically in figure 2.

[0080] In figure 2, the display part 200 is provided in the form of outer package 201. The outer package 201 comprises a sleeve 220. For example, the sleeve 220 is made from cardboard or plastic. The dosage part 300 is provided in the form of inner package 301. The sleeve 220 includes an opening 222 for inserting the inner package 301. The end of the sleeve 220 opposing the opening 222 is closed. The e-ink display 202 is embedded in a top side of the sleeve 220, such that the e-ink display 202 is visible to a user. The other electronics (such as first NFC coil 204, processors 206, memory 208 and battery 210) are preferably not visible from the outside. For example, the other electronics are embedded within the walls of sleeve 220 or mounted to an inner surface of the sleeve 220.

[0081] The sleeve 220 further comprises a release button 224. The inner surface of the top of the sleeve 220 is provided with ridges 226 and 228. The function of release button 224 and ridges 226 and 228 will be explained below.

[0082] The inner package 301 comprises cardboard. The cardboard is folded so as to form a base plate 330, and a flap 332 extending over the base plate 330. The flap 332 can be folded away in the direction of arrow B to expose the medication 336 (indicated schematically by hatches). Optionally, the flap 332 is also provided with medication, e.g. provided to the top or bottom surface of flap 332.

[0083] The front side of inner package 301 (left side in the drawings) is designed to be inserted first into opening 222 of sleeve 220. The cardboard is also folded at its front side, to form a front flap 334 that is elevated with respect to the base plate 330. The front flap 334 is resilient, to enable the front flap 334 to pass the ridge 228 when inserting the inner package 301 into the sleeve 220 in the direction of arrow A. When retracting the inner package 301 from the sleeve 220 (in the direction opposite to arrow A) the front flap 334 will engage the ridge 228, preventing the inner package 301 from being pulled out of the sleeve 220.When it is desired to dispose the inner package 301, e.g. when all medication is used up, the inner package 301 can be detached. For example, a small tool is used to depress front flap 334 while retracting the inner package 301 from the outer package 201. Thus, the inner package 301 is detachably attached to outer package 201.

[0084] When the inner package 301 is fully inserted into the outer package 201, the front side of inner package 301 abuts the closed end of the sleeve 220. In this closed state, the outer package 201 fully covers the inner package 301. In particular, the medication 336 is not accessible in the closed state. In the closed state, the front flap 334 engages ridge 226 and thereby locks the inner package 301 in sleeve 220, i.e. locks the packaging 100 in the closed state. The packaging 100 can be opened by pressing release button 224. Upon pressing release button 224, the button 224 moves the front flap 334 down, which disengages front flap 334 and ridge 226, thus allowing the inner package 301 from being retracted from the sleeve 220.

[0085] In the example of figure 2, the NFC antenna 304 of the inner package 301 is embedded in the cardboard base plate 330. The NFC antenna 304 is provided in a front part of the inner package 301. The outer package 201 has its NFC antenna 204 embedded in the top side of the sleeve 220. In the closed position of packaging 100 (inner package 301 fully inserted into sleeve 220), NFC antennas 204, 304 are positioned for inductive coupling. The NFC antennas 204, 304 extend parallel to each other. To enable good inductive coupling, the distance between the NFC antennas 204, 304 is preferably 10 cm or less, e.g. 4 cm or less. In the example of figure 2, this is achieved by the fact that the sleeve 220 has a height of 1 cm.

[0086] In the example of figure 2, NFC antennas 204, 304 align in the closed state. An imaginary line through the centre of NFC antenna 204 and perpendicular to the plane of the NFC antennas 204, 304, also extends through the centre of NFC antenna 304. Although alignment of the centres of the NFC antennas in the closed state is preferred for improve inductive coupling, it is not strictly required. For example, the projection of the area of antenna NFC 204 may overlap (but not fully match) the area of antenna NFC 304.

[0087] In this example, both NFC antennas 204, 304 have substantially the same size. For example, the NFC antennas 204, 304 are 2 by 3 cm. However, the NFC antennas 204, 304 may alternatively have different sizes.

[0088] Figure 3 shows the inner package 301, with flap 332 folded open. The NFC antenna 304 is embedded in the cardboard of base plate 330. Medication 336 is provided as pills, wherein each pill is stored in a pocket 340 sealed by a foil. Inner package 301 thus comprises a blister pack.

[0089] Figure 4 shows an exemplary implementation of a usage sensor for the packaging of Figure 3. For clarity of illustration, only five pockets 340 are shown in figure 4. However, a larger or smaller number of pockets 340 may be provided.

[0090] Each pocket 340 contains one pill and is sealed by a foil. Conductive tracks 342 are printed onto the foil, such that each pocket 340 is covered by a single conductive track 342. Each conductive track 342 thus forms an electrical circuit that crosses one of the pockets 340, wherein the terminals of each circuit areconnected to an IC 344. When the foil is broken (e.g. a user breaks the foil to remove medication), the respective electrical circuit is broken. The IC 344 detects, for each conductive track, whether or not the electrical circuit is broken, and generates an output signal indicative of which pockets 340 are open.

[0091] Preferably, the conductive tracks 342 and IC 334 are provided at a back side of base plate 330, and covered by e.g. a layer of paper or cardboard, so they are not visible to an end user.

[0092] A second example of a mechanical structure of a packaging 100 is drawn schematically in figures 5 and 6. In this example, the dosage part 300 of packaging 100 is provided in the form of a bottle 301'. The display part 201' - that includes the display 202 and the first electronics - is attached to an exterior of the bottle 301'.

[0093] The bottle 301' comprises a neck 350. In this example, the neck 350 is provided with external thread for screwing a bottle cap on bottle 301' (not shown).

[0094] An insert 352 is fitted in the neck 350. The insert 352 for example comprises a plastic material. The insert 352 comprises a channel that extends through the insert 352. The insert 352 closes off neck 350, except for the channel 354, which provides a passageway for medication (e.g. pills or capsules), i.e. medication can be removed from the bottle 301' via channel 354.

[0095] An antenna 304 is provided in the form of an NFC coil that extends along the circumference of the insert 352. In this example, the insert 352 has a substantially cylindrical shape and the coil 304 is provided along the circumference of the circular cross-section of the insert 352. In this example, the NFC coil 304 is provided on the surface of the insert 352. Alternatively, the NFC coil 304 may be embedded in the insert 352 (e.g. embedded in the plastic of insert 352). The NFC coil 304 is provided near the deepest end of the insert 352 for effective communication with antenna 204 of the display part 201'.

[0096] The bottle 301' further includes second electronics 356, that is electrically connected to the antenna 304. The second electronics 356 include a processor 306, a memory 308 and a use sensor. In this example, the use sensor comprises a photodetector for detecting passage of medication through the channel 354.

[0097] Figure 7 shows a variant for the insert for the bottle of figure 6. All components are the same as in figures 5 and 6, except that a different antenna is provided, namely NFC coil 304'. Figure 7 also illustrates the position of the NFC coil 204 of the display part 201' when the insert 352 is fitted in neck 350 of bottle 301'. For clarity of illustration, other elements of bottle 301' are not shown.

[0098] The orientation of NFC coil 304' is different from the orientation of coil 304 in Figure 6. Specifically, NFC coil 304' is arranged on a side of the insert 352 that faces the antenna 204 of the display part 201'. The projection of the area enclosed by coil 204 onto the insert 352 overlaps the area enclosed by coil 354'. In this example, NFC coil 304' is attached to insert 352 by an adhesive. Particularly, a sticker (not shown) that includes NFC coil 304' is adhered to insert 352.Figure 8 shows a packaging according to a third embodiment. Similar to the example of figures 2-4, the display part is an outer package and the dosage part is an inner package that is received in the outer package. In the example of figure 8, the display part 200 is provided as an outer box 201". The box 201" comprises the display 202 and the first electronics. The e-ink display 202 is embedded in a top side of the box 201", such that e-ink display 202 is visible to a user. The other electronics (such as first NFC coil 204, processors 206, memory 208 and battery 210) are preferably not visible from the outside. For example, the other electronics are mounted to an inner surface of the box 201". The box 201" is for example made of cardboard or plastic.

[0099] The dosage part 300 is provided in the form of an inner box 301". In this example, the box 301" is a cardboard box for holding syringes 336". The syringes 336" are each contained in a pocket that is sealed by a foil. Conductive tracks 342 are printed onto the foil, such that each pocket is covered by a single conductive track 342. Each conductive track 342 thus forms an electrical circuit that crosses one of the pockets, wherein the terminals of each circuit are connected to an IC. When the foil is broken (e.g. a user breaks the foil to remove one of the syringes), the respective electrical circuit is broken. The IC detects, for each conductive track, whether or not the electrical circuit is broken, and generates an output signal indicative of which pocket(s) are open.

[0100] In the example of figure 8, the NFC antenna 304 of the inner package 301" is embedded in the cardboard. The NFC antenna 304 is provided in a top side of the inner package 301". The outer package 201" also has its NFC antenna 204 embedded in its top side. In the closed position of the packaging of figure 8 (lid of outer box 201" closed), the NFC antennas 204, 304 are aligned, to enable good inductive coupling.

[0101] The inner box 301" does not include a battery, and its electronics are fully powered by the power that it receives wirelessly from the outer box 201".

[0102] The scope of protection of the present patent application is determined by the attached claims. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Variants of the shown embodiments are well possible within the scope of the claims. For example, the features of the embodiments described above can be adapted within the scope of the claims or replaced by an equivalent feature.

[0103] For example, the one or more sensors 312 are optional, and memory 308 is optional. Moreover, instead of an e-ink display 202, a different type of electronic display may be used. Optionally, the outer package 201 and / or inner package 301 comprise additional electronic components. For example, the one or more sensors 312 may include a humidity sensor.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A packaging for medication, comprising a dosage part for storing the medication and a display part, wherein the display part comprises:- an electronic display;a first antenna;first electronics connected to the electronic display and the first antenna; anda power supply for powering the first electronics, the electronic display and the first antenna, and wherein the dosage part comprises:- second electronics; anda second antenna connected to the second electronics, wherein the second antenna is arranged to wirelessly receive power from the first antenna to power the second electronics.

2. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electronics are further arranged for wireless data communication via the first and second antennas.

3. The packaging according to claim 2, wherein the first electronics are arranged to control the electronic display so as to display information derived from data received from the second electronics.

4. The packaging according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second electronics comprise one or more sensors for generating sensor data, and the second electronics are arranged to wirelessly transmit the sensor data to the first electronics via the second antenna.

5. The packaging according to claim 4, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a environmental parameter sensor for measuring an environmental parameter, preferably a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor.

6. The packaging according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a use sensor for detecting whether a dose of medication is removed from the dosage part.

7. The packaging according to any one or more of claims 4-6, wherein the first electronics is arranged to associate a timestamp with the sensor data.

8. The packaging according to any one or more of the claims 4-7, wherein the first and / or second electronics are arranged to determine whether the sensor data meets a predetermined criterion, and to control the electronic display to display a message in response to said determination.

9. The packaging according to claim 8, in combination with claim 5, wherein the first and / or second electronics are arranged to determine whether environmental parameter data received from the environmental parameter sensor meets a predefined storage condition, and to control the electronic display to display a message in response to determining that the predefined storage condition is not met.

10. The packaging according to claim 8 or 9, in combination with claim 6 and claim 7, wherein the first and / or second electronics are arranged to determine whether usage data generated by the use sensor and the time stamp associated with the usage data meet a predefined dosage condition, and to control the electronic display to display a message in response to said determination.

11. The packaging according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first electronics is arranged to transmit power to the second antenna at predetermined intervals, preferably in the range of 1-60 minutes.

12. The packaging according to any one or more of the claims 1-11, wherein the display part is an outer package, and the dosage part is an inner package, and the outer package receives the inner package.

13. The packaging according to claim 12, wherein the packaging is changeable between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the closed state the outer package covers a part of the inner package storing the medication, and in the open state said part of the inner package is accessible.

14. The packaging according to claim 13, wherein, when the packaging is in its closed state, the first and second antennas are positioned for power and / or data transfer, wherein preferably the first and second antennas are positioned such that their mutual distance is less than 10 cm in the closed state of the packaging, more preferably less than 4 cm.

15. The packaging according to any one or more of the claims 12 - 14, wherein the outer package comprises a sleeve, and the inner package is slidably received in the sleeve, wherein preferably the inner package comprises a blister pack for storing the medication in one or more individually sealed unit dosages.

16. The packaging according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the dosage part comprises a handheld container for storing the medication, wherein preferably the display part is attached to an exterior of the handheld container.

17. The packaging according to claim 16, in combination with claim 6, wherein the handheld container comprises a channel through which medication can enter and leave the container, and the use sensor comprises a detector for detecting passage of medication through the channel, wherein the detector preferably comprises a direction sensitive detector.

18. The packaging according to claim 17, wherein the dosage part comprises an insert unit fitted in a neck of the handheld container, the insert unit comprising the detector and the second antenna, wherein preferably the second antenna is provided as a sticker including a coil, wherein the sticker is adhered to the insert unit.

19. The packaging according to any one or more of the claims 16-18, wherein the handheld container is a bottle or vial.

20. The packaging according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic display is an electronic label, preferably an e-ink display.

21. The packaging according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second antennas are near-field communication, NFC, coils.

22. The packaging according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the dosage part is detachably attached to the display part.

23. The packaging according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic display forms part of the exterior of the packaging.

24. A method for controlling a packaging according to any one or more of the preceding claims, the method comprising:- controlling, by the first electronics, the first antenna to transmit power to the second antenna.

25. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by first and / or second electronics of a packaging according to any of the claims 1-23, perform the method of claim 24.

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