Drug Delivery Devices With Concealed Codes for Dose Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery systems face challenges with medication errors, non-compliance with treatment regimens, and anxiety related to self-administration, particularly with biologic drugs, due to user error, device malfunction, and the invasive nature of sub-cutaneous administration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of first and second optically readable codes on drug delivery devices, where the second code is concealed before use and revealed during or after use, along with dedicated application software on a user's device, to ensure synchronization of label reading and use, providing verification of proper drug administration and compliance monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a drug delivery device is designed for self-administration in the home setting, then patient convenience and treatment cost are improved, but the risk of medication errors and non-compliance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the smartphone application provides real-time confirmation to the patient that the device has been correctly scanned and registered. The system sends notifications and provides visual feedback through the app interface, ensuring the patient receives confirmation that their administration is properly recorded, thereby reducing anxiety and potential errors from incorrect usage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification methods with automated optical scanning and digital verification systems. The smartphone camera scans optically readable codes on the device, automatically verifying device identity, dosage information, and administration timing through software algorithms, eliminating the need for manual checking and reducing human error
2Device complexity
If minimal low cost electronics are integrated into the injection device, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the reliability of data transfer and compliance monitoring may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the smartphone as an intermediary device that performs the complex data processing, verification, and communication functions. The injection device itself remains simple with minimal electronics, while the smartphone handles the sophisticated tasks of scanning optically readable codes, verifying device identity against a database, managing data synchronization, and providing user interface functions, thus maintaining reliability without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copies (images) of the optically readable codes on the device as captured by the smartphone camera. These digital copies are then processed through software algorithms to verify device identity and extract dosage information, replacing the need for complex electronic sensors or readers in the injection device itself while maintaining high reliability through multiple verification steps
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention is for use with various drug delivery devices, including medical injectors, medical pill bottles, and medical pill blister packs. The subject invention utilizes one or more optically readable codes which are initially concealed and, later revealed during or after use. The encoded data of the optically readable codes may be obtained to provide information for various purposes, including, but not limited to, verification of proper drug and dose for a given patient, dosing duration, and successful completion of dosing.