Apparatus and Method for Producing A Flow Profile
AssigneeNovartis AG
InventorsPeter Matthewson, Laure Mahe
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for generating a flow profile of an inhalation device is described. The method comprises the step of measuring acoustic emissions induced by inhalation flow through the inhalation device. The method further comprises the step of detecting peak frequencies in the measured acoustic emissions and generating a flow profile based on the detected peak frequencies. A corresponding device is also described.
Claims15
1-20. (canceled)
A method for detecting acoustic emissions within an inhaler device having at least one chamber through which air may pass upon inhalation by a user of the inhaler, the method comprising the steps of:
- positioning an acoustic sensor and an inhaler device into spaced-apart proximity with each other, wherein said acoustic sensor is not physically coupled to the inhaler, and wherein the acoustic sensor is in electrical communication with a processor;
- and
- measuring acoustic emissions induced by a user generating an inhalation flow movement through the inhaler device;
- and generating a signal indicative of said movement.
A method of training a patient in the correct use of an inhaler, the method comprising,
- providing an inhaler device having at least one chamber through which air may pass upon inhalation by a patient user of the inhaler;
- instructing the patient to configure the inhaler for medicament delivery;
- instructing the patient to position, within 1 meter of the inhaler, a mobile device comprising an acoustic sensor, signal processing software and a processor in electrical communication with the acoustic sensor, and inhale the medicament;
- measuring acoustic emissions induced by a user generating an inhalation flow movement through the inhaler device;
- and generating a signal indicative of said movement;
- determining any portion of the flow profile that requires improvement;
- and
- communicating said improvement to the patient.
A kit comprising an inhaler and instructions for use, wherein the instructions for use comprise instructing a patient to:
- configure the inhaler for medicament delivery to the patient;
- position an acoustic sensor within 1 meter of the inhaler device, the acoustic sensor being in electrical communication with a processor and with signal processing software;
- and
- inhale the medicament;
- and
- wherein the mobile device measures acoustic emissions induced by the patient to generate an inhalation flow movement through the inhaler device;
- and to generate a signal indicative of said movement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.