Methods and Systems for Monitoring a Plurality of Medication-Containing Cells of a Medication Container

摘要

Systems and methods are provided for monitoring medication compliance to allow a doctor or medical care provider to determine whether a subject is ingesting a prescribed medication at the proper times. This can include the capability of remote access to remotely monitor compliance. A medication container includes a plurality of medication-containing cells, with frangible covers overlaying each cell. An electrical circuit includes a sequential value element associated with each cell, with the sequential value elements being connected in parallel and having a unique value. When the cover of a cell is broken, the associated sequential value element is uncoupled from the electrical circuit. A measurement device calculates the combined value of the sequential value elements coupled to the electrical circuit to determine which of the cells have been accessed via breakage of the associated cover.

主权项

1. A system for monitoring usage of a medication container having a plurality of medication-containing cells, comprising:
an electrical circuit including a plurality of sequential value elements electrically coupled in parallel between ground and a single port, with each sequential value element being configured for association with a different one of said plurality of medication-containing cells and having a unique value; a plurality of frangible sections, with each frangible section being configured for association with a different one of said plurality of medication-containing cells and a different one of said plurality of sequential value elements, wherein each frangible section is configured to be broken to access medication within the associated cell and to electrically uncouple the associated sequential value element from the electrical circuit; and a measurement device associated with the port and programmed to calculate the combined value of the sequential value elements electrically coupled to the electrical circuit and, based on the combined value, determine which of the cells have been accessed via breakage of the associated frangible section.