Apparatus and Method for Producing A Flow Profile

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.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . 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.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the signal indicative of said movement comprises a flow profile. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the inhalation flow movement comprises a rotational flow. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23  wherein the flow profile comprises adherence monitoring. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the acoustic sensor and inhaler are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.1 meter. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the acoustic sensor and inhaler are spaced apart by a distance of up to 1 meter. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the acoustic sensor comprises a microphone. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the microphone and processor are part of a mobile device. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  wherein the mobile device comprises a smart phone. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28  wherein the mobile device comprises a computer. 
     
     
         31 . 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.   
     
     
         32 . 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.   
     
     
         33 . The kit of  claim 32  wherein the signal indicative of said movement comprises a flow profile. 
     
     
         34 . The kit of  claim 33  wherein the flow profile comprises adherence monitoring.