CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/413,085, filed October 4, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Drug delivery devices facilitate the delivery of medication into a patient’s body via various routes of administration. Typical routes of administration include oral, topical, sublingual inhalation, injection, and the like. The devices may be used to deliver medications for the treatment of various diseases, ailments, and medical conditions. Inhalers, for example, may be used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and/or cystic fibrosis (CF).

[0003] A patient may use their inhaler in accordance with a prescribed dosing regimen. The prescribed dosing regimen may indicate an amount of medication to be dispensed per dose, a number of doses per day, and/or a time at which the dose(s) are to be dispensed. However, the patient may misplace their inhaler, causing them to fail to take a dose at the designated time. For example, the patient may leave their inhaler in their home and forget to take it with them when they leave.

SUMMARY

[0004] Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are disclosed herein for wireless communication across multiple devices. The devices may include, for example, a smart pad, an inhaler associated with a patient, a mobile device associated with the patient, a smart home device, and/or the like. The devices may communicate with each other using different wireless communication protocols. For example, the inhaler and the smart pad may communicate with each other via near-field communication (NFC), and the smart pad and the mobile device or smart home device may communicate with each other via Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, and/or the like.

[0005] The smart pad may be used to interact with a user device or system that is configured to implement a geofence around an area associated with the patient. For example, the area may be the patient’s home, their place of work, their car, etc. For example, the patient may place the inhaler on the smart pad. If the patient (e.g., the patient’s mobile device) later leaves the geofenced area while the inhaler is still on the smart pad (e.g., without the smart pad communicating removal of the inhaler from the smart pad), the mobile device may produce a notification that indicates to the patient that the inhaler is not located in the same area as the patient.

[0006] There may be multiple smart pads associated with the patient, and each smart pad may be associated with a geofenced area. The geofenced areas associated with the smart pads may be the same or different. One or more of the smart pads may generate an indication if the patient is in none of the geofenced areas while the inhaler is on one of the smart pads. [0007] In an example, a system according to one or more of the embodiments described herein may include an inhaler, one or more smart pads, and/or a user device (e.g., a mobile device, a smart home device, etc. . The inhaler may include a communication circuit configured to communicate via a first communication protocol (e.g., an NFC communication protocol). Each of the one or more smart pads may comprise one or more communication circuits. For example, each of the smart pads may include a first communication circuit configured to communicate via the first communication protocol, and a second communication circuit configured to communicate via a second communication protocol (e.g., a Bluetooth® communication protocol, a Wi-Fi communication protocol, and/or a cellular communication protocol). The one or more communication circuits may comprise one or more respective loop antennas. The smart pad may comprise an inductive charging device that is configured to wirelessly transfer power from an external power source to a power source of the smart pad via inductive coupling.

[0008] A smart pad (e.g., each of the smart pads) may comprise a respective processor configured to receive a signal from the inhaler via the first communication protocol, and generate a location event based on the signal. For example, the smart pad receiving the signal may indicate that the inhaler is located on the smart pad (e.g., the inhaler is checked-in to the smart pad), and the smart pad ceasing to receive the signal may indicate that the inhaler is no longer on the smart pad (e.g., the inhaler is checked-out from the smart pad). The location event may be stored in a memory of the smart pad, for example along with a timestamp of the location event. The smart pad may transmit a message comprising the location event (e.g., the location of the inhaler), the timestamp, and/or a type of the inhaler (e.g., a medication type, a dose count, a dose strength, an expiration date, and/or a user- defined name associated with the inhaler) to a user device and/or a server via the second communication protocol. A smart pad (e.g., each of the one or more smart pads) and/or the user device may comprise a respective display and/or an indicator. For example, the display and/or indicator may comprise an LED or other display device. The display and/or indicator may provide information to a user regarding the location of the inhaler.

[0009] The system may comprise a smart home device and/or a mobile device. The smart home device, the mobile device, and/or a system server e.g., or an associated application or component) may determine that the mobile device has left a geofenced area associated with one or more of the smart pads. For example, the smart home device may determine that the mobile device has left a geofenced area based on global positioning system (GPS) information received from the mobile device. The smart home device may then determine whether the inhaler is located on one of the smart pads. If the smart home device determines that the inhaler is located on one of the smart pads, the smart home device may send a message to the mobile device indicating that the mobile device should provide a notification to a user of the mobile device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is an example system diagram.

[0011] FIGs. 2A and 2B are diagrams of example smart pads.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example smart pad.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example user device, which may be a mobile device or smart home device.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an example flowchart of a procedure for determining a location of an inhaler.

[0015] FIG. 6 is an example flowchart of a procedure for determining a location of an inhaler with respect to a smart pad and a location of a mobile device.

[0016] FIG. 7 is an example flowchart of a procedure for providing a notification to a user of a mobile device.

[0017] FIG. 8 is an example flowchart of a procedure for determining a location of an inhaler with respect to several smart pads and a location of a mobile device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts. [0019] The present disclosure describes devices, systems and methods for sensing, tracking, processing, and/or presenting usage conditions and parameters associated with a drug delivery device, such as an inhaler. The devices, systems and methods are described in the context of a breath-actuated inhaler (e.g., also referred to herein as an inhaler) for delivering medication into a user’s lungs. However, the described solutions are equally applicable to other drug delivery devices, such as an injector, a metered-dose inhaler, a nebulizer, a transdermal patch, or an implantable.

[0020] Asthma and COPD are chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. They are both characterized by variable and recurring symptoms of airflow obstruction and bronchospasm. The symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

[0021] The symptoms are managed by avoiding triggers and by the use of medicaments, particularly inhaled medicaments. The medicaments include inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and bronchodilators.

[0022] Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are steroid hormones used in the long-term control of respiratory disorders. They function by reducing the airway inflammation. Examples include budesonide, beclomethasone (dipropionate), fluticasone (propionate or furoate), mometasone (furoate), ciclesonide and dexamethasone (sodium). Parentheses indicate preferred salt or ester forms. Particular mention should be made of budesonide, beclomethasone and fluticasone, especially budesonide, beclomethasone dipropionate, fluticasone propionate and fluticasone furoate.

[0023] Different classes of bronchodilators target different receptors in the airways. Two commonly used classes are P2-agonists and anticholinergics.

[0024] P2-Adrenergic agonists (or “P2-agonists”) act upon the P2-adrenoceptors which induces smooth muscle relaxation, resulting in dilation of the bronchial passages. They tend to be categorized by duration of action. Examples of long-acting p2-agonists (LABAs) include formoterol (fumarate), salmeterol (xinafoate), indacaterol (maleate), bambuterol (hydrochloride), clenbuterol (hydrochloride), olodaterol (hydrochloride), carmoterol (hydrochloride), tulobuterol (hydrochloride) and vilanterol (triphenylacetate). Examples of short-acting p2-agonists (SABA) are albuterol (sulfate) and terbutaline (sulfate). Particular mention should be made of formoterol, salmeterol, indacaterol and vilanterol, especially formoterol fumarate, salmeterol xinafoate, indacaterol maleate and vilanterol triphenylacetate.

[0025] Typically short-acting bronchodilators provide a rapid relief from acute bronchoconstriction (and are often called “rescue” or “reliever” medicines), whereas long- acting bronchodilators help control and prevent longer-term symptoms. However, some rapid-onset long-acting bronchodilators may be used as rescue medicines, such as formoterol (fumarate). Thus, a rescue medicine provides relief from acute bronchoconstriction. The rescue medicine is taken as-needed/pm (pro re nata). The rescue medicine may also be in the form of a combination product, e.g. ICS-formoterol (fumarate), typically budesonide- formoterol (fumarate) or beclomethasone (dipropionate)-formoterol (fumarate). Thus, the rescue medicine is preferably a SABA or a rapid-acting LABA, more preferably albuterol (sulfate) or formoterol (fumarate), and most preferably albuterol (sulfate).

[0026] Anticholinergics (or “antimuscarinics”) block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by selectively blocking its receptor in nerve cells. On topical application, anticholinergics act predominantly on the M3 muscarinic receptors located in the airways to produce smooth muscle relaxation, thus producing a bronchodilatory effect. Examples of long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) include tiotropium (bromide), oxitropium (bromide), aclidinium (bromide), umeclidinium (bromide), ipratropium (bromide) glycopyrronium (bromide), oxybutynin (hydrochloride or hydrobromide), tolterodine (tartrate), trospium (chloride), solifenacin (succinate), fesoterodine (fumarate) and darifenacin (hydrobromide). Particular mention should be made of tiotropium, aclidinium, umeclidinium and glycopyrronium, especially tiotropium bromide, aclidinium bromide, umeclidinium bromide and glycopyrronium bromide.

[0027] A number of approaches have been taken in preparing and formulating these medicaments for delivery by inhalation, such as via a dry powder inhaler (DPI), a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) or a nebulizer.

[0028] According to the GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) Guidelines, a step-wise approach is taken to the treatment of asthma. At step 1, which represents a mild form of asthma, the patient is given an as-needed SABA, such as albuterol sulfate. The patient may also be given an as-needed low-dose ICS-formoterol, or a low-dose ICS whenever the SABA is taken. At step 2, a regular low-dose ICS is given alongside the SABA, or an as-needed low-dose ICS-formoterol. At step 3, a LABA is added. At step 4, the doses are increased and at step 5, further add-on treatments are included such as an anticholinergic or a low-dose oral corticosteroid. Thus, the respective steps may be regarded as treatment regimens, which regimens are each configured according to the degree of acute severity of the respiratory disease.

[0029] COPD is a leading cause of death worldwide. It is a heterogeneous long-term disease comprising chronic bronchitis, emphysema and also involving the small airways. The pathological changes occurring in patients with COPD are predominantly localized to the airways, lung parenchyma and pulmonary vasculature. Phenotypically, these changes reduce the healthy ability of the lungs to absorb and expel gases.

[0030] Bronchitis is characterized by long-term inflammation of the bronchi.

Common symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, cough and expectoration of sputum, all of which are highly uncomfortable and detrimental to the patient’s quality of life. Emphysema is also related to long-term bronchial inflammation, wherein the inflammatory response results in a breakdown of lung tissue and progressive narrowing of the airways. In time, the lung tissue loses its natural elasticity and becomes enlarged. As such, the efficacy with which gases are exchanged is reduced and respired air is often trapped within the lung. This results in localized hypoxia, and reduces the volume of oxygen being delivered into the patient’s bloodstream, per inhalation. Patients therefore experience shortness of breath and instances of breathing difficulty.

[0031] Patients living with COPD experience a variety, if not all, of these symptoms on a daily basis. Their severity will be determined by a range of factors but most commonly will be correlated to the progression of the disease. These symptoms, independent of their severity, are indicative of stable COPD and this disease state is maintained and managed through the administration of a variety drugs. The treatments are variable, but often include inhaled bronchodilators, anticholinergic agents, long-acting and short-acting p2-agonists and corticosteroids. The medicaments are often administered as a single therapy or as combination treatments.

[0032] Patients are categorized by the severity of their COPD using categories defined in the GOLD Guidelines (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, Inc.). The categories are labelled A-D and the recommended first choice of treatment varies by category. Patient group A are recommended a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA) prn or a short-acting p2-aginist (SABA) prn. Patient group B are recommended a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) or a long-acting p2-aginist (LABA). Patient group C are recommended an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) + a LABA, or a LAMA. Patient group D are recommended an ICS + a LABA and/or a LAMA.

[0033] Patients suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma or COPD suffer from periodic exacerbations beyond the baseline day-to-day variations in their condition. An exacerbation is an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms that require additional therapy, i.e. a therapy going beyond their maintenance therapy. For example, the diagnosis of a clinical asthma exacerbation (CAE) may be based on the American Thoracic

Society /European Respiratory Society statement (H.K. Reddel etal., Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2009, 180(1), 59-99). It includes both a “severe CAE” and a “moderate CAE.” A severe CAE may be defined as a CAE that involves worsening asthma that requires oral steroid (prednisone or equivalent) for at least three days and hospitalization. A moderate CAE may be defined as a CAE that requires oral steroid (prednisone or equivalent) for at least three days or hospitalization.

[0034] For asthma, the additional therapy for a moderate exacerbation are repeated doses of SABA, oral corticosteroids and/or controlled flow oxygen (the latter of which requires hospitalization). A severe exacerbation adds an anticholinergic (typically ipratropium bromide), nebulized SABA or IV magnesium sulfate.

[0035] For COPD, the additional therapy for a moderate exacerbation are repeated doses of SABA, oral corticosteroids and/or antibiotics. A severe exacerbation adds controlled flow oxygen and/or respiratory support (both of which require hospitalization). An exacerbation within the meaning of the present disclosure includes both moderate and severe exacerbations.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a system diagram of an example system 100 that may be used for one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the system 100 may include an inhaler 102, a smart pad 104, a smart home device 105, and/or a mobile device 108. The inhaler 102 and mobile device 108 may be associated with a user (e.g., a patient). The smart pad 104 and the smart home device 105 may be associated with the patient, and with respective locations. For example, the smart pad 104 and/or the smart home device 105 may be located in the patient’s home. Although only one smart pad 104 is shown, it is to be understood that the system 100 may include multiple smart pads, one or more (e.g., each) of which may be associated with a different location. For example, a first smart pad may be associated with the patient’s home, a second smart pad may be associated with the patient’s car, a third smart pad may be associated with the patient’s workplace, etc. [0037] The inhaler 102 may include, for example, a communication circuit (e.g., a near-field communication (NFC) circuit), a power supply, a memory, and/or a processor. The communication circuit may be an active communication circuit (e.g., an active NFC circuit) or a passive communication circuit (e.g., a passive NFC circuit or a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit). The communication circuit of the inhaler 102 may be limited to communication over a relatively short distance (e.g., within a distance of 4 cm (1.5 in) or less). Examples of the inhaler 102 (e.g., the mechanical structure and composition of the inhaler 102) can be found in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2022/0148730 Al, and in U.S. Patent No. 10,792,447, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Though specifically described as an inhaler, it is contemplated that in other embodiments the inhaler 102 may rather comprise a pen injector, an autoinjector, a nebulizer, a transdermal patch, an implantable device, or a wearable injector, where in each instance the device similarly comprises a communication circuit (e.g., a NFC circuit), a power supply, a memory, and/or a processor, where the communication circuit may be an active communication circuit (e.g., an active NFC circuit) or a passive communication circuit (e.g., a passive NFC circuit or an RFID circuit). For example, in one embodiment the inhaler 102 may be configured as a multi-dose pen injector comprising a maintenance medication (e.g., insulin). In another embodiment, the inhaler 102 can be configured as a single use autoinjector, for example comprising a rescue medication (e.g., epinephrine).

[0038] The smart pad 104 may include, for example, one or more (e.g., two) communication circuits. For example, the smart pad may include a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit. The first and second communication circuits may use different wireless communication protocols. For example, the first communication circuit may be an NFC circuit, and the second communication circuit may be a Bluetooth®, BLE, cellular communication, Wi-Fi, etc. communication circuit. In some examples, the first and second communication circuits may be configured within a single chipset that is configured to communicate via two different communication protocols (e.g., two different wireless communication protocols). Further, as described in more detail herein, the smart pad 104 may also include, for example, a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable battery), a processor, a memory, and/or a display. In some examples, the smart pad 104 may include a power converter and may be configured to be coupled to an alternating current (AC) voltage source. [0039] The inhaler 102 may communicate with the smart pad 104 over a first communication interface 103. In some examples, the first communication interface 103 may be defined as an inductive coupling between the communication circuit of the inhaler 102 and the first communication circuit of the smart pad 104. The first communication interface 103 may enable communication in one or both directions. For example, when the inhaler 102 is brought within a predefined distance of the smart pad 104 (e.g., the inhaler 102 is placed on the smart pad 104), the inhaler 102 may transmit a signal to the smart pad 104 over the first communication interface 103. The smart pad 104 may transmit an indication to the inhaler 102 that indicates that the inhaler 102 should transmit the signal. The signal may be transmitted via the NFC and/or RFID protocol over the first communication interface 103. The signal may include, for example, a unique identifier of the inhaler 102 and/or any other relevant information (e.g., a time stamp at which the signal was sent, an amount of medication in the inhaler 102, a battery level of the inhaler 102, a type of the inhaler 102, a medication type, inhalation data (e.g., peak inspiratory flowrate (PIF), inhalation volume, inhalation duration, etc.), a dose count, a dose strength, an expiration date, a user-defined name associated with the inhaler 102, etc. . Alternatively, the communication circuit of the inhaler 102 may comprise an RFID tag, and the smart pad 104 may read the unique identifier from the RFID tag.

[0040] Once the smart pad 104 has received the signal from the inhaler 102, the smart pad 104 (e.g., the processor of the smart pad 104) may generate a location event based on the signal. For example, the location event may indicate that the inhaler 102 has been brought within the predefined distance of the smart pad 104. In another example, the location event may indicate that the location of the inhaler 102 is checked-in to the smart pad 104 and/or checked-out from the smart pad 104. The smart pad 104 may store the location event in memory, for example along with a time stamp (e.g., defining a date and/or time at which the location event was generated). The time stamp may be the time stamp at which the signal was sent from the inhaler 102 and/or a time stamp at which the signal was received at the smart pad 104. The smart pad 104 may include an indicator (e.g., an LED or a display device), which may be used to display an indication that the inhaler 102 is or is not located on the smart pad 104.

[0041] If the smart pad 104 determines that the inhaler 102 is outside of the predefined distance of the smart pad 104 (e.g., the inhaler 102 is removed from the smart pad 104), the smart pad 104 may generate a second location event indicating that the inhaler 102 is no longer within the predefined distance of the smart pad 104. The smart pad 104 may store the second location event in memory, for example along with a second time stamp. The smart pad 104, the smart home device 105, the mobile device 108, and/or another device connected to the Internet 106 may maintain a location indicator in memory indicating whether the inhaler 102 is within the predefined distance of the smart pad 104 at a given time. For example, the location indicator may have a first value (e.g., 0) when the inhaler 102 is not within the predefined distance and a second value (e.g., 1) when the inhaler is within the predefined distance. The smart pad 104 may update the value of the location indicator when, for example, the inhaler 102 enters the predefined distance (e.g., when the smart pad 104 receives the signal from the inhaler 102), when the smart pad 104 generates a location event, and/or when the smart pad 104 determines that the inhaler 102 is outside of the predefined distance (e.g., when the smart pad 104 stops receiving the signal from the inhaler 102).

[0042] The smart pad 104 may communicate with devices other than the inhaler 102. For example, the smart pad 104 may communicate with the smart home device 105 and/or the mobile device 108. The smart pad 104 may also communicate with a communication network, which may be, for example, the Internet 106. The smart pad 104 may communicate with the smart home device 105, the Internet 106 (e.g., another device connected to the Internet 106), and/or the mobile device 108 via radio frequency (RF) signals over a second communication interface 107. The RF signals sent over the second communication interface 107 may be sent using a wireless communication protocol that is different from the wireless communication protocol used to communicate between the inhaler 102 and the smart pad 104 over the first communication interface 103. For example, the RF signals sent over the second communication interface 107 may be communicated via Wi-Fi, Wi-MAX, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Smart, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, cellular communication, etc.

[0043] As noted above, the smart pad 104 may receive the signal from the inhaler 102, which may indicate that the inhaler 102 is within a predefined distance of the smart pad 102. The smart pad 104 may then transmit a message to the smart home device 105, another device connected to the Internet 106, and/or the mobile device 108 via the RF signals over the second communication interface 107. The message may comprise an indication of the location of the inhaler 102 (e.g, whether the inhaler 102 is on the smart pad 104), an indication of a location event associated with the inhaler 102, and/or a time stamp. As noted above, in some examples, the smart pad 104 may transmit the message to the smart home device 105, another device connected to the Internet 106, and/or the mobile device 108 using a different wireless communication protocol than that used to communicate between the inhaler 102 and the smart pad 104.

[0044] The smart home device 105, the Internet 106 (e.g, a device connected to the Internet 106, which may be a server), and/or the mobile device 108 may receive the message from the smart pad 104. If the message is transmitted to the device connected to the Internet 106, the device connected to the Internet 106 may forward the message to the smart home device 105, the mobile device 108, and/or any other device connected to the Internet 106 (e.g., a server). The smart home device 105, the mobile device 108, and/or the server (not shown) may store an indication of the message in memory. For example, the smart home device 105, the mobile device 108, and/or the server may store the location of the inhaler 102 and/or the time stamp in memory. The smart home device 105 and/or another device connected to the Internet 106 may forward the message to the mobile device 108 via RF signals.

[0045] The mobile device 108 may be associated with the user of the inhaler 102. The mobile device 108 may be equipped with a real-time locating system, such that the location of the mobile device 108 is known at any given time. For example, the mobile device 108 may be equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) circuit that determines the location of the mobile device 108. The real-time locating system may be used as part of a geofencing system associated with the location of the smart pad 104. A geofenced area may refer to a geographic area that is defined around a specific location. For example, the geographic area may be defined around the location of the smart pad 104. The geographic area may be defined as a circle centered on the location of the smart pad with a diameter of, for example, 50 feet.

[0046] For example, the smart pad 104 may be located in a home of the user, and the geofenced area may be associated with the user’s home. Alternatively, the smart pad 104 may be located in a vehicle or office associated with the user, and the geofenced area may include the vehicle or office, respectively. The geofenced area may change over time (e.g., if the geofenced area is associated with a vehicle or other moving device, and/or if the smart pad 104 is moved to a new location). An indication of the geographic area and/or the borders thereof may be stored in the memory of the smart pad 104, the mobile device 108, the smart home device 105, and/or another device connected to the Internet 106. Alternatively, the geofencing system may be defined around a location of the smart home device 105, where the smart home device 105 is associated with the same location as the smart pad 104. The smart home device 105 may utilize the geofencing function, together with the real-time locating system of the mobile device 108, to control smart home aspects, such as remote locks, thermostat control, etc. Further, the geofencing system may be defined around a current location of a vehicle, where the vehicle is associated with the same location as the smart pad 104. The vehicle may utilize the geofencing function, together with the real-time locating system of the mobile device 108, to control remote locking, car location services, etc. [0047] If the user leaves the geofenced area while in possession of the mobile device 108, the mobile device 108 may send a message to the smart pad 104, the smart home device 105, and/or another device connected to the Internet 106 indicating that the mobile device 108 is no longer within the geofenced area. The smart pad 104, the smart home device 105, and/or another device connected to the Internet 106 may then determine whether the inhaler 102 is located on the smart pad 104, for example by determining a last location event received from the smart pad 104 and/or by checking a location indicator stored in memory. If it is determined that the inhaler 102 is not on the smart pad 104, then no action may occur.

[0048] If it is determined that the inhaler 102 is on the smart pad 104 (e.g., the inhaler 102 is within the predefined distance of the smart pad 104) when the mobile device 108 leaves the geofenced area, the smart pad 104 (e.g., and/or the smart home device 105 and/or another device connected to the Internet 106) may send a message to the smart home device 105, the mobile device 108, and/or another device connected to the Internet 106 indicating that the inhaler 102 is on the smart pad 104. For example, the smart pad 104 may send the message via the RF signals sent over the second communication interface 107. The smart pad 104 may send the device to the smart home device 105 and/or another device connected to the Internet 106, which may then forward the message to the mobile device 108.

[0049] The mobile device 108 may receive the message from the smart pad 104, the smart home device 105, and/or another device connected to the Internet 106, and may generate an indication (e.g., a notification) to the user via a display of the mobile device 108. For example, the notification may notify the user that the mobile device 108 is outside of the geofenced area and that the inhaler 102 is located on the smart pad 104. The notification may be a visual indication and/or an auditory notification. The mobile device 108 may prompt the user to confirm that the user has received the notification. If the user fails to confirm that they have received the notification within a predefined amount of time, the mobile device 108 may repeat the notification. Additionally, the smart home device 105 and/or another device connected to the Internet 106 may provide the notification to the user.

[0050] It should be understood that although the foregoing is described with reference to one smart pad, there may be several smart pads associated with the same user, one or more (e.g., each) of which may be associated with a different location. For example, as noted above, the user may have a first smart pad associated with their home, a second smart pad associated with their vehicle, and a third smart pad associated with their office or place of work. A (e.g., each) smart pad may be associated with a different geofenced area. As a result, one or more (e.g., each) smart pads 104 may transmit a message to the smart home device 105, another device connected to the Internet 106, and/or the mobile device 108 via the RF signals over the second communication interface 107 that includes a unique identifier and/or location of the smart pad 104 in addition to an indication of the location of the inhaler 102 (e.g., whether the inhaler 102 is on the respective smart pad 104).

[0051] The user may check a location status of the inhaler 102 via an application running on the mobile device 108. For example, the application may display information regarding the inhaler 102, a (e.g., each) smart pad 104, and/or the smart home device 105. The application may display an indication of a (e.g., each) smart pad 104 and whether the inhaler 102 is checked in to any smart pad 104. The application may also display, for a (e.g., each) smart pad 104, a time at which the inhaler 102 was last checked in to or checked out from the smart pad 104.

[0052] It should be understood that although the foregoing is described with reference to one inhaler, there may be several inhalers associated with the same user. For example, there may be multiple inhalers 102 associated with the user. One or more (e.g., each) of the inhalers 102 may be associated with a respective smart pad 104. Alternatively, one or more (e.g., each) of the inhalers 102 may collectively be associated with one or more smart pads 104. The user (e.g., the mobile device 108) may receive a notification that an inhaler is checked into a first smart pad if the user leaves a geofenced area associated with the first smart pad and enters a geofenced area associated with a second smart pad.

[0053] Additionally, it should be understood that any or all of the actions described above being performed by one device may be performed by any of the other devices described herein.

[0054] FIGs. 2A and 2B are diagrams of example smart pads 200, 250. For example, the smart pad 200 and/or the smart pad 250 may be an example of the smart pad 104 of system 100 shown in FIG. 1. The smart pad 200 may include a top surface 210 and a bottom surface (not shown). Similarly, the smart pad 250 may include a top surface 260 and a bottom surface (not shown). The top surface 210, 260 may be configured such that an inhaler (e.g., the inhaler 102 of system 100 shown in FIG. 1) can be placed on the smart pad 250, 260. in some examples, the top surface and the bottom surface may together define an approximately rectangular area.

[0055] The smart pad 200 and/or the smart pad 250 may include, for example, a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable battery), a processor, a memory, and/or a display. In some examples, the smart pad 200 and/or the smart pad 250 may include a power converter, and may be configured to be coupled to an alternating current (AC) voltage source. [0056] The smart pad 200 may include a first communication circuit 220 and/or a second communication circuit (not shown). The smart pad 250 may include a first communication circuit (not shown) and/or a second communication circuit (not shown). In some examples, the first and second communication circuits may be configured within a single chipset that is configured to communication via two different communication protocols (e.g., two different wireless communication protocols). As described above, the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit may communicate using different wireless protocols. The first communication circuit may include a first loop antenna, and the second communication circuit may include a second loop antenna. In an example, the first communication circuit may include an NFC tag, an antenna, a microcontroller, and/or a battery. For example, the first communication circuit 220 of the smart pad 200 may combine a passive NFC interface with an interface to a processor (e.g., an NXP NT AG integrated chipset).

[0057] In some examples, the first communication circuit and/or the second communication circuit may be located between the top surface and the bottom surface, such that the smart pad 200 and/or the smart pad 250 defines a layered area. Referring to FIG. 2A, the smart pad 200 may comprises a top layer 212 (e.g., which defines the top surface 210) and a bottom layer 214. The first and/or second communication circuits (e.g, an antenna 216 that is part of the first communication circuit 220) may be located between the top layer 212 and the bottom layer 214 of the smart pad 200. In such examples, the smart pad 200 may be configured to detect the presence of an inhaler (e.g, via the antenna 216 of the first communication circuit 220) when the inhaler is placed on the top surface 210 of the smart pad 200.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2B, in some examples, the smart pad 250 may include a display device 270. The smart pad 250 may be configured to generate a notification (e.g., a graphical user interface (GUI)) via the display device 270 that provides an indication of the location of the inhaler (e.g., whether the inhaler is located on the smart pad 250 or another smart pad within the system), the current time, the current temperature, and/or any other information. The display device 250 may be an LED or other display device. As shown in FIG. 2B, the display device 250 may be located above the rectangular area defined by the first surface and the second surface of the smart pad 250.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example smart pad 300. For example, the smart pad 300 may be an example of the smart pad 104 of system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and/or the smart pads 200, 250 shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B. As shown in FIG 3, the smart pad 300 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, one or more communication circuit(s) 306, a display 308, one or more input devices 310, and/or one or more output devices 312. The smart pad 300 may also include a power source (not shown), which may be, for example, a battery. The smart pad 300 may communicate with a network 330 via the communication circuit(s) 306. An example of the network 330 may be the Internet 106 of FIG. 1.

[0060] The smart pad 300 may include a processor 302 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)). The processor 302 may be a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, and/or the like. The processor 302 may perform signal coding, data processing, power control, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the smart pad 300 to operate in a wireless environment. The processor 302 may be coupled to the communication circuit(s) 306. While FIG. 3 depicts the processor 302 and the communication circuit(s) 306 as separate components, it will be appreciated that the processor 302 and the communication circuit(s) 306 may be integrated together in an electronic package or chip.

[0061] The processor 302 of the smart pad 300 may be coupled to the memory 304, the one or more communication circuit(s) 306, the display 308, the one or more input devices 310, the one or more output devices 312, and/or the power source. The processor 302 may receive user input data from the input devices 310. The input devices 310 may include a camera, a microphone, a keyboard or other buttons or keys, and/or other types of input devices for sending information to the processor 302. The display 308 may be a type of input device, as the display 308 may include a touch-screen sensor capable of sending information to the processor 302. In some examples, the display 308 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display unit.

[0062] The processor 302 may also output user data to the display, the one or more communication circuit(s) 306, and/or the output devices 312. The output devices 312 may include speakers, indicator lights, or other output devices capable of receiving signals from the processor 302 and providing output from the smart pad 300. The display 308 may be a type of output device, as the display 308 may provide images or other visual display of information received from the processor 302.

[0063] In addition, the processor 302 may access information from, and store data in, any type of suitable memory, such as the memory 304. The memory 304 may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of memory storage device, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a secure digital (SD) memory card, and/or the like. In other embodiments, the processor 302 may access information from, and store data in, memory that is not physically located on the smart pad 300, such as on a mobile device (e.g., the mobile device 108), a smart home device (e.g., the smart home device 105), an inhaler (e.g., the inhaler 102), a device connected to the internet (e.g., a server connected to the Internet 106), or any other device.

[0064] The memory 304 may comprise a non-transitory computer readable storage medium that comprises executable instructions, that, when executed by the processor 302, cause the processor 302 to perform one or more portions of any of the methods described herein. For example, the memory 304 may comprise a computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media that maintains network information and/or computerexecutable instructions for performing as described herein. The memory 304 may comprise computer-executable instructions or machine-readable instructions that include one or more portions of the procedures described herein. For example, the computer-executable instructions or machine-readable instructions may, when executed, cause the control circuit 302 to perform all or part of one or more of the procedures, such as the procedure 500 described herein. The control circuit 302 may access the instructions from memory 304 for being executed to cause the control circuit 302 to operate as described herein, or to operate one or more other devices as described herein.

[0065] The processor 302 may receive power from a power source, and may be configured to distribute and/or control the power to the other components in the smart pad 300. The power source may be any suitable device for powering the smart pad 300. For example, the power source may include one or more dry cell batteries (e.g., nickel -cadmium (NiCd), nickel -zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), etc. solar cells, fuel cells, and/or the like. In an example, the processor 302 (e.g., the smart pad 300) may receive power via a wireless charging circuit (not shown). For example, the smart pad 300 may include an inductive charging device that is configured to wirelessly transfer power from an external power source to an internal power source of the smart pad 300 via inductive coupling.

[0066] The communication circuit(s) 306 may be an example of the first and/or second communication devices described herein. For instance, the communication circuit(s) 306 may comprise multiple communication circuits that may use different wireless communication protocols. For example, the first communication circuit may be an NFC circuit, and the second communication circuit may be a Bluetooth®, BLE, cellular communication, Wi-Fi, etc. communication circuit. In some examples, the first and second communication circuits may be configured within a single chipset that is configured to communicate via one or more (e.g., two) different communication protocols (e.g., two different wireless communication protocols).

[0067] The communication circuit(s) 306 may include a transceiver, and as such may be configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals via one or more communication links, such as a Wi-Fi communication link, a Wi-MAX communications link, a Bluetooth® or Bluetooth® Smart communications link, a NFC link, a cellular communications link, a television white space (TVWS) communication link, or any combination thereof. The communication circuit(s) 306 may be configured to communicate data to and/or receive data from an inhaler and/or one or more external devices.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example user device 400, which may be a mobile device or a smart home device. For example, the user device 400 may correspond to the smart home device 105 and/or the mobile device 108 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG 4, the user device 400 may include a processor 402, a memory 404, one or more communication circuit(s) 406, a display 408, one or more input devices 410, one or more output devices 412, and/or a real-time locating system (e.g., a GPS circuit) 414. The user device 400 may also include a power source (not shown) which may be, for example, a battery. The user device 400 may communicate with a network 430 via the communication circuit(s) 406. An example of the network 430 may be the Internet 106 of FIG. 1.

[0069] The user device 400 may include a processor 402 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)). The processor 402 may be a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, and/or the like. The processor 402 may perform signal coding, data processing, power control, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the user device 400 to operate in a wireless environment. The processor 402 may be coupled to the communication circuit(s) 406. While FIG. 4 depicts the processor 402 and the communication circuit(s) 406 as separate components, it will be appreciated that the processor 402 and the communication circuit(s) 406 may be integrated together in an electronic package or chip. [0070] The processor 402 of the user device 400 may be coupled to the memory 404, the one or more communication circuit(s) 406, the display 408, the one or more input devices 410, the one or more output devices 412, the GPS circuit 414, and/or the power source. The processor 402 may receive user input data from the input devices 410. The input devices 410 may include one or more buttons, a camera, a keyboard or other buttons, a touchscreen (e.g., the display 408), a microphone, or any other means for operating the user device 400. The display 408 may be a type of input device, as the display 408 may include a touch-screen sensor capable of sending information to the processor 402. In some examples, the display 408 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display unit. The output devices 412 may include one or more lights (e.g., LEDs), one or more speakers, and/or any other means for providing feedback to a user of the user device 400. For example, the output devices 412 may be any output devices capable of receiving signals from the processor 402 and providing output from the user device 400. The display 408 may be a type of output device, as the display 408 may provide images or other visual display of information received from the processor 402.

[0071] The processor 402 may also output user data to the display 408, the communication circuit(s) 406, and/or the output devices 412. In addition, the processor 402 may access information from, and store data in, any type of suitable memory, such as the memory 404. The memory 404 may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of memory storage device, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a secure digital (SD) memory card, and/or the like. In other embodiments, the processor 402 may access information from, and store data in, memory that is not physically located on the user device 400, such as on a smart pad (e.g., the smart pad 104), a separate mobile device or smart home device, an inhaler (e.g., the inhaler 102), a device connected to the internet (e.g., a server connected to the Internet 106), or any other device.

[0072] The memory 404 may comprise a non-transitory computer readable storage medium that comprises executable instructions, that, when executed by the processor 402, cause the processor 402 to perform one or more portions of any of the methods described herein. For example, the memory 404 may comprise a computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media that maintains network information and/or computerexecutable instructions for performing as described herein. The memory 404 may comprise computer-executable instructions or machine-readable instructions that include one or more portions of the procedures described herein. For example, the computer-executable instructions or machine-readable instructions may, when executed, cause the control circuit 402 to perform all or a part of one or more of the procedures, such as the procedure 600, 700, and/or 800 described herein. The control circuit 402 may access the instructions from memory 304 for being executed to cause the control circuit 402 to operate as described herein, and/or to operate one or more other devices as described herein.

[0073] The processor 402 may receive power from a power source, and may be configured to distribute and/or control the power to the other components in the user device 400. The power source may be any suitable device for powering the user device 400. For example, the power source may include one or more dry cell batteries (e.g., nickel -cadmium (NiCd), nickel -zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), etc. solar cells, fuel cells, and/or the like. In an example, the processor 402 (e.g., the user device 400) may receive power via a wireless charging circuit (not shown). For example, the user device 400 may include an inductive charging device that is configured to wirelessly transfer power from an external power source to an internal power source of the user device 400 via inductive coupling.

[0074] The processor 402 may be in communication with a GPS circuit 414 for receiving geospatial information. The processor 402 may be capable of determining the GPS coordinates of the user device 400 based on the geospatial information received from the GPS circuit 414. The geospatial information may be communicated to one or more other devices (e.g., a smart pad) to identify the location of the user device 400. The location of the user device 400 may be used to infer the location of the user.

[0075] The communication circuit(s) 406 may comprise multiple communication circuits that may use different wireless communication protocols. For example, the communication circuit(s) 406 may include one or more communication circuit(s) that are configured to transmit and receive messages via NFC, Bluetooth®, BLE, cellular communication, Wi-Fi, etc.

[0076] The communication circuit(s) 406 may include a transceiver, and as such may be configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals via one or more communication links, such as a Wi-Fi communication link, a Wi-MAX communications link, a Bluetooth® or Bluetooth® Smart communications link, a NFC link, a cellular communications link, a television white space (TVWS) communication link, or any combination thereof. The communication circuit(s) 406 may be configured to communicate data to and/or receive data from an inhaler and/or one or more external devices. [0077] FIG. 5 is an example flowchart of a procedure 500 for determining a location of an inhaler (e.g., the inhaler 102 shown in FIG. 1). For example, location of the inhaler may be checked-in to a smart pad and/or checked-out from the smart pad. The procedure 500 may be performed by a smart pad, such as the smart pad 104 shown in FIG. 1 and/or the smart pads 200, 250 shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B, and/or the smart pad 300 of FIG. 3. For example, the procedure 500 may be performed by a processor, such as the processor 302 shown in FIG. 3. Though the procedure 500 may be described herein as being performed by a single device, such as a smart pad, the procedure 500 may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0078] The procedure 500 may begin at 501. At 502, the processor may receive a signal via a first wireless communication protocol. For example, the first wireless communication protocol may be an NFC communication protocol. The processor may receive the signal when an inhaler (e.g., the inhaler 102 shown in FIG. 1) enters a predefined distance of the smart pad (e.g., the inhaler is placed on the smart pad). The signal may include, for example, a unique identifier of the inhaler and/or any other relevant information (e.g., a time stamp at which the signal was sent, an amount of medication in the inhaler, a battery level of the inhaler, a type of the inhaler, a medication type, a dose count, a dose strength, an expiration date, a user-defined name associated with the inhaler, etc.).

[0079] Once the processor has received the signal from the inhaler at 502, the processor may generate a location event based on the signal at 504. For example, the location event may indicate that the inhaler has been brought within the predefined distance of the smart pad. The processor may store the location event in memory. At 506, the processor may associate a time stamp with the location event. The time stamp may be the time stamp at which the signal was sent from the inhaler and/or a time stamp at which the signal was received at the smart pad. The processor may store the time stamp in memory, for example as an association between the location event and the time stamp.

[0080] At 508, the processor may transmit the location of the inhaler and the time stamp via a second wireless communication protocol. For example, the smart pad may transmit a message that includes the location of the inhaler (e.g., the generated location event) and the time stamp to a smart home device (e.g., the smart home device 105), a device connected to the Internet (e.g., a server), and/or a mobile device (e.g., the mobile device 108). The processor may transmit the message via RF signals (e.g., the RF signals sent over the second communication interface 107). The second wireless communication protocol may be different from the first wireless communication protocol used to communicate between the inhaler and the smart pad. For example, the second wireless communication protocol may be Wi-Fi, Wi-MAX, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Smart, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, cellular communication, etc. The procedure 500 may end at 510.

[0081] FIG. 6 is an example flowchart of a procedure 600 for determining a location of an inhaler (e.g., the inhaler 102 shown in FIG. 1) with respect to a smart pad (e.g., the smart pad 104 shown in FIG. 1), and a location of a mobile device (e.g., the mobile device 108 shown in FIG. 1). For example, location of the inhaler may be checked-in to a smart pad and/or checked-out from the smart pad. The procedure 600 may be performed by a user device (e.g., the user device 400 of FIG. 4), such as the smart home device 105, the mobile device 108. For example, the procedure 600 may be performed by a processor of the smart home device, the mobile device, and/or another user device (e.g, the processor 402 shown in FIG. 4). The smart home device, the inhaler, and/or the mobile device may be associated with a given user. Though the procedure 600 may be described herein as being performed by a single processor, the procedure 600 may be distributed across multiple processors.

[0082] The procedure 600 may begin at 601. At 602, the processor of the user device may receive a signal via a wireless communication protocol. The processor may receive the signal from a smart pad (e.g, via the Internet or another device). The wireless communication protocol may be, for example, Wi-Fi, Wi-MAX, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Smart, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, cellular communication, etc. The signal may include a location of an inhaler (e.g., a generated location event) and/or a time stamp (e.g., a time stamp at which the location event was generated. For example, the signal may be the message described at 508 of FIG. 5.

[0083] Referring again to FIG. 6, at 604, the processor may determine the location of the inhaler based on the signal. For example, the signal may indicate that the inhaler is located within a predefined distance of the smart pad (e.g., on the smart pad). At 606, the processor may determine a location of a mobile device associated with the user. For example, the processor may determine the location of the mobile device based on a signal transmitted from the mobile device. The signal transmitted from the mobile device may include an indication of the location of the mobile device, which may be determined by a real-time locating system on the mobile device (e.g., a GPS circuit).

[0084] At 608, the processor may determine whether the mobile device is within a geofenced area. The geofenced area may be a geographic area that is defined around the location of the smart home device and/or other user device, and may correspond to the assigned location of the smart pad. For example, the geographic area may be defined as a circle centered on the location of the user device (e.g., the user device 400). For example, the user device may be located in a home of the user, and the geofenced area may be associated with the user’s home. Alternatively, the smart pad may be located in a vehicle or office associated with the user, and the geofenced area may include the vehicle or office. The geofenced area may change over time (e.g., if the geofenced area is associated with a vehicle or other moving device, and/or if the location of the smart pad changes). An indication of the geographic area and/or the borders thereof may be stored in the memory of the user device, e.g., the mobile device, the smart home device, and/or another device connected to the Internet.

[0085] The processor (e.g., of the user device) may determine whether the mobile device is within the geofenced area based on the determined location of the mobile device and the borders of the geofenced area. For example, the geofence may define a virtual perimeter for a geographic area (e.g., as a radius around a point and/or based on a predefined set of boundaries). For example, the geofenced area may be defined as one or more (e.g., all) points within a given radius of a user device, and/or as a user’s home. The mobile device may be a location-aware device that is used for one or more location-based services. In an example, the geofencing may be performed based on an API that runs on the mobile device and/or the smart home device. The geofenced area may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. If the processor determines that the mobile device is within the geofenced area, the procedure 600 may end at 612. The processor may wait a predetermined amount of time, and then determine again whether the mobile device is within the geofenced area.

[0086] If the processor determines that the mobile device is not within the geofenced area (e.g., and the inhaler is located on the smart pad), the processor of the user device may check the location of the inhaler. If the last location event of the inhaler is checked in to the smart pad, the user device may send an indication to the mobile device (e.g., and/or another device connected to the Internet, or produce an alert itself in the event the user device is the mobile device) indicating that the inhaler is on the smart pad at 610. For example, the processor may send the indication via RF signals. The processor may send the indication to a device connected to the Internet, which may then forward the message to the mobile device. The procedure 600 may end at 612.

[0087] FIG. 7 is an example flowchart of a procedure 700 for providing a notification to a user of a user device. The procedure 700 may be performed by a user device (e.g., and/or the user device 400 of FIG. 4), such as the smart home device 105 and/or the mobile device 108. For example, the procedure 700 may be performed by a processor of the smart home device, the mobile device, and/or another user device (e.g., the processor 402 shown in FIG. 4). Though the procedure 700 may be described herein as being performed by a processor, such as a processor of a single user device, the procedure 700 may be distributed across processors of multiple devices (e.g., between the mobile device and the smart home device). [0088] The procedure 700 may begin at 701. At 702, the processor of the user device (e.g., the smart home device and/or mobile device) may exit a geofenced area. The geofenced area may be a geographic area that is defined around the location of a user device associated with the user. For example, the geographic area may be defined as a circle centered on the location of the user device. For example, the smart pad may be located in a home of the user, and the geofenced area may be associated with the user’s home.

[0089] At 704, the processor (e.g., the processor the mobile device) may transmit a location of the mobile device to a smart home device associated with the user. For example, the processor may determine its location based on a real-time locating system (e.g., a GPS circuit) running on the mobile device. The processor may transmit its location as latitude and longitude coordinates. The processor may transmit its location via for example, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Smart, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, cellular communication, etc. The processor may transmit its location to a device connected to the Internet (e.g., a server), which may then forward the location to the smart home device.

[0090] At 706, the processor may receive an indication from the smart home device. The indication may be sent using the same wireless communication protocol by which the location of the mobile device was transmitted. The indication may indicate that an inhaler associated with the user is located within a predefined distance of the smart pad (e.g., is located on the smart pad).

[0091] At 708, the processor (e.g., the processor of the mobile device) may generate a notification via a display of the mobile device. For example, the notification may be displayed via a GUI of the mobile device. For example, the notification may notify the user that the mobile device is outside of the geofenced area and that the inhaler is located on the smart pad. The notification may be a visual notification and/or an auditory notification. The processor may prompt the user to confirm that the user has received the notification. If the user fails to confirm that they have received the notification within a predefined amount of time, the mobile device may repeat the notification. The procedure 700 may end at 710.

[0092] FIG. 8 is an example flowchart of a procedure 800 for determining a location of an inhaler (e.g., the inhaler 102 shown in FIG. 1) with respect to several smart pads and a location of a mobile device (e.g., the mobile device 108 shown in FIG. 1). For example, the location of the inhaler may be checked-in to a smart pad and/or checked-out from the smart pad. The procedure 800 may be performed by a user device (e.g., the user device 400 of FIG. 4), such as the smart home device 105 and/or the mobile device 108. For example, the procedure 800 may be performed by a processor of the smart home device, the mobile device, and/or another user device (e.g., the processor 402 shown in FIG. 4). The smart home device, the inhaler, and/or the mobile device may be associated with a given user. Though the procedure 800 may be described herein as being performed by a single processor, the procedure 800 may be distributed across the processors of multiple devices.

[0093] The procedure 800 may begin at 801. At 802, the processor (e.g., the processor of the smart home device or the mobile device) may determine that the mobile device has left a geofenced area. A geofenced area may be a geographic area that is defined around the location of a smart pad. For example, a geographic area may be defined as a circle centered on the location of a smart pad. There may be several geofenced areas associated with the user. For example, a first smart pad may be located in a home of the user, a second smart pad may be located in a vehicle associated with the user, and a third smart pad may be associated with an office of the user. One or more (e.g., each) of the smart pads may be associated with a respective geofenced area. For example, the first smart pad may be associated with a first geofenced area and the second smart pad may be associated with a second geofenced area. The first geofenced area and the second geofenced area may be the same or different from each other and/or may overlap with each other. A geofenced area may change over time (e.g., if the geofenced area is associated with a vehicle or other moving device, and/or if the location of the smart pad changes). An indication of a (e.g., each) geofenced area and/or the respective borders thereof may be stored in the memory of the smart pad(s), the mobile device, the smart home device, and/or another device connected to the Internet. The processor may determine that the mobile device has left a geofenced area based on a location of the mobile device (e.g., which may be transmitted to the smart home device as described herein) and the borders of the geofenced area(s).

[0094] At 804, the processor may determine whether the inhaler is located on a smart pad (e.g., a first smart pad). For example, the processor may determine whether the inhaler is located on the first smart pad based on a signal received from the first smart pad as described herein. If the processor determines that the inhaler is located on the first smart pad (e.g., the inhaler is within a predetermined distance of the smart pad) at 804, the processor may transmit an indication to the mobile device (e.g., and/or another device connected to the Internet) indicating that the inhaler is on the first smart pad at 806. For example, the processor may send the indication via RF signals. The processor may send the indication to a device connected to the Internet, which may then forward the message to the mobile device. The procedure 800 may end at 810.

[0095] If the processor determines at 804 that the inhaler is not located on the first smart pad at 804, the processor (e.g., the processor of the smart home device) may determine whether there are more smart pads associated with the user at 808. For example, the processor may determine whether there are more smart pads associated with the user based on an association stored in the memory of the smart home device, the mobile device, and/or another device connected to the Internet. If the processor determines that there are no more smart pads associated with the user, the procedure 800 may end at 810. If the processor determines that there is a second smart pad associated with the user, the procedure 800 may return to 804, and the processor may determine whether the inhaler is located on the second smart pad. The procedure 800 may loop until the processor has determined that the inhaler is located on a smart pad associated with the user, or until the processor determines that there are no more smart pads associated with the user.

[0096] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.