INTERACTIVE LABEL FOR MEDICAL CONTAINER AND MEDICINE BLISTER, AND CONTAINER AND TABLET DISPENSER THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an interactive label for blister pack, tablet or drug dispenser to register and inform a user for taking a dosage of a product which can be in a dose form, selected from food, drinks, supplement, medicine, tablet or drug and that register such events.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Containers that remind a patient to take a dosage of a product, such as food, drinks, supplement, medicine, tablet or drug or keep track of the number of doses of medication in the container or in dispensers are already known in state of the art.

[0003] It is possible to group the solutions into 5 categories: tablet dispensing systems, mobile applications for alerts, electronics integrated in blisters of capsules / tablets for control of the doses (more oriented to clinical tests), post-dose identification system (whose objective is to ensure that the patient actually consumed the medication), and labels with RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near-Field Communication), as a form of storage and communication of information (usually used for monitoring the transport of products).

[0004] For tablet dispensers, there are several solutions that allow the storage of the medication in suitable compartments, and its delivery at the time of taking. At the prescribed time, these equipments inform the patient to take the medication through audible and visual alerts. Examples of dispensers include the devices with trademarks CYCO, OMCARE, Karie, Med-Q, Livi, Philips Medication Dispenser or Home8. These solutions present as main drawbacks the limitation in the number of tablets that are able to store, the placement of medication in the compartments, and the inability to support different prescriptions, characteristic only of Livi and Home8 solutions. In addition, these solutions are not suitable for liquid medication.

[0005] Another alternative to control adherence to the medication consists in the optimization of the medication vials. The AdhereTech solution, which is specific for solid and liquid medication, uses capacitive sensors to detect the doses. Weight sensors can also be used forthis purpose, such as the disclosure Nomi Adherence. The control of the doses taken can also be done by the number of times a spray is used, as in the e-Lockout solution, which locks the bottle after a certain number of uses per day. The medication bottle/flask cap can also be optimized to create alerts at the time of taking, such as Vitality Glow Cap, rxCAP, a Pillsy or ActiveGuard Connect of PharmaPack. The market also offers the possibility of acquiring accessories to provide the medication vials with the ability to assist in the control of adherence to the medication, such as the DosePal solution.

[0006] There are also smart blisters that record the day and time when a tablet is removed from the package. The solutions such as the Electronic Compliance Monitor, the Blister Clip-on device or the Popit, are grouped in this category. In the same line of smart blisters, there are also customized packages, which group different medicines organizing them by day and time that should be consumed. The Dispill solution provides the software and materials for packaging the tablets to pharmacies, which must deliver the product ready to be used to the patient. Euclid Medical Products' Axial Multi-Dose, automatically sorts and packs medicines, requiring only the revenue information provided by the user.

[0007] US5852590 discloses a multi-piece, automated medication container having a first piece with an interactive label and a machine readable and writable electronic memory strip. The memory strip contains prescription information, medication information and program codes that are downloaded to a second piece having a computer processor. In one embodiment of the invention, the interactive label is affixed to a vial of a standard childproof container. The vial is sealed by an automated cap. The automated cap includes sensors for reading the information and codes on the memory strip and a memory for storing the information and codes. The automated cap also includes a display for visually or audibly indicating desired information to the patient, such as when to take the next dose of medication. A computer controlled locking assembly in the cap presents its removal before the prescribed time for taking the next dose of medication. The sensors also obtain actual medication consumption information based on when the container is opened. In another embodiment, the interactive label is affixed to a blister pack containing individual doses of medication.

[0008] US10740441 discloses a medicine container configured to hold one or more different medications. The container may include an orientation sensor to determine the orientation of the container and one or more additional sensors to detect other physical characteristics about the container and/or medicine. The orientation of the container in combination with the information from the one or more additional sensors is used to determine an indication of an amount of the medicine within the container and thus usage information.

[0009] US7661307B1 discloses a first and second elongated flexible insulated substrates that have patterns of resistive liquid level sensor sections along the substrate lengths, each pattern comprising printable resistive ink of the same resistivity, wherein the patterns can be simultaneously printed upon each substrate to save manufacturing costs. The flexibility of the substrates enables the low manufacturing cost liquid level sensors to be positioned in for example in a highly irregularly shaped vehicle fuel tank. Sections of varying lengths to be cut from the rolls on demand by users form customized lengths of liquid level sensors for numerous applications.

[0010] US8629654B2 discloses a system and method for variable power transfer in an inductive charging or power system. The system comprises a pad or similar base unit that contains a primary, which creates an alternating magnetic field. A receiver comprises a means for receiving energy from the alternating magnetic field and transferring it to a mobile device, battery of other device. Additional features can be incorporated, such as variations in the material used to manufacture the primary and/or the receiver coils, and additional circuits and components that perform specialized tasks, such as mobile device or battery identification, and automatic voltage or power setting for different devices or batteries. [0011] US20140176055A1 discloses and apparatus (pad) and method for wirelessly charging a receiver. The pad includes one or more NFC antennas which can receive and NFC signal from the receiver. The pad also contains one or more charging coils. Measurement of the signal strength at each charging NFC antenna helps determine which charging coil(s) should be utilized to effect the most efficient charging of the receiver.

[0012] WO2015147995A1 discloses an invention related to smart packaging with respect to food and beverages, which includes at least one battery and/or energy storage element and/or energy receiving element; an element configured to store information; an element configured to sense being touched; an element configured to display information; one element configured to generate light; an element configured to receive and/or transmit information; and circuitry electrically one or more elements of the package to one another. In some embodiments, the smart package includes at least one sensor configured to sense a property of the smart package and/or contents of the smart package.

[0013] CA2479883C discloses an electrochromic display device comprising a solid top transparent, charge conducting material, positioned below the transparent solid material is an active layer comprising an electrochromic material and an electrolyte, and positioned below the active layer is a working electrode and a counter-electrode arranged to be isolated from one another, wherein the distance between the working and the counter electrode is greater than two times the thickness of the active layer between the electrode and the conductive material.

[0014] None of the previous documents discloses a label that is applied on the vial, capable of measure the level of the product and that is rechargeable.

[0015] In the context of combating non-adherence to medication, commercial solutions have not been found so far that are carefully approaching the intended one with the present disclosure.

[0016] These facts are disclosed in order to illustrate the technical problem addressed by the present disclosure. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure relates to an interactive label. The interactive label can be coupled to a blister or a package or a bottle packaging.

[0018] The interactive label has two main functions:

1) to generate alerts to the users that is time to take the pre-programed dose and/or

2) to allow the monitoring of a periodic action that is required by the user, such as any action related with intake of a dosage of a dosable product selected from medicine, food, drinks, supplements amongst others. Preferably the product is a solid form or liquid form.

[0019] The present disclosure relates to an interactive label for recording and informing a user taking a dosage of a medicament or a food supplement product contained in a container, comprising: an electronic circuit configured to output an electronic signal, said electronic circuit comprising a plurality of switches, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches a mechanically-actuated electrical switch, switchable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state, wherein the actuated and non-actuated states of the switch are detectable by the electronic circuit; a data processor for detecting the actuation of said each switch; wherein said electronic circuit comprises a rigid part.

[0020] It is disclosed an interactive label for recording and informing a user taking a dosage of a medicament or a food supplement product contained in a container, comprising: an electronic circuit configured to output an electronic signal, said electronic circuit comprising a plurality of pressure-actuated switches, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is a mechanically-actuated electrical switch, switchable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state, wherein the actuated and non-actuated states of the switch are detectable by the electronic circuit; a data processor for detecting the actuation of said each switch; a display for presenting digital information; a bendable antenna connected to the electronic circuit for recharging the interactive label; said electronic circuit comprising a rigid part; wherein each switch is arranged in the rigid part of the electronic circuit; wherein the display is arranged in the rigid part; and wherein the bendable antenna is a flexible antenna.

[0021] In an embodiment, the display is an e-ink or electrochromic screen.

[0022] In an embodiment, the product is selected from medicine, food, drinks, supplement, tablet or drug.

[0023] In an embodiment, the interactive label registers the time at which such product was taken by the user.

[0024] In an embodiment, the label comprises a liquid level sensor connected to the rigid part of the electronic circuit to detect the level of the product inside the container. Preferably, the liquid level sensor is attached to the printed circuit board (PCB). Preferably, the liquid level sensor is rectangular. The liquid level sensor is arranged to detect the product quantity inside a container, preferably a vial, which is used to validate the product's removal from the vial.

[0025] In an embodiment, the liquid level sensor is a capacitive sensor.

[0026] In an embodiment, the antenna is bended 90° in relation to the electronic circuit.

[0027] In an embodiment, the antenna is bended 90° to a side of the electronic circuit for receiving a containers or tablet dispenser.

In an embodiment, the antenna is a Near Field Communication antenna.

[0028] In an embodiment, the pressure actuated switch is a flexible collapsible membrane.

[0029] In an embodiment, the switch comprises a lower layer with a pressure-actuated membrane button.

[0030] In an embodiment, the switch, preferably the flexible collapsible membrane comprises a lower layer with a pressure-actuated contacts. [0031] In an embodiment, the interactive label comprises a top contact for making electrical contact with the lower layer contacts when the switch is pressured by the user.

[0032] In an embodiment, the lower layer with pressure-actuated contacts comprises a top contact for making electrical contact with the lower layer contacts, when pressure is applied by the user. Preferably the lower layer comprises flexible membranes selected from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide, Polyvinyl chloride, or their mixtures thereof or others flexible polymers.

[0033] In an embodiment and according to the two previous embodiments, the printed components are made of silver, copper or carbon.

[0034] In an embodiment, the electronic circuit comprises printed conductive tracks, magnetic inks or conductive adhesive or their combinations.

[0035] In an embodiment, the interactive label further comprises an additional button for data validation by the user.

[0036] In an embodiment, the electronic signal is a sound or a visual indicator, such as a light.

[0037] In an embodiment, the alarm is selected from a LED or a buzzer.

[0038] In an embodiment, the alarm is displayed in a mobile application [0039] In an embodiment, the rigid part comprises a battery.

[0040] In an embodiment, the battery is arranged to be rechargeable by induction charging technologies, preferably NFC.

[0041] Another aspect discloses a kit comprising the interactive label disclosed previously and a base station for recharging a battery of the interactive label.

[0042] Another aspect relates to the use of the interactive label for containers or tablet dispensers such as blisters or bottle packaging for medicine, food, drinks or supplements. [0043] Another aspect relates to a container for a medicament or a food supplement product comprising the interactive label. Preferably the container is made of natural or synthetic polymer, glass, cork, metal, multilayer material or cardboard

[0044] Another aspect relates to a tablet dispenser comprising the interactive label.

[0045] It is disclosed an interactive label for recording and informing a user taking a dosage of a product in a dose form, comprising: an electronic circuit configured to output an electronic signal, said electronic circuit comprising a plurality of switches, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is an irreversible mechanically-actuated electrical switch, switchable between a non- actuated state and an actuated state, wherein the actuated and non-actuated states of the switch are visible; a data processor for detecting the actuation of said each switch; said electronic circuit comprising a rigid part and a flexible part; wherein each switch is arranged in the flexible part of the electronic circuit and the data processor is arranged in the rigid part; wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is either pressure-actuated or friction- actuated.

[0046] In an embodiment, the product is selected from medicine, food, drinks, supplement, tablet or drug.

[0047] In an embodiment, the interactive label registers the time at which such product was taken by the user.

[0048] In an embodiment, the flexible part is detachable from the rigid part. Preferably, the flexible part is dischargeable.

[0049] In an embodiment, the pressure-actuated switch is a collapsible membrane dome.

[0050] In an embodiment, the collapsible membrane dome comprises a lower layer with a pressure-actuated membrane button or pressure-actuated contacts. [0051] In an embodiment, the lower layer with pressure-actuated contacts comprises a top contact for making electrical contact with the lower layer contacts, when the dome is collapsed by pressure of the user. Preferably the lower layer comprises flexible membranes selected from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide, Polyvinyl chloride, or their mixtures thereof or others flexible polymers.

[0052] In an embodiment, the friction-actuated switch is a scratch-card inked section laid on a layer.

[0053] In an embodiment, the ink is conductive and the electronic circuit includes a conductive inked section forming a circuit which is interruptible through scratching by the user.

[0054] In an embodiment and according to the two previous embodiments, the inked section is made of silver, copper or carbon.

[0055] In an embodiment, the scratch-card inked section comprises a lower layer with pressure-actuated membrane button or pressure-actuated contacts.

[0056] Interactive label according to any of the previous claims wherein the electronic circuit comprises printed conductive tracks, magnetic inks or conductive adhesive or their combinations.

[0057] In an embodiment, the interactive label further comprises an additional button for data validation by the user.

[0058] In an embodiment, the electronic signal is a sound or a visual indicator, such as a light.

[0059] In an embodiment, the alarm is selected from a LED or a buzzer.

[0060] In an embodiment, the interactive label further comprises an interactive area selected from a display or a further layer to be removed or to be written by the user.

[0061] In an embodiment, the interactive area is a display which is electrochromic or e- ink.

[0062] In an embodiment, the rigid part comprises a battery. [0063] In an embodiment, the communication is performed by Near Field Communication or Bluetooth.

[0064] Another aspect discloses a kit comprising the interactive label disclosed previously and a base station for recharging a battery of the interactive label.

[0065] Another aspect relates to the use of the interactive label for containers or tablet dispensers such as blisters or bottle packaging for medicine, food, drinks or supplements.

[0066] Another aspect relates to a container for a product in dose form comprising the interactive label. Preferably the container is made of natural or synthetic polymer, glass, cork, metal, multilayer material or cardboard

[0067] Another aspect relates to a tablet dispenser comprising the interactive label.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] The following figures provide preferred embodiments for illustrating the disclosure and should not be seen as limiting the scope of invention.

[0069] Figure 1: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a label with a display located in the rigid part.

[0070] Figure 2: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a button mechanism with a flexible substrate membrane and electrically conductive ink that allows interaction with the label.

[0071] Figure 3: Schematic representation of an exploded 3D view of an embodiment of a label.

[0072] Figure 4: Schematic representation of an exploded 2D side view of the elements mentioned in Figures 1 to 3.

[0073] Figure 5: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a vertical interactive label (A) and a horizontal interactive label (B). [0074] Figure 6: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a vertical interactive label comprising the liquid sensor applied on a vial.

[0075] Figure 7: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the base station to recharge the antenna of the interactive label.

[0076] Figure 8: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a label with a display located in the flexible part.

[0077] Figure 9: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a label with a display located in the rigid part.

[0078] Figure 10: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a label with warp buttons.

[0079] Figure 11: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a label with a collapsible membrane dome as a pressure-actuated switch.

[0080] Figure 12: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a label with a collapsed membrane dome being pressed and the layer interactions.

[0081] Figure 13: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a label with scratch buttons.

[0082] Figure 14: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a label with a scratchable-actuated switch.

[0083] Figure 15: Schematic representation of an embodiment of a label with a scratched electrically conductive ink.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] In an embodiment, an interactive label or a flexible label can be attached to different types of packaging or other objects and has two main purposes: generate visual and/or sound alerts to the user with a specific duration and periodicity and monitor the manipulation of the packaging registering its use and the correspondent time. The labels are intended to be used in application in which the monitoring of a periodic action is required, and an alert is essential for the user action. These can be related for instance to medication, food, drinks, supplements, amongst others.

[0085] The present disclosure relates to an interactive label for recording and informing a user taking a dosage of a medicament or a food supplement product contained in a container, comprising: an electronic circuit configured to output an electronic signal, said electronic circuit comprising a plurality of switches, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches a mechanically-actuated electrical switch, switchable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state, wherein the actuated and non-actuated states of the switch are detectable by the electronic circuit; a data processor for detecting the actuation of said each switch; wherein said electronic circuit comprises a rigid part.

[0086] Another aspect relates to an interactive label for recording and informing a user taking a dosage of a medicament or a food supplement product contained in a container, comprising: an electronic circuit configured to output an electronic signal, said electronic circuit comprising a plurality of switches, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches a mechanically-actuated electrical switch, switchable between a non- actuated state and an actuated state, wherein the actuated and non-actuated states of the switch are detectable by the electronic circuit; a data processor for detecting the actuation of said each switch; a display for presenting digital information; a bendable antenna connected to the electronic circuit for recharging the interactive label; said electronic circuit comprising a rigid part; wherein each switch is arranged in the rigid part of the electronic circuit; the display is arranged in the rigid part; and the bendable antenna is a flexible antenna.

[0087] It is disclosed an interactive label for recording and informing a user taking a dosage of a medicament or a food supplement product contained in a container, comprising: an electronic circuit configured to output an electronic signal, said electronic circuit comprising a plurality of pressure-actuated switches, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is a mechanically-actuated electrical switch, switchable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state, wherein the actuated and non-actuated states of the switch are detectable by the electronic circuit; a data processor for detecting the actuation of said each switch; a display for presenting digital information; a bendable antenna connected to the electronic circuit for recharging the interactive label; said electronic circuit comprising a rigid part; wherein each switch is arranged in the rigid part of the electronic circuit; the display is arranged in the rigid part; and the bendable antenna is a flexible antenna. In an embodiment, the label can have different configurations, that depend on the final application and can integrate only one of the functions.

[0088] In an embodiment, the label communicates with external devices using connection selected from Near-Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth, preferably NFC, which can be used to program the label and also collect information from the label and sent it to a mobile application, in which is stored and analysed.

[0089] The programming of the labels, with the periodicity and duration of the monitoring (minutes, hours, and total duration) can be programmed in two ways: i) directly on the label using the integrated buttons. These buttons can have two different types depending on the final objective; ii) through a mobile app in which the user can insert directly the information into, or it can be retrieved from an online database. The periodicity and duration of the monitoring can be manually inserted on the mobile app by users. Alternatively, it can be automatically retrieved from the user's prescription located on an online database. When the phone is in contact with the label the mobile app will be able to send that information to the labels using for example NFC or Bluetooth connection.

[0090] In an embodiment, Figure 1 represents the front view of an embodiment of the interactive label, where 0 representsthe button to turn on and off the label, 1 represents an e-ink or an e-paper display located in the rigid part, preferably an e-paper; 2 is the visual alarm, preferably a light emitter, more preferably a LED; 3 represents the interactive buttons, preferably switches; 4 is the antenna, preferably an NFC antenna and 5 represents the liquid level sensor. [0091] In an embodiment, Figure 2 represents an embodiment of the interactive button mechanism, preferably the switch, where 3.1 is a flexible substrate membrane and 3.2 is an electrically conductive ink.

[0092] In an embodiment, Figure 3 represents an exploded 3D view of an embodiment of the interactive label where 6 is the top layer; 3 are the user interactive buttons, 4 is the NFC antenna, 1 is the e - paper display; 7 are the electronic components and conductive ink; 8 is the PCB; 9 is the battery and 10 is the bottom layer of the interactive label.

[0093] In an embodiment, Figure 4 represents an exploded 2D side view of an embodiment of the interactive label where 6 is the top layer; 3 are the user interactive buttons, 4 is the NFC antenna, 1 is the e - paper display; 7 are the electronic components and conductive ink; 8 is the printed circuit board (PCB); 9 is the battery and 10 is the bottom layer of the interactive label.

[0094] In an embodiment, Figure 5 represents the interactive label where the screen 1 is placed vertically in the label (A) and the interactive label where the screen is horizontally in the label (B). This Figure also shows the bendable antenna 4 that bends 90° in relation to the electronic circuit of the rigid part, to be applied in the vials. The antenna 4, preferably a Near Field Communication antenna, allows the recharging of the interactive label when is placed in a rechargeable station. It also allows the communication between the label and a mobile phone.

In an embodiment, the medication intake data can be written/read to a mobile application by means of NFC communication.

[0095] In an embodiment, Figure 6 represents an interactive label applied in a vial, being the vial placed in a rechargeable station. The label comprises a liquid sensor 5, preferably a capacitive liquid sensor, that is attached to the electronic circuit of the rigid part. The liquid sensor 5 is applied in a lateral wall of the vial, vertically. This location of the liquid sensor, allows the measurement of the liquid inside the container, preferably a vial. The liquid sensor 5 is attach to the PCB in the rigid part by a physical connector located in the inferior part of the label. Preferably, the liquid sensor 5, which is a capacitive sensor, has rectangle form with a width from 2 to 6 cm. The content of the attached vials is detected by means of the liquid level sensor, preferably for validating medication variation in medication vials. The liquid level sensor sends the information to the PCB where it is attached and the level used to validate level variation indicating the removal of content from the vial.

[0096] When the interactive label is applied to the container, the antenna 4 is bended and stays in contact, preferably attached, to the lower part of the container. In an embodiment, the antenna is bended 90° in relation to the rigid part, in particular to the electronic circuit. In another embodiment, the antenna is bended 90° to a side of the electronic circuit for receiving a containers or tablet dispenser.

[0097] In an embodiment, Figure 7 represents the rechargeable station 11. Preferably, the rechargeable station comprises light emitters to inform the user that the interactive label is recharged and lateral magnetic connectors for connection between the bases and the external charger. The rechargeable station also comprises interactive buttons for interaction with the user also for user interaction for alerting to the battery charge level.

[0098] In an embodiment, the interactive label comprises a rigid part and a flexible part that are configured to be connected.

[0099] In an embodiment, the rigid part comprises the top layer 6, the interactive buttons 3, the display 1, the electronic components 7, the PCB 8, the battery 9 and the bottom layer 10 and the flexible part is the antenna 4.

[0100] The rigid part is the control unit, has the alarm indicator 2 that is used as a visual or sound alert, that consists in a LED or a buzzer. These can generate for example different colours or sounds for different types of alerts, that can have different periods and types of indications, if the label has been configurated, blinking/buzzing with the specific periodicity, depletion of battery. The electronic components are integrated in this part, that can be reused and attached to different labels. The connection between the rigid part and the flexible part, being the flexible part, the NFC antenna, can be made through the use of printed connectors of a flat cable which can be made of conductive inks such as copper, silver or carbon. The rigid part integrates the interactive/informative area 1, the configurable buttons and the validation buttons 3. The configurable buttons 3 can be used to program the duration during which the alerts will be generated, and the periodicity of the alerts, by pressing the buttons that are connected to a printed circuit in the middle layers. The printed circuit resistivity is measured in the electronic circuit that then programs the alarms 2 accordingly. The validation button is used to validate the initial configuration inputs, duration and periodicity, and to start the counting and alert generation.

[0101] In a further embodiment, the user can also include in the label the time and duration foreseen for its use in the area identified as interactive area. Different types of interaction can be used such as an area in which the user can write the information, having a display that can be electrochromic, or e-ink.

[0102] In an embodiment, the integration of the displays requires modifications of each part and the electronic components that are integrated in the label. For example, the use of e-ink displays increases the complexity of electronic board with additional controllers and connectors.

[0103] In an embodiment, when the label has an integrated screen, it is also possible to present additional information to the user, such as the percentage of alerts that are acknowledged by the user, the compliance with the generated alerts, the time for the next dose and battery status.

[0104] In an embodiment, the label comprises the plurality of switches, which are buttons 3 produced by printing techniques such as screen printing or inkjet printing. These buttons can be pressed to select the desired parameters for the generation of alerts. When the buttons are pressed, an electrical connection is made between two adjacent printed conductive tracks. It will then be read by the electronic control and generate an alert to the user, acknowledging the press of the button. Due to the structure of these buttons, it is only possible to reconfigure the label using the switches. This embodiment may comprise also an additional button for the validation of the configuration and to start the counting and alert generation. [0105] In an embodiment Fig. 2 represents the interaction between the multiple conductive layers and substrates of the switches. When the switch is pressed the thermoformed material gets deformed as a pressure is applied by the user at the centre of that region. This action leads to the bending of the flexible membrane 3.1, preferably made of Polyethylene Terephthalate, and the top contact of an electrically conductive ink 3.2 and consecutively the contact between the two adjacent electrically conductive inks 3.2. When the electric circuit is closed an electrical current is detected by the electronic board which suggests that it was the selected option.

[0106] It is disclosed an interactive label for informing and register a user for taking a dosage of a product, and register such events comprising: an electronic circuit configured to output an electronic signal, said electronic circuit comprising a plurality of switches, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is an irreversible mechanically- actuated electrical switch, switchable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state, wherein the actuated and non-actuated states of the switch are visible; a data processor for detecting the actuation of said each switch; said electronic circuit comprising a rigid part and a flexible part; wherein each switch is arranged in the flexible part of the electronic circuit and the data processor is arranged in the rigid part; wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is either pressure-actuated or friction-actuated.

[0107] In an embodiment, in Fig. 8, the label comprises two parts, 13 and 14 , that are configured to be connected. Part 13 is the control unit, has the alarm indicator 17 that is used as a visual or sound alert, that consists in a LED or a buzzer. These can generate for example different colours or sounds for different types of alerts, that can have different periods and types of indications, if the label has been configurated, blinking/buzzing with the specific periodicity, depletion of battery. The electronic components are integrated in this part, that can be reused and attached to different labels 14 . The connection between part 13 and part 14 can be made through the use of magnetic contacts 19 which can comprise printed conductive tracks, magnetic inks, and conductive adhesives. Part 14 integrates the interactive/informative area 18 , the configurable button 15 and the validation button 16. The configurable buttons 15 can be used to program the duration during which the alerts will be generated, and the periodicity of the alerts, by pressing the buttons that are connected to a printed circuit in the middle layers. The printed circuit resistivity is measured in the electronic circuit that then programs the alarms 17 accordingly. The validation button 16 is used to validate the initial configuration inputs, duration and periodicity, and to start the counting and alert generation.

[0108] In a further embodiment, the user can also include in the label the time and duration foreseen for its use in the area identified as interactive area 18. Different types of interaction can be used such as an area in which the user can write the information, can scratch specific spots and remove a layer that indicate the duration and periodicity, in a similar way to a scratch card, or have a display that can be electrochromic, or e-ink.

[0109] In an embodiment, Fig. 8 represents an interactive label where the interactive area 18 is located in the flexible part 14.

[0110] In an embodiment, Fig. 9 represents an interactive label where the interactive area 18 is located in the rigid part 13.

[0111] In an embodiment, the integration of the displays requires modifications of each part and the electronic components that are integrated in the label. For example, the use of e-ink displays increases the complexity of electronic board with additional controllers and connectors, and the magnetic connector 19 that attaches both parts (13 and 14) require a connection with higher electrical conductivity to improve data transfer rates.

[0112] In an embodiment, when the label has an integrated screen, it is also possible to present additional information to the user, such as the percentage of alerts that are acknowledged by the user, the compliance with the generated alerts, the time for the next dose and battery status.

[0113] In an embodiment, Fig. 10 and Fig. 13 represent different embodiments of switches that can be used to program the label. Both switches are integrated with printed circuits with conductive inks, but have different working principles, structures and materials. [0114] In an embodiment, Fig. 10 represents a label where the plurality of switches are buttons 15 produced by thermoforming and have a 3D shape. These buttons can be pressed 20 to select the desired parameters for the generation of alerts. When the buttons are pressed 20, an electrical connection is made between two adjacent printed conductive tracks 21. It will then be read by the electronic control and generate an alert to the user, acknowledging the press of the button. Due to the structure of these buttons, it is only possible to reconfigure the label using the collapsed buttons. To choose another configuration, a new layer of thermoformed buttons is needed. In this case, the electronic control must be activated previously to measure the variations in the resistivity of the circuit, and will then start the alert generation cycles. This embodiment may comprise also an additional button 16 for the validation of the configuration and to start the counting and alert generation.

[0115] In an embodiment, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 represents the interaction between the multiple conductive layers and substrates of the collapsible membrane dome 22. When the collapsible membrane dome 22 is pressed the thermoformed material gets deformed as a pressure is applied by the user at the centre of that region (see the direction of the arrows). This action leads to the bending of the flexible membrane 23, preferably made of Polyethylene Terephthalate, and the top contact of an electrically conductive ink 27 and consecutively the contact between the two adjacent electrically conductive inks (24, 27) . When the electric circuit is closed an electrical current is detected by the electronic board which suggests that it was the selected option.

[0116] In an embodiment, Fig. 13 represents a label where the buttons that need to be pressed are replaced by an electrically conductive material, such as silver, copper, or carbon. The conductive tracks are placed parallel so that no electrical connection is established between them. These parallel lines are then coated, in a predefined area, with an electrically conductive ink, that has a very low adhesion to the substrate. This ink then establishes the electrical connection between the two conductive tracks. In this embodiment, the user can scratch the switches that are made of conductive material (scratch-spot 25), opening the electric circuit, that correspond to the expected duration of the use of the label and time between the different alerts that are generated. It will then be read by the electronic control and generate the alerts to the user. The scratching of these switches serves also as a visual indication of the parametrization that is then registered in the label. In this case, as material is removed from the label, part 14 can't be reused but has a simpler design, structure and assembling procedure.

[0117] In an embodiment, Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 represents the interaction between two adjacent electrically conductive inks. The bottom electrically conductive ink 24 , which comprehends the printed electrical circuit, is interrupted on the button's regions. This electrical circuit can be printed using a large variety of conductive inks that can be selected from silver, carbon, copper or their mixtures. To close the electric circuit, another type of an electrically conductive ink 26 is printed on top of that. This conductive ink has a lower adhesion to the flexible membrane 23 when compared to the inks used on the bottom contacts. Since it is not encapsulated it can be easily scratched to interrupt the electrical circuit, by creating gap between the electrically conductive layer 28. When the electric circuit is open the electrical current cannot be detected by the electronic board which suggests that it was the selected option.

[0118] The term "comprising" whenever used in this document is intended to indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, components, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0119] The disclosure should not be seen in any way restricted to the embodiments described and a person with ordinary skill in the art will foresee many possibilities to modifications thereof. The above-described embodiments are combinable.

[0120] The following claims further set out particular embodiments of the disclosure.