Abstract: A usage recording smart label and inhaler, and methods for detecting, verifying and recording actuation events of the inhaler, are disclosed. The usage recording smart label comprises a capacitive touch sensing plate to detect the presence of an activating body organ such as a hand or finger. The smart label, which may be in the form of a sticker or sticker-like, is attached to a grasping or actuation surface of the inhaler. The smart label may comprise text printed thereon, used as a replacement for an existing printed label. A usage recording method comprises (a) the usage recording smart label detecting an event of proximity of a finger for a given minimal time duration; (b) recording a timestamp of the event in memory of the smart label; (c) communicating stored timestamp data from the memory to an external device; the external device can be configured to display the actuation history.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultra-low power circuit for an event-recording smart label, the circuit comprising one or more sensors, a processor comprising a power controller, a power source, and a module comprising a non-volatile memory. The power controller supplies the module with power when needed by the non-volatile memory, for storage of an event log of a sensed event to the non-volatile memory by the processor, and discontinues supplying the module with power after completion of writing the log to the non-volatile memory. The module can be an NFC/memory chip. The module may further comprise a display driver such as one used for driving an e-paper display, wherein the supplying of power is discontinued upon completion of both writing the log and updating the display. A normally unpowered module supplied with power when needed, as taught herein, can provide a significant increase in shelf life over a continuously powered module.

Abstract: A usage recording smart label and inhaler, and methods for detecting, verifying and recording actuation events of the inhaler, are disclosed. The usage recording smart label comprises a capacitive touch sensing plate to detect the presence of an activating body organ such as a hand or finger. The smart label, which may be in the form of a sticker or sticker-like, is attached to a grasping or actuation surface of the inhaler. The smart label may comprise text printed thereon, used as a replacement for an existing printed label. A usage recording method comprises (a) the usage recording smart label detecting an event of proximity of a finger for a given minimal time duration; (b) recording a timestamp of the event in memory of the smart label; (c) communicating stored timestamp data from the memory to an external device; the external device can be configured to display the actuation history.