1. GPS-ENABLED ASTHMA INHALERGPS-ENABLED ASTHMA INHALER Michael Alexander | Samantha Bergh | Mollie Lange | Peter MaMichael Alexander | Samantha Bergh | Mollie Lange | Peter Ma BME 400BME 400 October 19, 2007October 19, 2007

2. PROJECT SUPPORTERS PhD, Medical Anthropology Specific interest in asthma and allergy Epidemic Intelligence Service officer for Centers for Disease Control Special projects with National Asthma Control Program Currently at UW as a Health and Society Scholar Biomedical Engineering Orthopedics and Rehabilitation UW-CREATe Advisor: Professor Mitch Tyler Client: David Van Sickle

3. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATEMENT All information provided by individuals or Design Project Groups during this, or subsequent presentations, is the property of the researchers presenting this information.

4. CONTENT Problem Statement Background Motivation Design Constraints Design Solution Current Progress Future Work References

5. PROBLEM STATEMENT Create a device capable of: – Tracking the usage of asthma inhalers – Transferring between medication dispensers – Noting time, date, and location of exacerbations – Wireless transmission of subject data to database Fall 2007-Spring 2008 – Improve upon previous design – Create 4-5 prototypes – Gain approval to begin clinical trials – Clinical trials with asthma patients

6. BACKGROUND Asthma – Chronic respiratory disease in which airways are blocked due to allergy or inflammation – Over 20 million Americans currently suffer from asthma Global Positioning System (GPS) – First developed for military – Widely used in communication, recreation, and safety – Uses signal transmission time to triangulate position

7. MOTIVATION Tracking of allergy/asthma symptoms – Local population health dynamics – Notification at time that symptoms occur – Currently no product on market Implications – Baseline expectations for certain areas – Outbreak control – Pollution and allergen warning system

8. Must meet FDA/IRB approval for use Secure attachment for peripherals Transferable between inhalers Wireless Battery powered GPS accurate to 15ft Low incidence of false positives DESIGN SOLUTION

9. Microchip snoozes Button pushed Chip powers on and runs program Program obtains GPS coordinates Send HTTP request to web server Server formats coordinates and displays them on map

10. Proof of concept prototype and Google Maps-based web implementation Problems: – No Python interpreter – Laptop sent commands – Not wireless – battery/power regulation issues CURRENT PROGRESS: SPRING 2007

11. Custom mapping software with SQL database search function, with much thanks to the UW Cartography Lab.

12. CURRENT PROGRESS: FALL 2007 – Python programming Programs written Python interpreter in chip is unreliable Solution: External microcontroller – Wireless implementation Power system built: – Lithium ion battery, capacitor, and protection Zener diode – Circuit board schematic created for printing PCB board – Purchased waterproof housing for encasing device Currently, seeking smaller alternatives – Smaller tactile push button

13. ESTIMATED COSTS Estimated cost of solution – GM862-GPS$183.95 – Microcontroller$9.95 – SIM card and service$39.95 – Circuit Boards$29.95 – Momentary button$19.95 – Battery$14.95 – Housing$14.95 TOTAL$312.65 Actual prototype cost more than this, but buying in bulk may eventually cut that price dramatically.

14. FUTURE WORK Use external microcontroller Study power and current requirements Test battery life Research rechargeable battery circuits Housing & button options Circuit board printing Creation of 4-5 additional prototypes Clinical Testing

15. REFERENCES Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America http://www.aafa.org American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology http://www.aaaai.org How Stuff Works: GPS http://www.howstuffworks.com/gps.htm

16. QUESTIONS? Thank you for your time! Any questions?

17. TESTING PROTOCOLS 1. Basic Function Analysis 2. Accuracy of Coordinate Retrieval 3. Accuracy of Dosage Detection 4. Program Execution 5. Power Regulation Over Time 6. Durability 7. Ease of Use 8. Multiple Coordinate Acceptance of Website 9. Patient Safety Analysis