Abstract:
The present invention relates to a dispenser comprising: a) a reclosable opening on, or for fitment on and/or around an opening of, a container having a cavity for receiving at least one unit of a product to be dispensed; b) a controller adapted for controlling the opening of the reclosable opening; c) a receiver adapted for receiving a user authentication signal; d) a power source for powering the controller and receiver; and wherein the dispenser only permits the opening of the reclosable opening upon the receiver receiving a user authentication signal. The invention also relates to a dispensing system, method of dispensing and a kit of parts including such a dispenser. The inventions are particularly suited for dispensing pharmaceutical products to only the intended recipient and also to ensure compliance with dosage regimes.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to reclosable dispensers and to systems and methods of dispensing (and additionally tracking and recording the dispensing of) products, such as pharmaceuticals, to the intended recipient. 
       BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Products, such as pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements can be dangerous if incorrectly administered or taken by someone other than the intended recipient (by a child for example). Most medicines need to be administered under a particular regimen to be effective, however, some patients take two does of the medicine if they have missed a previous dose which could be extremely harmful. Lastly, there are issues with patient dose compliance which is often hard to establish by physicians and can lead to further unnecessary treatments or provide incorrect clinical trial data. 
         [0003]    A number of devices and systems have been proposed which try and identify compliance issues with patient pharmaceutical administration. 
         [0004]    GB2483221 discloses a method of monitoring patient compliance using a camera on a telecommunication device to record the individual pill opening of a blister pack. The automated system detects whether an individual pill seal within the blister pack has been broken using image recognition software. The system collates the data issued by individual telecommunication devices by updating a database and queries it against preset parameters set by the health care professional. 
         [0005]    US20140266760 describes a tablet container cap which incorporates sensors, chips, transmitters, and receiver, to record, transmit, and receive data regarding the time intervals between when the container cap was last placed on or taken off of a container. The container cap is for use with pharmaceutical and other health care related vials, bottles and containers. The data transmission is used to monitor a patient&#39;s drug administration times and intervals, and allows the patient and/or the patient&#39;s caregiver to review the administration data. 
         [0006]    US20140297312 discloses computer-based systems and computer-implemented methods for monitoring medication events for an individual. 
         [0007]    All of the above systems and methods are aimed at monitoring dose administration. However none of the prior art systems and methods actively prevent administration to anyone other than the patient (or patient carer) or indeed permit stricter compliance with the desired dosage regime. An object of the present invention is to address one or more of the above problems associated with the prior art. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for a dispenser, system or method which prevents administration of a medicine to anyone other than the patient (or patient carer) and optionally only dispenses the medicine in the desired dose within the correct time interval. It is also an object to provide for a dispenser, system or method which actively monitors dose compliance and interacts with a medical records or clinical trial data systems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispenser comprising:
       a. a reclosable opening on, or for fitment on and/or around an opening of, a container having a cavity for receiving at least one unit of a product to be dispensed;   b. a controller adapted for controlling the opening of the reclosable opening;   c. a receiver adapted for receiving a user authentication signal;   d. a power source for powering the controller and receiver; and       
 
         [0013]    wherein the dispenser only permits the opening of the reclosable opening upon the receiver receiving a user authentication signal. 
         [0014]    The receiver may be further adapted for receiving a permitted time interval signal or the permitted time interval has lapsed and the dispenser only permits the opening of the reclosable opening upon additionally receiving a permitted time interval signal or a permitted time interval has lapsed. This can be used to prevent the unit (such as a pharmaceutical) from being dispensed too frequently or not within the desired time window. 
         [0015]    The receiver may be further adapted for receiving or assessing whether the user is within a prescribed vicinity of the dispenser and only permits the opening of the reclosable opening upon additionally determining if the user is within the prescribed vicinity. This feature can ensures that the opening of the reclosable opening is only permitted if the user is close by if it is not desired to permit remote opening. 
         [0016]    The user authentication signal may be provided by successfully identifying an authorised user by using one or more of the following: facial recognition, finger prints, retina scan, PIN code or password. It will be apparent that a number of other methods of identifying an authorised user may be employed such as voice signatures. 
         [0017]    Preferably the user authentication signal is provided upon verifying the user against identification data located on the dispenser or a remote server. 
         [0018]    The receiver may be formed as part of a transceiver to enable the dispenser to receive and also submit signals. Such a transceiver may transmit a dispensing signal and/or receipt of an authentication signal to the remote server. This transmission may be via one or more intermediate communication devices. 
         [0019]    The authentication signal may be provided by the receiver itself or by a remote device. 
         [0020]    A dispensing sensor may be provided which senses when one or more units of product has been advanced towards or through the reclosable opening. The dispensing sensor could comprise a micro-switch arrangement which detects the physical passage of the unit or a light sensor which can detect the optical passage of the unit. The dispensing sensor can be used to provide a dispensing validation signal. The dispensing sensor provides a ‘double check’ that the unit has indeed been dispensed to prevent false positive dispensing events being logged. 
         [0021]    The transceiver may transmit the dispensing signal and/or a dispensing validation signal and/or receipt of an authentication signal to the remote server via the remote device. The device may be configured so that both a dispensing signal and/or a dispensing validation signal are required to confirm that a unit has been dispensed and should the device transmit a dispensing signal without a dispensing validation signal, then an error can be identified by either the remote device or remote server and a remedial course of action permitted. 
         [0022]    The remote device will preferably comprise a radio electronic transmitter. A radio electronic transmitter may comprise a range of telecommunication devices, such as a mobile phone. The term “mobile phone”, “telecommunication device” and “cell phone” can be used interchangeably and are intended to be used to describe mobile communication devices which are capable of communicating wirelessly with the dispenser and also a remote server if desired. 
         [0023]    The term “signal” may encompass a number of different electronic communication signals, such as a radio signal. 
         [0024]    The controller may comprise a micro-switch arrangement which controls the opening of the reclosable opening. The controller may comprise a motor which acts to advance one or more units of product towards or through the reclosable opening. Preferably, the units of product are advanced by means of the motor powering a ratchet arrangement, whereby a single unit is advanced towards or through the reclosable opening. Such a ratchet arrangement would prevent further product units advancing towards or through the reclosable opening as the arrangement would essentially be locked until powered by the motor again. Alternatively, the units of product are advanced by means of the motor continually powering a mechanism, which optionally may include gearing, so that the units of product are advanced towards or through the reclosable opening at particular time intervals which correlate to speed of the motor and/or mechanism. Additional mechanical and/or electro-mechanical arrangements for controlling the opening of the reclosable opening will of course be apparent to the skilled addressee. 
         [0025]    The dispenser can be used for dispensing a number of different items but it is particularly suited to products comprising pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, nutritional or dietary supplements. The opening of the reclosable opening may permit only a single or metered dose of the product to be dispensed. The product may be in the form of a tablet or capsule. In the alternative, the product may be in the form of a liquid, powder or suspension. 
         [0026]    The one or more units of product may be gravity fed to the reclosable opening. Preferably, the dispenser is configured to be stored or held upright so as to enable one or more units of the product to be gravity fed to the reclosable opening. The dispenser may be in the form of a cylindrical housing having a base and a top and where the base is larger than the top. Additionally, the top may be substantially convex and optionally weighted so as to make the dispenser unstable unless it is stored in an upright position resting upon its base. 
         [0027]    It will be apparent to the skilled addressee that the dispenser may be retro-fitted to the opening of an existing container, such as a typical medical bottle or metered inhaler. 
         [0028]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is a provided a dispensing system comprising:
       a. a dispenser having a reclosable opening on, or for fitment on and/or around an opening of, a container having a cavity for receiving at least one unit of a product to be dispensed;   b. an identification device for recognising an authorised user;   c. a communication arrangement for communicating to the dispenser that recognition of the authorised user has been confirmed by the identification device; and       
 
         [0032]    wherein only when the recognition of the authorised user is communicated, does the dispenser permit one or more units of the product to be dispensed through the reclosable opening. 
         [0033]    Preferably, only when the recognition of the authorised user is communicated and additionally a permitted time interval signal or the permitted time interval has lapsed and/or the user is within a prescribed vicinity of the dispenser, does the dispenser permit one or more units of the product to be dispensed through the reclosable opening. 
         [0034]    The recognition device may use one or more of the following: facial recognition, finger prints, retina scan, PIN code or password. Again it will be apparent to the skilled addressee that other recognition devices may also be employed if desired. 
         [0035]    The recognition of the authorised user may be provided upon verifying the user against identification data located on a remote server. The communication arrangement may transmit a dispensing signal and/or a dispensing validation signal and/or recognition of the authorised user to the remote server. 
         [0036]    The identification device may comprise a remote device. The communication device may transmit a dispensing signal and/or a dispensing validation signal and/or recognition of the authorised user to the remote server via the remote device. The remote device will preferably comprise a mobile phone. 
         [0037]    The product may comprise a pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, nutritional or dietary supplement. 
         [0038]    The opening of the reclosable opening may permit a single or metered dose of the product to be dispensed. The product may be in the form of a tablet, liquid, powder or suspension. 
         [0039]    In accordance with a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing at least one unit of a product from the cavity of a container to an authorised user comprising:
       a. providing a container having an opening and a cavity for receiving at least one unit of the product to be dispensed and the dispenser having a controllably reclosable opening;   b. providing an identification device for recognising an authorised user;   c. providing a communication arrangement for communicating to the dispenser when recognition of the authorised user has been confirmed by the identification device; and       
 
         [0043]    wherein only when the recognition of the authorised user is communicated to the dispenser, does the dispenser permit one or more units of the product to be dispensed through the reclosable opening. 
         [0044]    It is preferred that the method employs a system as herein above described. 
         [0045]    In accordance with a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising:
       a. a dispenser having a reclosable opening on, or for fitment on and/or around an opening of, a container which incorporates or is operably connected to:   b. an identification device for recognising an authorised user;   c. a communication arrangement for communicating to the dispenser that recognition of the authorised user has been confirmed by the identification device so that the reclosable opening can be opened; and   d. a container having a cavity for receiving at least one unit of a product to be dispensed and an opening.       
 
         [0050]    It is preferred that the kit is used to produce a system as herein above described. 
         [0051]    In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provide a dispensing container comprising:
       a) a cavity for receiving at least one unit of product to be dispensed;   b) a base having an aperture adapted to allow at least one unit of product to be dispensed when desired; and   c) a dispensing control arrangement for controlling the dispensing of at least one unit of product through the aperture in the base in accordance with a dispensing protocol.   The dispensing container will preferably further comprise:   d) a cap releasably attached to the base so as to cover the aperture in the base and capable of storing at least one unit of product after it has been dispensed.       
 
         [0057]    Preferably, the dispensing protocol comprises a pre-determined time interval. Such a time interval may be desirable for dispensing certain pharmaceutical products such as drug rehabilitation medicines like methadone. The protocol may be specifically tailored to individual patient requirements or may be defined by the preferred/suggested dosage regime of the product manufacturer or physician. 
         [0058]    The dispensing protocol may alternately, or additionally, comprises receiving a user authentication signal from a remote device. Such user authentication signals are described in detail in earlier embodiments. The remote device may be a mobile phone or similar device which is able to verify the identity of the individual wishing to take the product. 
         [0059]    The controller may comprise a micro-switch or ratchet arrangement which controls the dispensing of one or more units of product through the aperture. The controller may comprise a motor which acts to actively advance (or enable) one or more units of product (to move) towards or through the aperture. The motor may drive a number of mechanical arrangements, although a rotary wheel which advances units of product towards aperture is preferred. 
         [0060]    The one or more units of product will preferably be gravity fed to and through the aperture. If a gravity feed is utilised, then the dispenser may be configured to be stored or held upright so as to enable one or more units of product to be gravity fed to the aperture. The dispenser may be in the form of a cylindrical housing having a base and a top and where the base is larger than the top. In such configuration, the top is preferably substantially convex and optionally weighted so as to make the dispenser unstable unless it is stored in an upright position resting upon its base. This forces the individual to maintain the dispenser in the correct orientation for the gravity feed through the dispensing mechanism. 
         [0061]    The dispenser may further comprise a communication arrangement for communicating to a remote server that a unit of product has been dispensed and/or the dispensing of a unit of product has been validated and/or the cap has been removed and/or reattached to the base after removal. The use of such a communication arrangement is particularly useful when logging and tracking consumption/compliance with a dosage regime. 
         [0062]    In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispensing system comprising:
       a) a dispenser having a cavity for receiving at least one unit of product to be dispensed, a base having an aperture adapted to allow at least one unit of product to be dispensed when desired; and a dispensing control arrangement for controlling the dispensing of at least one unit of product through the aperture in the base in accordance with a dispensing protocol;   b) an arrangement for setting or adapting the dispensing protocol; and optionally   c) a communication arrangement for communicating to a remote server that a unit of product has been dispensed from the dispenser.       
 
         [0066]    The dispensing system my further comprise a cap releasably attached to the base so as to cover the aperture in the base and capable of storing at least one unit of product after it has been dispensed. 
         [0067]    Preferably, the dispensing system comprises a dispenser as described above, for use in controlling the dispensing of one or more units of a pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, nutritional or dietary supplements to an individual according to a pre-determined protocol and optionally relaying to a remote server that a unit has been dispensed. 
         [0068]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a product dispenser for dispensing and logging the consumption of a product contained therein comprising:
       a) a lid for a container comprising a cavity for receiving a plurality of product units to be dispensed, the lid having an aperture adapted to allow at least one unit of product to be dispensed when desired; and   b) a counting arrangement for counting and communicating each unit of product which has been dispensed.       
 
         [0071]    The counting and communicating arrangement may comprise a visual display showing the number of product units dispensed. The number of product units dispensed may be displayed on the visual display for a pre-determined time after each unit of product has been dispensed. 
         [0072]    The at least one unit of product may be dispensed by a number of different ways. Preferably, it is by means of a mechanical action being performed on the lid. Such mechanical action may be twisting and/or pushing or pulling the lid or manipulating a feature on the lid such as depressing/pushing a button. Preferably, the lid may further comprise a child-safety feature to reduce the ability of a child from dispensing a unit of product. A number of child safety features will be already known to the skilled addressee. 
         [0073]    The dispenser may be fitted to, or retrofitted, to a container having a plurality of product units located therein. 
         [0074]    Preferably, a unique identifier is provided on or near to the counter. This enables data of the contents of the container and the identity of the individual to be easily correlated with the dosing frequency if the product is of a medicinal nature. 
         [0075]    In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a dispensing and logging system comprising:
       a) a container comprising a cavity for receiving a plurality of product units to be dispensed, and a lid having an aperture adapted to allow at least one unit of product to be dispensed when desired and a counting arrangement for counting and displaying each unit of product which has been dispensed; and   b) a communication arrangement for interrogating and relaying the unit dispense count back to a remote server for logging purposes.       
 
         [0078]    Preferably, the dispensing and logging system comprises a dispenser as herein above described, for use in controlling and logging the dispensing of how many units of a pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, nutritional or dietary supplement to an individual has been dispensed. 
         [0079]    It will be apparent to the skilled addressee that the a number of compatible features will exist between the various aspects of the invention as described and therefore such compatible features will be interchangeable with one another. 
     
    
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
         [0080]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and accompanying figures, in which: 
           [0081]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a dispensing container in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0082]      FIG. 1B  is an exploded cross-section perspective view of the dispensing container as shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0083]      FIG. 1C  is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing container as shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0084]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram for illustrating the steps undertaken by a doctor and patient in order to use the dispensing container of the present invention and their interaction with a remote database; 
           [0085]      FIG. 3  is a schematic flow diagram of how a user may implement part of the invention using a mobile phone; 
           [0086]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional diagram of an alternative embodiment of the dispensing container, where a standard tablet bottle is fitted with a cap capable of dispensing tablets in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0087]      FIG. 4B  is a side-view along view axis A-A (as shown in  FIG. 4A ) illustrating how the dispensing cap would present and dispose a tablet to a user; 
           [0088]      FIG. 5  shows a yet further embodiment of the dispensing container in accordance with the present invention, where the container contains a liquid and the housing is capable of dispensing a spray to a patient; 
           [0089]      FIG. 6  is a schematic flow-diagram illustrating the steps a patient would make during the operation of the dispensing container of the present invention; and 
           [0090]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a dispensing container in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, where the end cap has been removed; 
           [0091]      FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser shown in  FIG. 7A , where the end cap has not been removed; 
           [0092]      FIG. 7C  is an exploded perspective view of the component parts of the dispensing container shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B ; 
           [0093]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a yet further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0094]      FIG. 8B  is a further perspective view of the dispensing container as shown in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0095]      FIG. 8C  is a front view of the dispensing container shown in  FIG. 8B , showing outlined boxes which may be photographed/analysed by an imaging device; and 
           [0096]      FIG. 9  shows a similar dispensing container as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C  but differs in the fact that it contains a tablet counter and bar code. 
       
    
    
       [0097]    With reference to  FIG. 1A-C , there is shown a dispensing container  100  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing container  100  comprises a cylindrical housing  102  having a round top at the top end of the cylindrical housing  102  and a dispensing base disc  106  located at the bottom end of the cylindrical housing  102 . A removable base cap  108  covers the dispensing base disc  106  and is removably attached to the cylindrical housing  102  by means of projections  122  can be rotatably received around the threaded shank  120  of the cylindrical housing  102 . 
         [0098]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , a pharmaceutical tablet  110  is located within the main body of the cylindrical housing and when placed in an upright position (as shown in  FIG. 1B ) the tablet  110  slides downwardly under gravity along the downwardly extending sloped inner wall  112  before passing down through the housing chute  113  and continues in a downwardly direction  114  and on to a surface of the dispensing base disc  106 . The tablet can continue in a downwardly direction  116  through an aperture  117  in the dispensing disc  106  so that it ultimately falls into the removable base cap  108 . When the removable base cap  108  is unscrewed, the cap can be moved away from the cylindrical housing  102  in a direction  118  so that the tablet can be easily removed by the user from the cap with their fingers and ingested by a patient. The cylindrical housing  102  also incorporated electronic circuitry  124  assessing user authentication and dispensing the tablet from the cylindrical housing through a dispensing flap  126  located at the exit of the cylindrical housing chute  113 . 
         [0099]    In use, each dispensing container  100  will be given a unique ID code which will be stored within the electronic circuitry  124  and the code will also be printed on the exterior of the cylindrical housing  102 . The dispensing container  100  will be filled on a high speed (standard) pharmaceutical tablet bottling line and subsequently labelled and collated ready for shipping to the pharmacy. A pharmacist will dispense the bottle to the patient and the patient will then follow the instructions provided in order to permit access to the medication as and when required (as described with reference to later figures). 
         [0100]    When a patient wishes to ingest a pharmaceutical tablet  110 , they will first have to transmit a authentication code to the electronic circuitry  124  in order for the dispensing flap  126  to be opened and a tablet permitted to pass through the dispensing base disc  106  and into the removable cap  108 . The user may use a number of means for providing the bottle with the authentication ID, but it is preferred that the code is provided wirelessly via a mobile phone which is configured only to provide the authentication ID after the identification of the user has been verified (either by means of facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, retina scan, pin code or password). 
         [0101]    Turning to  FIG. 2 , there is shown schematically the system  200  of how a dispensing container as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C  is configured to interact with a remote database. A doctor (or healthcare professional)  202  provides a prescription-dose regime  204  which includes a unique 1D code. The prescription  204  is given to the patient  206  who in turn passes it to a pharmacist  208  who provides the dispensing container which contains the required pharmaceutical tablets. The dispensing container is pre-packaged or self-packaged with a script and further ID digits. The patient then downloads a computer program (commonly referred to as an “app”) to their telecommunication device using the ID code. In order to activate the computer program, the software prompts the use to take a photograph of themselves for future user verification. The dispensing container is then fully activated  212  and can dispense pharmaceutical tablets at the prescribed dose and time but only after the user has presented their face to the camera of the telecommunication device so as to provide a positive ID in the form of facial recognition  214 . Data  218  is sent from and received by the telecommunication device and database  216  via any known communication route  220 . The database  216  optionally provides the 1D codes during the prescription step  204  and may also house the software for the patient to download  224 . If desired, the database  216  could be stored on a cloud based server or a hosted server with a secure network connection. It will be apparent to the skilled person, that during step  210 , the patient need not necessarily download the software afresh, if the software already exists on their telecommunication device for a similar/repeat prescription or indeed a different prescription which is intended to be prescribed in the same manner. 
         [0102]      FIG. 3  shows the various software steps  300  which would take place when a patient downloads the software on to their telecommunication device in the format of a mobile phone so as to be able to access the medicine from the dispensing container. A patient would first download  302  the software onto their phone, during which a standard “download” screen  304  illustrating the time remaining for the software to be downloaded and installed on the phone will be presented to the user. The patient would then insert their ID code  310  which is linked to the visual recognition technology located either within the software on the phone or on a remote server. After the patient has inserted their ID code  310  on the “enter pin”  312  screen the patient is then prompted to take a photo  314  by means of a “take self photo” screen  316 . A photo capture step  318  takes place where the patient  320  takes a photograph of their face using the integrated camera on the mobile phone and they then enter patient profile data  322  as requested on the patient profile page  324 . By completing the patient profile in the software, this automatically activates  326  the dispensing container and enables the phone to start communicating directly with the microprocessor in the dispensing container  328 . A single dose may be taken on time  330  as prompted by the software  332  and when a tablet has been taken from the container, the dose taken  334  is relayed back to the phone, and a “dose taken”  336  screen is presented on the phone. The data is then stored on the phone and also uploaded to the database  338  and confirmation that data has been uploaded to the server  340  is presented to the user screen. When a further dose is required, a reminder for a second dose at a second time period  342  is sent to the phone to alert the user via a reminder screen  344  and this prompts a photograph to be taken for authentication  346  and provided that the person who is photographed is recognised as the same picture in the original photo capture  318 , the dispensing container is authorised to dispense a further dose and steps  332  to  348  repeated  350  as necessary. 
         [0103]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a bottle  400  with a dispensing cap in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The bottle  402  is a standard pharmaceutical tablet bottle which has a neck  404  with a threaded shank  408  for sealing with a sealing cap. A dispensing cap having a cap housing  406  has been rotated received onto the threaded of the neck of the bottle  404  in a secure matter. It is desirable for the cap housing  406  to be permanently affixed around the neck of the bottle  404  such that it cannot be removed. 
         [0104]    The cap housing  406  houses a battery  410  for powering the electronic circuitry within the cap housing  406 . An access flap  412  is shown in a closed configuration at the base of the cap housing. The access flap can move to open configuration (shown in hatched lines  412   b ). The flap  412 ,  412   b  pivots about a hinge  414  and permits the flap to move in an arcuate direction  413 . The cap housing  406  also incorporates an aerial  416  for communicating with an external device such as a mobile phone. The aerial  416  is operably connected to a microprocessor  418  which in turn is connected to a locking mechanism  420  for controlling the movement of the access flap  412 . The locking mechanism  420  comprises an electromagnet  422  which can abut a strip of ferrous material  424  located on the interior surface of the access flap  412 . Within the bottle  402  are a number of pharmaceutical tablets  426  which can be received within a channel of the access flat  412  so that a single tablet can be dispensed during one access flap opening. A schematic telecommunication device  430  is shown which is in wireless communication  432  with the microprocessor  418  via the aerial  416 . 
         [0105]    As the bottle  402  may be a standard bottle, the cap  406  could be retrofitted to the bottle, or simply formed or affixed onto the bottle during the normal packaging process. When a patient wishes to ingest a pharmaceutical tablet  426 , they use the system  200  and take the necessary steps on their phone  300  to effect a positive ID authentication from the telecommunication device  430  which is sent wirelessly  432  to the aerial  416  of the cap housing  406 . The microprocessor  418 , upon receipt of an authentication code disengages the electromagnetic locking arrangement  422  so as to release the access flap  412  so that it moves to an open configuration  412   b  and a single pharmaceutical tablet  426   b  is presented to the user for consumption. The user then pushes the access flap  412   b  back towards the cap housing  406  and the microprocessor  418  automatically activates the electromagnet  422  which secures the access flap to the strip of ferrous material  424 . Different locking mechanisms may also be deployed. 
         [0106]      FIG. 5  shows a bottle with aerosol dispenser in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an aerosol can  502  is received within a dispenser housing  506 . The dispenser housing  506  also contains a battery  510  which powers a microprocessor  518  and the locking mechanism  522 . A liquid pharmaceutical medicine  526  is contained within the aerosol can and is capable of being in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol dispensing nozzle  512  when the locking mechanism  522  has been disengaged. In common with the bottle with dispensing cap in accordance with the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the aerosol dispenser also communicates with a telecommunication device  530  via an aerial  516  using a wireless connection  532 . Again, when the telecommunication device  530  transmits a user authentication signal to the microprocessor  518  via the aerial  516 , it disengages the locking mechanism  522  for a single metered dose of the liquid pharmaceutical medicine  526  via the liquid aerosol dispensing nozzle  512 . After the single does has been dispensed, the locking mechanism  522  engages so as to prevent any further doses being dispensed until such time that an authentication code is again provided by the telecommunication device  530 . 
         [0107]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a schematic flow chart  600  of the necessary steps a user may take in order to obtain a pharmaceutical dose from a dispensing container in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The user  602  is required  604  to provide ID authentication  606  to the container. If no ID authentication is provided  608 , the container remains closed  610 . If a ID authentication  606  is provided  612 , then is the request for a further pharmaceutical dose within the prescribed time interval  614 ? If the request is not within the prescribed time frame  616 , then the container remains closed. If the request is within the prescribed time interval  620 , the system then needs to establish whether a single dose  622  is required. If only a single dose is required  642  then the container is enabled to dispense one dose  644  after which, the container is locked  646  after dispensing the dose. If more than one single dose is required  624  is a double dose required  626 ? If yes  632 , then the container is enabled to dispense 2 doses  634  before the container is locked  636 . If more than 2 doses are required  628 , then if a triple dose is required  630 , the container is enabled to dispense 3 doses  638 , after which the container is locked  640 . The process continues  631  depending on the number of doses required. If a single, double or triple ( 646 ,  636 ,  640 ) has been dispensed then the event is communicated  648  to a central database  652 . If unauthorised requests or out of time interval requests have been received ( 610 ,  618 ), then this information is also relayed  650  to the central database  652 . 
         [0108]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a dispensing container which is similar in its mode of action to a dispensing container as described with reference to (and as illustrated in)  FIG. 1 . With reference to  FIG. 7A-7C , the dispensing container  700  of this embodiment has an outer cylindrical body  702  which is closed at the top by means of a weighted top cap  704 . Extending circumferentially around the base of the outer cylindrical body  702  is an outer rim  706  having a number of longitudinally extending projections  707  forming easy to grip features on the rim. Directly under the outer rim  706  is a threaded shank  720  around which is secured a rotatably removable base cap  708 . In  FIG. 7A , the base cap  708  is shown in a position away from the outer cylindrical body  702  and contains a pharmaceutical tablet  710  which has been dispensed. The base cap  708  has a flat lower surface (not shown) which is used to support the container in an upright fashion when resting on a flat surface. The direction of the flow of the pharmaceutical tablet  710  out of the cylindrical body  702  is illustrated by the arrow denoted  712  which shows that the tablet  710  is dispensed into the removable base cap  708  via a chute  713  located towards the bottom of the cylindrical body  702 . 
         [0109]    Towards the base of the cylindrical body  702  is a rotatable star  714  which is in the configuration of a small cylinder which is rotatable along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body  702  and from which 8 fins  715  extend in a radial fashion. The spacing of the radial fins  715  corresponds to longer fins  716  located on a static star  717  located above the rotatable star  714  which is connected to a ratchet mechanism (not shown). The longer fins  716  form channels within the star  718  and enable end-to-end vertical stacking of pharmaceutical tablets  710 . 
         [0110]    The chute  713  abuts a lower disc  724  located beneath the rotatable star  714 . The lower disc  724  is provided with an aperture  722  for allowing the pharmaceutical tablet  710  to be dispensed into the removable base cap  708  when desired. 
         [0111]    In a central portion of the dispensing container  700 , there is provided a drive mechanism, power source and communication arrangement. An AA battery  726  provides power to a motor  732  which is adapted to rotate the rotatable star  714  via a gearing mechanism  730 . A microprocessor  728  is provided and attached to a communication arrangement (such as an antenna and Bluetooth® communication software). 
         [0112]    In use, the dispensing device  700  operates in a very similar manner as to the dispensing device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . When assembled, the dispensing container  700  forces the user to keep the device in an upright configuration as the top cap  704  is weighted such that if the container is not held or placed on a surface in a vertical manner, the container will be unstable and topple over. This feature is important as it forces the user to keep the dispensing container in its upright configuration which permits the pharmaceutical tablet  710  to be gravity fed into the rotatable star  714  and ultimately into the removable base cap  708 . The top cap  704  also permits the dispensing container to be easily filled at a production facility or a pharmacy. 
         [0113]    Initially, pharmaceutical tablets  710  are stacked end-to-end within the static star channels  718  and the stack extends into the space formed between the fins  715  of the rotatable star  714 . When the dispensing container is activated, the rotatable star  714  is powered by the battery  726  drives the motor  732  which in turn activates the gearing mechanism  730  and very rotates the ratchet mechanism of the rotatable star  714  in a direction  734 . When the tablet  710  is rotated to a position adjacent to the chute  713 , the pharmaceutical tablet is able to drop by gravity through the aperture  722  in the lower disc  724  and into the removable base cap  708 . A dispensing sensor (not shown) may also be provided for validation purposes which detects and confirms the dispensation of a tablet  710 . A dispensing sensor may be a micro-switch arrangement which detects the physical passage of the tablet or a light sensor which can detect the optical passage of the tablet. The dispensing sensor may be located adjacent to or within the chute  713 . When the user is ready to take their medicine, they simply unscrew the removable base cap  708  and remove the pharmaceutical tablet  710  and then consume it for their treatment. The rotatable star  714  can be pre-set to rotate at a particular speed so that one or more tablets  710  are dispensed at pre-determined time points. The microprocessor  728  can not only control the speed of the rotation of the rotatable star  714  through the gearing arrangement  730 , but may also communicate the removal of the base cap  708  and/or the dispensing of a tablet  710  through the aperture  722  (which may include validation of the dispensing by utilising the dispensing sensor) to a remote server for compliance monitoring. Should dispensing action not be validated by the dispensing sensor, then an error signal may be sent to the remote server for appropriate action. Alternatively, the dispensing container  700  could be used in conjunction with an authentication protocol so that the rotatable star  714  only rotates to a position to allow a pharmaceutical tablet  710  to be dispensed through the chute  713  and aperture  712  upon receipt of an authorisation signal. The dispensing container  700  is particularly suited for the timed dispensation of drug rehabilitation treatments such as methadone, as the dispensing container cannot be opened by the user and will only dispense tablets at prescribed time points. Of course, an override system may also be provided to enable dispensation of tables in emergencies and/or malfunction of the software or mechanism. 
         [0114]    The dispensing container  700  may be used in conjunction with the system  200  (shown in (and described with reference to)  FIG. 2 ) for configuring a dispensing container with a remote database, in addition to using the software steps  300  (shown in (and described with reference to)  FIG. 3 ) and lastly the necessary steps a user may take in order to obtain a pharmaceutical dose from a dispensing container using the steps  600  (shown in (and described with reference to)  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0115]    As a further modification to the dispensing container  700 , or as an emergency back-up, the advancement of the tablet  710  through the chute  713  may be by the user twisting the collar  706  which would be operably connected to the rotatable star  714  in such a manner that the twisting action would rotate the fins  715  enough so that a tablet could be dispensed. There may be an additional mechanism included which prevents the rotation of the collar (and therefore dispensation of the tablet) unless the prescribed time had lapsed or a correct authentication code had been received. 
         [0116]    With reference to  FIGS. 8A-8A , there is a yet further dispensing container  800  shown related to the present invention. The dispensing container  800  is formed of a standard tablet bottle  802 , upon which is attached a dispensing lid  804 . The dispensing lid  804  is formed of a bottle sealing rim  806  and a dispensing portion  808 . The dispensing portion  808  has a dispensing counter  810  and an aperture  812  through which pharmaceutical tablets  814  can be dispensed. The tablet bottle  802  has a label  816  having a unique barcode  818  included thereon. 
         [0117]    The bottle sealing rim  806  is statically received on the tablet bottle  802 , but permits the dispensing portion  808  to rotate in a clockwise direction  820  by 90° so as to enable a pharmaceutical tablet  814  to be dispensed through the aperture  812  in the direction indicated by the arrow  822 . The dispensing portion  808  is spring loaded and after dispensing a tablet, it counter rotates in an anti-clockwise direction by 90° and therefore assumes its original position ready for the next tablet to be dispensed. 
         [0118]    In use, the tablet bottle  802  will be filled with pharmaceutical tablets  814  which may contain a medicine such as a severe pain relief formulation. When the user wishes to take a medicine, they simply rotate the dispensing portion  808  relative to the bottle  802  and a pharmaceutical tablet  814  is dispensed through the aperture  812  in the direction  822 . As the tablet  814  passes through the dispensing portion  808  or the aperture  812 , the dispensing counter  810  is advanced by an additional number, thus indicating the total number of tablets dispensed. The dispensing counter  810  may be analogue or digital and may be in the form of a LED or LCD display. 
         [0119]    The dispensing container  800  may be used simply to allow an individual track the number of doses taken from the bottle or the container could be utilised for more active monitoring of the dispensing of the tablets from the bottle. In the latter, an image capture device  824  (such as a camera on a smartphone) may be used to take an image of the whole of the dispensing container  800  or a first  826  and/or second  828  focus area. The image capture device  824  may be further refined to take two images or to focus on two areas of the bottle, namely the dispensing counter  810  and the label  816  which contains a unique barcode  818 . Alternatively or additionally, a barcode  826  may be attached near to the dispensing counter  810  so that the image capture device need only be focused towards the first focus area thus removing the need to receive an image from the second focus area  828 . 
         [0120]    The dispensing container  800  could be used in a number of ways, although it is envisaged that a smartphone (not shown) is used to relay when a dose from the bottle has been taken by sending data from the display counter  810  and unique barcode  818  (or  826 ) to a remote server for dose monitoring and/or reordering purposes. 
         [0121]    Lastly,  FIG. 9  shows a similar dispensing container as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C . In view of this similar features have been denoted by the same reference numeral prime (′). The dispensing container  700 ′ also includes a counter  750  which counts the numbers of tablets dispensed in a similar manner to the counter  810  and also a unique barcode  760 . The counter  750  may also be able to log and display additional information such as the time the last table was dispensed, how many tablets have been dispensed so far and how many tablets remain in the container. By including the counter, the dispensing container  700 ′ can be used (either additionally or alternatively) in a similar way as shown and described with reference to  FIGS. 8A-C , where a imaging device (such as a smart phone) is used to track and relay information about the frequency and timing of tablet dispensation. Furthermore, the counter could also include an alert function such as flashing or audible alarm in order to remind an individual to take another dose. 
         [0122]    It will of course be apparent, that the devices and system as described with reference the aforementioned embodiments can be used not only to prevent unauthorised access to the medicines within the containers (for example to reduce the likelihood of children gaining access to pharmaceutical products) but they can also be used to monitor patient compliance and ensure correct dosage regimes are followed in accordance with the recommended guidelines. By utilising a telecommunication device such as a “smartphone”, software embedded in the phone or a computer program operating on the phone can automatically remind patients to take the medicines at the correct timings and the software can also include features to take account of patients travelling between time zones, whilst maintaining correct dosage regimes which are often difficult for travellers etc. 
         [0123]    The configuration of the containers and dispensing mechanisms described above can of course be interchanged depending upon the precise application and therefore the foregoing embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the protection afforded by the claims, but rather to describe examples of how the invention may be put into practice.