Spiroscout image from Asthmapolis
Asthmapolis is taking asthma research to a modern level. In the company's latest product, Spiroscout, GPS and WIFI capabilities are built into an inhaler. Each time the patient uses the inhaler, the position and time in recorded and submitted to a central computer. That is, if it has a data connection at that time. A better understanding of what causes asthma, where it is a growing issue, air quality of various locations, and overall trends is expected. Automatic logging is sure to replace Asthmapolis' other product, "Mobile Diary and Website," where people manually log all their asthma attacks. However, the Spiroscout let the user also download all the collected info into the same Diary/Website.
The cap of the inhaler contains the circuit board, battery, and some indicator lights. The inhaler lasts 2 days on a single charge. A wall adapter or USB port is needed for charging. Spiroscout will ship in the second half of 2011. I hope to see more portable medical monitors in the near future.
Eavesdropper