U.S. patent application number 09/945687 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-07 for system for tracking patient confidentiality forms.
Invention is credited to Jang, Jin S..
Application Number | 20020027162 09/945687 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26924478 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020027162 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jang, Jin S. |
March 7, 2002 |
System for tracking patient confidentiality forms
Abstract
A validating tracking system for tracking deliveries of
prescription medications from a pharmacy includes a cash register,
sniffer, scanner, credit card machine, monitor, computer, and
printer. The scanner scans prescription numbers from a prescription
bag at the time of delivery. The sniffer intercepts a copy of the
scanned prescription numbers as transmitted from the scanner to the
cash register, and displays the prescription numbers and
identification of medications in a patient consultation form
displayed on the monitor. The monitor is capable of digitizing and
electronically storing a customer signature traced on the form on
the screen with a stylus. The computer maintains a database
including a list of all prescription numbers ordered by the patient
and a copy of the consultation form with the digitized signature
showing date and time of delivery.
Inventors: |
Jang, Jin S.; (Elkton,
MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
26924478 |
Appl. No.: |
09/945687 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60230714 |
Sep 7, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/383 ;
705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 10/60 20180101;
G06Q 10/10 20130101; G16H 20/10 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/383 ;
705/2 |
International
Class: |
G06K 015/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A validating tracking system for tracking delivery of
prescription medications from a pharmacy, the pharmacy having a
computerized cash register and a scanner for scanning bar codes
into the computerized cash register, the tracking system
comprising: a) a sniffer connected to the scanner, the sniffer
having means for filtering bar coded prescription numbers from data
scanned by the scanner; b) a monitor having a screen for displaying
the prescription numbers filtered by the sniffer, the monitor
having electronic circuitry for digitizing a signature traced on
the screen by a stylus; and c) a computer having a database for
receiving, storing and retrieving prescription numbers from said
sniffer, for entering, storing and retrieving information
identifying prescription medications and patient information
relating to the prescription numbers, for receiving, storing and
retrieving digitized signatures traced on said monitor, and for
storing, retrieving and displaying patient consultation forms on
said monitor.
2. The validating tracking system according to claim 1, further
comprising a printer connected to said computer for printing
patient consultation forms.
3. The validating tracking system according to claim 1, wherein the
computer further includes means for decoding and identifying bar
coded prescription numbers.
4. The validating tracking system according to claim 1, wherein the
monitor has a screen approximately 4 inches by 8 inches for
displaying a patient consultation form.
5. A method of tracking the delivery of prescription medications to
a patient by a pharmacy, comprising the steps of: a) associating at
least one bar coded prescription number with a prescription order;
b) for each said bar coded prescription number, entering
information identifying a prescription medication and an associated
patient into a database; c) when delivering the prescription
medication, scanning said at least one bar coded prescription
number; d) displaying a patient consultation form listing said at
least one bar coded prescription number and information identifying
the medication and patient; e) digitizing a signature traced on the
patient consultation form by a person receiving delivery of the
prescription medication; and f) storing said digitized signature in
the database.
6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of
downloading records stored in the database to a backup storage disk
daily.
7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of
printing the patient consultation form with the digitized signature
of the recipient, a list of medications picked up, and the date and
time of delivery.
8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of
displaying the patient consultation form on a monitor.
9. A tracking system for tracking delivery of prescription
medications from a pharmacy, comprising: a) a bar code scanner for
scanning bar coded prescription numbers; b) a sniffer connected to
the scanner, the sniffer having means for filtering bar coded
prescription numbers from data scanned by the scanner; c) a monitor
having a screen for displaying the prescription numbers filtered by
the sniffer, the monitor having electronic circuitry for digitizing
a signature traced on the screen by a stylus; and d) a computer
having a database means for receiving, storing and retrieving
prescription numbers from said sniffer, for entering, storing and
retrieving information identifying prescription medications and
patient information relating to the prescription numbers, for
receiving, storing and retrieving digitized signatures traced on
said monitor, and for storing, retrieving and displaying patient
consultation forms on said monitor.
10. The tracking system according to claim 9, further comprising an
electronic cash register connected to said computer.
11. The tracking system according to claim 9, further comprising a
credit card reader connected to said cash register.
12. The tracking system according to claim 9, further comprising a
printer connected to said computer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/230,714, filed Sep. 7, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a prescription
transaction data system, and more specifically to a system for
recording and tracking prescription transactions.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The invention relates to a system and a method for
processing signature-based transactions. More particularly, a
merchant's records of delivery of goods, such as the delivery of
prescription drugs, can be generated and maintained electronically
without generation or use of paper records except those delivered
to customers at the point of sale.
[0006] In retailing and similar areas, the volume of transactions
is often such that management of paper records is burdensome.
Therefore paper records are being replaced by digital storage media
whenever feasible. However, digital storage media have not been
able to eliminate the need for paper storage in many financial
transactions requiring consumer approval. Typical examples are
transactions involving account debit, i.e., including checks and
charge receipts. In such transactions, paper documentation bearing
a signature has continued to be the norm. The storage and retrieval
of such records is both inefficient and costly.
[0007] While techniques have been developed for producing digitized
facsimiles of human signatures and processing thereof, there has
been no practical means of correlating a digitized signature with a
specific transaction. Only by a copy of the approving signature
thereon has it been possible to satisfy the commercial need for
proof of an obligation. Thus, paper records have persisted in the
face of strong incentives for their elimination.
[0008] In the area of retail marketing of prescription drugs, there
is a particular need for an automated system for tracking the order
and delivery of drugs. Many consumers require several different
prescription medications, have multiple prescriptions for the same
medication, or require refills on a prescription In many retail
establishments there is no automated system for recording the date
and time of delivery of the prescription medication to the consumer
and the name of the person who accepted delivery. Consequently,
when a consumer asks the clerk whether an order is ready, a manual
search must be made of prescription medications waiting for
customer pickup or waiting for preparation by the pharmacist. If
there is a dispute between the consumer and the pharmacy about
whether the medication has been picked up already, the pharmacy
often has no record of the exact date and time the medication was
picked up and the identity of the receiver of the prescription.
Alternatively, if the pharmacy does have such records, they are
paper records and require an undue amount of time to locate.
Consequently, there is a need for an automated system for recording
and tracking the delivery of goods to the consumer, and
particularly for maintaining confidential records and forms, such
as a patient's prescriptions.
[0009] The relevant art of interest will be described in the order
of perceived relevance to the present invention.
[0010] Japanese Patent Application No. 5-46871 published on Feb.
26, 1993, for Tatsuo Morimoto describes a system eliminating a
separate printer by miniaturizing a point-of-sale terminal or cash
register to incorporate a central processing unit (CPU) with an
operator's display, an elevated and larger customer's display on
top, a journal printer inside, a keyboard, a memory, an IC card
reader and writer, and a bar code reader. Sales information
inputted from the keyboard or the bar code reader is transmitted to
the IC card reader and writer via the CPU and recording sales
information on the IC card. The system is distinguishable for
recording sales information and eliminating an external printer
device.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,044 issued on Sep. 5, 1995, to James F.
Price et al. describes a signature capture pad for gathering
signature data associated with customer transactions including a
digitizer, microprocessor, and a plurality of serial ports, and may
be connected to a point of sale terminal, such as an electronic
cash register. The device is distinguishable for its limited use to
a signature capture pad.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,490 issued on Apr. 18, 2000, describes a
handheld writing device and related data entry system. A digital
electronic clipboard is used to mount pages or forms utilized in
forms processing applications, such as inventory tracking. A stylus
having a writing tip and a bar code scanning mechanism at its
opposite tip is used to enter data on the pages and scan the bar
codes. The system is distinguishable for its required stylus having
a specific capacity.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,158,194 issued on Jun. 12, 1979, to Lynn
McWaters et al. describes an optical recognition system, wherein
total data entry is accomplished through a hand held unit. The unit
includes an optical scanner, a keyboard and a display which
communicates with a portable character recognition unit. The system
is distinguishable for requiring a portable character recognition
unit.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,180,204 issued on Dec. 25, 1979, to Richard
W. Koenig et al. describes an automatic inventorying system for
automatically inventorying items having coded tags or labels using
a character recognition device, such as a wand scanner, in
combination with a system for specially marking labels when they
have been successfully read and recorded by the scanner. The system
comprises a photosensitive dye-forming material on the label and an
ultraviolet light-producing flash device on the scanner. The system
is distinguishable for being limited to a scanner for marking
labels.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,621,189 issued on Nov. 4, 1986, to Rajendra
Kumar et al. describes a hand held data entry scanner apparatus
having an optical scanning head rotatable on a hand-held keyboard
and a liquid crystal display. The apparatus is distinguishable for
being limited to a hand-held scanner.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,202 issued on Mar. 22, 1994, to Michael
A. Kapp et al. describes a method and system for generating a
completed payment document ready for signature in image form. The
document is signed by a customer, and a copy of the signature is
captured in digital form. Thereafter, the signature is encrypted
and saved along with a digital record of the transaction. The
system is distinguishable for requiring a write input
apparatus.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,078 issued on Apr. 18, 1995, to James A.
Campo et al. describes a portable point of sale terminal that
provides all of the usual point of sale terminal functions, but
that is entirely field portable. Data pertinent to each purchase
can be input to the terminal via a keyboard assembly, a
touch-screen display or a signature-capture screen assembly, or via
an antenna and radio link from an associated bar code scanner. Data
can be communicated to a remote host computer via a separate
antenna and radio link. The terminal functions as a portable
repeater or a node in a data communications network. The system is
distinguishable for its reliance on portability in the field.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,276 issued on Jul. 4, 1995, to Kazuo
Ohtani et al. describes an image recording apparatus for (1)
reading information for identifying an original document; (2) a
recording unit for recording the image of the original document on
a recording medium; (3) a selector for selecting a first mode or a
second mode; and (4) a controller for causing the recording unit
(a) to record the image only when the identifying information is
read by the reading means if the first mode is selected, or (b)
causing the recording unit to record the image regardless of the
reading of the identifying information if the second mode is
selected. The apparatus is distinguishable for being limited to
image recording.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,555 issued on Apr. 29, 1997, to Patrick
H. Davis describes a transport vehicle having as an on-board
peripheral system coupled to a Local Area Network (LAN), and a data
communication system with an adapter for removable coupling of
portable data terminals. A LAN data bus provides selective access
to the peripherals such as a large area display, a keyboard, a
printer, and a data terminal. The data terminals can be removed
from the vehicle and still be used. The system is distinguishable
for its reliance on LAN.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,452 issued on Apr. 20, 1999, to Jackson
Lum describes a point of sale system that is freely configurable
with a plurality of peripheral input devices. The system includes a
computer with an input port coupled to a screen and to an
electronic interface connectable to a plurality of peripheral input
devices such as a charge coupled device (CCD) barcode reader, a
point-of-sale keyboard through an intelligent wedge cable
interface, a magnetic stripe reader, an electronic scale, and
another input computer keyboard. The system is distinguishable for
its freely configurable plurality of peripheral devices.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,304 issued on May 2, 2000, to Francis J.
Callaghan et al. describes a data entry system that includes a hand
held data entry unit having a reading sensor for sensing commands
and/or data, rewritable storage for storing information relating to
selectable items, a controller (a microprocessor or other
processing circuitry), and a display screen for displaying a user
readable representation of the commands and/or stored information
for a selected item, and a telecommunication interface for
telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item
or items from the storage to a remote processing center and for the
telephonic information relating to selectable items from the remote
processing center to the storage. A telecommunications interface is
provided in the hand held unit for cellular or other wireless
telephony systems. The system is distinguishable for requiring a
telecommunications interface.
[0022] U.K. Patent Application No. 1,603,767 published on Nov. 25,
1981, for Francis J. Leaf describes a medical data processing
system comprising a first digital data recording and processing
computer at a central location, entering medical information, i.e.,
drug name, by hand on a card having a series of letters and numbers
in zones, which are read by machine, and the data fed to the second
digital data and recording computer. The system is distinguishable
for requiring hand marking input in systemized cards.
[0023] German Patent Application No. 3,214,621 A1 published on Oct.
20, 1983, for Siemans A G describes a hand-held combined optical
scanner for reading identification labels with both optical
character recognition characters and bar codes. The sensor units
are contained in separate compartments. The characters are scanned
by a matrix of photodiodes and the signals are transmitted to a
microprocessor located in the handle. The bar code signals are
amplified and converted to digital form initially. The scanner
device is distinguishable for being limited to the scanner
device.
[0024] Japanese Patent Application No. 4-58398 published on Feb.
25, 1992, for Katsuyuki Ono describes a customer management system,
wherein a bar code specifies a customer and performs the data
transfer between the bar code reader and a customer management
device to give an oil supply permission by a radio system. The
system is distinguishable for being tailored for furnishing an oil
supply to a customer.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,745 issued on Jul. 13, 1982, to William
D. Barber et al. describes a method and system for producing image
data by vibrapreening or laser marking for the automatic
recognition of characters on metallic and other specular surfaces
having varying roughness and reflectivity. The optical scanner
applies normal illumination, and a linear photodiode array detects
light reflected normal to the surface and within a narrow
acceptance angle, so that characters appear dark and the background
light. The detector signal is reprocessed to remove nonuniform
background variations and yield data which can be fed to
conventional character recognition equipment. The system is
distinguishable for the limited use of the optical scanner on
metallic and other specular surfaces having roughness.
[0026] It is therefore seen that there is a need for a practical
method and system for automated recording and tracking of customer
orders and delivery of goods.
[0027] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention is a validating tracking system for
tracking the delivery of prescription medication from a pharmacy.
The validating tracking system includes a cash register, a sniffer,
a scanner, a monitor, and a computer. The cash register is used for
calculating a sales price based on a quantity of goods or services
purchased. The scanner is attached to the cash register, and is
used to scan prescription numbers from a prescription bag at the
time of delivery. The sniffer is connected to the system to
intercept a copy of the scanned prescription numbers as they are
transmitted from the scanner to the register, and displays the
prescription numbers only of medications in a patient consultation
form displayed on an approximately 4 inch by 8 inch monitor. The
patient consultation form also has a space for a customer signature
recorded when the consumer receives delivery of the prescription
medication. The monitor is capable of receiving digital signals and
electronically storing a customer's signature traced on the screen
with an appropriate stylus. The computer maintains a database where
patient records are stored, including a list of all prescription
numbers ordered by the patient. If delivery of a particular
prescription is questioned, a copy of the consultation form with
the digitized signature showing date and time of delivery can be
retrieved.
[0029] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a point-of-sale computerized tracking system for tracking
purchase transactions of prescription medications.
[0030] It is another object of the invention to provide a
point-of-sale computerized tracking system for monitoring delivery
of prescription medications from a pharmacy.
[0031] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes
described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in
accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0032] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0033] The sole Figure is a block diagram of a point-of-sale
integrated tracking system according to the present invention.
[0034] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The present invention is an automated tracking system for
tracking prescription sales activity at the point of sale. An
integrated tracking system 10 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention is shown in the Figure. The tracking
system 10 may include a cash register 12, a sniffer 14, credit card
machine 16, a scanner 18, a monitor 20, a computer 22, and a
printer 24.
[0036] Cash Register. The cash register 12 is a conventional
electronic cash register. The cash register 12 is preferably
connected to a central computer having a database including
inventory and price information for prescription drugs, as well as
other goods offered for sale by the pharmacy. The cash register 12
serves to calculate a sales price based on the quantity of goods or
services purchased.
[0037] The Scanner. The scanner 18 is a conventional scanner
configured for reading bar codes placed on bags for prescription
medication. When a prescription is filled, a bar code label
identifying the prescription number is placed on a prescription
bag, and the filled prescription or prescriptions are packaged in
the bag. Information concerning the prescription number, including
the medication and the name of the patient, and other identifying
information, can be entered into a database stored on the computer
22 by the pharmacist when processing the prescription. The scanner
18 is communicatively connected to the cash register 12 for
enabling the scanner 18 to transmit data read from the prescription
bag to the cash register 12.
[0038] Sniffer. The sniffer 14 is a conventional network monitoring
tool for capturing data packets and decodes them using built-in
knowledge of common protocols. The sniffer 14 is connected in
series between the scanner 18 and the cash register 12 for
filtering or intercepting prescription bar codes. Preferably, the
sniffer 14 is constructed as a small-sized box attached on the
length of a communications cable that connects the cash register 12
to the scanner 18. As bar codes are scanned by the scanner 18, the
sniffer 14 filters the scanned data permitting only numbers
relating to prescription medication to pass for being displayed by
the monitor 20.
[0039] Credit Card Machine. The credit card machine 16 is a
conventional card reader designed for obtaining numeric data, such
as a magnetic strip reader, which reads account data directly from
a credit card's magnetic strip. The credit card machine 16 is
connected to the cash register 12 by conventional means for
enabling account data encoded on a credit card to be transmitted to
the cash register 12 to permit a credit card purchase of
prescription medication. Such credit card machines are optional and
not an essential part of the present invention.
[0040] Computer. The computer 22 can be a mainframe, a
micro-computer, a personal computer or other computer connected to
the sniffer 14 and the monitor 20. The computer 22 includes storage
for a database containing a patient's confidential records,
including records concerning each prescription medication ordered,
and stores a patient's confidential form(s) as set forth below. The
computer 22 may include a decoder or software for decoding and
identifying bar code information. The computer 22 may be the same
central computer which maintains inventory and price information,
or may be a separate work station dedicated to maintaining the
patient's confidential records. The information stored in the
database may be downloaded daily to a floppy disk or compact disk
for backup storage.
[0041] Monitor. The monitor 20 is connected to the computer 22 and
directly or indirectly to the sniffer 14. The monitor 20 is
preferably about four inches by eight inches in size, and has a
screen for displaying a patient consultation form. When
prescription medications are delivered, either directly to the
patient or to an authorized person picking up medications for the
patient, the prescription bag is scanned by the scanner 18. The
prescription numbers and identification of the medication(s) are
displayed in a patient consultation form on the monitor's screen,
thereby enabling the patient or his agent to see all of the
prescriptions being received. The patient consultation form also
contains a space for the signature of the person accepting delivery
of the prescription medication. The monitor 20 includes electronic
circuitry for digitizing a signature traced on the monitor screen
by a stylus or other device, and for sending an digitized image of
the consultation form, including the signature, to the database on
the computer 22 for storage.
[0042] If a question as to the delivery status of a prescription
medication arises, information concerning the patient, including a
list of all prescription numbers, the date and time delivered, and
the person accepting delivery can be retrieved from the computer 22
database. In addition, an image of the patient consultation form
for a particular prescription number, including the digitized
signature, can be displayed on the monitor 20 screen.
[0043] The printer 24 is optional, and can be any conventional
printer that is communicatively connected by common means to the
computer 22 for enabling a list of prescription medications and
associated prescription numbers, dates, times, and authorizing
signatures to be printed.
[0044] Thus, an efficient and economical system has been disclosed
for tracking patient confidentiality forms in a pharmacy.
[0045] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any
and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *