U.S. patent application number 13/776114 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for method of delivering goods and services via media.
This patent application is currently assigned to TRIALCARD SYSTEMS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Trialcard Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to David W. Cunningham, William N. Engle, John M. Harden, Charles W. Reuben.
Application Number | 20140074494 13/776114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43837193 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140074494 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cunningham; David W. ; et
al. |
March 13, 2014 |
Method of Delivering Goods and Services Via Media
Abstract
A method of delivering goods or services via an encoded medium
to a holder includes generating data in a database associated with
a central computing station in response to an assignee of the
medium and a provider of goods or services separately
communicatively linking the medium to a central computing station.
The data generated in the database includes the identity of the
assignee, the identity of the goods or services associated with the
medium, and the identity of the goods or services provided by the
provider. A value of the medium is established, wherein the medium
assumes different values based on various conditions. After the
provider of goods or services provides the goods or services to the
holder, the value of the medium is updated and recorded in the
database.
Inventors: |
Cunningham; David W.;
(Raleigh, NC) ; Harden; John M.; (Oxford, NC)
; Engle; William N.; (Raleigh, NC) ; Reuben;
Charles W.; (Cary, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Trialcard Systems, Inc.; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TRIALCARD SYSTEMS, INC.
Raleigh
NC
|
Family ID: |
43837193 |
Appl. No.: |
13/776114 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13209970 |
Aug 15, 2011 |
8407095 |
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13776114 |
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11459070 |
Jul 21, 2006 |
8055542 |
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13209970 |
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10098700 |
Mar 15, 2002 |
7925531 |
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11459070 |
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09558260 |
Apr 25, 2000 |
6859780 |
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10098700 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/206 20130101;
G06Q 20/20 20130101; G06Q 20/204 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06Q 10/10 20130101; G06Q 30/0269 20130101; G06Q 20/102 20130101;
G06Q 30/0207 20130101; G16H 20/10 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/2 |
International
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20060101
G06F019/00 |
Claims
1. A method of delivering goods or services via an encoded medium
to a holder of the medium, comprising: generating data in a
database associated with a central computing station in response to
an assignee of the encoded medium communicatively linking the
encoded medium with the central computing station, wherein the data
generated in the database identifies the assignee and the goods or
services associated with the medium; generating data in the
database associated with a central computing station in response to
a provider of goods or services communicatively linking the encoded
medium with the central computing station, wherein the data
generated in the database identifies goods or services provided by
the provider; establishing a value for the medium, wherein the
medium assumes different values based on various conditions; and
updating the value of the medium and recording the updated value in
the database in response to the provider of goods or services
providing goods or services to the holder of the medium.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the value of the medium is a
function of time, user activity, or geography.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the value of the medium is a
function of the manner of activation.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the value of the medium is
established at one value when activation is made via telephone, a
second value when activation is made via the global network, or a
third value when activation is made by responding via mail or other
carrier.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the value of the medium is a
function of the transaction entered into between the holder and the
provider.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the value of the medium is a
function of the identity of the assignee.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the value of the medium is a
function of a referral.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/209,970 filed Aug. 15, 2011, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/459,070 filed
Jul. 21, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,055,542, which is a divisional
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/098,700 filed Mar. 15, 2002,
now U.S. Pat. No. 7,925,531, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/558,260 filed Apr. 25, 2000,
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,780, the disclosures of all of which are
hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the distribution
of pharmaceutical products and more particularly to an improved
method of dispensing, tracking, and managing pharmaceutical
products by communicatively linking prescribers and pharmacies to a
central computing station in such a manner that variable values may
be provided to different individuals based on selected variables
such as location and/or volume purchased.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the pharmaceutical industry, the primary method for
product promotion of ethical products is the use of outside sales
representatives. Company sales representatives target specific
physicians and detail the features and benefits of particular
pharmaceutical products. Pharmaceutical manufacturers have
documented that the most effective method of product promotion
involves providing pharmaceutical product samples to prescribers of
the products who then pass along the product samples to patients.
Physicians therefore receive numerous quantities of pharmaceutical
product samples for purposes of conducting patient trials. These
trials enable physicians to determine the effectiveness of certain
drugs in certain patients for certain diseases, as well as to
determine patients' tolerance of the drugs and their compliance
with drug administration directions.
[0004] A responsibility of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
is the regulation of pharmaceutical product samples. The PDMA
(Pharmaceutical Drug Manufacturing Act) Act of 1987 requires
pharmaceutical manufacturers to track and account for product
samples distributed by sales representatives to prescribing
physicians. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to account
for all sample product inventories, as well as the time, location,
and specific physicians who receive promotional samples.
Pharmaceutical sales representatives are required to record
receipts of product samples, adjustments to sample inventories, and
distribution of product samples, and to report any loss or theft of
product samples. Additionally, PDMA warehousing requirements
dictate inventory storage methods and locations both within
pharmaceutical companies themselves and for outside pharmaceutical
sales representatives.
[0005] However, it is often the case that accountability for
pharmaceutical product samples ends when the samples reach the
physicians. Most physicians do little to account for their
inventories of product samples. Rather, physicians tend to
distribute pharmaceutical product samples to patients much more
informally than retail pharmacies, keeping few if any records and
often not even counting the precise number of product samples given
to patients.
[0006] The PDMA's accountability requirements increase
pharmaceutical manufacturers' expenses for promoting and
distributing product samples as well as the complexity of
administering sampling programs. As competition within the
pharmaceutical industry increases, costs associated with product
samples place an increasingly greater burden on the pharmaceutical
manufacturers. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are therefore
attempting to reduce expenses and maintain acceptable profits while
incorporating the PDMA's new requirements into established
promotional practices.
[0007] Although product samples are an extremely effective
promotional tool, the manufacturing of drug product samples in
addition to normally packaged drug products has proven to be
increasingly costly. Pharmaceutical product samples are typically
elaborately and expensively packaged and are extremely bulky
compared to normally packaged drug products. Pharmaceutical
manufacturers utilize separate product sample packaging lines to
package drug product samples. Distribution of product samples
requires delivery via separate carriers and distribution routes. In
addition, drug product samples are typically warehoused separately
from normally packaged drug products.
[0008] Because the current climate in the pharmaceutical industry
prohibits the unrestrained shifting of costs to final consumers,
pharmaceutical manufacturers have taken several new approaches to
reducing costs associated with promoting product samples.
Nevertheless, pharmaceutical manufacturers are attempting to
maintain the marketing advantages of using sales representatives to
distribute product samples.
[0009] One cost-reducing approach that pharmaceutical manufacturers
have attempted is the distribution of sample vouchers to
prescribing physicians, retail pharmacies, and pharmaceutical sales
representatives. With this approach, instead of giving drug product
samples directly to patients, physicians give the patients vouchers
for the drug product samples. The vouchers may then be redeemed at
retail pharmacies for the actual drugs. Alternately, the patients
may receive cash or credit rebates at the pharmacies.
[0010] Another cost-reducing approach that pharmaceutical
manufacturers have attempted is the distribution of product samples
via mail order. With this approach, pharmaceutical sales
representatives provide prescribing physicians with request
authorization forms. Physicians then use the forms to authorize
deliveries of product samples directly to the physician's office
from third-party pharmaceutical supply warehouses.
[0011] These approaches to distributing pharmaceutical product
samples have not met with substantial and universal acceptance. All
of these approaches lack an effective, efficient and practical
system for distributing the trial or sample products to patients
and at the same time recording pertinent data, which is easily
accessible, relating to prescribing and dispensing the
pharmaceutical trial products.
[0012] Additionally, there are strict rules associated with the
dispensing of pharmaceuticals outside of the sample context. In
particular, prescriptions are closely monitored by the appropriate
government agencies. To help combat prescription fraud, new systems
must be developed that allow prescription drugs to be tracked such
that appropriate reporting may be performed about the dispensation
of prescription drugs outside the sample context. Thus, there
remains a need for alternative prescription routines that address
these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention entails a method of delivering one or
more goods or services via a medium. The method includes
identifying one or more goods or services that may be received by a
holder of the medium in response to the medium being presented to a
provider of the identified goods or services. Each medium is
uniquely identified and recorded in a database such that the goods
or services associated with each medium can be identified.
Initially, the medium assumes an inactive state. Prior to the
medium being redeemed for goods or services, the media is activated
which essentially means that its status changes from an inactive
state to an active state. Thereafter, the medium can be presented
to a provider of goods or services associated with the medium where
the provider delivers at least one good or service associated with
the medium to the holder presenting the medium. The method further
includes communicating with the database and recording information
in the database that describes the goods or services provided or
delivered.
[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the database
is programmed or provisioned such that the media may be assigned a
variable value. That is, the value of the media can vary depending
upon certain circumstances, conditions or criteria. For example, in
various embodiments the value of the media or medium is a function
of geography, manner of activation, time, or other user
activity.
[0015] Further, in another embodiment, a medium or media may be
distributed to an assignee. Prior to activation, the assignee, or
another individual, communicates with the database in such a manner
that the identity of the assignee is recorded along with the
identity of the media being assigned to the assignee.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the system of the
present invention for managing the distribution of pharmaceutical
trial products.
[0017] FIG. 2A is a front side view of the pharmaceutical trial
product media that forms a part of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2B is a back side view of the pharmaceutical trial
media.
[0019] FIG. 3A is a front side view of the authorization media that
forms a part of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3B is a back side view of the authorization media.
[0021] FIGS. 4A-4B depicts a flow chart that shows the basic steps
entailed in distributing, tracking and managing pharmaceutical
trial product distributed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flow chart that depicts the basic steps entailed
in terminal initialization, whether it be at the prescriber or
pharmacy level.
[0023] FIGS. 6A-6D depicts a flow chart that shows the basic steps
involved in the prescribers activating pharmaceutical trial
media.
[0024] FIGS. 7A-7E depicts a flow chart that shows the basic steps
involved in validating activated product trial media and dispensing
pharmaceutical trial products in response to the validation of
product trial media.
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a first flow chart showing an overview of
an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIGS. 9-13 illustrate exemplary alternate embodiments of the
process of the variable valued media of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating media used in the
exchange for goods or services and how the media moves between
active and inactive states.
[0028] FIGS. 15A-15C depict a flow chart showing how the media can
assume variable values.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a flow chart similar to that shown in FIG. 14 but
illustrating how the media can be reactivated after assuming active
and inactive states.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] With further reference to the drawings and particularly to
FIG. 1, the system utilized for carrying out the present invention
is shown therein and indicated generally by the numeral 10. System
10 includes a central computing station 12 that has associated
therewith a database for storing data and information communicated
to the central computing station 12 during various steps or phases
of the pharmaceutical trial product distribution process. As will
be appreciated from subsequent portions of this disclosure, the
present invention contemplates the utilization of participating
medical doctors or prescribers and pharmacies to effectuate the
distribution of pharmaceutical trial products. To communicate with
the central computing station 12, each participating prescriber and
pharmacy is provided with a terminal communicatively linked with
the central computing station 12. Therefore, it is appreciated that
the system 10 of the present invention will include prescriber
terminals 14 located at various participating prescriber sites and
pharmacy terminals 16 located at various participating pharmacy
sites. Both the prescriber terminals 14 and the pharmacy terminals
16 are capable of communicatively linking encoded media with the
central computing station 12 where the encoded information
associated with the media can be recorded in the associated
database. Various types of communication terminals can be utilized
at prescriber and pharmacy sites. However, as will be appreciated
from subsequent portions of this disclosure, one such type of
terminal is a conventional magnetic card reader that is adapted to
accept magnetic cards and to read or interpret encoded information
provided thereon and to communicate with the central computing
station 12.
[0031] System 10 further includes what is referred to as a
pharmaceutical product trial media that in FIG. 1 is indicated by
the numeral 18. As will be appreciated from subsequent portions of
the disclosure, the product trial media 18 identifies and is
associated with a particular pharmaceutical trial product and is
transferred and passed between participating prescribers, patients
and pharmacies. The product trial media 18 is particularly encoded
with pertinent information that identifies a particular
pharmaceutical trial product and is designed to be compatible with
the prescriber and pharmacy terminals 14 and 16. In particular,
prescriber and pharmacy terminals 14 and 16 are capable of reading
the product trial media 18 and communicating encoded information
associated therewith to the central computing station 12 for
processing and recordation.
[0032] Although the type and quantity of encoded information on the
product trial media 18 can vary, it is contemplated that each
individual product trial media 18 would be encoded with at least
the following information:
[0033] a) media identification number;
[0034] b) product identification number;
[0035] c) product name;
[0036] d) product form;
[0037] e) product size;
[0038] f) product quantity;
[0039] g) media type;
[0040] h) a series of manufacturer I.D. numbers;
[0041] i) a date range.
[0042] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each
individual product trial media 18 will have printed or embossed
thereon certain identifying information such as:
[0043] a) pharmaceutical manufacturer's name;
[0044] b) product name (trade name, generic name);
[0045] c) product form;
[0046] d) product size;
[0047] e) product quantity;
[0048] f) media identification number;
[0049] g) prescriber, patient and pharmacy signature areas;
[0050] h) prescriber and pharmacy approval code areas.
[0051] The product trial media 18 can assume various tangible
forms. However, in the example illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B and
discussed herein, the product trial media 18 is in the form of a
conventional magnetic card which again is designed to be compatible
with a READ-ONLY magnetic reader terminal located at prescriber and
pharmacy sites.
[0052] It should be appreciated that the product trial media 18 can
be used with approved pharmaceuticals that are past the trial
stage. Little if any change need be made to the above listed
identifying information. However, it may be desirable to include a
field that lists the number of refills or remaining validations, if
any, that are available to the patient. This field may be
decremented each time the prescription is filled. Further, the
product media may include fields which designate one of a plurality
of participating pharmaceutical products, a quantity and dosage
field as needed, or other comparable information that traditionally
is located on a prescription sheet. While it is contemplated that
one product media could be used for a plurality of pharmaceuticals,
it is also contemplated that each pharmaceutical could have its own
product media. This may result in excess inventory for the
prescriber, but is a viable embodiment of the present
invention.
[0053] Finally, the system 10 of the present invention includes
authorizing media indicated by the numeral 20 that is distributed
to participating prescribers and pharmacies. As with the product
trial media 18, the authorizing media 20 can be in various tangible
forms and in the example illustrated herein, the authorizing media
assumes a READ-ONLY magnetic card form that is compatible with the
prescriber and pharmacy terminals 14 and 16. Each individual
authorizing media specifically identifies a participating
prescriber or pharmacy. In the case of prescriber authorizing
media, the same would be encoded with various identifying
information such as:
[0054] a) the prescriber's name,
[0055] b) prescriber's medical identification number,
[0056] c) prescriber's control I.D. number,
[0057] d) prescriber location identification.
In the case of pharmacy authorizing media, the same would include
encoded information specific to and identifying a particular
participating pharmacy. The encoded information on such a pharmacy
authorizing media would include identifying information such
as:
[0058] a) pharmacy name,
[0059] b) name of individual pharmacists associated with the
identified pharmacy,
[0060] c) pharmacy control identification number, and
[0061] d) pharmacy location identifier.
[0062] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the
authorization media 20 includes printed or embossed information
thereon such as prescriber or pharmacy I.D. number, pharmacy or
prescriber name, card expiration date, and space for the signature
of a physician or pharmacist.
[0063] As will be discussed in more detail later, the authorizing
media 20 is compatible with the prescriber and pharmacy terminals
14 and 16 and consequently, encoded identifying information
associated with the individual authorizing media 20 can be reviewed
and verified by the central computing station 12 prior to the
participating prescribers and pharmacies having access to the
central computing station. The authorizing media 20 enables the
system and the central computing station 12 in particular to verify
that prescribers and pharmacies attempting to enter the system and
network are in fact authorized to do so and are in fact authorized
participants in the pharmaceutical trial product distribution
program of the present invention.
[0064] The present invention entails a pharmaceutical trial product
distribution method or process where pharmaceutical trial products
are actually prescribed by a participating medical doctor or
prescriber and not directly delivered to the patient by the
prescriber as is conventional practice today. Additionally, normal
pharmaceuticals past the trial stage may similarly be so
prescribed. Once the pharmaceutical product has been prescribed,
the patient then proceeds to a participating pharmacy where the
prescription for the trial, sample, or normal pharmaceutical
product is filled. Prescriber and pharmacy transactions are all
monitored and recorded by the central computing station 12.
Periodically, the participating pharmacies are compensated for the
trial product and normal products dispensed and the services
performed. Compensation would typically include replenishment of
dispensed trial or normal product through a wholesaler plus a
dispensing fee, all of which is established by recorded
transactions within the central database.
[0065] It is contemplated that the present system and method for
distributing pharmaceutical products would be managed by an
independent entity referred to as a program manager and that a
number of pharmaceutical manufacturers would join together in a
consortium or the like to participate in the pharmaceutical trial
product distribution program, all of which would be administered
and managed by the program manager. However, it is to be
appreciated that the present pharmaceutical trial product
distribution system and method can be carried out in other forms
including a program administered and managed totally by a single
pharmaceutical manufacturer. The same is true if the present
invention is used for products past the trial stage.
[0066] In developing and implementing the pharmaceutical trial
product distribution program or other pharmaceutical product
program of the present invention, participating prescribers and
pharmacies must be established. In this regard, it is contemplated
that the program manager in cooperation with participating
pharmaceutical manufacturers or suppliers, sometimes referred to as
pharmaceutical members, identify certain prescribers and pharmacies
that are authorized to participate in the program. Thereafter, the
program manager issues specific authorizing media 20 to each of the
prescribers and pharmacies authorized to participate in the
program. Note that each authorizing media 20 is specifically
encoded to identify a certain prescriber or pharmacy as well as the
physical location or locations of that prescriber or pharmacy. In
addition to the authorization media 20, prescriber terminals 14 and
pharmacy terminals 16 are also delivered to the participating
prescribers and pharmacies.
[0067] The prescriber and pharmacy terminals 14 and 16 are
transaction-based communication units provided with both an EPROM
chip and random access memory (RAM) for application operation. Each
terminal is electrically powered and adapted to communicate with
the central computing station or host 12 through a conventional
telephone system. A user keypad having both function keys and a
ten-number keypad are incorporated into each terminal. Application,
prompt, and approval instructions are communicated through an LED
display that forms a part of each terminal.
[0068] The EPROM chip of each terminal is provided with a series of
data fields that are used in a terminal initialization procedure
that is designed to verify that a respective terminal is properly
located physically and is under the control of an authorized and
participating prescriber or pharmacy. In the way of example, the
data fields of the EPROM chip could include: terminal serial
number, prescriber or pharmacy identification, location or
locations (physical address) for the participating prescriber or
pharmacy assigned to that terminal, and location fax and telephone
number. In addition, the EPROM chip of each terminal would include
a check digit/analog code matrix used in establishing the
authenticity of the terminal.
[0069] Now, turning to the RAM of the respective terminals, it is
appreciated that the capacity of the RAM may vary but it is
contemplated a storage capacity of 32K bytes would be sufficient to
handle downloaded application programming from the central
computing station 12. Data fields for the RAM may include a series
of server (central computer station) phone numbers, a check
digit/analog code index field, check digit/analog code
multiplier-divisor, check digit/analog answerer, check digit/analog
code formula, and system date and time.
[0070] The above discussion deals generally with the basic
prescriber and pharmacy terminals 14 and 16 that are contemplated
to be used in carrying out the pharmaceutical trial product
distribution method and program of the present invention. Details
of the construction and programming of the terminals are not dealt
with herein because such is not per se material to the present
invention and further, because such terminal designs are well
appreciated by those skilled in the art and are in fact
commercially available. While various types of terminals may be
employed by participating prescribers and pharmacies, it is
contemplated that a terminal design of a conventional magnetic card
reader would be efficient and cost effective for the present
pharmaceutical product distribution program.
[0071] Initially, various pharmaceutical members distribute
individual product trial media 18 to participating medical doctors
or prescribers. This distribution can be carried out by sales
representatives of the pharmaceutical members. At the same time,
the program manager (administrator of the pharmaceutical trial
product distribution program) may distribute both terminals and
authorizing media 20 to both participating medical doctors and
pharmacies. It is appreciated that prior to the initiation of the
program and in fact on an ongoing basis, the database associated
with the central computing station 12 is loaded with data
corresponding to the distributed product trial media 18 and
authorization media 20 as well as data that identifies each
individual terminal to be delivered to participating prescribers
and pharmacies. Such is important in carrying out the various
integrity checks that will form a part of the pharmaceutical trial
product distribution program of the present invention. The same is
likewise true of prescriptions for products that are outside of the
trial stage since these too are subject to strenuous regulatory
reporting concerns.
[0072] Prior to entering the system and participating in the
pharmaceutical distribution program, each participating prescriber
and pharmacy must proceed through a terminal initialization
process. This terminal initialization process, as illustrated in
FIG. 5, is designed to discover and identify unauthorized
participants and to generally prevent unauthorized use of the
system.
[0073] To initialize a terminal, the prescriber or pharmacy
connects the terminal to an AC power outlet and a conventional
phone line. Once the terminal is placed in an "on" state, the
prescriber or pharmacy presses a "setup" function key. The terminal
then automatically responds and requests information pertinent to
the data fields of the EPROM chip. In the way of examples, the
terminal requests the user to input into the issued terminal the
terminal serial number, practice name or pharmacy operating from
the location of the terminal, the physical address of the location
of the terminal, location communication telephone number, location
business telephone number and location fax number.
[0074] Next, and still as a part of the terminal initialization
process, the terminal requests that the prescriber or pharmacy user
enter its issued authorization media 20. In the case of a magnetic
card media and reader, the prescriber or pharmacy simply swipes its
authorization media card 20 through a magnetic card reader and
encoded data on the authorization media card 20 is recorded in the
RAM of the terminal.
[0075] Thereafter, the terminal automatically dials and connects to
a terminal initialization service that forms a part of the central
computing station 12. The initialization service then uploads all
data from the terminal into the database of the central computing
station 12 including data recorded on the EPROM chip and
information previously encoded on the authorization media 20 and
now stored in the RAM of the terminal.
[0076] Based on independently entered reference data previously
entered into the database of the central computing station, the
data uploaded from the terminal during this initialization process
can be checked against the reference data already stored in the
database of the central computing station. At this point, the
central computing station can verify whether a certain serial
number terminal is properly coupled with a certain physical
location and with a certain prescriber or pharmacy. If all relevant
data uploaded from the terminal does not correspond to the
reference data then the initialization process is failed and access
to the system and program is denied.
[0077] In the specific initialization method being discussed
herein, the above does not complete the total initialization
process. After passing the above, the individual prescriber or
pharmacy is requested to enter a personal identification code,
commonly referred to as a PIN. The personal identification code is
furnished confidentially to the participating prescribers and
pharmacies through the program manager and can be permanent or
temporary. If temporary, the user will be subsequently requested to
enter a personally devised code which becomes the user's permanent
identification or PIN code. In any event, after the central
computing station has requested entry of the user's personal
identification code, the participating prescriber or pharmacy then
enters the personal identification code into the system database
and the central computing station then verifies the personal
identification code and cross-checks the same with respect to
uploaded terminal data, that is, data found on the EPROM chip and
the terminal's RAM. If the personal identification code entered is
determined to be an invalid personal identification code for any
reason, the prescriber or pharmacy is denied access to the system.
On the other hand, if the personal identification code is deemed to
be valid then the central computing station indicates on the
terminal's display "downloading application." At this time, the
system's application is then downloaded into the terminal's RAM
storage. Thereafter, the terminal displays "download complete" and
this completes the terminal initialization process. The initialized
terminal is then ready to be used on a periodic basis in the
pharmaceutical trial distribution program of the present invention.
Note that this same initialization process is carried out for both
participating prescribers and pharmacies.
[0078] The product trial media 18 or other pharmaceutical product
media delivered to the participating prescribers arrive in an
unactivated state. That is, the product media in an unactivated
state cannot be validated by a participating pharmacy and
accordingly, pharmaceutical product identified by that media cannot
be dispensed. In essence, the pharmaceutical product media are
blank prescription forms and have not been filled in by the
prescriber or "validated" according to the present invention. In
the method of distributing pharmaceutical product of the present
invention, the participating prescribers actually activate the
product media through a procedure where the product media is
communicatively linked with the central computing station or host
12 via a prescriber's terminal. See FIGS. 6A-6D which show a flow
chart that depicts the basic steps involved in the activation
process. However, before any unactivated product media can be
activated by a prescriber, the prescriber must establish
authorization. This can be carried out in a variety ways. In one
embodiment of the present invention, activation of product media 18
is conditioned first upon the prescriber evidencing a valid
authorization media. This is accomplished by the prescriber's
terminal reading the prescriber's authorization media 20. Encoded
information associated with the prescriber's authorization media 20
is recorded within the RAM of the prescriber's terminal. In
particular, the terminal records the prescriber's identification
number associated with the prescriber's authorization media 20. At
that point, the terminal requests the prescriber to enter the
prescriber's personal identification code. Next, the terminal
requests the prescriber to enter the quantity (number) of
pharmaceutical media that the prescriber desires to activate.
Thereafter, the prescriber enters into the keyboard of the
prescriber terminal the numeric quantity of product media 18 to be
activated by the system. The prescriber terminal then prompts the
prescriber to communicatively link the product media to be
activated with the prescriber's terminal. In cases where the
product trial media 18 assumes the form of magnetic cards for
example, the prescriber simply swipes the product trial cards to be
activated through a card reader-type terminal. One by one, the
prescriber swipes the product trial media to be authorized through
the prescriber's terminal. This is also true of other product
media.
[0079] As each product trial media is read by the prescriber's
terminal, an authenticity check is made by the terminal.
Specifically, the prescriber's terminal authenticates each product
trial media read into the terminal. While various forms of
authentication can be performed, in the present method,
authenticity is established by the prescriber's terminal checking
the product trial media I.D. and verifying that a valid answer
results from the various check digit/analog code fields stored in
the terminal. If the product trial media is deemed authentic, then
the prescriber's unit then displays "product trial media valid." If
the prescriber terminal determines that the product trial media is
not valid, the terminal indicates such and the product trial media
is not activated.
[0080] Once the prescriber has completed the activation of a
certain number of product trial media the prescriber terminal dials
a central computing station 12. At this point, the prescriber
terminal uploads stored information corresponding to the prescriber
authorization media and the prescriber identification code to the
central computing station 12. The central computing station 12
validates the prescriber authorization media and the personal
identification code. Once this validation has been established the
central computing station uploads all of the product trial media
information previously read into the prescriber's terminal during
the present activation procedure. It is at this time that the
central computing station 12 approves the "activation" of the
entered product trial media and issues a specific approval code to
the prescriber. The prescriber then records the prescriber approval
code onto the face of the respective individual product trial media
just activated. Once certain product trial media 18 has been
activated, the central computing station 12 denotes in its
associated database that certain product trial media 18 has been
activated, the activation date, and the identity of the prescriber
activating the product trial media. The prescriber then
appropriately stores the activated product trial media 18.
[0081] The same procedure is likewise applicable to more
traditional prescriptions. In such a case, the prescriber receives
a prescription media comparable to the product trial media 18 and
activates it substantially identically to the technique described
with reference to the product trial media 18. Additionally, the
prescriber may indicate a number of refills to which the patient is
entitled. Further, the prescriber may be required to enter the
particular pharmaceutical that is being prescribed, quantity, and
other comparable information. If each product media represents a
different pharmaceutical, such may not be required.
[0082] To dispense the pharmaceutical trial product represented by
the activated product trial media, or the prescription drug
represented by the prescription media the prescriber signs the
product trial media or alternative media and delivers the same to a
participating patient. The patient in turn presents the activated
media to a participating pharmacy for the purpose of filling the
prescription of the prescriber.
[0083] Prior to actually filling the pharmaceutical prescription,
the participating pharmacy, like the prescriber, must establish
authorization. First, like the prescriber, the pharmacy terminal is
subjected to the initialization test discussed above. This
basically establishes that the issued terminal to the participating
pharmacy is in fact the correct terminal, is properly physically
located, and is associated with the assigned pharmacy. Again, this
initialization procedure, as discussed above, is not contemplated
to be a daily procedure but is only a basic initialization step for
the participant utilizing the terminal and the system.
[0084] However, before the pharmacy can fill the prescription of
any presented media 18, the media must be subjected to a
"validation" procedure. The "validation" procedure is basically
illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E. Essentially, this validation procedure
establishes that the presented media 18 is authentic, still within
an acceptable date range, has been activated by a prescriber, and
has not previously been validated, or if previously validated,
still has valid refills available. Once validation is established
for any presented media, then the participating pharmacy can issue
the prescriptive pharmaceutical product to the patient.
[0085] Details of the validation process will not be dealt with
here in great detail because pharmaceutical "validation" of media
parallels prescriber "activation" of the media just described. That
is, "validation" by the participating pharmacy entails steps and
procedures that are similar in function and result as the steps and
procedures engaged in by the prescriber in activating certain
media. But briefly, the validation step entails the participating
pharmacy establishing authorization. This can be carried out in a
variety of ways. However, in the process contemplated herein, the
participating pharmacy would communicatively connect its
authorization media 20 with the pharmacy terminal and after
establishing a valid authorization media the participating pharmacy
would enter its personal identification code. Thereafter, the
terminal prompts the pharmacy to read the presented media 18 into
the terminal. As an individual media is read into the pharmacist's
terminal, the terminal first checks for complete authenticity of
the presented media 18. Like with the prescriber, the
identification of the media is checked, the date range of the media
is checked and the terminal seeks a valid answer from the check
digit/analog code fields. If authenticity is not established, it
follows that the participating pharmacy cannot dispense
corresponding pharmaceutical product. However, if authenticity is
established then the pharmacies' terminal dials the central
computing station and data and information from the pharmacies'
authorization media and personal identification is uploaded to the
database of the central computing station 12. The central computing
station establishes that the uploaded information is valid and then
information from the pharmacies' terminal related to the presented
media 18 is uploaded to the central computing station. Assuming
full validation, the central computing station issues a pharmacy
approval code and the pharmacy records that approval code on the
actual presented media 18. In addition, both the pharmacy and the
patient sign the now validated media 18. Once validation is
established the pharmacy then dispenses pharmaceutical product
authorized by that valid media and permanently stores the validated
media. At the same time, the central computing station 12 records
the full validation data within its database by showing that a
particular media 18 has been validated, the date of such
validation, and the identity of the pharmacy validating the
same.
[0086] Obviously, the database associated with the central
computing station 12 will possess a full record of all transactions
of the program including activations and validations. Importantly,
the recorded transactions reveal the dispensing activities of each
participating pharmacy. This serves as a basis for replenishing to
the participating pharmacy pharmaceutical products dispensed in the
present program and for the payment of dispensing these to the
participating pharmacies. Typically, the pharmaceutical to be
replenished can be replenished through wholesalers that serve the
participating pharmacies.
[0087] A wealth of data can be discerned from the central computing
database. For particular pharmaceutical members, data representing
the identity of product and the quantity of a particular product
prescribed and dispensed over a selected period of time is
obviously readily available. More detailed data and records
representing the specific activities of particular prescribers or
pharmacies are also available. In the end, a wide variety of
reports can be generated from the database. These reports can be so
extensive and so detailed that the participating pharmaceutical
members can study and evaluate "cause and effect" based on the
recorded data.
[0088] In summary, the present method of tracking and managing the
dispensing of pharmaceutical products centers around the
utilization of a group of authorized prescribers and pharmacies and
a centralized computing station that is specifically linked to the
participating prescribers and pharmacies. Media capable of being
exchanged at a pharmacy for pharmaceutical product are delivered in
an unactivated state to participating prescribers. After
establishing authorization, the prescriber through a remote
terminal and the central computing station "activates" certain
product media. Once activated, the product media is capable of
being prescribed or exchanged for a pharmaceutical product at a
participating pharmacy site. The activated pharmaceutical media 18
is then delivered to a patient and the patient in turn presents the
same to a participating pharmacy. The pharmacy must establish
authorization to participate in the system and thereafter the
presented activated media is authenticated by the central computing
station and is deemed valid. Next, the pharmacy dispenses the
pharmaceutical product identified by that media. Thereafter, an
audit and accounting function is performed based on the database
associated with the central computing station. Accordingly,
participating pharmacies can be compensated for the actual
dispensed pharmaceutical product and for dispensing services
performed.
[0089] The method and program has been described as being carried
out by utilizing magnetic cards and magnetic terminal readers.
However, it is appreciated that other media forms and various types
of terminals or communication methods could be utilized to carry
out the basic method of tracking and managing the distribution of
pharmaceutical trial products.
[0090] The system and method described hereafter relates to the
disclosures found in the parent applications. In particular, the
methods and systems disclosed below are designed to help maximize
profits, gather and collect important marketing data and
information, and reward consumers and the public in the process. To
this end, the manner of activation of the media 18, or other
conditions or criteria, may determine, in part, the value of the
media. Thus, the value of the media 18 may vary. For the purposes
of this disclosure "the value of the media" can relate to any value
and may, for example, be in the form of goods, services, discounts
for goods or services, etc. The media 18 can also be utilized to
promote and deliver services. As will be discussed below, when used
in a service context, the value of the services that are delivered
via the media can also vary. Further, where or when the media is
redeemed may determine, in part, the value of the media. Further
still, the media may provide different values depending on how the
media is activated or reactivated. By varying the value of the
media 18, different prescribers and pharmacies, in a pharmaceutical
context, may be preferentially treated in such a manner that it
builds loyalty to a particular pharmaceutical company or
distribution channel. The present invention has been described in
the context of pharmaceutical and medical products. However, it
should be appreciated that the basic invention described herein can
be utilized to promote and advertise any good or service.
Consequently, the invention can be described in terms of not only
prescribers and pharmacies, but can be described in terms of
providers of goods, products and services as well as in terms of
those individuals and businesses that play a part in the
manufacture, distribution, and sale of such products or services.
An overview of the process is illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0091] Initially, the process assigns media units to location,
companies, people, groups, or the like (block 500). This may be
done by assigning batches of media to a particular assignee or by
assigning a single medium to a particular assignee. The media are
subsequently activated (block 502). This may be a fixed activation
or a variable activation as is explained in greater detail below.
The media assumes a value (block 504). Financial rules are put in
place to govern the use of the media. This may be a fixed value,
wherein the media only has one value and assumes this fixed value
upon activation as described in the parent applications and above;
or may be a variable value, wherein the media assumes different
values based on predetermined business rules, selected criteria, or
other selected circumstances, conditions, or occurrences. For
example, the value may be based on a patient's co-payment, activity
based rewards, location, date and time of activation, how the media
was activated, and/or whether the media is being concurrently used
to purchase one or more products. The media are inactivated (block
506) after use or a predetermined time. That is, the value of the
media diminishes or is purged. Optionally, the media may be
reactivated (block 508) and assume value again. In the way of an
example, the media may remain activated for a variable time,
depending on certain criteria, circumstances, etc. Also, in terms
of activation, as will be explained herein, there are various forms
of activation. For example, the system and method of the present
invention can be utilized in a referral program where the holder
obtains one medium and four referral media. The one medium is
automatically activated when the four referral media are
activated.
[0092] Turning now to the details of some of the steps enumerated
above, block 502 refers to media activation and allows for the
possibility of fixed or variable activation. For a medium that has
a fixed activation technique, a single, predetermined technique or
act activates the medium. Exemplary activation techniques comprise
time elapsed, user activity, or geographic location. User activity
may be a phone call to a central database to activate the medium, a
web access to activate the medium, filling out a business return
card and returning the same to a selected address, taking the
medium to a pharmacy, a referral by a medical provider, or the
like. A geographic activation technique may be tied to a location
sensor that determines when the media is within a certain
predetermined geographic area and activates the media upon reaching
that geographic area. Alternatively, media activation within a
predetermined geographical area may be determined through any
number of conventional means. Where the prescriber's terminal or
pharmacy terminals are used, they may provide the desired
geographical information. Alternatively, block 502 may also
comprise a variably activated media, in which a person or persons
activating the media, has a choice among at least two of the
activation techniques available with which to activate the media.
Different media may have different pluralities of techniques
available with which to activate the media.
[0093] The inactivation step (block 506) may be fixed or variable
as well. In the case of a fixed inactivation, the media has one
inactivation option--for example, the media becomes inactive upon
use. For variable inactivation media, the media may be inactivated
based on some predetermined rules such as time elapsed, failure to
refill a prescription, failure to respond to a communication,
geography, or the like. If any of these criteria are met, the media
may be inactivated.
[0094] The reactivation step (block 508) is an optional step
wherein there may be no reactivation options--once the media is
used. Alternatively, there may be a fixed reactivation process.
Thus, the media may only reactivate according to one predetermined
criterion, such as time elapsed, user activity, geography, or the
like. These can be identical to the criteria recited above with
respect to the initial activation criteria. Likewise, there may be
a variable reactivation process, wherein the media may be
reactivated through one of a plurality of different techniques.
Again, the list of techniques is similar to the list that can
trigger initial activation.
[0095] To assist in understanding the media activation and
reactivation processes, FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate broad views of
media activation for both fixed media and variable media
respectively.
[0096] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of fixed activation media.
Specifically, the media starts out inactive and is shipped to a
sales representative (rep) (block 525). The rep gives the media to
approved medical personnel such as a doctor (block 526). The media
is assigned to the doctor via an assignment card (block 528). The
doctor distributes the media (block 530) to one or more patients,
who may only exercise a single predetermined activation method in
order to activate the medium (block 532). The media remains active
until use at a particular pharmacy (block 534). After use, the
media goes inactive (block 536). In this manner, certain doctors
and pharmacies are rewarded for their participation in the program.
Likewise, favorable distribution arrangements and the like may also
be made if needed or desired.
[0097] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart of variable activation
media. Specifically, the media starts out inactive and is shipped
to a rep (block 525). The rep gives the media to approved medical
personnel such as a doctor (block 526). The media is assigned to
the doctor via an assignment card (block 528). The media are given
to a patient by the doctor (block 530). The patient is told that
they have multiple activation transaction options, and that the
media will assume different values depending on how the media is
activated (block 540). In some cases, the various activation
options will be set forth on the media itself. The media remains
active until used by the patient (block 542). After use, the media
goes inactive (block 536). FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the media 18
being distributed to doctors or prescribers and ultimately redeemed
through pharmacies. Those people skilled in the art will appreciate
that pharmaceutical goods are simply one type of goods that can be
promoted or delivered through the method and system of the present
invention.
[0098] Referring now to FIG. 14, one exemplary embodiment of the
invention further illustrates the media activation process. In this
embodiment, provisioning the central database with data (block 600)
identifies the media and initializes the media to an inactive
state. Provisioning the central database information may include,
among other provisions, the following: [0099] a) assigning a unique
ID to each medium of the media; [0100] b) associating goods or
services with each medium; [0101] c) linking the unique ID of each
medium with one or more goods or services associated with the
medium; and [0102] d) initializing the medium to assume the
inactive state. Once the central database has been provisioned, the
media is then distributed (block 602) to the end users. In past
examples, a pharmaceutical context illustrated representatives
distributing the media to a number of doctors who, in turn,
distributed them to patients. Those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate, however, that end users, sometimes referred to as
individuals or holders, are anyone presenting the media to a
provider for any goods or services.
[0103] Media activation (block 604) usually occurs prior to the
redemption for goods and services. In some cases, the media can
only be activated by a single method. In other cases, variable
activation methods may be available, such as the via the World Wide
Web, calling a toll-free 8xx number, responding with a business
reply card, or communicating with the central database through a
terminal, such as a magnetic card reader. The benefit of the
variable activation is that the end user, or whoever activates the
media, may choose to exercise any number of activation methods.
[0104] Upon the reception of an activation request, the central
database updates the media status to active (block 604). It should
be noted that, prior to complying with the activation request, the
central database may execute an internal process designed to
authenticate and approve the media for activation. This internal
process may check the data received with respect to the activation
request against the data already provisioned in the central
database, including such information as the medium identification,
the current medium status, and the location of medium activation.
Thus, invalid activation requests are not honored and, optionally,
alarms may be configured to alert specific operators to the
existence of possible fraudulent activity. Valid requests, however,
are honored and result in the activation of the medium. Once
activated, the medium is ready for presentment, usually to a
provider for redemption of goods or services (block 606).
[0105] The provider, upon presentment of the medium, communicates
the data associated with the developing transaction (block 608) to
the central database. This communication supplies the central
database processes with the parameters required for validation
purposes, which may closely parallel the validation performed
during the activation stage. For instance, the media status
currently recorded in the central database is checked (block 610).
Therefore, proposed transactions using inactive media result in a
denial of the transaction, while those transactions using active
media are approved, thus authorize the provider to deliver the
goods or services (block 612) to the end user. The provider then
communicates the completion of the transaction to the central
database (block 614), causing the central database to record the
nature of the transaction. As discussed herein, all goods or
services may not be redeemed at once, thereby defining a residual
value attached to the medium. In most cases, where a residual value
exists, the central database will determine that the medium should
remain active (block 616), facilitating subsequent presentment to a
provider for the redemption of additional goods or services (block
606). Those media with no residual value are inactivated (block
618), of course, by the central database and the process ends
(block 620).
[0106] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart of fixed value media.
Specifically, the media starts out inactive and is shipped to a rep
(block 525). The rep gives the media to approved medical personnel
such as a doctor (block 526). The media are assigned to the doctor
via an assignment card (block 528). Assignment data should be
communicated to the central database where the assignment is
recorded. In particular, the recordation of an assignment
essentially links the media with a prescriber in this case. Various
means can be employed to communicate the assignment data and
information to the database. For example, a magnetic card reader
can be provided at the prescriber's office and communicatively
connected to the database. Once the assignment function has been
completed, the medium is given to one or more patients by the
doctor (block 530). The patient activates the media via any of the
approved techniques such as via the web, dialing an 8xx number,
responding with a business reply card or the like (block 544).
Regardless of how it is activated, the media has a fixed value. The
media remains active until use at a pharmacy (block 534) and then
goes inactive (block 536).
[0107] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart for variable value media.
Specifically, the media starts out inactive and is shipped to a rep
(block 525). The rep gives the media to approved medical personnel
such as a doctor (block 526). The media are assigned to the doctor
via an assignment card (block 528). The media is given to a patient
by the doctor (block 530). The patient activates the media via any
of the approved techniques such as via the web, dialing an 8xx
number, responding with a business reply card, or the like (block
544). The media takes on a different value based the predetermined
business rules (block 546). For example, if activated through the
business reply card, one sample may be given to the patient; if
activated through an 8xx number, two samples may be given to the
patient; and if activated through the web, three samples may be
given to the patient. The media remains active until use at a
pharmacy (block 534) where the patient is provided with a number of
samples according to the value assigned at activation, and then
goes inactive (block 536).
[0108] FIGS. 15A-15C also illustrate the variable value media in
more detail. Prior to media activation, value units are provisioned
in the central database in accordance with a set of pre-determined
business rules (block 650). In this example, a variable number of
value units are assigned to the media according to the method of
activation and the geographic location of the providers.
Optionally, a default number of value units may be assigned should
the central database fail to determine the activation method. As
discussed herein, the value of the media provisioned can depend on
various circumstances, conditions, criteria, business rules, or
some other set of pre-determined rules. Those depicted in FIGS.
15A-15C, and discussed below, are merely exemplary.
[0109] Once the rules are provisioned, an activation request is
received at the central database (block 652). First, the logic at
the central database would ensure that the requested media is not
already active (block 654) before exercising various checks to make
sure the media is still valid (block 656). If the media is already
"active," or if the media is invalid, the process ends (block 658)
without assigning any value units. Optionally, failures at blocks
654 and/or 656 may warrant alarm generation to alert an operator of
possible fraud.
[0110] Provided the media is inactive and valid, the central
database will determine the method of activation and assign value
units accordingly. For instance, if activation was requested via an
8xx number (block 660) then N1 units are assigned (block 662).
Otherwise, the process then checks to see if the activation was
requested via the World Wide Web (block 664) and, if so, will
assign N2 units (block 666). N3 units are assigned (block 670) if
activation was requested via a magnetic card-reader (block 668) and
N4 units (block 674) for activation via business reply mail (block
672). Of course, a default number of units, Nd, may be assigned
(block 676) if the central database cannot determine how the media
activation was requested. It should be noted that since, in this
example, activation methods are mutually exclusive, the assignment
of value units based on activation methods is also mutually
exclusive. Thus, upon successful determination of the activation
method, the value units are assigned accordingly and the remaining
tests for activation method, if any, are bypassed. For instance, if
the activation method was determined to have occurred via an 8xx
number (block 660), N1 units would be assigned (block 662) to the
media and execution would fall through to the tests for activation
within geographic zones (block 678).
[0111] In this embodiment, variable value units according to
geographic zones are assigned in addition to those assigned
according to activation method. Additionally, assignment of the
value units based on geographic location of activation need not be
mutually exclusive, as are the activation methods. This is because
zones may overlap, thereby creating the possibility of assigning
value units for more than a single zone. Of course, these
assignment behaviors are determined by the set of rules provisioned
prior to activation requests (block 650). Thus, should the
activation take place within zone one (block 678), N5 units are
assigned (block 680) before checking for activation within zone two
(block 682), for which N6 units are assigned (block 684). As can be
seen in FIG. 15C, activation may occur in a zone that is not
recognized, for instance, zone three. In this case, no value units
based on geographic zone are awarded to the media. Once the value
units are assigned, the media is activated by updating the media
status to active in the central database (block 686).
[0112] Eventually, presentment of the media for goods or services
(block 688) occurs. The provider communicates data associated with
a proposed transaction (block 690) to the central database, which
then uses the database to determine the status of the media (block
692). The process ends (block 706) for inactive media while active
media is tested for a positive balance (block 694), and the
validity of the media in general (block 696). Should the media be
found to possess an inadequate balance (block 694), or be otherwise
invalid (block 696), the transaction is denied by the central
database, and the media status is updated to inactive (block 698)
before the process ends (block 706). In contrast, should these
checks succeed (blocks 692, 694, and 696), the provider delivers
the goods or services (block 700) and then signals the central
database that the transaction is complete (block 702). At this
point, the central database will update the media's residual value
(block 704), if any. As in alternate embodiments, a residual value
facilitates subsequent presentments (block 688), while an
inadequate residual balance results in media inactivation (block
698) before ending the process (block 706). Those skilled in the
art will realize that the validity checks discussed herein are
merely exemplary. The checks need not be executed in the order
described, nor is the central database required to solely perform
the checks. It is envisioned that at least some of the validity
checks may be performed at the terminal where the media are
activated.
[0113] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of fixed reactivated media.
Specifically, the media starts out inactive and is shipped to a rep
(block 525). The rep gives the media to an approved medical
personnel such as a doctor (block 526). The media are assigned to
the doctor via an assignment card (block 528). The media is given
to a patient by the doctor (block 530). The patient activates the
media via any of the approved techniques such as via the web,
dialing an 800 number, replying with a business reply card, or the
like (block 544). The media remains active until use at a pharmacy
(block 534) and then goes inactive upon use for a designated time
(block 550). The media returns to active status after a
predetermined amount of time (block 552). The cycle may repeat as
needed. It should be noted that other criteria besides time may be
used to trigger a reactivation.
[0114] In many instances, the central database is provisioned such
that the media transitions from an inactive state to an active
state, and then, after an initial presentment, returns to the
inactive state. Other instances exist, however, wherein the central
database is provisioned such that some media can be reactivated
after the "inactive/active/inactive" cycle. This is illustrated in
FIG. 16.
[0115] The reactivation process begins (block 642) at some point
after the media assumes an inactive status (block 640).
Reactivation can occur manually by any one of the aforementioned
methods used in originally activating the media, or it can occur
automatically, for instance, in response to the expiration of a
timer. In this embodiment, automatic reactivation occurs when a
timer, initiated at the central database in block 636, expires.
[0116] The central database, having started the timer, is notified
when the timer has expired (block 642) via some mechanism designed
to awaken a "sleeping" process commonly known to the art. Invalid
requests, or requests received erroneously, result in the media
remaining inactive (block 646). Provided the reactivation request
is a valid request, however, the central database ensures that the
media reactivation is authorized (block 644). Unauthorized media
remains inactive (block 646) while authorized media is reactivated
by updating the status in the central database to active (block
626). Manual reactivation is also possible and follows the same
path as the automatic variable activation. The only difference is
that the media will remain inactive until the end user manually
activates the media via one of the approved aforementioned
activation methods.
[0117] Further, inactive media may be reactivated upon presentment.
For instance, if an end user presented an inactive media to a
provider, the central database, upon reception of the transaction
data (block 630), would determine that the media was inactive
(block 632). In lieu of denying the proposed transaction, the
central database may decide to treat this as a reactivation request
(block 642). Provided the media is authorized (block 644), the
media is then reactivated (block 626) and the transaction is
allowed to proceed.
[0118] While the parent applications notes that the media 18 in one
embodiment would be a magnetically readable card, other media are
possible. For example, web based media 18 are specifically
contemplated. In one example, the media 18 is a bar code or the
like that is printed from a web page, much like an e-stamp, and
then used with bar code readers to verify authenticity.
[0119] As noted above, the system and method of the present
invention has the capability to be used in connection with the
delivery and tracking of pharmaceutical and medical trial products.
As discussed herein above, the media can be distributed to doctors
or medical prescribers, sometimes referred to herein as
"assignees." The assignees or doctors or medical prescribers will
then transfer or pass out the media to patients. In the case of
prescription drugs, and where the media calls for or identifies a
sample prescription drug, the doctor or medical prescriber will, in
one embodiment of the invention, deliver a prescription along with
the media to the patient. The patient will thereafter present the
media and the prescription to the pharmacy who will fill the
prescription and provide the patient or the holder of the media
with the corresponding value set by the media. It is important to
appreciate that while the present invention is useful in a program
for dispensing and tracking pharmaceutical samples, the invention
can also be used to deliver and track other goods and services. It
is contemplated that information and data pertaining to the product
or services identified by the media as well as information and data
relating to the assignees, holders and providers will be received,
compiled and recorded in a central database. This will, of course,
provide valuable information to manufacturers, distributors,
retailers and providers of such products and services.
[0120] In creating, storing and accessing data relating to
transactions surrounding the media, it is contemplated that each
media will include its own unique identifier that identifies the
product or service that can be redeemed or received by the
selective presentment of the media. Further, either directly or
indirectly, each media will identify the goods or services that may
be redeemed by the media. This can be provided for directly by a
code or other description. In some cases, the unique identifier
that identifies the media will effectively identify the product or
services redeemable by the media. In that regard, in one
embodiment, data or information in the central database will
effectively link or tie each media to a particular product or
service. Further, the media may be provided with various
advertising and/or instruction indicia or text.
[0121] As discussed above, in one embodiment of the present
invention, the media is assigned to a person or other entity such
as a doctor or medical prescriber, or in some cases the assignee
may simply be an advertising entity, a distributor, a retailer or
the like. To effectuate assignment, there may be provided
assignment cards that are uniquely identified with and coupled with
one or more media. Thus, in one employment of the present
invention, once a single medium or a batch of media is delivered to
an assignee, other person, or entity, the assignment card is
utilized to transfer or direct information and data to the central
database that connects or associates the media or a group of media
with a particular assignee. It is appreciated that machine-readable
assignment media, such as a magnetic coded card, can be utilized as
an assignment card. However, in other embodiments, the assignment
can simply be effectuated by a telephone call from a person or
individual associated with the distribution of the media or the
assignee. In one embodiment of the invention, the assignment
function simply acts to connect or link one or more media with an
assignee or other individual or entity that will distribute the
media. In some cases, there need not be an assignment function.
[0122] As noted above, initially, the media is issued in an
inactive state. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention,
the media must be activated prior to use. Eventually, individuals
or other entities will come into possession of the media. These
individuals are sometimes referred to as holders. In order to
activate the media, the holder of the media is requested to
communicate certain information to a source and that information is
ultimately transferred to the central database. As discussed above,
activation can take place in many ways. It can take place by the
holder calling a certain phone number such as an 800 number,
logging onto a particular site on a global network, responding with
a business reply card, etc. Other forms of activation may be
incorporated. For example, activation may occur through a machine
readable device that is linked to the central database. In any
event, one purpose of the activation is to connect or associate the
holder with the media. Therefore, at this stage, the central
database, after activation, knows the identity of the assignee, the
goods or services associated with the media that are connected with
the assignee, and the identity of certain holders of the media
identified in the central database. In addition, the activation
step can result in individual holders communicating valuable
marketing information and data to the control database or to a
source and ultimately to the central database.
[0123] Once the holder presents the media to a provider or
pharmacy, for example, the provider may verify the authenticity of
the media and determine whether the media has been activated. In
many cases, the system and method will be established such that a
provider such as a pharmacy will as a matter of course communicate
with the central database to verify any number of parameters or
conditions such as authenticity and the state of activation. This
information will ultimately be recorded in the central database.
Thus, when the provider dispenses a product or in the case of a
service, performs a service, information will be communicated to
the central database that will link the particular good or service
delivered with the holder as well as other information pertaining
to the media.
[0124] Underlying the present invention is the acknowledgment that
understanding an individual consumer is an important marketing
advantage to manufacturers, distributors and providers of products
and services. By collecting data and information from individuals,
this data and information enlightens manufacturers and retailers as
well as service providers as to "cause and effect" and in the end
provides information as to what motivates an individual consumer to
purchase one product or service as opposed to purchasing another
product or services. By using the data and information gathered and
compiled according to the present invention, producers and
marketers of goods and services are able to plan and implement
advertising programs that are more focused and more directed to the
consumers that matter.
[0125] The present invention has a wide area of applicability. For
example, the present invention can be useful in dispensing,
tracking and generally managing any type of sample or trial product
program such as a pharmaceutical sample program. Further, the
method and system of the present invention can be used in product
loyalty programs, co-pay programs where a third party, such as a
pharmaceutical company, participates to make a prescription
co-payment for the consumer, patient assistance programs that are
sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, and in general is applicable
to promoting and advertising goods and services of all types. In
the preceding disclosure, a number of examples have been presented
wherein the good or product being delivered via the medium is a
prescription drug or pharmaceutical product. It should be
understood, however, that the present invention can be utilized to
promote or deliver any good or service.
[0126] The present invention may, of course, be carried out in
other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing
from the scope and the essential characteristics of the invention.
The present embodiments are therefore to be construed in all
aspects as illustrative and not restrictive and all changes coming
within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are
intended to be embraced therein.
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