Devices, methods and applications for intelligent medical packaging

Abstract

An intelligent package system for holding or delivering medical pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, or hazardous materials includes at least one integral active display, a controller and one or more of the following: a programmable memory; one or more sensors; a communication interface device; a power source; one or more user input devices; and an externally connected device in communication with the controller/display. The active display allows static as well as dynamic visual information to be presented, and may be printed or stamped directly onto the surface of the pharmaceutical container or packaging to provide for enhanced information display, access, and visibility.

1 . A stand-alone intelligent package system for medical, pharmaceutical or hazardous material applications, includes: 
 at least one integral active display.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  where the display is on the outer or inner surface of the container.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the display is printed, stamped, screened, embedded, or otherwise attached to the container.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the display is placed as a label on the container or container packaging.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the display is constructed of organic light-emitting polymer material.  
   
   
       6 . A method for using a pharmaceutical or a controlled or hazardous materials container with an incorporated display, comprising: 
 presenting operator instructions, indications for use, cautions or warnings to one or more users thereof.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 displaying information about the container, contents, or status thereof.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the information includes dates or times regarding the contents of the container.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the information includes manufacturing information, performance information or calibration information.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7  with the information includes status information regarding the contents of the container.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 displaying information from the device interface or a connected system.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 displaying information from incorporated or separate systems.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the information is one or more of physical or temporal information.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 display information based on a medication or an intended patient.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the information is one or more of prescribed dose, preparation instructions or patient identification information.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the patient identification information includes identification numbers, photographs or biometric data.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the information is one or more of contraindications, warnings or other safety information.  
   
   
       18 . A method for using a pharmaceutical container with incorporated display, comprising: 
 activating the display through operator input, a sensor input condition, at some periodic time interval, or by connection to or from an associated device.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the display has an internal memory that is programmed during the time of manufacture, filling, opening, use, or disposal, with information to be displayed at a later time.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the display can be activated at least once.