Abstract: A bar code schema for identification of solid form drugs, such as pills, tablets, capsules and the like using a data matrix type symbology for compact coding that is easily deciphered in combination with a common visual symbol that is easily recognized, the schema incorporating a portable code reading pen.

Abstract: A system for the identification of medications in pill, capsule, tablet, and caplet for the system including the placement of machine scannable bar code symbols on the surface of the medication and the identification of the medication by use of the bar code. The resulting identification information can be analyzed by a computer program, permitting both a drug identification and verification method for use by a doctor, pharmacist, emergency room or other medical staff, paramedics, law enforcement personnel, patient and/or family members, or indeed anyone who may need to know a drug's identity, and a tracking system by inclusion of the identification data into an appropriate information database to monitor an individual's prescription drug consumption and to alert of potential harmful drug interactions.

Abstract: A pictorial system is devised to assist in the administration of medication, either to self or to another, based on picture stamps of a particulate medication to be taken by or given to a patient at a specified time either over a specified period of time or over an extended and unspecified calendar period. The picture stamps, each reflecting a unit of a medication, are to be pasted into discrete spaces of a sheet, card, label or box cover divided into columns and rows identified by icons for the time of day one or more units of the medication or of the medications are to be taken or given.