Abstract: A pharmacy supply container tracking system that automatically detects and tracks a pharmacy supply container within a defined area is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the system also detects and tracks prescription orders of customers, and automatically verifies that the correct pharmacy supply is used to fill a particular prescription order. One disclosed system includes using machine-readable wireless tags, such as Radio-Frequency Identification (“RFID”) tags, and their related readers to locate objects through electromagnetic interrogation of a spatial region to determine the presence of an object within that special region.

Abstract: A pharmacy supply container tracking system that automatically detects and tracks a pharmacy supply container within a pharmacy is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the system also detects and tracks prescription orders of customers, and automatically verifies that the correct pharmacy supply is used to fill a particular prescription order. One disclosed system includes using tags, such as Radio-Frequency Identification (“RFID”) tags, and their related readers to locate objects through electromagnetic interrogation of a spatial region to determine the presence of an object within that special region.

Abstract: An economical prescription order tracking system automatically monitors and tracks hand-carried prescription orders through a pharmacy. The system includes a tracking tag having a unique identifier associated with it secured near the prescription order such that it travels with the order through various locations within the pharmacy. Tag reading devices are positioned at key locations throughout the pharmacy to detect the location of each tag, and its associated attached prescription order. The detected locations are compiled via a computer system and associated with the customer, such that at any given time the location of the prescription order within the pharmacy can be determined, thereby facilitating the efficient operation of the pharmacy. The time each prescription order remains at each location and worker identity information at each location can be recorded and compiled to facilitate workflow and worker efficiency monitoring of the pharmacy.

Abstract: An economical prescription order tracking system automatically monitors and tracks prescription orders through a conventional pharmacy. The system includes a tracking tag having a unique identifier associated with it secured near the prescription order such that it travels with the order through various locations within the pharmacy. Tag reading devices are positioned at key locations throughout the pharmacy to detect the location of each tag, and its associated attached prescription order. The detected locations are compiled via a computer system and associated with the customer, such that at any given time the location of the prescription order within the pharmacy can be determined, thereby facilitating the efficient operation of the pharmacy. Preferably, filled prescription orders are placed in a large bin having multiple cubbies within it.

Abstract: A pharmacy prescription order identification system is disclosed that permits individual detection and tracking of prescription orders even when they are all contained within a bulk container. Each prescription order in the bulk container has a uniquely identified tag. The tag is uniquely coded such that a tag reader can substantially simultaneously read a plurality of tags, thereby facilitating bulk processing and tracking of prescription orders. In a preferred embodiment the computer system compares the detected prescription orders in a bulk shipment with a provided manifest and alerts a worker of any discrepancies found. The tag reader is preferably a hand-held wand.

Abstract: A pharmacy prescription order identification system that has a uniquely identified tag that travels with the prescription order throughout the pharmacy and is wirelessly connected to a computer system. The tag includes one or more worker signaling devices, such as lights or an audio speaker, that activate in response to either input from the pharmacy worker or other predetermined criteria to identify the prescription order to the pharmacy worker. In a preferred embodiment, the tag includes a plurality of worker signaling devices, and the activation of each transducer alerts a pharmacy worker to a different status of the prescription order. More preferably, the prescription order identification system includes a computer system that allows a pharmacy worker to individually access a customer's record, then activate the worker singling devices on the tag associated with that customer's prescription order, thereby allowing a particular prescription order within the pharmacy to be easily identified.

Abstract: A pharmacy prescription order identification system is disclosed that permits individual detection and tracking of prescription orders even when they are all contained within a bulk container. Each prescription order in the bulk container has a uniquely identified tag. The tag is uniquely coded such that a tag reader can substantially simultaneously read a plurality of tags, thereby facilitating bulk processing and tracking of prescription orders. In a preferred embodiment the computer system compares the detected prescription orders in a bulk shipment with a provided manifest and alerts a worker of any discrepancies found. The tag reader is preferably a hand-held wand.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held computer handle that may be detachable secured to a conventional hand-held computer such as a personal digital assistant or the like. The handle preferably includes a substantially planar hand-held computer-mounting portion with an ergonomically-shaped joystick-style handle portion extending orthogonally therefrom. The handle portion includes a trigger in electrical communication with the hand-held computer such that one or more functions of the hand-held computer can be controlled by actuation of the trigger. In a preferred embodiment, the hand-held computer includes a conventional scanner or other data reader thereon, and the trigger on the handle portion activates the scanner. Preferably, the handle portion is aligned with the center of gravity of the handle and hand-held computer.