Abstract: A digital prescription carrier and monitor system includes a pager sized carrier apparatus with an internal processor, a real-time clock/calendar, non-volatile memory, a communication port, a character display, and alert devices. Prescription data for one or more medications is stored within the carrier by a physician and downloaded by a pharmacist to fill the prescriptions called for. The carrier apparatus requires the entry of an decryption key to access prescription data within the carrier to prevent unauthorized access or tampering with the prescription data. The carrier apparatus also functions as a prescription reminder to the patient and records compliance with the prescription, since a switch must be operated to quiet an alert device activated when a scheduled medication dose is due.

Abstract: A wireless infrared peripheral interface for a communication device having a cellular radio transceiver includes a peripheral interface. The peripheral interface includes at least one infrared signal source and at least one infrared detector. The signal source and detector are coupled with dispersing optics. An interface circuit is coupled to the infrared signal source and detector. A processor is coupled to the interface circuit, wherein the processor controls the interface circuit to process data signals that are conveyed through the infrared source and detector so as to communicate with a peripheral device that is proximate to the communication device. The dispersing optics reduces the dependency of optical alignment between the infrared data ports of the peripheral device and communication device.