HK1227520A1 - Devices, systems, and methods for automated medical product or service delivery - Google Patents

Description

Apparatus, system and method for automated medical product or service delivery

All subject matter of the priority application is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

Disclosure of Invention

Various embodiments described herein include systems, methods, and devices for automated delivery of medical products or services. In certain embodiments, the systems and/or methods are controlled, at least in part, by a computer.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a partial view of an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial view of an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial view of an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial view of an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial view of an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial view of an embodiment disclosed herein.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally identify like parts, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter set forth herein.

In an embodiment, at least one of the methods, apparatus, computer systems, or computer program products disclosed herein is used to automatically deliver a medical service or product to a patient in a medical environment. In an embodiment, at least one of the methods, apparatus, computer systems, or computer program products disclosed herein is used to automatically deliver a medical service or product to a patient in a non-medical environment. In one embodiment, at least one of the methods, apparatus, computer systems, or computer program products disclosed herein is used to perform a method in a network located, for example, in an office; school; a pharmacy; a retail store; a pharmacy; an airport; church, temple, synagogue, or other places of worship; a hospital; a nursing home or other long-term care facility; child care facilities; adult healthcare facilities; a government agency; or kiosks in other locations to automatically deliver medical services or products to patients. In an embodiment, in any of these locations, the patient does not interact directly with a person, but may interact with a computerized device for assistance. In one embodiment, the kiosk is an integral part of a network of kiosks. In one embodiment, each kiosk in the network of kiosks is located at a separate and distinct location. In one embodiment, multiple kiosks in a network are located in close proximity (e.g., multiple kiosks in an airport, school, etc.). In one embodiment, at least one kiosk in the network includes a GPS locator to identify the location of a patient seeking a medical product or service.

In an embodiment, a method, apparatus, computer program product, or computer system disclosed herein assists in the evaluation (e.g., diagnosis, transient stabilization, trauma determination, etc.) of a patient by assigning a Health Status Indicator (HSI) based on Evaluation Criteria (EC) and using the patient's EC, the HSI indicating whether or not a medical service or product can be delivered and, if so, which medical services or products can be delivered.

In one embodiment, the patient's HSI is updated in real-time based on temporal data, spatial data, or patient characteristic data. The data may be entered by a user (e.g., the patient himself or a medical provider) or by one or more sensors or other detectable indicators or tests.

In one embodiment, the request for a particular medical service or product is issued by the patient or by a medical provider on behalf of the patient. For example, the patient may request analgesics, antibiotics, bandages, antidiuretic drugs, nutritional agents, laxatives, feminine hygiene products, cold packs or heating pads, x-rays, pregnancy tests, HIV tests, cholesterol or blood glucose tests, urinalysis, MRSA tests, flu tests, bird flu tests, hearing tests, ophthalmic tests, body mass index tests, glucose strips, glucose finger sticks, glucose monitors, cardio-cerebral monitors, and the like.

In an embodiment, visual inspection by an automated computing device or directly by medical workers (e.g., via Skype, video phone, or other similar electronic interaction) is provided through a screen in the kiosk. In this way, if desired, skin tone or color, hair tone or color, pale complexion, bruises, lacerations, rashes, etc., as well as overall condition may be evaluated so as to meet a threshold to receive medical products or services sought by or for a patient.

In an embodiment, audio checks by an automated computing device or directly by medical workers (e.g., via telephone, voice mail, or other similar electronic audio interaction means) are provided through a microphone or other input/output device operatively coupled to a computing device interacting with the kiosk and/or the kiosk network. In this way, if desired, the cough, heartbeat, sound, or overall condition may be evaluated to meet a threshold to receive a medical product or service sought by or for a patient.

In one embodiment, the request for a particular medical service or product has been previously made by the patient at a medical facility where the patient obtains coded credentials that can be scanned or manually entered by the patient or manually entered for the patient (e.g., if the patient is not a human patient, or is not an adult human patient, or does not have access to a kiosk by himself/herself).

In one embodiment, the patient orders and/or prepays for medical services or products prior to using the automated kiosk or other remote system. In an embodiment, the voucher provides a single dispense of a medical service (e.g., an assessment or test, such as a pregnancy test or an HIV test, a sexually transmitted disease test, a malaria test, etc.) or product. In an embodiment, the voucher provides a serial or periodic distribution of the service or product (e.g., the third day of each month). In one embodiment, the voucher has an expiration date or a specific time window during which the medical service or product must be acquired, otherwise the voucher terminates and can no longer be used. In an embodiment, the credentials include paper credentials or electronic credentials (e.g., credentials that can be displayed on a smartphone, laptop, notebook, or other electronic device or through an electronic file using, for example, a flash drive). In one embodiment, the credential must be present at a particular kiosk location for it to be valid. In one embodiment, the credential may be present at any kiosk location. In one embodiment, the credential includes information that can be scanned by, for example, a bar code, text recognition, Quick Response (QR) code, RFID, magnetic strip, a sequence of cipherable (keyable) codes (numeric, alphabetic, alpha-numeric, byte/binary, etc.), UPC barcode, light pattern, reflective pattern, etc., or other detectable identification code. In one embodiment, the voucher contains encrypted electronic information specific to the patient, such as identification information or information relating to a prescription, payment schedule or distribution of services or products.

In one embodiment, the patient must meet the verification threshold before receiving the requested medical product or service. In one embodiment, the verification threshold is predetermined and may be customized to the patient or the product or service sought. For example, as described herein, a high level of verification may be required on a patient as necessary for regulatory drugs, while a low level of verification may be required on a patient for bandages. In an embodiment, as described herein, the verification threshold is met by a predetermined verification process that includes, for example, identification (e.g., a driver's license number, social security number, etc.), optionally includes a prescription (e.g., a credential or prior approval from a healthcare worker), or optionally includes insurance information or insurance approval, and optionally, an evaluation of the patient's electronic health record and/or a challenge related to the use of the medical product or service, allergy, or other health condition, etc., may be required to meet the verification threshold. In one embodiment, the patient seeks a medical product or service that has been prepaid. In one embodiment, the verification threshold is not met, and instead, the patient is denied the sought medical product or service. In an embodiment, the patient may refer to a medical facility or medical worker for further verification regarding the medical product or service sought. In one embodiment, the healthcare worker or institution is accessible through the kiosk itself. In one embodiment, the healthcare worker or institution is not accessible through the kiosk and in some cases a map or other location information is provided to the patient to continue the process elsewhere. In one embodiment, the kiosk accesses all records for the patient via the network and if the patient has exceeded the approved level or number of medical products or services sought, the patient is rejected and the verification threshold is not met. In this case, the entire network may be marked to prevent the patient from seeking a product or service using another kiosk in the network.

In one embodiment, when input information is provided to the system, if a pre-approved prescription is sought, the prescription may be edited or deleted, for example, if the patient is seeking a general medication rather than the prescription brand medication prescribed by the doctor, or if the patient is seeking an equivalent pharmaceutical medication approved by the patient's insurance. The patient enters information into an input/output device that requests the prescription to be edited. The system includes circuitry configured to make a particular modification to the prescription without further approval, as previously entered by the healthcare worker, and to permit the modification when the modification falls within a range specified by the healthcare worker's approval. If the requested modification falls outside the range specified by the healthcare worker's approval, the request to modify the prescription is denied. The patient may continue with the original pre-approved prescription or seek further interaction with the kiosk system to seek approval after the first round of rejection. After further inputting information into the system and optionally consulting an automated computerized response system or human healthcare worker, if the request to modify the prescription is satisfied, the prescription is annotated as modified and the information is shared with the kiosk system. The original pre-approved prescription is then annotated as having been deleted or rejected by the patient.

In one embodiment, all input and output information related to the patient's involvement with the kiosk is shared with the network (if one exists) of which this particular kiosk is a member. In one embodiment, all information about any particular patient is updated in real-time such that the patient cannot attempt to redeem more than one voucher or pre-approved prescription, or attempt to seek medical products or services immediately at more than one kiosk. Thus, updated information about the patient prevents abuse of the system by prohibiting the patient from seeking the same thing twice within a specified time frame. As indicated elsewhere herein, a patient may seek a medical product or service on a schedule approved by a healthcare worker that provides an automatic delay to the legitimacy of receiving the medical product or service at a specified time, after a specified period of time, or at a continued point in time. In one embodiment, the outputting includes dispensing the requested medical product or service.

In one embodiment, the patient or someone acting on behalf of the patient (e.g., if the patient is an minor or non-human animal) is asked to sign a signature box as part of the kiosk system input on the input/output device (e.g., with a stylus or finger). Alternatively, a fingerprint may be provided instead of a signature to receive the product or service.

In an embodiment, the system alerts a patient if the patient is seeking a medical product or service that may cause an adverse reaction with one of the things in the patient's personal medical history (e.g., other medications, allergies, etc.). In one embodiment, the reminder prevents the patient from receiving the medical product or service being sought and requires further interaction with the kiosk to modify the request, or requires interaction with a healthcare worker at the kiosk (e.g., by telephone, video phone, email, chat tool, etc.), or instructs the patient to seek medical assistance and the request is immediately denied.

In an embodiment, the input information related to the patient seeking a medical product or service is shared with one or more of a vendor, social media, business sponsor, advertising partner, business partner, or other third party. In one embodiment, the patient is informed that such sharing is optional. In one embodiment, the input information related to the patient is anonymous prior to sharing. In one embodiment, input information related to a patient seeking a medical product or service is shared with a health database (e.g., a CDC, state, local, or federal agency). In one embodiment, the patient is informed that some or all of the information relating to the patient must be shared in order to continue to seek out the medical product or service being sought.

In one embodiment, the verification code is required not only to be provided with the credential but also to be given to the patient or patient's guardian (e.g., by sending a short message to a cell phone) to increase security in obtaining medical services or products at the kiosk through the use of the credential.

In one embodiment, the patient is able to verify (e.g., by electronically accessing via the internet or another network) that a particular kiosk has the particular medical services or products available for that patient.

In one embodiment, the method, apparatus, computer system, or computer program product saves time, money, and reduces errors by increasing efficiency and collecting and presenting accurate information about each patient receiving automated medical services or products. The method, apparatus, computer system, or computer program product also provides benefits to the patient including, but not limited to, customized aid, time savings, money savings, insurance compliance (including government compliance), error reduction, easier prosecution (e.g., automatic recording of drug distribution), inventory control, controlled medication control (e.g., by networking with drug enforcement Agency), expiration management of any expired product, and faster treatment. Thus, the various embodiments disclosed herein help medical institutions, particularly emergency departments, reduce overloading of patients who are able to receive adequate medical assistance without having to visit an emergency room. Further, high levels of data collection from the patient at the kiosk or other remote location may result in fewer recurring billing events that cause payment for services due to received inaccurate information or errors made when the patient is brought to a medical facility.

In one embodiment, the method, apparatus, computer system, or computer program product also accesses any electronic health record that may include, among other things, the patient's medical problems and/or treatments and available identification information. In an embodiment, the patient may request that his/her electronic health records be transmitted to the kiosk, for example, by uploading them to the kiosk, by scanning them in, by plugging into the kiosk device via a flash drive, or remotely by electronic transmission accessed via the internet or other secure network.

In embodiments where the medical service or product is not a trivial medical service or product, the patient may order the product or service, or obtain pre-authorization (e.g., via credentials as described herein for other embodiments), and then the kiosk may stock the product or service that is not normally stored at that particular kiosk. In one embodiment, the stores and orders may be controlled electronically or automatically, or may be manually entered into the system. In one embodiment, the kiosk is part of a network that uses standard inventory control principles appropriate for the various embodiments disclosed herein, for example, by utilizing a re-order point that detects a quantity or indicates a date by which time a particular product or service was re-ordered. For example, each product or service (if not located in a locked drop box (as described herein)) may be located in a cassette (cartridge) that facilitates transport of the product or service. In one embodiment, restocking of various kiosks is accomplished by central location, regional location, or individual location. Thus, worker restocking or auto restocking occurs in a manner similar to that of restocking vending machines, with an additional level of verification of the identity of each product or service being stored in the kiosk.

In an embodiment, the kiosk includes a holding chest (e.g., a heavy metal lock delivery box or safe) that is configured to be opened only by credentials that the patient has obtained from the prescribing medical provider, and optionally by added security features, such as providing patient identification (e.g., a fingerprint, driver's license number, debit card, date of birth, social security number, patient-specific health record number, insurance card number, iris scan, passport number, credit card, flexible savings account card, health reimbursement account card, etc.), or optionally by a verification code (e.g., a short message or email or a separate code obtained by the patient) obtained from the medical provider but not necessarily located on the credentials. In one embodiment, the combination lock includes an expiration time such that the credential must be submitted within a specified period of time to open the locked case, otherwise the medical service or product can no longer be obtained by the patient. In an embodiment, the locked bin is configured to be opened with a key provided to the patient by the healthcare provider or otherwise. In one embodiment, the key or code used to unlock the locked delivery box is patient specific or service/product specific. In an embodiment, the reading and/or imaging device is used to read/image credit or debit cards, social security cards, insurance cards, vouchers, and the like, and the images or other electronic information are transmitted over a network for assessing the identity, payment, insurance coverage, and the like of a patient.

In one embodiment, each engagement with any aspect of the kiosk (including a locked bin) is recorded (e.g., via a camera and/or electronic gate). For example, a locked delivery box may record when the box is opened and filled and when it is opened and emptied. In one embodiment, a printed receipt for such action is created or printed electronically to the worker filling the locked bin or to the patient receiving the product or service. In one embodiment, the locked box includes a password that changes after a specified period of time, such that the patient must receive an updated password in order for the credential to be valid.

In one embodiment, the system includes real-time data collection and integration with a kiosk system for health information, payment information, identification, and the like.

In one embodiment, payment for the medical service or product is processed directly by the kiosk or kiosk system. In one embodiment, the payment is processed by the supplier of the product or service (e.g., by the pharmacy or drug warehouse supplying the kiosk). In one embodiment, the kiosk is configured to file a claim to the patient's insurance company. In an embodiment, the kiosk is configured to send a bill to the patient before, during, or after the patient receives the medical product or service, such as, for example, for a patient who is set to receive a periodic bill for payment (pick ups), or if the patient is able to pay electronically at another time (e.g., pre-authorization or other authorization for credit card fees may be required (such as through an online electronic payment system) before the patient is allowed to obtain the medical product or service prior to payment). In one embodiment, the bill is submitted to the patient electronically. In one embodiment, the bill is presented to the patient as a paper bill. In one embodiment, insurance and settlement payments to the patient are all accomplished electronically before the patient receives medical services or products from the kiosk. In an embodiment, a method for obtaining payment from a patient or user (e.g., if the patient is a minor or non-human), such as through a credit card, debit card, bluetooth payment, smart card, cash bill or check reader, electronic online payment, or otherwise, as described herein.

In one embodiment, the kiosk is capable of determining coverage of the patient's insurance and directing the patient to medical services or products covered under the patient's plan, and optionally directing the patient away from those medical services or products not covered under the patient's plan. For example, the kiosk may provide a list of "insurance authorized" products or services and "insurance unauthorized" products or services, along with the respective fees to the patient are also visible. In this way, the patient may choose to own the products or services covered by the insurance plan, or not, and pay the consideration associated with the decision.

In one embodiment, weight may be necessary as part of an assessment of a patient, for example, in the case where the patient is a pediatric or young patient. In some cases, the dosage of the product or service may depend on the weight or age of the patient, such that the weight is obtained through a health record prior to entry, or the patient enters immediately, or a scale is present in the kiosk (e.g., embedded in a chair or floor or table top) and the patient's current weight can be obtained. In the case where the patient is an infant or very young patient, the kiosk may ask whether a car seat or other infant holding device is present on the scale and instruct the user to zero-balance the scale with only an infant carrier (without the patient) and then place the patient in the infant carrier in order to obtain an accurate reading of the patient's weight.

In one embodiment, if the suggested product or service (or the product or service requested by the patient) is not currently available at the particular location, the kiosk alerts the patient and optionally provides a map or directions for obtaining the closest kiosk with the particular product or service. In one embodiment, the kiosk recommends an alternate product or service at the particular kiosk location.

In one embodiment, the patient has received credentials or recommendations for a particular product or service, but the patient has changed his/her mind. In the case of a voucher, for example, the patient may request that an alternate product or service be offered in place of the product or service listed on the voucher (e.g., a generic version of a brand drug), and the kiosk will determine whether this is feasible based on, for example, the patient's health history or challenges and/or other evaluation Criteria (Evaluated Criteria) available at that particular kiosk location. In one embodiment, the kiosk can grant the request to modify the credential, and the original credential is discarded or kept invalid by the kiosk network. In one embodiment, the kiosk cannot grant the request to modify the credential. In an embodiment, a second level of identity validation and/or evaluation may occur if the credentials are modified. For example, the kiosk may confirm with the patient that the patient is not allergic to the product/service, or is not taking any medications that may have adverse effects with the revised voucher request.

In one embodiment, a patient's request for a particular medical service or product is validated, for example, by checking an electronic health record or drug database and drug enforcement Agency against information about the patient and whether the patient is authorized to receive the requested medical service or product. In embodiments where the patient has credentials from a healthcare worker prescribing the medical product or service, the prescription can be verified based on the item of the prescription and prior use of the kiosk by the patient on a system-wide level (e.g., number of pieces per day, time since last piece, amount remaining on the prescription, etc.).

In one embodiment, a floating (swimming) worker transfers medical products or services to a locked delivery box at a predetermined time (e.g., once a day) or on demand. In one embodiment, one or more lockers hold an inventory of at least one particular product or service available to the patient.

In one embodiment, the patient comprises a human. In one embodiment, the patient comprises a medical practitioner. In one embodiment, the computer system, apparatus, method, computer program product determines whether a healthcare worker directly or remotely programs the automated system to deliver a medical service or product to a patient, access a particular medical database, or perform some task (e.g., diagnose, test, dispense a pharmaceutical drug or device) is legitimate. In one embodiment, the patient comprises a medical patient. In one embodiment, the patient is a fetus. In one embodiment, the patient is a non-human animal. In one embodiment, the patient is a mammal, amphibian, fish, bird, or reptile. In one embodiment, the patient is an infant or a child. In one embodiment, the patient is an elderly person. In one embodiment, the patient is a non-adult human. In one embodiment, the patient is a cow, horse, dog, cat, or other domestic animal.

In an embodiment, the systems, devices, methods, and computer program products described herein do not diagnose a patient. In an embodiment, the systems, apparatus, methods, and computer program products described herein do not treat a patient, but rather direct the patient to seek immediate medical assistance at a hospital facility such as, for example, a nearest emergency room, or the like. In an embodiment, the systems, devices, methods, and computer program products described herein direct a patient to seek insurance approval before continuing an automated delivery process for a medical service or product. In an embodiment, the systems, devices, methods, and computer program products described herein direct a patient to submit payment (e.g., electronically via a credit card or bank account, etc.) before continuing an automated delivery process for a medical service or product.

In an embodiment, the patient receives a pharmaceutical drug prescribed previously by a healthcare worker (e.g., a doctor, care, midwife, caregiver, etc.) or by the kiosk itself (e.g., via sensed information or information provided by the patient, information provided by a healthcare worker or a health record (e.g., an electronic health record)). In one embodiment, the patient must provide identification in order to receive the pharmaceutical drug from the kiosk. In one embodiment, a single dose is provided to the patient through the kiosk. In an embodiment, the video camera records that the patient receives the medication or other medical product or service and optionally records that the patient takes the medication or other medical product or service (e.g., inhales, consumes, takes, coats, etc., or otherwise utilizes the dispensed medical product or service). Thus, in an embodiment, the kiosk includes at least one of an audio or video recording (e.g., the kiosk includes a microphone, a camera, a keyboard, etc.) and may include an instant message, audio, or video transmission. In one embodiment, the camera comprises a digital camera or a webcam. In one embodiment, the kiosk receives a video or audio recording of the patient by the patient sending a record of his or her use of the medical product or service to the kiosk via a mobile phone, electronic tablet, or digital camera.

Thus, in one embodiment, the kiosk provides verification that the patient has taken or otherwise utilized the dispensed medical product or service.

In one embodiment, the prescribed medication includes a measurable indicator, such as a radio frequency identification device, such that the kiosk itself is configured to monitor the medication in the patient (e.g., by sending/receiving signals of the medication via a computer system). In an embodiment, a medical product or service includes a package having a radio frequency identification device or radio frequency reflector configured to transmit a signal once the package is opened or disturbed. For example, the case containing the glucose testing tool contains an RFID, or the blister packs for a particular pharmaceutical drug each contain an RF reflector so that in use the signal is sent to the kiosk or to a third party.

In one embodiment, the patient seeks to obtain a sub-portion of a previous prescription, and the kiosk is configured to access the patient's health record and determine that the patient is allowed to obtain the requested sub-portion of the medication, and if so, the kiosk dispenses the requested sub-portion. If the kiosk determines that the patient is not allowed to obtain the requested sub-portion, the kiosk may optionally be configured to reject any medication for the patient, the kiosk may only dispense the allowed medication (if any) to the patient, or the kiosk may request further information from the patient to assess whether to dispense at least one dose of the pharmaceutical medication to the patient. In an embodiment, the further information may include a challenge to the patient, a challenge to one or more medical records of the patient, or a challenge via a sensor engaged with the patient.

Thus, in one embodiment, a kiosk that includes at least one computing device receives at least one input from a patient related to a portion of the patient seeking a prescribed medical product or service and compares, with circuitry of the computing device, the input from the patient to one or more verification data sets, and the computing device generates a verification value based on the comparison. For example, the verification data set may include information relating to the identification of the patient, a code (insurance code, security code, etc.), or prescription information. In one embodiment, the verification dataset also includes a patient's medical record or medical record database, including physician information (or other healthcare worker information) medical documentation, health status, and the like. Once the system has met the validation threshold, the distribution of the portion, in whole or in part, sought by the patient occurs. If the verification threshold is not met, the patient's request is denied. In an embodiment, the patient may also be involved in seeking additional authorization, such as from a healthcare worker, pharmacy, or insurance company. In one embodiment, the patient is directed to seek additional medical assistance. The portion sought by the patient may include at least one daily aliquot (aliquot), one week aliquot, one month aliquot, or any value therebetween, depending on the particular medical product or service sought (e.g., liquid, tablet form, device form, etc.), and the portion sought by the patient may include any number less than the full prescribed amount typically dispensed (e.g., as a one-time prescription, such as for an antibiotic, or as a continuous prescription, such as for a contraceptive).

In one embodiment, the computing device of the kiosk also accesses one or more medical providers to confirm the prescription or a portion of the prescription.

In one embodiment, the system includes a medical records database in communication with the kiosk, the medical records database in communication with the kiosk representing an output of satisfaction or denial of a medical records threshold upon challenge or an input from the patient for a medical product or service (e.g., a portion of a prescribed medical product or service). Thus, in one embodiment, the kiosk communicates with the patient's medical records and the medical records database communicates with the kiosk. In an embodiment, the medical records database may include one or more of prescription information, pharmacy information, healthcare worker information, or health insurance information for the patient. In an embodiment, a computing device in communication with the kiosk includes generating an output indicative of satisfaction or denial of the medical record threshold (e.g., the medical record dataset differs from the validation dataset in that the validation dataset may include the medical record dataset along with other identifying information). In an embodiment, the satisfaction or rejection of the medical record threshold is determined by at least one of a presentation of available prescriptions for which the patient is seeking to dispense, an approval of a new prescription for which the patient is seeking to dispense, means for contacting a healthcare worker for approval (e.g., to approve a signal sent from a medical database to a physician), for example, for chronic symptoms or persistent health issues related to the medical product or service sought, an approval of a prescription for the patient by a health insurance company. In an embodiment, the system communicates an output indicative of satisfaction or denial of the medical record threshold with at least one of a healthcare worker, pharmacy, or health insurance company. In an embodiment, a computing device associated with the medical records database is configured to receive at least one input from the kiosk indicative of the distribution of all or part of a prescription (or a portion of the prescription) sought by the patient. In one embodiment, the distribution includes an amount or quantity of the prescription distributed. In one embodiment, the dispatch is recorded in the patient's medical record and/or sent to a third party (e.g., an insurance company, healthcare worker, pharmacy, etc.).

In one embodiment, the medical service or product comprises a prescription product or service. In one embodiment, the medical service or product comprises an over-the-counter product or service. In one embodiment, the system has a specific user identification (e.g., fingerprint, social security number, random patient identifier, retinal scan, etc.) to identify the patient. In one embodiment, a security breach identification service operates to alert the system when a kiosk or other remote facility has been attempted to be breached or otherwise breached or attacked. In one embodiment, product identification (e.g., RFID identification) alerts the system if a product has been acquired by destroying or causing malfunction of the kiosk. In this regard, a "checkout" program may be used as part of the process by which a patient requests a medical product or service, and in order to control inventory and security. If the "checkout" program is broken in any way, the system shuts down and a security alarm is triggered. In one embodiment, each use of the kiosk system is registered or recorded (e.g., by a camera) and may be recorded in the system log. In one embodiment, the automatic tracking of inventory includes automatically ordering more of a particular product when that particular product has been depleted (e.g., the reduction exceeds a certain threshold that triggers an automated system to alert the ordering of more), and in one embodiment, a recall of any medications or other products is automatically transmitted within the system over a network so that additional distribution of recalled products does not occur, and optionally, patients who own products that have received recalled are notified (e.g., by short messaging their cell phone, by email, by paper mail notification, by telephone call, etc.).

In one embodiment, the over-the-counter medical service or product may be purchased via a credit card/debit card/smart phone/wired money transaction/cash/electronic money transaction, or other means. For example, the kiosk may contain a container or grid for dispensing a particular implement (such as glasses, crutches, walkers, stands, etc.) that may be dispensed, for example, through a tube or other single-action mechanism. In one embodiment, multiple requests by the patient are satisfied in a single transaction. In one embodiment, the patient is asked to submit a separate request for each product or service requested.

In an embodiment, a voice recognition or facial recognition system is used for verification of the identity of the patient, request, or receipt of a requested product or service.

In one embodiment, the system includes a network, such as an intranet or the Internet, or other local and wide area networks. As described herein, the host system may be networked to one or more remote kiosks or other remote locations or facilities that may be in different geographic regions (e.g., different portions of a city, different cities, different states, different countries, etc.).

In one embodiment, the patient is provided with one or more options for obtaining a medical service or product. For example, if a patient reports a headache and requests an over-the-counter analgesic, the kiosk or other interactive remote dispensing system may ask the patient whether the patient has an allergy or whether an analgesic is preferred over other analgesics, for example, by listing aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen.

In one embodiment, a particular patient undergoes an assessment utilizing one or more sensors. For example, in one embodiment, the patient is assessed with one or more first sensors that then activate one or more second sensors depending on the condition sensed based on the first sensing (and optionally, taking into account information included in one or more health records of the patient) the first sensor initiating the system (e.g., the patient passed through it or entered the facility) or the patient self-reported features (e.g., symptoms) and the patient's criticality. In an embodiment, the patient undergoes an evaluation based on a decision tree that starts with the first sensor and/or the patient self-reported characteristics (e.g., symptoms). (see, e.g., Science Direct pp.2016-2028, vol.42 (2007); U.S. patent application publication No.2010/0049095 to Shi et al, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.) for example, non-physiological sensing and physiological sensing can be performed by one or more sensors of the system, alone or in conjunction with a bioassay that can be performed by the system (finger prick test of blood glucose, breath tester, DNA swab, pulse oximeter, etc.) or any feature self reported by the patient (e.g., symptom) and the patient's subjective severity or criticality of such feature (e.g., symptom) (e.g., the body shape of the battery or person in question or other typical patients reporting the location of pain or other problems) in order to generate one or more evaluation criteria for that patient. In one embodiment, the patient is unaware of the evaluation using the one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the patient is unresponsive or unconscious. In one embodiment, the patient is given a choice as to whether or not it is being evaluated by one or more sensors. In an embodiment, the privacy curtain or separate room space is designed for a patient's specific assessment, or when the patient requests it. In one embodiment, the curtain or other privacy screen automatically closes when the patient uses the kiosk. In one embodiment, the patient may insert a pair of headphones or his/her own personal headset to listen for any audible reminders or messages from the kiosk.

The comparison to the feature value dataset is then based on the results of the assessment (i.e., the sensed condition, the biological assay, the self-reported features, and optionally one or more health records (e.g., electronic health records) of the patient), and the corresponding assessment criteria for that patient. Once the patient's EC is generated, a health status indicator (HIS) value is assigned to the patient based on a comparison with the health status value dataset. The health status data set may include values or statistics of indications, various physical measurements or test results or sensed parameters, including but not limited to blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, height, weight, body mass index, pupil size, blood glucose, muscle mass, viral load, viral infection, bacterial load, pregnancy status, presence or levels of drugs or other drugs, presence or status of tumors, blood type, allergy status, nutritional status, and the like. The health status data set may include general demographics, which may include statistics from a particular selected group of people (e.g., based on gender, family history, demographics, or geographic group), which may include the patient's own previously collected health records or information, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the sensed, assayed, or reported characteristic is compared to known values, including but not limited to a database of standardized values, or the patient's own historical values of health. Based on the patient's HSI, a decision is made with instructions executing on a computing device (network, etc.) to initiate a second set of sensors, a biological assay, or a health challenge (HQ). The second assessment may be pre-validated or customized for a particular patient, depending on the needs of the medical facility or the needs of the patient.

For example, if a detected or self-reported patient has an elevated heart rate and is likely to be febrile, information from the patient health record (or information from friends/relatives with the patient) may be considered to determine which immunizations the patient has received or has not received. This may prompt an HQ asking the patient if he/she has recently traveled elsewhere, or is in close proximity to someone who has traveled that place. This may also cause additional sensors to sense additional features or cause the system to perform biological assays (e.g., finger prick blood tests with PCR for pathogens, etc.) and assess the overall condition of the patient based on the sensed conditions. If additional sensors or biological tests indicate that the patient has no other symptoms, for example, the findings will determine the particular HIS and instruct the patient what steps to take next (e.g., seek additional medical assistance, take over counter-sold or prescribed antipyretics, rest, etc.).

In an embodiment, at least one first sensor or other component of the system is in operative communication with at least one second sensor or other component. In an embodiment, the at least one first sensor or other component is in wireless communication with at least one second sensor or other component. Various modes of wireless communication are described herein. In an embodiment, the obtained or collected information about the patient is shared by or transferred from one part of the system to another part. For example, the results of the assay may be entered into a patient's medical record, or the patient's health record may guide the focus of sensors used to assess the patient's current health condition. Thus, in one embodiment, the system represents an integrated system of multidirectional communication between one or more parties, including a patient, a healthcare worker, one or more databases, and one or more assays, sensors, or self-reported challenges. In an embodiment, assessing at least one symptom of the patient as a criterion for assessment includes receiving an input of a medical product or service. In one embodiment, the evaluation includes registering at least one self-reported answer to the one or more health challenges. In one embodiment, as described herein.

In one embodiment, when the patient first uses the kiosk, he or she may refuse to be any data collected by evaluation (e.g., sensors, biological assays, health records (including prescription records, stored electronic monitoring data, etc.), family health history (including querying family members), or HQ). In such a case, the patient may still provide, for example, a fingerprint, driver's license, social security number, date of birth, anonymous unique identifier, or other form of identification for logging in, and optionally access to the patient's health record, depending on the request made by the patient (e.g., to obtain a portion or all of the prescribed medication). In one embodiment, the date and/or time stamp is registered when the patient uses the kiosk or begins the assessment process. In one embodiment, the system, apparatus, method, etc. is fully expandable to accommodate multiple "feeder" medical institutions or medical workers utilizing kiosks, or multiple different delivery apparatuses within one kiosk system or kiosk location. For example, in one embodiment, there are multiple lockers or boxes for delivering products or services.

In an embodiment, a system, device, method, or computer program product described herein includes a computer program product associated with a data set from, for example, another data set computer system (e.g., a personal data store, a personal monitoring device or sensor network, a patient tracking system (e.g., ameliorer tracker), an information system (e.g., Amelior ED), a network sensor (e.g., mT Tag)^TMOr other network sensors), implanted sensors, or the ability of a user to input additional information to interact. See, for example, U.S. patent application publication nos. 2007/0088713 and 2006/0212085, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the sensor comprises at least one of an electrical potential sensor, a high input impedance electrometer, an electromagnetic sensor, a radio frequency sensor, a microwave sensor, a micro-power pulse radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an imager, a camera, a thermal sensor, a laser, an infrared sensor, or an audio sensor. In an embodiment, the sensor is located in at least one of a wall, a floor, an input/output device, a door, a doorway, a pen, a stylus, or computer system hardware. In an embodiment, the imager comprises at least one of a thermal imager, a light imager, or an ultrasound imager.

In an embodiment, the sensor comprises at least one of an ECG, EOG, EEG, MEG, pulsimeter, oximeter, pupillometer, flow detector, biomechanical evaluator, spectrophotometer retina interrogator, respiration detector, spirometer, or implanted physiological sensor. In one embodiment, the fluid detector comprises at least one microfluidic chip or device. In an embodiment, the respiration detector comprises at least one of a remote imager or a direct pressure sensor.

As described herein, various components of the system include one or more transmitters, transceivers, or receivers to facilitate communication among or between components, such as, for example, between components within a kiosk network or, in some cases, between components outside of the network.

In an embodiment, a system, apparatus, method, or computer program product described herein includes access to a patient health history (e.g., a personal and/or family health history). In an embodiment, the system, apparatus, method, or computer program product uses artificial intelligence (e.g., OSCAR-MDA, CodeBlue, etc.) for at least one step of the one or more embodiments.

In an embodiment, a system, apparatus, method, or computer program product described herein includes information interaction or information tracking with other data sets, such as public health databases (e.g., CDC, NIH, state or local institution databases, etc.). In an embodiment, a system, apparatus, method, or computer program product described herein accesses and interacts with infectious disease information, biological or chemical weapons information (e.g., homeland security), adverse reaction information for a drug or device (e.g., for a manufactured product recall), or medical institution statistics (e.g., infection rate, hygiene, liability, etc.). In an embodiment, a determination may be made that the patient must be isolated based at least in part on information received from such a database. In one embodiment, the information is transmitted in one or more directions, including updating the database with infectious diseases or other public health issues (signs of biological/chemical weapons), adverse reactions to drugs or equipment (e.g., for recalls), hospital issues (e.g., infection rate, hygiene, or liability).

In an embodiment, the HSI or HQ of a patient meets a threshold condition, and optionally indicates that one or more evaluation criteria of the patient must be monitored. For example, the patient may be monitored continuously or intermittently (e.g., at predetermined or customized times) based on the patient or the patient's condition. For example, if a particular patient is requesting an anesthetic prescription, but the HQ or EC indicates that the patient has anesthetic or metabolic byproducts of the anesthetic in his body, the prescription may be rejected, the patient may be further evaluated (e.g., to determine the precise level of anesthetic or byproducts in the blood), or directed to a physician or other healthcare worker.

In an embodiment, one or more sensors (including one or more remote non-conductive sensors) used in evaluating a patient are located in one or more of furniture, a wall, a floor, a door, a doorway, a reception desk, a pen, a computer monitor or other hardware, or a computing device from which the patient self-reports one or more characteristics (e.g., symptoms). In an embodiment, the one or more sensors are included in an examination table, a chair armrest, a gurney, or other furniture.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors comprise at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a bio-impedance sensor, or an infrared thermometry sensor. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors include an audio sensor (e.g., a camera as an audio and/or video recorder), or eye tracking (e.g., an imager). See, for example, U.S. patent application publication nos. 2010/0049095; 2006/0190419, respectively; 2008/0039698, respectively; or 2010/0174533, or U.S. patent No.6,475,161, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, one or more patient-specific characteristics are measured, including but not limited to, characteristics of a patient including height, weight, fingerprint, facial characteristics, visible body deformity, ocular characteristics, skin appearance, hair appearance, nail appearance, breath sounds, body temperature, blood gas levels, heart rate, brain electrical activity, respiration rate, facial expression, blood chemistry, blood cell count, blood platelet count, antibody titer, calcium levels, blood antigen types, tissue antigen types, evidence of pathogen contact, lipid levels, pain perception levels, physical activity (tremor, cramp, or paralysis, etc.), gait, stiffness (e.g., muscle or joint stiffness), evidence of cognitive state, dehydration, self-reported pain, self-reported discomfort, self-reported injury, self-reported event, chilling, fever, self-reported dizziness or vertigo, or dizziness, and characteristics of a patient including, for example, height, weight, fingerprint, facial characteristics, visible body deformity, ocular characteristics, skin appearance, hair appearance, nail appearance, respiration, facial expression, blood chemistry, blood, Self-reported dry mouth, self-reported nausea, self-reported shortness of breath, self-reported thirst, weakness, self-reported drowsiness, hearing loss or hearing problems, visual loss or vision problems, self-reported constipation or diarrhea, bloating, self-reported urinary incontinence, self-reported olfactory loss or olfactory problems, self-reported silence or noise problems, self-reported taste loss, self-reported walking loss, self-reported writing loss, self-reported limb or toe use loss, or at least one of other characteristics. For example, the appearance of skin, hair, or nails may be evaluated by standardized criteria, including, but not limited to, hair loss or change in condition, change in any birthmarks, tattoos or skin blemishes (or the appearance of any new birthmarks, moles, or other skin marks), body odor, change in nail condition, injury due to exposure to the sun or chemicals, and the like. In an embodiment, the evidence of cognitive state comprises at least one visual or auditory cue.

In an embodiment, one or more patient-specific characteristics are evaluated by one or more direct or indirect sensors (e.g., a remote non-conductive sensor). In one embodiment, one or more patient-specific characteristics are assessed by self-reporting from the patient. For example, in an embodiment, a patient interacts with at least one input/output computing device (e.g., kiosk, tablet, desktop, laptop, handheld device, etc.) and responds to a health challenge (HQ) related to his or her features (e.g., symptoms) or request. For example, in one embodiment, the HQ (in any number of different possible languages or audio/visual representations, such as body maps indicating points of pain or disease) may be presented to the patient in relation to one or more of the following features: abdominal pain, knee pain, hematochezia, waist pain, chest pain, nasal congestion, constipation, nausea or vomiting, cough, neck pain, diarrhea, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, dysphagia, pelvic pain (female or male), dizziness, eye discomfort and/or redness, shortness of breath, foot or ankle pain, shoulder pain, swelling of the feet or legs, throat pain, headache, urinary problems, vision problems, palpitations, hip pain, asthma, joint or muscle pain, skin rash or other rashes, ear pain, or other symptoms.

In an embodiment, the patient's interrogated HQ is customized and guided based on previous answers provided or other known information about the patient (e.g., by self-report, or by electronic health record, sensed information, etc.). The HQ may be different, for example, depending on the gender of the individual, health history, or response to answering the first round of a particular HQ. In an embodiment, the HQ is prioritized according to, for example, symptoms or requests (e.g., requests for narcotic analgesics) made with a first HQ assigned a high weight due to the criticality or severity of its symptom or symptoms, and based on the response to the HQ, the next HQ is customized to address the problem present in the previous response.

For example, if a patient with a cardiac history uses a kiosk or other remote facility and a first remote non-conductive sensor senses and signals an irregular heartbeat of the patient, a second sensor quickly determines whether the patient is responding adequately to answer the HQ. If so, one of the first HQ for the patient may be: "what I have can help you? "if the patient responds by requesting all or part of his nitroglycerin prescription, for example, the second HQ may be: "do you have chest pain? "if the patient answers" yes, "another HQ may be, for example: "rank your pain level in the range of 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest pain level. "Again, HQ may be specifically adjusted for the reported patient based on the answer and the evaluation criteria for each HQ received a particular value. For example, if a patient reports a high pain level of "5," the system may determine that the patient has a high evaluation criteria value and produce a particular overall HIS value when compared to the health status indicator data set.

When one or more HSI values satisfy the threshold condition, the patient is further evaluated, further queried, or further instructed to receive medical assistance to a medical facility. Depending on the patient's answers, and optionally depending on the patient's health record (e.g., accessed electronically), he/she may or may not receive the prescription he/she requested. In one embodiment, the patient receives a placebo instead of the requested medical service or product.

In one embodiment, the patient identification, request, payment authorization, and/or insurance coverage is received by the kiosk device or system as a single data entry point by having the patient complete the step of entering information from his/her insurance card (e.g., scan it, manually enter it, read it verbally, etc.), or may be received by the kiosk device or system as a plurality of different data entry points by having the patient complete separate steps of entering information from a driver's license or social insurance card, credit or debit card, and/or insurance card. Entering such information is unnecessary if the patient has previously used the kiosk in the system, and in one embodiment, the patient is given secure access rights (e.g., login username and password) so that the patient can save time by not having to enter identification information each time he/she uses the kiosk device or kiosk system. Thus, in one embodiment, the system includes a storage component, as shown in the figures, that stores one or more health information, evaluation criteria, HQ (and/or responses thereto), patient entered information, information entered by healthcare workers, and the like, associated with one or more electronic health records. Also, as part of the periodic medical product or service delivery described elsewhere, in one embodiment, the patient need not be authorized to receive the same medical product or service, but rather need only log into the system and request a periodic portion of a prescription that has been placed in the appropriate parking lot and that has been previously authorized. Thus, prescription credentials or assessments are not always required with the particular embodiments described herein.

In one embodiment, the patient's request is granted and the medical service or product is processed for direct distribution at a kiosk or another location. In one embodiment, the kiosk has been pre-loaded with various commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs, instruments, or tests during the manufacturing process. In an embodiment, the system or device comprises labeling a product container or service carrier (slip), and optionally patient-specific information, and information of the contents therein. In one embodiment, the kiosk dispenses a medical product or service by scanning a code on the label or on the container. Various types of code are described elsewhere herein.

In one embodiment, information input from the patient is assigned different degrees of trust depending on the source of the information in order to reduce conflicting information. For example, if the patient self-reports a high pain level, but the sensor does not detect features typical of the corresponding high pain level (e.g., jerky heart rate, sweating, restlessness, uncomfortable facial expressions, etc.), the self-report HQ of the high pain level may receive a lower value than when the one or more sensors verify that the features typical of the high pain level the patient is at.

In an embodiment, example HQ includes, but is not limited to, "for your condition, what did you try today? "do you want to request a prescription medication? If so, did you have previously received a prescription for the medication? If not, do you want to request an over-the-counter medication? "; "do you want to request any prescription services or appliances? "do you smoke? "; "do you have any allergies? If so, are you allergic to any pharmacological drugs? "; "do you have any changes in your skin or hair? "; "do you have tremors or tremors? "; "do you have tingling anywhere? "; "did you travel recently? "; "do you have dysphagia? "; "were you fainting or convulsions? "; "do you have any tumor or mass in your body? "; please indicate if you are male or female. "; "is you pregnant? "; "does there be any change in appetite? "; "do you have vigorous sexual desire? "; "do you have any vomiting? "; "do you drink? "; "list any drugs taken over the past 24 hours, including recreational or pharmaceutical drugs. "; "did you last done any medical tests or treatments (including surgery)? "; "order your pain in the range of 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest amount of pain you have had. "; "how do your energy level? "; "do you have social disabilities? "; "is you feeling anxiety recently? "; and so on. Other examples of possible problems are available, for example, in U.S. patent application publication No.2004/0138924, which is incorporated herein by reference.

If the patient uses the kiosk or other remote facility (e.g., by pressing a "start" button), but fails to answer at least one HQ, one or more remote sensors can help determine whether the patient is fully awake or able to continue the procedure. For example, the camera may determine whether the patient is in pain, is exhibiting epilepsy or stroke, is exhibiting a drunken, or is not fully awake. At least a portion of the image is compared to various parameters and databases for the indication of trauma, (skin, hair, nails, etc.) assessment of appearance, activity and cognition. At least a portion of the image is optionally compared to medical history by facial recognition.

In one embodiment, the kiosk transmits a notification related to the request or credential made by the patient. For example, a red/green light or voice notification may provide a notification: the credential is invalid and does not function properly. In another example, the notification provides verification: the credential is valid and functions normally and requests for medical products or services are in process.

In one embodiment, the patient utilizes a "smart" dispenser for his/her personal use that is capable of electronically communicating with a kiosk or other remote facility. For example, the "smart" dispenser can upload and/or download information to and/or from the kiosk wirelessly (e.g., via bluetooth, flash drive, etc.). In another example, the "smart" dispenser can communicate with a kiosk (e.g., electronically, through an audio-video mode, or other mode) to obtain or request a medical product or service.

As shown in fig. 1, the system 100 includes or is fixed to a wall or at least one input/output device 117 that is movable (such as on a table or counter), the at least one input/output device 117 optionally including a head sensor 118, and each may include data input such as, for example, one or more of keyboard input, mouse trackball or touch pad input, voice input, or audio/video input. In an embodiment, the input/output device includes a printer, a fax machine, or a scanner (120 denotes a printer/fax/scanner combination). In an embodiment, the output includes printed credentials for the patient to receive the requested product or service. As shown, one or more sensors 102, 118 are located adjacent to the patient 104 or in direct contact with the patient 104. An optional location indicator 119 (shown as a badge) is used for determination of the patient's location by the kiosk or network of kiosks, optionally allowing notification to the patient, instructing the patient whether to leave the kiosk and seek medical assistance elsewhere, or to obtain the requested medical product or service at another location. In an embodiment, the optional location indicator may show on a map where the patient is located and where the patient should travel to obtain the requested medical service or product.

As shown, in an embodiment, an input/output device (including a keyboard, audio/video, or other device) includes a receiver 106 (optionally wireless, shown on a camera), a transceiver 108 (optionally wireless), a transmitter 110 (optionally wireless), including audio/video functionality (e.g., a camera 114), including a power source 115, and a memory 116. In an embodiment, an input/output device 117 is operatively coupled to the computer device 112.

In an embodiment, code receiver 160 is included in system 100. For example, the code receiver 160 may include a credential scanner, fingerprint reader, iris scanner, driver's license scanner, barcode scanner, QR scanner, keyboard, or other code receiver.

In an embodiment, the system includes a circuit having one or more components operatively coupled (e.g., communicatively, electromagnetically, magnetically, ultrasonically, optically, inductively, electrically, capacitively, etc.) to each other. In an embodiment, the circuit includes one or more remotely located components. In an embodiment, the remotely located components are operatively coupled via wireless communication. In an embodiment, the remotely located components are operatively coupled via one or more receivers 106, transceivers 108, transmitters 110, or the like.

In an embodiment, a circuit includes, among other things, one or more computing devices, such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), etc., or any combination thereof, and may include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronics, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, a circuit includes one or more ASICs having a plurality of predefined logic components. In an embodiment, a circuit includes one or more FPGAs having a plurality of programmable logic units.

In an embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more memory devices 116 (e.g., storing instructions or data). For example, in one embodiment, the automated data collection system 100 includes one or more memory devices 116 that store information related to one or more characteristics of a patient that has been evaluated, electronic health records, self-reported symptoms, insurance, or other health-related information. Non-limiting examples of the one or more memory devices 116 include volatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), etc.), persistent memory, etc., Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, etc. The one or more memory devices 116 may be coupled to the one or more computing devices 112 through one or more instruction buses, data buses, or power buses, for example.

In an embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more computer-readable media drives, interface sockets, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, memory card slots, and the like, as well as one or more input/output components (such as, for example, a graphical user interface, a display, a keyboard, a keypad, a trackball, a joystick, a touch screen, a mouse, switches, dials, and the like), and any other peripheral devices. In an embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more user input/output components operatively coupled to at least one computing device to control (electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented, firmware-implemented, or other control, or combinations thereof) at least one parameter related to health information, e.g., related to a patient's health condition.

In an embodiment, the system is configured to operate in an application service provider format. In an embodiment, the system is configured to be implemented with an open source tool. For example, in one embodiment, the system includes using one or more of Java, Java Server Page (JSP), Java database connectivity (JDBC), Structured Query Language (SQL), extensible markup language (XML), user interface language (XUL), and/or Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) technologies.

In an embodiment, image-based applications, such as a viewer and/or a toolkit (e.g., an insight segmentation and registration toolkit (ITK)), are incorporated to further ingest the information. In an embodiment, the CAD implementation or image segmentation may allow for prior processing of images received when information was previously taken from a patient.

In an embodiment, a circuit includes a computer-readable media drive or a memory slot configured to accept a non-transitory signal-bearing medium (e.g., a computer-readable storage medium, a computer-readable recording medium, etc.). In an embodiment, a program for causing a system to perform any of the disclosed methods may be stored on, for example, a computer readable recording medium (CRMM), a non-transitory signal bearing medium, or the like. Non-limiting examples of signal bearing media include recordable type media such as magnetic tape, floppy disk, hard disk drive, Compact Disk (CD), Digital Video Disk (DVD), blu-ray disk, digital tape, computer memory, etc., and transmission type media such as digital and/or analog communication media (e.g., fiber optic cable, waveguide, wired communication link, wireless communication link (e.g., receiver 106, transceiver 108, or transmitter 110, transmit logic, receive logic, etc.)). Further non-limiting examples of signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD + RW, DVD-R, DVD + R, CD-ROM, super audio CD, CD-R, CD + R, CD + RW, CD-RW, video disk, super video disk, flash memory, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk, mini-disk, non-volatile memory card, EEPROM, optical disk, optical storage, RAM, ROM, system memory, web server, cloud, and the like.

In an embodiment, the ADC system 100 includes a circuit having one or more modules, optionally operable to communicate with one or more input/output components configured to relay user output/input. In an embodiment, a module includes one or more instances of an electrical control device, an electromechanical control device, a software-implemented control device, a firmware-implemented control device, or other control device. Such devices include one or more instances of memory, computing devices, antennas, power or other supplies, logic or other signaling modules, meters or other such active or passive detection components, piezoelectric transducers, shape memory elements, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) elements, or other actuators.

In an embodiment, the computing device further comprises an audio/video input/output connected to the system and configured to interact with the patient. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a printing device connected to the computing device. In an embodiment, the system includes an input/output device including a graphical interface (e.g., a display, a touch screen, etc.).

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors include, for example, one or more of an acoustic sensor, an optical sensor, an electromagnetic energy sensor, an image sensor, a photodiode array, a Charge Coupled Device (CCD), a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) device, a transducer, an optical identification sensor, an infrared sensor, a radio frequency component sensor, a thermal sensor, a three-dimensional sensor (e.g., to assess a patient's facial expression exhibiting pain or discomfort, flushing or redness, or gait or other movement of the patient, etc.).

In an embodiment, one or more components of the system (e.g., a chair equipped with sensors for assessing one or more characteristics of a patient) operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computing devices (e.g., a public network node, a network computer, a network node, a peer device, a personal computer, a router, a server, a tablet PC, a tablet, etc.), and typically include many or all of the elements described above. In an embodiment, the logical connections include connections to a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN) and/or other networks. In an embodiment, the logical connections include connections to one or more enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet. In an embodiment, system 100, the one or more components of the system, etc. operate in a cloud computing environment comprising one or more cloud computing systems (e.g., private cloud computing systems, public cloud computing systems, hybrid cloud computing systems, etc.).

In an embodiment, the patient 104 comprises a fetus. In an embodiment, the patient comprises a human. In an embodiment, the human comprises a fetus. In an embodiment, the patient comprises a living body that differs from a plant in independent movement and response to sensory organs.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 may remotely sense heartbeat intervals and ECG readings by measuring small electrical potentials using a high input impedance electrometer. Examples of such sensor devices are described in prior U.S. patent application publication No.2006/0058694, prior WO2003/048789, prior Harland's Meas.Sci.Techniol., prior, and prior Prance's 2007Journal of Physics: Conference Series, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Such sensor devices are intended to provide non-invasive and remote monitoring. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 may be worn by the patient in or on clothing or jewelry (e.g., in a wrist band) and may be in non-conductive contact with the body. For example, as described in previous U.S. patent application publication No.2006/0058694, previous WO2003/048789, 14meas. sci. technol.923-928(2003) to c.j.harland et al, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 may be included in or associated with a piece of furniture (e.g., a chair or table) or an appliance (e.g., a personal computer) or some other remote item within, for example, approximately one meter of distance from the patient. In an embodiment, one or more sensors 102 capable of measuring electrical potential may be embedded in an object (e.g., a bed or chair) in direct but non-conductive contact with the patient. For example, as described in the aforementioned U.S. patent No.7,245,956, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 may sense heart beat intervals and electrocardiogram information by examining physiological activity of the patient or an organ thereof, and may be operable to sense a characteristic of the patient 104 in response to electromagnetic signals sent against or illuminating the patient and reflected by the patient. In embodiments, the illuminating may include exposing energy to the patient, subjecting the patient to energy, or directing energy against the patient. Systems that use illuminated or reflected electromagnetic signals, including Radio Frequency (RF) or microwave signals, are described in U.S. patent No.7,272,431, U.S. patent application publication No.2004/0123667, or U.S. patent application publication No.2008/0045832, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 may be or comprise a sensor array, and the one or more sensors 102 may be deployed, for example, throughout a room, possibly as part of a smart space network, in order to monitor a patient at rest or in motion.

In an embodiment, information collected by one or more sensors 102 may be transmitted to a computer. In an embodiment, the information may be electronically transferred to the computer of the system. In an embodiment, information may be transmitted to the computer of the system in a wireless manner (e.g., using radio waves or ultrasound or bluetooth technology). In an embodiment, a computer may be used to process the information. The computer may be an integral part of a network.

As shown in fig. 1, in an embodiment, a system 100 for delivering a medical product or service includes one or more sensors 102 configured to evaluate a patient 104. As shown, the patient 104 may be evaluated in various modes, including but not limited to an input/output device (e.g., user interface) 117, a sensor (e.g., a breath tester, a thermal scanner, a respiration sensor, a pupillometer, a retinal scanner, etc.) 118, an audio/video device 114 (e.g., a camera), optionally including one or more of a receiver 106, a transceiver 108, a transmitter 110, a computer device 112, a memory 116, or a power source 115.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 comprise a sensor array configured to sense a characteristic of the patient 102 without being in physical contact with the patient. For example, the sensor array may include at least two sensor heads. In an embodiment, the at least two sensor heads may include at least two sensor heads configured to sense the same feature of the patient. In an embodiment, the at least two sensor heads may comprise sensor heads configured to sense different characteristics of the patient. For example, one sensor head may be configured to sense temperature, another sensor head configured to sense heart rate, and yet another sensor head configured to sense blood pressure. In an embodiment, the sensor comprises a sensor response to impedance, capacitance, dielectric constant, reflectivity, absorption, or electrical activity of the patient, but not in contact with the patient's body. For example, a capacitive proximity sensor element that includes a sensor configured to sense a feature of a patient but not in contact with the patient's body is described in U.S. patent application publication No.2008/0246495, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, in an embodiment, the reflection or reflectivity characteristics may include acoustic, optical, or radio wave reflectivity. In an embodiment, the sensor comprises a sensor response to a characteristic of the patient, but is not in contact with the patient's body. In an embodiment, the sensor includes a sensor configured to sense a characteristic (e.g., at least one anatomical or physiological characteristic) of the patient. The measured characteristics include steady-state characteristics (e.g., height, weight, etc.) and variable characteristics (e.g., heart rate, blood oxygen level, etc.).

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 include a sensor configured to sense an evaluation criterion of the patient 104 without physical contact with the patient. For example, the sensor may be configured to be associated with a chair, pillow, or gurney. In embodiments of the sensor, the sensor may comprise a sensor configured to be physically associated with an article of clothing or apparel worn by the patient and configured to sense a characteristic of the patient without contacting the patient's body. In embodiments of the sensor, the sensor may comprise a sensor configured to be physically associated with an article worn by a patient and configured to sense a characteristic of the patient without being in physical contact with the patient. For example, the sensor may be configured to be physically associated with the glasses or jewelry. For example, sensors configured to be physically associated with an article worn by a patient are disclosed by U.S. patent application publication No.2006/0058694 to t.clark et al, electrical sensors and applications thermoof; WO2003/048789, electric sensors and applications therof, T.D. Clark et al; or High resolution analog monitoring using a mounted electronic potential sensors,14Meas. Sci. Technol.923-928(2003), each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 comprise a sensor device configured to sense an evaluation criterion of the patient 104 without physically touching the patient. In an embodiment, the sensor device comprises a sensor device configured to sense an evaluation criterion of the patient without resistive contact with the patient. In an embodiment, the sensor device comprises a sensor device configured to sense an evaluation criterion of the patient without electrically conductive contact with the patient. In an embodiment, the sensor device comprises a sensor device configured to sense an evaluation criterion of the patient across a non-conductive gap with the patient.

In an embodiment, the sensor device comprises an electrodynamic sensor device configured to sense electrical activity of the heart of the patient without being in contact with the patient's body. For example, the electrodynamic sensor may be configured to sense heart rate, electrical activity of the heart, such as an Electrocardiogram (ECG), or electrical conductivity. Examples of high input impedance electrodynamic sensor devices configured to sense electrical activity of a patient's heart without contact with the patient's body are disclosed in U.S. application publication nos. 2006/0058694; the former WO 2003/048789; electro dynamic sensors and applications therof by Clark et al. In an embodiment, the sensor device comprises an adaptive potential sensor device configured to sense a characteristic of the patient without being in contact with the patient's body. An example of an Adaptive Potential sensor device configured to sense a characteristic of a patient without contacting the patient's body is described in R.L. prance et al, Adaptive Electric Potential Sensors for smart signal acquisition and processing,76Journal of Physics: Conference Series,012025 (2007). In an embodiment, the sensor device comprises a potentiometric probe sensor device configured to sense a characteristic of the patient without being in contact with the patient's body. Examples of potentiometric probe sensor devices configured to sense a patient's physical electrical activity or signal, such as, for example, an arterial pulse or other physical electrokinetic activity or signal, without contact with the patient's body, are set forth in c.j.harland et al, 13meas.sci.tech.163-169 (2002).

In the implementation methodWherein the one or more sensors 102 comprise sensors configured to sense at least one of an electrical evaluation criterion, an acoustic evaluation criterion, a thermal evaluation criterion, a radiation evaluation criterion, an absorption evaluation criterion, a reflectance evaluation criterion, a gas emission evaluation criterion, or a genetic evaluation criterion of the patient. In an embodiment, the thermal assessment criteria may include thermal characteristics of an infrared measurement. In an embodiment, the thermal assessment criteria may include microwave length (3-30cm) electromagnetic radiation naturally emitted by the patient. For example, a sensor configured to sense a thermal assessment criterion of a patient includes a microwave radiometer operable to measure natural electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range from internal tissue of the patient. In embodiments, the microwave radiometer May be combined with an infrared sensor, such as those described in New diagnostic methods in acquisition, ICMART' 99International Medical acquisition Symposium 7, Riga, (May21-23,1999) by R.Avagyan et al, which is incorporated herein by reference. See also publication No. WO 2006/091123(PCT/RU2006/000072), which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, the genetic signature may include a light or radio wave genetic signature of the patient that is used as an evaluation criterion. For example, in an embodiment, the radiation characteristic may include gamma radiation or other types of radiation, such as potassium 40, emitted by the patient's own body. An example of a gamma ray sensor device configured to sense features of a patient without contact with the patient's body is contemplated by Rantell of the oak ridge national laboratory of the oak ridge, Tenn^TMA passive gamma ray sensor is provided.

In an embodiment, the sensors 102 are operatively coupled to one or more sensor control units 134. In an embodiment, the one or more sensor control units 134 are used to control the activity of the one or more sensors 102. For example, in an embodiment, the one or more sensor control units 134 control one or more times at which the one or more sensors 102 detect one or more signals from a patient that are related to one or more evaluation criteria of the patient. In an embodiment, the one or more sensor control units 134 control the one or more sensors 102 to detect one or more time periods of one or more signals from a patient that are related to one or more evaluation criteria of the patient.

In an embodiment, the sensor 102 is configured to wirelessly transmit the sensed patient-derived electrical signal. In an embodiment, the sensor 102 is electrically or optically coupled to the control circuitry to transmit one or more signals. In an embodiment, the sensor 102 includes one or more sensor housings 144. In an embodiment, the one or more sensor housings 114 are operatively coupled with the one or more sensors 102.

In an implementation, several types of sensors 102 may be operatively coupled to the computing device 112. Examples of such sensors 102 include, but are not limited to, electrodes, surface plasmon resonance detectors, micro-electromechanical system detectors, micro-cantilever detectors, nitric oxide detectors, osmolarity detectors, correlation-based detectors, chemical detectors, pressure detectors, electrochemical detectors, piezoelectric detectors, pH detectors, hydrogel detectors, enzyme detectors, ball integrated circuit detectors, affinity viscosity detectors, blood pressure detectors, metal detectors, glucose detectors, and the like (e.g., U.S. patent No.7,162,289, 6,280,604, 5,603,820, 5,582,170, 6,287,452, 7,291,503, 6,764,446, 7,168,294, 6,823,717, 7,205,701, 6,268,161, 4,703,756, 6,965,791, 6,546,268, 6,210,326, 6,514,689, 6,234,973, 6,442,413, electric analysis by Tu et al, 11:70-74(1999), each of which is incorporated herein by reference). In an embodiment, the one or more detectors 136 are configured to detect one or more of PH, chemicals, or neural signals from the patient.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensor housings 114 include circuitry operatively coupled to the one or more sensors 102. In an embodiment, the one or more sensor housings 114 include circuitry configured to facilitate the elimination of the one or more sacrificial layers. In an embodiment, the one or more sensor housings 114 include circuitry configured to be operatively coupled to the one or more sensor control units 134. In an embodiment, the one or more sensor housings 114 include circuitry configured to be operatively coupled to the one or more sensor power sources 115. In an embodiment, the one or more sensor housings 114 include circuitry configured to operatively couple to the one or more sensor receivers 106. In an embodiment, the one or more sensor housings 114 include circuitry configured to be operatively coupled to the one or more sensor transmitters 110.

In an embodiment, the sensor 102 includes one or more sensor power sources 115 (including but not limited to batteries). In an embodiment, the sensor 102 is operatively coupled to one or more sensor cells 115. In an embodiment, sensor cell 115 comprises a thin film fuel cell, such as a solid oxide type (SOFC), a solid polymer type (SPFC), a proton exchange membrane type (PEMFC), and/or substantially any combination thereof. Methods of making such thin film fuel cells are known and have been described (e.g., U.S. patent No.7,189,471, which is incorporated herein by reference). In an embodiment, the one or more sensor cells 115 comprise one or more storage membranes configured for energy storage and energy conversion. Methods of making such storage films are known and have been described (e.g., U.S. patent No.7,238,628, which is incorporated herein by reference). In an embodiment, the sensor battery 115 is a biobased battery (e.g., U.S. patent No.6,994,934, which is incorporated herein by reference). In an embodiment, the one or more sensor cells 115 are thin film batteries. Methods of making thin film batteries, including thin film microbatteries, are known and have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,338,625, 7,194,801; 7,144,655; 6,818,356, which are incorporated herein by reference). In an embodiment, one or more sensor electromagnetic receivers (not shown) are used to electromagnetically couple power to power the one or more sensors 102 from the external power source 115. Methods of constructing electromagnetic receivers have been described (e.g., U.S. patent No.5,571,152, which is incorporated herein by reference). In an embodiment, the receiver and/or the transmitter are not part of the sensor.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more sensor transmitters 110. Several types of transmitters 110 may be used in association with the system 100. Examples of such transmitters 110 include, but are not limited to, transmitters that transmit one or more acoustic, optical, radio, wireless, hardwired, infrared, ultrasonic signals, etc. (e.g., U.S. patent nos. RE39,785; 7,260,768; 7,260,764; 7,260,402; 7,257,327; 7,215,887; 7,218,900), each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the one or more sensor transmitters 110 may transmit the encrypted one or more signals. Several types of transmitters are known and have been described (e.g., U.S. patents and published U.S. patent application nos.: 7,236,595; 7,260,155; 7,227,956; US2006/0280307), each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more sensor receivers 106. Several types of sensor receivers 106 may be used in association with the system 100. Examples of such sensor receivers 106 include, but are not limited to, receivers that receive one or more acoustic signals, optical signals, radio signals, wireless signals, hardwired signals, infrared signals, ultrasonic signals, and the like. Such receivers 106 are known and described (e.g., U.S. patent nos.: RE39,785; 7,218,900; 7,254,160; 7,245,894; 7,206,605), each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a locked drop box 136(locked drop box) that is optionally electrically connected to the computing device 112. In an embodiment, one or more grid (components) 145 holds a variety of medical products or services that the patient 104 may seek. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a dispensing bin 142, optionally located where medical products or services are dispensed. In an embodiment, the product or service is retrieved directly from the grid 145 in which it resides. In an embodiment, the grid 145 is configured with at least one means for alerting the patient 104 that a medical product or service is located in the grid 145 and is ready to be retrieved (e.g., by opening a door of the grid). In an embodiment, the means for alerting the patient comprises at least one audible alert, visual alert or tactile alert, such as, for example, a light, beep, buzz, vibration, or other similar alert. In an embodiment, the system 100 further includes a printer/scanner/fax machine 120. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a currency exchanger or acceptor machine 140. In an embodiment, the privacy curtain/door 150 allows for privacy when the patient 104 is using the system 100. In an embodiment, the medicine box () device 155 is configured to interface with the computing device 112 through a port (e.g., through a wired connection, a flash drive (USB), a microdrive, or a wireless connection). In an embodiment, the medicine box comprises at least one grid (e.g., a closable grid) operatively coupled with circuitry configured to send a signal when the grid is occupied (e.g., opened, medicine dispensed into the grid)

Various statistical programs or computer algorithms of the simulation system may be implemented with the various embodiments described herein. For example, ANOVA, Monte Carlo (Monte Carlo), and the like, as well as other programs, may be implemented.

In an embodiment, the signal may be an external signal 188. Examples of such signals include, but are not limited to, analog signals, digital signals, acoustic signals, optical signals, radio signals, wireless signals, hardwired signals, infrared signals, ultrasonic signals, and so forth. In an embodiment, one or more signals may not be encrypted. In an embodiment, one or more signals may be encrypted. In an embodiment, one or more signals may be sent using a secure mode of transmission. In an embodiment, one or more signals may be encoded for receipt by a particular patient. In an embodiment, such a code may comprise an anonymous code specific to the patient. Accordingly, information included in one or more signals may be protected from access by others who are not the intended recipient.

As shown in fig. 1, in embodiments describing the methods, systems, and computer program products described herein, one or more patients use a kiosk for redeeming credentials or requesting one or more medical products or services.

In an embodiment, at least one data set described herein includes a dynamic data structure. In an embodiment, at least one data set described herein comprises a static data structure. In an embodiment, the patient is evaluated based on a challenge of evaluation criteria, which forms a data structure and can be used to determine an overall health status indicator value. In embodiments, the challenge includes at least one of a query to the patient, observed or sensed criteria, or an input based on a health history or health record of the patient. For example, in an embodiment, the challenge includes a survey from an input/output device. In embodiments, the survey may be in any language, or in a picture or other form. In an embodiment, the survey includes skip logic, or conditional branching, that allows the survey to be customized for a patient based on the patient's prior responses. For example, if the patient's first challenge includes asking whether the patient is male or female, and the patient answers "female," the survey skip logic rule may be such that: the patient is forced to skip the problems associated with the symptoms or conditions specific to the male.

In an embodiment, one particular evaluation criterion value is more closely coupled to the health status indicator value than another particular evaluation criterion value. For example, heavier weights may be assigned evaluation criteria closely coupled with corresponding health status indicator values (e.g., heart rate, respiration, etc.). In embodiments, one or more of the assessment criteria values are weighted more heavily, thus yielding a higher value when included in the patient's response, and biasing the analysis toward granting the patient's request (if the request requires assessment). For example, heavier weights may be assigned to features that are present in the sensed or patient health record, while lighter weights may be assigned to self-reported features, particularly when the collected data is inconsistent or inconsistent.

In embodiments, some requests for granting medical products or services require no or only minimal patient assessment (e.g., a request for a band-aid, a request for 2-piece ibuprofen, etc.), while some others require moderate or high patient assessment (e.g., a request for pregnancy testing, a request for statins, etc.), while some requests may require the patient to seek additional treatment and in any event will not grant or will only be granted via credentials previously obtained by the patient from a medical provider (e.g., a request for anesthetic, etc.).

As shown in fig. 1, the system 102 includes a computing device 112, the computing device 112 optionally having one or more of a receiver 106, a transceiver 108, a transmitter 110, a memory 116, or a power source 115. In an embodiment, as described, the dynamic data set includes a compilation of data from each of the evaluated patients in the cohort. For example, a patient is evaluated, ABC data (based on one or more evaluation criteria values for one or more evaluated features of the patient) is generated, the ABC data providing a basis for generating a health status indicator value for the patient based on an evaluation criteria value dataset, the ABC data entered into the evaluation criteria dataset for the patient. In an embodiment, the information is immediately uploaded such that any kiosk or remote access delivery station in the network is updated, while the patient is not allowed to use a second kiosk for the same request that was just fulfilled or just rejected.

Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment that includes a system 255, the system 255 including at least one computing device 200. The computing device may take many forms or be a component of an object (e.g., a limited resource computing device, a wireless communication device, a mobile wireless communication device, an electronic pen, a handheld electronic writing device, a digital camera, a scanner, an ultrasound device, an x-ray machine, a non-invasive imaging device, a cell phone, a PDA, an electronic tablet device, a medical instrument (implantable or otherwise), a printer, an automobile, and an airplane).

The computing device 200 is operatively connectable to at least one input/output device (see other figures) with which the patient 204 can interact. For example, in an embodiment, the system 255 includes an input/output device 211, the input/output device 211 including a non-transitory signal-bearing medium operable to interact with the user 218 (which may be self-reported information to healthcare workers, sensed information, or information obtained from health history records or family members, etc., which may be self-reported by patients or helpers on behalf of patients) and receive input related to the patient seeking a medical product or service. In an embodiment, the input/output device 211 comprises a non-transitory signal-bearing medium operable to compare at least one input from a patient related to the patient's attempt to obtain a medical product or service with one or more verification data sets (as described herein), and generate a verification value based on the comparison, and optionally reinitiate receipt of at least one additional input from the patient, and optionally repeat the comparing step and generating the verification value. In an embodiment, the non-transitory signal bearing medium is operable to reinitiate receiving at least one further input from the patient until the verification threshold is met or rejected and transmitting an output representative of the verification value. In an embodiment, the output includes at least one of a visual cue, an audible cue, or a tactile cue. In an embodiment, the input/output device is operable to convert an input into an electronic signal comprising a digitization or weighting protocol.

In an embodiment, the validation data set includes one or more of an inventory data set, an electronic medical record data set of the patient, a validation data set, or a health status indicator data set. In an embodiment, the input includes at least one input responsive to one or more challenges. In an embodiment, the input comprises at least one physiological parameter or characteristic, such as an electrical measurement, a biochemical measurement, or a thermal measurement, detected by one or more sensors.

In an embodiment, the input comprises input from a data storage device (e.g., a USB, CD, DVD, or similar storage device). Likewise, input may be provided regarding a patient seeking a medical product or service via a mobile phone, computer tablet, computer laptop, or other computing device.

Further, if one or more sensors are employed, information is sensed 213. The system 255 also includes a comparator 214 for a verification value dataset, the comparator 214 for the verification value dataset operatively coupled with the electronic health record or family health history 215. In an embodiment, the system 255 further comprises at least one generating unit 217 for one or more verification values for the patient. In an embodiment, the system 255 includes an assign verification value unit 225 and generates an output 229, the output 229 may include a distribution of the medical product or service sought by the patient 204. In an embodiment, a signal may alert when the patient's verification value meets a verification threshold.

In embodiments, the patient is further evaluated for at least one symptom (by sensing by a sensor, self-reporting, reporting on behalf of the patient, or retrieving from an electronic health record, etc.) and the evaluated symptom criteria is compared to the health status data set. This is particularly useful when the patient does not have a pre-approved prescription. In an embodiment, the patient is assigned a health status indicator value based on the comparison, and the system may send an alert signal when the health status indicator value of the patient meets a health status threshold.

In an embodiment, generating the verification value includes coordinating the medical symptom code or value as a function of satisfying a threshold condition. As described elsewhere herein, a patient's characteristics or symptoms may be encoded to produce a medical symptom code.

In an embodiment, comparing the input comprises coordinating at least one of the identification information with the identification data set as a function of a threshold condition. Identification information is described herein and includes, for example, a fingerprint, driver's license, or other information specific to the identification of a patient seeking a medical product or service. In an embodiment, at least one input is stored.

In an embodiment, the system is further configured to send one or more signals in response to transmitting the output representative of the verification value, the one or more signals may include at least one of a tactile representation, an audible representation, a visual representation. In an embodiment, the tactile representation includes at least one vibration pattern (e.g., a pulse pattern or a velocity pattern). In embodiments, the method and system further comprise recording and optionally storing the results of receiving at least one input from the patient and/or receiving one or more verification values for the patient. In embodiments, the systems and methods described herein include recording a confirmation (e.g., sound, video, etc.) that a patient has taken or used a medical product or service. In an embodiment, the record comprises a timestamp, a location stamp, a patient name, a medical product or service name or code, or a medication dose. In an embodiment, the recording includes receiving an RFID signal associated with the medical product or service (e.g., the RFID signal indicates that the package is opened or the medication is swallowed).

As shown in fig. 1-2, the patient makes a request that requires at least some assessment and provides at least one response (e.g., via a challenge or sensor) that produces a validation value dataset (which may be static or dynamic). From the validation data set, a validation value for the patient is determined, optionally including an analysis of the health history/record. As shown, the patient's request is granted if one or more of the patient's verification values exceed a [ predetermined ] threshold. As described herein, in embodiments, the verification input includes the identification of the patient (driver's license, fingerprint, etc.). In an embodiment, the verification input includes identification and a symptom or health condition (e.g., by evaluating criteria or sensed or reported symptoms or conditions). As described herein, in embodiments, the patient presents the credentials for redemption and does not require evaluation.

In embodiments, the patient requests a medical product or service, and one or more of the patient evaluation criteria may or may not exceed a [ predetermined ] threshold, but the patient's request requires further evaluation on the basis of the criteria not exceeding the threshold or indicating that further evaluation is required to grant the request.

FIG. 3 shows an input/output device 300 operatively coupled to a computing device 320, the computing device 320 including a processing unit 321, a system memory 322, and a system bus 323 that couples various system components including the system sensor 322 to the processing unit 321. The system bus 323 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system bus 323 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus also known as mezzanine bus.

The system memory includes Read Only Memory (ROM)324 and Random Access Memory (RAM) 325. A basic input/output system (BIOS)326, containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within thin computing device 320 during start-up, is stored in ROM 324. Some program modules may be stored in the ROM 324 or RAM 325, including an operating system 328, one or more application programs 329, other program modules 330, and program data 331.

A user may enter commands and information into computing device 320 through input devices (e.g., some switches and buttons), shown as hardware buttons 344, connected to the system through a suitable interface 345. The input device may further include a touch sensitive display with suitable input detection circuitry, shown as display 332 and screen input detector 333. Output circuitry of touch sensitive display 332 is connected to system bus 323 via video driver 337. Other input devices may include a microphone 334, and a physical hardware keyboard (not shown) connected through a suitable audio interface 335. The output devices may include at least one display 332, or a projector display 336.

In addition to the display 332, the computing device 320 may include other peripheral output devices, such as at least one speaker 338. Other external input or output devices 339 such as, for example, a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like, may be connected to the processing unit 321 and to the system bus 323 by way of the USB port 340 and USB port interface 341. Alternatively, other external input and output devices 339 may be connected by other interfaces (e.g., parallel ports, game ports, or other ports). The computing device 320 may further include or be capable of connecting to a flash card memory (not shown) through an appropriate connection port (not shown). The computing device 320 may further include or be capable of connecting to a network through a network port 342 and a network interface 343, and may be provided to facilitate communication with other peripheral devices (not shown), including other computers, printers, etc., through a wireless port 346 and a corresponding wireless interface 347. It will be appreciated that the various components and connections shown are examples and that other components and means of establishing a communications link may be used.

Computing device 320 may be designed to include a user interface. The user interface may include characters, key-based, or another user data entered via the touch-sensitive display 332. The user interface may include the use of a stylus (not shown). Furthermore, the user interface is not limited to an actual touch sensitive tablet arranged for directly receiving input, and may alternatively or additionally be responsive to another input device, such as a microphone 334. For example, spoken words may be received at the microphone 334 and recognized. Alternatively, computing device 320 may be designed to include a user interface (not shown) with a physical keyboard.

In some cases, one or more components of computing device 320 may be deemed unnecessary and may be omitted. In other cases, one or more other components may be deemed necessary and added to the computing device.

In some cases, a computing device typically includes a variety of computer-readable media products. Computer readable media can include any media that can be accessed by computing device 320 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise communication media.

Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disks (DVD), or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computing device 720. In further embodiments, the computer storage media may comprise a group of computer storage media devices. In another embodiment, a computer storage medium may comprise an information store. In another embodiment, the information storage may include quantum memory, photonic quantum memory, or atomic quantum memory. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media.

Communication media may typically be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic media, RF media, optical media, and infrared media.

The computing device 320 may also include other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media products. For example, such media includes a non-removable non-volatile memory interface (hard disk interface) 345, or a removable non-volatile memory interface 350, the non-removable non-volatile memory interface 345 reads from and writes to, for example, non-removable non-volatile magnetic media, the removable non-volatile memory interface 350 is coupled to, for example, a magnetic disk drive 351, a removable non-volatile magnetic disk 352, or an optical disk drive 355, the removable non-volatile optical disk 356 (such as a CD ROM), the removable non-volatile optical disk 356 (such as a CDROM). Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the example operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, memory cards, flash memory cards, DVDs, digital video tape, solid state RAM and solid state ROM. The hard disk drive 357 is typically connected to the system bus 323 through a non-removable memory interface such as interface 345, and magnetic disk drive 351 and optical disk drive 355 are typically connected to the system bus 323 by a removable non-volatile memory interface, such as interface 350.

The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed above provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data for the computing device 320.

A user may enter commands and information into the computing device 320 through input devices such as a microphone, keyboard, or pointing device, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball, or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include at least one of a touch-sensitive display, a joystick, a game pad, a satellite dish, and a scanner. These input devices and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit through a user input interface that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port or a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

The computing system may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 380. The remote computer 380 may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computing device 320, although only a memory storage device. The network logical connections include a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN), and may also include other networks, such as a Personal Area Network (PAN) (not shown). Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

When used in a networking environment, the computing system is connected to the network 371 through a network interface, such as network interface 370, modem 372, or wireless interface 393. The network may include a LAN networking environment, or a WAN networking environment (such as the Internet). In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computing device 320, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation, remote application programs 385 reside on computer media 381. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are examples and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

In some cases, one or more elements of computing device 320 may be deemed unnecessary and may be omitted. In other cases, one or more other components may be deemed necessary and added to computing device 320.

Signal generator 390 comprises a signal generator configured to generate a signal representative of a sensed evaluation criterion of the patient. In an embodiment, the signal may comprise a raw data signal, i.e. a capacitance measurement of the patient, a change in the position of the skin on the carotid artery, an acoustic pressure, or an electrical brain activity. In an embodiment, the signal generator may include a processor circuit 392, a treatment protocol circuit 394, a treatment decision circuit 396, or a communication circuit 398. In an embodiment, the communication circuit is operable to communicate using electrical conductors or using wireless transmission. In an embodiment, the signal generator may comprise an instance of a thin computing device 320, and the processor circuit may be the processing unit 321.

In embodiments, the system actively monitors (e.g., detects, tracks, etc.) a patient positioned using at least one of computerized axial tomography, fiber optic thermometry, infrared thermography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, microwave thermography, microwave dielectric spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, ultrasound reflectometry, spectral imaging, visual imaging, infrared imaging, single photon emission computed tomography, and the like.

In an embodiment, the system comprises a patient tracking system (not shown in the figures). For example, in an embodiment, the system includes a patient tracking system for updating in real-time a virtual location of a patient in a virtual space corresponding to a physical location of the patient in a physical space (e.g., a doctor's office, airport, school, university campus, etc.). In embodiments, the patient's location relative to a locked delivery box or a product/service dispensing port is tracked by the tracking system. In an embodiment, a map is provided to the patient to guide the patient to seek medical care elsewhere. In an embodiment, the patient tracking system includes an optical recognition distributed sensor network that generates a health status indicator value based in part on continuous monitoring of the patient's overall physical condition (including the patient's motion, gait, etc.), optionally as part of approval for a request or credential redemption from the patient for a medical product or service.

As shown in fig. 4, system 400 includes one or more kiosks (each shown as 411, 412, and 413) operatively connected to a central server 405, the central server 405 operatively connected to a hard drive storage 410. As described elsewhere herein, each kiosk (411, 412, 413) includes optional components that may further communicate with the central server 405, including but not limited to a printer/scanner/fax machine, a currency acceptor, sensors for detecting specific characteristics of the patient, and an interactive menu for the patient to provide input regarding the patient seeking a medical product or service. In an embodiment, the central server 405 includes circuitry configured to set up medical products or services that are equivalent to each other (if the patient requests an equivalent). In an embodiment, the central server 405 includes circuitry configured to generate output information related to a patient seeking a medical product or service. In an embodiment, the central server 405 includes circuitry configured to process approval, verify pre-approval, or evaluate the patient by feature evaluation criteria. In an embodiment, the central server 405 includes circuitry configured to process financial transactions (including accepting currency or credit/debit/online financial transactions) or processing insurance terms for medical products or services. In an embodiment, the central server 405 includes circuitry configured to determine inventory within the various kiosks in the network and to relay information to a user or a central inventory replenishment facility (not shown) to replenish inventory that will reach a predetermined level in any particular kiosk. In an embodiment, each kiosk signals the central server 405 when a particular medical product or service has reached a predetermined level, or signals the central server 405 in real-time after each dispensing of each medical product or service. In an embodiment, the central server 405 includes circuitry for monitoring for security breaches at any one kiosk in the network and disabling kiosks that are suspected of being tampered with or that are secure and have breached. In an embodiment, the central server 405 includes circuitry for communicating with the various kiosks in determining a verification value for a patient and whether the value meets a verification threshold.

In an embodiment, each kiosk (411, 412, 413) includes circuitry for communicating with one or more sensors, one or more input/output devices, a central server, etc. and may include a user interface for interacting with a patient seeking a medical product or service. In an embodiment, the server interface (not shown) includes circuitry for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data between the kiosk and the central server.

As shown in fig. 5, in an embodiment, the system 500 includes a kiosk 100, the kiosk 100 having one or more compartments (510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, and 580), optionally each compartment holding a different medical product or service than the other compartments. In an embodiment, each grid (510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580) includes an opening or slot 505 for dispensing a medical product or service to the patient 104. In an embodiment, more than one grid (510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580) shares a central opening or slot 590 for dispensing medical products or services to the patient 104. In embodiments, a common slot or opening 590 may be configured to dispense medical products or services from a row, column, or other multiple lattices (510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580). In an embodiment, the aforementioned locked delivery box 136 also includes circuitry for sending data to and receiving data from the central server (dashed lines) and may include components such as security alarm sensors, cameras 114, or electronic locks 575. In an embodiment, each kiosk 100 includes a plurality of slots or openings (505, 590) where medical products or services are dispensed upon satisfaction of a verification threshold, as described herein. In an embodiment, the input/output devices of the kiosk 100 are in electronic communication with one or more grid (510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580) and with the central server 405 (communication is represented by dashed lines). Additionally, as shown, the camera 114 and the locked delivery box 136 are also each in electronic communication (dashed lines) with the server 405.

As illustrated in fig. 6, the system 600 includes the kiosk 100 and the patient 104 seeks a medical product or service by inserting the medicine box device 155 into the input/output device 112 of the kiosk 100. In an embodiment, the medicine box device 155 is configured to plug into the input/output device 112 as a USB drive, while information is transferred between the medicine box device 155 and the server 405 (dashed lines) and optionally between the medicine box device 155 and one or more boxes 510 (dashed lines). In an embodiment, the medicine box apparatus 155 may be inserted into a slot or opening 505 of a particular grid 510. In an embodiment, the medicine box apparatus 155 may be inserted into a slot or opening 590 common to more than one of the lattices 510. As shown, the medicine-box apparatus 155 includes one or more spaced-apart compartments (656, 657, 658, 659, 660) that may allow for the dispensing of different medicating drugs (represented by different symbols on each spaced-apart compartment). In an embodiment, the kit device includes a transmitter or receiver (represented by antenna 670) for communicating with one or more computing devices in a network (e.g., at kiosk 100) or with server 405. In an embodiment, the GPS or other locator is included as an integral part of the medicine box apparatus.

All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in any application data sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, to the extent they do not contradict this document.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the state of the art has evolved to the point where: there is little distinction left between hardware, software, and/or firmware implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware, software, and/or firmware is generally (but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can become significant) a design choice representing a cost vs. benefit tradeoff. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous vehicles by which methods and/or systems and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary depending upon the context in which the methods and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if the implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; alternatively, or in addition, an implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Thus, there are several possible vehicles by which the methods and/or apparatus and/or other techniques described herein can be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be used is a choice dependent upon the context in which it is deployed and the particular concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the optical aspects of an implementation will typically employ optical aspects of hardware, software, and or firmware.

In some implementations described herein, logic and similar implementations may include software or other control structures adapted for operation. For example, an electronic circuit may exhibit one or more current paths constructed and arranged to implement the various logical functions described herein. In some implementations, one or more media are configured to carry a device-detectable implementation when such media holds or carries a special-purpose device instruction set that is executable to perform as described herein. In some variations, this may be manifested, for example, as an update or other modification to existing software or firmware or a gate array or other programmable hardware, such as by the receipt or transmission of one or more instructions related to one or more operations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some variations, implementations may include dedicated hardware, software, firmware components, and/or general components that execute or otherwise invoke the dedicated components. A specification or other implementation may be sent via one or more instances of a tangible transmission medium as described herein, optionally via packet transmission or otherwise by passing through a distribution medium at different times.

Alternatively or in addition, implementations may include executing a dedicated sequence of instructions or otherwise invoking circuitry for enabling, triggering, coordinating, requesting or otherwise causing one or more occurrences of any of the above-described functional operations. In some variations, the operational or other logical descriptions herein may be expressed directly as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as a sequence of executable instructions. In some scenarios, for example, C + + or other code sequences may be compiled or otherwise implemented directly into a high-level descriptor language (e.g., a logical composition language, a hardware description language, a hardware design simulation, and/or other such similar expression patterns). Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the logical expressions may be represented as Verilog-type hardware descriptions or other circuit models, particularly for basic operation or timing-critical applications, before being physically implemented in hardware. Given these teachings, those skilled in the art will understand how to obtain, configure and optimize suitable transmission or computing elements, material supplies, actuators or other general structures.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or methods via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or embodiments contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or embodiments can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In embodiments, portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented by Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), or other integrated forms. Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be implemented efficiently in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Video Disks (DVDs), digital tapes, computer memories, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmit logic, receive logic, etc.).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments described herein may be implemented individually and/or collectively by various types of electromechanical systems having a wide range of electrical components (such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually any combination thereof) and a wide range of components that may impart mechanical force or motion (such as rigid bodies, springs or torsion mechanisms, hydraulic systems, electromagnetic actuation devices, and/or virtually any combination thereof). Thus, "electromechanical system" as used herein includes, but is not limited to: a circuit operatively coupled to a transducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS), etc.), a circuit having at least one discrete circuit, a circuit having at least one integrated circuit, a circuit having at least one application specific integrated circuit, a circuit forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially implements the methods and/or apparatus described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially implements the methods and/or apparatus described herein), a circuit forming a storage device (e.g., various forms of memory (e.g., random access memory, flash memory, read only memory, etc.), a circuit forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, an optoelectronic device, etc.), a computer program, a, And/or non-electrical systems similar thereto (e.g., optical or other similar systems). Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that examples of electromechanical systems include, but are not limited to, various consumer electronics systems, medical devices, and other systems, such as electric transportation systems, factory automation systems, security systems, and/or communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless the context dictates otherwise, electromechanical as used herein is not necessarily limited to a system that has both electrical and mechanical actuation.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that various aspects described herein, which may be implemented independently and/or collectively by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof, may be considered to comprise various types of "circuitry". Thus, "circuitry" as used herein includes, but is not limited to: a circuit having at least one discrete circuit, a circuit having at least one integrated circuit, a circuit having at least one application specific integrated circuit, a circuit forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially implements the methods and/or apparatus described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially implements the methods and/or apparatus described herein), a circuit forming a storage device (e.g., various forms of memory (e.g., random access memory, flash memory, read only memory, etc.), and/or a circuit forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, an optoelectronic device, etc.). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in analog or digital fashion, or some combination thereof.

One skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of the devices and/or methods described herein may be integrated into an image processing system. Those skilled in the art will recognize that typical image processing systems generally include one or more of the following: a system unit housing, a video display device, a memory such as a volatile or non-volatile memory, a processor such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor, a computing entity such as an operating system, a driver, an application program, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), a control system including a feedback loop and a control motor (e.g., feedback for sensing lens position and/or velocity, a control motor for moving/distorting the lens to give a desired focus). The image processing system may be implemented using suitable commercially available components such as those typically found in digital still systems and/or digital mobile systems.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of the devices and/or methods described herein may be integrated into a data processing system. Those skilled in the art will recognize that data processing systems typically include one or more of the following: a system unit housing, a video display device, a memory such as a volatile or non-volatile memory, a processor such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor, a computing entity such as an operating system, a driver, a graphical user interface, an application program, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), and/or a control system including a feedback loop and a control motor (e.g., a feedback for sensing position and/or velocity, a control motor for moving and/or adjusting a component and/or quantity). The data processing system may be implemented using suitable commercially available components such as those commonly found in data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems.

One skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of the apparatus and/or methods described herein may be integrated into a mote system. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a typical mote system generally includes one or more of the following: a memory such as a volatile or non-volatile memory, a processor such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor, a computing entity such as an operating system, a user interface, a driver, a sensor, an actuator, an application, one or more interactive devices (e.g., an antenna USB port, an audio port, etc.), a control system including a feedback loop and a control motor (e.g., feedback for sensing or estimating position and/or velocity, a control motor for moving and/or adjusting a component and/or quantity). The Mote system may be implemented using suitable components such as those found in a Mote computing/communication system. Specific examples of such components include, for example, intel's and/or clenbo's mote components and supporting hardware, software, and/or firmware.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the art to implement devices and/or methods and/or systems and thereafter use engineering and/or other practices to integrate such devices and/or methods and/or systems into more comprehensive devices and/or methods and/or systems. That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or methods and/or systems described herein can be integrated into other devices and/or methods and/or systems through a reasonable amount of experimentation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that examples of such other devices and/or methods and/or systems may include (depending on the context and application) all or part of the following: (a) air vehicles (e.g., airplanes, rockets, helicopters, etc.), (b) ground vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, locomotives, tanks, armored vans, etc.), (c) buildings (e.g., home homes, warehouses, offices, etc.), (d) appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, etc.), (e) communication systems (e.g., network systems, telephone systems, voice over IP systems, etc.), (f) business entities (e.g., Internet Service Provider (ISP) entities such as concast cable, nyquist, Southwest Bell, etc.), or (g) wired/wireless service entities (e.g., spruce (Sprint) corporation, singerler (Cingular) corporation, nice (Nextel) corporation, etc.), etc.

In some cases, use of the system or method may occur in a region, but the components are located outside of the region. For example, in a distributed computing environment, use of a distributed computing system may occur in a region, but components of the system may be located outside of the region (e.g., relays, servers, processors, signal-bearing media, sending computers, receiving computers, etc. located outside of the region). Likewise, the sale of a system or method may occur in a region, but components of the system or method are located and/or used outside of the region.

Furthermore, the implementation of at least a portion of a system for performing a method in one region does not preclude the use of the system in another region.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion that follows are used as examples for conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Thus, as used herein, the specific examples set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to represent a more general class thereof. In general, the use of any particular example is intended to represent its class, and the exclusion of particular components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be viewed as limiting.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, unless context dictates otherwise, a user may represent a human user, a robotic user (e.g., a computing entity), and/or substantially any combination thereof (e.g., a user that may be assisted by one or more robotic agents).

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. For purposes of clarity, various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein.

The subject matter described herein sometimes sets forth different components contained within or connected with different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "operably coupled" to each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably couplable," to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components.

In some cases, one or more components may be referred to herein as "configured," "configurable," "operable/operated," "adapted/adaptable," "capable," "conformable/complying with," or the like. One skilled in the art will recognize that "configured to" may generally include components in an active state and/or components in an inactive state and/or components in an armed state unless the context requires otherwise.

While particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Furthermore, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Further, in those instances where a convention analogous to "A, B, at least one of C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" would include, but not be limited to, an A only system, a B only system, a C only system, both A and B systems, both A and C systems, both B and C systems, and/or both A, B and C systems, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "A, B or at least one of C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B or C" would include but not be limited to systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, both A and B together, both A and C together, both B and C together, and/or both A, B and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that in general, terms and/or phrases providing two or more alternative items, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, are to be understood as contemplating possibilities for including one, either, or both. For example, the phrase "a or B" will generally be understood to include the possibility of "a" or "B" or "a and B".

Those of skill in the art will understand with respect to the claims that follow that the operations described therein can generally be performed in any order. Additionally, while the various operational flows are presented in a sequential order, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in a different order than those set forth, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternative orders may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preliminary, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orders, unless the context dictates otherwise. Moreover, adjectives such as "responsive to," "related to … …," or other past tenses are generally not intended to exclude such variations, unless the context dictates otherwise.

Various non-limiting embodiments are described herein as prophetic examples.

Prophetic examples

Prophetic example 1

Automated delivery system for medical products and services

Automated systems for providing medications, medical products, and medical services include a kiosk having a medication dispenser, physiological sensors, and a computer-based network connecting the kiosk, medical providers, patients, and third party payers (e.g., insurance companies).

The kiosk is manufactured with a computer interface that includes a touch screen monitor, a video camera, a keyboard, and voice recognition capabilities. The kiosk also includes dispensers and reservoirs for multiple medications and sensors for detecting the amount of medication delivered and monitoring the inventory remaining. Custom designed KIOSKs may be custom designed and adjusted, such as custom designed KIOSKs from KIOSK information systems, inc (80027), of colorado. They may include a variety of construction techniques including: computers, liquid crystal displays, touch screens, keyboards, card readers, biometric scanners, barcode scanners, printers, video cameras, and wireless transceivers (e.g., broadband, WiFi, bluetooth, and RFID).

The kiosk may include a computer interface with a biometric scanner to verify the identity of the patient. For example, the patient interacted with a touch screen computer (e.g., iPad2 from apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.) and a fingerprint sensor device (e.g., Lumidig Venus fingerprint sensor from Lumidig Inc. of Albugo, New Mexico; see Lumidig Venus data sheet, which is incorporated herein by reference). The computer is programmed to interact with the patient speech or by touch. The patient is prompted to touch the fingerprint sensor and the fingerprint data is compared to a database of patient medical records. Alternatively, the patient may present a credit card, insurance card, or other identification to verify their identity. Payment for the medication and/or service may be made using a credit card or insurance plan debit card (e.g., Flex plan) on the kiosk's card reader. Payment may be included in input received in connection with a patient seeking a medical product or service. In addition, patients can be interrogated verbally by a computer to verify their identity. For example, a date of birth, social security number, home address, and authorization code may be required to gain access to the kiosk and to obtain medication or medical services. Alternatively, the patient's healthcare provider may issue a USB flash drive to the patient containing patient identity information and an authorization code for the kiosk and prescription information. After authorization and access by the automated delivery system, the patient is photographed at the kiosk by a touch screen computer and the facial picture is sent to their medical provider for authentication.

The drug dispenser is integrated into a kiosk, enabling a small quantity of drug to be selected, packaged, labeled, and dispensed. For example, the kiosk may dispense 30 or 90 tablets of paroxetine, i.e., 1 or 3 months of supply. Machines that dispense medications are described (see, e.g., Rosenblum, U.S. patent No.8,033,424 at 2011, 10, 11, and Vishnubhatla et al, U.S. patent application No.2012/0303388 at 2012, 11, 29, which patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference). For example, pharmaceutical packaging machines for packaging single doses in blister packsT60 is available from Pearson medical technologies, Inc. of Alexander (LA). Medical products (e.g., syringes, transdermal patches, lotions, bandages, etc.) may also be dispensed from the kiosk using a drug dispenser (see, e.g., the aforementioned U.S. patent No.8,033,424). The kiosk includes a medication dispenser, a medication storage cabinet, and a medication inventory monitor. For example, when 30 tablets of paroxetine (30mg tablets) are dispensed, the status of the paroxetine inventory is updated on the kiosk's computer and if an inventory needs to be replenished, an e-mail or short message is sentThe message alerts the pharmacy to replenish the storage bin of the particular kiosk.

The kiosk is equipped with a video camera to record dispensing of the medication to the patient. The video data of the patient's receipt of the medication is captured by the kiosk's computer and transmitted to the medical provider (e.g., to the patient's electronic health record), to the insurance company, and to the patient. Further, the video data may be accompanied by the written details of the distribution by email or short message. For example, the email may detail: the patient's name and address, prescription, prescribing physician, health insurance plan, payment status, drug cost, and date, time, and kiosk location at which the drug was dispensed. In an embodiment, the input received in connection with a patient seeking a medical product or service includes at least one of an authorization code, an insurance code, or an identification code.

The automated delivery system also provides medical services at the kiosk, including measurement, analysis, and reporting of physiological and clinical parameters to provide remote medical services and to notify prescription delivery. For example, the kiosk may contain sensors to detect key physiological parameters such as: heart rate, body temperature, respiratory rate and blood oxygen level, and body weight. The weight of the patient can be measured by an electronic scale under the chair in the kiosk that automatically sends the weight to a central computer containing the patient's medical records. The electrocardiogram of the patient can be measured by means of electric potential sensors, which can be placed on opposite sides of the chair, spaced apart by 1 metre. Non-conductive potential sensors for determining an electrocardiogram of a patient are described (see, e.g., haland et al, meas. sci. technol.13,163-169,2002, which is incorporated herein by reference). The patient's respiration rate and heart rate may be determined by a remote sensor that detects physiological activity by illuminating the patient with Radio Frequency (RF) electromagnetic signals and detecting reflected electromagnetic signal waves. The sensor may be included in the back of the chair. For example, remote sensors for detecting respiratory rate and heart rate are described (see, e.g., U.S. patent No.7,272,431 issued to McGrath on 9, 18, 2007). The body temperature of the patient is determined by thermal imaging of a radiometric camera (e.g., a 7320ETIP camera available from Infrared cameras, Inc. of Bomont, Tex.; see Spec. sheet IR camera, incorporated herein by reference). An infrared camera is mounted in the kiosk and focused on the forehead or eyes of the patient. Devices and methods for non-invasively and remotely determining core body temperature are adjustable from other devices and methods (see, e.g., U.S. patent No.7,340,293, which is incorporated herein by reference).

The hematocrit and blood oxygen concentration of the patient is determined by a photoplethysmograph on the armrest of the chair. Systems with finger grips emit and detect light of different wavelengths through the tissue of the finger (see, e.g., conf. proc. ieee eng. med. biol. soc. 4: 3567-3570,2005, incorporated herein by reference). The absence of light at selected wavelengths is detected and can be used to determine hematocrit and blood oxygen saturation values. For example, systems and methods for measuring hematocrit and blood oxygen by transilluminating a patient's finger with light having wavelengths of 660nm, 805nm, and 1550nm are described (see, e.g., U.S. patent No.5,372,136, which is incorporated herein by reference).

The biological and physiological parameters determined remotely by the kiosk's automated data acquisition system are wirelessly transmitted to a central computer in communication with a health information database (e.g., electronic health records by Kaiser Permanente can be accessed using EpicCare software from Epic Systems, Inc. of Virona, Wis., and disease control centers, data and statistics available online at http:// www.cdc.gov/datastatics). Wireless sensor networks for aggregating and sending physiological data to a central computer are described (see, e.g., proc. ieee conf. technologies for Homeland Security, p.187-192,2008, to Gao et al, which is incorporated herein by reference).

Automated medical services include computer programs and methods to compare a patient's physiological parameters to parameters obtained from healthy individuals, to the patient's medical history, and to current prescriptions. The system includes a central computer programmed to correlate the prescribed medication with the current physiological parameter. Computer programs for evaluating and comparing physiological data sets are described (see, for example, An article titled OSCAR-MDA along intellectual Advisor for emergeny RoomMedicine by John l.pollock and Devin Hosea 10 months 1997 and available online at citeeserx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/dowload? 10.1.1.49.4970& rep1& type pdf, and collick's Cognitive card: abluept for How Build a Person, Press, Cambridge, MA,1995, which are incorporated herein by reference).

Prophetic example 2

Remote delivery of prescribed medication via automated delivery system

Individuals from the united states travel business in europe for approximately 3 weeks. After 1 week, the patient lost his antidepressants, and he needed the drug to complete his business and functions in his daily activities. The patient's medical provider has established a network of kiosks in european cities that deliver medical products and services to authorized patients.

By contacting his medical provider via the internet or via telephone, the patient obtains his supplementary amount of antidepressant to spend the remaining two-week journey. The patient requests a supplemental antidepressant prescription, for example, 14 tablets of paroxetine (30mg each) and requests a kiosk near his hotel in paris to obtain the prescription. His doctor's office verifies his identity and prescription information on his medical records and authorizes the dispensing of 14 paroxetine at the designated kiosk. If the patient has also lost his credit card and other identification, the doctor's office may provide an authorization code to him to allow access to the kiosk. Patient receipt of the medication is confirmed by taking a picture at the kiosk and sending it to the medical provider.

Prophetic example 3

Automated drug delivery system to control the dispensing of controlled substances

Patients with chronic pain are prescribed oxycodone to control pain and receive their medication from an automated drug delivery system. The automated delivery system network may be used by physicians to screen patients prior to prescribing the drug oxycodone. For example, the system may check the name of the patient for any criminal records, and it may search for any and all medical records of the patient that discuss regulated medications including prescription medications, alcohol, or over-the-counter medications. The system may also search medical records for other indicators of drug seeking behavior (i.e., frequency of prescription loss, frequency of refinish (refill) requests, and visits to multiple physicians). Guidelines for prescribing a drug Opioid are available (see, e.g., Substance Absuse and Central Health Services administration. SAMHSA Optid overlay Presention Toolkit: Information for Prescriptors. HHS publication No. (SMA)13-4742.Rockville, MD 2013, available on-line at store. samhsa. gov/shin/content// SMA 13-4742/Toolkit-Prescriptors. pdf, which is incorporated herein by reference). In the case where relevant information is known through a search guided by an automated delivery system, the physician discusses an informed consent protocol with the patient. The automated delivery system may aid discussion by displaying a list of subject and key information related to oxycodone on a monitor in a physician's office. For example, the displayed information from the informed consent protocol may include:

1) risks and benefits of opioid therapy

2) Possibility of physical dependence and cognitive impairment

3) The patient agrees to stop taking other analgesic drugs unless the physician advises to do so

4) Patient agrees to obtain prescribed medication from a physician and a kiosk

5) Patients agree to take medications according to prescribed doses and schedules

6) The patient is responsible for the safe supply of medications to prevent family members, friends or others from obtaining opioids

Following the discussion, an informed consent protocol for oxycodone (e.g., oxycodone) prescription may be printed from an automated drug delivery system and signed by the physician and the patient.

To assist physicians in executing complete and legal prescription orders under federal law (see, e.g., the aforementioned SAMHSA HHS publication No. (SMA)13-4742), drug delivery systems display a form on a monitor asking for the required information:

patient name and address

Physician's name, address and DEA registration number

Electronic signature of physician

Date of distribution

Name and quantity of prescription drugs

Instructions for use

Reconfiguration information

The completed prescription order is electronically transmitted to the pharmacy along with a designated kiosk for dispensing the medication and an authorization pattern (e.g., fingerprint for biometric identification) for the patient to access the medication. For example, a physician prescribes a limited number of prescribed drugs, oxcarbazepine, to be dispensed at a designated kiosk (e.g., a sufficient amount of drug for 3-5 days). To reduce the risk of patient abuse of and/or resale of osculating, automated drug delivery systems verify the identity of the patient and control the amount of refill dispensed to the patient according to the prescribed dose and schedule. For example, a physician may prescribe: oxcarbazepine 10mg, once every 12 hours, for 3 consecutive days, 6 tablets, while a reformulation is available on days 4,7 and 10 after the dispensing of the first prescription. To control access to the drug delivery system and to identify the patient, the kiosk may have a biometric fingerprint sensor device (e.g., a LumidigmVenus fingerprint sensor from Lumidigm corporation of Alberty, N.Mexico; see Lumidigmm Venus data sheet, which is incorporated herein by reference).

The kiosk may have a video camera that captures the patient's receipt of the olympic prescription. Both events, fingerprint sensing and video recording, are sent by the kiosk computer to the physician's office and stored in the patient's electronic medical record. Facial recognition software can be used to automatically compare the patient's picture with the video recordings obtained from the kiosk. If the facial images do not match or if the fingerprint identification and facial image identification do not match, an alert is sent to the physician's office and the patient's access to the kiosk is prevented until the identity discrepancy is resolved. The video data obtained by the drug delivery kiosk is sent to the physician's office and into the patient's medical records. For example, the system may require the patient to answer questions regarding his chronic pain and his olympin use before having the patient obtain a re-dose. Review of the video data containing the patient's answers may alert the physician that the question is on or that additional medication is needed. For example, a patient may request naloxone, an opioid antagonist, as a prophylactic measure against opioid overdose (see, e.g., the aforementioned SAMHSA HHS publication No. (SMA) 13-4742). The kiosk of the automated delivery system may request the patient to make an appointment with their physician via short message, email, or telephone, and the system may also prompt the physician to contact the patient.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (56)

1. A system, comprising:

a kiosk comprising at least one computing device comprising circuitry configured to receive at least one input from a patient related to the patient seeking a portion of a prescribed medical product or service and compare the at least one input from the patient related to the patient seeking a portion of a prescribed medical product or service to one or more validation data sets; and is

Generating a verification value based on the comparison;

reinitiating receiving at least one further input from the patient and comparing the at least one further input from the patient to the one or more validation data sets until the validation value meets or rejects a validation threshold;

and

transmitting an output indicative of satisfaction or denial of the authentication threshold.

2. A system, comprising:

a medicine-box device having at least one grid operatively coupled to circuitry configured for sending a signal when the grid is occupied;

the medicine-box device comprising at least one port configured for communicating data with at least one computing device of a kiosk,

the computing device includes a processor configured to receive input related to a patient seeking a medical product or service,

and comparing at least one input from the patient relating to the patient seeking a medical product or service with one or more validation data sets; and is

A verification value is generated based on the comparison.

3. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the prescribed medical product or service is prepaid by the patient.

4. The system of any of claims 1 or 2, further comprising generating a medical record value.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising distributing the medical product or service when the validation threshold is met.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising authenticating the patient taking or using the medical product or service.

7. The system of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the portion of the prescribed medical product or service comprises any aliquot less than a full prescription.

8. The system of any of claims 1 or 2, further comprising accessing one or more medical providers to confirm the prescription or a portion of the prescription.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising accessing one or more health insurance companies to authorize the prescription or a portion of the prescription.

10. The system of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the input comprises an identification of a particular medical product or service.

11. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the input comprises a response of the patient to one or more challenges.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the outputting comprises dispensing the medical product or service being sought.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the computing device comprises circuitry configured to send at least one signal to alert a third party that a particular medical product or service has reached a predetermined inventory level.

14. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the computing device comprises circuitry configured to send at least one signal to order inventory of one or more medical products or services that have reached a predetermined inventory level.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the computing device comprises circuitry configured to send at least one signal to order inventory of one or more medical products or services for a particular patient.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the signal to order an inventory of one or more medical products or services for a particular patient is based on a predetermined schedule of patients seeking the same kind of the medical products or services at one or more points in time.

17. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising at least one currency exchanger.

18. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising at least one printer, scanner, or fax machine operatively coupled to the computing device.

19. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the computing device further comprises circuitry configured to send a signal to send a bill to the patient for receipt of the medical product or service.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the machine comprises a mobile replenishment machine.

21. The system of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the output comprises at least one of a visual cue, an audible cue, or a tactile cue.

22. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the input comprises one or more detected physiological parameters of the patient.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the one or more detected physiological parameters of the patient comprise at least one electrical measurement, biochemical measurement, or thermal measurement.

24. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising one or more sensors operable to detect one or more physiological parameters of the patient.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the one or more sensors comprise at least one of an electrical potential sensor, a high input impedance electrometer, an electromagnetic sensor, a radio frequency sensor, a microwave sensor, a micro-power pulse radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an imager, a camera, a thermal sensor, a laser, an infrared sensor, or an audio sensor.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the one or more sensors are located in at least one of a wall, a floor, an input/output device, a door, a doorway, a pen, a stylus, or computer system hardware.

27. The system of any of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a port for a data storage device.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the data storage device comprises a mobile phone, computer tablet, computer notebook, or other computing device.

29. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising circuitry for recording one or more characteristics of the patient including at least one of self-reported characteristics, sensed characteristics, biochemical characteristics, visually detectable characteristics, or audibly detectable characteristics.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the output comprises at least one of a visual cue, an audible cue, or a tactile cue.

31. A computer-implemented method, comprising:

receiving, by circuitry, at least one input from a patient related to a portion of the patient seeking a prescribed medical product or service, and comparing, by circuitry, the at least one input from the patient related to a portion of the patient seeking a prescribed medical product or service with one or more verification data sets; and is

Generating, by a circuit, a verification value based on the comparison;

reinitiating, by the circuitry, receiving at least one further input from the patient and comparing the at least one further input from the patient to the one or more validation data sets until the validation value meets or rejects a validation threshold;

and

transmitting, by a circuit, an output indicative of satisfaction or denial of the verification threshold.

32. A method performed on a computing device, comprising:

receiving at least one input from a patient related to a portion of the patient seeking a prescribed medical product or service and comparing the at least one input from the patient related to the portion of the patient attempting to obtain a prescribed medical product or service with one or more validation data sets; and is

Generating a verification value based on the comparison;

reinitiating receiving at least one further input from the patient and comparing the at least one further input from the patient to the one or more validation data sets until the validation value meets or rejects a validation threshold;

and

transmitting an output representing the verification value.

33. The method of any of claims 31 or 32, wherein the generating a verification value comprises coordinating a medical symptom code or value as a function of satisfying a condition of the threshold.

34. The method of any of claims 31 or 32, wherein the generating a verification value comprises coordinating an identification code or value as a function of satisfying a condition of the threshold.

35. The method of any of claims 31 or 32, wherein comparing the at least one input comprises reconciling at least one of the identifying information with the identifying dataset as a function of the threshold condition.

36. The method of any one of claims 31 or 32, further comprising storing at least one input.

37. The method of any one of claims 31 or 32, further comprising indicating a location of the patient.

38. The method of any one of claims 31 or 32, wherein the input includes information related to an identification of the patient.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the information related to the identification of the patient comprises one or more of a birth date, a social security number, a driver's license number, a patient-specific health record number, an insurance card number, a credit card number, a debit card number, a fingerprint, an iris scan, a passport number, an anonymous identifier, or a randomly assigned unique identification number.

40. The method of any one of claims 31 or 32, wherein receiving the input comprises receiving payment for a medical product or service.

41. The method of any one of claims 31 or 32, wherein receiving the input includes receiving at least one of an authorization code, an insurance code, or an identification code.

42. The method of any one of claims 31 or 32, further comprising evaluating at least one symptom of the patient as an evaluation symptom criterion for receiving a medical product or service.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the evaluating at least one symptom comprises registering one or more self-reported responses to one or more health challenges.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein said assessing at least one symptom comprises detecting one or more symptoms by at least one sensor.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the at least one sensor contacts the patient.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein assessing at least one symptom comprises comparing the assessment criteria to a health status dataset.

47. The method of claim 46, further comprising assigning a health indicator value based on the comparison.

48. The method of claim 47, further comprising transmitting at least one alert signal when the health status indicator value of the patient meets a health status threshold.

49. The method of claim 47, further comprising transmitting at least one alert signal when the patient's verification value satisfies the verification threshold.

50. The method of any of claims 31 or 32, further comprising sending one or more signals in response to communicating the output representative of the verification value.

51. The method of any of claims 31 or 32, wherein the output representative of the verification value includes at least one of an audible representation, a visual representation, or a tactile representation.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the tactile representation comprises at least one vibration pattern.

53. The method of claim 51, wherein the vibration pattern comprises at least one of a velocity pattern or a pulse pattern of vibration.

54. The method of any one of claims 31 or 32, further comprising recording results of receiving at least one input from the patient.

55. The method of any one of claims 31 or 32, further comprising storing the results of receiving at least one input from a patient.

56. The method of any one of claims 31 or 32, further comprising recording a verification value for the patient.