Devices, methods and applications for intelligent medical packaging

Abstract

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

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 715,692, filed on Sep. 9, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to medical containers and, more particularly, to active displays or labels for use with medical containers to allow static and / or dynamic information to be provided visually to users thereof. [0003] There are many types of containers used to store and deliver medical pharmaceuticals. Some examples include contrast agents used for medical imaging procedures, blood, plasma, parenteral feeding solutions, lipid solutions, re-hydration fluids, such as ringers-lactate solution, and special therapeutic drugs. These containers may include bags, bottles, syringes, or other custom packages or delivery containers. Many of these containers contain printed, attached, or embedded labels based on paper or foil materials, howeve...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] Containers, packages, or delivery systems and instruments with active displays may provide many benefits. An active display allows static as well as dynamic visual information to be presented. Polymer LED and Organic LED technologies may be suitable for these active displays. Polymer light emitting display (PLED) technology is a relatively recent, low power, low cost, easy to manufacture flexible display technology. PLED technology is also sometimes referred to as “organic display technology” or “OLED technology”. This display technology may be coupled with pharmaceutical packages and containers to provide an integral information display. Integral displays may be printed or stamped directly onto the surface of the pharmaceutical container or packaging to provide for enhanced information display, access, and visibility.

Problems solved by technology

Many of these containers contain printed, attached, or embedded labels based on paper or foil materials, however, these labels have many limitations.

For example, current label technology is static and inflexible—only a fixed and limited amount of information may be displayed.

Static labels have limited space for information; so many pharmaceuticals must be packaged with a separate package insert containing instructions on dosing, indications for use, contraindications, potential side effects, and other important information.

These package inserts may be lost, if they are not attached to the container.

Small print makes these labels difficult to read, especially in low light conditions and for those with visual impairment.

In addition, regulations require region or state specific language, increasing the number of label types that must be provided, or increasing the length and complexity of the package or package insert.

For example, many pharmaceutical packages have label pullouts or label fanfolds are required, adding cost and complexity.

The technology used with these containers and package inserts are easily counterfeited, providing little protection of product authenticity or integrity.

Finally, complex labels and package inserts are not well suited for gaining the operators attention, due to the volume and complexity of the information contained within a small space.

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