Automated Prescription Processing via Digital Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining prescription refills or transferring prescriptions are time-consuming and inconvenient, often requiring in-person visits or the use of proprietary software.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to send digital images of prescription containers to a pharmacy's server via electronic devices, where visual identifiers are analyzed to determine if the prescription is associated with the pharmacy, enabling automatic refill processing or transfer to a different pharmacy location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users call or physically visit a pharmacy to request refills or transfers, then the prescription processing can be completed, but it is time consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of in-person visits and phone calls with an automated electronic messaging system. Users send digital images via text message, and the system automatically processes refills and transfers using image recognition technology to identify prescription information, eliminating the need for physical presence or verbal communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to independently initiate and complete prescription refill and transfer requests through electronic messaging. The automated image analysis and processing systems handle identification, verification, and execution of refill/transfer operations without requiring pharmacy staff intervention or user presence.
2Ease of operation
If users download and install proprietary software to remotely request refills or transfers, then remote processing is enabled, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a universal electronic messaging platform that is already widely installed on user devices, eliminating the need for proprietary software. The same messaging application used for general communication is leveraged to send prescription images, making the system accessible to all users without additional software downloads or installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic messaging system serves as an intermediary between the user and the pharmacy processing system. Instead of requiring users to interact directly with complex pharmacy software, the messaging platform translates user intent into structured image transmissions that the pharmacy system can automatically process.
3Extent of automation
If the pharmacy uses visual identifier analysis to determine prescription association, then automatic processing is enabled, but the image analysis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the prescription container through photography, which can be analyzed without handling the physical object. The image serves as a surrogate that contains all necessary visual identifier information, allowing automated processing while simplifying the interaction between user and system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the prescription identification problem from requiring direct physical inspection to analyzing visual parameters captured in an image. By converting physical attributes into visual data, the system can apply automated image recognition algorithms to extract identifier information and determine prescription association.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatically processing prescription refills and transfers are disclosed. According to certain aspects, a server associated with a pharmacy may receive, from an electronic device, a message including a digital image depicting a container of a prescription. The server may analyze the digital image to identify a set of visual identifiers depicted in the digital image. Based on the set of visual identifiers, the server may determine whether the prescription is associated with the pharmacy and, based on the determination, may facilitate either a refill of the prescription or a transfer of the prescription to the pharmacy.