United States Patent: (10) Patent No.: US 6,397,190 B1

USOO6397190B1
(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,397,190 B1

Goetz (45) Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
(54) VETERINARY MEDICATION MONITORING Primary Examiner Vincent Millin

SYSTEMAND APPARATUS Assistant Examiner Jagdish Patel
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm John R. Wahl; Merchant &
(76) Inventor: Gerald E. Goetz, 15304 Sisson Rd., Gould
Penn Valley, CA (US) 95946-9535
(57) ABSTRACT
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 A veterinary medication management System which
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. includes two or three Separate components to assist a
handler/owner control, monitor and manage administration
(21) Appl. No.: 09/330,934 of prescribed medications to an animal patient. The System
(22) Filed: Jun. 11, 1999 comprises a handler/owner component having a retrievable
animal and handler/owner database of animal medical
Related U.S. Application Data history, prior prescribed medications and current prescribed
(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/261,044, filed on medications, and it includes a data transfer interface, e.g., a
Mar. 2, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of application hardwired interface, Such as an RS232 interface or infrared
No. 09/260,936, filed on Mar. 2, 1999. data transfer port. The System also includes a veterinarian
(60) Provisional application No. 60/093,753, filed on Jul. 22, component having a retrievable veterinarian's database of
1998.
medication information and an input/output device enabling
(51) Int. Cl. ................................................ G06F 17/60 a prescribing veterinarian to enter prescription information
(52) U.S. Cl. ............................... 705/3; 705/2; 702/177; into the veterinarian component. The Veterinarian's database
368/10; 235/375 is capable of receiving and Storing handler/owner data
(58) Field of Search ......................... 705/2, 3; 702/177; transferred from the handler/owner component through Said
368/10; 235/375 data transfer interface. The System finally also includes a
Veterinarian Support component resident on a veterinarian's
(56) References Cited computer. The Veterinarian's computer is adapted to inter
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS face with Said handler/owner component to transfer pre
Scription data to Said Veterinarian Support component. At
4,588,303 A 5/1986 Wirtschafter et al. ......... 368/10 least one of or each of the veterinarian component and the
4,695,954. A * 9/1987 Rose et al. .... ... 21/15 Veterinarian Support component has the capability of Search
4,712.460 A 12/1987 Allen et al. ................... 83/208 ing a medication database to determine potential medication
(List continued on next page.) interactions with currently prescribed medications and iden
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
tify those to the veterinarian for selective downloading to the
handler/owner component So that the handler/owner can be
JP 408131405. A * 5/1996 ........... GO6F/19/00 alerted to the potential interactions. The handler/owner
JP 408263562 A 10/1996 ........... GO6F/17/60 component has a Scheduler which tracks a plurality of
OTHER PUBLICATIONS medication dose Schedules and includes alarm functions to
prompt a handler/owner to administer particular medications
Bridges, Alan J. “Physical Diagnosis Clinical Examination”, to the animal, reschedule them, and/or alert the handler/
JAMA, Aug. 12, 1998.* owner to potential interactions between medications and/or
Mertens et al., Owner Compliance in Veterinary medicine: provide caution information to the handler/owner for admin
Canine and feline behaviour therapy, Tieraerztliche istration of the medication to the animal.
Umschau, Dec. 1997.*
(List continued on next page.) 56 Claims, 23 Drawing Sheets
SS
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US 6,397,190 B1
Page 2
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS Cardiogix Health Data Card Streamlines Care, Cuts Costs,
4,860,899 A * 8/1989 McKee ....................... 206/534
preSS release from http://www.cardiogiX.cm, Sep. 4, 1998.
4,926,572 A 5/1990 Holmes ....................... 40/448 Highest Capacity Smart Cards Are Now from Cardiogix,
4970,669 A 11/1990 McIntosh et al. . ... 364/569 preSS release from http://www.cardiogix.com, Sep. 4, 1998.
5,099,424 A 3/1992 Schneiderman ................ 705/3 Health Data Card Family, http://www.cardiogix.com, Sep. 4,
5,157.640 A 10/1992 Backner ...................... 368/10 1998.
5,200,891 A 4/1993 Kehr et al. ............ 364/413.01 Data Packets advertisement, Militay Medical Technology,
5,239,491 A 8/1993 Mucciacciaro .............. 364/569 Feb. 16, 198.
5,289,157 A 2/1994 Rudick et al. ......... 340/309.15 VAOTA advertisement.
5,408,443 A 4/1995 Weinberger .................. 368/10 Smart Cards, www.cardiogix.com, Sep. 2, 1998.
5,547.878 A 8/1996 Kell ........................... 436/111 New Payday for Rural Mexico: Coin Bags Are Out, Platic Is
5,602,802 A 2/1997 Leigh-Spencer et al....... 368/10 In, The Wall Street Journal, undated.
5,691.932 A * 11/1997 Reiner et al. ................. 368/10
5,772.585 A 6/1998 Lavin et al. PalmPilotWorkPad information from http://www.timewarn
5,781,442 A 7/1998 Engleson et al. er.com, Mar. 9, 1998.
5,867.821. A * 2/1999 Ballantyne et al. ............ 705/2 Eric's PalmPilot Health Care Database, http://www.path
5,908,788 A * 6/1999 Kell ................. ... 436/111 com.com, Mar. 9, 1998.
5,924,074 A * 7/1999 Evans .............. ... 705/3 Medical Communication Systems-Products, http://ww
6,014.631. A * 1/2000 Teagarden et al. ... 705/3 w.medcomsys.com, Mar. 9, 1998.
6,055,506 A * 4/2000 Frasca, Jr. ........ ... 705/3 Plastic Dog Tags?, Machine Design, Oct. 8, 1998.
6,073,106 A 6/2000 Rozen et al. .................. 705/3 Prescription Dedication, Combining Drugs Safely Takes a
OTHER PUBLICATIONS Doctor-Patient Partnership, Rocky Mountain News, Sep. 1,
1998.
About HIMSS, 3 page printout of from http://www.him RXPhenom web advertisement, Sep. 3, 1998.
SS.org, Sep. 9, 1998. Franklin Medical Division advertisement for Nursing Orga
Resistant Strain: Healtheon Struggles In Efforts to Remedy nizer and Pocket PDR Medical Book System.
Doctor's Paper Plaque, The Wall Street Journal, Oct. 2, Vials of the Dolls-The New Market in Adherence Devices,
1998. http://www.thebody.com, Jan. 26, 1999.
Highest Capacity Smart Cards Are Now From Cardiogix, 2 Drug-ReaX System: Details, http://www.micromedex.com,
page printout of web sit, Sep. 4, 1998. Jan. 28, 1998.
Leading Medical Information Technology into Y2K, Mili Storm brews over health identifier plan The New York
tary Medical Technology, Feb. 1998. Times.
Industry Interview-David Brooks, Group Senior Vice Plans for new health ID system under fire, The New York
President, SAIC Federal Health Care Group, Military Medi Times.
cal Technology, Vol. 2, ISSue 4. Trip Report for G-7 Healthcare Data Card Meeting and
Is This Any Way to Run a Drugstore?, MMT (Military Healthcard 95 Conference in Frankfurt Germany; http://
Medical Technology), vol. 2, Issue 4. www.va.gov/card/g7-9602.htm.
MediCard Information from PC Pay Systems web site, Apr. About HMSS: http://www.himss.org/about/index.htm.
19, 1998. Cardlogix Creates More Smart Card Options; http://www
Multi-Prescription Reminder, http://www.mitsi.com, Feb. ..cardiogix.com/press8.html.
25, 1998. Health Data Card Family; http://www.cardiogix.com/
Electronic Reminders, http://www.medportinc.com, Mar. 2, health.html.
1998. Healthcare Data Cards in North America, Daniel L. Mal
What is An e-pill Kinder Reminder?, http://www.via oney, Director, Technology Innovations Department of Vet
mall.com, Mar. 2, 1998. CS Affairs, Silver Springs, MD, USA;
REX PC Companion, web advertisement, Mar. 23, 1998. maloney.dan(G)forum.Va.gov.http://www.va.gov/card/.
Nanda Platform, web advertisement, Mar. 23, 1998. Frank K. Wood's Healthadvisor; The Conspiracy of Silence
Doctor PalmPilot web advertisement, Thomas Jefferson About Prescription Drug Side Effects, Fall 1997.
University web site, Mar. 9, 1998. Local Firm Gets Pharmacy Deal, Sacramento Business.
Pocket PDR Medical Book System, web advertisement,
Mar. 23, 1998. * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent May 28, 2002 Sheet 1 of 23 US 6,397,190 B1
VETENARAN
COMPONENT
VEERINARAN SUPPORT COMPONENT

(INTEGRATED INTO EXISTING PC SYSTEM)
HANDLER/OWNER
L COMPONENT -
Fig. 1
50
TURN UNIT ON
52
DEFAULT SCREEN IS DISPLAYED
DO
YOU WISH
DO NOTHING (SLEEP) TO REVIEW OTHER
DATA
?
YES 54
PUSH APPROPRIATE BUTTON
FIRST SCREEN IS DSPLAYED
SCROL DOWN SCREEN
DO YOU WISH
O SEE DETALED
RECORD
SCROLL TO APPROPRIATE p
RECORD
PUSHENTER BUTTON
DO YOU WISH DO YOU WISH

TO VIEW ANOTHER TO REVIEW OTHER
RECORD DATA
72
YES
PUSH "BACK" BUTTON PUSH "BACK" BUTTON
Fig. 4
8O
SOUNDS ALARM
82
DISPLAY MEDICATION
INFORMATION
84
DELAY DELAY ACCEPT

OR ACCEPT
92 86
DELAY SET ACKNOWLEDGE SET

(DELAY BUTTON PUSHED) (ACKNOWLEDGE BUTTON PUSHED)
94
CHECK NOTOK
FUTURE TO DELAY
INTERACTIONS
LOG TIME/DATE UPDATE NEXT LOG TIME/DATE

& PRESCRIPTION ALARM & LOG 8, PRESCRIPTION
WITH DELAY NOTE FALED DELAY WITH ACCEPT
90
MODE
Fig. 5
| ------
HANDLER/OWNER
VETERINARIAN SUPPORT COMPONENT COMPONENT
L (INTEGRATED INTO EXISTING PC SYSTEM) 1 at up -
Fig. 6
150
UNIT POWER APPLIED/
EXIT SETUP MODE
154
152
NO AT LEAST YES
ONE OOSE MEDICATION DATABASE
PENDING
?
f58
GENERATE AN ALARM. NOTIFY THE USER OF THE

DETERNINE F ANY DOSES NUMBER OF MEDICATIONS
WERE MISSED PENDING GENERATE ATONE
162
WERE YES
ANY DOSES SET THE TIME FOR THE NEXT
MSSED DOSE FOR THE MISSED DOSE
NO ? - 166
USER INDICATES TAKE, SKIP

DISPLAY DOSE INFORMATION OR DELAY
DETERMNE THE TIME FOR THE

NEXT DOSE, SET THE ALARM 168
17O
ALL
DOSES
PROCESSED
NO ACTIVE 172
MEDICATIONS FINISH
Fig. 7
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104
N
NFORMATION
CHOUTA
please select category below to view
emergency medical & prescription home
Fig. 25
CONTACT INFORMATION
Bob Smith : Handler/Owner
1234 Spruce Lane
Anywhere, CO
Insurance: ABC Co
#1234. Group #321-B7
Fig. 26
MEDICAL AND PRESCRIPTION HISTORY

CHOUTA
please select medical or prescription
information to view
medical prescription
Fig. 27
ununu
MEDICAL INFORMATION
11/24/98 influenza
08/23/98 Spleen Rupture
PRESCRIPTION INFORMATION
A 124/98
Aminophylline
Smal} white tablet (1/2 tablet)
50mg 2 x daily
7:30AM 6; PM
Next: 6pm 11/31/98
Fig. 29
DOSE RESCHEDULE
Small white tablet (1/2 tablet)

50mg 2 x daily
7:30AM 6: PM
Next 6pm 1 1/31/98
take now
Fig. 30
please select category below for setup
Fig. 31
SET TIME AND DATE
Current time is 12:00am
Current date is 11/04/98
SETUP USER CATEGORIES
please select category below to set up

Schedule or password
Schedule password
Fig. 33
USER SCHEDULE
Wake up 6am
Breakfast 8:30 am
Lunch 12 noon
Dinner 6:30 pm
Bedtime 9:30 pm
Fig. 34
PASSWORD
Please enter your password

1XXX
Sorry Bob, its time to give Chiquita

Aminophyline
Give i/2 tablet with food
Chiquita's next dosage of Aminophylline

will be at 6pm on 11/22/97
Chiquita has another perScription
SKP DOSAGE
This dosage of Aminophylline will be noted as

skipped. Her next dosage will be at 6pm on
1 1/22/97
Chiquita has another medication
Fig. 38
This dosage of Aminophylline has been delayed

60 minutes. Your next dosage will be at 6pm
On 1 1/22/97
You have another perscription

12:02
Chiquita - Myzithra
Small red tablets
Take 1 with lots of Water
Chiquita's next dosage of Myzithra will be at

6pm on 11/22/97.
Chiquita has no more medications
Fig. 41
SKIP DOSAGE
This dosage of Myzithra will be noted as

skipped. Her next dosage will be at 6pm on
11/22/97.

DELAY
umulus
This dosage of Myzithra has been delayed
60 minutes. Your next dosage will be at 6pm
On 11/22/99.
Ok Cancel
Fig. 43
2OO
2O2
DETERNINE THE SET OF
CURRENT PRESCRIBED
DRUGS
DETERNINE FROM INTERACTION

DATABASE ALL POSSIBLE DRUGS
WHICH CAN INTERACT WITH
PRESCRIBED DRUGS, ALONG
2O6 WITH SEVERITRY OF INTERACTION
208
DRUG NTERACTION SEVERTY

A COMPARE ALL DRUGS CURRENTLY
B PRESCRIBED TO POSSIBLE
C NTERACTIONS
D
21 O
LIST CURRENTLY PRESCRIBED
DRUGS WHICH INTERACT, WITH
SEVERTY
212
DISPLAY INTERACTION WARNING,

SEVERITY, SYMTOMS PLUS
SPECIAL CONTITIONS
214
DOWNLOAD WARNING TO
HANDLER/OWNER COMPONENT
Fig. 44
US 6,397,190 B1
1 2
VETERINARY MEDICATION MONITORING (d) record of medications administered
SYSTEMAND APPARATUS (e) special instructions for administering medications,
Such as with giving the medication with or without
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED meals, fluids, avoiding Sunlight, etc.
APPLICATIONS 5 Besides information about medications, it is important for
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non a handler/owner to have a brief medical history that can be
provided to veterinarians or other animal care providers,
provisional patent application Ser. No. 09/261,044, entitled have a log of consumption for their animal's medications,
MEDICATION MONITORING SYSTEM AND and maintain information about who their veterinarian and/
APPARATUS, filed Mar. 2, 1999 which is a continuation or insurance providers are, and handler/owner personal
in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. contact information. This data is considered critical not only
09/260,936, entitled MEDICATION MANAGEMENT during typical interaction with veterinary health care
APPARATUS, filed Mar. 2, 1999 and claims the benefit of providers, but particularly in emergency medical situations.
priority of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Appli Any device that is capable of tracking the medication data
cation Serial No. 60/093,753 entitled POCKET DOCTOR, 15
that a veterinary handler/owner needs should also be capable
filed Jul 22, 1998. of tracking all these other health related data.
However, it must be recognized that this medical infor
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION mation loop includes other perSonnel besides the owner/
1. Field of the Invention handler. These include, as an example, veterinarians, breed
erS and possibly trainers. Thus any device must be capable
This invention pertains to a veterinary medical informa of allowing each of them to read veterinary information on
tion product which is maintained and controlled by the the animal, handler/owner data, and input information, and
handler or owner of the animal to which the information it must not require any Significant time for them to accom
pertains. plish this. In particular, the System must blend with day to
2. Description of the Related Art day activities of the veterinary health care provider as well
25 as the handler/owner.
Veterinary medical Science has created many new Any Solution to the problem must recognize this veteri
methods, treatments, and medications to extend and improve nary medical information chain that primarily consists of the
the lives of animals. However, this has resulted in a signifi animal, the handler/owner, and the health care prescriber
cant increase in the medical information that a perSon must (typically the veterinarian) and care provider (for example,
be aware of in order to maintain their animals health, and the trainer). The information in this chain is created prefer
get the best benefit from these medical improvements. ably on a per animal or Set of animals basis, making the
Often, a sick domestic or wild animal, and even a healthy handler/owner the natural repositor for the information, with
animal may be called upon to receive a number of different the prescriber (the veterinarian) being the initiator of the
prescription medications, Salves and ointments, and other information and being a Source of complementary informa
topical treatments. Each medication typically requires Spe 35 tion So it is in a form useful to the handler/owner. Thus the
cific instructions, including warnings on correct product must work with both veterinary medical terminol
administration, consumption and alerts for indications of ogy and layman's terms to promote optimum benefit of
possible Side effects. Because there is Such a significant treatments and medications.
increase in the amount of medical information that a perSon An additional requirement of any product that contains
must know in order to optimally treat an animal's condition, 40 Veterinary medical history information on an animal, espe
errors can occur that adversely affect treatments and/or cially in professional animal breeding and care, is Security.
counteract or minimize the beneficial impact of the medi Thus any product must provide maximum protection of data
cations. At Worst, Serious injury or death has occurred due to from access by unauthorized perSons. Although many
incorrect treatments. devices use PIN's to limit access and a PIN or password
Problems arise when either the veterinarian making the 45 would be necessary for this product, the nature of the data
prescription or the person filling the prescription makes an in a device Such as proposed here may also protect the data
error or provides information that is not understood by one via encryption.
of the other parties. These errors can be from transcription, The present invention is a System of component devices
misinterpretation, or insufficient information being made that provides proper information to the handler/owner of the
available to the handler/owner. The most common handler/ 50 animal So that the handler/owner can ensure that each animal
owner originated errors are: can get maximum benefit from their medications, he or she
(a) giving incorrect doses to the animal can track medication consumption, and facilitate transfer of
(b) giving doses to the animal at the wrong time critical data for optimal care of the animal. The System is
(c) forgetting to give a dose capable of managing information, in a highly portable form
55 for an individual animal or Set of animals cared for by a
(d) Stopping medication too Soon handler/owner. The System in accordance with the present
(e) giving or administering the dosage improperly, caus invention performs and/or facilitates the following func
ing interactions. tions:
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION (a) Provides a record of medication information;
60 (b) Maintains current and historical veterinary medical
A System in accordance with the present invention data on the animal handler/owner;
includes a device for an animal handler or owner to use to (c) Creates and maintains a historical log of veterinary
better control implementation of medication therapies. The pharmaceutical agent consumption;
device will, among other functions, track and display: (d) Warns handler/owner of side effect indications,
(a) medication name & purpose 65 interactions, and other Special instructions, especially
(b) dosage, frequency and duration when Scheduled medication times are missed or modi
(c) possible side effects fied; and
US 6,397,190 B1
3 4
(e) Provides a vehicle for interchange data among various FIG. 23 is an exemplary caution Screen for the drug
individuals and groups involved in animal care Such as identified in FIG. 15.
the handler/owner, Veterinarian, Veterinary technician, FIG. 24 is an exemplary potential interaction Screen for
emergency perSonnel and Veterinary hospital perSon the drug identified in FIG. 15.
nel. FIGS. 25 through 43 are a series of screens provided on
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS the handler/owner component as a result of the new drug
prescribed by the veterinarian and illustrated in FIG. 22.
This invention will be more fully understood by reference FIG. 44 is a simplified flow diagram of the drug interac
to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes tion identification process according to one embodiment of
only: the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a functional system block diagram of a first DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
embodiment of the veterinary medication management Sys INVENTION
tem according to the present invention. First Embodiment
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a 15 A first embodiment of the present invention is shown
handler/owner component of the System in accordance with functionally in FIG.1. The system 10 comprises preferably
the invention.
three Separate components that share a common database,
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment where the database may be resident in the handler/owner
of the handler/owner component of the System in accordance component 12 or contained on a memory device 14 Such as
with the invention. a smart card. The three components of the system 10 in
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the software operation of the accordance with the present invention are a handler/owner
handler/owner components shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. component 12, a veterinarian component 16, and a veteri
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a method of responding to narian Support component 18. It is to be understood through
an alarm from a handler/owner component in accordance out this description that the veterinary component 16 and
with the present invention. 25 Support component 18 may be combined into one veterinary
FIG. 6 is a functional System block diagram of a Second component as the Veterinarian's needs dictate.
embodiment of the veterinary medication management Sys AS currently embodied, the memory device 14 is a Smart
tem according to the present invention. card, which is an integrated circuit or chip containing a
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a software scheduling example microprocessor, ROM, RAM, and EEPROM, packaged
within a plastic panel much like a credit card. The memory
in the handler/owner component in accordance with the device 14 could be manifested in a variety of other forms as
medication management System shown in FIG. 6. well. For example, the memory device 14 may be replaced
FIGS. 8A and 8B are front and rear perspective views of by a simple memory card which relies on the processor in
a handler/owner component of the System according to the one of the three components Such as the handler/owner
present invention shown in FIG. 6. 35 component 12 in order to operate.
FIG. 9 is a veterinarian component Screen showing medi Handler/Owner Component
cation information for a particular animal. The handler/owner component 12 is preferably a gener
FIG. 10 is a medical history screen for the animal in FIG. ally rectangular battery powered unit that has Several input
9 showing recent medical history from another veterinarian. buttons 20, 22, and 24 along a bottom edge thereof, an LCD
FIG. 11 is a medical history screen for the animal iden 40 panel 26 visible on a front Surface of the housing, and a
tified in FIG. 9 showing the animal's family medical history. scroll Switch 28 preferably located on one edge of the
FIG. 12 is a contact Screen for the animal identified in housing which permits the handler/owner/user to Scroll
FIG. 9 showing handler/owner and/or trainer contact infor backward and forward through the various display Screens
mation. and options on the LCD as will be subsequently described.
FIG. 13 is a user Screen for the animal identified in FIG.
45 The handler/owner component 12 basically provides the
9 showing the animal's normal daily routines and any following basic functions:
particular notes. 1. Displays the medical data contained on the memory
FIG. 14 is a current medication screen for the animal device or, in the Smart card shown, by reading the
identified in FIG. 9. 50
EEPROM on the memory device 14. The display may
include an ambient light Sensor to adjust the contrast of
FIG. 15 is a veterinarian's new drug screen. the display and/or backlight of the display automati
FIG. 16 is a veterinarian's new dosage Screen for the drug cally depending on ambient light conditions.
identified in FIG. 15.
2. Allows the handler/owner to scroll through the data
FIG. 17 is a veterinarian's new drug administering sched using various means to indicate, via a typical graphical
55
ule screen for the drug identified in FIG. 15. user interface menu, which type of data is to be
FIG. 18 is a veterinarian's new total dosage screen for the displayed.
drug identified in FIG. 15. 3. Maintains date and time information.
FIG. 19 is a veterinarian's new drug special instructions 4. Provides an alarm for when an event, Such as required
screen for the drug identified in FIG. 15. 60 consumption of a medication, is to occur. The alarm can
FIG. 20 is the veterinarian's new drug special instructions be visual, aural, or tactile.
screen for the drug identified in FIG. 15 with a pull down 5. Indicates dosage, frequency, special considerations in
menu expanded. consuming the medication.
FIG. 21 is the veterinarian's new drug refill instruction 6. Provides a means to identify the type of pill to be taken
screen for the drug identified in FIG. 15. 65 Such as a graphic image of the medication to be
FIG.22 is the Veterinarian's Summary new drug Screen for administered. (a red cylindrical pill, a blue heart shaped
the drug identified in FIG. 15. pill, etc.)
US 6,397,190 B1
S 6
7. Provides information about correct consumption of the Veterinarian Support Component
medication, including possible Side effects and poten The Veterinarian Support component 18 is essentially a
tial interactions with other drugs and/or consumables Smart card reader and a Software application resident on the
Such as food, water, milk, etc. Veterinarian's personal computer in his or her office or clinic
8. Provides a means for input by the handler/owner via which reads the Veterinarian prescription data from the
input buttons 20, 22, and 24, to indicate whether an memory device 14 and correctly formats the Veterinarian
alarmed event (e.g., time to administer a medication) prescribed prescription data recorded on the memory device
was accepted or delayed, and log the time, date, and 14 in a form useable to the handler/owner. This Software
action for that alarm. application will reside on the same personal computer (PC)
9. Provides power to perform the above functions, as the that the veterinarian currently utilizes. The time and effort
Smart card typically does not contain any power Source for the Veterinarian to provide this medication data to the
of its own. handler/owner in the handler/owner component is designed
to be very minimal, typically on the order of 15-30 seconds
10. Is portable such that it can be carried by the handler/ or less.
owner at all times, Such as in a pocket, purse, or worn 15 Nearly all veterinarians now have a personal computer in
with a strap on an arm, around the neck or waist. The their clinic pharmacy. Potentially the computer may be Set
handler/owner component may also be provided with up to have links to various animal health organizations, in
various attachment means, Such as a magnet or hook particular organizations that provide data on both prescrip
and loop fabric to attach the unit conveniently to nearby tion and OTC medications for both humans and other
and/or highly visible Surfaces, depending on the pref animals. There is a code, known as the National Drug Code
erences of the handler/owner. (NDC) that identifies every medication sold in the United
11. Provides Security, Via coding features and data States for human consumption. There is also a Veterinarian's
encryption, to prevent unauthorized use and access to Drug Reference, published by Pharma Vet Publishing Co.
the data encoded on the Smart card or within the which provides drug information for Veterinary medical use.
handler/owner component. 25 In combination with this code and the access to various
Two example physical configurations of the handler/ networked databases, and the Drug Reference, the Veteri
owner component are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The system narian can access and Supply necessary information about
allows a variety of devices to be used, but each one must the prescribed medication for the animal to the handler/
have the capabilities to perform the prescribed unique func owner. Today, for drugs with FDA approval, this data is
tions. In the case of FIG. 2, the device has a Slot to accept typically printed on a sheet that contains common uses,
the memory device 14 or Smart card, and only requires 3 consumption requirements, cautions and possible side
buttons 20, 22, and 24 to access the data, or to prompt the effects of the particular medication in humans. This infor
handler/owner to respond to the event alarm. The handler/ mation as well as complementary information on other
owner component 12 alarm may be audible, Visual or tactile Veterinary medications would be stored in the Veterinarian's
as in a vibrator device. FIG. 3 shows a device 30, much like 35 support component 18 (the PC), or could alternatively be
a woman's compact, that contains a larger display area, Such included directly in the veterinarian component 16. Thus the
that an elderly handler/owner with reduced Visual acuity can veterinarian Support component 18 in the system 10 of the
Still use the handler/owner component. Each of these present invention, through the Veterinarian’s PC, reads and
embodiments 12 and 30 preferably will include a button or write data from the veterinarian's database to the memory
Switch control to permit the handler/owner to scroll through 40 device 14, and will typically Supply the data that is
display Screens and an ambient light Sensor coupled to the conventionally printed on the prescription information sheet
LCD to automatically adjust the contrast and back light for to the memory device 14 in addition to medication admin
the display depending on ambient light conditions upon istration instructions.
activation by the handler/owner or the activation of an alarm The system 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of
eVent. 45 the invention uses Smart card technology to make the link
Veterinarian Component between the three easy, quick, and Secure. The components
The veterinarian component 16 is preferably a hand held may alternatively communicate via infrared Serial commu
personal digital assistant device such as a Palm PC or Palm nication links, or other communication methods Such as the
Pilot type device that receives the memory device 14 and recently developed Personal Area Network (PAN) rather
reads and writes data from and to the memory device 14. The 50 than a smart card. However, in the first preferred
Veterinarian component 16 is preferably programmed with at embodiment, a memory device 14 is utilized as the data
least the following basic functions: transfer medium for illustration purposes.
1. Displays the medical data contained in the Smart card The memory device 14 will contain at least the following
by reading the EEPROM on the memory device 14. data about the handler/owner:
55 1. Handler/owner Identification Information
2. Contains data Specifically tailored for use by the 1.1. name of animal or animals
Veterinarian, Such as a database of diagnoses and com
mon illnesses and correlated potential medications that 1.2. breed, age, weight, height of each animal
may be prescribed, and a library of Special instructions 2. Handler/Owner Contact Information
or treatments to be performed by the handler/owner that 60
2.1 names, address, phone number
the Veterinarian may prescribe. 2.2. Trainer name address, phone number
3. Writes data to the handler/owner's memory device 14 3. Veterinarians
when it is docked in the Veterinarian component 16. 3.1. Names & affiliation or specialties
4. Optionally may include a special enclosure configura 3.2. all phone numbers and addresses
tion for the use of the component 16 in areas where 65 4. Insurance Information
blood born pathogens are a concern, e.g., emergency 4.1. Company, plan identification
rooms and Surgical Suites. 4.2. contact phone
US 6,397,190 B1
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5. Animal Medication Consumption History Log jumps to the appropriate indicated detailed record. The
5.1. Date & time for each medication consumed handler/owner, in operation 64, may then push the appro
5.2. Date & time for a delayed medication priate “enter” button to view the detailed record. Control
5.3. Occurrence of any side effect from a medication then transfers to operation 66 in which the handler/owner is
6. Animal Medical Conditions queried whether another record is to be viewed. If not,
control then transfers back to operation 60.
6.1. brief history If the handler/owner wishes to view another record,
6.2. allergies control transfers to operation 68 where the handler/owner
6.3. current conditions presses the “back” button, which transferS control to opera
6.4. relevant family or bloodline history tion 62 for review of another detailed record. If the handler/
7. Drug data (for every medication consumed) per animal owner does not wish to View a detailed record in operation
7.1. name (trade/generic) indication 60, control transfers to operation 70 where the handler/
owner is queried whether any other data should be dis
7.2. dosage, frequency, timing played. If not, control transfers back to operation 52 wherein
7.3. interactions 15 the default Screen is displayed for a predetermined period of
7.4. side effects time, then the component 12 returns to the sleep mode. If the
7.5. Special instructions handler/owner answers the query in operation 70 in the
7.6. prescribing veterinarian affirmative, the “back” push button is indicated, and when
7.7. dispensing pharmacy & date filled, if any pushed, transfers control back to operation 54. In this
8. Other information manner, the handler/owner can review all handler/owner
8.1. Advertising messages for product sponsors accessible data programmed into the memory device 14 and
loaded into the handler/owner component 12.
8.2. Special instructions for emergency response perSon AS previously mentioned, the handler/owner component
nel 12 includes a Scheduling and alarm function for the pre
8.3. Security access information 25 Scribed treatments or medications. The process operations
Both of the sample handler/owner devices shown in which occur upon an alarm condition are shown in FIG. 5.
FIGS. 2 and 3 use the 3 button input configuration to display In operation 80 the internal alarm clock in the handler/owner
data and to respond to alarms. A flow diagram of the component 12, when the programmed alarm time equals the
Software algorithm for viewing the data on the device is current time, Sounds an alarm, either visually, audibly or by
shown in FIG. 4. The basic algorithm would access the data Vibration or a combination of these, taking the component 12
contained on the memory device 14. To respond to an alarm, out of the “sleep” mode. Control then transfers to operation
a possible Sequence of Steps for the handler/owner compo 82 wherein the particular prescription information for the
nent is shown in FIG. 5. A single animal display example is precipitating medication alarm is displayed on the LCD
illustrated. However, multiple animal information may be Screen. This information may be the current time, the
contained in the handler/owner component. The information 35 Scheduled dosage to be taken, the drug name, and possibly
and Sequences described below and shown in the Figures a description Such as of the shape or color of the pill to be
would be repeated with appropriate information for each taken. Also, cautions may be displayed on the same Screen
animal in the Series of Screens displayed. Such as-Do not take with milk-, - Take with food-, or
In block 50 the handler/owner component is turned on. Take only with medication Y-. Control then transfers to
Alternatively, the handler/owner component 12 may be 40 operation 84. In operation 84, the handler/owner is asked
configured to always be on and Simply placed in a conven whether to accept or delay action as required by the infor
tional “sleep” mode to conserve battery life when there is no mation displayed in operation 82. In the event that the
activity or alarm condition. In this situation, block 50 handler/owner accepts or acknowledges the action, the
represents the handler/owner taking the unit out of the handler/owner presses the input button 20, 22, or 24 that is
“sleep” mode by pressing any of the input buttons 20, 22, or 45 labeled “accept” or “acknowledge” in operation 86. Control
24. Process flow then transfers to operation 52 wherein a then transfers to operation 88 where the time/date and
default display Screen appears on the LCD panel 26. The prescription medication is logged with acceptance, i.e. that
default display Screen may contain general animal identifi the handler/owner has administered the prescribed medica
cation information, a menu of currently prescribed and tion to the animal handler/owner at that time. Control then
active medications, or a listing of current pending Scheduled 50 transfers to operation 90 where the handler/owner compo
alarm times along with the current date and time. Also on nent 12 returns to the Sleep mode until the next alarm
this default Screen may be a query 53 asking whether condition occurs or the handler/owner requests information
additional data display is desired. If the handler/owner does as in operation 50 in FIG. 4.
not desire additional data to be displayed, the default display However, if the handler/owner elects to delay adminis
remains on the LCD for a predetermined amount of time and 55 tering the particular medication generating the alarm con
then the component returns to the Sleep mode. dition at that time to the animal, the “delay set labeled
If the handler/owner wishes additional data review, the button is pressed in operation 92. Control then transfers to
handler/owner will push, in operation 54 the appropriate operation 94 in which the database contained on memory
input 20, 22, or 24, whichever is indicated by the display 26. device 14 is queried whether it is permissible to delay. If it
Control then transfers to the first display screen 56 which, 60 is permissible to delay, control transfers to operation 96
for example, may be the first medication currently pre where the handler/owner component 12 logs the time and
scribed. In operation 58 the handler/owner scrolls through date of this decision with the prescription information and
the Screen data until a query 60 appears. Query 60 asks the delay note. A revised alarm time is Set and control then
whether the handler/owner wishes to view the underlying transfers to operation 90 where the component 12 returns to
record for a particular entry on the Screen. If the handler/ 65 the Sleep mode. If the program in operation 94 determines
owner presses the appropriate “yes” input button, control that delay is not permissible then the handler/owner is
transferS to operation 62 in which the program automatically allowed to reconsider. Control then transfers either back to
US 6,397,190 B1
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operation 86 permitting the handler/owner to administer the and 128 are provided in the housing 108 for two AA size
medication as Scheduled, i.e., the handler/owner presses the battery cells. The pushbutton Switches 116, 118, and 120 are
acknowledge button, and log it appropriately or to operation positioned along the bottom edge of the housing 108 so that
98 where the handler/owner presses a button labeled "skip” they may be actuated easily by almost any handler/owner,
and the failed time and date (i.e. that the handler/owner especially those with limited manual dexterity. The function
failed to administer the required dose) is logged. Control of each of these buttons changes as the Screens on the LCD
then transfers to operation 90 where the component 12 change. Consequently, the labels for the particular buttons
returns to the Sleep mode. appears in the LCD screens as shown in FIGS. 25 through
The integration of the memory device 14 with this appro 43 and as described below. The wheel 124 provided along
priate medical data in the handler/owner component 12 can the right side of the housing 108 is also for convenient
also be applied to devices that actually contain and dispense operation by a handler/owners thumb. Other configurations
the medication. In addition, other medical assistance device of the handler/owner component may alternatively be pro
adaptations for Special needs Such as for the hearing or Sight vided. The particular configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and
impaired are also possible as well as a physical design for 8B is merely one example.
handler/owners who are impaired from pressing buttons. In 15 Veterinarian Component
these latter instances, Voice input devices may be utilized The veterinarian component 102 is preferably essentially
rather than buttons a conventional personal digital assistant Such as a Palm PC
Second Embodiment with the Windows CE operating system and particularly
Turning now to FIG. 6, a system 100 in accordance with programmed for the Veterinary medication management
a second embodiment of the invention is shown. In this system application. FIGS. 9 through 24 show a number of
embodiment, the system 100 eliminates the need for a exemplary Screens that take the Veterinarian through a
memory device 14 as in the first embodiment. The system review of the handler/owner's medical history, contact
100 comprises a veterinarian's component 102, which may information, and facilitate the veterinarian's diagnosis of an
be embodied in a specially programmed personal digital ailment and assist the Veterinarian in arriving at and pre
assistant Such as the Palm PC, a handler/owner component 25 Scribing an appropriate treatment for the handler/owner's
104, and the veterinarian support component 106. The ailment. Note that all names, addresses, etc. that are utilized
handler/owner component 104 is linked to the veterinarian's in the description and Figures are fictional and exemplary
component 102 and veterinarian's PC via infrared link or by only. Any resemblance to any perSon living or dead is
cable via RS232 interface. Alternatively, the components merely coincidental.
may also be linked by modem in the situation where the ASSume that a handler/owner, Bob Smith, comes in to a
handler/owner and Veterinarian are physically Separated, yet veterinarian's office with his pet “Chiquita”, the pet is
a modification of prescription is desired by the handler/ examined, and diagnosed with a particular illness. The
owner and approved by the veterinarian. Thus there is no veterinarian imports data to his or her veterinarian compo
need for a Smart card as all of the handler/owner information nent 102 from the handler/owner's handler/owner compo
resides in the handler/owner component. The Veterinarian 35 nent 104. The veterinarian component 102 has four catego
component may optionally be connected to an external ries of screens as shown in FIG. 9; Prescription, Medical,
Storage device for archiving the data on the handler/owner Contacts, and User. The first Screen that popS up is the
component. This optional archive capability may be alter prescription information screen for handler/owner Bob
natively provided via the Veterinarian Support component as Smith's pet, “Chiquita” an example of which is shown in
the Veterinarian may be more accessible to the handler/ 40 FIG. 9. This screen shows previous medications adminis
owner than the Veterinarian in many circumstances. tered to this animal as well as current, active medications, an
However, it is preferred in the present invention that the example of which is Thiazine, prescribed by Dr. Jones. At
handler/owner component provide the handler/owner with the bottom of the Screen are the particulars associated with
control and full information on his or her animal's medical this current prescription So that the Veterinarian knows what
condition. This way, should the handler/owner need to See a 45 is being taken, how many doses have been received, as well
new veterinarian or become involved in an accident, the as previous medications. At the top of the Screen appears any
Veterinarian and/or emergency medical perSonnel will have alert conditions for this animal. In this example, the animal
always have the necessary information in order to treat the has allergies.
animal appropriately. The Second category of Screens, Medical Information, is
An exemplary handler/owner component 104 is shown in 50 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The veterinarian typically taps
front and rear perspective views in FIGS. 8A and 8B. the Screen image of the category to pull up the Medical
Handler/owner component 104 comprises a generally rect Information screen as shown in FIG. 10 and taps on the
angular housing 108 that has enclosed within it a central medical history input from Dr. Burkhart. At the bottom of
processing unit, memory and electronic circuitry for per this Screen is provided a short description of the illness,
forming the functions described herein, an alarm clock 55 Influenza, treated mainly by rehydration with Saline Solu
capable of Scheduling and tracking a number of different tion.
prescriptions and administration frequencies, a liquid crystal In FIG. 11, the veterinarian has tapped on one of the
display Screen, a power Supply, and input devices to permit family history entries provided by the handler/owner in FIG.
the handler/owner to interact with the component. AS shown 10 and on the liver disease entry on FIG. 11 to display the
in FIG. 8A, the housing 108 includes a window 110 for the 60 information that two distant relatives of the animal had
LCD screen 112 in a front side 114. A set of three push hepatolinticular degeneration. Thus the data uploaded from
button controls 116, 118, and 120 are provided along the the handler/owner component 104 not only includes medi
bottom edge 122 of the housing 108. A rotatable scroll cation history but also medical history provided both by
Switch 124 is mounted in the housing 108 such that an Veterinarians and by the handler/owner.
arcuate portion of the Switch 124 projects from the right side 65 FIG. 12 illustrates the Contact screen for “Chiquita’s
of the housing 108. As can readily be seen in the rear view handler/owner, Bob Smith. The veterinarian has tapped on
of the component 104 in FIG.8B, battery compartments 126 the handler/owners wife's emergency contact entry, and her
US 6,397,190 B1
11 12
contact information Such as telephone numbers and address prescription shown in FIG. 22. If this new prescription is
are shown below the list of contacts. Satisfactory, the veterinarian taps on “Done' at the top of the
FIG. 13 illustrates the handler/owner's user information Screen. Alternatively, if the Veterinarian wants to modify the
Such as his password for accessing and changing protected prescription, he can tap on "Back” to go to the desired Screen
information that the handler/owner does not want to be to change the prescription in whatever manner he chooses.
accessible by anyone but the Veterinarian, and his pet's If the veterinarian taps on “Done” then the processor
habitual schedule information. This information will be queries a database resident in the veterinarian component
considered by the Scheduling program embedded in the 102 for cautions and interactions. If there are any cautions,
handler/owner component in order to optimally Schedule the they are shown as in FIG. 23 along with a “Cancel” or
administration of medications in accordance with the “Prescribe' query. If the veterinarian chooses “Prescribe’,
handler/owner's general activity patterns. For example, then any interactions in the caution Screen will trigger a
Chiquita typically awakens with Bob Smith at 0600 and eats confirmation screen shown in FIG. 24. If the veterinarian
breakfast at 0700 and dinner at 1800 or 6pm. Therefore if a chooses “yes” on this Screen, then the prescription is added
medication is to be administered to the animal twice daily, to the handler/owner database for Chiquita and downloaded
and does not require food to be taken at the same time, the 15 to Bob Smith's handler/owner component 104 along with a
program would schedule the drug to be taken at 0600 and confirmation Security code of the prescribing veterinarian.
1800 rather than midnight and noon. If the drug must also be The Veterinarian Support component 106 in particular can
taken with meals, the program would then Schedule the drug be used to augment the information provided to the handler/
to be taken at 0700 and 1800so as to be as close to 12 hours owner component by adding more up to date administration
apart as possible but still at meals. Thus the information cautions and instructions to the handler/owner component
provided on the user screen as shown in FIG. 13 is an that normally are provided in Small print today along with
important consideration in the Software Scheduling of drug most prescriptions as they are filled. These instructions may
administration. include Such things as not to take the medication with food,
The screens shown in FIGS. 14 through 24 illustrate how don’t take more than three days in a row, etc. In addition, the
the System in accordance with the present invention assists 25 Veterinarian Support component may flag additional poten
the veterinarian in prescribing medication to a handler/ tial drug interactions that may have been more recently
owner for administration to an animal. ASSume that the identified as pertinent to the animal or to humans by the
Veterinarian, Dr. Abrams in this example, decides to pre medical and pharmaceutical community.
scribe a new medication for Bob Jones’ pet as shown on the Potential interactions may be detected by the veterinarian
screen in FIG. 14. The sequence begins in FIG. 15 with the component 102. Identified cautions or potential interactions
veterinarian tapping on “NEW" back in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 flagged by the Software routine in the Veterinarian compo
popS into view. Here, the veterinarian component shows a nent are displayed to the Veterinarian prior to confirmation
list of drugs via a pull down menu. The veterinarian Selects of the prescription as exemplified by the Screen in FIG. 23.
and taps on the desired medication, in this case, Aminophyl Similarly, a check of potential interactions and cautions
line and taps on Generic Equivalent. The Veterinarian then 35 concerning a particular prescription is performed in the
taps on “Get Info' and the screen of FIG. 16 pops up. The Veterinarian Support component 106. If an interaction is
Veterinarian can enter manually via the on Screen keypad the detected by the veterinarian or veterinarian Support
desired dosage of Aminophylline, or alternatively Select the Software, it warns the veterinarian of the severity of the
available commercial dosage via a pull down menu in FIG. interaction. The interaction check in the Veterinarian S
16. After Selecting or inputting the desired dosage, the 40 computer and in the Veterinarian's component 102 Serves a
Veterinarian taps “next at the top of the Screen and the watchdog function only. The Veterinarian has the ability to
Screen shifts to the Schedule Screen as shown in FIG. 17. override the Software warning and prescribe the drug any
Here the veterinarian can Select the frequency of medication way. This is routinely done by Veterinarians today for minor
from a pull down menu. potential interactions when Substitute drugs are either
Once the Schedule is Selected, the veterinarian taps on 45 unavailable or would cause even more Severe interactions. In
"next and the Screen automatically shifts to the total dosage either case, the interaction is flagged in the handler/owner
Screen, FIG. 18, where the veterinarian selects the number of component 104 Such that the handler/owner can review the
doses, milliliters, ounces, etc. that may be required for the interaction warning thus alerting the handler/owner that
particular medication. Again, a keypad is provided on Screen there is an interaction potential between two drugs. The
for the Veterinarian to numerically enter the number of doses 50 handler/owner is then able to read about the interaction,
required. usually in a brief form, and consult the Veterinarian for more
When the total dosage has been selected the veterinarian information if clarifications are needed. This capability in
taps on “next at the top and the Screen automatically shifts the handler/owner component 104 permits the handler/
to that shown in FIG. 19 where special instructions may be owner to make the most informed decision possible about
Selected from a pull down menu or manually entered. If the 55 his or her animal's medication and/or medication Schedule.
latter is the case, the Veterinarian taps on "add and a The potential drug interactions primarily become
miniature keyboard appears which the Veterinarian can extremely important in Situations where a handler/owner
utilize to add a customized entry. This entry will then be needs to manage a large number of medications for an
added to the database and the component may be directed to animal or Set of animals simultaneously. Consequently, Strict
Subsequently show this entry as a Selectable option from the 60 Scheduling and Sequencing of Some of these drugs may be
pull down list of special instructions as is shown in FIG. 20. particularly important for optimized animal care.
When Special instructions, if any, have been entered, the Currently there is little general interaction data available
veterinarian taps on “next and the screen shifts to the Refills concerning potential interactions between drugs when doses
Screen shown in FIG. 21. Here the veterinarian enters the are delayed or skipped. However, the veterinarian may
number of refills of the prescription that may be obtained 65 provide, through the Veterinarian component 102, Specific
from the Veterinarian. The Veterinarian then taps again on instructions to the handler/owner in these cases. This infor
“next and the screen then shifts to a summary of the new mation may appear as Separate potential interaction warn
US 6,397,190 B1
13 14
ings or may actually be introduced into the handler/owner Missed medications are logged for each time that they
component Scheduler Software So as to pop up if the handler/ were missed. A medication which is not taken within its
owner attempts to postpone, delay or Skip administering allowable window is rescheduled for its next dose as if it
medication doses to the animal. The handler/owner compo were taken or skipped. This is to prevent doses from being
nent will track and monitor a handler/owner's track record taken too close together. The user will be prompted later to
for administering medications. ASSuming that the handler/ indicate whether missed doses were taken or Skipped.
owner accurately records medications consumed on the Once an alarm condition is generated in operation 156, a
handler/owner component, via requested responses, when tone or other indication of the alarm is activated in operation
medication is administered, the handler/owner component 158. The handler/owner component 104 then displays the
data may be helpful to the prescribing veterinarian in number of medications pending. Control then transferS to
determining the effectiveness of a particular line of treat operation 160. The processor determines if any doses were
ment. This data, for experimental drugs, may also prove missed in operation 160. If yes, control transferS to operation
extremely valuable to drug companies as well as the Veteri
narians in determining whether a drug regimen is or is not 162 where the time and date tag for the medication dose is
Successful. set for the next dose for the missed medication. Control then
The potential drug interaction Software routine utilized by 15 transfers to operation 164.
the veterinarian component 102 and/or the veterinarian If the answer in operation 160 is no, control transfers
support component 106 is shown generally in FIG. 44. This directly to operation 164 where the alarming dose informa
Software routine may also be provided in the handler/owner tion is displayed on the Screen of the handler/owner com
component 104 or a simplified version provided in the ponent 104. The handler/owner then selects, in operation
handler/owner component 104. In the latter case, the routine 166, whether to take, Skip, or delay administration of the
may operate on a database contained in the handler/owner medication. Control then transfers to operation 168 where
component 104 or may optionally be capable of tapping into the time for the next dose is computed and tagged and the
a large mainframe database via modem and internet con alarm Set accordingly. Control then transferS to operation
nection. This latter capability may be optimally utilized 170 which queries whether all doses pending have been
when the handler/owner desires to include OTC medication 25 processed. If so, control transfers to operation 172 where the
information in the handler/owner component 104 as the handler/owner component returns to the Sleep mode, await
potential interactions for OTC drugs may be extensive ing the next alarm condition. If the answer to the query in
compared to the individually prescribed prescription drugs operation 170 is no, then control transfers to operation 164
prescribed to the handler/owner. to display dose information for the next pending medication.
The veterinarian support component 106 may also be If the answer to the pending dose query in operation 152
utilized to provide animal and handler/owner prescription above is no, Signifying there are no doses pending, operation
information to and from the covering insurance organization transfers directly to operation 172 where, after a predeter
for the animal, if any. In addition, as will be shown below, mined period of time, the handler/owner component 104
the handler/owner, while administering the medication, may returns to the Sleep mode.
identify and document interactions or Side effects that can 35 The time for the next dose for each active medication is
automatically be updated to the medical community through calculated by adding the dosage interval to the current time.
the Veterinarian Support component. This latter feature may Doses which are delayed are postponed for 72 hour. Skipped
be particularly valuable for experimental drugs utilized on a doses are logged as missed, and the next dose alarm is Set for
trial basis. the next interval as if the scheduled had been taken. The
FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of the scheduler software 40 interval between doses is calculated depending on the
utilized in the handler/owner component 104. As in the first requirements of the Specific prescription. Dose intervals can
embodiment 10 described above, the component 104 stays be set as a fixed number of hours, or as a number of doses
in a "sleep” mode to minimize power drain. In the Sleep during each daily period. The interval would then be calcu
mode, only the alarm clock continues to operate. Upon lated by dividing the daily period by the number of doses to
generation of an alarm by the clock, or by the handler/owner 45 be taken each day. The daily period for each dose is
pressing any one of the three buttons 116,118, or 120, power determined as either the period of time during which the
is applied to the handler/owner component 104 in operation handler/owner is awake, or 24 hours if the prescription must
150 and the LCD screen lights up and adjusts for optimum be taken on a regular basis, even if the handler/owner is
contrast depending on the ambient light conditions. The normally asleep. Additionally, the interval may be specified
processor is then queried in operation 152 whether there is 50 as occurring at a number of fixed times each day, Such as the
at least one dose pending. If yes, then the processor queries times when the user eats regular meals. The handler/owner's
the prescription database 154 within the handler/owner Schedule is entered by the handler/owner and includes wake
component 104. time, bed time, and the times of each regular meal
Every active prescription has a time and date tag indicat (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Doses may be scheduled to
ing when the next dose is to be taken. The current time and 55 occur on the handler/owner's Schedule, or relative to the
date are compared to the time and date tag for each active Schedule. For example, a dose might be Scheduled to be
prescription in the component's database. Pending doses are taken with lunch, or within /2 hour before of after lunch.
those having time and date tags equal to or less than the Each time that a dosage is taken, the number of remaining
current time and date. If there is at least one dose pending, doses is decremented. If no doses remain, the prescription is
control transferS to operation 156 where an alarm is gener 60 finished, the medication is removed from the pending dos
ated. The handler/owner component counts the number of age registers, and no additional alarms will be generated for
medications having pending doses. Prescription time date that prescription.
tags are compared to the current time and date. If the FIGS. 25 through 43 show exemplary information dis
difference in time between when the prescription should played on and controlled by the handler/owner component
have been taken and the current time is greater than the 65 104. In FIG. 25, a handler/owner has pressed one of the
allowable variance which is Stored in the prescription buttons 116, 118 or 120. The unit powers out of the sleep
information, the dose is logged as having been missed. mode and a default Screen is shown, requesting the handler/
US 6,397,190 B1
15 16
owner to Select one of the three options shown: emergency downloaded into the handler/owner component 104 in
information, medical and prescription information, or home accordance with the Veterinarian's discretion.
information The present System is envisioned as including relational
FIG. 26 shows the information typically displayed upon database tables of drugs in a relational database Such as
the handler/owner selection of button 120. The information 5 MicroSoft Access which includes the drug names, their
includes the handler/owner's name, address, and insurance National Drug Code (NDC) numbers, if any, an interaction
information. identifier, and a Severity of interaction indicator for each
FIG. 27 shows the information displayed upon the identified interaction. For example, as is shown in FIG. 23,
handler/owner selection of button 118 in FIG. 25. This is a the drug Canderill is displayed as having a level 1 Severity
preliminary medical Screen permitting the handler/owner to interaction with Lorax. The Severity levels are envisioned as
Select between medical or prescription information. ranging from 1 to 5, with 1 being mild and 5 being deadly.
FIG. 28 shows the information displayed when the medi As is shown in FIG. 23, level 1 severity is not absolutely
cal button 116 is pressed. It is a reverse chronological listing mild. The concurrent use of these medications together can
of medical conditions which have been entered in the result in Severe illness or death. However, the assignment of
handler/owner database. 15 level 1 indicates that generally the interaction is of mild
FIG. 29 shows the information displayed when the pre Severity.
Scription button 118 is pressed. Again, a reverse chronologi Referring now to FIG. 44, an exemplary interaction query
cal listing of prescriptions is displayed, Setting forth the begins in block 200 when the handler/owner component 104
name of the drug, the dosage and frequency, a physical interfaces with the veterinarian support component 106 in
description of the drug Such as a Small white pill, the filling a prescription or when the Veterinarian component
Schedule, and when the next dose is presently Scheduled to 102 is used to prescribe a new drug to an animal whose
be administered. handler/owner component 104 is coupled to the veterinarian
FIG. 30 shows the screen information when an alarm component 102 as described above. In operation 202 the set
condition is activated. The display shows the drug name, of currently prescribed drugs is obtained by the program
physical description, dosage and frequency and Schedule. 25 from the handler/owner component memory device. The
Note that the three buttons 116,118, and 120 now are labeled program then jumps to operation 204 wherein the drug
“take now”, “sleep” and home. database 206, accessible via the Veterinarian's computer or
FIGS. 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 are self explanatory. These resident in the veterinarian component 102, is queried to
Screens show Setup information for Setting the clock, pass determine all possible drugs which can interact with the Set
word and personal Schedule information. of prescribed drugs identified in operation 202. This set of
FIG. 36 refers back to FIG. 30 where an alarm condition possible drugs, along with their Severity level of
has been activated. If the Scheduling program determines interactions, are then compared with the drugs currently
that the medication cannot be delayed, because of other drug prescribed to identify any possible interactions between the
interactions or otherwise, the Screen will continue to instruct prescribed drugs in operation 208, Control then transfers to
the handler/owner to take the medication now, i.e. press the 35 operation 210 where the currently prescribed drugs which
accept button 116. When the instruction is accepted, the time interact, with their severity levels, are identified. Control
and date is logged and the next dose administration is then transferS to operation 212 where the interactions are
displayed as in FIG. 37. Alternatively, if the dosage sched Sequentially displayed for the veterinarian, along with their
uled in FIG. 36 may be skipped but not delayed, the Severities, Symptoms, Special conditions or Special qualifi
handler/owner presses the skip button 120 in FIG. 36 and the 40 cations. The Veterinarian can then choose whether to down
processor transfers to the screen shown in FIG. 38, and the load the interaction warnings to the handler/owner compo
skipped dosage is logged. Finally, if delay of administration nent in operation 214. Alternatively, the System may be
of the dosage was permissible in FIG. 36, the delay is logged designed to automatically download the interaction infor
and the alarm reset for thirty minutes later. After two delay mation to the handler/owner component 104.
periods, the screen will be as shown in FIG. 39 if the 45 The interaction testing Scheme described above is a
medication is taken at that time. Simple, two pass query System which is a binary interaction
FIGS. 37 through 39 indicate that there is another drug model where drug A reacts with drug B with a numeric
that must be administered. After selecting OK in FIGS. 37, Severity code C. It cannot recognize or represent interactions
38, or 39, the next drug is displayed as shown by example between three or more drugs. The severity code of 1 to 5
in FIG. 40. The process of proceeding through the screens is 50 representing 1 as a mild interaction and 5 as a potentially
then repeated. For example, FIG. 41 shows the screen which fatal interaction may be expanded in a number of ways. For
appears if “accept’ is chosen in FIG. 40. FIG. 42 shows the example, Symptomatic information may be included in the
screen which appears if “skip' is chosen in FIG. 40. FIG. 43 coding.
shows the screen which appears of “delay' is chosen in FIG. Future embodiments of the present invention are envi
40. 55 Sioned which include a rule based System created to model
A unique feature of the management systems 10 and 100 actual real world interactions on a more complex level. A
in accordance with the present invention is the capability for table in Such a relational database would contain a list of all
identification, evaluation and flagging of potential adverse known interactions, their Severity, and Symptoms. A related
interactions between prescribed drugs to each of the two or table would contain a list of conditions which must be met
three parties to the medication administration triangle, the 60 before the interaction could occur. These conditions might
veterinarian, the veterinarian Support database (PC), and the include Such things as the Substance, the dosages or drug
handler/owner. FIG. 44 is a simplified flow diagram of the concentrations, frequency of dose administration
drug interaction identification proceSS according to one limitations, and conditional qualifiers. The qualifier
embodiment of the present invention. In the following “Mandatory”, for example, would indicate that the condition
description, the steps shown in FIG. 44 may preferably be 65 must be met in order for an interaction to take place at all.
performed by the veterinarian component 102 and/or the This might be reserved for prescription drugs. A qualifier of
veterinarian support component 106. The results may be "Potential” would indicate that the Substance is not con
US 6,397,190 B1
17 18
trolled or regulated, but could still cause an interaction if the veterinarian component 102 and/or the handler/owner
ingested. This could, for example, apply to over the counter component 104 may also be expanded to identify those
medications, common or uncommon chemicals and herbal combinations of three or more medications or chemicals
Supplements. which could precipitate an interaction that the handler/owner
In this case, to inquire whether or not an interaction could should consider. Although claims have been formulated in
occur, a query would be run to determine which rules could this application to particular combinations of features, it
potentially be filled by the handler/owner's prescription list should be understood that the scope of the disclosure herein
or OTC medications. The resultant set is then processed also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of
Sequentially to determine which, if any, rules have been met, features disclosed either explicitly or implicitly or any
and whether or not all of the mandatory rules have been met generalization or modification thereof which would be
for any given interaction. Interactions for which all of the apparent to perSons skilled in the relevant art, whether or not
mandatory rules are met and for which any conditional rules Such relates to the same invention as presently claimed in
exist are reported as interactions. any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the
Same technical problems as confronted by the present inven
A veterinarian component 102 would then report the tion. The applicant hereby reserves the right to formulate
interaction, if identified, as shown in FIG. 32 above, and still 15 new claims to Such features and/or combinations of Such
permit the drug to be prescribed. If this drug is prescribed, features during the prosecution of the present application or
a specific caution note would preferably be generated and of any further application derived therefrom.
downloaded to the handler/owner component 104 describing What is claimed is:
the interaction. 1. A Medication management System to assist a handler/
While there have been described above the principles of owner control, monitor and manage administration of Vet
the present invention in conjunction with Specific embodi erinarian prescribed medications and Supplements to an
ments thereof, it is to be clearly understood that the fore animal comprising:
going description is made only by way of example and not a handler/owner component having data transfer interface
as a limitation to the Scope of the invention. For example, the and a retrievable database of Said animal's medical
housing 112 of the handler/owner component 104 may be 25 history, prior prescribed medications, current pre
further miniaturized and accommodated in a large wrist Scribed medications, a potential adverse interaction
watch sized housing, with the buttons 116,118, and 120 and between current prescribed medications, Said handler/
wheel 124 provided by peripheral buttons around the hous Owner component being programmed to allow a user to
ing and display like on a digital watch face. AS in the Second modify a Scheduled administration the Scheduled doS
embodiment above described, the data contained in the age of medication; and,
database of the handler/owner component 104 would typi a veterinarian component having a retrievable veterinari
cally be transferred to and from the veterinarian Support an’s database of medication information and an input/
component 106 and the veterinarian component 102 via an Output device enabling a prescribing Veterinarian to
infrared communication link as is conventionally known and enter prescription information into the Veterinarian
used in Some digital watches. 35 component, Said veterinarian's database being capable
Another variation of the present invention may include of receiving and Storing handler/owner data and animal
the capability for the handler/owner to enter over the counter data transferred through Said handler/owner component
(OTC) medication data into the handler/owner component through Said data transfer interface.
104. This alternative would preferably also include internal 2. The System according to claim 1 wherein Said handler/
Storage for a database of potential interactions downloaded 40 owner component includes a housing containing a
from the Veterinarian component 102 or veterinarian Support microprocessor, a database, a display Screen, a program
component 106 covering the particular medications inputted mable alarm clock, and an input device for entering com
into the handler/owner component 104. The handler/owner mands to Said microprocessor and Selecting information to
can then enter the name and dosage amount as well as be displayed on Said display Screen.
dosage frequency for any OTC medications that he or she 45 3. The System according to claim 2 wherein Said handler/
may choose to consume. In this instance, the handler/owner owner component comprises a generally rectangular plastic
component 104 would then query the scheduler and internal housing having a liquid crystal display Screen and a plurality
database of currently prescribed medications to determine of control buttons accessible on an exterior of Said housing.
whether there are any special instructions, cautions, or 4. The System according to claim 3 wherein Said housing
adverse interaction warnings that should be displayed to the 50 has a Set of three control buttons positioned along one edge
handler/owner involving interaction of the OTC medication of Said housing.
with prescribed medications. 5. The System according to claim 2 wherein Said veteri
Particularly, it is recognized that the teachings of the narian Support component comprises a program and data
foregoing disclosure will Suggest other modifications to base resident in a veterinarian's personal computer.
those perSons skilled in the relevant art. Such modifications 55 6. The system according to claim 5 wherein each of said
may involve other features which are already known per Se Veterinarian and Veterinarian Support components commu
and which may be used instead of or in addition to features nicates with Said handler/owner component via an infrared
already described herein. It is also to be recognized that the interface.
interactions between prescription medications, OTC 7. The System according to claim 1 further comprising a
medications, herbal Supplements, and other chemicals need 60 Veterinarian Support component.
not be detrimental to be identified. The databases utilized 8. The system according to claim 1 wherein said veteri
may include helpful or complementary interactions between narian component is a personal digital assistant.
Such Substances and the program utilized to identify and flag 9. The system according to claim 1 wherein said handler/
to the handler/owner, Veterinarian those combinations of owner component includes a programmed alarm clock
medications which are or may be enhanced by being admin 65 prompting a handler/owner to Select whether to administer a
istered in combination. The interaction identification pro medication dose, delay administering Said medication dose,
gram resident in the Veterinarian Support component 106, or Skip administering Said medication dose.
US 6,397,190 B1
19 20
10. The system according to claim 9 wherein said handler/ 22. The System according to claim 21 wherein Said
owner component program displays a warning to a handler/ handler/owner component comprises a generally rectangular
owner if Said handler/owner Selects a delay or Skip of a plastic housing having a liquid crystal display Screen and a
particular medication dose that is impermissible in accor plurality of control buttons accessible on an exterior of Said
dance with predetermined conditions. housing.
11. The system according to claim 9 wherein the handler/ 23. The System according to claim 22 wherein Said
owner component, after announcing an alarm condition, housing has a Set of three control buttons positioned along
automatically logs time and date and whether a handler/ one edge of Said housing.
owner Selects administer, delay or Skip for a particular 24. The system according to claim 15 wherein said
medication dose. Veterinarian component is a personal digital assistant having
12. The system according to claim 9 wherein said handler/ a Microsoft Windows type of operating system therein.
owner component reschedules a Subsequent alarm time for 25. The system according to claim 15 wherein said
administration of a permissibly delayed medication dose. handler/owner component includes a programmed alarm
13. The system according to claim 1 wherein the handler/ clock permitting a handler/owner to Select whether to
owner component automatically logs the time and date of a 15 administer a medication dose, delay administering Said
handler/owner's response to each alarm for an administra medication dose, or Skip administration of Said medication
tion of a medication dose and decrements a memory location dose.
containing a number representative of remaining doses of 26. The system according to claim 25 wherein said
Said medication. handler/owner component includes an internal a program
14. The system according to claim 13 wherein said which displays a warning to a handler/owner if Said handler/
handler/owner component automatically terminates Sched owner Selects a delay or Skip of a particular medication dose
uling a medication dose when the total dosage of the that is impermissible in accordance with predetermined
medication has been administered. conditions.
15. A medication management System to assist a handler/ 27. The system according to claim 25 wherein said
owner control, monitor and manage administration of pre 25 handler/owner component reschedules a Subsequent alarm
Scribed medications to an animal comprising: time for administration of a permissibly delayed medication
a handler/owner component containing a retrievable dose.
handler/owner database of animal medical history, 28. The system according to claim 25 wherein the
prior prescribed medications and current prescribed handler/owner component, after announcing an alarm
medications, said handler/owner component including condition, automatically logs time and date and whether a
a display, a clock, a microprocessor, and a data transfer handler/owner Selects administer, delay or Skip for a par
interface; and ticular medication dose.
a veterinarian component having a retrievable veterinari 29. The system according to claim 15 wherein the
an’s database of medication information and an input/ handler/owner component automatically logs the time and
output device enabling a prescribing veterinarian to 35 date of a handler/owner's response to each alarm for an
enter prescription information into the Veterinarian administration of a medication dose and decrements a
component, Said veterinarian's database being capable memory location containing a number representative of
of receiving and Storing animal and handler/owner data remaining doses of Said medication.
transferred from Said handler/owner component 30. The system according to claim 29 wherein said
through Said data transfer interface. 40 handler/owner component automatically terminates Sched
16. The System according to claim 15 further comprising uling a medication dose when the total dosage of the
a veterinarian Support component resident on a veterinari medication has been administered.
an’s computer, Said computer being adapted to interface 31. The system according to claim 19 wherein a warning
with Said handler/owner component to receive medication of Said potential interaction may be Selectively downloaded
prescription data from Said veterinarian component via Said 45 from either Said veterinarian Support component or Said
handler/owner component. Veterinarian component to Said handler/owner component
17. The system according to claim 16 wherein said for display on Said handler/owner component display Screen
Veterinarian Support component is a program resident in a when an alarm condition occurs for a medication associated
Veterinarian's personal computer. with Said potential interaction.
18. The system according to claim 16 wherein each of said 50 32. An apparatus for tracking, monitoring, and Scheduling
Veterinarian and Veterinarian Support components commu an administration of a plurality of medications to an animal
nicates with Said handler/owner component via an infrared and warning of an adverse interaction related to one or more
interface. of Said medications comprising:
19. The system according to claim 16 wherein said a handler/owner component having generally rectangular
Veterinarian component and/or Said veterinarian Support 55 hollow plastic housing containing a liquid crystal
component includes a Subroutine to identify potential inter display, an alarm clock, a microprocessor, a power
actions between a new medication being prescribed to an Supply, an input device and a data transfer device, Said
animal and a medication currently prescribed and adminis housing being adapted to receive therein a removable
tered to Said animal. memory device having a database resident thereon, Said
20. The system according to claim 15 wherein said 60 data transfer device being connectable to Said remov
handler/owner component includes a housing containing an able memory device in order to display data Stored on
LCD display Screen and an input device for entering com Said removable memory device, including a warning of
mands to Said microprocessor and Selecting information to the adverse interaction related to one or more of Said
be displayed on Said display Screen. medications, and transfer Scheduling information on
21. The system according to claim 20 wherein said 65 Said plurality of medications to Said microprocessor.
handler/owner component is sized to be hand held by a 33. The apparatus according to claim 32 further compris
handler/owner. ing a veterinarian component adapted to receive and pro
US 6,397,190 B1
21 22
gram Said removable memory device with prescription connectable to Said veterinarian component and/or Said
information and medical information. Veterinarian Support component to transfer Scheduling
34. The apparatus according to claim 33 wherein Said information on Said plurality of medications to Said
Smart card is adapted to be read in a veterinarian's computer microprocessor.
in order to transfer prescription information from Said vet 45. The apparatus according to claim 44 wherein Said
erinarian component via Said Smart card. Veterinarian component contains a veterinarian's database of
35. The apparatus according to claim 34 wherein said medications, a program uSable by a veterinarian to prescribe
Veterinarian component and Said veterinarian's computer are one or more medications to a handler/owner, and a program
each programmed to process prescription information for comparing Said one or more medications with Said
against at least one medication database to identify potential Veterinarian's database of medications to identify and dis
adverse medication interactions and Selectively download an play interactions between Said one or more medications
interaction warning to Said memory device for Subsequent being prescribed and another medication.
display on Said handler/owner component. 46. The apparatus according to claim 45 wherein Said
36. The apparatus according to claim 32 wherein Said Veterinarian component is adapted to communicate Said
input device includes a plurality of buttons on Said housing 15
prescribed medication and Said interaction to Said handler/
for Selecting between options presented on Said display. owner component via Said data transfer device.
47. The apparatus according to claim 46 wherein each of
37. The apparatus according to claim 36 further compris Said veterinarian component and Said handler/owner com
ing a rocker wheel Switch on Said housing for Scrolling ponent includes an infrared data transfer device for com
through one or more display Screens on Said liquid crystal municating data therebetween.
display. 48. The apparatus according to claim 44 wherein Said
38. The apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said Veterinarian component contains a database of medications,
handler/owner component further comprises a database con a program uSable by a veterinarian to prescribe one or more
taining potential adverse medication interactions between a medications to a handler/owner and download Said pre
prescribed medication and an over-the-counter medication, Scribed medication to Said handler/owner component.
Said over-the-counter medication's identity being entered by 25 49. The apparatus according to claim 48 wherein one of
a user, and Said handler/owner component being pro Said handler/owner component, Said Veterinarian
grammed to compare prescription medication interaction component, or Said Veterinarian Support component includes
information to over-the-counter medication interaction a program for comparing a prescribed medication to a
information. database of medications to identify and display at least one
39. The apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said interaction identified between Said prescribed medication
handler/owner component is programmed to allow a user to and another medication.
modify the scheduled administration of the scheduled dos 50. The apparatus according to claim 49 wherein said
age of medication. Veterinarian Support component has access to Said database
40. The apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the of medications and Said program for comparing a prescribed
handler/owner component is programmed to reschedule the 35
medication to Said database.
administration of Said dosage of medication when the user 51. The apparatus according to claim 44 wherein Said
modifies the Scheduled administration of Said dosage of Veterinarian Support component is a Software program resi
medication. dent on a veterinarian's computer, Said program including a
41. The apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the program for comparing Said one or more medications with
handler/owner component is programmed to prohibit the 40 a database of medications to identify and display interac
user from modifying the Scheduled administration of Said tions between Said one or more medications being pre
dosage of medication when a possible adverse interaction Scribed and another medication.
may result from the modification. 52. An apparatus for tracking and monitoring administra
42. The apparatus according to claim 40 wherein the tion of a plurality of medications to an animal by an animal
handler/owner component is programmed to reschedule the 45 handler/owner, Said apparatus comprising:
administration of Said dosage of medication according to the a veterinarian Support component;
possible adverse interaction with a previous dosage of a veterinarian component having a database of
medication or a Subsequent dosage of medication. medications, a program uSable by a veterinarian to
43. The apparatus according to claim 40 wherein the prescribe one or more medications to a handler/owner
handler/owner component is programmed to reschedule a 50 and download Said prescribed medication to Said
Subsequent dosage of medication when the user modifies the handler/owner component; and,
Scheduled administration of Said dosage of medication. a handler/owner component, having a generally rectan
44. An apparatus for tracking and monitoring administra gular hollow plastic housing containing a microproces
tion of a plurality of medications to an animal by an animal Sor connected to a liquid crystal display, an alarm clock,
handler/owner, Said apparatus including a handler/owner 55 a power Supply, an input device, a handler/owners
component, a veterinarian component and a veterinarian database Stored in a memory, and a data transfer device,
Support component, Said handler/owner component com wherein Said data transfer device is connectable to Said
prising: Veterinarian component and/or said veterinarian Sup
a generally rectangular hollow plastic housing containing port component to transfer Scheduling information on
a microprocessor connected to a liquid crystal display, 60 Said plurality of medications to Said microprocessor,
an alarm clock, a power Supply, an input device, a and Said handler/owner component includes another
handler/owner's database Stored in a memory, a pro program for comparing a prescribed medication to a
gram for comparing a prescribed medication to a data database of medications Stored in Said handler/owner
base of medications Stored in Said handler/owner com component to identify an interaction between Said
ponent to identify an interaction between Said 65 prescribed medication and another medication; and,
prescribed medication and another medication, and a wherein one of Said handler/owner component, Said vet
data transfer device, Said data transfer device being erinarian component, or said veterinarian Support com
US 6,397,190 B1
23 24
ponent includes a program for comparing a prescribed Veterinarian component and/or said veterinarian Sup
medication to a database of medications to identify and port component to transfer Scheduling information on
display at least one interaction identified between Said Said plurality of medications to Said microprocessor,
prescribed medication and another medication. and wherein Said handler/owner component communi
53. An apparatus for tracking and monitoring administra- 5 cates an animal's current prescribed medication data to
tion of a plurality of medications to an animal by an animal one or more of said veterinarian support component
handler/owner, Said apparatus comprising: and to Said veterinarian component through an infrared
data transfer device.
a veterinarian Support component, wherein Said veterinar 54. The apparatus according to claim 53 wherein said
ian Support component is a Software program resident O handler/owner component database includes current medi
on a veterinarian's computer, Said program including a 1 cations and current medication dose Schedules for Said
program for comparing Said one or more medications animal.
with a database of medications to identify and display 55. The apparatus according to claim 54 wherein said
interactions between Said one or more medications
being prescribed and another medication; handler/owner component Stores and tracks in Said database
15 a handler/owner's responses to an alarm for administration
a veterinarian component; and of a medication to Said animal.
a handler/owner component, having a generally rectan- 56. The apparatus according to claim 55 wherein said
gular hollow plastic housing containing a microproces- handler/owner component can optimize Scheduling of
Sor connected to a liquid crystal display, an alarm clock, administration of medication to an animal based on Said
a power Supply, an input device, a handler/owners 2O handler/owner's daily schedule of activity.
database Stored in a memory, and a data transfer device,
Said data transfer device being connectable to Said k . . . .

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(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,397,190 B1

(54) VETERINARY MEDICATION MONITORING Primary Examiner Vincent Millin

VEERINARAN SUPPORT COMPONENT

PUSH APPROPRIATE BUTTON

FIRST SCREEN IS DSPLAYED

SCROL DOWN SCREEN

DO YOU WISH DO YOU WISH

DELAY DELAY ACCEPT

DELAY SET ACKNOWLEDGE SET

LOG TIME/DATE UPDATE NEXT LOG TIME/DATE

GENERATE AN ALARM. NOTIFY THE USER OF THE

USER INDICATES TAKE, SKIP

DETERMNE THE TIME FOR THE

\/LIT OIHO H£ENLW3AIO/0BT8G:S\H

\/LIT OIH H8ENLA0O/IBTWC.S\H

WLIT O|HO H8ENLA0O/IBTWC.S\H

emergency medical & prescription home

MEDICAL AND PRESCRIPTION HISTORY

Small white tablet (1/2 tablet)

please select category below for setup

SET TIME AND DATE

Current time is 12:00am

Current date is 11/04/98

SETUP USER CATEGORIES

please select category below to set up

Please enter your password

Sorry Bob, its time to give Chiquita

Chiquita's next dosage of Aminophylline

This dosage of Aminophylline will be noted as

Chiquita has another medication

This dosage of Aminophylline has been delayed

You have another perscription

Chiquita's next dosage of Myzithra will be at

This dosage of Myzithra will be noted as

Chiquita has no more medications

Chiquita has no more medications

DETERNINE FROM INTERACTION

DRUG NTERACTION SEVERTY

DISPLAY INTERACTION WARNING,

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