Patent ID: 8267310

Claim:
A method comprising: loading a plurality of packages into respective storage stations inside an automated dispensary, wherein each said package has a plurality of substantially planar outside surfaces bearing printed characters thereon; and for each package loaded inside the automated dispensary: retrieving the package from the corresponding said storage station; moving the package to an inspection station inside the automated dispensary; rotating the package about one or more axes of the one or more said substantially planar outside surfaces such that each is generally perpendicular to: an illumination of light emitted by one of a plurality of respective light sources in the inspection station; and a viewing axis of one of a plurality of respective image capture cameras in the inspection station; capturing an image of each substantially planar outside surface of the package that is generally perpendicular to: the illumination of light emitted by one of a plurality of respective light sources in the inspection station; and the viewing axis of one of a plurality of respective image capture cameras in the inspection station; reading each said captured image to identify source data; encoding the source data to obtain first encoded data; applying the first encoded data as an identifying label to the package; retrieving the labeled package from the inspection station inside the automated dispensary; and moving the labeled package to one of the storage stations inside the automated dispensary.