Patent Document ID: 8577145
Application ID: 12642786
Patent Status: 1

Claim One:
1. A method comprising: loading a plurality of packages into respective storage stations inside a robotic prescription dispensary, wherein each said package has: a substantially planar outside surface with an embossed character therein; and a shape and size different from that of a plurality of other said packages in respective said storage stations inside the robotic prescription dispensary; for each package loaded inside the robotic prescription dispensary: retrieving the package from the corresponding said storage station; moving the package to an inspection station inside the robotic prescription dispensary; directing first light in a first direction across the embossed character to illuminate first parts of the embossed character; recording first image data representing the embossed character illuminated by the first light; directing second light in a second direction across the embossed character to illuminate second parts of the embossed character; recording second image data representing the embossed character illuminated by the second light; combining the first image data and the second image data to produce combined image data; comparing the combined image data to reference data; on the basis of the comparison, identifying the embossed character; applying the identified embossed character as an identifying label to the package; retrieving the labeled package from the inspection station inside the robotic prescription dispensary; and moving the labeled package to one of the storage stations inside the robotic prescription dispensary; receiving, from a network, information containing a script for a medicament prescribed to a patient; picking one said labeled package in one said storage station inside the robotic prescription dispensary bearing the identifying label that corresponds to the script for the medicament prescribed to the patient; printing, and applying to the picked package, a prescription label corresponding to: the identifying label; and the patient; and dispensing the prescription labeled picked package to a user of the robotic prescription dispensary.