IP Library Granted Patent US 12699864
Granted Patent B2
US 12699864 · App. 18/731,306 · Granted Aug 4, 2026

Near field communication adapter technology for pharmacy, shopping carts and ophthalmic medical items

Inventor: Willis Dennis Grajales (Little Elm, TX)
G06K19/0723G16H20/10
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12699864
App. No.
18/731,306
Granted
Aug 4, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Disclosed is a system, method, and apparatus designed to enhance items using Near Field Communication (NFC) radio technology. This includes enhancing medication containers, such as ophthalmic items, eyedrop medication containers, shopping carts, and other pharmacy items. The technology transforms these medical items into secure, contactless mediums for information distribution, data access, and wellness tracking. This integration improves user convenience and medical data management. The system comprises a removable, attachable NFC apparatus that enhances medication containers with NFC capabilities, enabling data programming, retrieval, and health metrics collection. This innovation contributes to the field by converting traditional medication containers or larger containers like shopping carts into multifunctional instruments.

Claims (57)

1 . An NFC adapter apparatus for enhancing pharmacy and healthcare containers, comprising:

a three-dimensional body configured to be removably affixed around a pharmacy container such as an eyedrop bottle, pill bottle or liquid vial;

the body defining a cavity or compartment configured to interchangeably receive, enclose, and allow removal and replacement of an NFC or RFID identification tag, thereby enabling reuse of the adapter apparatus across multiple communication standards and allowing tag updates without replacing the adapter;

the cavity providing electromagnetic spacing between the tag and the surface of the container to reduce signal interference from metallic or non-metallic materials of the container;

the body being composed of silicone, foam, elastomeric, or a similar flexible insulating material to reduces mechanical wear, tear, and moisture exposure, allowing to be reused on multiple containers while maintaining functional integrity;

a programming interface configured to store data and content on the dentification on tag via wireless communication with a programming device; and

a data retrieval interface configured to wirelessly transmit the stored information from the identification tag to a wireless identification reader electronic device.

2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flexible insulating material forms a protective barrier that resists abrasion, deformation, and moisture ingress, maintaining the electromagnetic spacing and operational integrity of the identification tag.

3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the identification tag is configured to perform secure contactless payment and authentication transactions when read by a compatible payment or automated wireless identification reader electronic device.

4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the identification tag is configured to be programmable memory configured to be updated via a mobile application interface operated by machine, retailers, healthcare providers, and manufacturers.

5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the identification tag is configured to include a secure data module configured to record transaction history for verifying item authenticity and ensuring secure data transmission.

6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body is configured to be removably integrated with a medication container, shopping cart, eyedrops or an eyewear frame.

7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the identification tag is programmed with a digital hyperlink or communication code that provides access to a remote consultation or telemedicine service when scanned by an authorized device.

8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the identification tag support environmental sensing and enhanced data communication protocols.

9 . A method for integrating a reusable adapter apparatus containing an identification tag into retail pharmacy containers, comprising:

providing an adapter apparatus having a three-dimensional body composed of silicone, foam, or similar flexible insulating material, the body defining a cavity configured to interchangeably receive either an NFC or an RFID tag, thereby enabling operation across multiple communication standards and allowing tag updates;

affixing the reusable adapter apparatus around a pharmacy container such as an eyedrop bottle, pill bottle, liquid vial, or onto an eyewear frame, so that the cavity maintains electromagnetic spacing between the identification tag and the container surface of the container or frame to reduce signal interference from metallic or non-metallic contents;

programming the identification tag within the adapter with digital data and content using a wireless identification reader electronic device;

retrieving the stored information by bringing electronic processing device within communication range of the adapter apparatus;

interfacing the adapter apparatus with a software application that facilitates programming and retrieval and wireless distribution of the stored data to authorized devices or healthcare systems inventory, authentication, or patient communication purpose; and

removing and re-affixing the adapter onto a different pharmacy container for subsequent reuse without loss functional integrity.

10 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

using the NFC adapter apparatus to deliver information to users; and

programming the identification tag within the adapter apparatus with one or more of hyperlinks to digital health resources, medical data, or healthcare provider information.

11 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

providing medication notification through the interface based on the programmed

information,

wherein the method supports improved medication adherence and patient compliance.

12 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the electronic processing device:

enables the programming of identification tags within the adapter apparatuses

through an interface,

stores data on the NFC identification tags,

retrieves the stored data from the NFC identification tags via a wireless identification reader electronic device using the interface, and

displays the retrieved information to the user through the interface, wherein the method facilitates secure, contactless information distribution and data

access to improve user interaction with pharmacy items.

13 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

facilitating non-contact payments through the interface by interaction with the NFC identification tag,

providing hyperlinks to digital health resources and healthcare provider information within the interface,

enabling virtual healthcare consultations by linking to telemedicine services through the interface.

14 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

integrating data storage solutions to ensure the security and permanence of stored data;

facilitating remote health monitoring by storing and retrieving biometric data through the interface; and

enabling the sharing of health data with healthcare providers through an interface.

15 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

programming data onto the apparatus,

allowing customization of data types stored on the identification tag to meet specific user needs,

retrieving data from the apparatus.

16 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

enabling users to scan the apparatus with their enabled electronic devices to access text to speech information.

17 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

enabling users to scan the apparatus with their wireless identification reader electronic device to access a medical prescription.

18 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

enabling users to scan the apparatus with their wireless identification reader electronic device to access a node connection.

19 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

enabling users to scan the apparatus with their wireless identification reader electronic device to access data, content, and information.

20 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

enabling users to scan the apparatus with an NFC-enabled device to initiate a secure non-contact payment transaction.