Title of Invention	A PACKAGE-COMPANION-USER INTERACTIVE SYSTEM
Abstract	The present invention relates to a package-companion-user interactive system providing a comprehensive means of product authentication, registration for effective compliance, with user real-time feedback. The system comprises of a product package provided with a smart data processor and companion device comprising a housing with package holding provision; an array of signal generating means and signal sensing means provided in the said device to receive and reflect signals generated by the said signal generating means; user interactive means; powered time tracking means; data decoding means, data processing, data storage means, optionally equipped with audio visual display means, data transfer and connectivity means so configured to register user with the said device; authenticate product package, register product package, and optionally carrying out transient data collection and / or user feed back; when the said product package is placed in the said housing; wherein the product package is without any severable conductor.

Title of Invention

A PACKAGE-COMPANION-USER INTERACTIVE SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a package-companion-user interactive system providing a comprehensive means of product authentication, registration for effective compliance, with user real-time feedback. The system comprises of a product package provided with a smart data processor and companion device comprising a housing with package holding provision; an array of signal generating means and signal sensing means provided in the said device to receive and reflect signals generated by the said signal generating means; user interactive means; powered time tracking means; data decoding means, data processing, data storage means, optionally equipped with audio visual display means, data transfer and connectivity means so configured to register user with the said device; authenticate product package, register product package, and optionally carrying out transient data collection and / or user feed back; when the said product package is placed in the said housing; wherein the product package is without any severable conductor.

Full Text	FORM - 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 OF 1970) COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See Section 10) TITLE OF INVENTION "A Package-Companion-User Interactive System " (a) Bilcare Limited (b) a company registered under the companies Act 1956 and (c) having its office at 307, Narayan Peth, Pune - 411030, India The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a package-companion-user interactive system facilitating and providing a comprehensive means of product authentication, registration as well as facilitating proper & effective consumption and / or usage of packaged product for effective compliance, with user real-time feedback vide an interactive means and further capturing the product-user feedback information to provide value added services to the user by support services providers. Background of the invention Multiple issues with varying impacts influence the handling, use and / or consumption of any product. The complexity increases with multiplicity of operations including handling, use or consumption of a product on an intermittent, regular or variable frequency basis. For effective use of a product, a user requires appropriate product and its usage related support, such as: 1. Means to establish the authenticity of the product with essential information about its manufacturer, date of manufacture, date of expiry, etc; 2. Basic product information and instructions for its effective use, 3. Prescription and dosage instructions, its recommended consumption frequency, and relevant precautionary measures if any; 4. Means of recording the product usage history for follow-up and support services 5. Timely on-line professional support when necessary. Product related information is generally printed on the package and /or is given in the product information sheet inside the package. It is not uncommon to get packages with the essential information such as date of manufacture, name of the manufacturer, expiry date, price, etc printed or inscribed in an illegible manner making the authentication of the product difficult. Counterfeiting and spurious products continue to be an undesirable social menace. It is estimated that 5-7% of world trade is in counterfeits, which is in the region of 250-350 billion dollars and is growing fast. In the period1990 - 1995 the world trade grew by 47% whereas in contrast counterfeits grew by 150% (Briefing on Counterfeiting, AIM® Paper 1999)... This needs to be tackled effectively through effective packaging and user-friendly devices that can be employed at the user - end to ensure his safety, etc. Several initiatives by way of security labels on the product or packaging, holographic solutions on unit product package, unique colored unit product package, color changing inks, multi color printing etc have already been employed but fool- proof authentication continue to elude the researchers. Another area of user significance is a set of user-understandable and usage program that is accessible to the user at all times so that user-based compliance can be enhanced. Present day options available to the consumer are by way of prescriptions, or basic information provided in OTC products. Most often the user has to rely on his memory with regard to the product dosage, usage frequency etc. Rapidly changing life-styles and patterns and evolution of newer health related issues are making real-time help an imperative. It is desirable to have the product usage data automatically captured when the user interacts with the package so that the real-time feedback can be made available or if required off-line depending on the product and the circumstances under which the product is being used. Accurate consumer / patient feedback to manufacturers and/or researchers of a product that is under consumer / clinical trials is desirable as it helps to arrive at better understanding the product features and functions especially in terms of their effectiveness, side effects, claimed efficacy of the medication, etc. Therefore a desirable feature would also be to provide the user an easy means to record his feedback as and when he/she has used or consumed the product or any observations he/she makes regarding the product reaction on him, or any indications that he/she may like to convey to the professional for further advice. Several efforts have been made in the past to achieve some of the above-mentioned features. US patent no. 6961285 discloses a drug delivery management system to guide users / patients to take their medication and to assist third parties to collect information with regard to the patient medication intake. The system includes a portable medication monitor used in association with an instrumented medication package to provide intake data acquisition and patient support functions. The system may further be connected to a computer or computer network allowing information distribution between the medication monitor and third parties, such as physicians or pharmacists. This prior art details a monitoring system more specifically for use in medication monitoring, which has medication packaged in a specific blister format and the said blister having capability of monitoring access to medication and relaying it to a separate monitor. The system is not capable of authenticating the packaged medication product nor is it capable of capturing user-feedback on real-time basis w.r.t. his / her observations, indications and feelings on the consumed product, etc. US patent no. 5412372 discloses a portable medication dispenser aid which monitors dispensing times including regimen-conforming use of medications provided in standard as-marketed blister packages. A standard blister package and a separate, disposable sensor sheet are loaded onto a compact housing containing supervisory electronics, visual indicators, and an audible alarm. The sensor sheet consists of electrical or optical sensing regions corresponding to each individual compartment of the blister package. An electrically conductive or optical connector in the dispenser housing allows periodic scanning of the sensor sheet circuitry by the control circuitry in the dispenser housing without adding connector components to disposable sensor sheet. When a medication is ejected through the backing layer of the standard blister package, an electrical or optical parameter associated with a corresponding region of the sensor sheet is altered, thereby permitting the control circuitry to monitor the dispensing event. Stored patient compliance data may then be reported remotely through an optical or electrical interface between the dispenser and an external system for review by the pharmacist/physician. The system addresses the issue of reminding the user of when to take a medication from a specific unit dose package containing the medication but is not capable of authenticating the product, capturing user interaction and feedback. The system is specific to a type of package and lacks the desired flexibility for use in diverse types of packages containing different types, forms, sizes and shapes of medication. US patent nos.: 6839304 and 6411567 describes a drug delivery management system for managing delivery of pharmaceutical drugs from a blister package that includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. Each of the cells is sealed by a breakable wall and holds a unit-dose of medication. A user gains access to the medication in a given cell by puncturing the breakable wall associated with the given cell. A severable conductor is positioned proximate to each breakable wall. The severable conductor associated with a given cell ruptures upon puncturing of the breakable wall associated with the given cell. A computer chip is electrically connected to the severable conductors. The computer chip senses the puncturing of each cell in the grid by monitoring the rupturing of each of the severable conductors. An RF transmitter is coupled to the computer chip. The RF transmitter sends information corresponding to usage of each of medications stored in the blister package to a remote information transceiver. The system is specific to blister type packages. The key limitation results from the use of non-insulating layer to incorporate the severable conductors. As the non-insulating layer is in direct touch with the medication, it becomes imperative to get the material approved by the regulatory authorities prior to its use. The manufacturing process also gets complicated The system also is limited to and focused on user-compliance but lacks the aspects of capturing the much desired user interaction and feedback. Incorporating remote devices on the package for receiving and transmitting makes the pack unwieldy and unviable for commercial exploitation. The other limitation of this system is that it does not address authentication of the product package through a customized encoding which becomes unique for that specific package. It may be noted that the drug delivery management systems disclosed above primarily focus on monitoring / tracking delivery / dosing of medication to patients and assisting patients to medical compliance. Provision of authentication of the product in the existing package / container and customized end user feed back facility is not provided in systems disclosed in the prior art. Further, the devices disclosed in the prior art are specific to packages of specific size /shape of the packaging and therefore cannot be exploited in a general manner in diverse packages containing diverse products. Critical analysis of the prior art reveal the following shortcomings: > Non-existence of systems with integrated device on the package that facilitates authentication of the packaged product simultaneously providing relevant product information, user instructions for product use, etc.; > The systems are dedicated to specific types of packages in terms of their size and shapes without provision for interaction with end user, authenticating the end user and without user-friendly interactive input devices for the end user and communicating means to transmit the user based information to service providers > Special packages with additional circuitry needs to be created which may not be possible to incorporate in existing packages. > Circuitry may require additional layer / laminate / insulating material needing regulatory clearances, thereby limiting their applications; > Systems incapable of integrating automation in existing packages and manufacturing lines resulting in non-viable commercial exploitation; > No provisions for diverse end users including physically impaired persons for input of user-feed back regarding effects, symptoms of the product > No provisions for deactivating package after the expiry date of the product to avoid misuse or wrong use. It has been a long standing need in the industry to provide comprehensive package-product-user interactive system which has the capability of addressing all the critical needs of any user with respect to the usage of any packaged product bought by him/her right from its recognition, authentication and access to key manufacturing and usage information to the convenience of programmable usage for proper, effective and enhanced correct usage along with the need of capturing of user related feedback on real-time basis for possibility of further communication with diverse devices for enabling extension of value support services by manufacturers and/or related service providers as desired and needed by the user. The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art and provides a novel multidimensional package-companion-user interactive system that can be used effectively for any packaged product which is supported by a unique companion device system, which enables any user to orient the companion exclusively and provide himself/herself with all the key features which would enable effective usage of the product along with the effective real-time capture of his/her feedback for own use or optionally for communicating the same for better management by the related service providers.. Summary of the Invention The main object of the invention is to provide package-companion-user interactive system facilitating and providing user a means for his/her registration with the companion device, authentication, registration of the product package with his real-time feedback vide an interactive means and capturing the product-user feedback information. Another object of the invention is to provide a system that is functional without limitations on the packages in terms of their size and shapes. Another object of the invention is to provide a system with provision for interaction with end user, authenticating the end user and with user-friendly interactive input devices for the end user and communicating means to transmit user based information to service providers It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system with provisions for deactivating a package after the expiry date of the product to avoid misuse or wrong use. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system and process with provisions for diverse end users including physically impaired persons for input of user-feed back regarding effects, symptoms of the product. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system wherein the package does not use additional layer / laminate / insulating material thereby obviating the need for additional regulatory clearances. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system capable of integrating automation in existing packages and manufacturing lines resulting in viable commercial exploitation. Thus in accordance with the invention the said system comprises: A package-companion-user interactive system comprising: a companion device comprising a housing with a package holding provision; an array of signal generating means with corresponding signal sensing means provided in the said device to receive and reflect signal generated by the said signal generating means; user interactive and/or user input means; powered time tracking means; data decoding means, data processing, data storage means so configured to register user, authenticate, register product package when housed / located in the said housing and optionally carry out transient data collection or user feed back or a combinations thereof wherein the product package is affixed / embedded with a smart data processor encoded with product details using unique protocol wherein user registration data is stored in the said processing means followed by displaying the user, information regarding his / her registration of the device for optional exclusive use; authentication decoding means of the said companion device which decodes unique identification protocol in the pre-encoded data from the said smart processor of the product package and the said data is authenticated in the said data processing means of the said companion device; said memory stores data fed by user through said input means regarding desired accession time and sends signal to the said via processing means and display / user interactive means to ALARM the user of the product accession at a particular time; said memory stores feed back from the user regarding effect and / or specific symptoms of the product wherein generating means 3 is provided in the portion 1. The portion 2 is provided with signal receiving and reflecting means 4 including mechanical signal sensing device/s. Signal generated by 3 is received and reflected by 4. A decoding device 10 is positioned in portion 2. Package 20 as shown in the Figure 1 (a) to (c) may be in the form of a bottle, pouch, wrapper, but is not limited to these & may be of any shape or size. The said package contains product 23 in the form of solid, liquid, gas or combination of the same. A smart chip 24 is affixed or embedded on the package surface. The said smart chip is pre-encoded offline or online during packaging of the said product with information such as manufacturer source, date, batch of manufacture and information regarding the product etc. When the said package 20 is positioned / placed / inserted in the cavity / slot / provision 5 in such a way that the pre-encoded smart chip 24 is in the vicinity or in contact of the decoder device 10, the decoding process of the encoded data in the said smart chip 24 gets initiated in 10 and the decoded data being sent via signal 11 to the processing unit 6 from 10. The said decoded data is processed for authentication in 6 and appropriate message is displayed on the display means 12. The placement of the package 20 in the cavity / slot / provision 5, results in interception of the signal generated from 3. The reception and corresponding reflection of the signal from 4 depends on the quantity of the product inside the package. Thus, if a product is accessed from the package, particular signal pattern is generated. The real time measuring means 7 connected to data storage device (memory) 8 facilitates transient data collection of product accession. Memory 8 facilitates data storage of the product accession details with respect to time. Further, data related to frequency of accession is stored in memory 8. The user interaction means 16 is linked to the memory 8. Timely alarm on product accession is conveyed to the user in the form of a signal by 16. Further, the end user can feed in data in regard to effects, symptoms, observations etc related to product accession via a user input means 13 which also includes user identification means for user registration. Memory 8 is connected to 6 through connector 9 to facilitate data processing. The processing unit 6 is further linked to connectivity means 15. End user interactive audio / visual / biometrics device 14 is provided on the portion 1 to facilitate registration of the user with the companion device. The receptor 17 is positioned in the proximity of the cavity 5 to facilitate data accession from the package. Power source 18 comprises of an uninterrupted power source for real time device along with a rechargeable battery. A package-companion-user interactive system operates in steps wherein the companion device interacts with the product package to register and authenticate product package in steps of: > inserting the said product package in the said provision so that the said decoding means is in contact with the said smart data processor; > decoding identification protocol from pre-encoded said smart data processor of the product package using decoding means; > decoding the pre-encoded product information from the smart data processor of the product package using decoding means; > storing the said decoded information in the said data storage means; > matching the said decoded information from the said smart processor with the stored information identifying protocol in the processing device for authentication; > providing authentication feedback to the user via the user interactive means. wherein the data from the said smart processor on the product package becomes inaccessible for decoding when specified days as pre-encoded in the said smart processor from the date of activation of the said product package gets over or expiry date is over or a user defined time is over in steps of: decoding the pre-encoded information regarding the number of days the product package to be valid from the said smart processor of the product package using the said decoding means; decoding the pre-encoded information regarding expiry date of the product package from the said smart processor of the product package using the said decoding means; storing the said expiry date and number of days in the storage in the said data storage device; matching the days / date from the said real time measuring means with the stored days / date in the processing means ; disabling access to the pre-encoded information of the said smart processor if the days/ date is lapsed. wherein the said companion device and the product package interact with user to collect transient product accession information in steps of: > prompting the user with product accession protocol as per the prescription inputted by the user; > accessing the product from the package as per prescription protocol by the user > inserting the product package in the housing in the said device; > sensing for product absence in the product package using said signal generating, signal sensing means and recording the time using the said powered time tracking means; > storing the above information in the data storage means. wherein the said companion device interact with user to collect, store & acquire real time user feed back in steps of: > prompting the user to input feedback information regarding symptoms and effects of the product via the user interactive means; > storing the said user feed back information in the said data storage device; > communicating the user based information through said connectivity means to service providers and / or systems / programs which are service facilitators. In another embodiment provision 5 comprises of a means to lock and/ or sense the placement of the package and further display a signal to prompt the user for a password. The present invention facilitates authentication of the product package along with optional features of user feed back and transient data collection. In one of the embodiments, the package comprises of product containment portion / holding cavity formed / made using laminate / material and optional closure. In one of the embodiments, the package comprises of (components such as) mono or multi layered laminated structure / material with single or plurality of formed cavities / receptacle for holding / containing product and a closure for the said cavities/ receptacle in the form of lamina/ layer / sheet appropriately attached. The material of construction of the said components (cavity and closure) is same or different. The said package is fitted / attached with a device / provision which may be press-fitted to the companion device while placing the said package in the provision 5 so that the package gets locked thereby preventing dislodging while handling of the companion device and requires external force for removal. In yet another embodiment the receptacle and / or closure is thermoformed and / or cold formed. In yet another embodiment the receptacle and / or closure is made by a process of wrapping using cold / hot seal. In another embodiment the said package is enclosed / contained / encased in another enclosure. In another embodiment the package comprises of product containment / holding cavity in the form of a container and closure. A portion of the closure is of appropriate shape so that it can be press-fitted to the companion device while placing the said package in the provision 5 so that the package gets locked thereby preventing dislodging while handling of the companion device and requires external force for removal In yet another embodiment the package comprises of product containment / holding cavity formed by flexible laminate / material wherein part / portion/s of the same faminate / material is seated to form a pouch wherein a portion of the said pouch optionally is provided with gusset / shaping device / stiffener so that it gives rigid structure which can be press fitted to the provision 5 of the companion device. In another embodiment the said pouch is provided with a closure for repetitive access / opening and closing of the pouch. In yet another embodiment the package is provided with a device comprising a speaker, battery, optional switch and an audio signal generator to provide information on branding, product identity etc. In one of the embodiments the smart chip is a crypto memory device, a secured memory device or a microcontroller based memory chip. In yet another embodiment the smart chip is a RFID device. In another embodiment the authentication is facilitated for both covert and overt identification systems by use of molecular markers, or special ink markers In yet another embodiment the authentication is facilitated by use of disorder technologies in the from of tags In one of the embodiments the sensors generate electrical signals such as current, voltage, capacitance, frequency etc. In yet another embodiment the sensors converts light to voltage for detecting colour changes in the package material on product accession In one of the embodiments the sensors generate optical signals. In another embodiment signal receiving means is selected from spring loaded mechanical device or strain gauges. In one of the embodiments input means is selected from a touch screen device, key board, Braille compatible keyboard. In yet another embodiment user interactive means is a voice recognition device; biometrics system, audio and / or visual signal indicating system, vibration generating means. In another embodiment chip is affixed to the package. In yet another embodiment, power source is a rechargeable battery. In another embodiment independent / matrix conductive systems are positioned / printed / placed on the closure area of the receptacles of the package. In one of the embodiments product containment portions and / or closure of the package is /are made up of polymers or metals or paper or other environmentally friendly materials coated with peelable and or heat sealable coatings made of various acrylic natural gum base or synthetic based coatings to ensure a sealed / hermetically sealed system compatible to external and environmental factors; and a combination thereof. In another embodiment the package is made from mono or multi special packaging materials for providing a range of features and product related functional properties such as antimicrobial, preservation, change indication, barrier to moisture, light, UV / IR radiations, gases or selective barrier properties to moisture, gases which allows specific diffusion properties for product liberated moisture / gases. In yet another embodiment data in the processing means is modulated in bit pattern such that it is suitable for transmission at 2.4 GHz by using Bluetooth, ZigBee. In another embodiment data is processed in the processing means so that it can be transmitted through standard call service provider using modem. In yet another embodiment the companion device is configured with a customized connectivity data processing means operating in steps of: > converting data history from the data storage means compatible to the external Interactive Voice Response (IVR) protocol; > connecting the IVR system thru the IVR protocol; > downloading of said converted data into the IVR system; > Establishing communication link with the various value service providers Thus it is evident from the present invention that the synergistic combination of the companion device comprising user input means including user identification means to facilitate user identification, display means configured with data decoding means, data processing, data storage device, time tracking means and the product package affixed with the pre-encoded smart chip when positioned in / on the said companion device facilitates authentication and registration of the product package with a facility to authenticate and register plurality of the same product packages every time a new package of the said same product is inserted / positioned in the said companion device after complete use / consumption of the product from the preceding package and without limitations on the packages in terms of their size and shapes as well as package materials and along with optional feed back, transient product accession data collection features provide the user a comprehensive means of ease of authentication and effective use of a product along with the capability of capturing real-time feedback more specifically related to facilitation of authentication and effective compliance by the user of a product ensuring the safety, quality, efficacy and potency of product with an effective feedback interaction between the user and the companion for further value added use of the captured feedback by related support services and service providers to the user. We claim: 1. A package-companion-user interactive system comprising a companion device comprising a housing with package holding provision; an array of signal generating means and signal sensing means provided in the said device to receive and /or reflect signals generated by the said signal generating means; user interactive means; powered time tracking means; data decoding means, data processing means, data storage means, optionally equipped with audio visual display means, data transfer and connectivity means so configured to register user with the said device; authenticate product package, register product package, and optionally carrying out transient data collection and / or user feed back; when the said product package is placed in the said housing; wherein the said product package is provided with a smart data processor. 2. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said package comprises of single or plurality of containment portion/s with or without closure/s without any severable conductors. 3. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-2 wherein the said signal sensing means measures the differential time in terms of capacitance based on a stimulation in the form of current / volt generated in the said signal generating means. 4. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-3 wherein the signal generating means is a Light Emitting Device emitting preferably white light and the signal sensing means is color sensor/s. 5. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-4 wherein the said signal generating means of the companion device generate optical signal. 6. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-5 wherein the said package housing has package arresting means. 7. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-6 wherein signal sensing means is selected from spring-loaded mechanical device or strain gauges. 8. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-7 wherein user interactive means is selected from a touch screen device, key board, braille compatible key board. 9. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-8 wherein user interactive means is a voice recognition device; biometric system, audio and / or visual signal indicating system, vibration generating means. 10. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-9 wherein the information in the processing means is modulated in bit pattern such that it is suitable for transmission by using bluetooth, ZigBee. 11. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-10 wherein the information is processed in the processing means and transmitted using modem. 12. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-11 wherein the companion device is configured with a customized connectivity data processing means to an external Interactive Voice Response (IVR) protocol to enable real-time connectivity to a IVR system for effective communication with the various value service providers. 13. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the product package is affixed / embedded with a smart data processor. 14. A package-companion user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 & 2 wherein, the product containment portion is constructed of laminate material, polymeric materials or multi layered laminates or a combination thereof. 15. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1, 13 & 14 wherein the package is provided with provision that is press-fittable to the companion device. 16. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1, 13-15 wherein package is provided with a device comprising a speaker, battery, optional switch and an audio signal generator for providing information regarding branding, product identity. 17. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1, 13 - 16 wherein smart data processor of the product package is a crypto memory device, a secured memory device or a micro-controller based memory chip. 18. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1, 13- 17 wherein smart processor is a RFID device. user registers himself/herself with the said companion device by feeding in particular data through input means; the input data from the user is stored in the said memory; the, user inserts and/or houses said product package in the said companion device; on receiving the said product package in the said receiving provision, the said companion device interacts with the package to authenticate the product package in steps of: > decoding unique identification protocol from pre-encoded said smart chip; > decoding and storing the data in the said memory from the pre-encoded smart chip; > matching the said decoded data from the said smart chip data with the stored data identifying protocol in the processing device for authentication; > displaying signal on the said display to the user regarding authentication; > displaying signal to the user on the said display means regarding registration of the said package; > storing the pair of protocol for unique identification of the said decoding means with the said unique identification protocol of the said smart chip to limit access by and / or of the said companion device only to the registered legitimized package and limiting / restricting access of the said package only to the said companion device; > deactivating the said registration of the package after predetermined time to avoid misuse or wrong use; wherein the package and companion device interacts with user in steps of: > providing signal to the end user on the display means for feeding in data regarding time of access; > storing the said data in the said memory; > displaying / providing signal using user interactive means regarding accession of the product to alarm the user; > storing data history of the accession timings of the product; > storing user feed back in the said memory > communicating the captured user based information through said connectivity means to service providers and / or systems / programs which are service facilitators facilitating product authentication and comprehensive effective and enhanced correct usage of the product by user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Features and advantages of this invention will become apparent in the following detailed description and the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 Schematic of the package-companion-user interactive system (sheet 1) The system, as described in Fig. 1 comprising companion device and the package is illustrated in Figure 1. The device comprises of a provision 5 formed between portion 1 and portion 2 to receive the product package 20. An array of signal A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 wherein user registration with the companion device is done in steps of: > a entering the user identifier information via the user interactive/ input means; > storing the said information in the data storage means, > conveying user registration feedback using the user interactive means. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the companion device interacts with the product package to register and authenticate product package in steps of: > inserting the said product package in the said provision so that the said decoding means is in contact with the said smart data processor; > decoding identification protocol from pre-encoded said smart data processor of the product package using decoding means; > decoding the pre-encoded product information from the smart data processor of the product package using decoding means; > storing the said decoded information in the said data storage means; > matching the said decoded information from the said smart processor with the stored information identifying protocol in the processing device for authentication; > providing authentication feedback to the user via the user interactive means. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the data from the said smart processor on the product package becomes inaccessible for decoding when specified days as pre-encoded in the said smart processor from the date of activation of the said product package gets over or expiry date is over or a user defined time is over in steps of: decoding the pre-encoded information regarding the number of days the product package to be valid from the said smart processor of the product package using the said decoding means; decoding the pre-encoded information regarding expiry date of the product package from the said smart processor of the product package using the said decoding means; storing the said expiry date and number of days in the storage in the said data storage device; matching the days / date from the said real time measuring means with the stored days / date in the processing means ; disabling access to the pre-encoded information of the said smart processor if the days/ date is lapsed. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said companion device and the product package interact with user to collect transient product accession information in steps of: > prompting the user with product accession protocol as per the prescription inputted by tine user-, > accessing the product from the package as per prescription protocol by the user > inserting the product package in the housing in the said device; > sensing for product absence in the product package using said signal generating, signal sensing means and recording the time using the said powered time tracking means; > storing the above information in the data storage means. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said companion device interact with user to collect, store & acquire real time user feed back in steps of: Dr. P. Ganguli Agent on behalf of the applicant > prompting the user to input feedback information regarding symptoms and effects of the product via the user interactive means; > storing the said user feed back information in the said data storage device; > communicating the user based information through said connectivity means to service providers and / or systems / programs which are service facilitators.

Full Text

FORM - 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10)
TITLE OF INVENTION
"A Package-Companion-User Interactive System "
(a) Bilcare Limited (b) a company registered under the companies Act 1956 and (c) having its office at 307, Narayan Peth, Pune - 411030, India
The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a package-companion-user interactive system facilitating and providing a comprehensive means of product authentication, registration as well as facilitating proper & effective consumption and / or usage of packaged product for effective compliance, with user real-time feedback vide an interactive means and further capturing the product-user feedback information to provide value added services to the user by support services providers.
Background of the invention
Multiple issues with varying impacts influence the handling, use and / or consumption of any product. The complexity increases with multiplicity of operations including handling, use or consumption of a product on an intermittent, regular or variable frequency basis. For effective use of a product, a user requires appropriate product and its usage related support, such as:
1. Means to establish the authenticity of the product with essential information about its manufacturer, date of manufacture, date of expiry, etc;
2. Basic product information and instructions for its effective use,
3. Prescription and dosage instructions, its recommended consumption frequency, and relevant precautionary measures if any;
4. Means of recording the product usage history for follow-up and support services
5. Timely on-line professional support when necessary.
Product related information is generally printed on the package and /or is given in the product information sheet inside the package. It is not uncommon to get packages with the essential information such as date of manufacture, name of the manufacturer, expiry date, price, etc printed or inscribed in an illegible manner making the authentication of the product difficult. Counterfeiting and spurious products continue to be an undesirable social menace. It is estimated that 5-7% of world trade is in counterfeits, which is in the region of 250-350 billion dollars and is growing fast. In the period1990 - 1995 the world trade grew by 47% whereas in contrast counterfeits grew by 150% (Briefing on Counterfeiting, AIM® Paper 1999)... This needs to be tackled effectively through effective packaging and user-friendly devices that can be employed at the user - end to ensure his safety, etc. Several initiatives by way of security labels on the product or packaging, holographic solutions on unit product package, unique colored unit product package, color changing inks, multi color printing etc have already been employed but fool- proof authentication continue to elude the researchers.
Another area of user significance is a set of user-understandable and usage program that is accessible to the user at all times so that user-based compliance can be enhanced. Present day options available to the consumer are by way of prescriptions, or basic information provided in OTC products. Most often the user has to rely on his memory with regard to the product dosage, usage frequency etc.

Rapidly changing life-styles and patterns and evolution of newer health related issues are making real-time help an imperative. It is desirable to have the product usage data automatically captured when the user interacts with the package so that the real-time feedback can be made available or if required off-line depending on the product and the circumstances under which the product is being used. Accurate consumer / patient feedback to manufacturers and/or researchers of a product that is under consumer / clinical trials is desirable as it helps to arrive at better understanding the product features and functions especially in terms of their effectiveness, side effects, claimed efficacy of the medication, etc.
Therefore a desirable feature would also be to provide the user an easy means to record his feedback as and when he/she has used or consumed the product or any observations he/she makes regarding the product reaction on him, or any indications that he/she may like to convey to the professional for further advice.
Several efforts have been made in the past to achieve some of the above-mentioned features.
US patent no. 6961285 discloses a drug delivery management system to guide users / patients to take their medication and to assist third parties to collect information with regard to the patient medication intake. The system includes a portable medication monitor used in association with an instrumented medication package to provide intake data acquisition and patient support functions. The system may further be connected to a computer or computer network allowing information distribution between the medication monitor and third parties, such as physicians or pharmacists. This prior art details a monitoring system more specifically for use in medication monitoring, which has medication packaged in a specific blister format and the said blister having capability of monitoring access to medication and relaying it to a separate monitor. The system is not capable of authenticating the packaged medication product nor is it capable of capturing user-feedback on real-time basis w.r.t. his / her observations, indications and feelings on the consumed product, etc.
US patent no. 5412372 discloses a portable medication dispenser aid which monitors dispensing times including regimen-conforming use of medications provided in standard as-marketed blister packages. A standard blister package and a separate, disposable sensor sheet are loaded onto a compact housing containing supervisory electronics, visual indicators, and an audible alarm. The sensor sheet consists of electrical or optical sensing regions corresponding to each individual compartment of the blister package. An electrically conductive or optical connector in the dispenser housing allows periodic scanning of the sensor sheet circuitry by the control circuitry in the dispenser housing without adding connector components to disposable sensor sheet. When a medication is ejected through the backing layer of the standard blister package, an electrical or optical parameter associated with a corresponding region of the sensor sheet is altered, thereby permitting the control circuitry to monitor the dispensing event. Stored patient compliance data may then be reported remotely through an optical or electrical interface between the dispenser and an external system for review by the pharmacist/physician. The system addresses the issue of reminding the user of when to take a medication from a specific unit dose package containing the

medication but is not capable of authenticating the product, capturing user interaction and feedback. The system is specific to a type of package and lacks the desired flexibility for use in diverse types of packages containing different types, forms, sizes and shapes of medication.
US patent nos.: 6839304 and 6411567 describes a drug delivery management system for managing delivery of pharmaceutical drugs from a blister package that includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. Each of the cells is sealed by a breakable wall and holds a unit-dose of medication. A user gains access to the medication in a given cell by puncturing the breakable wall associated with the given cell. A severable conductor is positioned proximate to each breakable wall. The severable conductor associated with a given cell ruptures upon puncturing of the breakable wall associated with the given cell. A computer chip is electrically connected to the severable conductors. The computer chip senses the puncturing of each cell in the grid by monitoring the rupturing of each of the severable conductors. An RF transmitter is coupled to the computer chip. The RF transmitter sends information corresponding to usage of each of medications stored in the blister package to a remote information transceiver. The system is specific to blister type packages. The key limitation results from the use of non-insulating layer to incorporate the severable conductors. As the non-insulating layer is in direct touch with the medication, it becomes imperative to get the material approved by the regulatory authorities prior to its use. The manufacturing process also gets complicated The system also is limited to and focused on user-compliance but lacks the aspects of capturing the much desired user interaction and feedback. Incorporating remote devices on the package for receiving and transmitting makes the pack unwieldy and unviable for commercial exploitation. The other limitation of this system is that it does not address authentication of the product package through a customized encoding which becomes unique for that specific package.
It may be noted that the drug delivery management systems disclosed above primarily focus on monitoring / tracking delivery / dosing of medication to patients and assisting patients to medical compliance. Provision of authentication of the product in the existing package / container and customized end user feed back facility is not provided in systems disclosed in the prior art. Further, the devices disclosed in the prior art are specific to packages of specific size /shape of the packaging and therefore cannot be exploited in a general manner in diverse packages containing diverse products.
Critical analysis of the prior art reveal the following shortcomings:
> Non-existence of systems with integrated device on the package that facilitates authentication of the packaged product simultaneously providing relevant product information, user instructions for product use, etc.;
> The systems are dedicated to specific types of packages in terms of their size and shapes without provision for interaction with end user, authenticating the end user and without user-friendly interactive input devices for the end user and communicating means to transmit the user based information to service providers

> Special packages with additional circuitry needs to be created which may not be possible to incorporate in existing packages.
> Circuitry may require additional layer / laminate / insulating material needing regulatory clearances, thereby limiting their applications;
> Systems incapable of integrating automation in existing packages and manufacturing lines resulting in non-viable commercial exploitation;
> No provisions for diverse end users including physically impaired persons for input of user-feed back regarding effects, symptoms of the product
> No provisions for deactivating package after the expiry date of the product to avoid misuse or wrong use.
It has been a long standing need in the industry to provide comprehensive package-product-user interactive system which has the capability of addressing all the critical needs of any user with respect to the usage of any packaged product bought by him/her right from its recognition, authentication and access to key manufacturing and usage information to the convenience of programmable usage for proper, effective and enhanced correct usage along with the need of capturing of user related feedback on real-time basis for possibility of further communication with diverse devices for enabling extension of value support services by manufacturers and/or related service providers as desired and needed by the user.
The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art and provides a novel multidimensional package-companion-user interactive system that can be used effectively for any packaged product which is supported by a unique companion device system, which enables any user to orient the companion exclusively and provide himself/herself with all the key features which would enable effective usage of the product along with the effective real-time capture of his/her feedback for own use or optionally for communicating the same for better management by the related service providers..
Summary of the Invention
The main object of the invention is to provide package-companion-user interactive system facilitating and providing user a means for his/her registration with the companion device, authentication, registration of the product package with his real-time feedback vide an interactive means and capturing the product-user feedback information.
Another object of the invention is to provide a system that is functional without limitations on the packages in terms of their size and shapes.
Another object of the invention is to provide a system with provision for interaction with end user, authenticating the end user and with user-friendly interactive input devices for the end user and communicating means to transmit user based information to service providers

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system with provisions for deactivating a package after the expiry date of the product to avoid misuse or wrong use.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system and process with provisions for diverse end users including physically impaired persons for input of user-feed back regarding effects, symptoms of the product.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system wherein the package does not use additional layer / laminate / insulating material thereby obviating the need for additional regulatory clearances.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system capable of integrating automation in existing packages and manufacturing lines resulting in viable commercial exploitation.
Thus in accordance with the invention the said system comprises:
A package-companion-user interactive system comprising:
a companion device comprising a housing with a package holding provision; an array of signal generating means with corresponding signal sensing means provided in the said device to receive and reflect signal generated by the said signal generating means; user interactive and/or user input means; powered time tracking means; data decoding means, data processing, data storage means so configured to register user, authenticate, register product package when housed / located in the said housing and optionally carry out transient data collection or user feed back or a combinations thereof
wherein
the product package is affixed / embedded with a smart data processor encoded with product details using unique protocol
wherein
user registration data is stored in the said processing means followed by displaying the user, information regarding his / her registration of the device for optional exclusive use; authentication decoding means of the said companion device which decodes unique identification protocol in the pre-encoded data from the said smart processor of the product package and the said data is authenticated in the said data processing means of the said companion device; said memory stores data fed by user through said input means regarding desired accession time and sends signal to the said via processing means and display / user interactive means to ALARM the user of the product accession at a particular time; said memory stores feed back from the user regarding effect and / or specific symptoms of the product
wherein

generating means 3 is provided in the portion 1. The portion 2 is provided with signal receiving and reflecting means 4 including mechanical signal sensing device/s. Signal generated by 3 is received and reflected by 4. A decoding device 10 is positioned in portion 2. Package 20 as shown in the Figure 1 (a) to (c) may be in the form of a bottle, pouch, wrapper, but is not limited to these & may be of any shape or size. The said package contains product 23 in the form of solid, liquid, gas or combination of the same. A smart chip 24 is affixed or embedded on the package surface. The said smart chip is pre-encoded offline or online during packaging of the said product with information such as manufacturer source, date, batch of manufacture and information regarding the product etc. When the said package 20 is positioned / placed / inserted in the cavity / slot / provision 5 in such a way that the pre-encoded smart chip 24 is in the vicinity or in contact of the decoder device 10, the decoding process of the encoded data in the said smart chip 24 gets initiated in 10 and the decoded data being sent via signal 11 to the processing unit 6 from 10. The said decoded data is processed for authentication in 6 and appropriate message is displayed on the display means 12. The placement of the package 20 in the cavity / slot / provision 5, results in interception of the signal generated from 3. The reception and corresponding reflection of the signal from 4 depends on the quantity of the product inside the package. Thus, if a product is accessed from the package, particular signal pattern is generated. The real time measuring means 7 connected to data storage device (memory) 8 facilitates transient data collection of product accession. Memory 8 facilitates data storage of the product accession details with respect to time. Further, data related to frequency of accession is stored in memory 8. The user interaction means 16 is linked to the memory 8. Timely alarm on product accession is conveyed to the user in the form of a signal by 16. Further, the end user can feed in data in regard to effects, symptoms, observations etc related to product accession via a user input means 13 which also includes user identification means for user registration. Memory 8 is connected to 6 through connector 9 to facilitate data processing. The processing unit 6 is further linked to connectivity means 15. End user interactive audio / visual / biometrics device 14 is provided on the portion 1 to facilitate registration of the user with the companion device. The receptor 17 is positioned in the proximity of the cavity 5 to facilitate data accession from the package. Power source 18 comprises of an uninterrupted power source for real time device along with a rechargeable battery.
A package-companion-user interactive system operates in steps wherein
the companion device interacts with the product package to register and authenticate product package in steps of:
> inserting the said product package in the said provision so that the said decoding means is in contact with the said smart data processor;
> decoding identification protocol from pre-encoded said smart data processor of the product package using decoding means;
> decoding the pre-encoded product information from the smart data processor of the product package using decoding means;
> storing the said decoded information in the said data storage means;

> matching the said decoded information from the said smart processor with the stored information identifying protocol in the processing device for authentication;
> providing authentication feedback to the user via the user interactive means.
wherein
the data from the said smart processor on the product package becomes
inaccessible for decoding when specified days as pre-encoded in the said smart
processor from the date of activation of the said product package gets over or
expiry date is over or a user defined time is over in steps of:
decoding the pre-encoded information regarding the number of days the product
package to be valid from the said smart processor of the product package using
the said decoding means;
decoding the pre-encoded information regarding expiry date of the product
package from the said smart processor of the product package using the said
decoding means;
storing the said expiry date and number of days in the storage in the said data
storage device;
matching the days / date from the said real time measuring means with the stored
days / date in the processing means ;
disabling access to the pre-encoded information of the said smart processor if the
days/ date is lapsed.
wherein
the said companion device and the product package interact with user to collect transient product accession information in steps of:
> prompting the user with product accession protocol as per the prescription inputted by the user;
> accessing the product from the package as per prescription protocol by the user
> inserting the product package in the housing in the said device;
> sensing for product absence in the product package using said signal generating, signal sensing means and recording the time using the said powered time tracking means;
> storing the above information in the data storage means.
wherein
the said companion device interact with user to collect, store & acquire real time user feed back in steps of:
> prompting the user to input feedback information regarding symptoms and effects of the product via the user interactive means;
> storing the said user feed back information in the said data storage device;
> communicating the user based information through said connectivity means to service providers and / or systems / programs which are service facilitators.

In another embodiment provision 5 comprises of a means to lock and/ or sense the placement of the package and further display a signal to prompt the user for a password.
The present invention facilitates authentication of the product package along with optional features of user feed back and transient data collection.
In one of the embodiments, the package comprises of product containment portion / holding cavity formed / made using laminate / material and optional closure.
In one of the embodiments, the package comprises of (components such as) mono or multi layered laminated structure / material with single or plurality of formed cavities / receptacle for holding / containing product and a closure for the said cavities/ receptacle in the form of lamina/ layer / sheet appropriately attached. The material of construction of the said components (cavity and closure) is same or different. The said package is fitted / attached with a device / provision which may be press-fitted to the companion device while placing the said package in the provision 5 so that the package gets locked thereby preventing dislodging while handling of the companion device and requires external force for removal.
In yet another embodiment the receptacle and / or closure is thermoformed and / or cold formed.
In yet another embodiment the receptacle and / or closure is made by a process of wrapping using cold / hot seal.
In another embodiment the said package is enclosed / contained / encased in another enclosure.
In another embodiment the package comprises of product containment / holding cavity in the form of a container and closure. A portion of the closure is of appropriate shape so that it can be press-fitted to the companion device while placing the said package in the provision 5 so that the package gets locked thereby preventing dislodging while handling of the companion device and requires external force for removal
In yet another embodiment the package comprises of product containment / holding cavity formed by flexible laminate / material wherein part / portion/s of the same faminate / material is seated to form a pouch wherein a portion of the said pouch optionally is provided with gusset / shaping device / stiffener so that it gives rigid structure which can be press fitted to the provision 5 of the companion device.
In another embodiment the said pouch is provided with a closure for repetitive access / opening and closing of the pouch.

In yet another embodiment the package is provided with a device comprising a speaker, battery, optional switch and an audio signal generator to provide information on branding, product identity etc.
In one of the embodiments the smart chip is a crypto memory device, a secured memory device or a microcontroller based memory chip.
In yet another embodiment the smart chip is a RFID device.
In another embodiment the authentication is facilitated for both covert and overt identification systems by use of molecular markers, or special ink markers
In yet another embodiment the authentication is facilitated by use of disorder technologies in the from of tags
In one of the embodiments the sensors generate electrical signals such as current, voltage, capacitance, frequency etc.
In yet another embodiment the sensors converts light to voltage for detecting colour changes in the package material on product accession
In one of the embodiments the sensors generate optical signals.
In another embodiment signal receiving means is selected from spring loaded mechanical device or strain gauges.
In one of the embodiments input means is selected from a touch screen device, key board, Braille compatible keyboard.
In yet another embodiment user interactive means is a voice recognition device; biometrics system, audio and / or visual signal indicating system, vibration generating means.
In another embodiment chip is affixed to the package.
In yet another embodiment, power source is a rechargeable battery.
In another embodiment independent / matrix conductive systems are positioned / printed / placed on the closure area of the receptacles of the package.
In one of the embodiments product containment portions and / or closure of the package is /are made up of polymers or metals or paper or other environmentally friendly materials coated with peelable and or heat sealable coatings made of various acrylic natural gum base or synthetic based coatings to ensure a sealed / hermetically sealed system compatible to external and environmental factors; and a combination thereof.
In another embodiment the package is made from mono or multi special packaging materials for providing a range of features and product related

functional properties such as antimicrobial, preservation, change indication, barrier to moisture, light, UV / IR radiations, gases or selective barrier properties to moisture, gases which allows specific diffusion properties for product liberated moisture / gases.
In yet another embodiment data in the processing means is modulated in bit pattern such that it is suitable for transmission at 2.4 GHz by using Bluetooth, ZigBee.
In another embodiment data is processed in the processing means so that it can be transmitted through standard call service provider using modem.
In yet another embodiment the companion device is configured with a customized connectivity data processing means operating in steps of:
> converting data history from the data storage means compatible to the external Interactive Voice Response (IVR) protocol;
> connecting the IVR system thru the IVR protocol;
> downloading of said converted data into the IVR system;
> Establishing communication link with the various value service providers
Thus it is evident from the present invention that the synergistic combination of the companion device comprising user input means including user identification means to facilitate user identification, display means configured with data decoding means, data processing, data storage device, time tracking means and the product package affixed with the pre-encoded smart chip when positioned in / on the said companion device facilitates authentication and registration of the product package with a facility to authenticate and register plurality of the same product packages every time a new package of the said same product is inserted / positioned in the said companion device after complete use / consumption of the product from the preceding package and without limitations on the packages in terms of their size and shapes as well as package materials and along with optional feed back, transient product accession data collection features provide the user a comprehensive means of ease of authentication and effective use of a product along with the capability of capturing real-time feedback more specifically related to facilitation of authentication and effective compliance by the user of a product ensuring the safety, quality, efficacy and potency of product with an effective feedback interaction between the user and the companion for further value added use of the captured feedback by related support services and service providers to the user.

We claim:
1. A package-companion-user interactive system comprising
a companion device comprising
a housing with package holding provision; an array of signal generating means and signal sensing means provided in the said device to receive and /or reflect signals generated by the said signal generating means; user interactive means; powered time tracking means; data decoding means, data processing means, data storage means, optionally equipped with audio visual display means, data transfer and connectivity means
so configured to
register user with the said device;
authenticate product package, register product package, and optionally carrying out transient data collection and / or user feed back; when the said product package is placed in the said housing;
wherein
the said product package is provided with a smart data processor.
2. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said package comprises of single or plurality of containment portion/s with or without closure/s without any severable conductors.
3. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-2 wherein the said signal sensing means measures the differential time in terms of capacitance based on a stimulation in the form of current / volt generated in the said signal generating means.
4. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-3 wherein the signal generating means is a Light Emitting Device emitting preferably white light and the signal sensing means is color sensor/s.
5. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-4 wherein the said signal generating means of the companion device generate optical signal.
6. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-5 wherein the said package housing has package arresting means.
7. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-6 wherein signal sensing means is selected from spring-loaded mechanical device or strain gauges.

8. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-7 wherein user interactive means is selected from a touch screen device, key board, braille compatible key board.
9. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-8 wherein user interactive means is a voice recognition device; biometric system, audio and / or visual signal indicating system, vibration generating means.
10. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-9 wherein the information in the processing means is modulated in bit pattern such that it is suitable for transmission by using bluetooth, ZigBee.
11. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-10 wherein the information is processed in the processing means and transmitted using modem.
12. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1-11 wherein the companion device is configured with a customized connectivity data processing means to an external Interactive Voice Response (IVR) protocol to enable real-time connectivity to a IVR system for effective communication with the various value service providers.
13. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the product package is affixed / embedded with a smart data processor.
14. A package-companion user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 & 2 wherein, the product containment portion is constructed of laminate material, polymeric materials or multi layered laminates or a combination thereof.
15. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1, 13 & 14 wherein the package is provided with provision that is press-fittable to the companion device.
16. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1, 13-15 wherein package is provided with a device comprising a speaker, battery, optional switch and an audio signal generator for providing information regarding branding, product identity.
17. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1, 13 -
16 wherein smart data processor of the product package is a crypto
memory device, a secured memory device or a micro-controller based
memory chip.
18. A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1, 13-
17 wherein smart processor is a RFID device.

user registers himself/herself with the said companion device by feeding in particular data through input means; the input data from the user is stored in the said memory; the, user inserts and/or houses said product package in the said companion device; on receiving the said product package in the said receiving provision, the said companion device interacts with the package to authenticate the product package in steps of:
> decoding unique identification protocol from pre-encoded said smart chip;
> decoding and storing the data in the said memory from the pre-encoded smart chip;
> matching the said decoded data from the said smart chip data with the stored data identifying protocol in the processing device for authentication;
> displaying signal on the said display to the user regarding authentication;
> displaying signal to the user on the said display means regarding registration of the said package;
> storing the pair of protocol for unique identification of the said decoding means with the said unique identification protocol of the said smart chip to limit access by and / or of the said companion device only to the registered legitimized package and limiting / restricting access of the said package only to the said companion device;
> deactivating the said registration of the package after predetermined time to avoid misuse or wrong use;
wherein the package and companion device interacts with user in steps of:
> providing signal to the end user on the display means for feeding in data regarding time of access;
> storing the said data in the said memory;
> displaying / providing signal using user interactive means regarding accession of the product to alarm the user;
> storing data history of the accession timings of the product;
> storing user feed back in the said memory
> communicating the captured user based information through said connectivity means to service providers and / or systems / programs which are service facilitators
facilitating product authentication and comprehensive effective and enhanced correct usage of the product by user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Features and advantages of this invention will become apparent in the following detailed description and the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 Schematic of the package-companion-user interactive system (sheet 1)
The system, as described in Fig. 1 comprising companion device and the package is illustrated in Figure 1. The device comprises of a provision 5 formed between portion 1 and portion 2 to receive the product package 20. An array of signal

A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 wherein user registration with the companion device is done in steps of:
> a entering the user identifier information via the user interactive/ input means;
> storing the said information in the data storage means,
> conveying user registration feedback using the user interactive means.
A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the companion device interacts with the product package to register and authenticate product package in steps of:
> inserting the said product package in the said provision so that the said decoding means is in contact with the said smart data processor;
> decoding identification protocol from pre-encoded said smart data processor of the product package using decoding means;
> decoding the pre-encoded product information from the smart data processor of the product package using decoding means;
> storing the said decoded information in the said data storage means;
> matching the said decoded information from the said smart processor with the stored information identifying protocol in the processing device for authentication;
> providing authentication feedback to the user via the user interactive means.
A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1
wherein the data from the said smart processor on the product package
becomes inaccessible for decoding when specified days as pre-encoded in
the said smart processor from the date of activation of the said product
package gets over or expiry date is over or a user defined time is over in
steps of:
decoding the pre-encoded information regarding the number of days the
product package to be valid from the said smart processor of the product
package using the said decoding means;
decoding the pre-encoded information regarding expiry date of the product
package from the said smart processor of the product package using the
said decoding means;
storing the said expiry date and number of days in the storage in the said
data storage device;
matching the days / date from the said real time measuring means with the
stored days / date in the processing means ;
disabling access to the pre-encoded information of the said smart
processor if the days/ date is lapsed.
A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said companion device and the product package interact with user to collect transient product accession information in steps of:
> prompting the user with product accession protocol as per the
prescription inputted by tine user-,

> accessing the product from the package as per prescription protocol by the user
> inserting the product package in the housing in the said device;
> sensing for product absence in the product package using said signal generating, signal sensing means and recording the time using the said powered time tracking means;
> storing the above information in the data storage means.
A package-companion-user interactive system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said companion device interact with user to collect, store & acquire real time user feed back in steps of:

Dr. P. Ganguli Agent on behalf of the applicant
> prompting the user to input feedback information regarding symptoms and effects of the product via the user interactive means;
> storing the said user feed back information in the said data storage device;
> communicating the user based information through said connectivity means to service providers and / or systems / programs which are service facilitators.

Documents:

171-mum-2006-abstract(16-05-2007).doc

171-mum-2006-abstract(16-05-2007).pdf

171-mum-2006-cancelled pages(16-05-2007).pdf

171-mum-2006-claims(granted)-(16-05-2007).doc

171-mum-2006-claims(granted)-(16-05-2007).pdf

171-MUM-2006-CORRESPONDENCE(6-5-2011).pdf

171-MUM-2006-CORRESPONDENCE(9-3-2011).pdf

171-mum-2006-correspondence(ipo)-(28-03-2007).pdf

171-mum-2006-correspondence1(16-05-2007).pdf

171-mum-2006-correspondence2(16-05-2007).pdf

171-mum-2006-drawing(16-05-2007).pdf

171-mum-2006-form 1(06-02-2006).pdf

171-mum-2006-form 1(24-04-2006).pdf

171-mum-2006-form 13(06-06-2007).pdf

171-mum-2006-form 13(6-7-2011).pdf

171-mum-2006-form 18(22-06-2006).pdf

171-mum-2006-form 2(granted)-(16-05-2007).doc

171-mum-2006-form 2(granted)-(16-05-2007).pdf

171-mum-2006-form 3(06-02-2006).pdf

171-mum-2006-form 3(16-05-2007).pdf

171-mum-2006-form 3(24-04-2006).pdf

171-MUM-2006-FORM 3(6-5-2011).pdf

171-MUM-2006-FORM 3(9-3-2011).pdf

171-mum-2006-form 5(24-04-2006).pdf

171-mum-2006-form 9(24-04-2006).pdf

171-mum-2006-petition under rule 137(16-05-2007).pdf

171-mum-2006-power of attorney(03-02-2006).pdf

abstract1.jpg

« Previous Patent

Next Patent »

Patent Number

212620

Indian Patent Application Number

171/MUM/2006

PG Journal Number

24/2008

Publication Date

13-Jun-2008

Grant Date

04-Dec-2007

Date of Filing

06-Feb-2006

Name of Patentee

BILCARE LIMITED

Applicant Address

1028, SHIROLI, RAJGURUNAGAR, KHED, PUNE - 411 030.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	PRAFUL RAMACHANDRA NAIK	C/O SHRI R.G. NAIK SANTRUPTI, PRABHAT NAGAR, VADAGERI, HONAVAR 581 334 UTTARA KANADA, KARNATAKA.
2	MOHAN HARAKACHAND BHANDARI	FLAT NO. 604, MANTRI LAWNS, ANAND PARK, AUNDH, PUNE 411 008.
3	JYOTI GOPALKRISHNA BALIGA	B-502, SHANKARDHAN PLAZA, NEXT TO MAHUL TALKIES, NEHRU ROAD, MULUND (W), MUMBAI 400 080.

PCT International Classification Number

N/A

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1			NA