As computers begin to track drugs, fears of snooping and abuse arise

Article Abstract:

The medical community expresses concern that computerized drug-tracking systems are susceptible to abuse and unlawful access. The systems, such as Oklahoma's allow the state to keep track of patients and the doctors who prescribe drugs to them, as a measure against illegal drug trafficking. The US Drug Enforcement Administration says the systems installed in 11 states significantly reduce drug crimes. The American Medical Association, American Civil Liberties Union and other health experts worry that the right of privacy between doctors and patients may be infringed and that legitimate prescribing will be curtailed for fear of observation. At the current time, only drugs on the US Department of Agriculture Food and Drug Administration's Schedule II, such as Percodan and codeine, which are addictive, are monitored. Some proposed legislation would require all drugs from the five possible classes to be monitored with information available to law enforcement agencies in the event of suspected drug-related crimes. Law enforcement officials contend the new system makes the gathering of data already available faster and cheaper.

Pharmaceutical preparations, Software, Laws, regulations and rules, Pharmaceutical industry, Privacy, Medical records, Access control, Drug abuse, State government, Oklahoma, Information storage and retrieval, Legislative process, Legal Issues, Legislation

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Push 'M' for Mayo, sales pitch included; videocarts are taking computers down the supermarket aisle

Article Abstract:

A point-of-purchase advertising system developed by Videocart Inc of Chicago, IL, is being tested at various supermarkets nationwide. A computer unit measuring six-inches by nine-inches, and resembling a laptop computer screen, rests on the handle of a standard shopping cart. As customers push the shopping carts down the aisles, infrared waves are sent from transmitters in the ceiling, and the displays show advertisements for various products in the store. A supermarket using such carts receives weekly updates of advertisements and other data from Videocart headquarters via a satellite dish installed on the premises. The new information is then loaded into the computer. Such a system, for a single store, costs about $100,000 and includes 150 to 200 customized carts. Videocart's technology reflects a trend towards 'point-of-purchase advertising,' which involves the promotion of products as customers approach them or examine them.

Advertising, not elsewhere classified, Calculating and accounting equipment, Usage, Computer industry, Marketing, Advertising, Supermarkets, Satellite communications, Product introduction, Shopping carts, Future Technologies, Retailing, Advertising (Industry), Point-of-Purchase Advertising, New Technique, Point-of-sale advertising, Point of sale advertising, VideOcart Inc., VCRT

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Joseph C. R. Licklider dies at 75; foresaw new uses for computers

Article Abstract:

Joseph C.R. Licklider, a pioneer computer scientist who helped to establish the basis for such concepts as time sharing and resource sharing, died on Tue, Jun 26, 1990, at Symmes Hospital in Arlington, MA. Licklider was 75 years old and he lived in Arlington. Licklider was among the first to recognize that the computer's potential could be improved by a user's ability to interact with it. In the 1960's, Licklider published several papers in which he outlined what he called the 'man-computer symbiosis.' Licklider retired from the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1985. He died of complications after an asthma attack.

Death, Biographies, Computer science, Computer history, obituary, Biography, History of Computing, Licklider, Joseph C.R.

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