Patent attributes
In one implementation, a device for dispensing items includes a plurality of compartments for storing medicines or medical supplies, a respective light source associated with each of the plurality of compartments, and a computerized controller coupled to the light sources. The computerized controller maintains an inventory of the contents of the plurality of compartments and receives requests to dispense medicines or medical supplies from the plurality of compartments. In response to a request to dispense a particular medicine or medical supply item, the computerized controller illuminates the light source associated with the compartment holding the particular medicine or medical supply item, the light source being illuminated with a brightness controlled by the computerized controller. The brightness of the light source may be controlled in accordance with a detected brightness of the ambient environment. The light source may be a multi-colored light source.