U.S. patent application number 09/971785 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-27 for system and method for remote education using a memory card.
Invention is credited to Brown, Stephen J., Quy, Roger J..
Application Number | 20020081559 09/971785 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46256031 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020081559 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown, Stephen J. ; et
al. |
June 27, 2002 |
System and method for remote education using a memory card
Abstract
The present invention is a system and method for allowing an
individual to view a program remotely. In the preferred embodiment,
the invention is used as a healthcare education system. The system
comprises a file server which is coupled to a database storing the
educational programs. A remote interface coupled to the file server
allows an administrator to assign educational programs to an
individual. The remote interface also includes a memory card writer
which records the individual identification code and the address of
the file server on this memory card. Then, the individual may take
the memory card with them. When the individual places the memory
card in the memory card reader of a multimedia processor, the
processor uses the file server address to automatically connect to
the file server. The file server receives the individual
identification code from the processor, retrieves the corresponding
educational program from the database, and sends the program to the
processor to be displayed. After the individual has watched the
educational program, completion data in the form of the date and
time the program was watched and/or the individual's response, is
sent from the multimedia processor to the file server. The
completion data can then be viewed by the administrator on a report
screen.
Inventors: |
Brown, Stephen J.; (San
Mateo, CA) ; Quy, Roger J.; (Will Valley,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLACK LOWE & GRAHAM
816 SECOND AVE.
SEATTLE
WA
98104
US
|
Family ID: |
46256031 |
Appl. No.: |
09/971785 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09971785 |
Oct 4, 2001 |
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09119546 |
Jul 20, 1998 |
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6330426 |
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09119546 |
Jul 20, 1998 |
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08953883 |
Oct 20, 1997 |
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08953883 |
Oct 20, 1997 |
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08757129 |
Dec 3, 1996 |
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6144837 |
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08757129 |
Dec 3, 1996 |
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08334643 |
Nov 4, 1994 |
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5601435 |
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09971785 |
Oct 4, 2001 |
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08958786 |
Oct 29, 1997 |
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5913310 |
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08958786 |
Oct 29, 1997 |
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08857187 |
May 15, 1997 |
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5918603 |
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08857187 |
May 15, 1997 |
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08247716 |
May 23, 1994 |
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5678571 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/307R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 90/00 20160201;
G16H 40/67 20180101; G09B 23/28 20130101; G06Q 10/025 20130101;
G09B 19/00 20130101; A63F 2300/63 20130101; A63F 2300/204 20130101;
G16H 20/17 20180101; A61B 5/339 20210101; G09B 5/065 20130101; A61B
5/14532 20130101; G09B 7/00 20130101; G16H 40/63 20180101; G06Q
10/02 20130101; A63F 2300/1012 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/307.00R |
International
Class: |
G09B 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A remote education system comprising: a. a database for storing
an educational program; b. a file server coupled to the database;
c. a remote interface coupled to the file server for assigning the
educational program to an individual thereby forming an assigned
program, wherein the file server includes a memory means for
storing an identification code of the individual and a pointer
directed to the assigned program; d. a memory card for storing the
identification code and an electronic address of the file server;
e. a display unit for displaying the assigned program; f. a
multimedia processor networked to the file server and coupled to
the display unit; and g. a card reader coupled to the multimedia
processor for receiving the memory card and for reading the
identification code and the electronic address stored thereon,
wherein the multimedia processor is programmed to establish a
communication link to the file server, transmit the identification
code to the file server, and automatically display the assigned
program on the display unit, and wherein the file server is
programmed to record data indicating completion of the assigned
program by the individual.
2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a memory
card writer coupled to the remoter interface for recording the
identification code and the electronic address onto the memory
card.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the multimedia
processor establishes the communication link to the file server
upon insertion of the memory card into the card reader.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the data indicating
completion of the assigned program comprises a date and a time of
completion.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the data indicating
completion of the assigned program comprises a program score, which
is produced by evaluating a response by the individual to the
assigned program, wherein the response is transmitted from the
multimedia processor to the file server.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the memory card further
comprising a circuit for storing the identification code and the
electronic address.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the data indicating
completion of the assigned program is reported on the remote
interface.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the assigned program is
used to educate the individual in a healthcare program.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the memory card further
comprising a magnetic strip for storing the identification code and
the electronic address.
10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the file server
comprises a web server, the remote interface comprises a web page
for assigning the educational program to the individual, and the
communication link comprises a computer network.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the data indicating
completion of the assigned program further comprising a start date
and a start time the individual logged on to the assigned program
and a stop date and a stop time the individual logged off of the
assigned program.
12. The system according to claim 10, wherein the data indicating
completion of the assigned program further comprising a program
score, which is produced by evaluating a response of the individual
to the assigned program, wherein the response is transmitted from
the multimedia processor to the file server via the computer
network.
13. The system according to claim 10, wherein the data indicating
completion of the assigned program is reported on the web page of
the remote interface.
14. A method for educating an individual, the method comprising the
following steps: a. providing the individual with a memory card
reader, a display unit, and a multimedia processor wherein the
multimedia processor is coupled to the card reader and the display
unit; b. storing an educational program on a database wherein the
educational program is accessible to the individual through a file
server; c. assigning the educational program to the individual
thereby forming an assigned program by storing both an
identification code of the individual and a pointer directed to the
assigned program in the file server; d. recording on a memory card
an electronic address of the file server and the identification
code; e. inserting the memory card into the card reader; f.
automatically establishing a communication link between the
multimedia processor and the file server upon insertion of the
memory card into the card reader; g. transmitting the
identification code to the file server; h. automatically retrieving
the assigned program from the database; i. automatically displaying
the assigned program on the display unit; and j. recording, in the
file server, data indicating completion of the assigned program by
the individual.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of recording
the data indicating completion of the assigned program further
comprising: storing in the file server a date and a time that the
individual completed the assigned program.
16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of recording
the data indicating completion of the assigned program further
comprising: a. receiving an answer into the multimedia processor
wherein the answer is made by the individual in response to the
assigned program; b. transmitting the answer from the multimedia
processor to the file server; c. evaluating the answer in the file
server to generate a program score; and d. storing the program
score in the file server.
17. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: reporting
on a remote interface the data indicating completion of the
assigned program.
18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the memory card
further comprising a magnetic strip for storing the identification
code and the electronic address.
19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the memory card
further comprising: a circuit for storing the identification code
and the electronic address.
20. The method according to claim 14, wherein the assigned program
is used to educate the individual in a healthcare program.
21. The method according to claim 14, wherein the file server
comprises a web server, a remote interface comprises a web page for
assigning the assigned program to the individual, and the
communication link comprises a computer network.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the step of recording
data indicating completion of the assigned program further
comprising: storing in the file server a start date and a start
time that the individual logged on to the assigned program, a stop
date and a stop time that the individual logged off of the assigned
program.
23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the step of recording
data indicating completion of the assigned program further
comprising: a. receiving in the multimedia processor the answer
made by the individual in response to the assigned program; b.
transmitting the answer from the multimedia processor to the file
server via the computer network; c. evaluating the answer in the
file server to generate a program score; and d. storing the program
score in the file server.
24. The method according to claim 21, further comprising: reporting
on the web page of the remote interface the data indicating
completion of the assigned program.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
09/119,546 filed on Jul. 20, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part
of the co-pending application Ser. No. 08/953,883 filed on Oct. 20,
1997, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
application Ser. No. 08/757,129 filed on Dec. 3, 1996, which is now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,837 issued on Nov. 7, 2000, which in turn is a
continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 08/334,643
filed on Nov. 4, 1994, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,435 issued
on Feb. 11, 1997.
[0002] This application is also a continuation of co-pending
application Ser. No. 08/958,786, which is now U.S. Pat. No.
5,913,310, issued on Jun. 22, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part
of application Ser. No. 08/857,187, filed May 15, 1997, now U.S.
Pat. No. 5,918,603 which is a continuation of application Ser. No.
08/247,716, filed May 23, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,571, issued
on Oct. 21, 1997.
[0003] All of the above applications are herein incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention generally relates to remote education
systems. More particularly, this present invention relates to a
system and method of remote health education in which an individual
is provided with a memory card capable of being placed in a
multimedia processor to automatically access selected educational
health programs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One of the biggest problems many healthcare providers face
is their patients' lack of knowledge. Patients may lack knowledge
on basic preventative measures, such as why they should exercise,
eat right, and not smoke. Patients may also lack knowledge on
conditions or diseases they do have, such as how to measure their
blood glucose levels if they are diabetic. This lack of knowledge
is a problem for healthcare providers because patients who do not
know how to take care of themselves are ill more frequently. Thus,
they tend to visit their doctors more often and also tend to incur
additional costs for hospital stays or laboratory tests. This
results in greater fees for the patient, his or her insurance
company, and often the taxpayers.
[0006] An example of this problem is seen in some diabetes
patients. Diabetic patients must regularly receive insulin shots
and adhere to a specific diet in order to control their blood
glucose levels. Unfortunately, some diabetic patients do not
understand all the reasons why they should have regular insulin
shots or why they should or should not eat certain foods. In
addition, many diabetic patients are unaware of the health
consequences should they deviate from their treatment plan. As a
result, uninformed patients usually become sicker and require more
medical treatment when compared to patients who understand all
aspects of their diseases. Sicker patients require more healthcare,
which is expensive and time-consuming for healthcare professionals,
insurance companies, and the patients themselves.
[0007] One way to solve this problem is to increase the amount of
education patients receive about their lifestyle choices and/or
their diseases. When patients know what is required to stay
healthy, they are less likely to become ill and require treatment.
In addition, if patients understand the health problems that will
result from not taking care of themselves, they will be more likely
to follow their prescribed treatments. Presently, forms of health
education range from pamphlets in a doctor's office to radio
announcements and television shows. Paper-based educational
materials such as pamphlets are cheap and easy to both produce and
distribute. Unfortunately, pamphlets or articles are limited to
words and pictures and are usually quite boring, which makes it
less likely that patients read them. Radio announcements and
television shows are more lively and entertaining, but they
indiscriminately broadcast to the general public. Accordingly,
these radio announcements and television show cannot be customized
to a particular patient.
[0008] Due to technological advances, patients can now be educated
using CD-ROMs, the Internet, and multimedia processors. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,307,263 by the present inventor discloses a modular,
microprocessor-based health monitoring system. The hand-held unit
has a display screen, a control button pad, interchangeable program
cartridges, and sensors for monitoring a variety of healthcare
data. The program cartridges include motivational and educational
material related to use of the device, including step-by-step
instructions. Acquired data may be transmitted to a data management
unit via an interface cable, or to a clearing house via telephone
lines. A program cartridge for monitoring glucose levels and a
glucose sensor is disclosed for the purpose of caring for children
with diabetes.
[0009] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,597,307 and 5,624,265 by Redford and Stern
describe an educational system and apparatus aimed at children
which also uses a multimedia processor. This invention comprises a
remote control located in a book or other printed publication. A
child reads the book while watching the display generated by the
multimedia processor, and then press the buttons in the remote
control book to alter what he sees.
[0010] None of these prior art education systems allow an
individual to automatically access assigned educational programs
remotely. These inventions described above provide general
educational programs which are not tailored to the specific needs
of an individual. These systems do not allow a healthcare provider
or teacher to easily custom-design an educational program to be
viewed by the individual. Further, none of these systems provide
confirmation that the individual completed the educational program.
Finally, none of these systems provide a patient or individual
access to an unlimited number of educational programs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention comprises a system and method for
remote education using a memory card. This system preferably
comprises a database, a file server, a remote interface, a memory
card writer, a display unit, a multimedia processor, and a card
reader. The file server acts as a central hub of the system,
because it is preferably coupled to the database, the remote
interface, and the multimedia processor. Accordingly, these three
components are capable of being located a long distance from one
another. The database preferably stores a plurality of educational
programs. Preferably, the remote interface allows an administrator,
such as a healthcare provider or educator, to assign a particular
educational program to an individual. The identification code of
the individual and a pointer referring to the assigned educational
program are preferably stored on memory means of the file server.
Preferably, by using the memory card writer, the administrator is
capable of recording the individual's identification code and the
address of the file server onto the memory card.
[0012] After the administrator assigns the particular educational
program to the individual, the memory card can be given to the
individual. When the individual wishes to view the assigned
educational program, the individual simply places the card in the
card reader. Preferably, the memory card reader is coupled to or
located within the multimedia processor, which in turn is coupled
to the file server. Upon receiving the memory card, the multimedia
processor preferably sends the individual's identification code to
the file server. Preferably, the file server then calls up the
assigned educational program from the database. The content of the
educational program is sent to the multimedia processor and
displayed on a display unit for the individual.
[0013] Preferably, the file server is notified when the individual
has completed the educational program. Completion data includes the
date and time the individual watched the educational program.
Further, the completion data can also include responses made by the
individual to the educational program. Preferably, the file server
records the completion data and then sends the completion data to
the remote interface for the administrator to review.
[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the remote education system,
the file server is a web server, the remote interface is an
interactive web page, and the communication link is the Internet.
An administrator preferably assigns an educational program to the
individual by entering the assignment information onto the web
page. Preferably, the assignment information is sent to the web
server. When the individual places the memory card into the card
reader, the multimedia processor preferably sends the individual's
identification code to the web server, which in turn, preferably
calls up the educational program from the database. In the
preferred embodiment, the database comprises one or more web
servers, which allows the administrator to assign to the individual
an unlimited amount of material.
[0015] In the preferred embodiment, the memory card is a plastic
card with a magnetic information strip, similar to an ordinary
credit card. The magnetic strip preferably contains the
individual's identification code and the location of the file
server. In another embodiment, the memory card comprises a circuit.
The circuit preferably contains the individual's identification
code and the location of the file server.
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
individual with a remote education system which can be accessed
from the individual's home. It is another object of the invention
to provide a remote education system which displays educational
programs for an individual. It is another object of the present
invention to provide interactive educational programs. Another
object of the invention is to provide a remote education system
comprising a memory card containing an individual's identification
code and the locations of educational programs for the individual
to view. It is another object of the present invention to provide
confirmation that an individual has completed an educational
program. It is another object of the invention to provide a remote
education system through a network or computers such as the
Internet. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide
a remote healthcare education system for patients. It is another
object of the present invention to allow a healthcare provider to
assign educational programs for a patient by using a memory
card.
[0017] These and other objects and advantages will become more
apparent after consideration of the following description and the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the remote education system
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the components of the
preferred embodiment, according to FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a sample program assignment screen of the
preferred embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a sample report screen of the preferred
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a sample interactive educational program of the
preferred embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 6A is a flow chart illustrating the steps executed by
the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG.
1.
[0024] FIG. 6B is a continuation of the flow chart of FIG. 6A.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the steps executed by
the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present invention provides a system and method for
remotely educating an individual using a memory card. In the
preferred embodiment, the present invention is used to distribute
custom-designed health education programs to patients. However, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the
healthcare industry. The system and method of the invention may be
used for any type of remote education application in any field.
[0027] The preferred embodiment of the system is shown in FIG. 1.
The system 110 comprises a file server 112, which is coupled by
communication links 138, 130, and 140 to a remote interface 114, a
database 148 preferably containing educational programs, and a
multimedia processor 124. The file server 112 is preferably a world
wide web server, the remote interface 114 is preferably a web page,
and the communication links 138 and 130 are preferably the
Internet. The remote interface 114 preferably includes a display
116 and a keyboard 120, which an administrator preferably utilizes
to assign an educational program to an individual. The remote
interface 114 is also preferably coupled to a memory card writer
118. Preferably, the memory card writer 118 records the
individual's identification code and the location of the file
server 112 on a memory card 122. Preferably, the location of file
server 112 is in the form of a uniform resource locator, or
URL.
[0028] The communication link 140 from the file server 112 to the
multimedia processor 124 is preferably the Internet. However, the
file server 112 and the multimedia processor 124 are also capable
of contacting each other via wireless communication networks,
cellular networks, telephone networks, or any other suitable
network. The multimedia processor 124 is also preferably connected
by a communication link 132 to a display 128, which is used to
display educational programs to the individual. Preferably, the
communication link 132 is any suitable connection means.
Preferably, the display 128 is a standard audiovisual display, such
as a television.
[0029] The multimedia processor 124 is preferably coupled to a
memory card reader 126. When the memory card 122 is placed in the
memory card reader 126, the assignment information is sent to the
file server 112. Preferably, the file server 112 then retrieves the
assigned educational program from the database 148. The assigned
educational program is then preferably sent through communication
link 140 to the multimedia processor 124 and preferably shown on
the display 128. In addition, the multimedia processor 124 also
preferably comprises expansion ports to support additional user
interfaces and devices, such as keyboards and trackballs, as well
as add-on circuits for enhanced sound, video, or processing
performance (not shown).
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, input device 134 comprises numerous
momentary contact push buttons 136 which are preferably used by the
individual to control and respond to the assigned educational
program. These push buttons 136 preferably represent control
functions, such as "on" and "off", as well as numbers, letters, or
various commands, such as "yes" and "no". Alternatively, these push
buttons 136 may be replaced by switches, keys, a touch sensitive
display screen, or any other data input device. The input device
134 is preferably a standard wireless communication means which
sends command signals to the multimedia processor 124 for
processing and execution. However, any communication means may be
utilized which allows the input device 134 to communicate with the
multimedia processor 124.
[0031] For clarity of illustration, only one database and only one
multimedia processor are shown in FIG. 1. It is to be understood
that system 110 may include any number of databases for storing any
number of educational programs, and any number of multimedia
processors for use by any number of individuals.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a detailed block diagram of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 1. The
server 112 preferably includes a general software application 142
which is used create a patient database 144 and a patient table
146. Preferably, the software application 142 is also capable of
programming the file server 112 to carry out standard commands such
as receiving, saving, and transmitting information. The patient
database 144 is preferably coupled to the database 148 containing
the educational programs. Alternatively, the patient database 144
can also contain pointers to the database 148 containing the
educational programs. The advantage of utilizing the pointers is
that they allow the healthcare provider to assign any number of the
educational programs within the database 148 to the individual, as
long as the educational programs within the database 148 are
capable of being transmitted to the multimedia processor 124 and
shown on the display 28. Thus, suitable forms of educational
programs within the database 148 preferably include photos, videos,
animation, static web pages, interactive web pages, etc.
Preferably, the patient table 146, which is stored in the memory of
the file server 112, lists the patients, their identification
codes, and educational programs within the database 148 which have
been assigned to them.
[0033] Preferably, the patient table 146 is generated by
information entered into an assignment screen 150 of the remote
interface 114. This assignment screen 150, which is illustrated in
FIG. 3, preferably lists available educational programs within the
database 148, each with a corresponding check box 166, and
patients, also each with a corresponding check box 168. The
administrator preferably brings up the assignment screen 150 on the
display 116 of the remote interface 114. The administrator
preferably selects a check box 168 for a patient and then
preferably selects a check box 166 corresponding to educational
program within the database 148 to be assigned to the patient. More
than one educational program within the database 148 may be
assigned to each patient. In addition, more than one patient may be
assigned the same educational program within the database 148. The
administrator then preferably selects an ASSIGN PROGRAM button 170,
which preferably stores the assignment in the patient table 146.
The assignment screen 150 also preferably includes a DELETE PROGRAM
button 172, which allows the administrator to erase the
assignment.
[0034] Preferably, new listings of patients and educational
programs within the database 148 are easily created by the
administrator by clicking on an ADD NEW PATIENT button 174 or an
ADD NEW PROGRAM button 176, respectively.
[0035] Preferably, when the ADD NEW PATIENT button 174 button is
selected, a new field is added to the patient category, and the
administrator then types in a name of a new patient. Likewise, when
the ADD NEW PROGRAM button 176 is selected, a new field is
preferably added to the program category, and the administrator
then preferably types in a name of the new educational program
within the database 148. Preferably, after pressing either the ADD
NEW PATIENT button 174 or the ADD NEW PROGRAM button 176, the
administrator finally saves the addition by clicking on a SAVE NEW
LISTING button 178. The new listings are preferably then saved in
the patient table 146.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment, the remote interface 114 is a
web page. Thus, using the keyboard 120, as shown in FIG. 1, the
administrator preferably creates customized educational programs in
the form of static or interactive web pages for patients. The
administrator creates the web page using a scripting language such
as HTML or Java, and then stores it on the patient database 144.
These web pages can be accessed by the multimedia processor 124 in
the same manner as the above mentioned educational programs within
the database 148.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2 again, the remote interface 114 also
preferably comprises a report screen 152 which is preferably shown
on display 116. The report screen 152, as illustrated in FIG. 4,
preferably informs the administrator when the patient has completed
watching the assigned educational program within the database 148
and/or a program score. Specific techniques for writing report
generator programs to display data in this manner are well known in
the art.
[0038] The program score is generally determined by evaluating
patient responses to an interactive educational program, such as an
interactive web page. FIG. 5 shows a sample educational program
which includes questions for the patient to answer preferably using
the input device 134.
[0039] The memory card writer 118 is preferably coupled to the
remote interface 114. The memory card writer 118 preferably encodes
information onto a magnetic strip or circuit. The process of
storing information on a magnetic strip or circuit is well known in
the art. The memory card 122 preferably contains a patient
identification code 156 and a file server address 154.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the multimedia processor 124 also
preferably comprises a memory means 160, a memory card reader 126 a
central processing unit (CPU) 158, a modem 164, and an audiovisual
display 128. The memory card reader 126, memory means 160, modem
164, and audiovisual display 128 are all preferably coupled to the
CPU 158. Preferably, the multimedia processor 124 couples to the
file server 112 via the modem 164 and the communication link 40,
which is preferably a telephone cable. Preferably, the multimedia
processor 124 is programmed to automatically dial out using the
modem 164 whenever the memory card 122 is placed in the memory card
reader 126.
[0041] Preferably, the memory card reader 126 comprises means for
detecting and interpreting the information stored on the memory
card 122. In the preferred embodiment, the memory card reader 126
is a magnetic strip reader. When the patient places the memory card
122 into the memory card reader 126, the information is preferably
sent to the CPU 158 and then to the memory means 160. Preferably,
the information is then sent to the file server 112 via the modem
164.
[0042] The memory means 160 of the multimedia processor 124
preferably stores program instructions on how to connect to the
file server 112 and how to transmit the patient identification code
156. In addition, the memory means 160 preferably receives and
stores the assigned educational programs within the database 148
from the file server 112. When the content of these educational
programs within the database 148 is sent to the multimedia
processor 124 from the file server 112, the memory means 160
preferably translates the content of the educational programs
within the database 148 into audiovisual signals to be shown on the
display 128.
[0043] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a flowchart illustrating the steps
carried out by the server 112 in the preferred embodiment of the
present invention. In step 202, the file server 112 first
preferably asks if the administrator would like to create a new
assignment. Creating a new assignment preferably entails either
adding a new patient to the patient table 146 or assigning a new
educational program within the database 148 to a patient. If the
administrator decides to create a new assignment, the information
is preferably stored in the patient table 146, as shown in step
204. In step 206, the new assignment information consisting of the
patient identification code 156 and the file server address 154 is
also preferably recorded on the memory card 122 by the memory card
writer 118, and then given to the patient. If the administrator
does not need to create a new assignment, she preferably moves
directly from step 202 to step 208.
[0044] After the patient returns home, he preferably places the
memory card 122 into the memory card reader 126 which is preferably
coupled to the multimedia processor 124. Preferably, the file
server address 154 on the memory card 122 allows the multimedia
processor 124 to locate and couple to the file server 112 in step
208. The patient identification code 156 is preferably then sent
over in step 210. In step 212, the file server 112 then preferably
finds the educational program within the database 148 assigned to
patient in the patient table 146. The pointer in the database 144
then retrieves the educational program within the database 148. If
the educational program is located in a remote database, it is sent
through the file server 112 to the multimedia processor 124, as
shown in step 214. Preferably, the memory means 160 of the
multimedia processor 124 then interprets and translates the content
of the educational program 148 into audiovisual signals to be shown
on the display 128.
[0045] After the patient finishes watching the assigned educational
program 148, a set of completion data comprising the time, date,
and/or patient responses are preferably sent from the multimedia
processor 124 to the file server 112 in step 216. Step 218
preferably scores the patient responses to determine a program
score. Step 220 then preferably records the set of completion data
in the patient table 146 of the file server 112.
[0046] If the administrator wishes to view the set of completion
data belonging to a particular patient, she preferably requests a
patient report, as shown in step 222. Step 222 preferably occurs
after the patient has watched and responded to the educational
program 148 in step 220, or at any time after step 208 if there is
no remote connection. Preferably, the file server 122 retrieves the
patient completion data from the patient table 146, step 224, and
then shows it in the form of the report screen 152 on the display
116 in step 226. The report screen 152 as illustrated in FIG. 4
shows an exemplary display of the students, the assigned program,
the set of completion data, and the program score.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a flowchart outlining the steps involved in the
processor program of multimedia processor 124 in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The processor program may
preferably be implemented by known software programs. The processor
program preferably begins when the memory card 122 is placed in the
memory card reader 126, as shown in step 302. Preferably, the
memory card reader 126 scans the patient identification code 304
and the file server address 156 from the memory card 122 in step
304, and then sends the patient identification code 304 and the
file server address 156 to the CPU 158. The file server address 156
preferably allows the CPU 158 to communicate with the file server
112 via the modem 164 in step 306. Subsequently, the patient
identification code 154 is then preferably transmitted to the file
server 112 in step 308. In step 310, the CPU 158 preferably
receives the content of assigned educational program 148 via the
modem 164. The content is preferably converted into audiovisual
signals such that the content may be shown on the display 128 in
step 312. The patient responses for the educational program within
the database 148 is then preferably sent to the CPU 158 by the
input device 134. Subsequently, the CPU 158 then preferably sends
the program score and/or patient responses, along with other
completion data, to the file server 112. The processor program of
multimedia processor 124 then preferably ends.
[0048] The memory card reader 126 of the multimedia processor 124
preferably also has a writing function that is similar to the
memory card writer 118 of the remote interface 114. This feature
allows the program score to the educational program to be stored on
memory card 122. The patient can then bring the memory card 122 to
the healthcare provider or administrator for review. The memory
card writer 118 of the remote interface 114 preferably also has
reading capabilities. When the memory card 122 is inserted into the
memory card writer/reader 118, the program scores are preferably
downloaded into the remote interface 114. By bringing the memory
card 122 to the healthcare provider, the patient is not required to
transmit the patient responses over the communication link 140.
[0049] The present invention allows a healthcare provider or
administrator to assign a remote educational program to a patient.
The patient has the luxury of watching and responding to the
program at the patient's own home and leisure. After the patient's
response to the educational program, the data is then preferably
transmitted to the file server and displayed for the administrator
to view. Preferably, the administrator monitors whether or not the
patient has watched the educational program, and can also evaluate
the patient's responses to the program.
[0050] Appendix A shows one exemplary implementation of the present
invention as it applies to working with a diabetes patient through
MEDTV.TM. over the Internet. MEDTV.TM. is a trademark of Raya
Systems, Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.).
[0051] Although the above description contains many specificities,
these should not be 145 construed as limitations on the scope of
the present invention but merely details illustrating the presently
preferred embodiment. Many other embodiments of the present
invention are possible, as this invention can be used in any field
where it is desirable to remotely educate an individual. For
example, teachers may utilize the present invention to assign
lessons to their students, and employers may utilize the present
invention to provide additional job training for their
employees.
[0052] An alternate embodiment of the present invention allows
companies to promote their products. Preprogrammed memory cards can
be placed with a company's products. For example, when the consumer
buys a product, he also receives the preprogrammed memory card,
which contains a code identifying the product and the address of
the company's consumer-product file server. When the consumer
places the memory card into the memory card reader of the
multimedia processor, the multimedia processor automatically
connects the consumer to the company's file server. The file server
preferably contains a consumer-product table which stores a list of
all the company's products with corresponding pointers to relevant
educational programs or advertisements. As an example, a sunblock
product would have a pointer to a short video on basic sun safety,
as well as an advertisement for all sunblock products made by that
company.
[0053] When the file server receives the product identification
code from the multimedia processor, the file server preferably
retrieves the relevant educational program or advertisement and
sends the relevant portion back to the consumer's multimedia
processor. The consumer may then watch the program or advertisement
on the display.
[0054] The present invention has been described in terms of
specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the
understanding of the principles of construction and operation of
the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and
details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims
appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that modifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for
illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0055] Specifically, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art that the device of the present invention could be
implemented in several different ways and the apparatus disclosed
above is only illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the
invention and is in no way a limitation. For example, it would be
within the scope of the present invention to substitute various
output devices in place of the displays and to substitute a floppy
disk drive and a floppy diskette for the memory card reader/writer
and the memory card, respectively. Further, it would be within the
scope of the present invention to substitute the database for a
plurality of databases linked via the Internet.
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