Computerized reward system for encouraging participation in a health management program6151586Abstract A computerized reward system which encourages an individual's participation in a health management system includes a script generating means for generating a health management script, a script assignment means for assigning a health management script to the individual, a monitoring means for collecting data on the individual's compliance, a memory means for storing the compliance data, an evaluation means for comparing the compliance data to evaluation criteria to determine if the patient is compliant, and a reward to be given to the compliant individual. The individual's compliance is evaluated by his or her answers to the health management script. Each health management script program can be custom made for each individual. The different monitoring means possible which the individual can use include a remotely programmable apparatus, an interactive telephone call, and a multimedia processor. The rewards include a coupon and an electronic reward credited to the individual's data card or personal account at a store. Claims What is claimed is: Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION
TABLE 1
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SCRIPT COMMANDS
Command Description
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CLS: {LF} Clear the display.
ZAP: {LF} Erase from memory the last set of question responses recorded.
LED: b{LF} Turn the LED on or off, where b is a binary digit of 0 or 1.
An
argument of 1 turns on the LED, and an argument of 0 turns off the
LED.
DISPLAY: {chars}{LF} Display the test following the DISPLAY command.
INPUT: mmmm{LF} Record a button press. The m's represent a
button mask pattern for
each of the four input buttons. Each m contains an "X" for
disallowed buttons or an "O" for allowed buttons. For example,
INPUT: OXOX{LF} allows the user to press either button #1 or
#3.
WAIT: {LF} Wait for any one button to be pressed, then continue
executing the
script program.
COLLECT: device{LF} Collect measurements from the monitoring device
specified in the
COLLECT command. The user is preferably prompted to connect the
specified monitoring device to the apparatus and press a
button to
continue.
NUMBER: aaaa{LF} Assign a script identification code to the script
program. The script
identification code from the most recently executed NUMBER
statement is subsequently transmitted to the server along with the
question responses and device measurements. The script
identification
code identifies to the server which script program was most recently
executed by the remote apparatus.
DELAY: t{LF} Wait until time t specified in the DELAY command, usually
the
prescribed connection time.
CONNECT: {LF} Perform a connection routine to establish a communication
link to
the server, transmit the patient identification code, question
responses,
device measurements, and script identification code to the server, and
receive and store a new script program. When the server instructs the
apparatus to disconnect, the script interpreter is restarted,
allowing the
new script program to execute.
PRINT: {LF} Command printer to print information sent from server if
individual
has met evaluation criteria.
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The script commands illustrated in TABLE 1 are representative of the preferred embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. After consideration of the ensuing description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many other suitable scripting languages and sets of script commands may be used to implement the invention. Script generator 70 preferably stores a script program template which it uses to create each customized health management script program 60. To generate customized health management script program 60, script generator 70 inserts into the template the script information entered in script entry screen 76. For example, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a sample customized health management script program 60 created by script generator 70 from the script information shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Customized health management script program 60 includes display commands to display the compliance questions and response choices entered in fields 118 and 120, respectively. Customized health management script program 60 also includes input commands to receive answers 62 to the compliance questions. Customized health management script program 60 further includes a collect command to collect device measurements 64 from monitoring device 50 specified in check boxes 124. Customized health management script program 60 also includes commands to set the evaluation criteria according to the information entered into screen 76 Customized health management script program 60 also includes commands to establish a subsequent communication link to server 42 at the connection time specified in field 132. Finally, customized compliance script program 60 has a print command, which commands printer 54 to print a coupon if the individual has met the evaluation criteria as specified in script entry screen 76. The steps included in customized health management script program 60 are also shown in the flow chart of FIGS. 15A-15C, and will be discussed in the operation section below. Referring again to FIG. 2, script assignor 72 is for assigning customized health management script program 60 to individuals. Customized health management script program 60 are assigned in accordance with script assignment information entered through workstation 44. The script assignment information is entered through a script assignment screen 78 which is preferably implemented as a web page on server 42. FIG. 7 illustrates a sample script assignment screen 78 as it appears on workstation 44. Screen 78 includes check boxes 142 for selecting customized health management script program 60 to be assigned and check boxes 144 for selecting the individuals to whom health management compliance script program 60 is to be assigned. Screen 78 also includes an ASSIGN SCRIPT button 148 for entering the assignments. When button 148 is pressed, the script assignor creates and stores for each individual selected in check boxes 144 a respective pointer to customized health management script program 60 selected in check boxes 142. Each pointer is stored in look-up table 66 of database 58. Screen 78 further includes an ADD SCRIPT button 146 for accessing the script entry screen to create a new customized health management script program 60, and a DELETE SCRIPT button 150 for deleting a customized health management script program 60. Referring again to FIG. 2, report generator 74 is designed to generate an individual's compliance report 80 from responses 62 and device measurements 64 received in server 42. Report 80 is displayed on workstation 44. FIG. 13 shows a sample report 80 produced by report generator 74 for a selected individual. Report 74 includes a graph 160 of device measurements 64 received from the individual, as well as a listing of answers 62 received from the individual. Report 74 also includes a status field 162, which indicates the compliance status of the individual. Specific techniques for writing a report generator program to display data in this manner are well known in the art. FIG. 2 also shows coupon printer 54 which has coupons 82. When coupon printer 54 receives the print command and the information to be printed from server 42 via remote apparatus 48, it prints out coupon 82. Coupon printer 54 will only receive the print command and print information if it has been determined that the individual has fulfilled the evaluation criteria. Sample coupon 82 is shown in FIG. 12. In the preferred embodiment, coupon 82 has an information field 154, which tells the individual what he or she has just received. Coupon 82 also has a validation time field 152, which tells the individual the time period during which he or she can redeem coupon 82. Bar code 156 is a UPC code, while bar code 158 is a household code, which identifies the individual. Bar code 156 is scanned by the retailer when the individual redeems coupon 82 in order to determine the individual's discount. The methods of creating, printing, and scanning bar codes are well known. An alternative coupon 168 is shown in FIG. 18. Coupon 168 also has information field 154, validation time field 152, and bar codes 156 and 158, all of which have the same purpose as in coupon 82. The difference between coupon 82 and coupon 168 is that coupon 168 is preprinted with all of the above features. Preprinted coupons 168 are given to the individual. The individual loads coupons 168 into printer 54. After the individual completes the health management program, printer 54 then prints valid identification field 170 on coupons 168. Valid identification field 170 validates coupons 168 and allows the individual to redeem them. FIG. 14A is a flow chart illustrating steps included in the monitoring application executed by server 42. FIG. 14B is a continuation of the flow chart of FIG. 14A. In step 302, server 42 determines if new script information has been entered through script entry screen 76. If new script information has not been entered, server 42 proceeds to step 306. If new script information has been entered, server 42 proceeds to step 304. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the script information includes compliance questions, and for each of the compliance questions, corresponding responses choices. The script information also includes selected monitoring device type 50 from which to collect device measurements 64. The script information further includes a prescribed connection time for each remote apparatus 48 to establish a subsequent communication link to server 42. The script information is generally entered in server 42 by an administrator, such as an individual's healthcare provider. Of course, any person desiring to communicate with the patients may also be granted access to server 42 to create and assign customized compliance script programs 60. Further, it is to be understood that system 40 may include any number of workstations 44 for entering script generation and script assignment information in server 42. In step 304, script generator 70 generates customized health management script program 60 from the information entered in screen 76. Customized health management script program 60 is stored in database 58. Steps 302 and 304 are preferably repeated to generate multiple customized health management script programs 60, e.g. a customized health management script program 60 for diabetic individuals, a customized health management script program 60 for asthmatic individuals, etc. Each customized health management script program 60 corresponds to a respective one of the sets of compliance questions entered through script entry screen 76. Following step 304, server 42 proceeds to step 306. In step 306, server 42 determines if new script assignment information has been entered through assignment screen 78. If new script assignment information has not been entered, server 42 proceeds to step 310. If new script assignment information has been entered, server 32 proceeds to step 308. As shown in FIG. 7, customized health management script programs 60 are assigned to each individual by selecting customized health management script program 60 through check boxes 142, selecting the individuals to whom selected customized health management script program 60 is to be assigned through check boxes 144, and pressing ASSIGN SCRIPT button 148. When ASSIGN SCRIPT button 148 is pressed, script assignor 78 creates for each individual selected in check boxes 144 a respective pointer to customized health management script program 60 selected in check boxes 142. In step 308, each pointer is stored in look-up table 66 of database 58. Following step 308, server 42 proceeds to step 310. In step 310, server 42 determines if any remote apparatuses 48 are connected to server 42. Each individual to be monitored is preferably provided with his or her own remote apparatus 48 which has the individual's unique identification code stored therein. Each individual is thus uniquely associated with a respective one of remote apparatuses 48. If none of remote apparatuses 48 are connected, server 42 proceeds to step 320. If remote apparatus 48 is connected, server 42 receives from remote apparatus 48 the individual's unique identification code in step 312. In step 314, server 42 receives from remote apparatus 48 compliance answers 62, device measurements 64, and script identification code recorded during execution of a previously assigned customized health management script program 60. The script identification code identifies to server 42 which customized health management script program 60 was executed by remote apparatus 48 to record compliance answers 62 and device measurements 64. Compliance answers 62, device measurements 64, and script identification code are stored in database 58. In step 316, server 42 uses the individual's identification code to retrieve from look-up table 66 the pointer to customized health management script program 60 assigned to the individual. Server 42 then retrieves customized health management script program 60 from database 58. In step 318, server 42 transmits customized health management script program 60 to the individual's remote apparatus 48 through communication network 46. Following step 318, server 42 proceeds to step 320. In step 320, server 42 determines if a report request has been received from workstation 44. If no report request has been received, server 42 returns to step 302. If a report request has been received for a selected individual, server 42 retrieves from database 58 compliance answers 62 and device measurements 64 last received from the individual, as shown in step 322. In step 324, server 42 generates and displays report 80 on workstation 44. As shown in FIG. 13, report 80 includes compliance answers 62 and device measurements 64 last received from the individual. Following step 324, server 42 returns to step 302. FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate the steps included in customized health management script program 60 executed by remote apparatus 48. Before customized health management script program 60 is received, remote apparatus 48 is initially programmed with the individual's unique identification code and the script interpreter used by processor 98 to execute customized health management script program 60. The initial programming may be achieved during manufacture or during an initial connection to server 42. Following initial programming, remote apparatus 48 receives from server 42 customized health management script program 60 assigned to the individual associated with remote apparatus 48. Customized health management script program 60 is received by modem 102 through a first communication link and stored in memory 100. In step 402, processor 98 assigns a script identification code to customized health management script program 60 and stores the script identification code in memory 100. The script identification code is subsequently transmitted to server 42 along with compliance question answers 62 and device measurements 64 to identify to server 42 which customized health management script program 60 was most recently executed by remote apparatus 48. In step 404, processor 98 lights LED 88 to notify the individual that he or she has unanswered compliance questions stored in remote apparatus 48. LED 88 preferably remains lit until all compliance questions are answered by the individual. In step 406, processor 98 erases from memory 100 the last set of answers 62 recorded. In step 408, processor 98 prompts the individual by displaying on display 86 "ANSWER QUERIES NOW? PRESS ANY BUTTON TO START". In step 410, processor 98 waits until a reply to the prompt is received from the individual. When a reply is received, processor 98 proceeds to step 412. In step 412, processor 98 executes successive display and input commands to display the compliance questions and response choices on display 86 and to receive answers 62 to the compliance questions. FIG. 8 illustrate a sample compliance question and its corresponding response choices as they appear on display 86. The response choices are positioned on display 86 such that each response choice is located proximate a respective one of user input buttons 90A, 90B, 90C, and 90D. In the preferred embodiment, each response choice is displayed immediately above a respective user input button 90. The individual presses user input button 90 corresponding to his or her response 62. Processor 98 stores each answer 62 in memory 100. In steps 414-418, processor 98 executes commands to collect device measurements 64 from selected monitoring device 50. Customized health management script program 60 specifies selected monitoring device 50 from which to collect device measurements 64. In step 414, processor 98 prompts the individual to connect selected monitoring device 50, for example a blood glucose meter, to device jack 94. A sample prompt is shown in FIG. 9. In step 416, processor 98 waits until a reply to the prompt is received from the individual. When a reply is received, processor 98 proceeds to step 418. In step 418, processor 98 collects device measurements 64 from monitoring device 50 through interface 108. Device measurements 64 are stored in memory 100. In step 420, processor 98 determines whether or not the individual has met the evaluation criteria. Preferably, processor 98 sums device measurements 64 and comes up with a value. In step 422, processor 98 then determines the maximum allowable value for the criteria. In step 424, processor 98 determines the minimum allowable value for the criteria. In step 426, processor compares the individual's value with the maximum and minimum allowable values. If the individual's value falls within the maximum and minimum values, processor determines that the criteria has been met and goes to step 428. In step 428, a congratulations message is shown on display 86 of remote apparatus 48. A sample congratulations message is shown in FIG. 10. Processor 98 then commands printer 54 to print coupon 82 for the compliant individual. If the individual is not compliant and has not met the evaluation criteria, processor 98 goes to step 432. In step 432, processor 98 displays instructions for the individual on display 86 of remote apparatus 48. The instructions are intended to remind the individual what he or she must do in order to be considered compliant. A sample instruction message is shown in FIG. 11. In step 434, processor 98 prompts the individual to connect remote apparatus 48 to telephone jack 104 so that remote apparatus 48 may connect to server 42 at the prescribed connection time. In step 436, processor 98 waits until a reply to the prompt is received from the individual. When a reply is received, processor 98 turns off LED 88 in step 438. In step 440, processor 98 waits until it is time to connect to server 42. Processor 98 compares the connection time specified in customized health management script program 60 to the current time output by clock 112. When it is time to connect, processor 98 connects to modem 102. In step 442, processor 98 establishes a subsequent communication link between remote apparatus 48 and server 42 through modem 102 and communication network 46. If the connection fails for any reason, processor 98 repeats step 442 to get a successful connection. In step 446, processor 98 transmits compliance question responses 62, device measurements 64, script identification code, and the individual's identification code stored in memory 100 to server 42 through the subsequent communication link. In step 448, processor 98 receives through modem 102 new customized health management script program 60 from server 42. New customized health management script program 60 is stored in memory 100 for subsequent execution by processor 98. Following step 448, customized health management script program 60 ends. FIGS. 16-19 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention in which each remote apparatus has speech recognition and speech synthesis functionality. FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a remote apparatus 49 according to the second embodiment. Remote apparatus 49 includes a speaker 164 for audibly communicating compliance questions and prompts to the individual. Remote apparatus 49 also includes a microphone 166 for receiving spoken responses to the compliance questions and prompts. Remote apparatus 49 may optionally include a display 86 for displaying prompts to the individual, as shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the components of remote apparatus 49 in greater detail. Remote apparatus 49 is similar in design to remote apparatus 48 of the preferred embodiment except that remote apparatus 49 includes an audio processor chip 172 in place of processor 8. Audio processor chip 172 is preferably an RSC-164 chip commercially available from Sensory Circuits Inc. of 1735 N. First Street, San Jose, Calif. 95112. Audio processor chip 172 has a microcontroller 174 for executing customized health management script programs 60 received from server 48. A memory 100 is connected to microcontroller chip 174. Memory 100 stores customized health management script program 60, and a script interpreter used by microcontroller chip 174 to execute customized health management script program 60. Memory 100 also stores device measurements 64 received from monitoring device 50, answers 62 to the compliance questions, script identification codes, and the individual's unique identification code. Audio processor chip 172 also has built in speech synthesis functionality for synthesizing questions and prompts to a individual through speaker 164. For speech synthesis, audio processor chip 172 includes a digital to analog converter (DAC) 192 and an amplifier 194. DAC 192 and amplifier 194 drive speaker 164 under the control of microcontroller chip 174. Audio processor chip 172 further has built in speech recognition functionality for recognizing responses spoken into microphone 166. Audio signals received through microphone 166 are converted to electrical signals and sent to a preamp and gain control circuit 178. Preamp and gain control circuit 178 is controlled by an automatic gain control circuit (AGC) 186, which is in turn controlled by microcontroller chip 174. After being amplified by preamp 178, the electrical signals enter microcontroller chip 174 and pass through a multiplexer 180 and an analog to digital converter (ADC) 182. The resulting digital signals pass through a digital logic circuit 184 and enter microcontroller chip 174 for speech recognition. Audio processor chip 172 also includes a RAM 188 for short term memory storage and a ROM 190 which stores customized health management script program 60 executed by microcontroller chip 174 to perform speech recognition and speech synthesis. Audio processor chip 172 operates at a clock speed determined by a crystal 176. Audio processor chip 172 also includes a clock 112 which provides the current date and time to audio processor chip 172. As in the preferred embodiment, remote apparatus 49 includes an LED 88, display driver 106, modem 102, device interface 108, and printer interface 110, all of which are connected to microcontroller 174. The operation of the second embodiment is similar to the operation of the preferred embodiment except that compliance questions, response choices, and prompts are audibly communicated to the individual through speaker 164 rather than being displayed to the individual on display 86. The operation of the second embodiment also differs from the operation of the preferred embodiment in that answers 62 to the compliance questions and prompts are received through microphone 166 rather than through user input buttons 90A, 90B, 90C, and 90D. The customized compliance script programs of the second embodiment are similar to customized health management script program 60 shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, except that each display command is replaced by a speech synthesis command and each input command is replaced by a speech recognition command. The speech synthesis commands are executed by microcontroller 174 to synthesize the compliance questions, response choices, and prompts through speaker 164. The speech recognition commands are executed by microcontroller 174 to recognize answers 62 spoken into microphone 166. For example, to ask an individual how he or she feels and record a response, microcontroller 174 first executes a speech synthesis command to synthesize through speaker 164 "How do you feel? Please answer with one of the following responses: very bad, bad, good, or very good." Next, microcontroller 174 executes a speech recognition command to recognize the response spoken into microphone 166. The recognized response is stored in memory 100 and subsequently transmitted to server 42. Other than the differences described, the operation and advantages of the second embodiment are the same as the operation and advantages of the preferred embodiment described above. A third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 20-26. This embodiment encompasses a number of features. One feature asks individuals compliance questions, another feature receives device measurements 64 from device monitor 50, and a third feature allows an administrator to select an educational program to be broadcast to the individual. The individual must satisfy the evaluation criteria for all three features in order to be considered compliant. If he or she is deemed compliant, a coupon is printed out. FIG. 20 shows the system comprising a server 42, a workstation 44, and an individual station 197. All three components of the system are connected via a communication network 46. Individual station 197 comprises a multimedia processor 196 which has attached to it a display unit 198. Display unit 198 can be any sort of device which presents audiovisual signals, such as a television. Multimedia processor 196 also has attached to it monitoring device 50 and coupon printer 54. Both monitoring device 50 and coupon printer 54 work in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. FIG. 21 shows server 42 in greater detail. Server 42 includes a database 58 for storing health management script programs 60. Customized health management script programs 60 are executed by multimedia processor 196 to communicate compliance questions to the individual, receive answers 62 to the questions, display an educational program 202, receive responses 206 to educational program 202, collect monitoring device measurements 64, and transmit answers 62 and measurements 64 to server 42. Database 58 is also designed to store answers 62 and measurements 64. Database 58 further includes a look-up table 66. Table 66 contains a list of the individuals participating in the compliance program, and for each individual, a unique identification code and a respective pointer to customized health management script programs 60 assigned to the individual. Database 58 also includes plan specifications 204 for use by the administrator. Plan specifications 204 allow the administrator to design a plan for an individual. Thus plan specifications 204 provide customized compliance programs for each individual. The plan specification screen 205 is shown in FIG. 23. Plan specification screen 205 includes a plan name field 116, which allows the administrator to name the plan. Plan specification screen 205 also includes fields 118 for compliance questions. Compliance questions can be entered by the administrator to ask the individual how he or she is faring with the compliance program. The compliance questionnaire 198 which is generated from the compliance questions entered on plan specification screen 205 is shown in FIG. 25. Compliance questionnaire 198 comprises questions about how successfully the individual has followed his or her compliance program. Compliance questionnaire 198 also comprises responses 206 to the compliance questions. The individual can enter in his or her best responses 206 to the compliance questions via multimedia processor 196. Answers 206 are then evaluated and eventually sent to server 42. Referring back to FIG. 23, plan specification screen 205 also includes check boxes 124 for selecting the type of monitoring device 50 which the individual should connect to multimedia processor 196 in order to transmit device measurements 64 to server 42. Plan specification screen 205 further comprises check boxes 222 for selecting the educational program 202 for the individual to view. Educational program 202 ideally corresponds with the compliance questions and the monitoring device 50. For example, if the compliance questions are aimed at diabetic individuals and monitoring device 50 is a blood glucose meter, educational program 202 will be on diabetes. In addition, plan specification screen 205 also displays evaluation criteria. Each evaluation criterion has a check box 126 which can be selected. More than one evaluation criterion can be selected for each customized health management script program 60. Each evaluation criterion also has a value entry field 128 where the value the individual needs to meet for each criterion can be manually entered. Plan specification screen 205 also includes check boxes 130 for selecting the type of coupon to be delivered to the individual if he or she satisfies the evaluation criteria. Ideally, the coupon type will correspond to the type of health management script program 60 assigned to the individual. For example, if the individual is a diabetic, he or she can receive a coupon for a sugar-free frozen yogurt, to be redeemed at participating retailers. The other features of plan specification screen 205 are a monitoring interval field 134 for determining how often the individual should respond to the monitoring plan, an OK button 224 which is used to save the information entered into plan specification screen 205, and a CANCEL button 226 to erase the information entered into plan specification screen 205. Referring back to FIG. 21, server 42 includes a monitoring application 200. Monitoring application 200 is a controlling software application executed by server 42 to perform the various functions described below. Monitoring application 200 includes a plan generator 71, a plan assignor 73, and a report generator 74. Plan generator 70 is designed to generate plan specifications 204 from information entered through plan specification screen 205. Server 42 also includes educational programs 202 which are sent to multimedia processor 196 to be displayed on display unit 198 for the individual to view. FIG. 22 shows a detailed block diagram of multimedia processor 196. Multimedia processor 196 is designed to execute assigned customized compliance plan specifications 204 which it receives from server 42. Multimedia processor 196 has a computer processing unit (CPU) 98 which is connected to a memory 100. Memory 100 is preferably a non-volatile memory, such as a serial EEPROM. Memory 100 stores customized compliance plan specifications 204 from server 42, as well as the individual's answers 62, answers 206, and device measurements 64 to be sent to server 42. CPU 98 is preferably connected to memory 100 using a standard two-wire I.sup.2 C interface. CPU 98 is also connected to printer interface 110, which transmits information to printer 54 through printer jack 96, and device interface 108, which transmits data from monitoring device 50 through device jack 94. The data includes compliance questionnaires, educational programs, the individual's answers and responses, and coupon information to be printed on printer 54. CPU 98 is also connected to device interface 108 which connects monitoring device 50 through device jack 94. Measurements 64 from monitoring device 50 are uploaded into CPU 98, where they are then transmitted to server 42. CPU 98 is further connected to modem 102, which is used to connect multimedia processor 196 to server 42 through communication network 42. Modem 102 is connected to telephone jack 104 through modem jack 96. CPU 98 is also connected to a video/text generator 208. Video/text generator 208 is for receiving and processing educational programs 202 from the CPU and displaying them on display unit 198 to be viewed and heard by the individual. Alternatively, the educational programs can be received using a tuner 212, which is also connected to CPU 98. Tuner 212 receives signals of different frequencies from a broadcast source 214, such as the transmitter of a television station. Tuner 212 translates these signals into educational programs 202 which can be viewed and heard by the individual on display unit 198. Both video/text generator 208 and tuner 212 are connected to a CMOS switch 210, which is also connected to CPU 98. CMOS switch 210 alternatively connects video/text generator 208 and tuner 212 to CPU 98. Finally, CPU 98 is connected to a control receiver 216. Control receiver 206 is for receiving signals from a remote control 218. Remote control 218 is a standard wireless signal producer which can be used by the individual to send commands to CPU 98 from a distance. Signals generated by remote control 218 are received by control receiver 216 and sent to CPU 98 to be carried out. Referring back to FIG. 21, workstation 44 connected to server 42 includes plan specification entry screen 205, a plan assignment screen 228, and report screen 80. Plan assignment screen 228 is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 24. Plan assignment screen 228 comprises check boxes 230 for each of the available plans. Plan assignment screen 228 also comprises check boxes 232 for selecting the individual to whom the plan is to be assigned. After the assignment has been made, the ASSIGN PLAN button 236 is selected to create and store for the individual selected in check boxes 232 a respective pointer to the plan selected in check boxes 230. Each pointer is stored in look-up table 66 of database 58. Plan assignment screen 228 further includes an ADD PLAN button 234 for accessing plan specification screen 205 and a DELETE PLAN button 238 for deleting a plan specification. The operation of this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B. FIG. 26A is a flow chart illustrating steps included in the monitoring application executed by server 42. FIG. 26B is a continuation of the flow chart of FIG. 26A. In step 502, server 42 determines if new plan information has been entered through plan specification screen 205. If new plan information has not been entered, server 42 proceeds to step 506. If new script information has been entered, server 42 proceeds to step 504. As shown in FIG. 23, plan specification screen 205 includes compliance questions, monitoring devices 50 to be selected, educational programs to be selected, evaluation criteria to be set, and coupon types to be selected. Plan specification screen 205 further includes a prescribed connection time for multimedia processor 196 to establish a subsequent communication link to server 42. The plan information is generally entered in server 42 by an administrator, such as a healthcare provider. Of course, any person desiring to communicate with the individuals may also be granted access to server 42 to create and assign plans. Further, it is to be understood that the system may include any number of workstations 44 for entering plan generation and plan assignment information in server 42. In step 504, plan generator 71 generates a plan specification from the information entered in plan specification screen 205. Plan specification 204 is stored in database 58. Steps 502 and 504 are preferably repeated to generate multiple plan specifications 204, e.g. plans for diabetic individuals, plans for asthmatic individuals, etc. Following step 504, server 42 proceeds to step 506. In step 506, server 42 determines if new plan assignment information has been entered through plan assignment screen 228. If new plan assignment information has not been entered, server 42 proceeds to step 510. If new plan assignment information has been entered, server 42 proceeds to step 508. In step 508, each pointer generated on plan assignment screen 228 is stored in look-up table 66 of database 58. Following step 508, server 42 proceeds to step 510. In step 510, server 42 determines if a report request has been received from workstation 44. If no report request has been received, server 42 goes to step 516. If a report request has been received for a selected individual, server 42 retrieves from database 58 responses 62, answers 206, and device measurements 64 last received from the individual in step 512. In step 514, server 42 generates and displays the individual's report on workstation 44. Following step 514, the server goes to step 516. In step 516, server 42 determines if any multimedia processors 196 are remotely connected to server 42. Each individual to be monitored is preferably provided with his or her own multimedia processor 196 which has the individual's unique identification code stored therein. Each individual is thus uniquely associated with a respective one of the multimedia processors 196. If none of the multimedia processors 196 are connected, server 42 returns to step 502. If multimedia processor 196 is connected, server 42 receives from multimedia processor 196 the individual's unique identification code in step 518. In step 520, server 42 receives from multimedia processor 196 responses 62, answers 206, device measurements 64, and plan identification code recorded during execution of a previously assigned plan. The plan identification code identifies to server 42 which plan was executed by multimedia processor 196 to record answers 62, responses 206, and device measurements 64. The answers 62, responses 206, device measurements 64, and plan identification code are stored in database 58. In step 522, server 42 uses the individual's identification code to retrieve from look-up table 66 the pointer to plan specification 204 assigned to the individual. Server 42 then retrieves assigned plan specification 204 from database 58. Server 42 transmits assigned plan specification 204 to the individual's multimedia processor 196 through communication network 46. Following step 522, server 42 proceeds to step 524. In steps 524 and 526, multimedia processor 196 executes commands to collect device measurements 64 from a selected monitoring device 50. Plan specification 204 determines the selected monitoring device 50 from which to collect device measurements 64. In step 524, multimedia processor 196 prompts the individual to connect selected monitoring device 50, for example a blood glucose meter, to device jack 94. In step 526, multimedia processor 196 collects device measurements 64 from monitoring device 50 through device interface 108. Device measurements 64 are stored in memory 100. In step 528, multimedia processor 196 determines whether plan specification 204 indicates educational program 202 should be shown on display 198. If not, multimedia processor 196 goes directly to step 534. If educational program 202 has been specified, multimedia processor 196 goes to step 530. In step 530, multimedia processor 196 receives the educational program via modem 102 or tuner 212. The educational program is then processed and displayed on display unit 198. In step 532, the individual uses remote control 218 to respond to educational program 202. Answers 62 are sent from multimedia processor 196 to server 42 where they are stored on database 58. Next is step 534, where multimedia processor 196 calculates if the individual has met the evaluation criteria which determines his or her compliance status. If the individual is deemed compliant, display 198 shows a congratulations message, in step 536. An example of a congratulations message is shown in FIG. 10. Multimedia processor 196 then directs coupon printer 54 to print coupon 82 for the individual. An example of coupon 82 is shown in FIG. 12. If the individual is deemed uncompliant, multimedia processor 196 goes to step 540 and displays instructions for the individual to follow in order to become compliant. Example instructions are shown in FIG. 11. At this time, multimedia processor 196 goes back to step 502 and repeats the sequence. Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 27-29. This system is an automated telephone monitoring system which regularly calls individuals who are participating in the compliance program. Compliant patients receive credit in their own account 252 set up at a participating store 250. The system comprises a server 42, an individual station 245, and participating store 250. Individual stations 245 comprise a DTMF telephone which can be connected to a monitoring device 50 by a communication means 248, such as a standard cable connection. FIG. 27 shows a detailed block diagram of the system. Server 42 communicates with individual station 245 through a digital/tone signal converter 244. The purpose of digital/tone signal converter 244 is to convert electronic signals generated by the monitoring application 240 into recognizable sounds to be heard by the individual. The electronic signals generated by monitoring application 240 correspond to plan specification 204 generated by plan generator 73. Server 42 includes a database 58, which stores plan specifications 204, the individual's responses 62 to compliance questions entered on plan specifications 204, device measurements 64, and a look-up table 66. Plan specifications 204 allow the administrator to design a plan for an individual. Thus plan specifications 204 provide customized compliance programs for each individual. The plan specification screen 207 for this embodiment is shown in FIG. 28. Note that plan specification screen 207 of FIG. 28 is similar to plan specification screen 205 of FIG. 23. The plan name field 116, the compliance question fields 118, the check boxes 124 for selecting a monitoring device 50, the check boxes 126 for selecting evaluation criteria, the monitoring interval field 134, the OK button 224, and the CANCEL button 226 all have the same function as in plan specification screen 205 of FIG. 23. However, plan specification screen 207 of FIG. 28 also has check boxes 254 for selecting reward account 252 at participating store 250. Referring back to FIG. 27, monitoring application 240 includes a plan generator 71, a plan assignor 73, and a report generator 74. All three components of monitoring application 240 have the same functions as their counterparts in the previous embodiments. The operation of this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B. FIG. 29A is a flow chart illustrating steps included in monitoring application 240 executed by server 42. FIG. 29B is a continuation of the flow chart of FIG. 29A. In step 602, server 42 determines if new plan information has been entered through plan specification screen 207. If new plan information has not been entered, server 42 proceeds to step 606. If new script information has been entered, server 42 proceeds to step 604. In step 604, plan specification 204 is generated from plan specification screen 207 and is stored in database 58. Steps 602 and 604 are preferably repeated to generate multiple plans, e.g. plans for diabetic individuals, plans for asthmatic individuals, etc. Following step 604, server 42 proceeds to step 606. In step 606, server 42 determines if new plan assignment information has been entered through plan assignment screen 228. Plan assignment screen 228 is the same as that used in the previously described embodiment and shown in FIG. 24. If new plan assignment information has not been entered, server 42 proceeds to step 610. If new plan assignment information has been entered, server 42 proceeds to step 608. In step 608, each pointer generated on plan assignment screen 228 is stored in look-up table 66 of database 58. Following step 608, server 42 proceeds to step 610. In step 610, server 42 determines if a report request has been received from workstation 44. If no report request has been received, server 42 goes to step 616. If a report request has been received for a selected individual, server 42 retrieves from database 58 answers 62 and device measurements 64 last received from the individual in step 612. In step 614, server 42 generates and displays the individual's report on workstation 44. Following step 614, the server goes to step 616. In step 616, server 42 determines if it is time to call the individual, as determined by the information entered into plan specification screen 207. If it is not time, server 42 returns to step 602. If it is time to call, server 42 proceeds to step 618. In step 618, server 42 calls the individual through the use of automated call processor 242. Compliance questions and prompts entered into plan assignment screen 207 are translated into recognizable sounds and sent via digital/tone signal converter 244 to individual's DTMF telephone 246. In step 620, the individual hears the compliance questions. The individual responds to the compliance questions and answers 62 are sent back through digital/tome signal converter 244 to automated call processing 242 of server 42. Responses 62 are then stored in database 58. In steps 622 and 624, server 42 executes commands to collect device measurements 64 from a selected monitoring device 50. Plan specification 204 determines the selected monitoring device 50 from which to collect device measurements 64. In step 524, server 42 prompts the individual to connect selected monitoring device 50, for example a blood glucose meter, to a device jack of DTMF telephone 246 via communication link 248. Device measurements 64 are stored in database 58. Next is step 626, where server 42 calculates if the individual has met the evaluation criteria which determines his or her compliance status. If the individual is deemed compliant, server 42 credits individuals account 252 in participating store 250 in step 630. There are a number of ways in which server 42 can credit account 252. If server 42 and account 252 are connected by a communication means, the credit can be automatically sent over. If server 42 and account 252 are not connected by a communication means, server 42 can print out a credit sheet to be sent to participating store 250, where credit can be manually entered into account 252. If the individual is deemed uncompliant, server 42 goes to step 632 and displays instructions for the individual to follow in order to become compliant. At this time, server 42 goes back to step 602 and repeats the sequence. A last embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. This embodiment makes use of a memory card 258 which provides communication means between the administrator's workstation 45 and the individual's multimedia processor 197. Memory card 258 contains a magnetic strip or electronic circuit which stores information. FIG. 30 shows a detailed block diagram of administrator workstation 45 and multimedia processor 197. Administrator workstation 45 comprises a database 58, which includes customized health management script programs 60, the individual's responses 62 to compliance questions in customized health management script programs 60, and device measurements 64. Monitoring application 68 is a controlling software application executed by server 42 to perform the various functions described below. Monitoring application 68 includes a script generator 70, a script assignor 72, and a report generator 74. Script generator 70 is designed to generate customized compliance script programs 60 from script information entered through workstation 44. Report generator 74 is for creating reports 80 from answers 62 and device measurements 64 to be displayed on workstation 45 for the administrator to view. Workstation 45 also comprises a memory card reader/writer 256. Memory card reader/writer 256 is used by the administrator to store customized compliance script programs 60 on memory card 258. Memory card 258 is then given to the individual, who takes it and places it in the memory card reader/wrier 260 of his or her multimedia processor 197. Multimedia processor 197 of this embodiment is similar to multimedia processor 196 described above. Multimedia processor 197 is designed to execute assigned customized compliance script programs 60 which it receives from workstation 45. Multimedia processor 197 has a computer processing unit (CPU) 98 which is connected to a memory 100. Memory 100 is preferably a non-volatile memory, such as a serial EEPROM. Memory 100 stores customized health management script programs 60 from workstation 45, as well as the individual's answers 62, responses 206, and device measurements 64 to be sent to workstation 45. CPU 98 is preferably connected to memory 100 using a standard two-wire I.sup.2 C interface. CPU 98 is also connected to device interface 108 which connects monitoring device 50 through device jack 94. Measurements 64 from monitoring device 50 are uploaded into CPU 98, where they are then transmitted to workstation 45. CPU 98 is further connected to a video/text generator 208. Video/text generator 208 is for receiving and processing the educational programs from the CPU and displaying them on display unit 198 to be viewed and heard by the individual. Alternatively, the educational programs can be received using a tuner 212, which is also connected to CPU 98. Tuner 212 receives signals of different frequencies from a broadcast source 214, such as the transmitter of a television station. Tuner 212 translates these signals into educational programs 202 which can be viewed and heard by the individual on display unit 198. Both video/text generator 208 and tuner 212 are connected to a CMOS switch 210, which is also connected to CPU 98. CMOS switch 210 alternatively connects video/text generator 208 and tuner 212 to CPU 98. Finally, CPU 98 is connected to a control receiver 216. Control receiver 216 is for receiving signals from a remote control 218. Remote control 218 is a standard wireless signal producer which can be used by the individual to command CPU 98 from a distance. Signals generated by remote control 218 are received by control receiver 216 and sent to CPU 98 to be carried out. FIG. 31 illustrates the steps carried out by customized health management script programs 60. Customized health management script program 60 begins when memory card 258 which stores customized health management script program 60 is placed in memory card reader/writer 260 of multimedia processor 197. In step 702, customized health management script program 60 first displays compliance questions on display unit 198 for the individual to view or hear. The individual responds to the compliance questions using remote control 218. Individual's responses 62 are sent from CPU 98 to workstation 45. In steps 704 and 706, customized health management script program 60 commands the collection of device measurements 64 from selected monitoring device 50. Customized health management script program 60 determines the selected monitoring device 50 from which to collect device measurements 64. In step 704, customized health management script program 60 prompts the individual to connect selected monitoring device 50, for example a blood glucose meter, to a device jack 94 of multimedia processor 197. Device measurements 64 are stored in database 58 on workstation 45 in step 706. Next is step 708, where customized health management script program 60 calculates if the individual has met the evaluation criteria which determines his or her compliance status. If the individual is deemed compliant, customized health management script program 60 displays a congratulatory message on display unit 198 of multimedia processor 197 in step 712. Customized health management script program 60 also credits individual's memory card 258 in step 714. The credit can be redeemed in a number of ways. For example, a participating store can use a memory card reader/writer to read memory card 258 and give the individual a discount on a product. If the individual is deemed uncompliant, customized health management script program 60 goes to step 716 and displays instructions for the individual to follow in order to become compliant. In the last step 718, the individual's answers 62, device measurements 64, and compliance status are stored on memory card 258. SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE Although the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. It should be noted that different components of each of the described embodiments can be combined in many ways. For example, the memory card could be use with the interactive telephone system. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the examples given but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
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