WO1997048229A1

WO1997048229A1 - Method and system for creating a customized record of instructional materials

Info

Publication number: WO1997048229A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/010618
Authority: WO
Inventors: Todd M. Gildersleeve; Mark A. Pascua
Original assignee: Iacom New Media, Llc
Priority date: 1996-06-14
Filing date: 1997-06-13
Publication date: 1997-12-18
Also published as: AU3402597A

Abstract

A method and system (14) are provided for creating a customized record of instructional materials. The system (14) includes at least one video compact disk for storing a data base of instructional materials including a plurality of video images, a CD-i player (16) for retrieving the images from the data base in response to a first set of user commands, and a monitor (10) coupled to the CD-i player (16) for displaying the retrieved video images. The system also includes a mechanism for selecting desired ones of the displayed video images, a light pen (20) for generating custom instructional data associated with a selected video image, and a VCR (12) for storing each of the selected video images together with its custom instructional data in a video cassette in response to a second set of user commands to obtain the customized record of instructional materials.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR

CREATING A CUSTOMIZED RECORD

OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Technical Field

This invention provides a complete method and system for developing custom instructional materials in a portable memory device such as a videotape from materials that are a subset of a larger database of digitally stored instructional materials.

Background Art

Videotape instruction materials are easy to understand and widely accepted. One drawback of most videotape instructional materials is the lack of flexi¬ bility in presentation content. Most videotape instruc- tional materials are standardized videos that provide only one approach to a given subject.

In many fields there is a need for the ability to provide a custom videotape for consumers. One example of such a field is the field of medical rehabil- itation. In the past, physical therapists or orthopedic doctors instructed patients by live demonstration or by providing printed descriptions of exercises to patients. Personal demonstrations are time consuming and cannot be conveniently repeated if the patient forgets the exer- cise technique. Written descriptions of exercises are difficult to understand and follow with precision. Recently, a PC-based system for producing custom reha¬ bilitation videotapes has been developed that allows for custom videotapes to be prepared based upon a hard disk stored collection of video files. Such systems suffer from the drawbacks of excessive expense due to the requirement that such systems utilize a personal comput¬ er having a high storage capacity hard drive to store an adequate number of exercises.

Summary Of The Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for creating a customized record of instructional materials at reduced cost, with better system integrity, reliability, flexibility and simplicity of user interface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for creating a customized record of instructional materials which do not require computer skills to make high quality instructional videos that patients can use in their homes simply by placing a portable memory device such as a video tape in a home videotape player.

In carrying out the above objects and other objects of the present invention, a method is provided for creating a customized record of instructional materials. The method includes the steps of storing a database of instructional materials including a plurali- ty of video images, retrieving the video images from the database in response to a first set of user commands, and displaying the retrieved video images. The method also includes the steps of selecting desired ones of the displayed video images, and storing each of the selected video images in a portable memory device in response to a second set of user commands to obtain the customized record of instructional materials.

In carrying out the above objects and other objects of the present invention, a system is provided for creating a customized record of instructional materials. The system includes at least one video compact disk for storing a database of instructional materials including a plurality of video images, a video compact disk player for retrieving video images from the database in response to a first set of user commands, and a display coupled to the player for displaying the retrieved video images. The system also includes means coupled to the player for selecting desired ones of the displayed video images, and means for storing each of the selected video images in a portable memory device in response to a second set of user commands to obtain the customized record of instructional materials.

Preferably, the system includes at least one video compact disk for storing a database of instrue- tional materials including a plurality of video images, a CD-i or digital video disk player for retrieving video images from the database in response to a first set of user commands, and a monitor coupled to the player for displaying the retrieved video images. The system also preferably includes means coupled to the player for selecting desired ones of the displayed video images, a pointer for generating custom instructional data associ¬ ated with a selected video image, and a VCR for storing each of the selected video images together with its custom instructional data in a video cassette in re¬ sponse to a second set of user commands to obtain the customized record of instructional materials. The present invention preferably includes a printer, a light pen, and a television monitor. The compact disk interactive (CD-i) unit, available from Philips Corporation, is an interactive CD player which includes compact disks (CDs) for storing MPEG files that can record 500 or more graphic and video record segments in a recorded video format. The graphic and video record segments can be separately selected to meet the diverse needs of a wide variety of consumers. The CD-i unit includes a video output which is provided to a VCR, printer and television. The VCR and television monitor may be combined in a single unit. The laser printer is capable of printing bit map images. The CD-i player includes an extensive menuing interface that is prefera- bly manipulated by means of a light pen or other point¬ ing device. If a light pen is provided the light pen can also be used to paint or highlight particular aspects of the video image for further custom instruc¬ tional input. The image created by the light pen on the screen can be recorded by the videotape recorder and included on the copy of the videotape that is provided to a patient.

In summary, the present invention provides a cost effective system for preparing customized videotape instructional materials from a larger data base of stored video images at a cost which is one-third to one- half of the cost of a PC-based system and provides additional flexibility and simplicity in function.

Another advantage of the invention is that it uses a more reliable read only memory with a CD-i player or digital video disk (DVD) player. This is in contrast to the PC-based systems that use read and write hard drive based memory. By avoiding the use of PC hardware, problems relating to component compatibility and soft¬ ware compatibility are eliminated. By using solid state hardware (television with a CD-i or digital video disk players) with read only software, reliability is maxi¬ mized.

Yet another advantage of CD-i or digital video disk players is their high quality video including full motion/full screen video display in NTSC format or PAL format.

The invention offers flexibility in that the health care provider can purchase a partial set of exercise compact disks and later add additional compact disks to expand the variety of exercises available without modifying the hardware or previously purchased software.

The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a CD-i based videotape production system in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURES 2 (a) - (d) comprise a flow chart of the process by which a rehabilitation videotape is produced according to the present invention; and FIGURE 3 is a graphical representation of the general steps followed by the present invention.

Best Mode For Carrying Out The Invention

Referring now to Figure 1, a CD-i based videotape production system is shown. A television 10 and video cassette recorder 12 are shown on a cart or rack 14. The device could also be incorporated as part of a custom kiosk. Also included in the system are a CD-i system 16 and a printer 18. A light pen preferably a FTG light pen available from FTG, Incorporated is also included in the preferred embodiment of the invention. The light pen 20 is used in conjunction with the televi¬ sion 10 to function as a pointer wherein soft buttons can be actuated and also can be used to highlight or paint on the videotape special instructions as will be described in more detail below. The rack 14 preferably includes a storage compartment 22 for storing extra video cassettes and CD-i disks.

Instead of a CD-i player 16 a digital video disk (DVD) system can be used according to the inven¬ tion.

Referring now to Figures 2 (a) - (d) , the process by which a custom videotape is produced will be de¬ scribed by reference to the detailed flow chart . The process is initialized by displaying a main menu 24 which offers several choices in menu form. Menu selec¬ tions are made by means of the light pen 20 which is directed at different portions of the screen. The light pen communicates the bit map location pointed at by the light pen and allows the user to actuate software buttons to move through the program menus.

Upon selection of an exercise, prescription form screen 26 is displayed. After display, prescrip- tion form screen 26 is utilized to preview exercises. It should be readily appreciated that a wide variety of therapeutic or conditioning exercises for the body can be provided on additional CDs. A CD library 28 is accessed by a therapist to provide additional exercises. From the prescription form screen 26, a user can either enter the number of repetitions or sets to be performed. Reference numeral 30 represents a counter for the selected number of exercise sets or repetitions. The therapist can preview exercises at 32 to check to be sure that the proper exercises have been selected. The system then returns to the main menu 24 so that addi¬ tional exercises can be either previewed or selected.

After all selections have been completed, the therapist will view at 36 all selected exercises in the preferred order. At screen 36, therapists review exercises and determine if they need to clear selections at 38. A verification screen 40 is provided to prevent undesired clearing of selections. If the selections are to be cleared, the program returns to the main menu 24. If the selections are not desired to be cleared, the program returns to the view home program screen 36. If the therapist desires to add additional selections, they may continue selections at 42 which will also return to the main menu 24.

After the view home program step is completed and all selections have been made, the therapist may select a selections complete option at 44. When the selections complete option is selected at 44, the program continues to the setup screen at 46. At the setup screen 46, the therapist is provided with the option of giving additional instructions as illustrated at reference numeral 48 which are optional, but can provide valuable information relating to exercise introductions, strengthening techniques, stretching techniques, and regarding the use of a resistive band or other exercise apparatus.

When the desired additional instructions are selected at the setup screen, the therapist can either select to return to view the home program with the additional setup data included at 50 or indicate that setup is complete without returning to the view home program at 52. By selecting setup complete, the thera¬ pist indicates that they are ready to create the home exercise program. The therapist proceeds to 54 wherein the program prompts the therapist to check the printer, label the VHS tape, and press the record button on the

VCR.

After the prompt at reference numeral 54, the therapist has the option of again returning to view the home program at 56 to make a final review of all exer- cises. Alternatively, the therapist may return to setup at 58 to finalize the program setup and make additional changes or modifications. If the therapist is satisfied with the program setup, the therapist then proceeds to create the home program at 60. The CD-i then begins preparation of the home program by selecting the intro¬ duction, video segments and instructional material as instructed by the therapist in the programming and setup screen.

The CD-i player continues through the progres¬ sion of instructional commands from the therapist until the home program tape is completed. The block exercise video launch 62 initiates the programming segments sequentially by recording video sequences and text presentations in the order selected by the therapist .

After each exercise video segment, the system defaults to a rest now screen at 64 to allow the patient an opportunity to rest. The CD-i initializes the printer during the rest now screen to print a paper copy of the exercise instructions. After the rest now screen, which has a predetermined duration, the exercise video runs through the prescribed number of repetitions or sets at 66 with a rest now screen generally appearing between sets. The creation of the home program contin¬ ues through until all elements prescribed by the thera¬ pist are incorporated on the home program.

When all elements are included, the program progresses to the final screen at 68 which indicates that the home exercise program is complete. The thera¬ pist then can retrieve the printed program from the printer, push stop on the VCR and eject the VHS tape. The therapist can now decide if they want to add more exercises, change the program setup or clear selections if they are satisfied with the print-out and video product.

At the home exercise complete screen 68, the therapist can select return to view home program at 70 which instructs the CD-i player to go to the setup screen at 36. Alternatively, the therapist can select return to setup at 72 that will direct the CD-i player to return to the setup screen at 46. If either 70 or 72 are selected, the home program can be reformatted.

The therapist can also select a new program at 74 that returns the system to its initialization condi¬ tion and returns to the main menu at 24.

A popup menu can be provided at the exercise video launch 62 which allows the therapist to pause, slow motion, reverse, or add special comments utilizing the light pen 20 to drawn on the video segment and emphasize certain aspects of the prescribed exercise. The popup menu can allow for the selection of different colors for the light pen comments. The physical thera¬ pist can use the light pen's paint function to write additional instructions, or paint or highlight certain portions of the selected exercise. The printer at 68 can print a selected video image by video capture on the printer to provide the user with a ready reference reminder or list of exercises to perform.

Referring now to Figure 3, a graphical repre¬ sentation of the exercise instruction method of the present invention is illustrated. The first element of the system is illustrated at 104 and comprises an introduction graphic. The introduction graphic would include the name of the exercise and a reference numeral if desired. The purpose statement cell 106 illustrates the purpose of the exercise and includes the explanation by an expert on video camera or by a graphic with or without animation. The physical therapist can give a complete description of the exercise and its purpose.

Referring now to the demo cell 108 the video with voice-over is presented and may include the use of still pictures with sketches or light pen induced images while a person talks about the exercise demonstration. The demo cell allows for the description of props necessary for an exercise and proper positioning and precautions.

The performance cell 110 allows a demonstrator with voice-over to demonstrate the exercise and allows for the use of the different camera angles as the exercise is performed repeatedly. The performance cell 110 allows for proper demonstration of the exercise including instruction as to breathing, motivational "pep talk" type comments that may be useful during home use playback while a patient is following along with the exercise, and education as to the exercise and other background information. The performance cell 110 is preferably filmed at either a studio or in a home setting.

The prescription is selected and the system responds by repeating video segments in accordance with prescription.

While the best mode for carrying out the invention has been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A method for creating a customized record of instructional materials, the method comprising the steps of: storing a database of instructional materials including a plurality of video images; retrieving the video images from the database in response to a first set of user commands; displaying the retrieved video images; selecting desired ones of the displayed video images; and storing each of the selected video images in a portable memory device in response to a second set of user commands to obtain the customized record of instructional materials.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the steps of generating custom instructional data associated with a selected video image and storing the custom instructional data with its respective selected video image in the memory device.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of storing is done magnetically and wherein the memory device is a magnetic recording medium.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the magnetic recording medium is a magnetic tape.

5. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the magnetic recording medium is a disk.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of storing is done optically and wherein the memory device is an optical storage medium.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the optical recording medium is an optical disk.

8. A system for creating a customized record of instructional materials, the system comprising: at least one video compact disk for storing a database of instructional materials including a plurali- ty of video images; a video compact disk player for retrieving video images from the database in response to a first set of user commands; a display coupled to the player for displaying the retrieved video images; means coupled to the player for selecting desired ones of the displayed video images; and means for storing each of the selected video images in a portable memory device in response to a second set of user commands to obtain the customized record of instructional materials.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8 further comprising means for generating custom instructional data associated with a selected video image wherein the means for storing stores the custom instructional data with its respective selected video image in the memory device.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the means for storing stores each of the images magneti- cally and wherein the memory device is a magnetic recording medium.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the magnetic recording medium is a magnetic tape.

12. The system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the magnetic recording medium is a disk.

13. The system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the means for storing is a VCR.

14. The system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the display is a television.

15. The system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the player is a CD-i player.

16. The system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the player is a DVD player.

17. The system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the means for storing stores each of the images optical¬ ly and wherein the memory device is an optical recording medium.

18. The system as claimed in claim 17 wherein the optical recording medium is an optical disk.

19. The system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the means for generating includes a pointer adapted for use with the display to generate the custom instruc- tional data.

20. A system for creating a customized record of instructional materials, the system comprising: at least one video compact disk for storing a database of instructional materials including a plurali- ty of video images; a CD-i player for retrieving video images from the database in response to a first set of user com¬ mands; a monitor coupled to the CD-i player for displaying the retrieved video images; means coupled to the player for selecting desired ones of the displayed video images; a pointer for generating custom instructional data associated with a selected video image; and a VCR for storing each of the selected video images together with its custom instructional data in a video cassette in response to a second set of user commands to obtain the customized record of instructional materials.

21. The system of claim 21 wherein the CD-i player relays video images in accordance with the prescribed number of repetitions by looping retrieving video images.