Abstract:
A motion control system including at least one patient device, a server, and a workstation. The medical user uses the workstation to operate the software application to generate at least one script program, assign at least one script program to at least one associated patient user, convert each assigned script program into at least one control program, and transfer the at least one control program to the at least one patient device in the possession of the associated patient user. Each script program is associated with at least one notification sequence related to medical care of at least one patient user. Each notification sequence contains at least one instruction phrase and at least one movement. The patient device performs the at least one notification sequence related to medical care such that each associated patient user perceives the at least one instruction phrase and the at least one movement and transmits to the server verification data acknowledging perception of the performance of the at least one notification sequence by each associated patient user.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application (Attorney&#39;s Ref. No. P218602) is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/941,327 filed Jul. 12, 2013, currently pending. 
         [0002]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/941,327 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/184,428 filed Jul. 15, 2011, now abandoned. 
         [0003]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/184,428 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/240,098 filed Sep. 29, 2008, now abandoned. 
         [0004]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/240,098 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/966,848 filed Oct. 14, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,645 which issued Dec. 14, 2010. 
         [0005]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/966,848 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/780,316 filed Feb. 9, 2001, now abandoned. 
         [0006]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/780,316 claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/181,577, filed Feb. 10, 2000. 
         [0007]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/780,316 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/944,529, filed Oct. 7, 1997, now abandoned. 
         [0008]    All related applications cited in this Related Applications section, including the subject matter thereof, are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0009]    The present invention relates to control systems for programmable devices and, more particularly, to the generation and distribution of control commands that control the operation of programmable devices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0010]    A wide variety of devices contain a combination of software and hardware that control the operation of the device. These devices will be referred to herein as programmable devices. Programmable devices include a wide variety of items such as toys, industrial motion control systems, exercise equipment, medical devices, household appliances, HVAC systems, and the like. 
         [0011]    A common characteristic of such programmable devices is that they are programmed to perform a limited number of predetermined tasks. For example, a toy may be programmed to speak, move, or react to external stimulation in a predetermined manner. An industrial motion control system is programmed to assemble parts in a precise, repetitive manner. A household appliance may be programmed to perform one or more cooking or cleaning tasks. An HVAC system will be programmed to control a heating element and heat distribution systems to obtain a desired air temperature. 
         [0012]    Some programmable devices contain means for allowing the end user to control the functionality of the system to a limited degree. In the context of a toy, the end user may operate a switch or joystick to select a manner of movement. An HVAC system will normally allow the end user to set the desired temperature. In most cases, however, the input of the end user is limited to changing variables or selecting from among a plurality of stand-alone programs. 
         [0013]    Programmable devices thus take many forms but have certain common characteristics. A programmable device includes some form of memory for storing control commands that define a predetermined command program. The command program may accept input from the user or contain discrete sub-programs from which the end user may select, but the end user may not modify the command program. 
         [0014]    A programmable device further comprises a processor capable of executing the command program and generating control signals. To reduce manufacturing costs, the processor is normally an inexpensive dedicated processor with relatively limited capabilities and resources. 
         [0015]    A programmable device will also comprise control hardware that performs a desired task as defined by the control signals. The control hardware can be as simple as an LED or speaker that generates light or sound or as complicated as a multi-axis industrial motion control device that performs a complex welding procedure. 
         [0016]    The relevance of the present invention is particularly significant given the varying degrees of technical skill possessed by the various patient end users involved in the design, manufacturing, and use of a typical programmable device. The user of a programmable device must be assumed to have little or no capability to create the command programs necessary to operate a programmable device. Certainly a typical child using a toy will not have the skills necessary to create command program for that toy. Even a highly trained technician operating an industrial motion control system typically will likely not have the skill to program the system to perform a desired task. 
         [0017]    Accordingly, in this application the term “end user” will refer to a person who uses a programmable device but cannot be assumed to have the expertise to create a command program for that programmable device. 
         [0018]    In contrast, the term “programmer” will be used herein to refer to a person having the expertise to create a command program for a particular programmable device. The skill level and background of the programmer will vary depending upon the specific programmable device; the term programmer is thus not intended to define a particular level of expertise, but is instead defined in relation to the specific programmable device. 
         [0019]    With some programmable devices, the programmer has no direct contact with the end user. For example, a programmer of a toy or household appliance will typically not have direct contact with the end user. A programmer of an HVAC system or industrial motion control system may, on the other hand, have contact with the end user. 
         [0020]    Without direct contact with the end user, the programmer must anticipate what task the end user will desire of the programmable device. Even with direct contact, the programmer may not fully comprehend the desired task, or the desired task may change after the command program has been created. In either case, obtaining the services of the programmer to modify the command program is likely to be difficult and expensive, if not impossible. 
         [0021]    In general, while the end user may not be able to create a command program, the end user will be able to define the desired task. A technician operating an industrial motion control system will likely be able to observe that a change in the operation of the system will increase product yield or speed up the manufacturing process. Even a child might be able to determine that a doll that walks should also be able to jump. 
         [0022]    The term “end user” may include any other person involved with a programmable device without the technical expertise to qualify as a programmer of that device. For example, a medical device may be used by a patient and controlled by a caregiver, neither of which would have the expertise to be considered a programmer; both the patient and the caregiver would be considered end users in the present application. 
         [0023]    The purpose of the present invention is to facilitate the generation and distribution of command programs for programmable devices. In particular, the present invention is designed to allow an end user of a particular programmable device to define a desired task, interact with a remote computer over a communications network to generate a command program, and then download the command program into the programmable device over the communications network. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    The present invention may be embodied as a motion control system comprising at least one patient device, a server, and a workstation. Each patient device is in the possession of at least one patient user and is configured to operate based on at least one control program. The server is operatively connected to the at least one patient device and is configured to store a database of script programs and comprises a software application for facilitating the generation of script programs. The workstation is operatively connected to the server and defines a remote interface for allowing a medical user to operate the software application. The medical user uses the workstation to operate the software application to generate at least one script program, assign at least one script program to at least one associated patient user, convert each assigned script program into at least one control program, and transfer the at least one control program to the at least one patient device in the possession of the associated patient user. Each script program is associated with at least one notification sequence related to medical care of at least one patient user. Each notification sequence contains at least one instruction phrase and at least one movement. Each associated patient user operates the patient device in the possession of the associated user such that the patient device performs the at least one notification sequence related to medical care such that each associated patient user perceives the at least one instruction phrase and the at least one movement, and transmits to the server verification data acknowledging perception of the performance of the at least one notification sequence by each associated patient user. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a networked system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of the components of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a remotely programmable talking toy of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating the components of the talking toy of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a script entry screen according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a listing of a sample script program according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a script assignment screen according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating the steps included in a software application executed by the server of  FIG. 1  according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating the steps included in a control program executed by the talking toy of  FIG. 3  according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating the steps included in the script program of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of the server of  FIG. 1  with the talking toy of  FIG. 3  according to a second embodiment of the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a script entry screen according to the second embodiment of the invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a listing of a generic script program according to the second embodiment of the invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is a listing of a custom script program according to the second embodiment of the invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a flow chart illustrating the steps included in a software application executed by the server of  FIG. 1  according to the second embodiment of the invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is a script entry screen according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  is a script entry screen according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    The present invention may be embodied in any programmable device. The present invention will be described below in the context of a toy that may be programmed to speak or move in a desired fashion. The present invention has application to other programmable devices, and the scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims appended hereto and not the following discussion. 
         [0043]    The invention may be embodied as a networked system including one or more programmable toys that can be controlled to perform a desired task such as move and/or communicate messages to end users. In contrast to conventional programmable toys whose desired task is programmed during manufacture or through the insertion of external media, the programmable toys of the present invention are programmed remotely through the use of script programs. The script programs allow flexible and dynamic updating of the movement of or messages delivered by the toys, as well as convenient tailoring of toy movement and/or the communicated messages to the needs of particular end users. 
         [0044]    In an example embodiment of the invention disclosed below, the end users as described above are patients and healthcare providers, and the programmable toys are remotely programmed to encourage healthy behavior in the patients. The terms “patient” and “health care provider” will be used below interchangeably with the term end user. 
         [0045]    In the present exemplary embodiment, the programmable toys may be programmed to encourage children to take their medicine or to tolerate difficult healthcare regimens. The encouragement can take the form of a request audibly delivered to the patient in the form of speech and feedback in the form of movement when the request is followed. 
         [0046]    As generally discussed throughout this application, the system of the present invention is equally well suited for purposes other than healthcare, such as industrial motion control systems, exercise equipment, HVAC systems, advertising, home appliances, education, entertainment, or any other application which involves the control of programmable devices to perform a desired task for an end user. 
         [0047]    The preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , a networked system  16  includes a server  18  and a workstation  20  connected to server  18  through a communication network  24 . Server  18  is preferably a world wide web server and communication network  24  is preferably the Internet. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that server  18  may comprise a single stand-alone computer or multiple computers distributed throughout a network. Workstation  20  is preferably a personal computer, remote terminal, or web TV unit connected to server  18  via the Internet. Workstation  20  functions as a remote interface for entering in server  18  the end task to be performed for the benefit of the end user. 
         [0048]    System  16  also includes first and second programmable toys  26  and  28 . Each programmable toy interacts with a patient end user in accordance with script programs received from server  18 . Each programmable toy is connected to server  18  through communication network  24 , preferably the Internet. Alternatively, the programmable toys may be placed in communication with server  18  via wireless communication networks, cellular networks, telephone networks, or any other network which allows each programmable toy to exchange data with server  18 . For clarity of illustration, only two programmable toys are shown in  FIG. 1 . It is to be understood that system  16  may include any number of programmable toys for communicating messages to any number of patient end users. 
         [0049]    In general, a healthcare provider end user will operate the workstation  20 , a programmer will design and operate the server  18 , and the patient end user will use the toys  26  and  28 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  shows server  18 , workstation  20 , and programmable toy  26  in greater detail. Server  18  includes a database  30  for storing script programs  32 . The script programs are executed by the programmable toys to communicate messages to the patients. Database  30  further includes a look-up table  34 . Table  34  contains a list of the patients who are to receive messages, and for each of the patient end user, a unique identification code and a respective pointer to the script program assigned to the end user. Each programmable toy is designed to execute assigned script programs which it receives from server  18 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 3-4  show the structure of each programmable toy according to the preferred embodiment. For clarity, only programmable toy  26  is illustrated since each programmable toy of the exemplary preferred embodiment has substantially identical structure to toy  26 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , toy  26  is preferably embodied as a doll, such as a teddy bear. Alternatively, toy  26  may be embodied as an action figure, robot, or any other desired toy. 
         [0052]    Toy  26  includes a modem jack  46  for connecting the toy to a telephone jack  22  through a connection cord  48 . Toy  26  also includes first and second user control buttons  50  and  52 . Button  50  is pressed to instruct the toy to execute a script program. Button  52  is pressed to instruct the toy to establish a communication link to the server and download a new script program. In alternative embodiments, the control buttons may be replaced by switches, keys, sensors, or any other type of interface suitable for receiving user input. 
         [0053]      FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram illustrating the internal components of toy  26 . Toy  26  includes an audio processor chip  54 , which is preferably an RSC-164 chip commercially available from Sensory Circuits Inc. of 1735 N. First Street, San Jose, Calif. 95112. Audio processor chip  54  has a microcontroller  56  for executing script programs received from the server. A memory  58  is connected to microcontroller  56 . Memory  58  stores the end user&#39;s unique identification code, script programs received from the server, and a script interpreter used by microcontroller  56  to execute the script programs. 
         [0054]    The script interpreter translates script commands into the native processor code of microcontroller  56 . Specific techniques for translating and executing script commands in this manner are well known in the art. Memory  58  also stores a control program executed by microcontroller  56  to perform various control functions which are described in the operation section below. Memory  58  is preferably a non-volatile memory, such as a serial EEPROM. 
         [0055]    Toy  26  also includes a modem  85  which is connected between microcontroller  56  and modem jack  46 . Modem  85  operates under the control of microcontroller  56  to establish communication links to the server through the communication network and to exchange data with the server. The data includes the end user&#39;s unique identification code which modem  85  transmits to the server, as well as assigned script programs which modem  85  receives from the server. Modem  85  is preferably a complete 28. 8 K modem commercially available from Cermetek, although any suitable modem may be used. 
         [0056]    Toy  26  further includes a speaker  64  and a microphone  66 . Audio processor chip  54  has built in speech synthesis functionality for audibly communicating messages and prompts to an end user through speaker  64 . For speech synthesis, chip  54  includes a digital to analog converter (DAC)  60  and an amplifier  62 . DAC  60  and amplifier  62  drive speaker  64  under the control of microcontroller  56  to communicate the messages and prompts. 
         [0057]    Audio processor chip  54  also has built in speech recognition functionality for recognizing responses spoken into microphone  66 . Audio signals received through microphone  66  are converted to electrical signals and sent to a preamp and gain control circuit  68 . Circuit  68  is controlled by an automatic gain control circuit  70 , which is in turn controlled by microcontroller  56 . After being amplified by preamp  68 , the electrical signals enter chip  54  and pass through a multiplexer  72  and an analog to digital converter (ADC)  74 . The resulting digital signals pass through a digital logic circuit  76  and enter microcontroller  56  for speech recognition. 
         [0058]    Audio processor chip  54  also includes a RAM  80  for short term memory storage and a ROM  82  which stores audio sounds for speech synthesis and programs executed by microcontroller  56  to perform speech recognition and speech synthesis. Chip  54  operates at a clock speed determined by a crystal  84 . Chip  54  further includes a clock  78  which provides the current date and time to microcontroller  56 . Microcontroller  56  is also connected to control buttons  50  and  52  to receive user input. Toy  26  is preferably powered by one or more batteries (not shown). Alternatively, the toy may be powered by a standard wall outlet. Both methods for supplying power to a toy are well known in the art. 
         [0059]    The toy  26  further comprises a motion system  79  that receives control signals from the microcontroller  56 . The motion system  79  can be similar to the motion system used in the “FURBY” doll; this system  79  allows the toy  26  to shake, move its hands and feet, and open and close its mouth and eyes. The motion system  79  is well-known in the art, but is conventionally preprogrammed at the factory for particular ranges and sequences of movement. 
         [0060]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , server  18  includes a controlling software application  36  which is executed by server  18  to perform the various functions described below. The controlling software application  36  may be a system for generating a sequence of control commands based on an application program for motion control systems such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,867,385 and 5,691,897 to Brown et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0061]    The controlling software application  36  includes a script generator  38  and a script assignor  40 . Script generator  38  is designed to generate script programs  32  from script information entered through workstation  20 . The script programs  32  are a specific type of command program such as those typically executed by programmable devices. The script programs  32  contain the information necessary for the microcontroller  56  to cause the toy  26  to perform a desired task. 
         [0062]    The script information is entered through a script entry screen  42 . In the preferred embodiment, script entry screen  42  is implemented as a web page on server  18 . Workstation  20  includes a web browser for accessing the web page to enter the script information. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5  illustrates a sample script entry screen  42  as it appears on workstation  20 . Screen  42  includes a script name field  86  for specifying the name of a script program to be generated. Screen  42  also includes entry fields  88  for entering information defining the desired task, such as a message containing instructions from the healthcare provider end user to be communicated to the patient end user and a movement to be performed when patient end user complies with the instructions. 
         [0064]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary set of statements which encourage the end user to comply with his or her diabetes care regimen. However, it is to be understood that any type of desired task may be entered in screen  42 , including movement, sounds, or other messages such as advertisements, educational messages, and entertainment messages. Screen  42  further includes a CREATE SCRIPT button  90  for instructing the script generator to generate a script program from the information entered in screen  42 . Screen  42  also includes a CANCEL button  92  for canceling the information entered. 
         [0065]    In the preferred embodiment, each script program created by the script generator conforms to the standard file format used on UNIX systems. In the standard file format, each command is listed in the upper case and followed by a colon. Every line in the script program is terminated by a linefeed character {LF}, and only one command is placed on each line. The last character in the script program is a UNIX end of file character {EOF}. Table 1 shows an exemplary listing of script commands used in the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 SCRIPT COMMANDS 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Command 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SPEAK: {words} {LF} 
                 Synthesize the words following the 
               
               
                   
                 SPEAK command. 
               
               
                 RECOGNIZE: {word} {LF} 
                 Recognize the word following the 
               
               
                   
                 RECOGNIZE command. 
               
               
                 DELAY: t {LF} 
                 Wait a period of seconds specified by 
               
               
                   
                 time parameter t. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0066]    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 many other suitable scripting languages and sets of script commands may be used to implement the invention. 
         [0067]    Script generator  38  preferably stores a script program template which it uses to create each script program. To generate a script program, script generator  38  inserts into the template the information entered in screen  42 . For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates a sample script program created by the script generator from the script information shown in FIG. S. The script program includes speech commands to synthesize the phrases or statements entered in fields  88 . The steps included in the script program are also shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 10  and will be discussed in the operation section below. 
         [0068]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , script assignor  40  is for assigning script programs  32  to the patient end users. Script programs  32  are assigned in accordance with script assignment information entered through workstation  30 . The script assignment information is entered through a script assignment screen  44 , which is preferably implemented as a web page on server  18 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 7  illustrates a sample script assignment screen  44  as it appears on workstation  20 . Screen  44  includes check boxes  94  for selecting a script program to be assigned and check boxes  96  for selecting the patient end users to whom the script program is to be assigned. Screen  44  also includes an ASSIGN SCRIPT button  100  for entering the assignments. When button  100  is pressed, the script assignor creates and stores for each patient end user selected in check boxes  96  a respective pointer to the script program selected in check boxes  94 . Each pointer is stored in the look-up table of the database. Screen  44  further includes an ADD SCRIPT button  98  for adding a new script program and a DELETE SCRIPT button  102  for deleting a script program. 
         [0070]    The operation of the preferred embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-10 .  FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating the steps included in the software application executed by server  18 . In step  202 , server  18  determines if new script information has been entered through script entry screen  42 . If new script information has not been entered, server  18  proceeds to step  206 . If new script information has been entered, server  18  proceeds to step  204 . 
         [0071]    In the preferred embodiment, the script information is entered in server  18  by one or more healthcare provider end users, such as a physician or case manager assigned to the patient, as generally discussed above. Of course, any person desiring to communicate with the end users may be granted access to the server to create and assign script programs. 
         [0072]    Further, it is to be understood that the system may include any number of remote interfaces for entering script generation and script assignment information in server  18 . In a toy created for entertainment rather than healthcare purposes, a child may log on to the server  18 , custom design a script program, and download the program into the toy. 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the script information specifies a desired task, such as a message containing a set of statements or phrases, to be communicated to one or more patient end users. The desired task may further comprise movements selected and/or entered in a similar manner. 
         [0074]    In step  204 , the script generator  38  generates a script program from the information entered in screen  42 . The script program is stored in database  30 . Steps  202  and  204  are preferably repeated to generate multiple script programs, e.g. a script program for diabetes patients, a script program for asthma patients, etc. Each script program corresponds to a respective one of the sets of statements entered through script entry screen  42 . In step  206 , the server  18  determines if new script assignment information has been entered through assignment screen  44 . If new script assignment information has not been entered, server  18  proceeds to step  210 . If new script assignment information has been entered server  18  proceeds to step  208 . 
         [0075]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the script assignment information is entered by the healthcare provider end user by selecting a desired script program through check boxes  94 , selecting the patient end users to whom the selected script program is to be assigned through check boxes  96 , and pressing the ASSIGN SCRIPT button  100 . When button  100  is pressed, script assignor  40  creates for each end user selected in check boxes  96  a respective pointer to the script program selected in check boxes  94 . In step  208 , each pointer is stored in look-up table  34  of database  30 . In step  210 , server  18  determines if any one of the programmable toys is remotely connected to the server. 
         [0076]    Each patient end user is preferably provided with his or her own programmable toy which has the end user&#39;s unique identification code stored therein. Each patient end user is thus uniquely associated with a respective one of the programmable toys. If none of the programmable toys is connected, server  18  returns to step  202 . If a programmable toy is connected, server  18  receives from the programmable toy the patient end user&#39;s unique identification code to retrieve from table  34  the pointer to the script program assigned to the patient end user. In step  214 , server  18  retrieves the assigned script program from database  30 . In step  216 , server  18  transmits the assigned script program to the patient end user&#39;s programmable toy through communication network  24 . Following step  216 , the server returns to step  202 . 
         [0077]    Each programmable toy is initially programmed with its user&#39;s unique identification code, the script interpreter used by the toy to interpret and execute script program commands, and a control program executed by the toy to control its overall operation. The initial programming may be achieved during manufacture or during an initial connection to server  18 .  FIG. 9  illustrates the steps included in the control program executed by microcontroller  56  of programmable toy  26 . 
         [0078]    In step  302 , microcontroller  56  determines if any user input has been received. In the preferred embodiment, user input is received through control buttons  50  and  52 . Control button  50  is pressed to instruct the programmable toy to move and/or speak, and control button  52  is pressed to instruct the toy to connect to the server and download a new script program. If no user input is received for a predetermined period of time, such as two minutes, toy  26  enters sleep mode in step  304 . The sleep mode conserves battery power while the toy is not in use. Following step  304 , microcontroller  56  returns to step  302  and awaits user input. 
         [0079]    If user input has been received, microcontroller  56  determines if the input is a task request, step  306 . If the user has pressed control button  50 , if microcontroller  56  executes the script program last received from the server, step  308 . The steps included in a sample script program are shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 10  and will be discussed below. Following step  308 , microcontroller  56  returns to step  302  and awaits new user input. 
         [0080]    If the user presses control button  52  requesting a connection to the server, microcontroller  56  attempts to establish a communication link to the server through modem  85  and communication network  24 , step  310 . In step  312 , microcontroller determines if the connection was successful. If the connection failed, the user is prompted to connect toy  26  to telephone jack  22  in step  314 . Microcontroller  56  preferably prompts the user by synthesizing the phrase “PLEASE CONNECT ME TO THE TELEPHONE JACK USING THE CONNECTION CORD AND SAY ‘DONE’ WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED.” 
         [0081]    In step  316 , microcontroller  56  waits until the appropriate reply is received through microphone  66 . Upon recognizing the reply ‘DONE’, microcontroller  56  repeats step  310  to get a successful connection to the server. Once a successful connection is established, microcontroller  56  transmits the unique identification code stored in memory  58  to server  18  in step  318 . 
         [0082]    In step  320 , microcontroller  56  receives a new script program from the server through communication network  24  and modem  85 . The new script program is stored in memory  58  for subsequent execution by microcontroller  56 . Following step  320 , microcontroller  56  returns to step  302  and awaits new user input.  FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating the steps included in a sample script program executed by microcontroller  56 . In step  402 , microcontroller  56  prompts the user by synthesizing through speaker  64  “SAY ‘OK’ WHEN YOU ARE READY”. In step  404 , microcontroller  56  waits until a reply to the prompt is received through the microphone  66 . When the reply ‘OK’ is recognized, microcontroller  55  proceeds to step  406 . If no reply is received within a predetermined period of time, such as two minutes, toy  26  preferably enters sleep mode until it is reactivated by pressing one of the control buttons. 
         [0083]    In step  406 , microcontroller  56  executes successive speech commands to synthesize through speaker  64  the phrases or statements specified in the script program. Referring again to  FIG. 6 , the speech commands are preferably separated by delay commands which instruct microcontroller  56  to pause for a number of seconds between statements. The number of seconds is selected to allow the user sufficient time to absorb each statement. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to acknowledge each statement before a subsequent statement is synthesized. For example, the script program may include commands which instruct microcontroller  56  to synthesize the phrase “SAY ‘OK’ WHEN YOU ARE READY TO HEAR THE NEXT STATEMENT.” Upon recognizing the reply ‘OK’, microcontroller  56  proceeds to the next speech command in the script program. Movement commands are processed for execution by the motion system in a similar manner. 
         [0084]    In step  408 , the user is reminded to connect toy  26  to telephone jack  22  to download a new script program. Microcontroller  56  synthesizes through speaker  64  “PLEASE CONNECT ME TO THE TELEPHONE JACK TO GET NEW MESSAGES.” Following step  408 , the script program ends. 
         [0085]    One advantage of the system of the present invention is that it allows each programmable toy to be programmed remotely through the use of script programs. This allows the task performed by each programmable toy to be tailored to the specific needs of a specific end user or group of end users. Moreover, each script program may be easily created, assigned, and downloaded by simply accessing a server through a communication network, such as the Internet. Thus, the invention provides a powerful, convenient, and inexpensive system for communicating messages to a large number of end users. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 11-15  illustrate a second embodiment of the invention in which messages are further customized to each patient end user by merging personal data with the script programs, much like a standard mail merge application. Referring to  FIG. 11 , personal data relating to each patient end user is preferably stored in look-up table  34  of database  30 . By way of example, the data may include each patient end user&#39;s name, the name of each patient end user&#39;s medication or disease, or any other desired data. As in the preferred embodiment, database  30  also stores generic script programs  31  created by script generator  38 . 
         [0087]    In the second embodiment, server  18  includes a data merge program  41  for merging the data stored in table  34  with generic script programs  31 . Data merge program  41  is designed to retrieve selected data from table  34  and to insert the data into statements in generic script programs  31 , thus creating custom script programs  33 . Each custom script program contains a message which is customized to a patient end user. For example, the message may be customized with the patient end user&#39;s name, medication name, disease name, etc. 
         [0088]    The operation of the second embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 11-15 . The operation of the second embodiment is similar to the operation of the preferred embodiment except that server  18  transmits custom script programs to each programmable toy rather than generic script programs.  FIG. 15  is a flow chart illustrating the steps included in a software application executed by server  18  according to the second embodiment. 
         [0089]    In step  502 , server  18  determines if new script information has been entered through script entry screen  42 . If new script information has not been entered, server  18  proceeds to step  506 . If new script information has been entered, server  18  proceeds to step  504 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the script information specifies a message, such as a set of statements or phrases, to be communicated to the patient end users. Each statement preferably includes one or more insert commands specifying data from table  34  to be inserted into the statement. The insert commands instruct data merge program  41  to retrieve the specified data from database  30  and to insert the data into the statement. For example, the first statement shown in  FIG. 12  includes insert commands instructing the data merge program to insert a patient name and a medication name into the statement. 
         [0090]    Following entry of the statements and insert commands, CREATE SCRIPT button  90  is pressed. When button  90  is pressed, script generator  38  generates a generic script program from the information entered in screen  42 , step  504 . A sample generic script program is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The generic script program includes speech commands to synthesize the statements entered in fields  88 . Each statement preferably includes one or more insert commands specifying data to be inserted into the script program. The generic script program is stored in database  30 . 
         [0091]    In step  506 , server  18  determines if new script assignment information has been entered through assignment screen  44 . If new script assignment information has not been entered, server  18  proceeds to step  512 . If new script assignment information has been entered, server  18  proceeds to step  508 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the script assignment information is entered by selecting a desired script program through check boxes  94 , selecting the patient end users to whom the selected script program is to be assigned through check boxes  96 , and pressing the ASSIGN SCRIPT button  100 . 
         [0092]    When button  100  is pressed, data merge program  41  creates a custom script program for each patient end user selected in check boxes  96 , step  508 . Each custom script program is preferably created by using the selected generic script program as a template. For each patient end user selected, data merge program  41  retrieves from database  30  the data specified in the insert commands. Next, data merge program  41  inserts the data into the appropriate statements in the generic script program to create a custom script program for the patient end user. 
         [0093]    For example,  FIG. 14  illustrates a custom script program created from the generic script program of  FIG. 13 . Each custom script program is stored in database  30 . 
         [0094]    As each custom script program is generated for a patient end user, script assignor  40  assigns the custom script program to the patient end user, step  510 . This is preferably accomplished by creating a pointer to the custom script program and storing the pointer with the patient end user&#39;s unique identification code in table  34 . In step  512 , server  18  determines if any one of the programmable toys is remotely connected to the server. If a programmable toy is connected, server  18  receives from the programmable toy the patient end user&#39;s unique identification code in step  514 . 
         [0095]    Server  18  uses the received identification code to retrieve from table  34  the pointer to the custom script program assigned to the patient end user. In step  516 , server  18  retrieves the custom script program from database  30 . In step  518 , server  18  transmits the custom script program to the patient end user&#39;s programmable toy. The programmable toy receives and executes the script program in the same manner described in the preferred embodiment. The remaining operation of the second embodiment is analogous to the operation of the preferred embodiment described above. 
         [0096]    Although it is presently preferred to generate a custom script program for each patient end user as soon as script assignment information is received for the patient end user, it is also possible to wait until the patient end user&#39;s programmable toys connects to the server before generating the custom script program. This is accomplished by creating and storing a pointer to the generic script program assigned to the patient end user, as previously described in the preferred embodiment. When the patient end user&#39;s programmable toy connects to the server, the data merge program creates a custom script program for the patient end user from the generic script program assigned to the patient end user. The custom script program is then transmitted to the patient end user&#39;s programmable toy for execution. 
         [0097]    Although the first and second embodiments focus on healthcare applications, the system of the present invention may be used for any messaging application. For example, the system is particularly well suited for advertising. In a third embodiment of the invention, an advertising service is provided with a remote interface to the server for creating and assigning script programs which contain advertising messages. As shown in  FIG. 16 , each advertising message may be conveniently entered through script entry screen  42 , like the health-related messages of the preferred embodiment. The operation of the third embodiment is analogous to the operation of the preferred embodiment, except that the talking toys communicate advertising messages rather than health-related messages. 
         [0098]    Of course, the system of the present invention has many other applications. Typically, the user of each programmable toy is a child. In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the child&#39;s parent or guardian is provided with a remote interface to the server for creating and assigning script programs which contain messages for the child. As shown in  FIG. 17 , each message may be conveniently entered through script entry screen  42 . The operation of the fourth embodiment is analogous to the operation of the preferred embodiment, except that script information is entered in the server by a parent or guardian rather than a healthcare provider. 
         [0099]    Alternatively, the child may be provided with a remote interface to the server to create and assign his or her own script programs. It should also be noted that script programs may be generated from information received from multiple sources, such as a healthcare provider, an advertiser, and a parent. In a fifth embodiment of the invention, the script entry screen includes a respective section for each of the sources to enter a message to be communicated. Each of the sources is provided with a remote interface to the server and a password for accessing the script entry screen. After each source has entered one or more messages in the server, a script program is generated which contains a combination of health-related messages, advertisements, educational messages, or entertainment messages. The remaining operation of the fifth embodiment is analogous to the operation of the preferred embodiment described above. 
         [0100]    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. Many other embodiments of the invention are possible. For example, the scripting language and script commands shown are representative of the preferred embodiment. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art many other scripting languages and specific script commands may be used to implement the invention. 
         [0101]    Moreover, the programmable device need not be embodied as a doll. The toys may be embodied as action figures, robots, or any other type of toy. Further, each programmable toy need not include a control button for triggering speech output. In alternative embodiments, speech is triggered by other mechanisms, such as voice prompts, the absence of the user&#39;s voice, position sensitive sensors, switches, or the like. Specific techniques for triggering speech in a programmable toy are well known in the art. In addition, the system of the present invention is not limited to healthcare applications. 
         [0102]    The system may be used in any application which involves the communication of messages, including advertising, education, or entertainment. Of course, various combinations of these applications are also possible. For example, messages from multiple sources may be combined to generate script programs which contain a combination of health-related messages, advertisements, or educational messages. Further, the system may include any number of remote interfaces for entering and assigning script programs, and any number of programmable toys for delivering messages. 
         [0103]    More generally, the programmable device need not be a toy. For example, the programmable device may be a handheld computing device adapted to control and monitor an athlete end user&#39;s performance during athletic training. The device may monitor the athlete end user&#39;s heart rate and lactose levels. The device may be remotely programmed by a trainer end user or automated system with instructions for training for a specific athletic event based on data collected by the handheld device. 
         [0104]    The programmable device may be a household appliance such as a refrigerator that monitors its contents. A remote end user such as a service that delivers groceries could reprogram the refrigerator as necessary to reflect delivered goods. 
         [0105]    The programmable device may also be an industrial motion control system such as a robotic welding machine. An engineer in charge of the product being welded may change its design and remotely generate a new command program for the robotic welding machine in response to the design changes. 
         [0106]    The programmable device may be an HVAC system that communicates with a remote weather monitoring system that generates a new command program for the HVAC system in response to changes in the weather. 
         [0107]    The embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely an illustrative, and not exhaustive, list of the environments in which the present invention may be applied. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the examples given, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.