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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. A computer-assisted documentation system for enhancing or replacing the
process of dictating and transcribing in the generation of a document,
comprising:
(a) a document database, comprising:
(i) first database means for processing one or more user-definable document
structures to be used as templates for the generation of a document,
wherein each document structure is associated with a particular document
style, each document structure comprising:
a) a plurality of phrase fields for electronically storing user-definable
phrases;
b) a plurality of option-text fields; and
c) field linkage means for linking phrase fields to option-text fields;
(ii) second database means for accessing option-text lists associated with
said option-text fields, wherein each option-text list comprises one or
more user-definable option-text expressions; and
(iii) third database means for processing at least one selection data file,
wherein each of said selection data fields is associated with a particular
document structure and a particular matter identifier and wherein each of
said selection data fields comprises pointers to option-text expressions
within said option-text lists;
b) user interface means for manipulating data within the document database,
the user interface means comprising:
(i) display means for displaying a menu of option-text expressions
associated with a particular option-text list; and
(ii) selecting means for selecting preferred option-text expressions from
the menu of option-text expressions displayed by the display means, said
selecting means comprising selection data interface means for storing, in
the selection data file associated with the document structure and matter
identifier corresponding to the document to be generated, a pointer
associated with each option-text expression selected; and
(c) document generation means comprising option-text expression control
means for generating, as a function of matter identifier, document
structure and selection data file, a document in which the selected
preferred option-text expressions are inserted into the appropriate
option-text fields.
2. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said
selection data file comprises a time/date stamp for distinguishing between
separate documents created for a particular patient and user from a single
document structure.
3. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein:
(a) said document database further comprises fourth database means for
accessing one or more matter data storage files, each data storage file
containing information associated with a particular matter identifier; and
(b) said document generating means further comprises matter data control
means for generating, as a function of the matter identifier, document
structure and selection data file, a document in which data associated
with a matter identified by said matter identifier is inserted into the
appropriate option-text fields.
4. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said user
interface means further comprises first editing means for making user
modifications to the contents of said phrase fields and for creating and
modifying said option-text expressions.
5. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said
document generation means comprises means for electronically storing the
generated document.
6. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said
document database further comprises means for electronically storing a
user-definable electronic document structure derived from a plurality of
previously defined electronic document structures.
7. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein:
(a) said display means comprises a printing device which produces a printed
checklist document including indicia of option-text expressions; and
(b) said selecting means further comprises means for entering a
representation of option-text expressions selected on the printed
checklist document.
8. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said
selecting means further comprises pointing device means including at least
one actuator for use in selecting the preferred option-text expression.
9. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said
selecting means further comprises keyboard means including a plurality of
actuators for use in selecting the preferred option-text expression.
10. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said
selecting means further comprises bar-code reader means for use in
selecting the preferred option-text expression.
11. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said user
interface means further comprises contextual help means for providing
instructions on the use of the user interface means.
12. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said user
interface means further comprises data security means for allowing access
to electronically stored data only to authorized users.
13. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said user
interface means further comprises means for electronically storing and
accessing data on a computer network.
14. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein:
(a) at least one of said document structures further comprises an
option-graphic field;
(b) said document database further comprises graphics database means for
accessing an option-graphic list associated with said option-graphic
field, wherein said option-graphic list comprises one or more
user-definable option-graphic image definitions;
(c) said display means comprises means for displaying a menu of
option-graphic image definitions associated with said option-graphic
field;
(d) said selecting means comprises means for selecting a preferred
user-definable option-graphic image definition from said menu of
option-graphic image definitions displayed by the display means; and
(e) said document generation means comprises means for generating a
document comprising a graphic image derived from the selected
user-definable option-graphic image definition.
15. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 14 wherein said
user interface means further comprises first editing means for making user
modifications to the user-definable option-graphic image definition.
16. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said
document generation means comprises analyzing means for generating an
analysis of option-text expression data including option-text expressions
and pointers to option-text expressions and for generating an analysis
document comprising information related to said analysis.
17. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 1 wherein said
option-text expressions include user-definable option-text segments
comprising pre-defined character strings which may be retrieved by
accessing a particular option-text segment address.
18. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 17 wherein said
selection data interface means comprises means for creating a pointer
associated with the option-text segment address of a selected option-text
segment.
19. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 17 wherein said
user interface means further comprises first editing means for making user
modifications to the contents of the phrase fields and for creating and
modifying option-text segments.
20. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 19 wherein said
option-text expressions further include a user-definable option-text note
which can be retrieved by accessing a particular option-text note address,
wherein:
(a) said option-text note comprises a character string defined during
selection of the preferred option-text expression;
(b) said menu of option-text expressions displayed by the display means
comprises means for indicating selection of an option-text note; and
(c) said user interface further comprises second editing means for creating
and modifying option-text notes.
21. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 20 wherein said
selection data interface means further comprises means for creating a
pointer associated with the option-text note address of the selected
option-text note.
22. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 20 wherein said
selecting means further comprises means for automatically activating the
second editing means in response to selecting an option-text note, whereby
an option-text note can be created for the document to be generated.
23. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 20 wherein said
selecting means further comprises means for selecting a plurality of
option-text expressions including one or more option-text segments and one
or more option-text notes from the menu of option-text expressions
displayed by the display means.
24. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 16 wherein said
analyzing means further comprises means for generating a graphic image
derived from said analysis.
25. The computer-assisted documentation system of claim 16 wherein said
analyzing means further comprises billing means for generating a billing
document for services rendered based on said analysis.
26. A computer-based method of generating a document, comprising:
(a) providing a document structure including a phrase field linked to an
option-text field;
(b) providing an option-text list associated with said option-text field,
wherein said option-text list comprises a plurality of option-text
segments including a first option-text segment;
(c) providing a database structure relating a plurality of selection data
files to particular document structures and particular matter identifiers;
and
(d) providing user interface means for selecting an option-text segment,
the user interface means comprising:
(i) display means for displaying a menu of items; and
(ii) selection means for selecting one or more of the items displayed on
the display means;
(e) displaying a menu of items representative of said plurality of
option-text segments, wherein said menu comprises a first menu item
associated with said first option-text segment;
(d) storing, to one of a plurality of selection data files and in response
to the selection of said first menu item, a first pointer associated with
said option-text field and said first option-text segment; and
(e) generating a document in which said first option-text segment is
inserted into said option-text field.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the step of providing user interface
means comprises:
(a) providing printing means for printing a checklist document including
indicia of each of said menu items; and
(b) providing a means of indicating a preferred menu item on said checklist
document.
28. The method according to claim 26 wherein the step of generating a
document comprises:
(a) determining a document structure and a matter identifier;
(b) retrieving a selection data file associated with said document
structure and said matter identifier;
(c) accessing a pointer within said selection data file associated with an
option-text field within said document structure;
(d) accessing an option-text segment associated with said pointer; and
(e) inserting said option-text segment in said option-text field.
29. The method according to claim 26 wherein the step of providing user
interface means further includes providing editing means for making user
modifications to the phrase field and the option-text segments.
30. The method according to claim 29 wherein the step of providing editing
means for making user modifications to the phrase field and the
option-text segments includes providing option-text segment entry means
for adding user-defined option-text segments to the plurality of
option-text segments.
31. The method according to claim 29 wherein the step of providing editing
means for making user modifications to the phrase field and the
option-text segments includes providing option-text note entry means for
providing an option-text note. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to document generation systems and, more
particularly to a system incorporating user-modifiable document structures
or "boiler-plates", a database including information to be placed into a
particular document structure, and a computing device which combines the
particular document structure with relevant information stored in the
database to form a document.
Traditionally, the practice of dictating and transcribing has been used to
record information related to interviews, personal reminders, thoughts on
a subject, and drafts or letters of other documents. In the service
industries, such as consulting, legal and medical fields, professionals
have been increasingly burdened by the need to document every encounter
with clients or patients. This is particularly true in the medical field
where physicians must record information about each patient office visit,
diagnosis, suggested treatment and prescription given. In addition to
recording patient information, physicians must fill out forms for
submission to insurance companies and provide information to regulatory
agencies. To gather and produce all of this information, physicians must
spend a significant portion of their work day dictating the needed
information for each record or form. Further, a physician must maintain a
staff to transcribe the information into reports and to fill out required
forms.
A physician typically dictates a report on each patient encounter which,
subsequently, must be typed by a transcriptionist. The process is time
consuming and repetitive. For this reason, shortcuts are often taken
causing reports to be incomplete. As a result, potential legal and
insurance problems as well as reduced quality of patient care can occur.
Using traditional manual methods of record keeping, patient data is not
readily available for fast and easy review. A patient's medical record
cannot be easily combined with other reports or other patient data for
analysis and reporting.
In response to the above-mentioned needs and problems encountered in the
medical field, the present invention was developed. The present invention
automates the documentation process by providing a computer-based
documentation system incorporating a relational database with a
multi-document word processor preferably comprising a graphics engine
within a menu-driven, graphic window environment. The documentation system
utilizes previously defined document structures or "boiler-plates" to
manage patient reporting. A document structure offers a framework within
which certain items will vary.
For instance, an initial exam conducted by an orthopedic surgeon will
contain many basic elements common to all patients, but response to the
exam will vary for each patient. A report to be input can contain any
number of variable responses, and each variable within the input report
can offer any number of different options from which to choose. In
addition, a physician can personalize the report, modifying or creating
new documents to suit a particular situation. Further, while generating a
particular document, a physician can customize the document by inserting
words into the generated document through the use of the integrated word
processor.
In an alternative embodiment, the physician can avoid directly using the
documenting system by utilizing printed checklists. After a checklist has
been filled out by a physician, another individual can generate the
desired documents from items checked off on the checklist.
The data input into the documenting system is electronically stored for
possible future use in reporting and/or analysis. The future uses may
include graphical analysis, cost accounting, time reporting and other
desired document generation.
It will be appreciated by those familiar with the art that such a document
generation system can be utilized in a plurality of environments including
medical, legal, government, insurance and other service or document
generating environments. In the legal field, simple contracts, licenses or
agreements could be drafted in this manner. In the government, routine
status reports, procurement requests or inspection reports could be
produced by such a system. In the insurance field, insurance applications
could be processed, policies maintained, or claim reports prepared. These
and other possible areas of use of the present invention will become
apparent after reading the following detailed description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A document generation system is provided for enhancing or replacing the
dictation and transcription process. More particularly, a computer-based
documentation system utilizing a document structure manipulated by a user
interface is provided. The document structure or "boiler plate" provides a
template useful for the generation of a document, it includes phrase
fields containing user-definable phrases and option-text fields. The
option-text fields store pointers to option-text expressions including
option-text segments. Through the use of the user interface, desired
modifications to the user-modifiable phrases and option-text segments can
be accomplished. The user interface further enables selecting of at least
one option-text segment from within an option-text field. Subsequently,
the system generates a document comprising at least one user-definable
phrase and at least one selected option-text segment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the document
generation system.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of the preferred embodiment
relational database.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an alternative embodiment of the document
generation system in which the relational database shares stored
information with more than one user.
FIG. 4 is a drawing depicting a preferred embodiment menu driven, graphical
window environment.
FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a preferred embodiment linked
user-modifiable document structure.
FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a preferred embodiment
user-modifiable option-text field.
FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a preferred embodiment example of information
which can be stored in a patient database and subsequently may be utilized
by a plurality of users through the selection of particular option-text
segments within an option-text field.
FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a preferred embodiment example data structure
which may be utilized to enter specific patient information.
FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a preferred embodiment example of selecting an
option-text segment comprising a user-definable text-note and subsequently
the automatic activation of a single line editing mode so that a single
line of customized text can be entered into the database.
FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an alternative preferred embodiment example of
selecting an option-text segment comprising a user-definable text-note and
subsequently the automatic activation of a multiple line editing mode so
that multiple lines of customized text can be entered into the database.
FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an alternative preferred embodiment example of
selecting several previously defined document structures to form a new
document structure.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment procedure for
generating a document.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Shown in FIG. 1, is a diagram of a preferred embodiment document generation
system. The preferred embodiment document generation system 1 comprises a
computing device 10, relational database 2, and multi-document word
processor 6. In an alternative embodiment, the document generation system
1 further includes an output device such as a printer device 8.
The computing device 10 preferably comprises an electronic display 15, a
data processing device 16, and a keyboard 18. The computing device 10
further includes an electronic storage device 20 for storing information
from the relational database 2. Electronic storage device 20 can be any
device capable of storing data for long periods of time. For example,
electronic storage device 20 could be a floppy disk drive, Bernoulli hard
drive, Winchester hard disk, analog tape drive, digital tape drive,
optical disk drive. It will be appreciated by those in the art that new or
improved electronic storage devices can be utilized by the present
invention as they become available for use. In an alternative embodiment,
the computing device 10 further includes a pointing device 12. The
pointing device can be utilized by the document generation system 1 as an
alternative input device. The pointing device may comprise a mouse,
trackball, light pen, bar-code scanner or digitizing pad.
In the preferred embodiment, relational database 2 comprises a
user-definable electronic document structure 22 shown in FIG. 2. The
user-definable document structure 22 comprises a plurality of phrase
fields 40 which electronically store user-definable phrases and further
comprises an option-text field for electronically storing a plurality of
user definable option-text segments.
In an alternative embodiment, the option-text segments further comprises a
plurality of data pointers which point to previously stored text which is
electronically stored in an option list 24. The relational database 2
further comprises patient data 32 which includes specific information
about a particular patient which may be needed to produce a plurality of
different documents derived from a plurality of different document
structures 22. The preferred option-text field further comprises a
plurality of data pointers which point to particular data segments within
stored patient data 32.
The relational database 2 preferably further comprises selection data 38.
Preferred selection data 38 includes information concerning selections of
different option-text segments within a particular document structure 32
in combination with a particular set of patient data 32 and a date stamp
28. The relational database 2 in combination with the data processor 16
further preferably includes a date stamp 28 function. The date stamp 28
function allows the relational database 2 to determine the data and time
that each document structure 22, option list 24, patient data 32, or
selection data 38 was created or modified. It will be appreciated that
relational database 2 may be configured in a variety of different
structures and the description above is merely one example of one such
structure.
The computing device 10 in combination with the multi-document word
processor 6 and relational database 2 provide a user interface for
utilizing the document structure 22 to generate a document. The
multi-document word processor 6 provides an editing environment for making
user modifications to the user-definable phrases and user-definable
option-text segments within the option-text fields 42. Interaction of the
electronic display 14, data processing device 16 and keyboard 18 provide a
selecting function for selecting at least one user-definable option-text
segment within an option-text field. This selecting may be accomplished by
depressing key actuators on keyboard 18 which indicate the selection of a
particular user definable option-text segment. In an alternative
embodiment, movement of a pointing device 12 in combination with
activating pointing activator accomplish the selecting function. The
elements of the user interface further combine to provide a document
generation function which generates a document comprising at least one
user-definable phrase and at least one selection option-text segment of an
option-text field.
In an alternative embodiment, document structure 22 preferably includes a
user-modifiable electronic link between a phrase field and an option-text
field. In addition, the document structure 22 preferably includes a
user-modifiable electronic link between a first and second phrase field.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that such links may be formed in
various manners including, for example, the use of data pointers which
point to the following element which is to be linked, the use of lookup
tables, or B-tree data structures. Further, the multi-document word
processor 6 typically provides an editing environment for making user
modifications to the links between a phrase field and an option-text field
as well as between a first and second phrase field. The elements of the
user interface typically further combine to provide a document generation
function which generates a document comprising a phrase field linked to an
option-text field. Similarly, the document generation function may
generate a document from the linked first and second phrase fields.
In an alternative embodiment, a multi-user system partitions relational
database 2 into a plurality of parts. The multi-user system includes user
specific document structures 22, option lists 24 and selection data 38. In
addition, particular information may be stored such that more than one
user can access the particular information. Such information may include
date stamp 28 and patient data 32. In this alternative embodiment, each
user may have access to the shared information for use in generating a
document and may define specific document structures incorporating
available data in a manner which seems appropriate for the particular
document desired. For instance, such a multi-user system might be used in
a hospital or clinic wherein a variety of different types of physicians
are using document generation system 1. An orthopedic surgeon and a
gynecologist probably would not want to have the same document structure
22 for describing an office visit; however, both physicians may need to
incorporate specific patient data including name, age, address, date of
birth and insurance provider into a particular report document.
Significant cost savings and efficiency can be achieved by sharing this
information between various individuals utilizing document generation
system 1. At the same time, it is typically necessary to provide
flexibility within the document generation system 1 to allow custom
documents or reports to be generated for a particular situation. As a
result, relational database 2 preferably is partitioned into user specific
data and sharable data. Such a configuration can be utilized across a
local area network comprising a plurality of computing devices 10
connected to a relational database 2 which has user specific and sharable
portions of data.
Security access to stored data preferably is provided by the document
generation system 1. Security access may be provided by distinguishing
between each user's data and reports through the use of a user name. In
the preferred embodiment, the user name is comprised of the first and last
name of a user followed by an optional security password. The first and
last name are combined to form a pointer to a storage location within
relational database 2 which can typically be accessed by a user only after
entering his or her first and last name as well as a security password.
Computing device 10 further includes an automatic configuration function in
which the data processor 16 automatically senses the presence of an output
device and automatically configures to operate with that output device.
Such an output device may include electronic display 14 and printing
device 8. In addition, computing device 10 preferably includes an
operating function in which a user-definable output driver for operating
the output device can be defined. Such a user-definable output driver
definition function can be particularly important for use in preferred
embodiment document generation systems 1 which include a printer device 8
which is not automatically supported and configured to by data processor
16.
The preferred embodiment document generation system 1 further includes a
contextual help function in which operating instructions for use of the
document generation system 1 can be displayed on electronic display 14 or
printed to printer device 8.
FIG. 4 is a drawing depicting a preferred embodiment menu-driven, graphical
windowing environment. This windowing environment of document generation
system 1 supports both text and graphics operation modes. A user can
choose between the two different modes of operation. In either mode of
operation, the appearance and functionality of the document generation
system remains substantially consistent. The only limitation is that the
use of an alternative embodiment graphics engine typically is not
available in text mode operation.
The preferred graphics window environment 50 is divided into three areas.
The areas include a top window section 52 which preferably displays the
date, time, product name and main menu selections. In addition, window
environment 50 includes a middle section window 54 where documents,
graphics and dialogue windows can be displayed and manipulated. Further,
the graphics window environment 50 includes a bottom section 56 which
displays status information for such things as the word processor 6, a
generated report, particular selections of report and patients, and
keyboard choices.
One of the first steps in using the document generation system 1 is to
create a document structure 22. An example of a preferred embodiment
user-modifiable document structure 22' is shown in FIG. 5. The example
user-modifiable document structure 22' comprises a series of phrase fields
linked to option-text fields. For example, phrase 58 is linked to
option-text field pointer 60 within example document structure 22'. In the
preferred embodiment document generation system 1, a plurality of
different reports can be generated for different needs. For example, a
physician will probably create a separate report for initial visits and
for follow-up visits by a particular patient as well as a separate report
for writing a prescription.
After creating a document structure 22, a user typically defines the
contents of an option-text field. Shown in FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an
example of a preferred embodiment user-modifiable option-text field 60.
The example option-text field 60 includes a plurality of user-definable
option-text segments 62, 64 and 66. A user can modify the contents of
option-text field 60 through the use of word processor 6. Option-text
segments 62, 64 or 66 may be inserted into document structure 22 to form a
document. By selecting different option-text segments within an
option-text field, a user can customize a particular report for a
particular patient corresponding to a particular office visit. For
example, document structure 22' can be combined with the selection of
option-text segment 62 to form a document stating "patient came in
complaining of fatigue, . . . ". In the preferred embodiment, the user
interface provides the ability to select more than one option-text segment
within an option-text field. For example, if the user selects option-text
segment 66, the user interface will prompt the user to select two other
option-text segments which will subsequently be combined with the document
structure 22 when a document is generated.
Another typical step in utilizing the document generation system 1 is the
entering of patient data into patient data storage portion 32 of the
relational database 2. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a preferred embodiment
example of information which can be stored in a patient database 32 within
relational database 2. Subsequently, the patient information can be
utilized by a plurality of users through the selection of particular
option-text segments within the option-text field 68 for insertion into
example document structure 22'. The patient specific information could be
input into a user-defined document structure 70 shown in FIG. 8. By using
patient data document structure 70, the user interface typically will
prompt the user for various patient specific information such as last
name, first name, middle initial, home phone and health insurance company
ID number. After a user enters this information into example patient data
structure 70, the information can be stored in relational database 2 in
patient data portion 32. Subsequently, such information can be retrieved
for use in generating a document comprising option-text segments pointing
to information stored within patient data storage portion 32.
After creating suitable document structures 22 and entering patient
information into patient data storage portion 32 of relational database 2,
a user can generate a set of selection data 38 which can be stored in
relational database 2. To create a particular selection data set, a user
will first select a particular patient for which a report is to be
generated. Shown in FIG. 4 is a preferred embodiment menu from which to
choose the option of specifying a particular patient. A user may select
the "choose patient from list" option 51 from the menu. As a result of
such a selection, preferred computer device 10 will display another menu
from which to choose a particular patient for generating a report. After
the user selects a particular patient from the menu, the user typically
will select a "single report" option 53 from the menu to designate a
particular report document which is to be generated for this particular
patient. Upon selection of "single report" option 53, a window including a
menu of possible document structures 22 which can be used to generate a
document considering this patient preferably will be shown. A user then
typically will select the particular document structure 22 which is to be
used in conjunction with the selected patient. Subsequently, a document
structure may be shown on electronic display 14 for review by user. Data
processor 16 preferably will prompt the user to select particular
option-text segments within option-text fields in a particular document
structure 22. An example of such a document structure 22' is shown in FIG.
5, and an associated example option-text field 60 is shown in FIG. 6. Data
processor 16 typically will prompt the user to select one of the
option-text segments within the option-text field 60 before allowing the
user to generate a report.
FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a preferred embodiment example of selecting an
option-text expression comprising a pointer 71 to a user-definable text
note 73 and subsequently the automatic activation of a single line editing
mode so that a single line of customized text can be entered into the
selection data 38 for subsequent use in generating a document derived from
the selection data 38. A user may select a pointer 71 linked to an
option-text note 73 to customize a report for a particular situation when,
for example, the option-text segments within an option-text field are not
appropriate for a particular situation or when a user desires to add
additional information into the report at that particular point.
Alternatively, a user could select a pointer linked to an option-text note
73' shown in FIG. 10, which provides multiple line editing capabilities so
that multiple lines of text can be entered into the selection data 38.
After a user has selected option-text expressions within all of the
option-text fields pointed at by option-text pointers within a document
structure 22, the user can electronically store this selection data in
electronic storage device 20. Upon storing the selection data in
electronic storage device 20, a time/date stamp 28 typically is added to
the selection data 38 so that the particular set of selection data can be
identified at a later time.
In addition, a user may choose to generate a document. Shown in FIG. 12 is
a diagram showing a preferred embodiment procedure for generating a
document. A typical generated document 36 is derived from a data structure
22 in combination with option list 24, selection data 38 and patient data
32. Data preferably is inserted into data structure 22 at the points in
which option-text field pointers point to particular data. In particular,
option-text field pointers which point to patient data may become the
actual patient data in a generated document. Further, selections of
particular option-text segments within option fields 24 may be used to
determine which option-text segments are to be inserted into data
structure 22 to form generated document 36. Furthermore, selection data 38
comprising text notes typically are inserted into data structure 22 at the
appropriate points to form a generated document 36. After generating a
document 36, document generation system 1 can display a generated document
on the electronic display 14 of computing device 10 and/or output the
generated document to printer 8.
FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an alternative preferred embodiment example of
selecting several previously defined document structures 22 to form a new
document structure 72. It may be desirable to generate a complete patient
report including several separate reports. For instance, a complete
patient report document might include a report document structure 22 for
"an initial visit," "lab results," and "follow-up" for ease of data entry
and subsequent document generation these separate document structures 22
may be combined into a single document structure 72. As a result, a
plurality of different multiple document structure definitions 72 may be
generated for specific needs. Shown in FIG. 11, multiple document
structure definitions 72 normally will include several document structure
definitions 22. A user can define the order in which each document
structure 22 will appear in multiple document structure definition 72.
After a user has selected each of these desired document structu | | |
