U.S. patent application number 11/314945 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-17 for generating a request from a nutraceutical inventory.
Invention is credited to Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. JR. Rinaldo, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. JR. Wood.
Application Number | 20070112591 11/314945 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38042004 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070112591 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jung; Edward K.Y. ; et
al. |
May 17, 2007 |
Generating a request from a nutraceutical inventory
Abstract
A method, system, and computer program product are described for
registering a nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an
inventory and responding to the registering by indicating a request
quantity partly based on the inventory and partly based on a
consumption regimen.
Inventors: |
Jung; Edward K.Y.;
(Bellevue, WA) ; Levien; Royce A.; (Lexington,
MA) ; Lord; Robert W.; (Seattle, WA) ;
Malamud; Mark A.; (Seattle, WA) ; Rinaldo; John D.
JR.; (Bellevue, WA) ; Tegreene; Clarence T.;
(Bellevue, WA) ; Wood; Lowell L. JR.; (Livermore,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Searete LLC
Suite 110
1756 - 114th Ave.
Bellevue
WA
98004
US
|
Family ID: |
38042004 |
Appl. No.: |
11/314945 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11283548 |
Nov 17, 2005 |
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11314945 |
Dec 20, 2005 |
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11291482 |
Nov 30, 2005 |
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11314945 |
Dec 20, 2005 |
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11291532 |
Nov 30, 2005 |
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11314945 |
Dec 20, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/2 ;
705/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 10/60 20180101;
G16H 40/20 20180101; G16H 70/00 20180101; G16H 70/20 20180101; G06Q
10/10 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G16H 70/40 20180101; G06Q
10/087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/002 ;
705/028 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: registering a nutraceutical-containing
dispensation from an inventory; and responding to the registering
by indicating a request quantity partly based on the inventory and
partly based on a consumption regimen.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to the registering by
indicating a request quantity partly based on the inventory and
partly based on a consumption regimen comprises: receiving a user
preference; and identifying a compound comprising the request
quantity.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to the registering by
indicating a request quantity partly based on the inventory and
partly based on a consumption regimen comprises: receiving the
request quantity; and storing the request quantity.
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving at least a
portion of the consumption regimen.
16. (canceled)
17. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a request
for a subscription.
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to the registering by
indicating a request quantity partly based on the inventory and
partly based on a consumption regimen comprises: retrieving at
least a portion of the consumption regimen at least partly based on
one or more attributes of a primary subject.
23. (canceled)
24. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to the registering by
indicating a request quantity partly based on the inventory and
partly based on a consumption regimen comprises: receiving a user
input indicating at least one of a nutraceutical or a symptom.
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. The method of claim 1, wherein registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory comprises:
allocating a multivitamin supplement component apportioned into one
or more increments of a uniform increment size.
30. (canceled)
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. (canceled)
35. (canceled)
36. (canceled)
37. (canceled)
38. (canceled)
39. (canceled)
40. (canceled)
41. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to the registering by
indicating a request quantity partly based on the inventory and
partly based on a consumption regimen comprises: receiving an
available regimen remotely; and adopting the available regimen as
the consumption regimen.
42. (canceled)
43. (canceled)
44. The method of claim 1, wherein registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory comprises:
predicting a state of the inventory.
45. (canceled)
46. (canceled)
47. (canceled)
48. (canceled)
49. (canceled)
50. (canceled)
51. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to the registering by
indicating a request quantity partly based on the inventory and
partly based on a consumption regimen comprises: displaying a
performance indicator of the regimen relating to a potential result
of following the regimen.
52. (canceled)
53. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to the registering by
indicating a request quantity partly based on the inventory and
partly based on a consumption regimen comprises: receiving an
indication of a quantity within each of one or more delivery units;
and indicating the request quantity as a number of the one or more
delivery units.
54. (canceled)
55. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to the registering by
indicating a request quantity partly based on the inventory and
partly based on a consumption regimen comprises: detecting a
condition; and responding to the condition by determining the
request quantity.
56. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to the registering by
indicating a request quantity partly based on the inventory and
partly based on a consumption regimen comprises: determining the
request quantity partly based on an indication of a visible
attribute or a behavior of a subject.
57. (canceled)
58. (canceled)
59. (canceled)
60. (canceled)
61. (canceled)
62. (canceled)
63. (canceled)
64. (canceled)
65. A system comprising: means for registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory; and means
for responding to the registering by indicating a request quantity
partly based on the inventory and partly based on a consumption
regimen.
66. (canceled)
67. (canceled)
68. (canceled)
69. (canceled)
70. (canceled)
71. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for responding to the
registering by indicating a request quantity partly based on the
inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen comprises:
means for storing the request quantity.
72. (canceled)
73. (canceled)
74. (canceled)
75. (canceled)
76. (canceled)
77. (canceled)
78. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory comprises:
means for applying one or more inventory maintenance criteria to
the inventory and to the nutraceutical-containing dispensation.
79. (canceled)
80. The system of claim 65, further comprising: means for receiving
at least one of a prognosis or another prediction.
81. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory comprises:
means for querying a user responsive to the registering.
82. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for responding to the
registering by indicating a request quantity partly based on the
inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen comprises:
means for retrieving at least a portion of the consumption regimen
at least partly based on one or more attributes of a primary
subject.
83. (canceled)
84. (canceled)
85. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for responding to the
registering by indicating a request quantity partly based on the
inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen comprises:
means for selecting a nutraceutical at least partly based on one or
more symptoms.
86. (canceled)
87. (canceled)
88. (canceled)
89. (canceled)
90. (canceled)
91. (canceled)
92. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for responding to the
registering by indicating a request quantity partly based on the
inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen comprises:
means for receiving at least a portion of a health regimen that
includes the consumption regimen.
93. (canceled)
94. (canceled)
95. (canceled)
96. (canceled)
97. (canceled)
98. (canceled)
99. (canceled)
100. (canceled)
101. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for responding to
the registering by indicating a request quantity partly based on
the inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen comprises:
means for adopting the available regimen as the consumption
regimen.
102. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for responding to
the registering by indicating a request quantity partly based on
the inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen comprises:
means for graphically indicating the request quantity.
103. (canceled)
104. (canceled)
105. (canceled)
106. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory comprises:
means for performing the nutraceutical-containing dispensation.
107. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory comprises:
means for prompting the nutraceutical-containing dispensation.
108. (canceled)
109. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory comprises:
means for responding to a result of a test indicating a state of a
subject
110. (canceled)
111. (canceled)
112. (canceled)
113. (canceled)
114. (canceled)
115. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for responding to
the registering by indicating a request quantity partly based on
the inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen comprises:
means for determining the request quantity partly based on an
indication of a visible attribute or a behavior of a subject.
116. (canceled)
117. (canceled)
118. (canceled)
119. The system of claim 65, wherein the means for registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory comprises:
means for receiving a user report of the nutraceutical-containing
dispensation.
120. A system comprising: circuitry for registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory; and a
module for responding to the registering by indicating a request
quantity partly based on the inventory and partly based on a
consumption regimen.
121. The system of claim 120, wherein the module for responding to
the registering by indicating a request quantity partly based on
the inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen comprises:
circuitry for determining the request quantity partly based on a
user preference.
122. (canceled)
123. (canceled)
124. The system of claim 120, wherein the module for responding to
the registering by indicating a request quantity partly based on
the inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen comprises:
circuitry for confirming the nutraceutical-containing
dispensation.
125. (canceled)
126. (canceled)
127. The system of claim 120, further comprising: circuitry for
identifying a compound comprising the request quantity.
128. (canceled)
129. The system of claim 120, further comprising: circuitry for
authenticating a user input.
130. (canceled)
131. The system of claim 120, further comprising: circuitry for
receiving an update of the module for responding to the registering
by indicating a request quantity.
132. (canceled)
133. (canceled)
134. (canceled)
135. (canceled)
136. (canceled)
137. (canceled)
138. The system of claim 120, further comprising: circuitry for
determining whether any update can be obtained for the consumption
regimen.
139. The system of claim 120, further comprising: circuitry for
obtaining a regimen remotely.
140. The system of claim 120, further comprising: circuitry for
communicating with a consultant remotely.
141. (canceled)
142. The system of claim 120, further comprising: circuitry for
communicating with an inventory manager containing the
inventory.
143. (canceled)
144. (canceled)
145. (canceled)
146. A system comprising: a computing device; and at least one of
one or more instructions for registering a nutraceutical-containing
dispensation from an inventory; and one or more instructions for
responding to the registering by indicating a request quantity
partly based on the inventory and partly based on a consumption
regimen.
147. (canceled)
148. (canceled)
149. (canceled)
150. (canceled)
151. The system of claim 146, further comprising: one or more
instructions for recording the nutraceutical-containing
dispensation with other medical history data of a subject.
152. (canceled)
153. (canceled)
154. (canceled)
155. (canceled)
156. The system of claim 146, further comprising: at least one of
one or more instructions for receiving an indication of a quantity
within each of one or more delivery units; and one or more
instructions for indicating the request quantity as a number of the
one or more delivery units.
157. A computer program product comprising: a signal-bearing medium
bearing at least one of one or more instructions for registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory; and one or
more instructions for responding to the registering by indicating a
request quantity partly based on the inventory and partly based on
a consumption regimen.
158. (canceled)
159. (canceled)
160. (canceled)
161. (canceled)
162. (canceled)
163. (canceled)
164. (canceled)
165. (canceled)
166. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to, claims the earliest
available effective filing date(s) from (e.g., claims earliest
available priority dates for other than provisional patent
applications; claims benefits under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e) for
provisional patent applications), and incorporates by reference in
its entirety all subject matter of the following listed
application(s) (the "Related Applications") to the extent such
subject matter is not inconsistent herewith; the present
application also claims the earliest available effective filing
date(s) from, and also incorporates by reference in its entirety
all subject matter of any and all parent, grandparent,
great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Application(s)
to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith. The
United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to the
effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent
applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an
application is a continuation or continuation in part. Stephen G.
Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO Electronic
Official Gazette, Mar. 18, 2003 at
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm.
The present applicant entity has provided below a specific
reference to the application(s) from which priority is being
claimed as recited by statute. Applicant entity understands that
the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and
does not require either a serial number or any characterization
such as "continuation" or "continuation-in-part." Notwithstanding
the foregoing, applicant entity understands that the USPTO's
computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and hence
applicant entity is designating the present application as a
continuation in part of its parent applications, but expressly
points out that such designations are not to be construed in any
way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not
the present application contains any new matter in addition to the
matter of its parent application(s).
Related Applications:
[0002] 1. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/283,548, entitled PROVIDING
ASSISTANCE RELATED TO HEALTH, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Joyce A.
Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.,
Clarence T. Tegreene and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed
Nov. 17, 2005, which is currently co-pending, or is an application
of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the
benefit of the filing date.
[0003] 2. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/291,482, entitled TESTING-DEPENDENT
ADMINISTRATION OF A NUTRACEUTICAL, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce
A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.,
Clarence T. Tegreene and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed
Nov. 30, 2005, which is currently co-pending, or is an application
of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the
benefit of the filing date.
[0004] 3. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/291,532, entitled GENERATING A
NUTRACEUTICAL REQUEST FROM AN INVENTORY, naming Edward K. Y. Jung,
Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo,
Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene an dLowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,
filed Nov. 30, 2005, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.
SUMMARY
[0005] An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, the
method includes but is not limited to registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory and
responding to the registering by indicating a request quantity
partly based on the inventory and partly based on a consumption
regimen. In addition to the foregoing, other communication method
aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a
part of the present disclosure.
[0006] In one or more various aspects, related systems include but
are not limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the
herein referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming
can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or
firmware configured to effect the herein-referenced method aspects
depending upon the design choices of the system designer.
[0007] An embodiment provides a system. In one implementation, the
system includes but is not limited to circuitry for registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory and a
module for responding to the registering by indicating a request
quantity partly based on the inventory and partly based on a
consumption regimen. In addition to the foregoing, other computer
program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and
text forming a part of the present disclosure.
[0008] An embodiment provides another system. In one
implementation, the other system includes but is not limited to a
computing device and one or more instructions that when executed by
the computing device cause the computing device to perform at least
one of registering a nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an
inventory and responding to the registering by indicating a request
quantity partly based on the inventory and partly based on a
consumption regimen. In addition to the foregoing, other computer
program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and
text forming a part of the present disclosure.
[0009] An embodiment provides a computer program product. In one
implementation, the computer program product includes but is not
limited to a signal-bearing medium bearing at least one of (a) one
or more instructions for registering a nutraceutical-containing
dispensation from an inventory and (b) one or more instructions for
responding to the registering by indicating a request quantity
partly based on the inventory and partly based on a consumption
regimen.
[0010] In addition to the foregoing, various other embodiments are
set forth and described in the text (e.g., claims and/or detailed
description) and/or drawings of the present description.
[0011] The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity,
simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail;
consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices
and/or processes described herein, as defined by the claims, will
become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 shows an operational flow representing example
operations that produce an indication of an amount.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows an example system in schematic form, a hardware
implementation able to perform variants of the flow of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows another example system able to perform the flow
of FIG. 1 and many similar variations.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows another example system able to perform the flow
of FIG. 1 and many similar variations.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows various optional features of the flow of FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows another example system able to perform many
variants of the above-described flows.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows various optional features of the flow of FIG. 1
or 5.
[0019] FIG. 8 shows various optional features of the flow of FIG.
1, 5, or 7.
[0020] FIG. 9 shows further optional features of the system of FIG.
4.
[0021] FIG. 10 shows various optional features of the flow of FIG.
1, 5, 7 or 8.
[0022] FIG. 11 shows a system that includes a signal-bearing medium
that can comprise or interact with a conduit, a disk, an integrated
circuit, or a computing device.
[0023] FIG. 12 shows other optional features of the above-described
flows.
[0024] FIG. 13 shows still more optional features of the
above-described flows.
[0025] FIG. 14 shows another example system embodiment in schematic
form.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] FIG. 14 shows user system 1400 comprising one or more of
registration logic 1440 or quantity determination logic 1490.
Quantity determination logic 1490 optionally comprises one or more
of storage logic 1450, user interface 1462, module update logic
1470, network interface 1492, or compound identification logic
1496. Registration logic 1440 can include one or more of
dispensation confirmation logic 1443, user query logic 1446,
inventory maintenance logic 1447, event predictor 1448, regimen
implementation logic 1480, or scheduler 1483. Storage logic 1450
can include one or more of subject description 1453, user data
1454, regimen description 1455, and electronic inventory 1456. User
interface 1462 can include one or more of authentication logic 1466
or display 1467. Nutraceutical bin 1445 can contain one or more
nutraceuticals (e.g., nutraceutical-containing compounds) as well
as medications and the like. Nutraceutical bin may comprise part of
inventory manager 1444, or may be situated in a stand-alone
position accessible to user 1460 or one or more other users.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows an operational flow 100 representing example
operations that produce an indication of an amount of a request
quantity, such as by indicating a rate or otherwise expressing a
quantity that includes a nutraceutical. Flow 100 and other
embodiments as described below systemize regimens that include one
or more of these components, facilitating or enabling a user's
implementation of a regimen.
[0028] After a start operation, operational flow 100 moves to
operation 140, comprising registering a nutraceutical-containing
dispensation from an inventory (e.g., registration logic 1440
receiving an indication that user 1460 has removed a certain
quantity of nutraceutical from nutraceutrical bin 1445). The
dispensation can be a completed dispensation, an in-progress
dispensation, a tentative dispensation, a scheduled dispensation,
or a canceled dispensation of one or more nutraceutical-containing
materials, for example. Likewise the dispensation can relate to
electronic inventory 1456 or any physical inventory. After
operation 140, flow 100 then moves to operation 150, comprising
responding to the registering by indicating a request quantity
partly based on the inventory and partly based on a consumption
regimen (e.g., quantity determination logic 1490 sending a request
quantity via network interface 1492--through network 1420--to
supplier system 1425, where the request is partly based on a past
or present content of nutraceutical bin 1445 and a partly based on
a past or present consumption regimen as indicated by regimen
description 1455). The indication can be a display or other
transmission, for example. The consumption regimen can optionally
contain one or more regimens or regimen components, such as
seasonal, interspersed, contingent, occasional, or other
conditional regimen(s). Alternatively or additionally, the
consumption regimen can comprise a component of a master regimen
that also includes a non-consumption component. FIGS. 5, 7, 8, 10,
12, and 13 below include many variations of operational flow 100.
In various embodiments such as these, of course, flow 100 can
include additional operations or variations in the sequence of
operations.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an example system
200 in schematic form, a hardware implementation able to perform
variants of flow 100 as described below. Primary module 210
includes circuitry 230 for receiving at least an indication of the
registration (via linkage 232, e.g.) of a state of a subject (an
animal or other organism, e.g.). Primary module 210 further
includes logic 240 (such as a processor or programmable logic,
e.g.) for indicating the request quantity (via interface 238, e.g.)
partly based on the dispensation or other aspect of the inventory,
and partly based on the consumption regimen. Primary module 210 can
further include medium 250 accessible by at least logic 240, as
described below. (The dashed outline of medium 250 signifies that
some embodiments are specifically contemplated to exclude this
feature, and others are contemplated to include it.)
[0030] Linkage 232 is similarly indicated as optional. Even if
system 200 is merely a kit or physical structure with no
communication linkage 232, for example, it can be advantageous for
user 260 to access primary module 210 in proximity to inventory
manager 280. Linkage 232 can include one or more of analog data,
digital data, or a measurable physical property such as a distance
or similar geometry. Alternatively or additionally, linkage 232 can
comprise a conduit bearing one or more instructions that can be
stored in medium 250, for example, or can be executed by logic 240
to perform one or more variations of flow 100 such as those shown
in FIG. 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, or 13. Alternatively or additionally,
information can be conveyed to primary module on a ticket or a
similar printed record or memory device that can be deposited into
primary module 210. Alternatively or additionally, circuitry 230
can receive information (such as the regimen, e.g.) remotely and/or
from user 260.
[0031] Inventory manager 280 includes a medication or other
prescribed component (C.sub.1) 281, for example, and can include
one or more nutraceutical-containing or other components (C.sub.2)
282. Inventory manager 280 can be accessible to user 260 via
optional interface 262, which can optionally be used for receiving
user input in lieu of interface 238. Alternatively or additionally,
interface 262 can comprise a vending-machine-style dispenser able
to dispense one or more of the component(s) 281, 282 to user 260.
Even in an embodiment in which dispensations are via a third party,
and in lieu of interface 262, primary module 210 can register the
dispensation such as via linkage 232 or interface 238, and respond
accordingly (by operation 150, e.g.).
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown another example
system 300 able to perform operational flow 100 of FIG. 1 and many
similar variations. System 300 includes circuitry 330 and logic 340
as described below, and can further include one or more of link
321, interface 338, or medium 350. Logic 340 can optionally receive
input from a user (such as from user 360 via interface 338, e.g.)
locally. Medium 350 can bear one or more instructions that can be
executed by logic 340 (optionally a computing device, e.g.) for
performing one or more of the flows of FIG. 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, or
13.
[0033] As shown, link 321 can operably couple system 300 with
network 320. In some embodiments, network 320 can thus have access
to online research resource 312 through linkage 322 or to server
313 through linkage 323. Alternatively or additionally, network 320
can have access to expert 314 through linkage 324 or to supplier
370 through linkage 327. ("Expert" 314 can actually be an
herbalist, a pharmacist, a physician, a psychologist, a parent, an
author, a document, a database, a blog, or any other source of
opinion or information.) Research resource 312 can be remote from
system 300 or from server 313, expert 314, or supplier 370. Expert
314 can optionally be located at a clinic or similar retail or
healthcare facility that can advantageously include system 300 as
well as one or more of online research resource 312, server 313,
supplier 370, or user 360.
[0034] System 300 optionally includes circuitry (optionally
circuitry 330 with link 321, e.g.) for communicating with supplier
370 via network 320, such as by electronic mail, facsimile, or a
similar digital format. Alternatively or additionally, circuitry
330 can coordinate with link 321 for communicating with a regimen
server (such as server 313, e.g.) or with a consultant (such as
expert 314) remotely. Alternatively or additionally, supplier 370
can be configured to communicate with expert 314 via linkage 327 or
with (another) user 360 via linkage 361. Alternatively or
additionally, user 360 can access a component C.sub.1 381 (and
optionally one or more additional components C.sub.2 382) in an
inventory manager 380 via interface 362.
[0035] In some embodiments, system 300 is a computer or similar
device with inventory maintenance capabilities. In performing
operation 140 (of FIG. 1) or some variants described below, logic
340 can register a dispensation from an inventory, for example by
receiving an indication of the dispensation via user interface 338.
Circuitry 330 can respond as appropriate by indicating a request
quantity (at operation 150, e.g.), such as by transmitting the
request quantity via link 321 as an order (to supplier 370, e.g.)
or as a validation request (to a physician or other expert 314,
e.g.).
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown another example
system 400 able to perform operational flow 100 of FIG. 1 and many
similar variations such as those of FIG. 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, or 13.
System 400 comprises circuitry 440 for registering a
nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an inventory and module
470 for responding to the registering by indicating a request
quantity partly based on the inventory and partly based on a
consumption regimen. Circuitry 440 can adjoin, overlap, or
otherwise be operable to interact with module 470.
[0037] Module 470 optionally comprises circuitry 471 for
determining the request quantity partly based on a user preference.
Alternatively or additionally, module 470 can comprise one or more
of circuitry 472 for implementing the consumption regimen, medium
473 for storing at least the request quantity, circuitry 474 for
confirming the nutraceutical-containing dispensation, or medium 475
bearing one or more instructions for generating the request
quantity.
[0038] Also as shown, alternatively or additionally, system 400 can
further comprise circuitry 481 for receiving at least a portion of
the consumption regimen remotely. Alternatively or additionally,
system 400 can further comprise circuitry 482 for identifying a
compound comprising the request quantity, circuitry 483 for
receiving a user preference, circuitry 484 for authenticating a
user input, circuitry 485 for receiving an update of the
consumption regimen, or circuitry 486 for receiving an update of
the module for responding to the registering by indicating a
request quantity.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 5, there are shown various optional
features of operational flow 100 of FIG. 1. Operation
140--registering a nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an
inventory--may include one or more operations such as operation
543, which depicts confirming the nutraceutical-containing
dispensation (e.g., dispensation confirmation logic 1443 confirming
that a user 1460 has removed about 6 grams of St. John's wort from
nutraceutical bin 1445 over the course of a week, such as, for
example, dispensation confirmation logic 1443 comparing starting
and ending volumes of St. John's wort in nutraceutical bin 1445).
Operation 543 can likewise be performed by dispensation
confirmation logic 1443 receiving a user input affirming the
dispensation, for example, or by a module 470 that includes
circuitry 474 of FIG. 4.
[0040] In various implementations, user system 1400 of FIG. 14 or
system 400 of FIG. 4 can alternatively or additionally be
configured to perform operation 150--responding to the registering
by indicating a request quantity partly based on the inventory and
partly based on a consumption regimen--by including one or more of
operation 551, operation 552, operation 556, operation 557,
operation 558, or operation 560. Operation 551 comprises receiving
a user preference (e.g., user interface 1462 receiving a preference
from user 1460 that user 1460 desires a high-energy formulation of
his regimen), such as can be performed by a system 400 that
includes circuitry 483 of FIG. 4.
[0041] Operation 552 comprises identifying a compound comprising
the request quantity (e.g., compound identification logic 1496
identifying a nutraceutical such as bee pollen or ginkgo biloba).
For example, if the electronic inventory 1456 indicates that the
nutraceutical bin 1445 contains bee pollen and the user data 1454
indicates a preference for a high energy regimen, compound
identification logic 1496 can identify bee pollen as a desirable
nutraceutical by updating regimen description 1455. In other
embodiments, operation 552 can be performed a variant of system 400
that includes circuitry 482.
[0042] Operation 556 comprises determining the request quantity
partly based on a user preference (e.g., quantity determination
logic 1490 determining that user 1460 has requested one pound of a
protein supplement in response to a user preference for
one-month-based purchases). The user data 1454 can also include one
or more preferences relating to nutraceutical price, freshness
and/or diversity, or the like. In other embodiments, operation 556
can be performed by a module 470 that includes circuitry 471 of
FIG. 4.
[0043] Operation 557 comprises receiving the request quantity
(e.g., user interface 1462 can receive data indicating a suggested
amount of 50 tablets of a vitamin B complex), which can then be
displayed to user 1460 or stored for later use, for example. In
other embodiments, the request quantity can likewise be received
from module 470 after executing the one or more instructions for
generating the request quantity borne by medium 475.
[0044] Operation 558 comprises storing the request quantity (e.g.,
user interface 1462 storing a message in user data 1454 containing
several suggested reorder amounts until user 1460 logs in again).
In other embodiments, operation 558 can be performed with medium
473 of FIG. 4 or with medium 350 of FIG. 3. These or other media of
system 400 can likewise store data related to the request quantity,
of course, such as other request quantities, medical history data,
security information, supplier identification, user preferences, or
instructions in light of teachings herein.
[0045] Operation 560--performing one or more additional
operations--may include one or more of the following operations:
561, 562, 563, 564, and/or 566. Operation 561 depicts receiving an
update of the consumption regimen remotely (e.g., network interface
1492 receiving an indication that a given expert's diet regimen now
allows up to 280 grams of protein supplement per week). This
information can then be used by scheduler 1483 or stored in regimen
description 1455 for later display to user 1460, for example.
[0046] Operation 562 depicts scheduling the consumption regimen
(e.g., scheduler 1483 using a received update in changing the
current regimen to allow at most 40 grams of protein per day). In
other embodiments, operation 562 can be performed by a module 470
that includes circuitry 472 of FIG. 4.
[0047] Operation 563 depicts receiving an update of a module (e.g.,
module update logic 1470 receiving version 2.7 of a data file
relied upon by compound identification logic 1496, and using it to
replace version 2.8 previously in effect). In other embodiments,
operation 563 can be performed by a system 400 that includes
circuitry 486 of FIG. 4.
[0048] Operation 564 depicts receiving at least a portion of the
consumption regimen (e.g., network interface 1492 receiving a list
of all 45 nutraceuticals that can be required by regimen X). User
1460 can use this information in determining whether regimen X will
require any unusual purchases, for example. In other embodiments,
operation 564 can be performed by circuitry 481 of FIG. 4 or by
logic 240 of FIG. 2, in some embodiments.
[0049] Operation 566 depicts authenticating a user input (e.g.,
authentication logic 1466 confirming the correctness of a password
input by user 1460). In other embodiments, operation 566 can be
performed by a system 400 that includes circuitry 484 of FIG.
4.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown another example
system 600 able to perform many variants of flow 100 described with
reference to one or more of FIG. 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, or 13. System 600
can be configured to perform these variants with or without
proximity or direct interaction with any user or inventory manager,
except those few variants for which context dictates otherwise.
[0051] System 600 includes circuitry 650 for registering a
dispensation from an inventory within a module 630 for responding
to the registering by indicating a request, consistent with flow
100 of FIG. 1. As shown, module 630 can also include one or more of
computing device 634, logic 636, or logic 638. Circuitry 650 can
optionally include one or more of logic 654, logic 656, or memory
658. Storage 660 can optionally include one or more of code 667,
data 668 (which can comprise historical data or inventory data,
e.g.), or other data 670 such as one or more regimens 672, 674.
[0052] In some embodiments, logic 654 can comprise logic for
prompting the test result (and/or other information that may relate
to the subject) by requesting a test that partly depends on a
medical history of the subject, for example, by transmitting a
prompting signal as output 622 to network 620. (See FIGS.
11&12.) Alternatively or additionally, system 600 can perform a
flow 100 including an operation 556, for example, based on a user
preference received via input 621 and archived in storage 660.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 7, there are shown various optional
features of operational flow 100 of FIG. 1 or 5. In various
implementations, system 600 of FIG. 6 can optionally be configured
to perform flow 100 with one or more of operation 743 or operation
749.
[0054] Operation 743 comprises applying one or more inventory
maintenance criteria to the inventory and to the
nutraceutical-containing dispensation (e.g., inventory maintenance
logic 1447 determining that a family's current regimen will exhaust
the family's annis root in nutraceutical bin 1445 in less than a
triggering time of two weeks). The criteria can likewise include a
default or user-specified upper limit on a monetary value of an
inventory, for example, or a maximum acceptable age of a perishable
nutraceutical-containing compound. In some variants of the
embodiment of FIG. 6, in response to receiving an input 621
indicating that a user's inventory manager is nearly full, for
example, applying the criteria may accordingly reduce the request
quantity to avoid spoilage, substantial investment in an
ineffective or unneeded regimen, or other forms of waste. Also,
system 600 optionally includes logic 638 comprising logic for
querying a user responsive to the registering (at operation 749),
such as by transmitting one or more requests as output 622 to
network 620. This approach can help tailor the regimen by seeking
input about a subject when a user is likely to be available, for
example, around the time of the registering.
[0055] Operation 749 comprises querying a user responsive to the
registering (e.g., user query logic 1446 sending a request to user
1460 to know whether a child still has a flu, to facilitate a
decision of whether to reorder).
[0056] Operation 754 comprises retrieving at least a portion of the
consumption regimen at least partly based on one or more attributes
of a primary subject (e.g., storage logic 1450 selecting a portion
of the contents of regimen description 1455 based on learning that
the primary subject is a 6'2'' man who is slightly overweight). In
some embodiments, operation 754 can include retrieving a regimen
(regimen 672 of FIG. 6, e.g.) unique to the subject. Absent such an
individualized regimen, even a few attributes such as age or
symptom can form a basis for an effective regimen.
[0057] Operation 755 comprises selecting the request quantity
partly based on an increment size of an inventory (e.g., quantity
determination logic 1490 deciding to suggest a second 1-pound tin
of herbal tea even when 4 single-ounce packets would have been a
less costly way to reach a total of 20 ounces). In other
embodiments, data 668 of FIG. 6 may identify the increment size,
for example, used by computing device 634 for performing the
selecting operation 755.
[0058] Operation 757 comprises receiving a user input indicating at
least one of a nutraceutical or a symptom (e.g., compound
identification logic 1496 receiving an indication of a symptom of
"having foot cramps" from subject description 1453 or user 1460).
The user input may be received via a questionnaire (electronic or
paper, e.g.), for example.
[0059] Operation 758 comprises selecting a nutraceutical at least
partly based on one or more symptoms (e.g., compound identification
logic 1496 selecting calcium and magnesium citrate responsive to an
indication of foot cramps).
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 8, there are shown various optional
features of operational flow 100 of FIG. 1, 5, or 7. In various
implementations, system 200 of FIG. 2 or user system 1400 of FIG.
14 can be configured to perform flow 100 with operation 140
including one or more of operation 841, operation 843, operation
847, operation 848, or operation 849.
[0061] Operation 841 comprises dispensing a nutraceutical (e.g.,
dispensation confirmation logic 1443 sending an instruction to
nutraceutical bin 1445 or to user 1460 via display 1467). In other
embodiments, inventory manager 280 likewise performs operation 841,
for example, by dispensing a nutraceutical-containing component 282
responsive to an instruction (via linkage 232) from primary module
210. The registering can optionally cause or enable or result from
the dispensing operation 841, or stand in some other relation to
the dispensing operation 841, conditional or otherwise.
[0062] Operation 843 comprises combining a mineral with an amino
acid (e.g., regimen implementation logic 1480 implementing a
nutraceutical combination including an amino acid chelated
calcium). In other embodiments, for a subject who takes a steady
regimen including more than one component (such as these), compound
identification logic 1496 can optionally streamline regimen
implementation by preferring multivitamins and other products that
encapsulate more than one regimen component in a single article
(tablet, e.g.) or otherwise consolidate consumption.
[0063] Operation 847 comprises registering a received
antioxidant-containing component apportioned into one or more
capsules (e.g., inventory maintenance logic 1447 receiving an
electronic inventory update to show that vitamin C capsules have
been added to nutraceutical bin 1445). Operation 848 depicts
allocating a multivitamin supplement component apportioned into one
or more increments of a uniform increment size (e.g., inventory
maintenance logic 1447 reserving all 100 identical tablets for the
use of one person who draws from nutraceutical bin 1445). Operation
849 comprises forming the nutraceutical-containing dispensation as
a combination containing one or more of the capsules and one or
more of the increments (e.g., inventory maintenance logic 1447
generating a dispensation specifying two capsules and one tablet,
which dispensation can then be included in a message displayed to
user 1460).
[0064] FIG. 8 also shows various optional features of operational
flow 100 of FIG. 1, 5, or 7 comprising additional operation 852,
operation 854, or operation 856. In various implementations, system
300 of FIG. 3 or user system 1400 of FIG. 4 can be configured to
perform flow 100 with operation 150 including one or more of these
additional operations.
[0065] Operation 852 comprises receiving a validation of at least a
portion of the consumption regimen (e.g., network interface 1492
receiving a message of approval from the subject's doctor
concerning a detoxifying regimen that includes calcium
D-glucarate). In some embodiments relating to FIG. 3, the
validation of operation 852 can be received from user 360 or expert
314, for example, optionally in response to an automated request
for such a validation. The request can define or justify the
portion of the consumption regimen briefly, for example, and
specify an action (such as clicking a button or entering a code,
e.g.) by which the validation can be generated. The responding
operation 150 can optionally be made conditional on receiving the
validation before a deadline, for example, or can otherwise affect
a condition or manner by which system 300 will complete the
responding operation 150.
[0066] Operation 854 comprises receiving at least a portion of a
health regimen that includes the consumption regimen (e.g., regimen
description 1455 receiving a complete diet and exercise regimen).
In some variants of FIG. 3, for example, the portion can be
received by circuitry 330 via network 320. System 300 can present
several such health regimens of interest to user 360 via interface
338, for example, prompting user 360 to adopt one or more of the
health regimens. Logic 340 can then implement one or more
user-adopted regimens by storing one or more instructions of each
of the adopted regimens in medium 350 (a memory, e.g.). Likewise,
as will be shown following, system 300 can perform operation 856
before, during, after, or without the above-described adoption
operation. See FIG. 10, for example.
[0067] Operation 856 comprises receiving one or more components of
the consumption regimen (e.g., regimen description 1455 receiving a
complete diet and exercise regimen). Other components of the
consumption regimen can optionally be obtained, for example, by
deriving them from regimen description 1455.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 9, there are shown further optional
features of system 400 of FIG. 4. As explained above, system 400
comprises circuitry 440 for registering a nutraceutical-containing
dispensation from an inventory and module 470 for responding to the
registering by indicating a request quantity partly based on the
inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen.
[0069] Module 470 optionally comprises display 971 configured for
digitally indicating the request quantity. Alternatively or
additionally, module 470 can comprise one or more of display 972
configured for graphically indicating the request quantity, module
973 for receiving input from a user locally, or module 974 for
predicting a state of the inventory. Alternatively or additionally,
module 470 can comprise signal-bearing medium 980 bearing one or
more instructions such as those of FIG. 11 below.
[0070] Also as shown, alternatively or additionally, system 400 can
further comprise circuitry 981 for accessing a network.
Alternatively or additionally, system 400 can further comprise
circuitry 982 for determining whether any update can be obtained
for the consumption regimen, circuitry 983 for obtaining a regimen
remotely, circuitry 984 for communicating with a consultant
remotely, circuitry 985 for communicating with a supplier, or
circuitry 986 for communicating with an inventory manager
containing the inventory.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 10, there are shown various optional
features of operational flow 100 of FIG. 1, 5, 7 or 8. In various
implementations, user system 1400 of FIG. 14 or system 400 of FIG.
9 can optionally be configured to perform flow 100 with operation
140 including one or more of operation 1041, operation 1046,
operation 1047, operation 1048, or operation 1049. Operation 1041
comprises accessing a network (e.g., user query logic 1446
contacting a consultant or other user via the Internet). In other
embodiments, operation 1041 is performed by circuitry 981 in the
system 400 as shown in FIGS. 4 & 9.
[0072] Operation 1046 comprises receiving input from a user locally
(e.g., user query logic 1446 receiving a query response from user
1460 through user interface 1462).
[0073] Operation 1047 comprises predicting a state of the inventory
(e.g., event predictor 1448 predicting that a supply of zinc in
nutraceutical bin 1445 will run out in 28 days in lieu of
restocking or a regimen change). In some embodiments, operation
1047 can be performed by a variant of system 400 comprising module
974. The prediction may be based on one or more attributes of one
or more dispensations such as the registered one(s), for example,
or upon the consumption regimen or a current state of the
inventory. The predicted state may be detailed, such as a complete
description of each component and its ingredients, its age, its
location, and the like. The predicted state may alternatively be
more basic, such as "adequate" or "in need of component Z." The
predicted state may also be expressed in various forms, such as a
duration or a percentage.
[0074] Operation 1048 comprises postponing an action responsive to
determining that the predicted state meets one or more criteria
(e.g., scheduler 1483 postponing ordering any single item over $200
without a specific approval from user 1460).
[0075] Operation 1049 comprises communicating with an inventory
manager containing the inventory (e.g., dispensation confirmation
logic 1443 or inventory maintenance logic 1447 communicating with
inventory manager 1444 containing an inventory of supplements and
medications in nutraceutical bin 1445).
[0076] Operation 1052 comprises determining whether any
alternative, substitute, or other update can be obtained for the
consumption regimen (e.g., module update logic 1470 reviewing an
accumulation of content periodically within or through network
interface 1492 to determine whether the Bone-Up.TM. regimen has
published any updates since last month). The determining can be
performed by checking a mailbox, for example, or otherwise by
sending a message into a network such as may be received by a
server. Making a negative determination can be performed by
receiving a negative reply or by waiting a given duration without
receiving a reply, for example, or by making some similarly
reasonable inference derived from one or more received signals.
[0077] Operation 1053 comprises receiving an available regimen
remotely (e.g., network interface 1492 receiving a mark-up language
segment relating to at least one nutraceutical from a clinic in
another state). Operation 1054 comprises adopting the available
regimen as the consumption regimen (e.g., module update logic 1470
responding to a user selection by changing to a simpler
regimen).
[0078] In some embodiments, system 400 comprises circuitry 983 that
can perform operation 1053 by receiving an available regimen in
response to a request or subscription, for example, or may select
the available regimen as a preferable regimen automatically using
information about the subject.
[0079] Operation 1055 comprises graphically indicating the request
quantity (e.g., display 1467 showing a pixel image of two bottles
that can obviate a translation or enable a person to understand and
approve a purchase without having to read). In some embodiments,
display 972 performs operation 1055 by showing a first component
that is visually distinguishable from at least a second component,
such as by color or shape.
[0080] Operation 1056 comprises digitally indicating the request
quantity (e.g., display 1467 showing a default reorder list to a
nutraceutical vendor). Alternatively or additionally, indicating
operation 1056 can be performed by transmitting the request
quantity digitally via a conduit (of FIG. 11, e.g.) or a wireless
link (of FIG. 3, e.g.).
[0081] Referring now to FIG. 11, a system 1100 includes a
signal-bearing medium 1180 that can comprise (or interact with) a
conduit 1120, a disk 1130, an integrated circuit 1140, or a
computing device 1150. System 1100 can further include a dispenser
1170. Medium 1180 can optionally bear one or more instructions 1160
comprising at least one of (a) one or more instructions for
registering a nutraceutical-containing dispensation from an
inventory and (b) one or more instructions for responding to the
registering by indicating a request quantity partly based on the
inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen.
[0082] Alternatively or additionally, medium 1180 can bear one or
more instructions 1162 for recording the nutraceutical-containing
dispensation with other medical history data of a subject. The
other medical history data can include one or more prior recordings
of a dispensation, for example. Alternatively or additionally,
medium 1180 can bear one or more instructions 1163 for performing
the nutraceutical-containing dispensation. Alternatively or
additionally, medium 1180 can bear one or more instructions 1164
for prompting the nutraceutical-containing dispensation.
Alternatively or additionally, medium 1180 can bear one or more
instructions 1165 for detecting the nutraceutical-containing
dispensation. Alternatively or additionally, medium 1180 can bear
one or more instructions 1166 for determining the request quantity.
Alternatively or additionally, medium 1180 can bear one or more
instructions 1168 comprising at least one of (a) one or more
instructions for receiving an indication of a quantity within each
of one or more delivery units and (b) one or more instructions for
indicating the request quantity as a number of the one or more
delivery units. A given set of one or more instructions can
comprise more than one of instructions 1162-1168, of course,
optionally executable by computing device 1150.
[0083] Referring now to FIG. 12, there are shown various optional
features of operational flow 100 of FIG. 1, 5, 7, 8, or 10. In
various implementations, system 1100 of FIG. 11 can optionally be
configured to perform flow 100 with operation 140 including one or
more of operation 1242, operation 1243, operation 1246, operation
1247, or 1249.
[0084] Operation 1242 comprises performing the
nutraceutical-containing dispensation (e.g., regimen implementation
logic 1480 generating a dispensation identifying a list of
pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals). In some embodiments, system
1100 performs operation 1242 by transmitting instructions 1163 via
medium 1180 to dispensers 170.
[0085] Operation 1243 comprises prompting the
nutraceutical-containing dispensation (e.g., regimen implementation
logic 1480 causing inventor manager 1444 to perform a physical
dispensation immediately). This can likewise be performed by a
computing device 1150, for example, such as by transmitting a
dispensing command or by otherwise causing an actuation of a
dispenser.
[0086] Operation 1246 comprises detecting the
nutraceutical-containing dispensation (e.g., dispensation
confirmation logic 1443 detecting a physical dispensation from
inventory manager 1444 or a planned dispensation from regimen
implementation logic 1480). In another example, operation 1246 can
be performed by integrated circuit 1140 before, during, after, or
without the physical dispensation. The dispensation to be
registered can optionally be conditional, scheduled, or actual.
[0087] Operation 1247 comprises responding to a result of a test
indicating a state of a subject (e.g., user query logic 1446
receiving a "yes" response after asking the user 1460 whether the
subject has a fever). In some embodiments of system 1100 of FIG.
11, for example, operation 1247 can be performed by executing one
or more instructions 1166 for determining the request quantity.
[0088] Operation 1249 comprises recording the
nutraceutical-containing dispensation with other medical history
data of a subject (e.g., user query logic 1446 recording the
dispensation in subject description 1453). In some embodiments,
operation 1249 is performed by computing device 1150 performing
instruction(s) 1162.
[0089] Operation 1251 comprises displaying a performance indicator
of the regimen relating to a potential result of following the
regimen (e.g., display 1467 can show a comparison between a
likelihood of catching a flu with a probiotic-containing yogurt
regimen and a similar likelihood without a regimen). The potential
result can be tangible, intangible, subjective, objective, or some
combination of these. The performance ratio or other indicator can
comprise an estimated probability of a measurable improvement, a
ratio of "satisfied" regimen subscribers to "dissatisfied" regimen
subscribers, a record of subjective experience, an anecdotal log, a
rating, a research summary, a certification, an endorsement, or
some other indicator.
[0090] Operation 1253 comprises receiving an indication of a
quantity within each of one or more delivery units (e.g.,
electronic inventory 1456 including an indication of a per-unit
"dose"). The quantity can be a nominal increment of mass (such as
milligrams of a vitamin, e.g.), a count (of eggs, e.g.), a length,
or some other convenient increment. In some embodiments, a code
module comprising one or more instructions 1166 performs operation
1253 before or during operation 1254.
[0091] Operation 1254 comprises indicating the request quantity as
a number of the one or more delivery units (e.g., regimen
description 1455 describing a regimen as 2 units of item X, et
cetera, with item X defined only in electronic inventory 1456).
[0092] Operation 1255 comprises detecting a condition (e.g.,
quantity determination logic 1490 detecting a user login or other
action via user interface 1462). The condition can comprise a
substantially periodic event, for example, such as an appointment,
a day of the month, a time of day, a mealtime, a work break, or the
like. The condition can also comprise a storm or other weather
condition, a job change or price change or other economic event, a
smoking habit or some other personal condition, or any other
condition that may affect the subject's life.
[0093] The detecting can be triggered by a signal from a calendar
program, an alarm clock, a sensor, a network event, or a real time
trigger, for example. In some variants of embodiments described
above, system 300 of FIG. 3 performs operation 150 responsive to
one or more criteria that depend on the detected event(s) as well
as the request quantity and the regimen. A care provider can use
system 300 to adjust or otherwise update a regimen-implementing
request automatically, responsive to a scheduled visit by a
patient, for example, if system 300 performs operation 1256.
[0094] Operation 1256 comprises responding to the condition by
determining the request quantity (e.g., quantity determination
logic 1490 responding to a user action by refreshing a proposed
order by using a current system time).
[0095] Operation 1258 comprises determining the request quantity
partly based on an indication of a visible attribute or a behavior
of a subject (e.g., compound identification logic 1496 and quantity
determination logic 1490 identifying and ordering a quantity of
non-prescription lithium responsive to chronic extreme mood
swings). The subject, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a parent, or
some other observer may provide an objective indication (conscious,
e.g.), for example, or a subjective indication (irritable or
fatigued, e.g.) of the attribute or behavior. The request quantity
may be zero if the visible attribute or the behavior indicates a
negative reaction by the subject to a component of that regimen,
for example. The indication may relate to a facial attribute ("bags
under the eyes," e.g.), some other skin condition ("rash," e.g.),
or any other visible attribute of a subject.
[0096] Operation 1259 comprises indicating the request quantity via
a display of a hand-held device (e.g., display 1467 indicating the
quantity via a cell phone, a camera, or a hybrid device). In
various embodiments, any of the above-described systems can
optionally include a display, for example. Alternatively or
additionally, the system can comprise a hand-held device such as a
cell phone, wrist watch or the like.
[0097] Referring now to FIG. 13, there are shown various optional
features of operational flow 100 of FIG. 1, 5, 7, 8, 10, or 12.
Operation 140--registering a nutraceutical-containing dispensation
from an inventory--may include one or more of the following
operations: 1341, 1342, 1343, 1344, or 1345. Operation 1341 depicts
listing one or more nutraceuticals and one or more pharmaceuticals
in the nutraceutical-containing dispensation (e.g., regimen
implementation logic 1480 including these items in a displayed or
transmitted dispensation). Operation 1342 depicts listing a vitamin
and/or a mineral in the nutraceutical-containing dispensation
(e.g., regimen implementation logic 1480 including these items in a
displayed or transmitted dispensation). Operation 1343 depicts
listing a protein, an amino acid, an oil, and/or a fat in the
nutraceutical-containing dispensation (e.g., regimen implementation
logic 1480 including these items in a displayed or transmitted
dispensation). Operation 1344 depicts listing a traditional remedy
in the nutraceutical-containing dispensation (e.g., regimen
implementation logic 1480 including these items in a displayed or
transmitted dispensation). Operation 1345 depicts receiving a user
report of the nutraceutical-containing dispensation (e.g., user
query logic 1446 requesting and receiving a notification from user
1460 that the dispensation is planned).
[0098] Operation 1360--performing one or more additional
operations--may include one or more of the following operations:
1361, 1362, 1363, 1364, 1366, 1368, or
[0099] 1369. Operation 1361 depicts receiving a request for a
subscription (e.g., user interface 1462 receiving a decision that
user 1460 is subscribing to the Adkins diet). Operation 1362
depicts obtaining data from one or more remote sources (e.g.,
registration logic receiving the registration(s) as the obtained
data from a nutraceutical bin 1445 that can be remote). Operation
1363 depicts obtaining data via a network (e.g., network interface
1492 receiving data via the Internet).
[0100] Operation 1364 depicts receiving at least one of a diagnosis
or one or more observations (e.g., subject description 1453
receiving an indication that a particular subject has rheumatoid
arthritis). Operation 1366 depicts receiving at least one of a
prognosis or another prediction (e.g., subject description 1453
receiving an indication that a 2-week convalescence is expected).
The diagnosis or prognosis can optionally be based on one or more
test results and/or reports by others, observations, predictions,
reports, history, or other indications of status. The diagnosis or
prognosis may relate to a subject who has adopted the consumption
regimen, for example, and may warrant storing the diagnosis in a
medical history. The subject may be diagnosed as having an allergy
to seafood, for example, which may bear against a fish oil
supplement. Substantially the same criterion ("no fish," e.g.) may
effectively become a part of a given subject's regimen in other
circumstances as well. It may arise from a received user
instruction or preference ("no fish," e.g.), a user status
("vegan," e.g.), or otherwise arise from a received input (via
interface 1462, e.g.). The subject may be diagnosed with
osteoporosis, as another example, which may bear toward a
calcium-containing (or higher-calcium) regimen.
[0101] Operation 1368 comprises communicating with a consultant
remotely (e.g., network interface 1492 automatically notifying a
subject's dietician at a remote facility). Operation 1369 comprises
communicating with a supplier (e.g., network interface 1492
requesting the supplier's availability and lead times for products
of interest). These operations can generate timely information
about the availability or advisability of an available regimen, for
example, facilitating appropriate adjustments at operation 150.
Many embodiments described herein allow for a more sophisticated
and cost-effective approach to building and maintaining an
inventory of effective remedies.
[0102] Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state
of the art has progressed to the point where there is little
distinction left between hardware and software implementations of
aspects of systems; the use of hardware or software is generally
(but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between
hardware and software can become significant) a design choice
representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in
the art will appreciate that there are various vehicles by which
processes and/or systems and/or other technologies described herein
can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and
that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the
processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed.
For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy
are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or
firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the
implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet
again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination
of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several
possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devices and/or
other technologies described herein may be effected, none of which
is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be
utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the
vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed,
flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which
may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical
aspects of implementations will typically employ optically-oriented
hardware, software, and or firmware.
[0103] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various
embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block
diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block
diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions
and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art
that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams,
flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or
collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or
virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, several
portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented
via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field
Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs),
or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in
whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated
circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more
computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more
computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more
processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more
microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination
thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code
for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of
one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the
subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as
a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative
embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies
regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to
actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing
medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable
type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact
Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer
memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital
and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a
waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication
link, etc.).
[0104] While particular aspects of the present subject matter
described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein,
changes and modifications may be made without departing from this
subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and,
therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope
all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit
and scope of this subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it
is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the
appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art
that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended
claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended
as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted
as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or
"an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one
or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles
used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a
specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the
recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations,"
without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations,
or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where
a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is
used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one
having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a
system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be
limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to
"at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least
one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that
have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,
B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that any disjunctive
word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms,
whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase
"A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or
"B" or "A and B." Moreover, "can" and "optionally" and other
permissive terms are used herein for describing optional features
of various embodiments. These terms likewise describe selectable or
configurable features generally, unless the context dictates
otherwise.
[0105] The herein described aspects depict different components
contained within, or connected with, different other components. It
is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely
exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be
implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual
sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same
functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired
functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as
"associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is
achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as
being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to
achieve the desired functionality. Any two components capable of
being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
couplable" to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited
to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components
and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting
components and/or logically interactable and/or logically
interacting components.
[0106] While certain features of the described implementations have
been illustrated as disclosed herein, many modifications,
substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those
skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the
appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and
changes as fall within the true spirit of the embodiments of the
invention.
* * * * *
References