U.S. patent application number 14/098418 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-10 for team-based health management.
This patent application is currently assigned to Keas, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Keas, Inc.. Invention is credited to Chris York.
Application Number | 20140100867 14/098418 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47219821 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140100867 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
York; Chris |
April 10, 2014 |
TEAM-BASED HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Abstract
An application offers personalized content, such as health care
plans, health actions, and interactive games, to a user. Based on
such health data provided by a user, the health management
application may provide content, such as health information or
health care plans, that is tailored to the current health status or
condition of the user. In some instances, a user may request to
participate in a particular health action or task. The health
management application may recommend personalized tasks or actions
for the user to complete to promote and improve health. Following
partial or successful completion of a chosen health action, a user
may earn points or rewards that may be redeemable for various
prizes. A user may also earn points by completing an educational or
informational task such as quizzes, questionnaires, or surveys.
Points may also be earned by participating in or playing a
game.
Inventors: |
York; Chris; (San Francisco,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Keas, Inc. |
San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Keas, Inc.
San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
47219821 |
Appl. No.: |
14/098418 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13365119 |
Feb 2, 2012 |
8630872 |
|
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14098418 |
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61438930 |
Feb 2, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0207 20130101;
G16H 40/67 20180101; G06Q 50/01 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/2 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 50/22 20060101
G06Q050/22; G06Q 30/02 20060101 G06Q030/02; G06Q 50/00 20060101
G06Q050/00 |
Claims
1. A team-based health management system, comprising: a processor;
memory; and an application stored in memory and executable by the
processor to: receive health data from a plurality of users,
wherein the users are registered users of an online social
networking community accessible through the application, receive a
request from a first user to create a first team, wherein the first
team includes one or more of the registered users, create a team
profile associated with the first team, wherein the team profile is
viewable by a plurality of other registered users of the online
social networking community, determine a first common health goal
for the first team based on the collective health data of the one
or more registered users of the first team, wherein the first
common health goal is achieved when the one or more registered
users of the first team collectively perform a series of actions
associated with the first common health goal, receive confirmation
that the actions associated with the first common health goal have
been completed by the first team, and update the team profile to
reflect the completion of the first common health goal.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the application is further
executable by the processor to compare the completion of the first
common health goal by the first team to a level of progress towards
a second common health goal of a second team of registered
users.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the application is further
executable by the processor to recognize the first team as the
winner when the comparison indicates that the first team completed
the first common health goal before the second team completed the
second common health goal.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the application is further
executable by the processor to provide the first team with a reward
when the first team is recognized as the winner.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the application is further
executable by the processor to update the team profile to reflect
the recognition of the first team as the winner.
6. A method of team-based health management, the method comprising:
receiving health data from a plurality of users, wherein the users
are registered users of an online social networking community; and
executing instructions stored in memory of a computing device,
wherein execution of the instructions by a processor of the
computing device: receives a request from a first user to create a
first team, wherein the first team includes one or more of the
registered users, creates a team profile associated with the first
team, wherein the team profile is viewable by a plurality of other
registered users of the online social networking community,
determines a first common health goal for the first team based on
the collective health data of the one or more registered users of
the first team, wherein the first common health goal is achieved
when the one or more registered users of the first team
collectively perform a series of actions associated with the first
common health goal, receives confirmation that the actions
associated with the first common health goal have been completed by
the first team, and updates the team profile to reflect the
completion of the first common health goal.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein execution of the instructions by
the processor further compares the completion of the first common
health goal by the first team to a level of progress towards a
second common health goal of a second team of registered users.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein execution of the instructions by
the processor further recognizes the first team as the winner when
the comparison indicates that the first team completed the first
common health goal before the second team completed the second
common health goal.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein execution of the instructions by
the processor further provides the first team with a reward when
the first team is recognized as the winner.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein execution of the instructions by
the processor further updates the team profile to reflect the
recognition of the first team as the winner.
11. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having
embodied thereon a program, the program being executable by a
processor to perform a method of team-based health management, the
method comprising: receiving health data from a plurality of users,
wherein the users are registered users of an online social
networking community; receiving a request from a first user to
create a first team, wherein the first team includes one or more of
the registered users; creating a team profile associated with the
first team, wherein the team profile is viewable by a plurality of
other registered users of the online social networking community;
determining a first common health goal for the first team based on
the collective health data of the one or more registered users of
the first team, wherein the first common health goal is achieved
when the one or more registered users of the first team
collectively perform a series of actions associated with the first
common health goal; receiving confirmation that the actions
associated with the first common health goal have been completed by
the first team; and updating the team profile to reflect the
completion of the first common health goal.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
11, wherein the method further comprises comparing the completion
of the first common health goal by the first team to a level of
progress towards a second common health goal of a second team of
registered users.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
12, wherein the method further comprises recognizing the first team
as the winner when the comparison indicates that the first team
completed the first common health goal before the second team
completed the second common health goal.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
13, wherein the method further comprises providing the first team
with a reward when the first team is recognized as the winner.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
14, wherein the method further comprises updating the team profile
to reflect the recognition of the first team as the winner.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation and claims the
priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/365,119
filed Feb. 2, 2012, which is a continuation and claims the priority
benefit of U.S. provisional application 61/438,930 filed Feb. 2,
2011, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally concerns health management.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a health
management application that allows a user or team of users that are
a part of a social network to earn rewards and prizes for
completing personalized health-related actions and tasks.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENTLY CLAIMED INVENTION
[0003] Embodiments of the presently claimed invention provide a
method of team-based health management. The method may include
receiving health data from a plurality of users. The health data
may be received through a health management application. The users
may be registered users of an online social networking community.
The users may interact and connect with each other in various ways
known in the art such as creating a profile, inviting friendships
or connections, exchanging messages, chatting, sharing information,
posting status updates, giving and receiving feedback, joining
common interest groups, and the like.
[0004] The method may further include executing instructions stored
in memory of a computing device. Execution of the instructions by a
processor of the computing device may cause the computing device to
perform one or more operations including receiving a request from a
first user to create a first team. The first team may include one
or more of the registered users. By joining a team, the points
earned by each user may be added together to form a total points
score for the team. Teams may compete against one another for
prizes. One or more team competitions may be held to encourage
teams to build up points or reach a particular health goal.
[0005] The operations may further include creating a team profile
associated with the first team. The team profile may be viewable by
a plurality of other registered users of the online social
networking community. The operations may include determining a
first common health goal for the first team based on the collective
health data of the one or more registered users of the first team.
The first common health goal may be achieved when the one or more
registered users of the first team collectively perform a series of
actions associated with the first common health goal. The
operations may further include receiving confirmation that the
actions associated with the first common health goal have been
completed by the first team and updating the team profile to
reflect the completion of the first common health goal.
[0006] The method of team-based health management may be
implemented using a team-based health management system disclosed
herein. The team-based management system may include a processor,
memory, and an application stored in memory and executable by the
processor to perform the foregoing method. The method may further
be performed by an executable program embodied on a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for authoring a protocol for
processing user health data and generating personalized
content.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an interface for allowing a user to
interact with various components of a health management
application.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an interface for user interaction with
other users or team members in a social network.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an interface for providing points or
rewards information.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an interface for providing team
information.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an interface showing a user health
profile.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an interface for viewing and selecting a
care plan.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an interface for creating and managing a
journal.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a method for health management.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention provide an application
for offering personalized content, such as health care plans,
health actions, and interactive games, to a user. A user may
provide health data to a health management application. Based on
such health data, the health management application may provide
content, such as health information or health care plans, that is
tailored to the current health status or condition of the user. In
some instances, a user may request to participate in a particular
health action or task. The health management application may
recommend personalized tasks or actions (i.e., based on the user
health data) for the user to complete to promote and improve
health. Following partial or successful completion of a chosen
health action, a user may earn points or rewards that may be
redeemable for various prizes. A user may also earn points by
completing an educational or informational task such as quizzes,
questionnaires, or surveys. Points may also be earned by
participating in or playing a game.
[0017] In conjunction with providing personalized health content
and information, the health management application may include a
social networking or social support component that allows a user to
interact and connect with other users. Users may interact and
connect with each other in various ways known in the art such as
creating a profile, inviting friendships or connections, exchanging
messages, chatting, sharing information, posting status updates,
giving and receiving feedback, joining common interest groups, and
the like. In one embodiment, a user joins or forms a team of users
that are in the same social network or community. The team may
share a common health-related interest or goal such as a team of
users trying to lose weight or a team of users all suffering from a
particular ailment such as diabetes or arthritis. The health
management application may serve as a social support network for
team members of a community sharing a common interest as users are
able to easily and instantaneously communicate, coach, encourage,
support, and praise one another while, for example, trying to
achieve a particular health goal.
[0018] An individual user or team member may receive or earn points
for completing a particular health-related task or action. A health
action may be recommended by the health management application or
the user may choose from a list of available health actions. The
points earned by each individual team member may be tracked,
incremented, and/or summed together for a total team score. The
team (and/or individual user) may earn a reward or prize upon
achieving a particular score and may compete against other teams
for various prizes. A team member may thus work individually or in
combination with other team members of the same social network or
community to complete health actions and earn points redeemable for
prizes.
[0019] By completing a health action that helps to maintain a
healthy lifestyle, a user may improve current health status while
earning rewards. A team of users sharing a common interest or goal
may also promote increased adherence to a healthy lifestyle as each
team member may feel a social or team obligation to complete
various health actions and remain at a consistent health status
and/or reward level status with other team members. A user may thus
be held accountable for activity or inactivity since the profile of
the user and any on-line activities of the user may be visible to
other team members and users in the social network or
community.
[0020] In some embodiments, the present health management
application may be implemented by one or more processors that
execute instructions stored in one or more memory mediums. The
executed code may result in the processor(s) generating and
providing one or more graphical interfaces. FIGS. 2-8 illustrate
examples of interfaces used to implement embodiments of the present
invention. An exemplary system and method for implementing the
present health management application is described in the context
of FIGS. 1 and 9, respectively.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for authoring a protocol for
processing user health data and generating personalized content.
The system of FIG. 1 includes user (110A, 110B), computing device
(115A, 115B), network 120, optional web server 125, application
server 130, and database 140.
[0022] A user (110A, 110B) may access the health management
application using any computing device (115A, 115B) (e.g.,
workstation, server, lap top computer, mobile device, etc.) capable
of accessing information over a communication network 120 known in
the art. In one embodiment, a user 110A may be an anonymous user of
the health management application. An anonymous user may be one who
has not subscribed, registered, or created an account with the
health management application.
[0023] User 110A may register (i.e., create an account) with the
health management application. User 110A at computing device 115A
may perform a login with a service provided by coaching engine 134
and receive interface data as a browser application content page.
User 110A of the health management system may be required to
provide registration information and health data. Health data may
include any data related to the mental or physical health of the
user such as medications, health goals, eating habits, medical
history, family history, allergies, and current health
condition(s). The user 110A may also provide background data such
as user attributes (e.g., age, weight, birthday, gender, height)
and vital signs (e.g., temperature, heart rate, pulse, respiratory
rate, blood pressure). The user 110A may also provide lifestyle
information such as health interests, nutritional information,
alcohol or tobacco consumption, and physical activities. User
health data may be stored in a data store 140 that communicates
with application server 130 of the network.
[0024] The application server 130 may host the health management
application. Application server 130 may be implemented in a general
computing device that communicates with data store 140 and optional
web server 125. The application server 130 as illustrated in FIG. 1
includes protocol authoring application 132 and coaching engine
134. Protocol authoring application 132 may be executed by a
processor to provide interface data concerning a graphical
interface to a computing device (e.g., computing device 115A). This
interface data may then be executed and rendered as an interface by
computing device 115A such as a web browser or Java Virtual
Machine. The interface generated from the interface data can be
used by computing device 115A for authoring a protocol related to
health coaching. The application server 130 may also include a
coaching engine 134 that is executable by a processor to administer
a user health coach protocol. A more detailed discussion of a
protocol for providing user health coaching and an authoring
protocol may be found in APPENDIX A of the present application.
[0025] The application server 130 may also include various modules
or engines stored in memory and executable by a processor at the
application server or user computing device to implement the
present invention. The application server 130, for example, may
include health action engine 136 and score module 138. The health
action engine 136 may be executed by a processor to receive user
health data, recommend a health action to a user, and receive
confirmation from a user that a recommended health action has been
partially or successfully completed. Score module 138 may be
executed by a processor to track, manage, and increment a score
associated with user 110A. Score module 138 may also adjust a score
based on the activity or inactivity of user 110A.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an interface for allowing a user to
interact with various components of a health management
application. Interface 200 includes various menus or tabs, such as
"Home," "My Points," and "Teams," located at the upper portion of
the interface. FIG. 2 shows interface 200 with the "Home" menu 205
selected. The "Home" menu 205 may include several components for
user interaction such as a "To-Do List" 210, health action points
215, News Feed 220, points summary 230, and an invitation to join a
team 240.
[0027] The "To-Do List" 210 in FIG. 2 shows one health action or
activity ("Get a pedometer and wear 1 day this week") for user 110A
to complete. As shown, user 110A has not yet completed the activity
and the health action points 215 associated with the activity
remains at zero. If user 110A completes the health action, user
110A may check the box next to the health action (or otherwise
indicate that the health action has been completed) and the health
action points 215 may be updated or incremented based on successful
completion. In one embodiment, the health management application
recommends or lists one or more health actions for user 110A to
complete based on health data previously provided by user 110A. As
such, the health actions are tailored to the health condition or
status of the user 110A. For example, if user 110A has indicated
"weight loss" as a primary health goal and user 110A has "high
cholesterol," health management application may recommend via the
"To-Do List" 210 that the user "Skip red meat this week" or
"exercise for 30 minutes today." The health management application
may also provide reminders to user 110A to complete actions on the
"To-Do List" 210. Reminders may be provided to user 110A via
electronic mail (e-mail), SMS text message, instant messenger,
chat, or any other available communication medium. "News Feed" 220,
points summary 230, and the invitation to join a team 240 are
discussed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5,
respectively.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an interface for user interaction with
other users or team members in a social network. Interface 300
includes "News feed" 220 which includes status input section 310,
"Comment" button 320, "Like" button 330, recommended plans 340, and
Goals 350. A user 110A may also subscribe to or follow recommended,
personalized health plans. Recommended plans 340 is discussed in
more detail in FIG. 6 below.
[0029] Status input section 310 may allow a user to input and share
information with other users in the same social network or
community. The interface for user interaction illustrated in FIG. 3
may allow one user to communicate or provide feedback. User 110A
may also interact with other users of the social network at any
time, for example, by selecting the "Comment" button 320 or "Like"
button 330. For example, in FIG. 3, User B may select the "Comment"
button 320 and post a comment in reply to the "Have a very Merry
Christmas!!!!!!!" message of User A. Similarly, in response to User
F's posting "Going for a brisk walk after work," another user may
select the "Comment" button associated with User F's posting and
provide feedback to User F. The ability to provide feedback to
other users in the social network or community is one key method
for providing encouragement, coaching, support to fellow users.
[0030] FIG. 3 also includes a "Goals" section 350. Besides
recommending various health goals to user 110A, the health
management application may allow user 110A to customize or manually
set a variety of health-related goals.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates an interface 400 for providing points or
rewards information. A user may access interface 400, for example,
by selecting the points summary icon 230 shown in FIG. 2. A user of
the health management application may earn points or rewards in a
variety of ways. Points may be earned, for example, by partially or
fully completing a health action or task. A health action or task
may be any activity related to the mental or physical health of the
user and may promote a healthy lifestyle, diet, or level of
physical activity for user 110A. A health action may also include
educational or informational tasks such as quizzes, questionnaires,
surveys, and games. To earn points, a user may choose from a
variety of available health actions, education tasks, or games. In
some embodiments, the health management application may provide a
personalized action or task following receipt of a request by user
110A. The personalized action may be based on health data
previously provided to the health management application by user
110A.
[0032] After partial or successful completion of a health action or
game, the health management application may award user 110A points
or rewards that may be redeemable for an assortment of prizes.
Prizes, for example, may include cash prizes, consumer products or
electronics, credits redeemable with other websites or business
entities, tickets for entry into a lottery or sweepstakes, or the
like. FIG. 4 shows interface 400 with the "My Points" menu 405
selected. Interface 400 may include a textual or graphical
representation 410 for indicating the current points or rewards
accumulated by user 110A. Interface 400 may also include a textual
or graphical representation 420 showing the points ranking of the
user in relation to other players in the social network of the user
or all available players. Interface 400 may also show the top
ranking players and total point levels 430.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an interface 500 for providing team
information. User 110A may access interface 500, for example, by
selecting the invitation to join a team icon 240 shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 shows interface 500 with the "Teams" menu 505 selected. A
user of the health management application may choose to work
individually or join a team. In a preferred embodiment, team
members may share a common health feature, interest, or goal.
[0034] The "Teams" menu 505 may show one or more open teams 510
that user 110A may join. In one embodiment, a team is formed using
players who are part of the same social network or support group.
In another embodiment, a team may include players who are a part of
different social networks. A user may join a particular team by
selecting the "Join" button 520. User 110A may also start a new
team by selecting the "Create a Team" button 530. Each team may be
identifiable by a unique name chosen by one or more of the team
members.
[0035] By joining a team, the points earned by each member may be
added together to form a total points score for the team. Teams may
compete against one another for prizes. One or more team
competitions may be held to encourage teams to build up points or
reach a particular health goal. Thus, the formation of teams
competing against one another not only yields the possibility of
earning valuable prizes but also creates and encourages a
collaborative team effort to improve health while doing so. Various
competition types and styles are possible. A competition, for
example, may end when a total team point value has reached a
particular threshold or after a certain period of time has elapsed.
Similar competitions may be available to individual users or
players who have not joined a team.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates an interface 600 showing a user health
profile. FIG. 6 shows interface 600 with the "Health Profile" menu
605 selected. User 110A may select "Health Data" 610 to view,
provide, or update health data. Similarly, user 110A may select
"Background Data" 640 to enter or update additional pertinent data
such as health interests, medical history, and family history. User
110A may also select "Medication" 620 to add a medication or view
or update a list of current medications. Interface 600 also
includes "Journals" 630 that allows user 110A to create and
maintain periodic (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) journals
about exercise, meals, or moods. An example of a journal is
described in more detail in FIG. 8. User 110A may manually enter
data in the health profile or may import existing data by selecting
"Import Health Data" 650.
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates an interface for viewing and selecting a
care plan. FIG. 7 shows interface 700 with the "Care Plans" menu
705 selected. In addition to participating in the social network, a
user may join a care plan. Interface 700 may display available care
plans 710 for user selection. A care plan may include any health
regimen, routine, schedule, treatment, or course of therapy that
user 110A may review and follow for improved health. A care plan
may or may not be directed to a particular health condition or
ailment. The health management application may suggest, recommend,
or tailor a care plan to a user. The available care plans 710 in
interface 700, for example, show care plans directed to healthy
weight habits or diabetes. User 110A may also suggest or request a
new care plan by selecting "Suggest a Care Plan" 720.
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates an interface for creating and managing a
journal. FIG. 8 shows interface 800 with the "Journals" menu 805
selected. As discussed in FIG. 8, user 110A may create, maintain,
and manage one or more journals related to, for example, diet and
nutrition, exercise, or moods. Interface 800 shows a meal journal
810. Interface 800 may include one or more drop-down menus 820 for
data entry and identification. User 110A, for example, may indicate
numerous details about a meal such as meal contents, the date, the
type of meal, whether the meal was homemade or pre-made, and the
size of the meal. User 110A may also enter data (i.e., details
about a meal) in text box 830. User 110A may also have the option
to set a meal goal and/or different parameters about diet and
nutrition by selecting "Set a meal goal" 840.
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for health management. The
steps identified in FIG. 9 (and the order thereof) are exemplary
and may include various alternatives, equivalents, or derivations
thereof including but not limited to the order of execution of the
same. The steps of the method of FIG. 9 (and its various
alternatives) may be embodied in hardware or software including a
computer-readable storage medium (e.g., optical disc, memory card,
etc.) comprising instructions executable by a processor of a
computing device.
[0040] At step 910, the health action engine 136 hosted by
application server 130 receives health data from a user of the
health management application At step 920, the health action engine
recommends a health action for the user to complete based on
previously provided health data. If no health data has been
provided, health action engine 136 may recommend a health action
based on the general profile (e.g., basic information) of the user.
A health action, for example, may include a physical activity, an
activity related to diet/nutrition, a game, or an informational
task such as a quiz or questionnaire.
[0041] At step 930, the application server 130 may receive
confirmation that the recommended health action was partially or
successfully completed by the user. At optional step 940, the user
may receive feedback from another user in the community. Such
feedback may include encouragement, support, or praise for the
user. For example, the feedback may encourage the user to complete
the recommended health action.
[0042] At step 950, the application server 130 (i.e., the score
module 140) increments a score associated with the user based on
the completion of the recommended health action. A score may be
incremented following partial or successful completion of the
health action.
[0043] The above description is illustrative and not restrictive.
Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those of
skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. The scope of the
invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to
the above description, but instead should be determined with
reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of
equivalents.
[0044] While the present invention has been described in connection
with a series of preferred embodiments, these descriptions are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular
forms set forth herein. To the contrary, the present descriptions
are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claim and otherwise
appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
* * * * *