U.S. patent application number 14/172238 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-05 for systems, methods, and computer-readable media for context-linked importation of user information.
This patent application is currently assigned to PATIENTSLIKEME, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is PATIENTSLIKEME, INC.. Invention is credited to James Heywood, Paul Wicks.
Application Number | 20140156774 14/172238 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42783579 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140156774 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heywood; James ; et
al. |
June 5, 2014 |
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR CONTEXT-LINKED
IMPORTATION OF USER INFORMATION
Abstract
Various aspects of the invention described herein provide
systems and methods for context-linked importation of user
information. One aspect of the invention provides a method for
context-linked importation of user information. The method
includes: providing an interactive environment that allows posting
of content by a plurality of pre-identified users; receiving
content for the interactive environment from a pre-identified user;
selecting relevant data about the pre-identified user from a
database, the relevant data selected based on information contained
in the content; and displaying the relevant data along with the
content on the interactive environment.
Inventors: |
Heywood; James; (Newton,
MA) ; Wicks; Paul; (London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PATIENTSLIKEME, INC. |
Cambridge |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PATIENTSLIKEME, INC.
Cambridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
42783579 |
Appl. No.: |
14/172238 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12751270 |
Mar 31, 2010 |
8643648 |
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14172238 |
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PCT/US2010/029208 |
Mar 30, 2010 |
|
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12751270 |
|
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61165463 |
Mar 31, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/206 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 10/60 20180101;
H04L 51/32 20130101; G16H 70/60 20180101; Y02A 90/10 20180101; G16H
10/20 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/206 |
International
Class: |
H04L 12/58 20060101
H04L012/58 |
Claims
1.-28. (canceled)
29. A method for context-linked identification and importation of
user information from a database containing user information into
an interactive environment implemented on a computer and accessible
to other users via a network, the method comprising: providing the
interactive environment on the computer that allows posting of
content by a plurality of pre-identified users; receiving first
content on the computer for the interactive environment from a
first pre-identified user; identifying and selecting on the
computer relevant data about the first pre-identified user from the
database based on the first content posted by the first
pre-identified user, the relevant data selected from data
previously-submitted by the first pre-identified user by
automatically determining one or more items of the data
previously-submitted by the first pre-identified user that
correspond to the first content; and displaying via the computer
the relevant data to other users along with the first content on
the interactive environment.
30. A system for the context-linked identification and importation
of user information from a database into an interactive environment
implemented on a computer and accessible to other users, the system
comprising: a database; and a server in communication with the
database, the server configured to: provide the interactive
environment on the computer that allows posting of content by a
plurality of pre-identified users; receive first content on the
computer for the interactive environment from a first
pre-identified user; identify and select on the computer relevant
data about the first pre-identified user from the database based on
the first content posted by the first pre-identified user, the
relevant data selected from data previously-submitted by the first
pre-identified user by automatically determining one or more items
of the data previously-submitted by the first pre-identified user
that correspond to the first content; and display via the computer
the relevant data to other users along with the first content on
the interactive environment.
31. A non-transitory computer-readable medium whose contents cause
a computer to perform a method for context-linked identification
and importation of user information from a database into an
interactive environment implemented on a computer and accessible to
other users, the method comprising: providing the interactive
environment on the computer that allows posting of content by a
plurality of pre-identified users; receiving first content on the
computer for the interactive environment from a first
pre-identified user; identifying and selecting on the computer
relevant data about the first pre-identified user from the database
based on the first content posted by the first pre-identified user,
the relevant data selected from data previously-submitted by the
first pre-identified user by automatically determining one or more
items of the data previously-submitted by the first pre-identified
user that correspond to the first content; and displaying via the
computer the relevant data to other users along with the first
content on the interactive environment.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/US10/29208, filed on Mar. 30, 2010. This
application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/165,463, filed on Mar. 31, 2009. This
entire contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to systems and methods for
context-linked importation of user information. Embodiments of
invention are particularly applicable to interactive environments
such as message boards.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The advent of the World Wide Web offers new opportunities
for people to share information, opinions, and experiences on
virtually any topic. With the support of web-based systems and
methodologies, people with common goals and interests can interact
and communicate instantaneously from anywhere on the globe.
[0004] Many web sites exist to serve a particular group of people
who share common goals or attributes. Such web sites often include
message boards in which users can communicate with each other
regarding various topics of interest.
[0005] Conventional message boards suffer from several
deficiencies. For example, users have difficulty assessing the
credibility and/or accuracy of other posts Likewise, without
face-to-face communication, users may lack context for a posting,
particularly if the user joins in the middle of conversation.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods for
context-linked importation of user information.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Various aspects of the invention described herein provide
systems and methods for context-linked importation of user
information.
[0008] One aspect of the invention provides a method for
context-linked importation of user information. The method
includes: providing an interactive environment that allows posting
of content by a plurality of pre-identified users; receiving
content for the interactive environment from a pre-identified user;
selecting relevant data about the pre-identified user from a
database, the relevant data selected based on information contained
in the content; and displaying the relevant data along with the
content on the interactive environment.
[0009] This aspect of the invention can have a variety of
embodiments. The method can include updating the database with
information contained in the content. The database can be a
topic-related database. The topic can relate to health.
[0010] The relevant data can include at least one medical condition
metric. The medical condition metric can be a quantitative
representation of a medical condition. The medical condition metric
can be one selected from the group consisting of: a direct measure
of pathology, a user-reported measure of functional impairment, a
user-reported outcome of health-related quality of life, and a
user-reported progression of a medical condition.
[0011] The medical condition can be one selected from the group
consisting of: movement disorders including parkinsonism,
Huntington's chorea, and Tourette's syndrome; pain disorders
including back pain; rheumatologic disorders including arthritis,
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Lyme's
disease, and gout; seizure disorders including epilepsy;
neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
multiple sclerosis, Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, and Alzheimer's
disease; pulmonary diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis; sexual disorders including
erectile dysfunction and vaginismus; mood disorders including
depression and anxiety; addiction including nicotine addiction and
alcoholism; migraines; fibromyalgia; fatigue disorders; dementia;
eating disorders; hypercholesterolemia; hyperlipidemia;
hyperlipoproteinemia; hypertriglyceridemia; vasculatitis, diabetes;
obesity; gastroesophogeal reflux disorder; dyspepsia; anemia;
cancer; hypertension; renal failure; lupus; pregnancy; and
post-operative conditions.
[0012] The relevant data can include intervention data. The
intervention data can include at least one selected from the group
consisting of: intervention dosage, intervention frequency, and
intervention adherence. The intervention data can be data about an
intervention selected from the group consisting of: administration
of a medication, administration of a remedy, administration of a
nutritional supplement, administration of a vitamin, exercise,
physical therapy, massage, stretching, consumption of food, rest,
and sleep.
[0013] The method can further include providing an interface for
the user to submit new data about an intervention or medical
condition metric. The new data can be displayed along with the post
on the interactive environment.
[0014] The relevant data can be displayed in a graphical element.
The graphical element can be a chart. The chart can be a line
chart. Time can be depicted on an x-axis of the chart. The method
can be a computer-implemented method.
[0015] The method can include the steps of: receiving a response
from a second pre-identified user; selecting relevant data about
the second pre-identified user from a database, the relevant data
about the second pre-identified user selected based on information
contained in the response; and displaying the relevant data about
the second pre-identified user along with the response on the
interactive environment.
[0016] The method can include providing an interface for the user
to submit new data about an intervention or medical condition
metric. The method can include displaying the new data along with
the post on the content board. The method can include displaying
hyperlinks to additional information about a subject of the content
along with the content.
Another aspect of the invention provides a computer-readable medium
whose contents cause a computer to perform a method for
context-linked importation of user information. The method
includes: providing an interactive environment that allows posting
of content by a plurality of pre-identified users; receiving
content for the interactive environment from a pre-identified user;
selecting relevant data about the pre-identified user from a
database, the relevant data selected based on information contained
in the content; and displaying the relevant data along with the
content on the interactive environment. The computer-readable
medium can be non-transitory and tangible.
[0017] Another aspect of the invention provides a system for the
context-linked importation of user information. The system
includes: a database; and a server in communication with the
database. The server is configured to provide an interactive
environment that allows posting of content by a plurality of
pre-identified users, receive content for the interactive
environment from a pre-identified use, select relevant data about
the pre-identified user from a database, and display the relevant
data along with the content on the interactive environment. The
relevant data is selected based on information contained in the
content.
[0018] Another aspect of the invention provides a system for the
context-linked importation of user information. The system includes
a messaging module and a data importation module. The messaging
module is configured to provide an interactive environment that
allows posting of content by a plurality of pre-identified users,
receive content for the interactive environment from a
pre-identified user, and display relevant data along with the
content on the interactive environment. The data importation module
is configured to select relevant data about the pre-identified user
from a database based on information contained in the content. The
system can include an authentication module configured to
authenticate the pre-identified user.
[0019] Another aspect of invention provides a method for
context-linked importation of user information. The method includes
providing an messaging system that allows transmission of content
between a plurality of users, wherein at least one of the users is
pre-identified, receiving content from a first, pre-identified user
to a second user, selecting relevant data about the pre-identified
user from a database, the relevant data selected based on
information contained in the content; and presenting the relevant
data along with the content to the second user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects
of the present invention, reference is made to the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing figures wherein like reference characters denote
corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary network topology according to
the invention.
[0022] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict the operation of an interactive
environment according to embodiments of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 depicts a method for context-linked importation of
user information according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the invention in a computer
software and/or hardware system.
[0025] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary user interface for data entry
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIGS. 6A-6D depict an embodiment of a user interface for
data entry according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of a self-updating forum
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 depicts a blog incorporating an embodiment of the
invention.
DEFINITIONS
[0029] The instant invention is most clearly understood with
reference to the following definitions:
[0030] As used in the specification and claims, the singular form
"a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise.
[0031] The term "disease" refers to an abnormal condition of an
organism that impairs bodily functions. The term disease includes a
variety of physical ailments including, but not limited to,
neurological diseases (e.g., Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's Disease), Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS), cancers (e.g., bladder cancer, blood cancer, breast cancer,
colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, leukemia, lung cancer,
lymphoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and
skin cancer), diabetes, digestive disorders (e.g., irritable bower
syndrome, gastro esophageal reflux disease, and Crohn's Disease),
cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), arthritis, allergies, geriatric diseases,
and autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus). The term disease also
include mental ailments including, but not limited to, depression,
anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders,
psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and eating
disorders.
[0032] The term "medical condition" refers to a manifestation of a
disease such as a symptom. For example, if a patient suffers from
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the patient may experience one
or more medical conditions such as dysphagia (impaired
swallowing).
[0033] The term "intervention" refers any event that has a
positive, negative, or neutral effect on one or more medical
conditions. The term intervention includes a variety of activities
including, but not limited to, administration of a medication,
administration of a remedy, administration of a nutritional
supplement, administration of a vitamin, exercise, physical
therapy, massage, stretching, consumption of food, rest, and
sleep.
[0034] The term "thread" refers to a chain of messages, postings,
or the like, which follows one or more chosen topics.
[0035] The term "interactive environment" refers to any construct
in which a plurality of users can interact. Exemplary interactive
environments include, but are not limited to, thread-based forums
such as message boards, answer-based forums, wikis, web logs (also
known as "blogs"), micro-blogs (e.g., TWITTER.RTM., available from
Twitter, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif.), social networking sites
(e.g., FACEBOOK.RTM., available from Facebook, Inc. of Palo Alto,
Calif., LINKEDIN.RTM., available from LinkedIn, Ltd. of Mountain
View, Calif., and the like), and private messages (e.g., electronic
mail).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Various aspects of the invention described herein provide
systems and methods for context-linked importation of user
information. Aspects of the invention are particularly applicable
to interactive environments such as message boards (also known as
Internet forums, online discussion sites, bulletin boards, and the
like). Aspects of the invention are also applicable to other
varieties of Internet applications.
[0037] In general, aspects of the invention integrate aspects of a
user's background and/or history and associate relevant data from
the user's background and/history with a posting by the user.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary network topology 100 for
an interactive environment (e.g., a message board) is depicted. The
message board is hosted on server 102, which is in communication
with clients 104a-c via network 106.
[0039] The terms "client" and "server" are used to reflect a
client-server relationship between elements 102 and 104a-104c.
Suitable devices for server element 102 include, but are not
limited to general-purpose computers, including, but not limited to
computers with higher processing power colloquially known as
"servers." Likewise, suitable devices for client elements 104a-104c
include, but are not limited to general-purpose computers,
including, but not limited to desktop computers, laptop computers,
tablet computers, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones,
smartphones, video game systems, digital video recorders (DVRs),
and the like.
[0040] Clients 104 can interact with one or more peripheral devices
(not depicted). Such peripherals can include conventional
peripherals such as cameras, microphones, and the like as well as
medical device such as insulin pumps, pacemakers, and the like.
Client 104 can interact with peripherals using a variety of wired
or wireless standards.
[0041] Suitable wired standards include Universal Serial Bus (USB),
USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI),
Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and the like. The USB and USB 2.0
standards are described in publications such as Andrew S.
Tanenbaum, Structured Computer Organization .sctn.3.6.4 (5th ed.
2006); and Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Modern Operating Systems 32 (2d ed.
2001). The IEEE 1394 standard is described in Andrew S. Tanenbaum,
Modern Operating Systems 32 (2d ed. 2001). The PCI standard is
described in Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Modern Operating Systems 31 (2d
ed. 2001); Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Structured Computer Organization
91, 183-89 (4th ed. 1999). The Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet
standards are discussed in Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks
17, 65-68, 271-92 (4th ed. 2003).
[0042] Suitable wireless standards include Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11,
IEEE 802.15.4, and the like. The Bluetooth standard is discussed in
Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks 21, 310-17 (4th ed. 2003).
The IEEE 802.11 standard is discussed in Andrew S. Tanenbaum,
Computer Networks 292-302 (4th ed. 2003). The IEEE 802.15.4
standard is described in Yu-Kai Huang & Ai-Chan Pang, "A
Comprehensive Study of Low-Power Operation in IEEE 802.15.4," in
MSWiM'07 405-08 (2007).
[0043] Network 106 can be any network capable of transmitting data
between clients 104a-104c and server 102, for example, an intranet
or the Internet.
[0044] The server can be in communication with a database 108.
Database 108 can be operated through a database management system
(DBMS). A DBMS is imposed upon data to form a logical and
structured organization of the data. A DBMS lies between the
physical storage of data and the users and handles the interaction
between the two. Examples of DBMSes include DB2.RTM. and
INFORMIX.RTM. both available from IBM Corp. of Armonk, N.Y.;
MICROSOFT JET.RTM. and MICROSOFT SQL SERVER.RTM. both available
from the Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash.; MYSQL.RTM. available
from the MySQL Ltd. Co. of Stockholm, Sweden; ORACLE.RTM. Database,
available from Oracle Int'l Corp of Redwood City, Calif.; and
SYBASE.RTM. available from Sybase, Inc. of Dublin, Calif.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 2A, the operation of an interactive
environment (e.g., a message board) is depicted. A user interface
200a is provided to one or more users. The user interface 200a can
be provided via an Internet browser such as INTERNET EXPLORER.RTM.,
available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.;
FIREFOX.RTM., available from the Mozilla Foundation of Mountain
View, Calif.; OPERA.RTM., available from Opera Software AS of Oslo,
Norway; or CHROME.TM., available from Google Inc. of Menlo Park,
Calif. Alternatively, the user interface 200a can be provided via
specially-programmed software, such as an application installed on
clients 104a-104c.
[0046] The user interface 200a includes one or more postings
202a-202c. These postings 202a-202c were previously transmitted to
the server by users. Each posting 202a-202c can include information
about the author of the posting 202a-202c. For example, the
postings 202a-202c can display user name 204a-204c and/or a
picture, icon, or avatar 206a-206c associated with the author of
the posting 202a 202c. Each posting 202a-202c can also display
other information about the author such as age, gender, disease,
remedies, and the like. Such information can be represented
graphically in a mosaic 208a-208c as depicted in FIG. 2a. The
posting can also display information 210a-210c about the author's
posting history such as the number of posts and number of postings
by the author that were designated "helpful" by other users.
[0047] Postings 202a-202c can also contain user-posted content
212a-212c. For example, in posting 202a in FIG. 2, user "BernieB"
inquires about other users' experience with PROZAC.RTM. (fluoxetine
hydrochloride). User-posted content 212a-212c can include any
combination of media including text, audio, video, graphics,
emoticons, and the like. The postings 202a-202c can include a
time-stamp 214a-214c indicating when the posting was submitted.
[0048] One or more users can respond to posting 202a by a user by
entering content in field 215 and pressing the "Post Reply" button
217. This reply is added to the message board one or more users to
view. For example, as depicted in postings 202b and 202b in FIG. 2,
users "MASarah" and "Enrique" provide commentary on their
experiences and the experiences of others with PROZAC.RTM..
[0049] The invention herein allows for the context-linked
importation of user information into a message board. The message
board is associated with one or more databases containing
information about a plurality of users.
[0050] The stored information can include one or more medical
condition metric. A medical condition metric can be a qualitative
or quantitative metric related to a medical condition. For example,
a medical condition metric can be a qualitative measure of an
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patient's feeling of well-being
at a particular time of day. The patient may feel great, good,
fair, poor, or awful at a particular time of day due to the
symptoms and treatments for ALS, and daily activities such as
eating and exercising that interact with and affect his condition.
Alternatively, the metric can be quantitative in nature, such as
blood pressure (e.g., for a patient with heart disease), blood test
values (e.g., sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, blood urea
nitrogen, magnesium, creatinine, glucose, calcium, cholesterol,
carbon dioxide, oxygen, hematocrit), pulse, temperature, T-cell
count, and the like.
[0051] Various rating scales exist to measure medical conditions.
In addition to discrete scales such as asking whether the patient
feels great/good/fair/poor/awful, numerical scales can be used
which ask the patient to quantify one or aspects of their medical
condition, for example, on a 1-10 numerical scale. The metric can
be a composite metric that produces a numerical representation of
the condition based on a series of measurements. Rating scales for
measuring depression include the Beck Depression Inventory, the
Hamilton Depression Ration Scale, and the Montgomery-.ANG.sberg
Depression Rating Scale. Rating scales for assessing ALS patients
include the Appel ALS rating scale and the ALS Functional Rating
Scale (ALSFRS). Rating scales for Parkinson's Disease include the
Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS).
[0052] The medical condition metrics for a given user can be
associated with a particular time. For example, a user may report
that the severity of her depression is a `7` on a scale from 1-10
at 9:00 AM on Jan. 1, 2009. A plurality of associated medical
condition metrics and time data can be utilized to produce a chart
216a-216c (e.g., a line chart) as depicted in FIG. 2.
[0053] Still referring to FIG. 2, charts 216a-216c can include
information 218a, 218b about one or more interventions. Such
information can include dosing information for a medication (e.g.,
time and date and quantity) and/or pharmacokinetic data regarding
the concentration of a medication within the user over time.
[0054] The specific medical condition metric(s), intervention(s),
and/or time frame can be selected to compliment a particular user's
posting. For example, in posting 202a, user "BernieB" inquires
about PROZAC.RTM.. Server 102 detects that the posting concerns
PROZAC.RTM., and includes information about the user's dosage
history for PROZAC.RTM.. Server 102 can also infer that user's
posting relates to depression. This inference can be drawn based on
a number of factors. For example, the user can be posting in a
forum relating to depression. In another example, server 102
consults a resource such as the Physicians' Desk Reference or the
EPOCRATES.RTM. database (available from Epocrates, Inc. of San
Mateo, Calif.) to determine prescribing information for PROZAC.RTM.
(i.e., what indications PROZAC.RTM. is approved for). In yet
another example, server 102 mines existing user information to
detect "off-label" uses of various medications by other
patients.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a variety of other information can
be displayed along with postings 202. For example, in posting 202d,
the user-posted content 212d for user "Katerina" states that she
has the D90A mutation. Chart 216d is a schematic showing the
location of the D90A mutation on the SOD1 gene.
[0056] In posting 202e, the user-posted content 212e for user
"Katerina" states that that she recently quit her part-time job.
Chart 216e is a line chart depicting the user's work history.
Various color-coded bars and symbols denote periods where the user
was enrolled in an educational program, held a full-time job, and
held a part-time job.
[0057] In posting 202f, the user-posted content 212f for user
"Phil" states that he has received support from his family. Chart
216f is a line chart displaying the user's relationship status.
Color-coded bars of various thicknesses and symbols denote periods
where the user was single, in a relationship, married, and when the
user's children where born.
[0058] A variety of other information can be imported and displayed
based on the user-posted content 212 in a posting 202. For example,
if the user-posted content 212 discusses the user's deployment as
part of Operation Enduring Freedom--Afghanistan, chart 216 may be a
line chart representing the user's deployment history. Relevant
information can include rank, unit, combat status, and the like. In
another example, if the message board is of an academic nature,
relevant publications or portions of the user's curriculum vitae
can be imported into the posting 202 based on the user-posted
content 212. Additionally, articles or portions of articles (e.g.,
an abstract) can be imported from variety of sources (e.g.,
PUBMED.RTM., available from The National Library of Medicine of
Bethesda, Md.; or THE NEW YORK TIMES.RTM., available from The New
York Times Company of New York, N.Y.) and displayed in the thread.
Other media such as blogs, micro-blogs (e.g., TWITTER.RTM.,
available from Twitter, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif.),
annotations, status updates (e.g., on a social networking site such
as FACEBOOK.RTM., available from Facebook, Inc. of Palo Alto,
Calif.), and the like can also be imported and displayed in the
thread.
[0059] The invention can also display one or one or more charts 216
displaying a variety of data relevant to posting. For example, if
the user-posted content 212 discusses lung cancer, a chart 218 can
be produced containing information about the user's environmental
exposure (e.g., employment in a plant containing asbestos), the
user's family history (e.g., in a family tree including information
about cancer in user's ancestors), and the user's genetic profile.
Other environmental factors can include weather information such as
temperature, barometric pressure, precipitation, sunlight, and the
like. Other external data can be included such as the user's
location, financial data (e.g., the performance of financial
markets as reflected in indexes such as the S&P 500.RTM. index
available from Standard & Poor's Corporation of New York,
N.Y.), and the like. Such external data can be particularly
tailored to an individual user. For example, a user can make
available information about her portfolio so that individualized
financial data or an abstraction thereof can be presented along
with information on the user's condition.
[0060] The system can include privacy settings that allow a user to
control how private information (e.g., medical history, financial
history, and the like) is utilized. Users can restrict all or
certain information from being utilized in various manners. For
example, a user can allow all of their data to be used to compute
aggregate data, but restrict the viewing of certain data in the
context of the particular user.
[0061] By viewing a chart 216 with relevant user information, other
users have additional context for viewing the user's posting 202.
For example, users can observe that BernieB's depression has not
improved since commencing PROZAC.RTM.. Moreover, other users can
observe the duration and dosing level for user "BernieB" and
provide commentary based on their dosing experiences. For example,
if a patient commented that PROZAC.RTM. was not improving his
depression, another user might observe from the chart that the user
has only taken PROZAC.RTM. for two weeks, which can be an
insufficient time to achieve a stable concentration in the user's
body and comment accordingly.
[0062] Additionally, the incorporation of relevant user information
can counter any memory bias by the poster. Presumably, users will
have minimal, if any, motivation to exaggerate medical condition
metrics as they experience them. Therefore, this data can serve to
verify whether the user's recollection in a posting 202 is
accurate, thereby enhancing the credibility of accurate postings
202 and calling into question inaccurate postings 202.
[0063] Referring again to FIG. 2A, chart 216b in posting 202b
confirms the poster's increased dosage of PROZAC.RTM., which is
represented by a thicker line along the bottom of chart 216b, and
the corresponding improvement in the user's depression, which is
represented by the downward slope of the line graph.
[0064] Additionally or alternatively, the interactive environment
can display information about the medical condition and/or
intervention along with the posting. For example, a message board
can include links to information about depression and/or
PROZAC.RTM. from sources such as the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, WebMD.RTM. services, the Physicians' Desk
Reference, the EPOCRATES.RTM. database, and the like.
[0065] The charts 216 can be interactive. For example, a user can
modify the visible time range of the chart 216. Likewise, the user
can hide one or more charts 216 or chart components. A user can
also "drill down" to view additional chart components or the
underlying data for chart 216, for example by clicking on chart
216.
[0066] The visible time range can initially be calculated based on
information in the message thread and/or the user viewing the
thread. For example, if the postings in the thread refer to the
user's change in depressive symptoms during the winter, each chart
216 can be configured to display a medical condition metric during
the winter months. In another alternative, the user asks about
other users' experiences with PROZAC.RTM.. The charts 216 can be
configured to display medical condition metrics for the period
after each user began taking PROZAC.RTM..
[0067] User interactions with charts 218 can be stored and mined to
rank the posting 202 and/or refine the chart. For example, frequent
clicks on chart 218 may indicate that chart is interesting to many
users, which can result in the prominent display of the posting
202. Likewise, if a user views a chart 218 for a significant period
of time, the posting may be interesting to many users. In contrast,
if many users hide the chart 218 or spend little time viewing the
chart 218, the posting 202 may be less interesting, resulting in a
less prominent display.
[0068] Users can also indicate the helpfulness of a posting 202
and/or chart through or more buttons and/or other GUI elements in
interface 200.
[0069] An aggregate chart can be displayed for a message thread.
The aggregate chart can include a plurality of sets and or average
data for all users that made postings 202 in a thread. Such an
aggregate chart can provide valuable context about the nature of
the user's medical condition vis-a-vis other users in the
thread.
Identification of Relevant Information
[0070] Relevant user information can be selected for importation in
a variety of ways such as tagging or natural language processing.
Relevant user information can be identified automatically (i.e.
without the necessity of human involvement).
[0071] In a tagging method, one or more users can identify one or
more relevant terms in the user-posted content 212. This can occur
in several ways. For example, user can select one or more terms in
the user interface 200 and press a button to tag the one or more
terms as "relevant." Additionally or alternatively, one or more
administrators and/or moderators can tag relevant terms. Terms can
be tagged as relevant by the author of the posting 202 or another
user. More than one term can be tagged in each posting 202.
[0072] In contrast, FIG. 3 depicts a method for context-linked
importation of user information through natural language
processing. Such a method can be implemented, for example, on
server 102 as described herein. In step S302, an interactive
environment (e.g., a message board) is provided. In step S304, a
message (e.g., a posting) is received from a pre-identified
user.
[0073] Users can be pre-identified through a variety of means known
to those of skill in the art. For example, users can enter a
username and password when accessing the interactive environment.
In another example, a persistent object such as a cookie in
conventional Internet architectures and/or Local Stored Objects
(LSOs) in FLASH.RTM. or AIR.RTM. platforms is stored on clients
104a-104c and act as an identifier. Cookies are described in H. M.
Deitel et al., Internet & World Wide Web: How to Program
1060-68 (2000). The FLASH.RTM. or AIR.RTM. software platforms are
available from Adobe Systems Incorporated of San Jose, Calif.
[0074] In step S306, relevant data about the pre-identified user is
selected. In some embodiments, relevant data is selected based on
contextual information mined from the message using preprocessing
steps 306a-306c. Preprocessing maps a report onto a list of tokens
that have linguistic meaning, i.e., words. Preprocessing can
include one or more of the following steps: tokenization (S306a),
stop word removal (S306b), and lemmatization (S306c).
[0075] Tokenization (S306a) separates punctuation from words.
[0076] Stop words (also called "stopwords" or "noise words") are
common words that appear in too many messages and therefore do not
have discriminative power. That is, stopwords cannot be used to
capture the essence of a message such that one can differentiate
one message from another. Standard lists of stop words are provided
in software programs such as the SMART Information Retrieval
System, available from Cornell University of Ithaca, N.Y. The SMART
stop word list is available at
ftp://ftp.cs.cornell.edu/pub/smart/english.stop. A collection of
stopwords for a particular set of documents can be created by
selecting the words that occur in more than 80% of existing
messages. See R. Baeza-Yates & B. Ribeiro-Neto, Modern
Information Retrieval .sctn.7.2 (1999).
[0077] Lemmatization (S306b) maps each morphological variation of a
word to its base form. For example, the words, "go", "going",
"went", and "gone" are lemmatized to "go", their root or base form.
Suitable lemmatizers include the WORDNET.RTM. system, available
from Princeton University of Princeton, N.J. Other lemmatizers can
be used, including the MORPHA.TM. software described in G. Minnen
et al., "Applied morphological processing of English," 7(3) Natural
Language Engineering 207-23 (2001) and available at
http://www.informatics.susx.ac.uk/research/groups/nlp/carroll/morph.html.
[0078] Once the message is preprocessed, relevant data can be
selected based on the contextual information identified. For
example, if "blood pressure" was identified as contextual data,
data about the user's blood pressure history (e.g., a chart) can be
selected.
[0079] In step S308, relevant data about the user is displayed
along with the message.
[0080] In step S310, the database is updated with data from the
message. For example, the user might state in the message that they
achieved an FRS score of 25 today. This information can be
extracted and added to the database in the same manner as if the
user had entered the information directly.
[0081] In step S312, a response is received from another
pre-identified user. In steps S314-S318, relevant data is extracted
from the response. This relevant data can be used to (i) identify
the author of the response, (ii) identify the subject(s) of the
response, and/or (iii) retrieve relevant information from a
database to be displayed and/or posted to the database in the same
or similar manner as discussed above.
[0082] Referring now to FIG. 4, the invention herein can be
embodied in a computer software and/or hardware system 400. System
400 may contain one or more modules such as a messaging module 402,
a data importation module 404, and/or an authentication module
406.
[0083] Messaging module 402 implements an interactive environment
such as a message board. Accordingly, messaging module 402 can
provide an interactive environment as described herein, receive
messages for the interactive environment, and display relevant data
along with the message on the interactive environment.
[0084] In order to enhance the flexibility and adaptability of
system 400, messaging module 402 can communicate with data
importation module 404. Data importation module 404 selects
relevant data about a pre-identified user from the database based
on information contained in the message as discussed herein, for
example in FIG. 3 and associated text.
[0085] Messaging module 402 can also communicate with
authentication module 406 to authenticate a pre-identified user.
For example, messaging module 402 can pass a user name and/or
password to authentication module 406, which then authenticates the
user. Alternatively, authentication module 406 may maintain a
persistent authentication of the user and confirm such
authentication when requested by messaging module 402.
[0086] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art,
the modules 402, 404, 406 described herein can be implemented as
components, i.e., functional or logical components with
well-defined interfaces used for communication across components.
For example, a system can be assembled by selecting a messaging
component from several components (e.g., components that implement
various approaches to message boards) and combining this component
with a data importation component (e.g., a data importation module
designed for a specific type of data and/or database) and an
authentication component (e.g., an authentication component
designed for a specific type of authentication).
[0087] Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that the modules 402, 404, 406 described herein can be implemented
using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and
software. For example, one or more modules can be implemented on
one or more general purposes computer containing appropriate
software to implement the invention as described herein.
[0088] Exemplary Data Entry User Interface
[0089] The interactive environment can include an interface that
allows a user to enter data such as intervention data or medical
condition metric data. This interface can be contained on the same
page as a message board or can be accessible by a link or as a
pop-up window.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary user interface 500 for
data entry is provided. Although user interface 500 is illustrated
as customized for a patient suffering from Parkinson's disease, the
principles explained and depicted herein are equally applicable to
any disease.
[0091] User interface 500 includes a medical condition metric
portion 502, which allows the patient to input a medical condition
metric (in this example, the patient's functional ability). The
user can place multiple data points 504 in the medical condition
metric chart, which includes a time scale. Data points 504 can be
adjusted with respect to time and/or magnitude. For example, if the
patient is indicating how she feels now or at a designated time,
the patient can be limited to moving data point 504 up or down.
Alternatively, the patient can input data for a time by dragging
the data point to the left or right. The patient can be restricted
from setting a data point in the future and/or the past.
[0092] User interface 500 also includes an intervention portion
508. Intervention portion 508 allows the patient to record one or
more interventions such as administration of a medication,
administration of a remedy, administration of a nutritional
supplement, administration of a vitamin, exercise, physical
therapy, massage, stretching, consumption of food, rest, and sleep.
For example, the patient can designate when meals are eaten by
adjusting bars 510a, 510b, 510c to indicate the beginning and
ending of the meal. Likewise, the patient can indicate when one or
more drugs 514a-514e are administered by placing markers 512 (which
may depict pills) on a time scale.
[0093] Various types of remedies can be scheduled for specific
times. For example, the patient can be prescribed to take
MADOPAR.TM. (levodopa; benserazide hydrochl) at 6:00 AM. In this
situation, user interface 500 can display a medication schedule.
The patient can modify this schedule to reflect the actual
administration by dragging marker 512a. Likewise, the patient can
indicate that the drug was consumed by clicking on the marker 512a.
Clicking on the marker can change the appearance of the marker 512a
(e.g., its color) and thus can be used by patients, particularly
patients with memory problems, to more faithfully follow a
medication program.
[0094] User interface 500 can also include pharmacokinetic data,
such a pharmacokinetic curve 516 that depicts the concentration of
a medication within the patient over time. Multiple pharmacokinetic
curves 516 can be depicted in various colors or patterns to reflect
varying pharmacokinetic properties of various medications. The
pharmacokinetic curves can be generated using existing using
formulas known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Slider Bar
[0095] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, a user interface for data entry is
provided. As in FIG. 5, a medical condition metric portion 602 is
provided. In FIG. 6A, the first medical condition metric is
recorded for a day. The patient either indicates that she wishes to
record a metric from 6:00 AM or accesses the user interface at 6:00
AM, at which point the user interface can default to 6:00 AM. The
patient manipulates slider bar 604 to input a medical condition
metric. For example, if the patient wishes to indicate that `2` is
the medical metric (e.g., a measurement of pain on a scale from
0-4), the user drags handle 606 of the slider bar 604 to the `2`
position as depicted in FIG. 6A.
[0096] Data point 608a can move up and down along vertical line
610a as the handle 606 is moved or data point 608a may not appear
until the medical condition metric is finalized. A metric can be
"finalized" in a number of ways, including by clicking the handle
606 to lock the handle 606. Additionally or alternatively, the
metric can be finalized by a period of inactivity, for example,
about fifteen seconds, about thirty seconds, and about one minute.
In another alternative, data point 608a can also be moved left or
right to modify the time associated with the data point.
[0097] As discussed in the context of FIG. 6A, the patient can
indicate that he wishes to record metrics from 6:00 AM or can
access the user interface at 6:00 AM at which point the user
interface can default to 6:00 AM. The patient can leave the user
interface open for a period of time and the patient can continue to
access the user interface and manipulate the slider bar. Each time
the user manipulates the slider bar 604, a new data point can be
set for the time that the slider bar 604 is manipulated.
[0098] Referring now to FIG. 6B, the patient enters a second
medical condition metric. The patient again moves the handle 606 of
the slider bar 604. If the system is configured so that the data
point 608b moves with the handle 606, line segment 612a also moves.
Thus, the patient can readily see whether he is indicating that a
medical condition metric is improving or deteriorating and verify
that such a change truly reflects their experience.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 6C, the patient again manipulates the
slider bar 604 to enter a third data point 608c and form a new line
segment 612b.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 6D, the patient indicates that the medical
condition remains a `3` at 3:00 PM. The slider bar handle 606
remains at the `3` position from the 12:00 PM data entry. The
patient can indicate that the metric remains a `3` by clicking on
the handle 606 to lock the slider bar 604. During this, line
segment 612c can grow horizontally from data point 608c as time
progresses from 12:00 PM. Otherwise, the slider bar handle 606 can
disappear after data point 608c is set. Handle 606 reappears when
the patient clicks or moves the mouse over the slider bar 604.
Application of Invention to Other User-Generated Content
[0101] Although described in the context of an interactive
environment, the invention is applicable to a variety of other
applications. Specifically, user information can be selectively
imported based on user-generated content other than postings to an
interactive environment.
[0102] In one example, users send private messages to each other.
Such private messages can be sent in real-time (analogous to
instant messages) or can be sent and received asynchronously
(analogous to email). User information (e.g., information about the
sender or recipient) can be presented to the recipient along with
the message.
[0103] In another example, a patient can communicate with their
physician to request and/or refill a prescription. User information
is selected based on the information in the request (e.g., the name
of the prescription) and is presented to the physician along with
the request.
Self-Updating Forums
[0104] Referring now to FIG. 7, the invention provides a
self-updating forum 700. In posting 702a, user "Robert" indicated
that his doctor prescribed CYMBALTA.RTM. (duloxetine) for his
depression.
[0105] Posting 702a includes a chart 716a. Chart 716a can be
configured to display one or more metrics as discussed herein along
an x-axis spanning between the date of the posting 702a and the
current date (Mar. 1, 2009 in the example depicted in FIG. 7).
Thus, any viewer can assess how the poster's condition has
developed without the need for (i) the poster returns to the forum
to add a further posting or (ii) the reader to locate any
subsequent posting(s).
[0106] The ability of other users to view current information
regarding the poster is reflected in posting 702b from user
"Juanita" on Feb. 1, 2009. User "Juanita" viewed chart 716a
(spanning from Jun. 1, 2008 to Feb. 1, 2009 at the time) and could
visually appreciate that user Robert's condition had improved, as
reflected in her posting 702b. Juanita's posting 702b also includes
a chart 716b depicting her steady condition.
Incorporation in Blogs
[0107] Referring now to FIG. 8, embodiment of the invention can be
applied to web logs (commonly referred to as "blogs"). A user
interface 800 of a blog can include a post 802 and one or more
comments 804.
[0108] In the blog post 802, the author discusses her recent kidney
transplant and discusses her BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and
creatinine levels. Software mines the blog post for terms of
interest such as BUN and creatinine, queries a database or other
data source for relevant data, and generates one or more graphical
elements 806a, 806b pertaining to the terms of interest in a
similar manner to the methods described herein (e.g., method 300).
In the example depicted in FIG. 8, graphs of the author's BUN and
creatinine levels are depicted.
[0109] One or more readers can post comments 804 to the blog 800.
Comments 804 can be mined for terms of interest in the same or
similar manner as the blog post 802 and one or more graphical
elements 808a, 808b can be associated with the comments 804.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0110] All patents, published patent applications, and other
references disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated by
reference in their entireties by reference.
EQUIVALENTS
[0111] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many
equivalents of the specific embodiments of the invention described
herein. Specifically, although this application periodically
discusses the application of the invention to "diseases", the
invention is equally applicable to other medical events such as
aging, fertility, and the like. Moreover, the invention is not
limited to medical events and conditions, but is applicable to
other topics such as athletic training, weight loss, academic
performance, financial management, and the like. Such equivalents
are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
* * * * *
References