U.S. patent application number 17/244640 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-04 for nicotine replacement therapy smart device.
This patent application is currently assigned to McNeil AB. The applicant listed for this patent is McNeil AB. Invention is credited to Curt Binner, Ming Dong, Sophie Edgar, Justin Mellinger, Ryan Walsh.
Application Number | 20210337881 17/244640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005737018 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210337881 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mellinger; Justin ; et
al. |
November 4, 2021 |
Nicotine Replacement Therapy Smart Device
Abstract
A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a dispenser for dispensing a
nicotine formulation. The device may comprise an actuating member
mounted to actuate the dispenser. The device may comprise a lockout
mechanism that may be movable between an operative position that
may allow the actuating member to move so as to actuate the
dispenser, and a non-operative position that may prevent the
actuating member from moving. The device may comprise a processor.
The processor may be configured to determine an amount of nicotine
that was previously consumed by a user. The processor may be
configured to send a lockout mechanism signal to the lockout
mechanism that causes the lockout mechanism to move to the
non-operative position.
Inventors: |
Mellinger; Justin;
(Philadelphia, PA) ; Walsh; Ryan; (Downingtown,
PA) ; Edgar; Sophie; (Hoboken, NJ) ; Dong;
Ming; (Hoboken, NJ) ; Binner; Curt; (Furlong,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McNeil AB |
Helsingborg |
|
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
McNeil AB
Helsingborg
SE
|
Family ID: |
1000005737018 |
Appl. No.: |
17/244640 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63018035 |
Apr 30, 2020 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 2219/21109
20130101; G05B 2219/25257 20130101; G05B 19/042 20130101; A24F
47/00 20130101; G05B 2219/25252 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00; G05B 19/042 20060101 G05B019/042 |
Claims
1. A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy, the device
comprising: a dispenser for dispensing a nicotine formulation; an
actuating member mounted to actuate the dispenser; a lockout
mechanism that is movable between an operative position that allows
the actuating member to move so as to actuate the dispenser, and a
non-operative position that prevents the actuating member from
moving; and a processor configured to: determine an amount of
nicotine that was previously consumed by a user, and send a lockout
mechanism signal to the lockout mechanism that causes the lockout
mechanism to move to the non-operative position.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further
configured to: determine a nicotine threshold for the user, wherein
the nicotine threshold accounts for nicotine consumption from one
or more sources; and determine whether the amount of nicotine that
was previously consumed by the user exceeds the nicotine threshold,
wherein the lockout mechanism signal that causes the lockout
mechanism to move to the non-operative position was sent on a
condition that the amount of nicotine that was previously consumed
by the user exceeds the nicotine threshold.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises: a
transmitter for sending a nicotine amount signal indicating the
amount of nicotine that was previously consumed by the user; a
receiver for receiving a locking signal indicating that the lockout
mechanism is to be moved to the non-operative position.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a
sensor for measuring a physiological parameter.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the device further comprises a
transmitter, and wherein the processor is further configured to:
receive a sensor signal from the sensor for measuring a first
physiological parameter that indicates a value of the first
physiological parameter of the user; determine the value of the
first physiological parameter of the user based on the sensor
signal; and instruct the transmitter to send the value of the first
physiological parameter of the user.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further
configured to: determine a number of actuations of the dispenser
associated with a period of time; obtain a concentration of the
nicotine formulation; and determine an amount of nicotine consumed
by the user during the period of time based on the number of
actuations and the concentration of the nicotine formulation,
wherein the amount of nicotine that was previously consumed by the
user is determined based on the amount of nicotine consumed by the
user during the period of time.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further
configured to determine that the user is experiencing a nicotine
craving and that a condition indicates that the user should not
receive a dose of the nicotine formulation, wherein the lockout
mechanism signal to the lockout mechanism that causes the lockout
mechanism to move to the non-operative position was sent upon
determining that the user is experiencing the nicotine craving.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a
motion sensor, and the processor is further configured to: receive
a motion signal from the motion sensor; determine, from the motion
signal, that the user is fidgeting for a period of time; and send
an indication of the user fidgeting.
9. A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy, the device
comprising: a memory; and a processor configured to: determining
that a user is experiencing a nicotine craving; determine an amount
of nicotine that was previously consumed by the user; determine a
nicotine threshold for the user; determine that the amount of
nicotine that was previously consumed by the user is below the
nicotine threshold; and send a message to advise the user to
dispense a dose of nicotine to reduce the nicotine craving.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the message is a first message,
and the processor is further configured to send a second message to
a nicotine delivery device instructing the nicotine delivery device
to allow the dose of nicotine to be dispensed.
11. The device of claim 9, wherein the processor is further
configured to determine that the user is experiencing a nicotine
craving using at least one of a detected motion, a physical
location, a time of day, a scheduled activity, a calendar of the
user, social media data, and a biometric measurement.
12. The device of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to
determine that the user is experiencing a nicotine craving using a
resting heart rate associated with the user or using a perceived
change in a heart rate for the user.
13. The device of claim 9, wherein the processor is further
configured to determine the amount of nicotine that was previously
consumed by the user by: determining one or more tobacco products
consumed by the user within a time period; and determining a level
of nicotine associated with the one or more tobacco products.
14. The device of claim 9, wherein the processor is further
configured to determine a nicotine threshold for the user by:
determining one or more smoking behaviors for the user; and
determining a smoking cessation program for the user based on the
one or more smoking behaviors for the user.
15. A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy, the device
comprising: a dispenser body; a dispenser for dispensing a dosage
of a nicotine formulation; an actuating member mounted to actuate
the dispenser; a carriage mounted to move relative to the dispenser
body when contacted by the actuating member; a sensor configured to
sense a movement of the carriage; and a processor, the processor
configured to: determine a dosage of the nicotine formulation was
dispensed based on a signal from the sensor, and send an indication
of the dosage of the nicotine formulation.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the carriage is a magnetic
carriage, and the sensor is a magnetic sensor that is able to
detect when the magnetic carriage is within a range.
17. The device of claim 15, wherein the processor is further
configured to: determine a time that the dosage of the nicotine
formulation was dispensed, wherein the indication of the dosage
further indicates the time.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the dosage of the nicotine
formulation is a first dosage, and the processor is further
configured to: determine an amount of nicotine that was previously
consumed by a user; determine an anticipated craving time using the
time that the first dosage of the nicotine formulation was
dispensed and the amount of nicotine that was previously consumed
by the user; and provide a notification suggesting a second dosage
of the nicotine formulation at the anticipated craving time.
19. The device of claim 15, wherein the processor is further
configured to: receive heart rate data associated with a user;
determine a heart rate trend and/or a change in heart rate trend
for the user by using the received heart rate data; determine an
expected time of occurrence of a smoking lapse event and instruct
the actuating member to actuate the dispenser such that the
dispenser dispenses an amount of nicotine formulation at the
expected time of occurrence of a smoking lapse event or prior
thereto.
20. The device of claim 15, wherein the processor is further
configured to: receive data including one or more of a heart rate,
heart rate variability, blood pressure, temperature, respiration
rate, oxygen saturation, carboxyhemoglobin, carbon monoxide,
galvanic skin response, and accelerometer data from a wearable
device associated with a user; and modify a personalized nicotine
replacement or reduction therapy program for the user based on the
received data from the wearable device.
21. The device of claim 15, wherein the processor is further
configured to: determine a total amount of nicotine consumed,
wherein the total amount of nicotine consumed indicates the amount
of nicotine that was previously consumed by a user; determine an
amount of nicotine to be dispensed; and instruct the actuating
member to actuate the dispenser such that the dispenser dispenses
the amount of nicotine when the total amount of nicotine consumed
and the amount of nicotine to be dispensed is less than a maximum
nicotine dosage for a day.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 63/018,035, filed Apr. 30, 2020, the contents of
which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Smokers, other tobacco users and electronic cigarette users
often use tobacco or nicotine products due to a nicotine addiction.
Specifically, the users will often use these products even in the
face of negative health consequences due to a biological and/or
phycological dependence on nicotine. And some of these users wish
to quit. But due to their nicotine addiction, these users may not
be able to successfully quit.
SUMMARY
[0003] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a dispenser for dispensing a
nicotine formulation. The device may comprise an actuating member
mounted to actuate the dispenser. The device may comprise a lockout
mechanism that may be movable between an operative position that
may allow the actuating member to move so as to actuate the
dispenser, and a non-operative position that may prevent the
actuating member from moving. The device may comprise a processor.
The processor may be configured to determine an amount of nicotine
that was previously consumed by a user. The processor may be
configured to send a lockout mechanism signal to the lockout
mechanism that causes the lockout mechanism to move to the
non-operative position.
[0004] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a memory and a processor. The
processor may be configured to perform a method. It may be
determined that a user is experiencing a nicotine craving. An
amount of nicotine that was previously consumed by the user may be
determined. A nicotine threshold for the user may be determined. It
may be determined that the amount of nicotine that was previously
consumed by the user is below the nicotine threshold. A message may
be sent to advise the user to dispense a dose of nicotine to reduce
the nicotine craving.
[0005] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a dispenser body. The device may
comprise a dispenser for dispensing a dosage of a nicotine
formulation. The device may comprise an actuating member mounted to
actuate the dispenser. The device may comprise a carriage mounted
to move relative to the dispenser body when contacted by the
actuating member. The device may comprise a sensor configured to
sense a movement of the carriage. The device may comprise a
processor. The processor may be configured to perform one or more
actions. It may be determined that a dosage of the nicotine
formulation was dispensed based on a signal from the sensor. An
indication of the dosage of the nicotine formulation may be
sent.
[0006] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a processor. The processor may be
configured to perfume one or more actions. A cessation program for
a user may be determined. A program intervention event based on a
phase of the cessation program may be determined. A marker
associated with the user may be determined. A modification to the
cessation program may be determined based on the program
intervention event.
[0007] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a processor that may be
configured to perform one or more actions. A phase of a cessation
program associated with a user may be determined. A smoking
detection event based on a biomarker associated with the user may
be determined. A modification to the cessation program may be
determined based on the phase and the smoking detection event.
[0008] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a processor. The processor may be
configured to determine a phase of a cessation program associated
with a user. A nicotine consumption detection event may be
determined. A modification to the cessation program may be
determined based on the phase and the nicotine consumption
detection event.
[0009] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a processor. A biomarker
associated with a user may be determined. A nicotine craving may be
detected using the biomarker associated with the user. An
intervention may be provided to the user based on the nicotine
craving.
[0010] A smart nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) device may
include one or more integrated mechanical and/or biological
sensors. For example, the device may include one or more mechanisms
for detection of nicotine use, fidget detection, location
detection, receiving replaceable vial, authenticating vial and/or
dose tracking. One or more applications operated on the device or
other device(s), may provide a dynamic personalized journey guide
based on usage, sensor-based data, biological, behavioral response
data to aid in cessation of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes,
tobacco and use of nicotine. The smart NRT device may be used in
combination with a smart phone and/or a smart watch to provide
tools to monitor and adjust the smoke cessation journey.
[0011] The smart NRT device may include a sensor for measuring a
physiological parameter. For example, the smart NRT device may
include a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor for measuring the CO level of
the user. A CO measurement may be taken, for example, via the smart
NRT device or another device, during the smoking cessation program.
User CO level information may be used to provide real-time feedback
to a user, indicating that the smoking cessation is providing
meaningful biological benefit.
[0012] The NRT device may be used in conjunction with a smart watch
for obtaining information such as biomarker information. A
biomarker may be a heart rate, heart rate variability, blood
pressure, temperature, respiration rate, oxygen saturation,
carboxyhemoglobin, carbon monoxide, galvanic skin response (GSR),
location, user gesture, movement and/activity, and/or the like.
Potential smoking cravings may be determined based on the
information obtained from the NRT device, the smart watch, and/or a
smart phone. A suggestion message for NRT use may be generated in
advance of a craving.
[0013] A craving may be a desire for more of a substance or
activity consisting of a desire to experience the euphoric (or
other) effects. A craving may include a desire to avoid the
withdrawal aspects of abstinence. A craving may be a desire to
consume a particular substance, such as nicotine.
[0014] The user's smoking behavior or nicotine addiction may be
determined based on real time feedback of biological indicators,
biomarkers, and/or behavioral support elements. The feedback
information may be used to adapt the user's smoking cessation plan
during a quit attempt.
[0015] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy (e.g.,
the smart NRT device) may include a dispenser for dispensing a
nicotine formulation and an actuating member mounted to actuate the
dispenser. The device may include a lockout mechanism movable
between an operative position that may allow the actuating member
to move to actuate the dispenser, and a non-operative position that
may prevent the actuating member from moving. The device may
include one or more processors as described therein. The device may
include a sensor for measuring a physiological parameter. For
example, the device may include a CO sensor. The user's CO level
may be determined, and an indication of the CO level may be sent
(e.g., to a processor, or to another device via a transmitter). The
device may include one or more sensors for sensing one or more
physiological parameters of the user. The sensors may include one
or more of photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor, carbon monoxide sensor,
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensor, spirometer sensor,
electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor, galvanic skin response sensor,
temperature sensor, pressure sensor and/or the like.
[0016] The device may include a processor configured to determine
whether or not to send a signal to the lockout mechanism to cause
the lockout mechanism to move either to the non-operative position
or to the operative position depending on the age of a user, the
user's geographic location, and/or an amount of nicotine that was
previously consumed by the user. For example, the lockout mechanism
that causes the lockout mechanism to move to the non-operative
position may be sent upon determining that the amount of nicotine
that was previously consumed by the user exceeds a nicotine
threshold. The nicotine threshold may be personalized based on
various data gathered via the NRT device, and/or other device(s)
connected with the NRT device.
[0017] The device may include a dispense tracking detection
mechanism for detecting and tracking the number of sprays. The
device may include a mechanism to measure a dosage of the nicotine
formulation dispensed associated with a pump or a spray. The
dispense tracking mechanism may include a proximity sensor. For
example, the device may include a carriage (e.g., magnetic
carriage) mounted to move relative to the dispenser when contacted
by the actuating member and a sensor (e.g., a magnetic sensor)
configured to sense a movement of the carriage. The magnetic sensor
may detect when the magnetic carriage is within a range. The dosage
of the nicotine formulation that was dispensed may be determined
based on a signal from the sensor. An indication of the dosage may
be sent (e.g., to the processor in the device, or to another device
via a transmitter). The device may include a transmitter for
sending a signal indicating the amount of nicotine formulation
consumed by the user.
[0018] The device may include a receiver for receiving a signal
indicating that the lockout mechanism is to be moved to the
non-operative position (e.g., a lockout activation message) and/or
a signal indicating that the lockout mechanism is to be moved to
the operative position (e.g., a use resume message). The signals
may be received from a smart phone, a smart watch, and/or anther
device.
[0019] Whether a user is experiencing a nicotine craving may be
determined, and a message may be sent or displayed to advise the
user to dispense a dose of nicotine formulation to reduce the
nicotine craving. A message may be sent to instruct the nicotine
delivery device to allow the dose nicotine to be dispensed. A
potential nicotine craving may be determined based on at least one
of a detected motion, a physical location, a time of day, a
scheduled activity, a calendar of the user, social media data, a
biometric measurement (e.g., a resting heart rate, real-time heart
rate data, skin temperature, etc.), triggers entered by the user,
and/or triggers derived based on various data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIGS. 1A-B depict an example smart nicotine replacement
therapy (NRT) device in front and side views respectively.
[0021] FIG. 1C is a functional block diagram of certain electrical
components of the example smart NRT device.
[0022] FIG. 2A is an architecture diagram for an example system to
support a smart NRT device;
[0023] FIG. 2B is a messaging flow diagram for the example
system.
[0024] FIGS. 3A-B depicts example schematic views of the smart NRT
device.
[0025] FIG. 3C depicts an example pumping mechanism that may be
used by the smart NRT device.
[0026] FIGS. 4A-D depict perspective views of the smart NRT device
with a dispenser head in a non-operative (e.g., locked
position).
[0027] FIGS. 5A-D depict perspective views of the smart NRT device
with the dispenser head in an operative position (e.g., unlocked
position).
[0028] FIGS. 6A-B depict example schematic views of one or more
components within the smart NRT device that may be used to dispense
a nicotine formulation.
[0029] FIG. 7 depicts a schematic view of components within the
smart NRT device that may be used to dispense nicotine formulation
and/or record that nicotine formulation has been dispensed.
[0030] FIGS. 8A-B depict schematic views of a carriage system
within the smart NRT device that may be used to detect and/or
record when a vial is inserted, when a vial is removed, and/or when
nicotine was dispensed.
[0031] FIG. 9 depicts a schematic view of the smart NRT device that
may include a sensor, such as a carbon monoxide sensor, to detect
tobacco use by a user.
[0032] FIGS. 10A-C show a schematic views of a lockout mechanism
within the smart NRT device that may be used to prevent a nicotine
formulation from being dispensed.
[0033] FIG. 11A depicts an example user interface for entering
cigarette or other tobacco product consumption.
[0034] FIG. 11B depicts an example user interface for collecting
nicotine intake related information.
[0035] FIG. 12 depicts example user interface(s) for displaying
progress made in the nicotine replacement therapy program.
[0036] FIG. 13 depicts example user interface(s) for indicating
personalized weekly and/or daily targets and recommended
actions.
[0037] FIG. 14 depicts example user interface(s) for creating a
personalized cigarette replacement plan.
[0038] FIG. 15A depicts an example user interface for suggesting an
action in advance of a predicted nicotine craving.
[0039] FIG. 15B depicts an example user interface for entering an
action for coping with anticipated cravings.
[0040] FIG. 15C depicts an example user interface for prompting a
user to confirm cigarette or other tobacco product consumption.
[0041] FIG. 16A depicts an example overview of a nicotine/smoking
cessation program.
[0042] FIG. 16B depicts an example user interface for providing
feedback on carbon monoxide level information gathered and tracked
throughout the program.
[0043] FIG. 16C depicts an example user interface for providing
feedback on heart rate information gathered and tracked throughout
the program.
[0044] FIGS. 17A-C depict example user interfaces for suggesting an
action to experience the benefits of the nicotine cessation
journey.
[0045] FIG. 18 depicts an example flowchart for providing a
personalized nicotine/smoking cessation journey.
[0046] FIG. 19 depicts an example flowchart for controlling the
lockout mechanism.
[0047] FIG. 20 depicts an example NRT system.
[0048] FIG. 21 depicts an example 12-week NRT journey that may be
customized based on sensor feedback.
[0049] FIG. 22 depicts an example flowchart for updating the NRT
program.
[0050] FIG. 23A depicts an example flowchart for pattern
identification and updating a user's personalized NRT program based
on the identified patterns.
[0051] FIG. 23B depicts an example flowchart for pattern
identification and updating NRT programs for multiple users based
on the identified patterns.
[0052] FIG. 24 depicts examples of biometrics affected by
smoking.
[0053] FIG. 25 depicts an example flowchart for modifying a
personalized NRT program for a user based on various biometric data
sources and nicotine data sources.
[0054] FIG. 26 depicts an example flowchart for craving
identification. If nicotine/smoking craving is detected, use of NRT
may be recommended to alleviate the craving.
[0055] FIG. 27 depicts an example flowchart for behavior
intervention.
[0056] FIG. 28 depicts an example of a cessation program with
multiple phases.
[0057] FIG. 29 depicts a block diagram of an example cessation
program that generates a personalized nicotine replacement
therapy.
[0058] FIG. 30 depicts an example block diagram for a program
modification of a cessation program.
[0059] FIG. 31A depicts an example block diagram of a craving
detection event.
[0060] FIG. 31B depicts an example table for determining a craving
detection event.
[0061] FIG. 32A depicts an example block diagram of a program
intervention event.
[0062] FIGS. 32B-32C depict example tables for determining a
program intervention event.
[0063] FIG. 33A depicts an example block diagram of a smoking
detection event.
[0064] FIG. 33B depicts an example table for determining a smoking
detection event.
[0065] FIG. 34 depicts a method for providing nicotine replacement
therapy that may be implemented by a device.
[0066] FIG. 35 depicts an example method for providing nicotine
replacement therapy that may use a biomarker.
[0067] FIG. 36 depicts an example method for providing nicotine
replacement therapy that may use a biomarker to detect a nicotine
craving.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0068] Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a process to mitigate
the difficult withdrawal symptoms that are associated with
cigarette smoking cessation and/or nicotine quit. NRT does this by
replacing the nicotine from a cigarette, tobacco product or
electronic cigarette with nicotine from an alternate source, such
as a skin patch, chewing gum, nasal spray, inhaler, lozenge/tablet,
oral spray, and the like. NRT has been shown to improve the
likelihood of a successful smoking cessation and/or nicotine quit
journey.
[0069] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict an example NRT device 100, in front
and side views respectively. The device 100 may be or may include a
nicotine oral spray device. To receive a dose of nicotine, the user
grips the body 102 of the device 100 and depresses the actuator 104
(in the direction shown by arrow 106) while aiming the nozzle 108
to direct a mist of a nicotine formulation under the user's tongue,
for example. The example NRT device 100 may include mechanical
features such as a child-safe actuator and an internal, replaceable
vial for holding the liquid, nicotine formulation.
[0070] The example NRT device 100 may further include certain
digital-computing features to improve the modification of smoking
behavior and nicotine addiction, for example. The NRT device 100
may include advanced features such as digital processing,
communications, sensors, electro-mechanical interaction, user
feedback, and the like. For example, the NRT device 100 may include
a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor (not shown) integrated in the device
102. To use it, the user may press their lips around the mouthpiece
110 and exhale, expiring air from the lungs through the device's
inlet 112, past the internal CO sensor, and out the outlet 114. The
CO sensor may measure the relative concentration of CO in the
person's expired air. The relative concentration of CO in a
person's expired air may be indicative of magnitude of that
person's cigarette smoking behavior. And it is a very useful datum
for tracking and adapting a person's smoking and/or nicotine
cessation/quit journey.
[0071] The NRT device 100, with such digital-computing features,
may be incorporated into a broader system to further improve the
modification of smoking behavior and nicotine addiction. This
system may include aspects such as smart phone applications,
wearable technology (e.g., smart watch) with biometric and activity
tracking, cloud processing, predictive algorithms, adaptive
algorithms, and the like. This system, for example, may be a closed
loop NRT cessation system. And it may include the NRT device 100
with an integrated CO sensor, mechanisms for dosing detection,
fidget detection, location determination, replaceable-vial
authentication, dose concentration tracking, and the like. A
corresponding NRT application and/or behavioral-support application
(e.g., smartphone app, smart watch app, tablet app, and/or PC-based
app), which may be used in combination with a smartwatch with
biological sensors collecting information (e.g., biomarkers) about
activity, heart rate, heart rate variability and the like, may
provide the user with a dynamic, personalized journey guide. The
guide may be based on the collected usage data, sensor data,
biological data, behavioral response data, and the like. The guide
may be supported by adaptive and/or predictive algorithms to
leverage this data to adjust the planned cessation journey and/or
to anticipate events, like cravings, for example--making the device
100 part of a cohesive toolkit for monitoring the use of nicotine
and correspondingly adjusting a particular user's cessation
journey. Such a device 100 and/or system may help the individual
properly use nicotine replacements, aid in the adherence and
compliance to a planned NRT journey or NRT quit journey, and
ultimately drive a smoke-free success and/or nicotine
cessation.
[0072] FIG. 1C is a functional block diagram of certain electrical
components 120 of the example NRT device 100. These components 120
may be incorporated into a handheld nicotine dispensing device,
such as device 100. Such a dispenser may include a dispenser body
and a mechanism for dispensing a nicotine replacement. For example,
the dispenser may be operable to switch between an operative
configuration and the non-operative configuration. For example, in
the non-operative configuration, the lockout mechanism in the
device may be activated to prevent nicotine formulation from being
dispensed. The components 120 may integrate sensing,
electromechanical driving, communications, and digital-processing
functionality to the structure and operation of the dispenser. In
examples, the components 120 may include a controller 122,
communications interfaces 124, sensors 126, electrical and
electromechanical drivers 128, and a power management subsystem
130.
[0073] The controller 122, may include a processor 132, a memory
134, and one or more input/output devices 136, for example. The
controller 122 may be any suitable microcontroller, microprocessor,
field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like, that is suitable for
receiving data, computing, storing, and driving output data and/or
signals. The controller 122 may be a device suitable for an
embedded application. For example, the controller 122 may include a
system on a chip (SOC).
[0074] The processor 132 may include one or more processing units.
The processor 132 may be a processor of any suitable depth to
perform the digital processing requirements disclosed herein. For
example, the processor 132 may include a 4-bit processor, a 16-bit
processor, a 32-bit processor, a 64-bit processor, or the like.
[0075] The memory 134 may include any component or collection of
components suitable for storing data. For example, the memory 134
may include volatile memory and/or nonvolatile memory. The memory
134 may include random-access memory (RANI), read-only memory
(ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),
(electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) EEPROM, flash
memory, or the like.
[0076] The input/output devices 136 may include any devices
suitable for receiving and/or sending information. This information
may be in the form of digitally encoded data (from other digital
components, for example) and/or analog data (from analog sensors,
for example). The input/output devices 136 may include devices such
as serial input/output ports, parallel input/output ports,
universal asynchronous receiver transmitters (UARTs), discrete
logic input/output pins, analog-to-digital converters,
digital-to-analog converters. The input/output devices 136 may
include specific interfaces with computing peripherals and support
circuitry, such as timers, event counters, pulse width modulation
(PWM) generators, watchdog circuits, clock generators, and the
like. The input/output devices 136 may provide communication within
and among the components 100, for example, communication between
the controller 122 and the sensors 126, between the controller 122
and the drivers 128, between the controller 122 and the
communications interfaces 124, and between the controller and the
power management subsystem 130, and as a conduit for any other
combination of components 120. The components 120 may support
direct communication as well, for example, between a sensor 126 and
the power management system 130.
[0077] The communications interfaces 124 may include a transmitter
138 and/or a receiver 140. Communication interfaces 124 may include
one or more transmitters 138 and/or receivers 140. The transmitter
138 and receiver 140 may include any electrical components suitable
for communication to and/or from the electrical components 120. For
example, the transmitter 138 and receiver 140 may provide wireline
communication and/or wireless communication to devices external to
the components 120 and/or external to the device 100 within which
the components 120 are integrated.
[0078] The transmitter 138 and receiver 140 may enable wireline
communication using any suitable communications protocol, for
example, protocols suitable for embedded applications. For example,
the transmitter 138 and receiver 140 may be configured to enable
universal serial bus (USB) communication, Ethernet local-area
networking (LAN) communications, and the like.
[0079] The transmitter 138 and receiver 140 may enable wireless
communications using any suitable communications protocol, for
example, protocols suitable for embedded applications. For example,
the transmitter 138 and receiver 140 may be configured to enable a
wireless personal area network (PAN) communications protocol, a
wireless LAN communications protocol, a wide area network (WAN)
communications protocol and the like. The transmitter 138 and
receiver 140 may be configured to communicate via Bluetooth, for
example, with any supported or custom Bluetooth version and/or with
any supported or custom protocol, including for example, A/V
Control Transport Protocol (AVCTP), A/V Distribution Transport
(AVDTP), Bluetooth Network Encapsulation Protocol (BNEP), IrDA
Interoperability (IrDA), Multi-Channel Adaptation Protocol (MCAP),
and RF Communications Protocol (RFCOMM), and the like. In examples,
the transmitter 138 and receiver 140 may be configured to
communicate via Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) and/or a Bluetooth
Internet of Things (IoT) protocol. The transmitter 138 and receiver
140 may be configured to communicate via local mesh network
protocols such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, Thread, and the like. for
example. Such protocols may enable the transmitter 138 and receiver
140 to communicate with nearby devices such as the user's cell
phone and/or a user's smartwatch. And communication with a local
networked device, such as a mobile phone, may enable further
communication with other devices across a wide area network (WAN)
to devices remote, on the Internet, on a corporate network, and the
like.
[0080] The transmitter 138 and receiver 140 may be configured to
communicate via LAN protocols such as 802.11 wireless protocols
like Wi-Fi, including but not limited to, communications in the 2.4
GHz, 5 GHz and 60 GHz frequency bands. Such protocols may enable
the transmitter 138 and receiver 140 to communicate with local
network access point, such as a wireless router in a user's home or
office, for example. And communication with a local network access
point may enable further communication with other devices present
on the local network or across a WAN to devices remote, on the
Internet, on a corporate network, and the like.
[0081] The transmitter 138 and receiver 140 may be configured to
communicate via mobile wireless protocols such as global system for
mobile communications (GSM), 4G long-term evolution protocol (LTE),
5G, and 5G new radio (NR), and any variety of mobile Internet of
things (IoT) protocols. Such protocols may enable the transmitter
138 and receiver 140 to communicate more readily, for example when
a user is mobile, traveling away from home or office, and without
manual configuration.
[0082] The sensors 126 may include any device suitable for sensing
an aspect of its environment such as biometric, physical, chemical,
mechanical, electrical, encoded information, and the like. The
controller 122 may interact with one or more sensors 126. The
sensors 126 may be biometric sensors. The sensors 126 may include,
for example a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor 142, a dose-detection
sensor 144, an information sensor 146, a motion sensor 148, and the
like.
[0083] As described herein, the term biomarker may be used
interchangeably with the term biometric data. A biomarker may be a
body temperature, such as a core body temperature and/or a skin
temperature. A sensor, which may be included in sensors 126, may be
a body temperature sensing system, which may measure body
temperature data including temperature, emitted frequency spectra,
and/or the like. The body temperature sensing system may measure
body temperature data using some combination of thermometers and/or
radio telemetry. For example, the body temperature sensing system
may include a wearable antenna that measures body emission spectra.
As another example, the body temperature sensing system may include
a wearable patch that measures body temperature data, such as skin
temperature data. The body temperature sensing system may be
smartwatch 206, and/or may be associated with smartwatch 206.
[0084] The body temperature sensing system may calculate body
temperature using the body temperature data. The body temperature
sensing system may transmit the calculated body temperature to NRT
device 100 and/or a device that may include the NRT and/or
behavioral application. The body temperature data may be tracked
over time and may be displayed to a user.
[0085] The body temperature sensing system may process the body
temperature data locally or send the data to a processing unit
and/or a computing system, such as computing resource 212. Based on
the measured temperature data, the body temperature sensing system
may detect body temperature-related biomarkers, characteristic
fluctuations, climate, physical activity, nicotine cravings, and/or
nicotine usage.
[0086] For example, the body temperature sensing system may detect
that skin temperature has increased for a period before a user
starts smoking, vaping, using tobacco, and/or consuming nicotine
and may detect that skin temperature decreases once a user begins
to smoke, vape, use tobacco, and/or consume nicotine. Nicotine
consumption may comprise nicotine from a cigarette, tobacco
product, electronic cigarette with nicotine, and/or an alternate
source, such as a skin patch, chewing gum, nasal spray, inhaler,
lozenge/tablet, oral spray, and the like. As another example, the
body temperature sensing system may detect physical activities
using measured fluctuations in body temperature.
[0087] A biomarker may be a maximal oxygen consumption (VO2). A
sensor, which may be included in sensors 126, may be a VO2 max
sensing system that may measure VO2 max data, including oxygen
uptake, heart rate, and/or movement speed. The VO2 max sensing
system may measure VO2 max data during physical activities,
including running and/or walking.
[0088] The VO2 max sensing system may be included within a wearable
device, such as smartwatch 206. The VO2 max sensing system may be
smartwatch 206, and/or may be associated with smartwatch 206. The
VO2 max sensing system may process the VO2 max data locally or may
transmit the data to a processing unit (e.g., processor 132) and/or
a computing system, such as computing resource 212.
[0089] Based on the measured VO2 max data, biomarkers may be
derived, detected, and/or calculated including a VO2 max
quantifier, VO2 max score, physical activity, and/or physical
activity intensity. The VO2 max sensing system may select correct
VO2 max data measurements during correct time segments to calculate
accurate VO2 max information. Based on the VO2 max information, the
sensing system may detect dominating cardio, vascular, and/or
respiratory limiting factors. Based on the VO2 max information,
cravings may be predicted.
[0090] A biomarker may be or may be associated with a physical
activity. A sensor, which may be included in sensors 126, may be a
physical activity sensing system that may measure physical activity
data, including heart rate, motion, location, posture,
range-of-motion, movement speed, and/or cadence. The physical
activity sensing system may measure physical activity data
including accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, global
positioning system (GPS), PPG, and/or ECG. The physical activity
sensing system may include a wearable device, such as smartwatch
206. The physical activity wearable device may include, but is not
limited to, a watch, wrist band, vest, glove, belt, headband, shoe,
and/or garment. The physical sensing system may be smartwatch 206,
and/or may be associated with smartwatch 206. The physical activity
sensing system may locally process the physical activity data or
transmit the data to a processing unit (e.g., processor 132) and/or
a computing system, such as computing resource 212.
[0091] Based on the measured physical activity data, the physical
activity sensing system may detect physical activity-related
biomarkers, including but not limited to exercise activity,
physical activity intensity, physical activity frequency, and/or
physical activity duration. The physical activity sensing system
may generate physical activity summaries based on physical activity
information.
[0092] For example, the physical activity sensing system may send
physical activity information to computing resource 212. The
computing resource 212 may, based on the physical activity
information, generate activity summaries, may associate activities
to cravings, and/or may associate activities to nicotine usage. The
computing system may store the physical activity information in
user profiles. The computing system may display the physical
activity information graphically. The computing system may select
certain physical activity information and display the information
together or separately.
[0093] A biomarker may be respiration rate. A sensor, which may be
included in sensors 126, may be a respiration sensing system, which
may measure respiration rate data, including inhalation,
exhalation, chest cavity movement, and/or airflow. The respiration
sensing system may measure respiration rate data mechanically
acoustically, electrically, and/or optically (e.g., monitoring
dilation of blood vessels using light). The respiration sensing
system may measure respiration data mechanically by detecting chest
cavity movement. Two or more applied electrodes on a chest may
measure the changing distance between the electrodes to detect
chest cavity expansion and contraction during a breath. The
respiration sensing system may include a wearable skin patch. The
respiration sensing system may measure respiration data
acoustically using a microphone to record airflow sounds. The
respiration sensing system may measure respiration data optically
by monitoring dilation and contraction of blood vessels using
light. The respiration sensing system may be smartwatch 206, and/or
may be associated with smartwatch 206. The respiration sensing
system may locally process the respiration data or transmit the
data to a processing unit (e.g., processor 132) and/or a computing
system, such as computing resource 212.
[0094] Based on measured respiration data, the respiration sensing
system may generate respiration-related biomarkers including breath
frequency, breath pattern, and/or breath depth. Based on the
respiratory rate data, the respiration sensing system may generate
a respiration quality score. Based on the respiration rate data,
the respiration sensing system may detect respiration-related
biomarkers including irregular breathing, pain, nicotine cravings,
and/or nicotine usage.
[0095] A biomarker may be a blood pressure measure. A sensor, which
may be included in sensors 126, may be a blood pressure sensing
system, which may measure blood pressure data including blood
vessel diameter, tissue volume, and/or pulse transit time. The
blood pressure sensing system may measure blood pressure data using
oscillometric measurements, ultrasound patches,
photoplethysmography, and/or arterial tonometry. The blood pressure
sensing system using photoplethysmography may include a
photodetector to sense light scattered by imposed light from an
optical emitter. The blood pressure sensing system using arterial
tonometry may use arterial wall applanation. The blood pressure
sensing system may include an inflatable cuff, wristband, watch
and/or ultrasound patch. The blood pressure sensing system may be
smartwatch 206, and/or may be associated with smartwatch 206.
[0096] Based on the measured blood pressure data, a blood pressure
sensing system may quantify blood pressure-related biomarkers
including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and/or
pulse transit time. The blood pressure sensing system may use the
blood pressure-related biomarkers to detect nicotine cravings
and/or nicotine usage. For example, a user that smokes 1 cigarette
a day may be associated with a higher (0.21 bpm; 95% confidence
interval 0.19; 0.24) resting heart rate, slightly higher diastolic
blood pressure (0.05 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval 0.02; 0.08),
systolic blood pressure (0.08 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval 0.03;
0.13). A blood pressure sensing system may process the blood
pressure data locally or transmit the data to a processing unit
(e.g., processor 132) and/or a computing system, such as computing
resource 212.
[0097] A biomarker may be a heart rate variability (HRV). A sensor,
which may be included in sensors 126, may be a HRV sensing system,
which may measure HRV data including heartbeats and/or duration
between consecutive heartbeats. The HRV data may include a standard
deviation of a normal-to-normal (NN) sinus-initiated
interbeat-intervals (SDNN), a room mean square of successive
differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), a number of pairs of
successive NN intervals that differ by more than 50 milliseconds
(NN50), a proportion of NN50 divided by the total number of NN
intervals (pNN50), a low frequency (LF) heart rate oscillation, a
ultra-low-frequency (ULF) heart rate oscillation, a
very-low-frequency (VLF) heart rate oscillation, a high-frequency
(HF) heart rate oscillation, and the like.
[0098] The HRV sensing system may measure HRV data electrically or
optically. The HRV sensing system may measure heart rate
variability data electrically using ECG traces. The HRV sensing
system may use ECG traces to measure the time period variation
between R peaks in a QRS complex. An HRV sensing system may measure
heart rate variability optically using PPG traces. The HRV sensing
system may use PPG traces to measure the time period variation of
inter-beat intervals. The HRV sensing system may measure HRV data
over a set time interval. The HRV sensing system may include a
wearable device, including a ring, watch, wristband, and/or patch.
The HRV sensing system may be smartwatch 206.
[0099] Based on the HRV data, an HRV sensing system may detect
HRV-related biomarkers, which may indicate cardiovascular health,
changes in HRV, meal monitoring, anxiety levels, physical activity,
nicotine cravings, and/or nicotine usage. For example, an HRV
sensing system may detect high cardiovascular health based on high
HRV. As another example, an HRV sensing system may detect an
increase in a frequency domain index of HRV, which may indicate
smoking cessation. As another example, an HRV sensing system may
detect a biomarker that indicates a user has successfully stopped
smoking and/or reduced nicotine usage, for example, by detecting a
higher SDNN, a higher RMSSD, a higher pNN50, a higher LF, and/or a
higher HF. The HRV sensing system may locally process HRV data or
transmit the data to a processing unit (e.g., processor 132) and/or
a computing system, such as computing resource 212.
[0100] A biomarker may be a heart rate. A sensor, which may be
included in sensors 126, may be a heart rate sensing system, which
may measure heart rate data including heart chamber expansion,
heart chamber contraction, and/or reflected light. The heart rate
sensing system may use ECG and/or PPG to measure heart rate data.
For example, the heart rate sensing system using ECG may include a
radio transmitter, receiver, and one or more electrodes. The radio
transmitter and receiver may record voltages across electrodes
positioned on the skin resulting from expansion and contraction of
heart chambers. The heart rate sensing system may calculate heart
rate using measured voltage. For example, the heart rate sensing
system using PPG may impose green light on skin and record the
reflected light in a photodetector. The heart rate sensing system
may calculate heart rate using the measured light absorbed by the
blood over a period of time. The heart rate sensing system may
include a watch, a wearable elastic band, a skin patch, a bracelet,
garments, a wrist strap, an earphone, and/or a headband. The heart
rate sensing system may be smartwatch 206, and/or may be associated
with smartwatch 206.
[0101] Based on the measured heart rate data, the heart rate
sensing system may calculate heart rate-related biomarkers
including heart rate, heart rate variability, and/or average heart
rate. Based on the heart rate data, the heart rate sensing system
may detect biomarkers, which may indicate stress, pain, nicotine
cravings and/or nicotine usage. The heart rate sensing system may
detect when a resting heart rate for a user exceeds a threshold.
For example, the heart rating sensing system ay detect that a user
may have a higher resting HR, which may indicate that the user may
not have ceased smoking and/or reduced nicotine usage. As another
example, the heart rate system may determine that a user may have
continued smoking and/or using nicotine or may be a smoker and/or
nicotine user by detecting that the user has a slower heart rate
increase during exercise, a lower max heart rate, a lower heart
rate reserve, and/or an attenuated heart rate decline during a
recovery. The heart rate sensing system may process heart rate data
locally or transmit the data to a processing unit (e.g., processor
132) and/or a computing system, such as computing resource 212.
[0102] A biomarker may be a galvanic skin response. A sensor, which
may be included in sensors 126, may be a GSR sensing system, which
may measure skin conductance data including electrical
conductivity. The GSR sensing system may include one or more
electrodes. The GSR sensing system may measure electrical
conductivity by applying a voltage across the electrodes. The
electrodes may include silver or silver chloride. The GSR sensing
system may be placed on one or more fingers. For example, the GSR
sensing system may include a wearable device, which may include one
or more sensors that may attach to one or more fingers. GSR data
may vary based on sweat levels. The GSR sensing system may be
smartwatch 206, and/or may be associated with smartwatch 206. The
GSR sensing system may process GSR data locally or transmit the
data to a processing unit (e.g., processor 132) and/or a computing
system, such as computing resource 212.
[0103] Based on the GSR data, a GSR sensing system may calculate
GSR related biomarkers, which may indicate sympathetic activity
levels, nicotine cravings, and/or nicotine usage. For example, a
GSR sensing system may detect high sympathetic activity levels
based on high skin conductance. As another example, the GSR sensing
system may detect a smoking event by detecting an increase in a GSR
measurement during a time before the smoking event, a decrease in a
GSR during the smoking event, and/or an increase in GSR during a
time after the smoking event.
[0104] The CO sensor 142 may include any sensing device suitable
for determining a presence and/or concentration of CO in the
vicinity of the sensor. The CO sensor may be a biomimetic-type CO
sensor, an electrochemical-type CO sensor, a semiconductor-type CO
sensor, or the like. The CO sensor 142 may communicate information
about the presence and/or concentration of CO to the controller 122
via the input/output devices 136. In examples, a CO sensor 142 may
determine the level of CO in the expired air of a smoker engaging
in a smoking cessation and/or nicotine quit journey. The level
detected by the CO sensor 142 may be indicative of the magnitude of
the smoking behavior. For example, expired-air CO levels below
around 9 ppm and/or at or below around 4 ppm may be indicative of
general smoking abstinence.
[0105] The dose-detection sensor 144 may be any sensor suitable for
detecting that a dose was dispensed. In examples, a mechanical
arrangement may translate the force and/or movement that causes
dispensing to the sensor 144. The sensor 144 may include a magnetic
field sensor, such as a small-scale micro-electromechanical system
(MEMS) magnetic field sensor, a contact closure, a reed switch, a
potentiometer, a force sensor, a push button, or the like. In
examples, the dispensing device may use an electrically controlled
dispensing mechanism, like a controllable electric pump. The
dose-detection sensor 144 may include a logical determination that
the dose was dispensed. The dose-detection sensor 144 may
communicate any information suitable for determining dispensing of
a dose. For example, the dose-detection sensor 144 may signal a
voltage level indicative of a dose, a logic toggle, a numeric dose
count, or an analog signal that that may be processed (though a
lowpass filter, for example) to determine that the signal indicates
that a dose delivered to the controller via the input/output
devices 136. A dose-detection sensor 144 may have a level of
precision or resolution such that the controller 122 may determine
the duration of the actuation. For example, an analog signal may be
processed via an analog-to-digital converter, processed with a
hysteresis threshold, and the resulting state duration may be
determined.
[0106] The information sensor 146 may include any sensor suitable
for reading stored information. In an embedded application with a
physical platform, information may be encoded and stored on a
variety a media that may be incorporated into aspects of physical
design. For example, information about the authenticity,
concentration, volume, etc. of the vial of nicotine formulation may
be encoded and stored in a way that is physically associated with
the vial itself. In examples, the information may be encoded on the
vial in a quick read (QR) code, in a readable integrated circuit,
such as a one-wire identification chip, in a near-field
communications (NFC) tag, in physical/mechanical keying, in a
Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), or the like. When a vial is
inserted into the device 100, the information sensor 146 may read
information encoded with the vial. The controller 122 may use that
information to cross-reference and/or authenticate the vial. In an
example, the function of the information sensor 146 may be
performed via logic and programming to receive QR code information
from a paired smartphone QR code reader. The user may pair, via
Bluetooth, a smart phone with the device 100. The user may use the
phone to scan the QR code, and the phone may communicate the
information to the controller 122 via communications devices 124.
In examples, the information sensor 146 may also be suitable for
writing information back onto the medium associated with the vial,
such as with a read/writable NFC tag, for example.
[0107] Once the information has been acquired by the information
sensor 146 and communicated to the processor 132, the processor 132
may identify and authenticate the vial. The processor may perform
any digital algorithm suitable for identification and/or
authentication, such as traditional cryptographic algorithms,
public/private key cryptography, security token processing, remote
database look-up, blockchain processing, and/or the like.
[0108] The motion sensor 148 may include any sensor suitable for
determining relative motion, acceleration, velocity, orientation,
and/or the like of the device 100. The motion sensor 148 may
include a piezoelectric, piezoresistive, and/or capacitive
component to convert physical motion into an electrical signal. For
example, the motion sensor 148 may include an accelerometer. The
motion sensor 148 may include a microelectromechanical system
(MEMS) device, such as a MEMS thermal accelerometer. The motion
sensor 148 may be suitable for sensing a repetitive or periodic
motion such as fidgeting by a user holding the device 100. The
motion sensor 148 may communicate this information via the input
output/devices 136 to the processor 132 for processing. The
detection of a user fidgeting may be indicative of an onset craving
for nicotine, for example.
[0109] The device 100 may include one or more drivers 128 to
communicate feedback to a user and/or to drive a mechanical action.
The drivers 128 may include a lockout mechanism 150, a light
emitting diode (LED) driver 152, and the like. Other drivers 128
may include haptic feedback drivers, audio output drivers, heating
element drivers, and/or the like.
[0110] The lockout mechanism 150 may include any electromechanical
device suitable for providing, at the command of the controller
122, mechanical interference with the operation of the dispenser.
For example, the lockout mechanism 150 may include a magnetic
solenoid that is controlled by the processor 132 by way of an
input/output device 136. The magnetic solenoid may cause the
movement of a mechanical latch, that may be configured to
enable/disable the dispenser actuation. Similarly, the lockout
mechanism 150 may include piezoelectric "squiggle" motor that may
be controlled by the processor 132 via the input/output devices 136
to pivot a mechanical latch in and out of the path of travel of a
dispenser's actuation carriage. The lockout mechanism 150 may
include a stepper motor, unipolar motor, bipolar motor, servo
motor, and/or the like.
[0111] The LED driver 152 may include any circuitry suitable for
illuminating an LED. The LED driver 152 may be controllable by the
processor 132 via the input/output devices 136. The LED driver 152
may be used to indicate status information to a user. The LED
driver 152 may include a multicolor LED driver.
[0112] The power management subsystem 130 may include circuitry
suitable for managing and distributing power to the components 100.
The power management subsystem 130 may include a battery, a battery
charger, and a direct current (DC) power distribution system, for
example. The power management subsystem 130 may communicate with
the processor 132 via the input/output devices 136 to provide
information such as battery charging status. The power management
subsystem 130 may include a replaceable battery and/or a physical
connector to enable external charging of the battery.
[0113] FIG. 2A is an architecture diagram for an example system 200
to support an NRT device 202. The NRT device 202 may be a nicotine
dispenser with sensing, communications, driving, and processing
functionality, such as the NRT device 100 described in FIGS. 1A-C,
for example. The system 200 may include the NRT device 202, a
smartphone 204 with a corresponding NRT app and/or behavioral
support app, a smartwatch 206 with corresponding NRT app and/or
behavioral support app, a wireless access network 208, a
communications network 210, and a computing resource 212.
[0114] The smartphone 204 may include a NRT app and/or a behavioral
support app. The smartphone 204 may provide a primary user
interface for a personalized smoking cessation journey. The
smartphone 204 may provide passive or active tracking and/or
location services.
[0115] The smartwatch 206 may provide a dashboard user interface.
The smartwatch 206 may also provide biometric feedback and data
such as heart rate and/or heart rate variability, for example. The
smartwatch 206 may perform activity tracking and provide activity
information. In examples, the smartwatch 206 may include a galvanic
skin response sensor.
[0116] The device 202 may include a nicotine replacement therapy
dispenser, a CO sensor, an electronically controllable lock-out
mechanism, a replaceable nicotine formulation vial, a vial
identification and/or authentication functionality, NRT
actuation/usage detection functionality, fidget detection
functionality, geofencing functionality, and/or the like.
[0117] The computing resources 212 may provide data storage and
processing functionality. The computing resources 212 may receive
and analyze behavioral data. For example, the computing resources
212 may receive and analyze behavioral data to identify predictive
endpoints for the journey such as heart rate, heart rate
variability, and/or CO levels, for example.
[0118] The components of the system 200 may communicate with each
other over various communications protocols. The device 202 may
communicate with a smartphone 204 via a Bluetooth wireless link
214, for example. The smartwatch 206 may communicate with the
smartphone 204 over a Bluetooth wireless link 216. The smart phone
204 may communicate with the wireless access network 208 over a
wireless link 218 for example. The wireless link 218 may include
any suitable wireless protocol, such as 802.11 wireless protocols
like Wi-Fi, GSM, 4G LTE, 5G, and 5G NR, and any variety of mobile
IoT protocols.
[0119] The communications network 210 may include a long-distance
data network, such as a private corporate network, a virtual
private network (VPN), a public commercial network, an
interconnection of networks, such as the Internet, or the like. The
communications network 210 may provide connectivity to the
computing resource 212.
[0120] The computing resource 212 may include any server resources
suitable for remote processing and/or storing of information. For
example, the computing resource 212 may include a server, a cloud
server, data center, a virtual machine server, and the like. In
examples, the device 202 may communicate with the computing
resource 212 via the smartphone 204. And in examples, the device
202 may communicate with the computing resource 212 via its own
wireless link 220.
[0121] The system 200 may enable the collection and processing of
information related to a smoking cessation journey. The system 200
may enable the generation of behavioral support data for the
smoking cessation journey. For example, a CO measurement sensor
integrated in the device 202 may enable convenient CO measurements
taken during NRT usage. The measurements may be sent and processed
by the NRT app and/or the behavioral support app on the smartphone
204 and/or by the computing resource 212. Analysis of this data may
enable identification of a user's smoking relapse. In examples,
activity data from the smartwatch 206, from the motion sensor in
the device 202, and/or activity tracking by the smartphone 204 can
be used to set dynamic thresholds for CO levels. Generally, CO is
eliminated in expired air, and the rate of elimination depends on
the individual's pulmonary ventilation rate. Accordingly, the
half-life for CO may be a function of the amount of recent physical
activity. The activity data may be used to more accurately
interpret the CO levels for specific measurements.
[0122] Similarly, the NRT app and/or behavioral support app on the
smartphone 204 and/or the computer resources 212 may analyze data
from an actuation sensor on the device 202 indicative of NTR usage.
This information may be used to assess adherence to the smoking
cessation program and may be used to drive a feedback loop to the
user--providing notifications and encouragement. The Bluetooth link
214 between the device 202 and the smartphone 204 may enable CO
level and NRT usage data to be used for immediate user feedback of
smoking cessation program.
[0123] In examples, other relevant data such as location,
timestamps, dose number, or the duration of actuation, may be
captured and processed together with CO level and NRT usage to
identify patterns of successful and unsuccessful smoking cessation
journeys and provide timely and relevant feedback to the user. The
data may be used to train a machine learning algorithm that may
determine the appropriate selection and timing. For example,
location data may be used in connection with CO levels and NRT
usage to identify certain triggers and/or habits associated with
smoking and/or cravings. These identified location triggers may be
used to drive timely feedback and encouragement to the user.
[0124] The collected data may be used to provide limitations on
nicotine use to further enhance smoking cessation program
effectiveness and/or for safety. For example, location data may be
used to actuate a lockout mechanism to prevent nicotine formulation
dispensing. For example, data collected regarding the
identification and authentication of the nicotine formulation vial
may be used to ensure that authentic and/or properly concentrated
nicotine formulation vials are operable, and that unauthentic
and/or improperly concentrated nicotine formulation vials are
inoperable for the user.
[0125] FIG. 2B is an example messaging flow diagram for the example
system 200. For example, the system 200 may include communication
and processing for functions such as initialization and
authentication of the dispensing device and the NRT app and/or the
behavioral support app; data collection from a smartwatch and/or
one or more sensors associated with the dispensing device 202;
cloud base control, triggering, notification messaging and the
like, app-based control, messaging and notifications, and the like;
and/or local control of the dispensing device 202.
[0126] Initialization and authentication messages 222 may be
exchanged between device 202 and the smart phone 204.
Initialization and authentication messaging 224 may be exchanged
between the computing resource 212 and the smart phone 204. For
example, a new user may create a user account via the smart phone
204. The account information may be processed by the computing
resource 212. The new user may initialize dispensing device 202
and/or a wish to authenticate a nicotine formulation vial. That
information may be communicated via messaging 222 to the smartphone
204 and then via messaging 224 to computing resources 212.
Responsive information about user accounts, vial authentication,
etc. may be messaged back to the device 202.
[0127] Data collection functionality may include messaging 226 from
the smartwatch 206 and/or to the smartphone 204. This messaging may
include information such as activity information, heart rate, heart
rate variability, and other biometric information. The data
collection functionality may include messaging 228 from the device
202 to the smartphone 204. This messaging 228 may include
information about device operation, such as actuation
time/date/location, actuation duration, motion, CO level, and the
like. In examples, the smartphone 204 may aggregate the messaging
226, 228, process it locally, and/or communicate it or related
information to the computing resources 212 via messaging 230.
[0128] The system 200 enables cloud-based control functions,
app-based control functions, and local control functions. For
example, cessation journey information, such as predicative
advice/encouragement to the user, adaptive journey updates,
mechanical lockouts, and other feedback may be provided from the
computing resources 212 to the smartphone 204 via messaging 232,
and if appropriate, from the smartphone 204 to the device 202 via
messaging 234. The computing resource 212 may communicate directly
to the device 202 by a direct wireless link 230 via its own
messaging (not shown).
[0129] In examples, smoking cessation journey information may be
generated from the NRT application and/or behavior support
application, displayed directly (and/or displayed via the
smartwatch 206). The smoking cessation journey information may be
communicated to the device 202 via messaging 236.
[0130] In examples, the device 202 may provide local control via
its local processor. Internal system calls and/or local messaging
is illustrated as a local loop 238.
[0131] FIG. 3A depicts an example schematic view of a device, which
may be the smart NRT device 100. The device 100 may include a
housing 341, a dispenser 337 slidably receivable within the housing
341, and a cover 308 that is attachable to housing 341.
[0132] The housing 341 may be an elongate, hollow body, open at one
end, and having an oblong cross-section. The housing 341 may have a
curved front wall 351 and a curved back wall 353. The curved front
wall 351 may have a cut out such that it the cover 308 is
attachable to the housing 341. The housing 341 may have a
mouthpiece 342 (see FIG. 3B) at one end.
[0133] An elongate, generally vertical, central slot 311 may be
provided in the cover 308. A pair of smaller, square apertures 310a
and 310c (see FIG. 5A) may be positioned at the upper end of the
central slot 311, the apertures 310a and 310c being positioned
either side of the central slot 311, diametrically opposite one
another. A second pair of corresponding square apertures 310b and
310d may be positioned at the lower end of the central slot 311 in
like manner, such that the four apertures 310a, 310b, 310c, and
310d may be positioned at the four corners of a notional square
(see FIG. 5A).
[0134] FIG. 3B depicts another example schematic view of the
device. The dispenser head 339 may comprise a cap portion 304, a
face portion 306, a sprung member 302, and a transmission plate
300.
[0135] The face portion 306 may have a D-shaped cross-section. The
face portion 306 may allow for a telescopic, sliding engagement
within the housing 341. The face portion 306 may have a curved
front wall 309 and a flat rear wall 307. The curved front wall 309
and the flat rear wall 307 of face portion 306 may be complementary
to one or more walls of housing 341.
[0136] An upper section of the flat rear wall 307 of face portion
306 may be cut away to form an irregular shaped opening 305. A
lower section of the flat rear wall 307 may be made of a clear
material and may correspond to the irregular shaped opening 305 in
the main housing portion 338 of the housing 341. The lower section
of the flat rear wall 307 and irregular shaped opening 305 may
allow for a portion of the vial 324 to be seen when the vial 324 is
contained within housing 341. This may be done, for example, to
allow the QR code 323 to be seen via irregular shaped opening 350.
This may allow another device to scan the QR code, such as for
authentication purposes, while vial 324 is contained within housing
341.
[0137] The lower section of the curved front wall 309 may be cut
away. A pair of slide projections may be provided along the bottom
edge of the outer face of a rear wall of face portion 306. The pair
of slide projections may be slidably engageable with the guide
slots on a rear wall of main housing portion 338 of the housing
341. In addition, a pair of ramp projections may be provided along
the top edge of the inner face of the rear wall of the main housing
portion 338. This pair of ramp projections may be provided for a
locking engagement with the ramp elements that may be provided on
the collar 320.
[0138] An outlet 303 may be provided in the curved front wall 309.
The outlet 303, which may be any spray outlet, is in fluid
communication with a supply passage that may be formed as an
integral part of the face portion 306 and may extending back into
the opening 303.
[0139] The cap portion 304 may comprise a flat rear wall that may
fit the cut-away section of the flat rear wall 307 of the face
portion 306. The cap portion 304 may have a cantilevered top
portion that may projecting from the upper edge of the rear wall
and may have a D-shaped cross-section corresponding to the cross
section of the face portion 306.
[0140] The cap portion 304 may be fitted within an opening of the
face portion 306 such that the rear wall of cap portion 304 and the
flat rear wall 307 form a peripheral skirt. The rear wall of cap
portion 304 may form a stop in the form of a ridge.
[0141] The rear wall of the cap portion 304 may comprise an arched
window 312. The upper edge of the arched window 312 may be provided
by a crescent-shaped shoulder, recessed from the rear wall of the
cap portion 304. A straight lower edge of the arched window 312 may
be provided with a hinged arched frame on the inside of the rear
wall of cap portion 304 and may be attached along the lower edge of
the via a hinge.
[0142] A sprung member 302 may be attached to a portion of the
arched window 312 and the transmission plate 300. For example,
sprung member may be used to hold the transmission plate 300 within
the arched window 312.
[0143] The transmission plate 300 may have a similar outline shape
to the arched window 312.
[0144] The inner face of the transmission plate 300 may comprise
guide channels that may be used to slidably engaging a frame
section of the cap portion 304.
[0145] The transmission plate 300 may be slidably mounted to a
hinged frame of the cap portion 304. For example, guide channels of
transmission plate 300 may contact a frame section of the cap
portion 304. The transmission plate 300 may be attached to the
upper arm of the sprung member 302 and the sprung member 302 may
act to resiliently bias the transmission plate 300 into the
position.
[0146] The cover 308 may be attachable to the main housing portion
338 of the housing 341. The cover 308 has one or more guide
projections that may be slidably engaged with the main housing
portion 338 such that the cover 308 may be snap fitted into place.
The cover 308 may cover the dispenser 337 and the dispenser head
339 when the dispenser head 339 is in a non-operative position. The
cover 308 may not cover the dispenser head 339 when the dispenser
head 339 is in an operative position. The cover 308 may allow the
dispenser head 339 to slide telescopically along an axis relative
to the main housing portion 338. For example, the cover 308 may be
configured to allow the dispenser head 339 slide telescopically out
of the main housing portion 338 such that the dispenser head 339
may be in an operative position for dispensing.
[0147] The dispenser 337 comprises a number of sub-components: a
dispenser body in the form of a vial 324, a dispensing mechanism, a
collar 320, a locking lever 322, and an actuating member. The
dispensing mechanism may be in the form of a pump mechanism 400.
The collar 320 may be for securing the pump mechanism 400 to the
vial 324. The actuating member may be the dispenser head 339.
[0148] The vial 324 may comprising a main body portion that may
have a D-shaped cross-section. The main body portion may have a
dispensing chamber for holding a substance. For example, the vial
324 may hold a nicotine formulation. The vial 324 may have a
hollow, cylindrical neck portion that may be an open mouth. The
open mouth may allow a pumping mechanism 400 to dispense a nicotine
formulation held within the vial 324.
[0149] The vial 324 may include a QR code 323. The QR code 323 may
be used for authentication purposes. For example, QR code 323 may
be used to authenticate the vial such that device 100 may be
allowed to use vial 324. As further described herein, device 100
may use a lockout mechanism to prevent the vial 324 from being used
when the device 100 is unable to authenticate the vial 324, for
example, using QR code 323.
[0150] The QR code 323 may be used for information purposes. For
example, the QR code 323 may provide information as to the strength
of the nicotine formulation, the volume of nicotine formulation
contained within the vial 324, an amount of nicotine in a dose of
the nicotine formulation, an expiration date of the nicotine
formulation, and/or the like.
[0151] The vial 324 may include a chip 325. The vial 324 may
include a slight indentation to accommodate the thickness of the
chip 325. The chip 325 may be a near field communication (NFC)
device, a wire trace, an electronic chip, and/or the like. The chip
325 may comprise a thing or flexible PCB substrate. The device 100
may provide a mechanism that may contact or detect the chip 325
such that the device 100 may read and/or write information to the
chip 325.
[0152] The chip 325 may be used for authentication purposes. For
example, the chip 325 may be used to authenticate the vial such
that the device 100 may be allowed to use the vial 324. As further
described herein, the device 100 may use a lockout mechanism to
prevent the vial 324 from being used when the device 100 is unable
to authenticate the vial 324, for example, using the chip 325.
[0153] The chip 325 may be used for information purposes. For
example, the chip 325 may provide information as to the strength of
the nicotine formulation, the volume of nicotine formulation
contained within the vial 324, an amount of nicotine in a dose of
the nicotine formulation, an expiration date of the nicotine
formulation, and/or the like.
[0154] The vial 324 may be formed from any suitable material using
any suitable method, for example by blow-molding a plastics
material or the like. The vial 324 may hold a nicotine formulation
and may be formed from a nicotine-inert material that may not
absorb or react with the nicotine formulation. The vial 324 may be
made from a material that may provide a barrier against migration
of oxygen and water. The vial 324 may be made of glass, a copolymer
of acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate, a cyclic olefin copolymer
(COC), and combination thereof, and/or the like. Other suitable
materials of which the vial 324 may be formed include materials
selected from polymers based on dimethyl-2,6 naphthalene
dicarboxylate or 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid monomers, such
as polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and polytrimethylene naphthalate
(PTN), liquid crystal polymers (LCP), preferably LCPs comprising
hydroxy benzoic acid and hydroxy naphthalenic acid, and
combinations thereof. Suitable materials also include materials
mixed with one or more of other polymer(s), selected from one or
more of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyamide (PA), polyvinylidene
chloride (PVDC), fluoropolymers, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer
(EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ionomers, polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephtalate (PET).
[0155] The vial 324 may include a neck portion that may incorporate
a peripheral flange. The peripheral flange may be a rectangular
shape but may include a curved front edge that may correspond a
wall of housing 341. A front edge of the vial may include a guide
projection and/or a pair of mounting projections respectively
located on the opposite, shorter sides of the generally rectangular
peripheral flange.
[0156] The dispensing mechanism may be in the form of a pump
mechanism 400. The pump mechanism 400 may be a manually control
mechanism or an electronically controlled mechanism. For example,
the pump mechanism 400 may be a controllable electric pump.
[0157] FIG. 3C depicts an example pumping mechanism that may be
used by the smart NRT device. The pump mechanism 400 may comprise
an intake tube for drawing liquid from within the main body of the
vial 324; a cylindrical pump housing that may provide an internal
pump chamber, communicating with the intake tube; and a piston
member 408 mounted for movement within the pump chamber, against a
biasing member 410 in the form of coil spring, for displacing the
contents of the pump chamber up through a bore in the piston member
408 and out through a hollow stem 404 connected to piston member
408.
[0158] The pump mechanism 400 may comprise a pump housing formed by
connecting a pump chamber 414 to a ring cap 402. The pump mechanism
400 may provide an internal pump chamber within the pump chamber
414. The pump chamber 414 may communicate with the intake tube.
Check valve 412 may be placed within the pump chamber 414. The
check valve 412 allows contents from vial 324 to be received into
the pump chamber 414 through the intake tube. The check valve 412
may prevent contents within the pump chamber 414 from moving
through the intake tube and into vial 324.
[0159] A piston member 408 may be mounted for movement within the
pump chamber 414. The piston member 408 may be placed against a
biasing member 410 in contact with the check valve 412, such that
the piston member may displace the contents of the pump chamber 414
through a bore in the piston member 408 and out through a hollow
stem 404. The hollow stem 404 may be connected to the piston member
408. The piston member 408 may be held in position within the pump
chamber 414 by a piston collar 406. The piston collar 406 may fit
within the ring cap 402. The ring cap 402 may have a bore that may
allow an upper portion of the hollow stem 404 to pass through while
allowing the ring cap 402 to connect with a lower portion of the
hollow stem 404.
[0160] Referring again to FIG. 3B, the pump housing may be seated
on the rim of the mouth of the vial 324, such that the pump housing
may seal the mouth of the vial 324, with the intake tube extending
down into the dispensing chamber of the vial 324.
[0161] The collar 320 may clamp the pump mechanism 400 to vial 324.
For example, the collar 320 may clamp the pump mechanism 400 to a
mouth of vial 324 and may assist in sealing the vial 324 during
use. The collar 320 may comprise a ring portion and a pair of
diametrically opposed arms from the ring portion. An arm (e.g.,
each arm) may have an aperture at its lower end. The collar 320 may
have a pair of secondary legs that may terminate in respective ramp
elements for locking the dispenser head 339 to the collar 320.
[0162] To clamp the pump mechanism 400 to the vial 324, the pump
housing may be seated on the rim of the mouth of the vial 324, and
the collar 320 may be pressed down over the top of the pump housing
with the arms of the collar 320 extending down either side of the
pump housing. The arms of the collar 320 may be resiliently
deformed by the sides of the pump housing and may engage with one
or more mounting projections of the vial 324 in a snap fit. The
pump housing may be clamped between the rim of the mouth of the
vial 324 and the ring portion of the collar 320.
[0163] The locking lever 322 may comprise a pair of legs extending
from the ends of a connecting yoke portion that extends
perpendicularly to the pair of legs. A leg (e.g., each leg) may
comprise a latching element in the form of a projecting foot
positioned at the distal end of the leg, an inwardly projecting
lug, positioned at a bend of the respective leg. The leg may
comprise an element, which may be resilient, extending rearwardly
from the back of the bend the leg and terminating opposite the heel
of the projecting foot. The latching element, which may be
resilient, may connect with square apertures 310a-d to allow device
100 to be locked into an operative position (e.g., unlocked
position) or a non-operative position (e.g., locked position). The
locking may occur using a snap fit. For example, the latching
elements of the locking lever 322 may connect with the square
aperture 310a and the square aperture 310c to allow the device 100
to be locked into an operative position where the dispenser head
339 is in a position that extends beyond the main housing portion
338. As another example, the latching elements of locking lever 322
may connect with square aperture 310b and square aperture 310d to
allow device 100 to be locked into a non-operative position where
the dispenser head 339 may be flush with or below an edge of the
main housing portion 338.
[0164] A leg of the locking lever 322 may have resilience to allow
a snap fit. For example, a rotating engagement of the lugs of the
locking lever 322 with the circular apertures on the arms of the
collar 320 may allow the locking lever 322 to be secured to the
collar 320. The locking lever 322 may be secured to the collar 320
such that such that the locking lever 322 may rotate with respect
to the collar 320 about an axis passing through the lugs of the
locking lever 322.
[0165] The dispenser head 339 may be mounted for movement relative
to the vial 324 to actuate the pump mechanism 400. For example, the
dispenser head 339 may be resiliently mounted on the pump mechanism
400 for actuating movement relative to the vial 324, against the
action of the coil spring, to actuate the pump mechanism 400 and
dispense the contents of the vial 224 through the outlet 303. The
actuation of dispenser head 339 may cause the locking lever 322
and/or the vial 324 to contact the carriage 328 such that the
carriage 328 may move. For example, the carriage 328 may move in a
direction relative to the movement of the actuation, the movement
of vial 324, and/or the movement of the locking lever 322. The
actuation of the dispenser head 339 may cause the carriage 328 to
move, which may be detected by electronics 600. For example,
electronics 600 may detect the carriage 328, which may be magnetic
or may comprise magnets, or may have moved to such a degree that it
may indicate that a dose of nicotine has been dispensed from the
vial 324.
[0166] To mount the dispenser head 339, the dispenser head 339 may
be pressed down onto the pump mechanism 400 such that the down pipe
of a supply passage of the dispenser head 339 may engage a hollow
stem of a piston member to form a closed passageway between the
vial 324 and the outlet 303, via an internal pump chamber in the
pump mechanism, for example. As the dispenser head 339 is pressed
down onto the pump mechanism, engagement of the ramp projections
and ramp elements may serve to snap-fit the rear wall 307 down over
the collar 320, whereby the ramp projections and ramp elements may
subsequently limit upward movement of the dispenser head 339
relative to the collar 320 and the vial 324.
[0167] The housing 341 may include a mouthpiece 342, a main housing
portion 338, a body frame 336, a carbon monoxide sensor 348, a port
332, a battery pack 326, electronics 600, a carriage frame 329, and
a carriage 328.
[0168] The body frame 336 may be attached to the main housing
portion 338, for example, using a screw. The body frame 336 may
have a hollow cylindrical neck portion that may provide an open
mouth at one end. The carbon monoxide sensor 348 may be seated
within the mouth of the body frame 336 and may extend past an edge
of the mouth of the body frame 336. The mouthpiece 342 may be
seated on the rim of the mouth of body frame 336 such that the
mouthpiece 342 may seal the mouth of the body frame 336 with the
carbon monoxide sensor 348, extending down into the upper opening
343 of the mouthpiece 342.
[0169] The main housing portion 338 is an elongate, hollow body,
open at one end, and having an oblong cross-section. The main
housing portion 338 may have a curved front wall and a curved back
wall. The front wall may have a cut out such that the cover 308 is
attachable to main housing portion 338. The main housing portion
338 may have an opening at one end, which may be in contact with
mouthpiece 342. An upper section of a rear wall of main housing
portion 338 may be cut away to form an irregular shaped opening
350. The irregular shaped opening 350 may correspond with a lower
section of the flat rear wall 307 which may be made of a clear
material. Irregular shaped opening 350 may allow for a portion of
the vial 324 to be seen when the vial 324 is contained within the
main housing portion 338. This may be done, for example, to allow
the QR code 323 to be seen via irregular shaped opening 350. And
this may allow another device to scan the QR code, such as for
authentication purposes, while the vial 324 is contained within the
main housing portion 338.
[0170] The mouthpiece 342 may be attached to the body frame 336 and
may be in contact with the main housing portion 338. The mouthpiece
342 may include the upper opening 343 at a top portion of the
mouthpiece 342 that may attach to the body frame 336. An edge of
the upper opening 343 may be in contact with an edge of the main
housing portion 338. The upper opening 343 may correspond to a
dimension of the carbon monoxide sensor 348 such that the carbon
monoxide sensor 348 may protrude into the mouthpiece 342 via the
upper opening 343.
[0171] The mouthpiece 342 may include a circular aperture 346 (see
FIG. 4A.). The circular aperture 346 may be positioned to allow a
flow of air from a user to enter the mouthpiece 342 via the
circular aperture 346. The mouthpiece 342 may include an
indentation on a face of the mouthpiece 342 that may encourage a
user to properly use the mouthpiece 342. For example, the
indentation may signal to the user that the user may place the
mouthpiece 342 in their mouth such that their upper lip would be in
contact with the indentation. The mouthpiece 342 may include an
oblong aperture 344. The oblong aperture 344 may be positioned to
allow a flow of air from a user to exit the mouthpiece 342 via the
oblong aperture 344.
[0172] The carriage frame 329 may be attached to the body frame
336. For example, the carriage frame 329 may be mounted to the body
frame 336 using one or more screws. The carriage frame 329 may
include a pair of legs depending from the ends of a connecting yoke
portion that may extend perpendicularly to each of the legs. The
yoke portion of the carriage frame may have a recessed or cut away
portion in the center. The cut away portion of the yoke may allow
the carriage 328 to lay within the cut away portion such that the
carriage 328 may lay flush with the carriage frame 329 while being
able to move relative to the carriage frame 329.
[0173] The electronic package 600 may be attached to the carriage
frame 329 using a screw, and the carriage frame 329 may be snapped
fit into the body frame 336. The electronic package 600 may be
attached to the port 332. The port 332 may be a universal serial
bus (USB) port. The port 332 may be capable of receiving power. The
port 332 may be capable of sending and/or receiving data. The port
332 may accept a corresponding plug such as the plug 334.
[0174] The electronics 600 may be connected and/or attached to
battery pack 326. The battery pack 326 may include a battery, such
as a lithium ion battery. the electronics 600 may include the
communications interfaces 124, the sensors 126, the electrical and
electromechanical drivers 128, and the power management subsystem
130. For example, the electronics 600 may include a sensor that may
be used to read data from the QR code 323 and/or the chip 325. The
electronics 600 may use the data to authenticate the vial 324.
[0175] The electronics 600 may comprise a PCB with a number of
chips mounted thereon. The PCB may include castellated edges, such
as a castellated edge 602 (see FIGS. 6A-B), to facilitate its
mounting on the back face of carriage frame 329. The electronics
600 may be attached to a battery pack 326. The battery pack 600 may
be affixed to a face of the PCB of electronics 600 that may face
away from the carriage frame 329. The electronics 600 may be
interposed between the battery pack 326.
[0176] To assemble the dispensing device 100, the various
sub-components of the dispenser 337 may be assembled as described
herein. The dispenser 337 may be slidably engaged with the housing
341 by sliding the housing 341 over the vial 324 and snap-fitting
the dispenser 337 into place. The cover 308 may be attached to the
housing 341 by snap-fitting into place.
[0177] FIG. 4A-D depict perspective views of the smart NRT device
with a dispenser head in a non-operative (e.g., locked position).
FIG. 4A shows a front view of the smart NRT device, such as device
100. As shown in FIG. 4A, the dispensing device 100 may include the
cover 308, the main housing portion 338, and the mouthpiece 342.
The mouthpiece 342 may comprise the oblong aperture 344 and
circular aperture the 346. The cover 308 may comprise square
apertures 310a, 310b, 310c, and 310d. The cover 308 may comprise
the central slot 311.
[0178] The device 100 can be put into a non-use configuration to
prevent accidental dispensing of the nicotine formulation contained
within device 100. As shown in FIG. 4A, the dispenser head may be
retracted within the housing such that the dispenser head may be
behind the cover 308 and an edge of the dispenser head may be flush
with or below an edge of cover 308. For example, as shown in FIG.
4B, when in the non-operative or locked position, the cap portion
304 of the dispenser head may be flush with or below an edge of the
cover 308. As shown in FIG. 4C, the face portion 306 of the
dispenser head has been lowered into the main housing portion 338
such that the lower section of the flat rear wall 307 and/or the QR
code 323 may not be seen.
[0179] FIG. 4D is a cut-away perspective view of device 100 in a
non-use or non-operative position. As shown in FIG. 4D, the
dispenser 100 can be put into a non-use configuration to prevent
accidental dispensing of the nicotine formulation. The dispenser
337 may be lowered within main housing portion 338 to ensure that
the dispenser 337 is prevented from mechanical shock which might
otherwise damage the vial 324, with consequent leakage of the
substance. The dispenser 337 may be lowered to provide a child
resistant. For example, lowering the dispenser 337 within main
housing portion 338 may prevent operation of the dispensing 100 by
a child.
[0180] As shown in FIG. 4D, the dispenser 337 may be lowered within
main housing portion 338 while allowing for room for the carbon
monoxide sensor 348. For example, the dispenser 337 may be lowered
within the main housing portion 338 in a way that the dispenser 337
may not damage or come in contact with the carbon monoxide sensor
348 while preventing mechanical shocks that may otherwise damage
the vial 324.
[0181] FIG. 5A-D depict perspective views of the smart NRT device
with the dispenser head in an operative position (e.g., unlocked
position). FIG. 5A shows a front view of the smart NRT device, such
as device 100. As shown in FIG. 5A, the dispensing device 100 may
comprise the cover 308, the main housing portion 338, the
mouthpiece 342, and a dispenser head. The dispenser head may
comprise the outlet 303, the face portion 306, and the cap portion
304. The mouthpiece 342 may comprise the oblong aperture 344 and
the circular aperture 346. The cover 308 may comprise square
apertures 310a, 310b, 310c, and 310d. The cover 308 may comprise
the central slot 311.
[0182] The device 100 can be put into a use a configuration to
allow for the dispensing of the nicotine formulation contained
within the device 100. As shown in FIG. 5A, when in the operative
position, the outlet 303 may be unobstructed such that the nicotine
formulation may be dispensed. The operative position of device 100
may allow the dispenser head to extend outside the housing and the
cover 308. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the dispenser head may
extend beyond an edge of the cover 308 and/or an edge of the main
housing portion 338.
[0183] FIG. 5C shows that the face portion 306 of the dispenser
head, which has been raised from the main housing portion 338 such
that the lower section of the flat rear wall 307 of the face
portion 306 may be seen. The flat rear wall 307 may be made of a
clear window such that a portion of the flat rear wall 307 may act
of as a window, which may allow QR code 323 to be seen. The QR code
323 may be affixed to the vial 324.
[0184] As shown in FIG. 5D, the dispenser 337 may be raised within
the main housing portion 338 such that space can be made to allow a
lockout mechanism 1004 to move. As further described herein, the
amount of space may allow the lockout mechanism 1004 to move
between a first position (e.g., operative position) that may allow
an actuating member to move so as to actuate the dispenser and a
second position (e.g., non-operative) position that may prevent the
actuating member from moving.
[0185] FIGS. 6A-B depict example schematic views of one or more
components within the smart NRT device that may be used to dispense
a nicotine formulation. As described herein, a dispenser may
comprise a number of sub-components: a dispenser body in the form
of a vial 324, a dispensing mechanism, a collar 320, a locking
lever 322, and an actuating member. The dispensing mechanism may be
in the form of a pump mechanism. The collar 320 may be for securing
the pump mechanism 400 to the vial 324. The actuating member may be
the dispenser head 339, which may include cap portion 304. The
locking lever 322 may engage the collar 320 such that the locking
lever 322 may be secured to the collar 320.
[0186] FIG. 6A depicts an example schematic view of the smart NRT
device when a vial has been inserted into the housing. When the
vial 324 is inserted into the housing, the vial 324, the locking
lever 322, the collar 320, or cap portion 304 of the dispensing
head 339 may come in contact with the carriage 328. The insertion
of the vial 324 may cause another component within the device 100
to move in such a way as to contact the carriage 328.
[0187] For example, the vial 324 may be connected to the cap
portion 304 of the dispenser head 339 via the locking lever 322
and/or the collar 320. The cap portion 304 of the dispensing head
339 be in contact with the carriage 328. When the vial 324 is
inserted into the housing, the cap portion 304 may press down on
the carriage 328, and the latching elements of the locking lever
322 may engage with the square aperture 310b and the square
aperture 310d. The latching elements of the locking lever 322 may
connect with the square aperture 310b and the square aperture 310d
that may allow the device 100 to be locked into a non-operative
position where the dispenser head 339 may be flush with or below an
edge of the main housing portion 338. The carriage 328 may be
connected to one or more biasing members, such as a spring, such
that the carriage 328 may be pressed against the cap portion
304.
[0188] The contact with the carriage 328 may cause the carriage 328
to move, and a sensor may sense the movement. Upon sensing the
movement of the carriage 328, the sensor may send a signal
indicating that the vial 324 has been inserted. This may allow the
device 100 to determine when the 324 vial is inserted into the
housing. The device 100 may use a sensor to detect a QR code or
chip associated with the vial 324. The device 100 may use a wire
contact to connect to wire trace or chip associated with the vial
324. The device 100 may use the QR code, chip, and/or wire trace to
determine an amount of nicotine formulation that can be dispensed
from the vial 324, a volume of nicotine formulation within the vial
324, a strength of the nicotine formulation within the vial 324, an
expiration for the nicotine formulation within the vial 324, and/or
the like.
[0189] The vial 324, the locking lever 322, or the collar 320 may
remain in contact with the carriage 328 or may remain in contact
with a component that is in contact with the carriage 328. For
example, the vial 324 may be connected to the cap portion 304 via
the locking lever 322 and the collar 320.
[0190] When the dispenser is actuated, the actuation motion may
cause the carriage 328 to move. For example, the actuation motion
may exert a downward pressure on the carriage 328 and may cause the
carriage 328 to move downward towards the distal end of the housing
where the mouthpiece may be located. The movement may be sensed by
a sensor. The device 100 may use the sensor to determine that the
movement may be indicative of a dose of nicotine formulation being
dispensed. In determining that the dose of nicotine formulation may
have been dispensed, the device 100 may determine that the carriage
328 may have moved beyond a threshold. The threshold may be
selected to prevent false positive. For example, the threshold may
be selected to ensure that small movements of the carriage 328,
such as those that may occur when the device 100 is shaken or
dropped, are not determined to be indicative of nicotine
formulation being dispensed.
[0191] The carriage 328 may be made of a magnetic material or may
comprise a magnetic component. For example, the carriage 328 may
comprise a bore and magnetic component, such as a small magnet, may
be fit into the bore (e.g., press fit). An actuation motion may
cause the carriage 328 to move towards the carbon monoxide sensor
such that the carriage 328 or a magnetic component of the carriage
may pass over a sensor that may sense the magnetic presence of the
magnetic material. For example, the sensor may be a Hall effect
sensor, and the movement of the carriage 328 may be detected by
measuring the magnitude of a magnetic field produced by the
magnetic material or a magnetic component of the carriage 328.
[0192] The motion and direction of the carriage 328 may be detected
using one or more sensors. For example, the carriage 328 may pass
over one or more Hall effect sensors, and the sequence of detection
may indicate which direction the carriage 328 is moving.
[0193] The carriage 328 may be used in conjunction with a sensor to
determine when a dose of the nicotine formulation was dispensed.
For example, the device 100 may use the sensor to detect that the
carriage 328 has moved, which indicates that the dose of the
nicotine formulation was dispensed. The device 100 may record the
time that the dose was dispensed, where the dose was dispensed,
and/or how many times a dose was dispensed. For example, the device
100 may record a number of dosages remaining in the vial 324.
[0194] In examples, the device 100 may detect a movement of the
carriage 328 indicates that the vial 324 was inserted. The device
100 may detect a number of follow-up movements of the carriage 328
that may indicate that the pumping mechanism was primed. The device
100 may determine to ignore the priming motion by the carriage 328
and may not consider it as a dispensing of the nicotine
formulation.
[0195] The movement of the carriage 328 may be controlled by the
carriage frame 329 such that the carriage 328 may be prevented from
contacting the carbon monoxide sensor 348. This may be done, for
example, to ensure that the carbon monoxide sensor 348 is not
damaged by an impact from the carriage 328.
[0196] FIG. 6B depicts an example schematic view of the smart NRT
device when a vial is being removed from the housing. When the vial
324 is removed from the housing, the vial 324, the locking lever
322, the collar 320, or the cap portion 304 of the dispensing head
339 may remain in contact with the carriage 328 until the vial 324
is removed. The removal of the vial 324 may cause another component
within the device 100 to move in such a way as to remain in contact
with the carriage 328.
[0197] For example, the vial 324 may be connected to the cap
portion 304 of the dispenser head 339 via the locking lever 322
and/or the collar 320. The cap portion 304 of the dispensing head
339 be in contact with the carriage 328. When the vial 324 is
removed from the housing, the latching elements of the locking
lever 322 may disengage with the square aperture 310b and the
square aperture 310d. The latching elements of the locking lever
322 may disconnect with the square aperture 310b and the square
aperture 310d to allow the carriage 328 to push the dispensing head
above an edge of the main housing portion 338 such that the vial
324 may be removed.
[0198] The device 100 may detect that a movement of the carriage
328 indicates that the vial 324 was removed. The device 100 may
detect the removal of the vial 324 when the carriage has moved
beyond a threshold. For example, the device 100 may detect that the
carriage has moved past one or more Hall effect sensors in a
sequence that would indicate removal of the vial.
[0199] FIG. 7 depicts a schematic view of components within the
smart NRT device that may be used to dispense nicotine and/or
record that nicotine was dispensed. As shown in FIG. 7, the
carriage frame 329 may comprise a pair of legs depending from the
ends of a connecting yoke portion that may extended perpendicularly
to each of the legs. The pair of legs belonging to the carriage
frame 329 may terminate a distance above the carbon monoxide sensor
348 to prevent the carriage 328 from coming in contact with the
carbon monoxide sensor 348.
[0200] The yoke portion of the carriage frame 329 may have a
recessed or cut away portion in the center. The cut away portion of
the yoke may allow the carriage 328 to lay within the cut away
portion of the yoke portion of the carriage frame 329 such that the
carriage 328 may lay flush with carriage frame 329 while being able
to move relative to the carriage frame 329. The carriage 328 may
have an end that may extend a distance beyond the carriage frame
329 and may terminate in a projecting foot. For example, the
projecting foot may be positioned at the distal end of the carriage
328. The projecting foot of the carriage 328 may be in contact with
the vial 324, the locking lever 322, the collar 320, and/or the cap
portion 304 of the dispensing head. For example, the projecting
foot of the carriage 328 may be in contact with the cap portion
304, such that the carriage 328 may move when a vial is inserted,
when the smart NRT device is actuated to dispense nicotine, and/or
when a vial is removed.
[0201] The carriage frame 329 may be attached to electronics 600,
for example using one or more screws. The electronics 600 may
comprise a PCB with a number of chips mounted thereon. The PCB may
include castellated edges, such as castellated edge 602, to
facilitate its mounting on the back face of the carriage frame 329.
The electronics 600 may be attached to a battery pack 326. The
battery pack 600 may be affixed to a face of the PCB of electronics
600 that faces away from the carriage frame 329. The electronics
600 may be interposed between the battery pack 326.
[0202] FIGS. 8A-B depict schematic views of a carriage system
within the smart NRT device that may be used to detect and/or
record when a vial is inserted, when a vial is removed, and/or when
nicotine is dispensed.
[0203] As shown in FIG. 8A, the carriage 328 may lay within the cut
away portion of the yoke of the carriage frame 329. One end of the
carriage 328 may terminal in a projecting foot and the opposing end
of the carriage 328 may terminal in a T-shape. The carriage 328 may
be of a long rectangular shape, where the length runs parallel to
the carriage frame 329. The T-shape of the carriage 328 may be the
width of an opening created by the two legs of the carriage frame
329. Above the T-shape may be an aperture through the carriage 328
that allows for a pin to be placed through the carriage 328. The
pin may be perpendicular to the length of carriage 328. The pin may
be affixed to a spring 330 and a spring 331.
[0204] The carriage 328 may be made of a magnetic material or may
comprise a magnetic component. For example, the carriage 328 may
comprise a bore and a magnetic component 808, which may be a small
magnet, may be fit into the bore (e.g., press fit).
[0205] The spring 330 and the spring 331 may be biasing members and
may control the movement of the carriage 328. For example, the
spring 330 and the spring 331 may bias towards the yoke of the
carriage frame 329 such that the T-shape of the carriage 328 may be
pulled towards the yoke of the carriage frame 329. The carriage 328
may come in contact with the cap portion 304 (not shown) of the
dispensing head. The carriage 328 may push the cap portion 304
upward so that dispenser (e.g., dispenser 337 shown in FIGS. 3A-C)
can be placed in an operative position (e.g., FIG. 5A-B) or into a
position where a vial may be removed or/inserted (e.g., FIG. 6B).
The carriage 328 may push the cap portion 304 upward so that
resistance may be provided when the dispenser is pushed down into a
locked position and/or non-operative position (e.g., FIGS.
5C-5D).
[0206] FIG. 8A shows the carriage system in a position that may be
used to detect and/or record when a vial is inserted or when
nicotine was dispensed. The spring 330 and the spring 331 may
provide a resistance to indicate to the user that the vial 324 is
being inserted properly. For example, the spring 300 and the spring
311 may be biased members such that the carriage 328 connects with
the cap portion 304 and presses the cap portion 304 upward such
that the dispenser is extended out of the housing. The spring 300
and the spring 331 may provide resistance such that when the vial
324 is being inserted, the carriage 328 may move a distance as it
maintains contact with the cap portion 304. This distance may be
detected by a sensor and may indicate that the vial 324 was
inserted.
[0207] The spring 330 and the spring 331 may provide resistance
such that when the device 100 is actuated so as to dispense the
nicotine formulation, the resistance from the spring 330 and the
spring 331 may control the movement of the carriage 328 such that
the carriage 328 moves a distance. This distance may be detected by
a sensor and may indicate that the nicotine formulation has been
dispensed.
[0208] The carriage frame 329 may be attached to the body frame
336. The body frame 336 may be attached to the main housing portion
338, for example, using a screw. The body frame 336 may have a
hollow cylindrical neck portion that provide an open mouth at one
end. The carbon monoxide sensor 348 may be seated within the mouth
of the body frame 336 and may extend past an edge of the mouth of
the body frame 336. The mouthpiece 342 may be seated on the rim of
the mouth of the body frame 336 such that the mouthpiece 342 may
seal the mouth of the body frame 336 with the carbon monoxide
sensor 348 extending down into the upper opening 343 of the
mouthpiece 342.
[0209] FIG. 8B shows the carriage system in a position that may be
used to detect and/or record when a vial is being removed when
nicotine was dispensed. The spring 330 and the spring 331 are
connected to the carriage 328 such that the carriage 328 pushes
upward against the cap portion 304. The spring 330 and the spring
331 may apply pressure to the cap portion 304 via the carriage 328
so that the dispenser can be pushed out of the housing to allow the
vial 324 to be removed. The spring 330 and the spring 331 may apply
pressure to the cap portion 304 via the carriage 328 so that the
dispenser can be moved within the housing to allow the device to be
placed in an operative position.
[0210] The spring 300 and the spring 331 may provide resistance
such that when the vial 324 is removed, the carriage 328 may move a
distance. This distance may be detected by a sensor and may
indicate that the vial 324 was removed.
[0211] The spring 330 and the spring 331 may provide resistance
such that when the device 100 is actuated to dispense the nicotine
formulation, the resistance from the spring 330 and the spring 331
may control the movement of the carriage 328 such that the carriage
328 may move a distance. This distance may be detected by a sensor
and may indicate that the nicotine formulation has been
dispensed.
[0212] The carriage 328 may be made of a magnetic material or may
comprise a magnetic component. For example, the carriage 328 may
comprise a bore and magnetic component 808, which may be a small
magnet, may be fit into the bore (e.g., press fit). As the carriage
328 moves, it may pass over a sensor 802, a sensor 804, and a
sensor 806. The sensor 806 may be located behind the carriage 328
as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The sensor 806 and may be located so
that the sensor 806 may be in proximity to the magnetic component
808 when the T-shape of the carriage 328 has been pulled towards
the yoke of the carriage frame 329.
[0213] The sensor 802, the sensor 804, and the sensor 806 may
detect the movement of the carriage 328. For example, the sensor
802, the sensor 804, and the sensor 806 may be Hall effect sensors,
and the movement of the carriage 328 may be detected by measuring
the magnitude of a magnetic field produced by the magnetic material
of the carriage 328 and/or the magnetic component 808.
[0214] An actuation motion may cause the carriage 328 to move
towards the carbon monoxide sensor 348 such that the carriage 328
and/or the magnetic component 808 may pass over the sensor 802, the
sensor 804, and the sensor 806.
[0215] The motion and direction of the carriage 328 may be detected
using one or more sensors. For example, the carriage 328 may pass
over one or more Hall effect sensors, and the sequence of detection
may indicate which direction the carriage 328 is moving. It may be
determined that a vial has been inserted when the magnetic
component 808 passes over or is in proximity to the sensor 806. It
may be determined that a vial has been removed when the magnetic
component 808 passes over the sensor 804, passes over the sensor
802, and passes over or is in proximity to the sensor 806. It may
be determined that nicotine was dispensed when the magnetic
component 808 passes over the sensor 802 and passes over or is in
proximity to the sensor 804.
[0216] The magnetic component 808 and/or the carriage 328 may be
used in conjunction with the sensor 802, the sensor 804, and the
sensor 806 to determine that a movement of the carriage 328 and/or
the magnetic component 808 indicates that the vial 324 was
inserted. The sensor 802, the sensor 804, and the sensor 806 may
detect a number of follow-up movements of the carriage 328 and/or
the magnetic component 808 that may indicate that the pumping
mechanism was primed. The device 100 may determine to ignore the
priming motion and may not consider it as a dispensing of the
nicotine formulation.
[0217] The magnet component 808 may be moved into or may be in a
position that may be on top of the sensor 804 (e.g., FIG. 8A). This
may occur, for example, when the nozzle 303 may be in a retracted
position within the main housing portion 338 and the dispenser head
339 may be flush with or below the upper edge of the main housing
portion 338.
[0218] The magnetic component 808 may be moved into or may be in a
position that may be on top of the sensor 806 (e.g., FIG. 8B). This
may occur, for example, when the dispenser head 339 may be in an
extended position and the nozzle 303 may be outside of the main
housing portion 338. With regard to FIG. 8B, the sensor 806 is not
visible because it is covered by the carriage 328 that includes the
magnet component 808.
[0219] The magnetic component 808 and/or the carriage 328 may be
used in conjunction with the sensor 802, the sensor 804, and the
sensor 806 to determine when a dose of the nicotine formulation was
dispensed. For example, the sensor 802, the sensor 804, and the
sensor 806 may detect that the carriage 328 and/or the magnetic
component 808 have moved, which indicates that the dose of the
nicotine formulation was dispensed.
[0220] The smart NRT device may determine that nicotine is
dispensed when the magnet component 808 moves a position that may
be in proximity to or overlapped with the sensor 806 to a position
that may be in proximity to or overlapped with the sensor 802. A
user may allow the actuator to move or bounce back up into an
extended position, which may cause the magnet component 808 to
return to a position that may be in proximity to or overlapped with
the sensor 806. The user may push the actuator down to lock it
within the housing, which may cause the magnet component 808 to
move into a position that may be in proximity to or overlapped with
the sensor 804.
[0221] FIG. 9 depicts a schematic view of the smart NRT device that
may include a sensor, such as a carbon monoxide sensor, to detect
tobacco user by a user. As shown in FIG. 9, the mouthpiece 342 may
be at an end of the housing of the device 100. For example, the
mouthpiece 342 may be the opposite end of the dispenser head. The
mouthpiece 342 may be designed to allow an exhalation from a user
to flow through the mouthpiece and past a carbon monoxide sensor.
For example, a user may exhale into the circular aperture 346 such
that the user's exhalation passes over the carbon monoxide sensor
348 and exists the mouthpiece 342 at the oblong aperture 344. The
carbon monoxide sensor 348 may use an exhalation from the user to
determine a carbon monoxide level within the user. For example, the
carbon monoxide sensor 348 may determine a carbon monoxide level
from the flow of air through the mouthpiece 342. The device 100 may
use the carbon monoxide level to determine the amount of carbon
monoxide in the user. The device 100 may determine that the amount
of carbon monoxide indicates that the user may have consumed one or
more tobacco products.
[0222] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a lockout mechanism within
the smart NRT device that may be used to prevent a nicotine
formulation from being dispensed. The device 100 may include a
solenoid 1002 that may be operatively connected to a lockout
mechanism 104. As shown in FIG. 10A, device 100 may be in an
operative position such that, as shown at 1010, the dispenser head
may extend above the main housing portion. This may allow the
dispenser to move within the main housing portion so that the vial
324 provides an amount of space that may allow the lockout
mechanism 1004 to move between a first position (e.g., an operative
position) that may allow an actuating member to move to actuate the
dispenser and a second position (e.g., non-operative position) that
may prevent the actuating member from moving.
[0223] The lockout mechanism 1004 may be used to prevent action of
the dispenser head. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, lockout
mechanism 1004 may contact the carriage 328. The lockout mechanism
1004 may block the carriage 328 from moving down, which may prevent
a spray actuation and may prevent the device 100 from being moved
to a non-operative position. The lockout mechanism 1004 may be
placed in the operative position by the solenoid 1002. For example,
the device 100 may determine that the vial 324 may not have been
authenticated and may send a signal to the solenoid 1002 that
causes solenoid to move the lockout mechanism 1004 into the
blocking or non-operative position that prevents the actuating
member from moving.
[0224] The device 100 may determine the vial 324 may have been
authenticated and may send a signal to the solenoid 1002 that
causes the solenoid 1002 to move the lockout mechanism 1004 into an
operative position. For example, as shown at FIG. 10B, the lockout
mechanism 1004 has moved to position 1008, which allows a space at
1006 to occur such that the carriage 328 may move downward.
[0225] The lockout mechanism 1004 may be used to prevent a user
from dispensing more than an amount of nicotine. For example, a
user may be allowed an amount of nicotine that they may use for a
time period, such as a day. If the user attempts to go over the
amount of nicotine that they may use, the solenoid 1002 may receive
a signal to move the lockout mechanism 1004 to the non-operative
position such that the lockout mechanism 1004 may make contact with
the carriage 328, and the user may not be able to dispense nicotine
using the device 100.
[0226] The lockout mechanism 1004 may be used to allow a user to
dispense nicotine. For example, it may be predicted that a user may
have a craving. And the user may receive a notification to dispense
a dose nicotine using the device 100. The solenoid 1002 may receive
a signal to move the lockout mechanism 1004 to the operative
position such that lockout mechanism may not contact the carriage
328 and the user may be able to dispense nicotine using the device
100.
[0227] To allow the device 100 to move to a non-operative position,
as shown in FIG. 10C, the solenoid 1002 may cause the lockout
mechanism 1004 to move to an operative position to avoid contact
with the carriage 328. The carriage 328 may move down along with
dispenser. For example, the dispenser may move into the housing so
that the device 100 may become more compact and may be in a
non-operative position. Although the solenoid 1002 may be shown,
the solenoid 1002 may be replaced with another compatible component
such as a piezoelectric motor.
[0228] A user may interact with the NRT application and/or
behavioral-support application, for example, installed on a smart
phone, a tablet, and/or on smart watch. As described with respect
to FIG. 2B, the application may receive data from the smart NRT
device (e.g., a hand-held nicotine formulation dispensing device),
the smart watch, and/or a remote server. The application may
analyze the received data and provide a personalized program for
the user.
[0229] A personalized smoking/nicotine cessation program may
include a default 12-week journey, with the biometric feedback and
behavioral patterns. The journey can be dynamic and customized to
the specific user of the system during the program. For example,
the duration of the program may be determined based on the user's
smoking behavior prior to using the NRT device. For example, if the
user is a light smoker, the program duration may be shorter than 12
weeks. A longer program, (e.g., longer than 12 weeks), may be
created for a long-term heavy smoker. The cessation program
duration may be updated based on the various collected data, as
described herein. The cessation program can also be customized to
users of other tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and vaping
products. For example, the cessation program may be customized to
user that may consume nicotine from a cigarette, tobacco product,
electronic cigarette with nicotine, and/or an alternate source,
such as a skin patch, chewing gum, nasal spray, inhaler,
lozenge/tablet, oral spray, and the like.
[0230] The application may receive biometric data, which may be
referred to as biomarker data, associated with the user, for
example, from the smart watch, the smart phone, the smart NRT
device, and/or other devices. For example, biological sensors of a
smart watch may provide biometric data such as heart rate, heart
rate variability, skin temperature, user gesture, and/or the like.
Biometric data may be used to predict the onset of a craving or
potential relapse in smoking or nicotine usage. Recommendations on
coping strategies may be provided, via the application, based on
the predicted craving or potential relapse in smoking or nicotine
usage.
[0231] As described herein, the smart NRT device may include an
accelerometer. User motion or gesture may be detected based on
signals from the accelerometer. For example, user gesture
information may be used to detect a user fidgeting. This
information can be used to predict a craving and preemptively stop
the craving by promoting the use of NRT or some behavioral exercise
(such as breathing exercise).
[0232] The application may receive CO level information, for
example, from the smart NRT device. Based upon biometric feedback
and/or CO improvement information, health improvement related to
cigarettes/nicotine reduction may be determined.
[0233] FIG. 11A depicts an example user interface for entering
cigarette consumption. FIG. 11B depicts an example user interface
for collecting other NRT intake related information. The
application may allow the user to enter cigarette and/or tobacco
and/or electronic cigarette and/or vaping products and/or other NRT
substance consumption information, such as the date and time of
each smoke, the location, and/or an associated trigger. At 1102, a
user may enter in a time and/or date when for when a smoking event
occurred and/or a NRT event occurred. The event may have occurred
in the past, may be occurring, or may occur in the future. For
example, the user may plan to smoke and/or use nicotine after
entering in the information. At 1104, the user may enter a location
for the smoking event and/or NRT event. The location for the event
may be entered manually by the user, or the user may allow the
smartphone to determine the location (e.g., using a GPS associated
with the smartphone). At 1106, the user may enter in a trigger that
may have caused the smoking event and/or the NRT event. For
example, the user may indicate that they had an increase in stress
as a trigger. At 1108, the user may enter the type of nicotine
formulation that was used. For example, the user may indicate that
they used a nicotine gum, nicotine spray, and/or the like.
[0234] Recommendations for cigarettes/tobacco/electronic
cigarette/vaping product/NRT reduction may be determined based on
data including, but not limited to, user-reported triggers,
system-derived triggers, user biometrics data,
cigarette/tobacco/electronic cigarette/vaping product/NRT
consumption tracking, user's age, gender, geographic location,
and/or daily activities. For example, recommendations may be
identified such that the user may start with easier occasions to
reduce cigarette consumption or replace cigarette consumption with
NRT use, and thus may increase likelihood of successful overall
reduction and eventual elimination.
[0235] NRT/nicotine formulation intake information may be received,
for example, from the nicotine formulation dispensing device. The
intake information may include the amount of nicotine formulation
dispensed and the time associated with the intake. NRT/nicotine
formulation intake information may be tracked over time.
[0236] Information related to the carbon-monoxide level of the user
may be received, for example, from the nicotine formulation
dispensing device. The received user carbon-monoxide level may be
time-stamped and tracked over time.
[0237] One or more triggers to a smoking event or NRT consumption
may be derived. Triggers may be derived based on various data
collected through various sources. For example, the application may
receive data from other sources on the smartphone, for example a
calendar, to identify activities that might present a trigger. For
example, location-based triggers may be derived by correlating NRT
dispense data with the user's location. Triggers may be
continuously derived, updated, and/or removed based on the data
collected.
[0238] FIG. 12 depicts example user interfaces for displaying
progress made in the nicotine replacement therapy program.
Information on health improvement may include, but not limited to,
the reduction in CO level, and/or reduction in heart rate. At 1202,
a goal may be presented to the user. The goal may indicate that the
user is to reduce cigarette consumption by an amount. For example,
at 1202, the goal may indicate that the user is to replace 50% of
the cigarettes that would be consumed with a nicotine formulation.
The goal may also indicate a week of a cessation program phase that
the users may be in. At 1204, a program progress may be displayed.
The program progress may indicate an amount of nicotine that a user
may consume. For example, the program progress may indicate how
much nicotine a user may consume and how much nicotine that the
user has consumed. This may be used, for example, to indicate to a
user how much nicotine they may consume. At 1206, the interface may
include a count of cigarettes consumed by a user and/or an amount
of tobacco consumer by a user and/or a count of electronic
cigarettes or vaping products consumed by a user and/or a count of
nicotine formulation consumed by a user. The interface may include
a count of the days that a user has been without a consuming
nicotine from a cigarette, tobacco product, electronic cigarette
with nicotine, and/or an alternate source, such as a skin patch,
chewing gum, nasal spray, inhaler, lozenge/tablet, oral spray, and
the like.
[0239] At 1208, the interface may indicate which week out of a
program a user may be in. For example, the interface may indicate
that the user is in week 4 of a 12 week program. At 1210, the
interface may indicate an amount of money saved by quitting
smoking. Providing improvement information at moment (e.g., key
moments) in the journey may increase the likelihood that user will
stay the course with the program. At 1212, the user interface may
indicate that the application is connect to the smart NRT device,
for example, via Bluetooth. At 1220, an indication of the battery
life of the smart NRT device may be provided. At 1222, an
indication of an amount of nicotine formulation within a vial
associated with the smart NRT device may be provided.
[0240] FIG. 13 depicts example user interface(s) for indicating
personalized weekly targets and plans. As shown in FIG. 13, the
application may provide personalized weekly targets, and/or
specifically timed daily/weekly support activities to address the
habit changes that the user is going through at that stage in the
journey.
[0241] At 1302, the user interface may indicate that the user may
be in week 1 of the cessation program. There may be a goal
associated with the week of the cessation program. For example, the
goal of week 1 of the cessation program may be to replace 25% of
the cigarettes a user may smoke with a nicotine formulation. There
may be a daily action associated with the week of the cessation
program. For example, the action for day 1 of week 1 of the
cessation program may be to replace another daily cigarette.
[0242] At 1304, the user interface may indicate that the user may
be in week 5 of the cessation program. There may be a goal
associated with the week of the cessation program. For example, the
goal of week 5 of the cessation program may to avoid smoking
cigarettes and to focus on using nicotine formulation. There may be
a daily action associated with the week of the cessation program.
For example, the action for day 1 of week 5 of the cessation
program may be to get a CO level for the user within a range or
below a threshold.
[0243] At 1306, the user interface may indicate that the user may
be in week 10 of the cessation program. There may be a goal
associated with the week of the cessation program. For example, the
goal of week 10 of the cessation program may be to reduce a user's
dependence on nicotine formulation by 25%. There may be a daily
action associated with the week of the cessation program. For
example, the action for day 1 of week 10 of the cessation program
may be to reduce the consumption of nicotine formulation by a
dose.
[0244] FIG. 14 depicts example user interface(s) for creating a
personalized cigarette replacement plan. A plan for a week, such as
week 1, may include identifying the cigarettes to replace with
NRT/nicotine formulation based on user's perceived stress levels,
heart rates, triggers, and/or the like. For example, at 1402, the
application may identify one or more cigarettes for a user to
consider replacing with nicotine formulation based on a heart rate.
A user may interact with the interface and may select one or more
of the identified cigarettes. The user may be presented with a time
and a heart rate that are associated with the selected cigarette.
As another example, at 1402, the application may identify one or
more cigarettes for a user to consider replacing with nicotine
formulation based on a heart rate and a trigger. A user may
interact with the interface and may select one or more of the
identified cigarettes. The user may be presented with a time, a
heart rate, and a trigger that are associated with the selected
cigarette.
[0245] At 1406, the user may be presented with one or more
cigarettes that the user may have selected to be replace with
nicotine formulation. At 1406, reminders or events may be added to
a calendar to remind the user of NRT/nicotine formulation use.
[0246] FIG. 15A depicts an example user interface for suggesting an
action in advance of an anticipated craving. An anticipated craving
time may be determined based on various data. For example, an
anticipated craving time may be determined based on nicotine intake
information, user CO level information, location information, the
heart rate of the user, a heart rate change, skin temperature, a
scheduled activity based on a calendar, and/or detected motion/user
gesture (e.g., fidgeting). An indication suggesting an action in
advance of the anticipated craving time may be provided. For
example, use recommendations for NRT or behavioral coping
technique(s) may be provided. As shown at 1502, a craving warning
message may be displayed. Use of the nicotine formulation in NRT
device may be proactively suggested in advance, anticipating
potential cravings. An action to distract the user from the
anticipated craving may be suggested. For example, at 1502, the
user may be presented with an option to use NRT or to take a
behavioral copying strategy.
[0247] FIG. 15B depicts an example user interface for the user to
select an action for coping with an anticipated craving. For
example, the user may have opted to take a behavioral coping
strategy. At 1504, one or more suggested distractions may be
selected for a specific week or a particular time period. The
suggested distractions may include, a deep breathing exercise,
playing a game (e.g., a video game or application), taking a walk,
spending time on social media, talking with a friend, and/or the
like.
[0248] FIG. 15C depicts an example user interface for prompting
user to confirm cigarette consumption. For example, the user may
have opted not to use a suggested coping strategy. The application
may analyze the user's heart rate and CO level. The application may
determine that the user may have consumed a cigarette based on the
user's CO level data and/or the user's heart rate information. When
detecting the user's cigarette consumption, at 1506, a message may
be provided to allow the user to confirm cigarette consumption. The
confirmation may be used to track the user's cigarette consumption
information, and/or nicotine consumption information.
[0249] The application may send messages to the smart NRT device to
control one or more components in the smart NRT device. For
example, the application may send a message to the smart NRT device
indicating the device should stop nicotine formulation dispensing,
for example, for a period of time, or until receiving a dispense
resume message. The application may send a message to the smart NRT
device indicating that a dose of nicotine formulation can be
dispensed. The application may send an indication of the amount of
nicotine formulation that can be dispensed, for example, during a
period of time, during a use, or until the receipt of a dispense
resume indication. The dispense resume message may be sent after a
period of time lapses, which can be determined based on various
data collected and/or tracked as described herein.
[0250] Whether to initiate a nicotine formulation dispenser lockout
may be determined. For example, the determination may be based on a
nicotine threshold (e.g., a standard threshold or personalized
threshold) for the user and the amount of nicotine that was
previously consumed by the user. A lockout may be activated upon
determining that the amount of nicotine consumed by the user (e.g.,
over a period of time) exceeds the nicotine threshold (e.g.,
associated with that period time). The amount of nicotine that was
previously consumed by the user may be determined based on the
tracked tobacco product or NRT consumption data and/or the level of
carbon monoxide within the user. A lockout may be activated when
determining that an inauthentic vial has been inserted into the NRT
device. Authentication may be performed, for example, via QP code
recognition. A lockout may be activated upon determining that the
device is associated with an area where use of the substance is
prohibited.
[0251] A standard nicotine threshold may include a number of
sprays, such as 64 sprays. The threshed can be of other values,
such as 60, 62, 66, 68 sprays or the like. Sprays pumped for
priming purposes may be discounted or discard from spray
counts.
[0252] A personalized nicotine threshold for the user may be
determined based on one of more of considerations including, but
not limited to, the level of CO within the user, user biometrics
data, user's prior smoking habits, daily intake limit associated
with the NRT program, tracked cigarette consumption, traced NRT
consumption, user's age, gender, geographic location, and/or daily
activities.
[0253] The amount of formulation that can be dispensed during a
period time, (e.g., per use, per 30 minutes, per hour, per 24
hours) may be determined based on a predetermined nicotine intake
limit, the stage of NRT program, the concentration of the nicotine
formulation, the nicotine consumption reduction target, and/or the
like.
[0254] The smart watch may provide a user interface to the user,
for example, to display metrics related to the smoking cessation
journey, how much NRT has been used during a period of time (e.g.,
within half an hour, within an hour, within 24 hours), cigarette
usage, and/or the like. The metrics may be displayed against the
smoking cessation program targets.
[0255] FIG. 16A depicts an example overview of a nicotine/smoking
cessation program. A personalized smoking/nicotine cessation
program may include a default journey, which may be a 12-week
journey. The cessation program may be personalized for a user, for
example, using biometric feedback and/or behavioral patterns. The
journey may be dynamic and customized to the user of the system
during the program. For example, the duration of the program may be
determined based on the user's smoking behavior prior to using the
NRT device. For example, if the user is a light smoker, the program
duration may be shorter than 12 weeks. A longer program, (e.g.,
longer than 12 weeks), may be created for a long-term heavy smoker.
As another example, the duration of the program may be determined
and/or adjusted by a user. At 1602, the user may be presented with
a personalized smoking/nicotine cessation program. The user may be
presented with a slider button. The user may use the slider button
to length or shorten the cessation program. For example, the user
may be presented with a range of lengths, and the user may use the
slider button to select a range from the range of lengths.
[0256] FIG. 16B depicts an example user interface for providing
user feedback on CO level reduction information gathered and
tracked throughout the program. The application may track one or
more CO levels for a user. For example, the application may store a
history of CO levels for the user that were measured over a length
of time. The application may determine from the CO levels that the
user has reduced their cigarette consumption. For example, at 1602,
a user may be notified that their history of CO levels indicates
that CO levels have been reduced from 21 ppm to 5 ppm. The user may
also be notified that 5 ppm indicates that the user has a CO level
of a non-smoker.
[0257] FIG. 16C depicts an example user interface for providing
user feedback on user heart rate information gathered and tracked
throughout the program. The application may track one or more HR
measurements for a user. For example, the application may store a
history of HR measurements taken from the user over a length of
time. The application may determine from the HR measurements that
the user has improved their health. For example, at 1606, a user
may be notified that their resting HR has been reduced from 83 to
70 over the course of 12 weeks.
[0258] The user's smoking behavior or nicotine addiction may be
determined based on real time feedback of biological indicators
and/or behavioral support elements. The feedback information may be
used to adapt the user's smoking cessation plan during a quit
attempt. For example, biomarkers, which may include physiological
and phycological biomarkers, may use to suggest actions and/or
behavioral modifications that may promote a benefit.
[0259] FIGS. 17A-C depict example user interface(s) for suggesting
an action to experience a benefits of the nicotine cessation
journey. The timing for offering a suggestion may be determined
based on biological indicators. FIG. 17A depicts an example user
interface that may suggest an action for a user to take that may be
based on one or more biomarkers. For example, one or more
biomarkers may be used to determine that a user may have a craving
around dinner time. The one or more biomarkers may indicate that
the user may have had a positive progression associated with the
cessation program. For example. The one or more biomarkers may
indicate that the user may have reduced nicotine consumption (e.g.,
reduced smoking or NRT). At 1702, the user interface may suggest
that the user celebrate their progress with a meal. For example,
the user interface may ask the user what their favorite meal may be
and may suggest that the user schedule that meal on their calendar.
FIG. 17B shows an example user interface that a behavioral
modification associated with a selected user action. For example,
at 1704, the user may have scheduled a meal and the user interface
may suggest that the user eat intentionally. This may be done, for
example, to prevent a nicotine craving that may occur around the
time of the meal. FIG. 17C shows an example user interface that may
seek feedback from a user regarding an action and/or a behavioral
modification. For example, at 1706, the user interface may ask the
user how the scheduled meal went. The user may respond. The use
response may indicate that the user engaged with the action. The
response may indicate that the user made the behavioral
modification. The response may indicate that a likelihood that the
action prevented a nicotine craving and/or lessened the likelihood
of a nicotine craving.
[0260] FIG. 18 depicts an example flowchart for providing a
personalized nicotine cessation journey. As shown, at the beginning
of the personalized nicotine cessation journey, initial user data
may be collected at 1802. At 1806, a personalized smoke cessation
journey may be generated based at least in part on the collected
user data. At 1808, additional data, such as nicotine consumption
information and user's biometric data may be collected as the
journey progresses. At 1810, a triggering event may be detected,
and at 1812, a targeted notification may be provided. For example,
a potential craving may be detected and, a suggestion to use NRT
may be provided. For example, a potential cigarette smoking may be
detected based on the collected user CO level, and a confirmation
of smoke may be requested. At 1818, the personalized journey may be
modified based on the collected up-to-date user data. For example,
the journey length may be shortened or prolonged. Weekly targets
and/or daily targets may be updated. The type of behavioral
suggestions may be refined based on the user's response. At 1820,
the smoking cessation program may end. The initial user data and
the collected data referred to in FIG. 18 may include various data
received or obtained from various data sources described
herein.
[0261] FIG. 19 depicts an example flowchart for controlling the
lockout mechanism. At 1906, nicotine consumption may be tracked,
for example using techniques described herein. Nicotine consumption
data may be determined based on the nicotine concentration of the
nicotine formulation in the NRT device, the number of full
actuations, partial actuations of the dispenser and associated
actuation time, and/or cigarette/tobacco consumption data logged by
the user. At 1908, the nicotine consumption may be compared to a
threshold. At 1910, a lockout mechanism may be activated, when
determining that the consumption exceeds the threshold. Nicotine
consumption threshold may be associated with a period time, such as
2 mg within half an hour, 4 mg within an hour, 64 mg within 24
hours, or the like. Nicotine consumption amount may be reset after
a period of idle time during which the NRT device has not dispensed
any nicotine formulation. For example, after the NRT device sitting
idle for 4 hours, the nicotine consumption amount for comparing
against the 24-hour consumption threshold may be reset to 0. The
determination of whether nicotine consumption has exceeded a
threshold may be performed at the NRT device and/or at another
device such as a mobile phone, a smart watch, a tablet, a cloud
computing function or the like. For example, a signal may be sent
to the NRT device to instruct the NRT device to active the lockout
mechanism. The lockout mechanism may be deactivated when a period
of time lapses. For example, the lockout mechanism may be
deactivated after half an hour, one hour, two hours or the like. If
the consumption does not exceed the threshold, the NRT device may
be allowed to dispense the nicotine formulation at 1920.
[0262] FIG. 20 depicts an example NRT system. As shown, the example
NRT system may include smartphone 2002, a smart watch 2004, NRT
device 2006, and cloud 2010. User 2008 may interact with the NRT
system.
[0263] The NRT device 2006 may receive instructions from the
smartphone 2002 to lock the dispenser. The NRT device 2006 may send
data, such as CO measurements, NRT dispense data, vial
authentication information, and/or vial information, to the
smartphone 2002. As described herein, the NRT device 2006 may
include an NRT spray and a biometric sensor such as a CO sensor.
The NRT device 2006 may include one of more functions including,
delivering NRT to user, performing biometric sensing of CO,
performing motion detection, locking the dispenser, and
communicating to other device(s), for example, via BLE.
[0264] As shown in FIG. 20, the smartphone 2002 may run an app
having a user interface. The smartphone 2002, via the app, may
perform one or more functions including, tracking user data such as
location data, providing a user interface, aggregating data, and
computing data. The smartphone 2002 may, for example, via the user
interface in the app, receive various indications from a user, such
as user 2008. User indications may include one or more of behavior
intervention responses, cigarette, NRT, or other nicotine product
consumption tracking information, trigger tracking information,
user demographics, user smoking history, and/or the like. The
smartphone 2002 may receive data from and/or send data to smart
watch 2004. For example, the app may, via smartphone 2002, receive
data from the smart watch 2004 including GSR values, HR values, HRV
values, peripheral oxygen saturation (e.g., SPO2) values, blood
pressure, skin temp values, and/or motion data. The smartphone 2002
may send user notifications and program status to the smart watch
2004 for displaying on the smart watch 2004.
[0265] The smart phone 2002 may, for example, via the user
interface in the app, provider user notifications. User
notifications may include, but not limited to, indicating potential
craving, indicating potential smoking activities, recommending NRT,
requesting CO measurement, providing behavioral intervention
recommendations, and providing program status/health
improvements.
[0266] As shown, cloud-based control functions may be used. For
example, the smart phone 2002 may send biometric data and user
input data to the cloud 2010 (e.g., one or more cloud servers,
which may be computing resource 212). The cloud 2010 may perform
data aggregation such as aggregating data from a community of
users, perform data computation, and store various data. The cloud
2010 may enhance algorithm based on the received, aggregated,
and/or computed data. The cloud 2010 may send user notifications
and program instructions to the smartphone 2002.
[0267] As shown, the NRT system may include the smart watch 2004
that may send various data to the smartphone 2002. The smart watch
2004 may be or may include a wrist worn device for sensing
biometric data and/or providing a user interface. The smart watch
2004 may collect and filter user biometric data. The smart watch
2004 may perform biometric measurements such as GSR values, HR
values, HRV values, SPO2 values, blood pressure, skin temp values,
and/or motion data. The smart watch 2004 may send data such as
biometric data and mode information to other device(s), such as the
mobile phone, and the NRT device 2006. The smart watch may be
configured to provide notifications such as notification of onset
of craving, recommendation to use NRT, and/or providing program
status/health improvements.
[0268] FIG. 21 depicts an example 12-week NRT journey that may be
customized based on various data sources such as senor feedback.
Success rate of quitting addition may be increased through various
feedback and personalization. In examples, a user's biometric data
may be collected during a control period, such as a period time
prior to the program (e.g., one week prior to starting the
program). A personalized program may be generated based on the
biometric data collected during the control period and/or other
behavior inputs from the user. The recommended program may be
updated via a continuous update loop such that the program may
timely address user needs, such as slipups or exceeding expected
progress.
[0269] As shown in FIG. 21, the program may include cigarette
reduction targets that may be modified based on the user's data.
The program may include NRT usage recommendations, such as NRT
recommendations (for example, during an initial portion of the
program) and NRT reduction targets (for example, during a later
portion of the program), which may be modified based on user data
(such as sensor feedback). The program may include NRT usage
recommendations 2120, which may be provided and/or modified on a
weekly basis. The program may include cigarette usage
recommendations 2128, which may be provided and/or modified on
weekly basis.
[0270] At 2102, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for a time period before the program may begin. This may be done,
for example, to allow a user to become familiar with the cessation
application and/or an NRT device. The time period may be three
weeks before the cessation of cigarettes may be being. The
recommendation at 2102 may be allow for the user to become familiar
with the program, and may recommend no reduction in cigarettes
and/or NRT.
[0271] At 2104, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 1. Week 1 may recommend a 50% cigarette reduction and a
25% NRT usage. For example, week 1 may recommend that a user reduce
a baseline cigarette consumption by 50% and increase a baseline
nicotine formulation consumption by 25%. The baseline cigarette
consumption and/or baseline nicotine formulation consumption may be
based on a prior time period, a current time period, and/or a
combination thereof.
[0272] At 2106, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 2. Week 2 may recommend a 25% cigarette reduction and a
50% NRT usage. For example, week 2 may recommend that a user reduce
a baseline cigarette consumption by 25% and increase a baseline
nicotine formulation consumption by 50%. The baseline cigarette
consumption and/or baseline nicotine formulation consumption may be
based on a prior time period, a current time period, and/or a
combination thereof.
[0273] At 2108, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 3. Week 3 may recommend a 75% cigarette reduction and a
75% NRT usage. For example, week 2 may recommend that a user reduce
a baseline cigarette consumption by 75% and increase a baseline
nicotine formulation consumption by 75%. The baseline cigarette
consumption and/or baseline nicotine formulation consumption may be
based on a prior time period, a current time period, and/or a
combination thereof.
[0274] At 2110, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 4. Week 4 may recommend a 100% cigarette reduction (e.g.,
stop smoking) and a 100% NRT usage. For example, week 4 may
recommend that a user reduce a baseline cigarette consumption by
100% and increase a baseline nicotine formulation consumption by
100%. The baseline cigarette consumption and/or baseline nicotine
formulation consumption may be based on a prior time period, a
current time period, and/or a combination thereof.
[0275] At 2112, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 5. Week 5 may recommend a 0% cigarette usage (e.g., user
may no longer smoke) and a 100% NRT usage (e.g., maintain using
nicotine formulation). For example, week 5 may recommend that a
user avoid smoking and continue to consume nicotine
formulation.
[0276] At 2114, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 6. Week 6 may recommend a 0% cigarette usage (e.g., user
may no longer smoke) and a 100% NRT usage (e.g., maintain using
nicotine formulation). For example, week 6 may recommend that a
user avoid smoking and continue to consume nicotine
formulation.
[0277] At 2116, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 7. Week 7 may recommend a 0% cigarette usage (e.g., user
may no longer smoke) and a 100% NRT usage (e.g., maintain using
nicotine formulation). For example, week 7 may recommend that a
user avoid smoking and continue to consume nicotine
formulation.
[0278] At 2118, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 8. For example, week 8 may recommend a 0% cigarette usage
(e.g., user may no longer smoke) and a 100% NRT usage (e.g.,
maintain using nicotine formulation). For example, week 8 may
recommend that a user avoid smoking and continue to consume
nicotine formulation.
[0279] At 2120, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 9. Week 9 may recommend a 0% cigarette usage (e.g., user
may no longer smoke) and a 25% NRT reduction (e.g., reduce nicotine
formulation consumption). For example, week 9 may recommend a user
avoid smoking and reduce a baseline nicotine formulation
consumption by 25%. The baseline nicotine formulation consumption
may be based on a prior time period, a current time period, and/or
a combination thereof.
[0280] At 2122, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 10. Week 10 may recommend a 0% cigarette usage (e.g., user
may no longer smoke) and a 50% NRT reduction (e.g., reduce nicotine
formulation consumption). For example, week 10 may recommend a user
avoid smoking and reduce a baseline nicotine formulation
consumption by 50%. The baseline nicotine formulation consumption
may be based on a prior time period, a current time period, and/or
a combination thereof.
[0281] At 2124, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 11. Week 11 may recommend a 0% cigarette usage (e.g., user
may no longer smoke) and a 75% NRT reduction (e.g., reduce nicotine
formulation consumption). For example, week 11 may recommend a user
avoid smoking and reduce a baseline nicotine formulation
consumption by 75%. The baseline nicotine formulation consumption
may be based on a prior time period, a current time period, and/or
a combination thereof.
[0282] At 2126, the cessation program may include a recommendation
for week 12. Week 12 may recommend a 0% cigarette usage (e.g., user
may no longer smoke) and a 100% NRT reduction (e.g., user may no
longer consume nicotine formulation). For example, week 12 may
recommend a user avoid smoking and avoid nicotine formulation
consumption.
[0283] The 12-week NRT journey may also be customized for smokeless
tobacco users, heated or non-combusted tobacco users, electronic
cigarette users and/or vaping product users. For example, the
12-week NRT journey may be customized for nicotine consumption that
may comprise nicotine from a cigarette, tobacco product, electronic
cigarette with nicotine, and/or an alternate source, such as a skin
patch, chewing gum, nasal spray, inhaler, lozenge/tablet, oral
spray, and the like.
[0284] Various data may be collected prior to the user joining the
example smoking cessation program and periodically during the
program. Control data may be collected, received and/or stored
prior to or at the beginning of the program. Such control data may
include one or more of the biometric measurements as described
herein. For example, control data may include control HR, HRV, CO
level, and/or the like.
[0285] The user may experience CO level reduction. The dropout risk
of the user may be determined based on the CO level tracked over
time. Whether the user has smoked a cigarette may be tracked. For
example, if the user's tracked CO level is not reduced as expected
or the user's CO level increases, potential dropout may be
identified. The program may be updated to address the potential
dropout.
[0286] Health improvements, in terms of HRV, HR, CO level and blood
pressure, may be determined and indicated to the user, for example,
to encourage the user to stay with the program.
[0287] Behavioral support data may be collected at the beginning of
the program and tracked throughout the program for personalizing
the program. For example, data related to motivation, willpower,
and addiction may be entered by the user. The easiest cigarettes to
eliminate may be identified (e.g., by the user, and/or by the
program based on user data) via the app. Craving coping strategies
may be entered by the user. Craving coping strategies may be
generated and presented to the user. For example, craving coping
strategies may be generated based on the behavioral support data of
the user tracked overtime and/or behavioral support data of other
users. Potential withdrawal may be predicted based on the
behavioral support data, and corresponding behavioral change
recommendations may be indicated to the user.
[0288] As described herein, cigarette and/or tobacco and/or
electronic cigarette and/or vaping product and/or NRT consumption
may be tracked, along with trigger(s), location, and timing.
Location tracking data may be used to determine location-based
behavior support. Nicotine or cigarette craving may be tracked
during the program. NRT dropout risk may be determined based on
whether the user is using NRT more frequently than recommended. The
program may be updated to address the potential dropout.
[0289] FIG. 22 depicts an example flowchart for updating the NRT
program. As shown, a recommended program 2202 may be generated by a
system 2200 based on control biometric data 2204 and nicotine
dependence, nicotine habits, and/or behavior data 2206. The
recommended program 2202 may be performed by the system 2200 as an
NRT program 2208. The NRT program 2208 may be updated continuously
based on program adaptation data and detected user activity, such
as smoking slipup.
[0290] As the user progresses through each stage of the NRT program
2208, the system 2200 may use the control biometric data 2204 and
the nicotine dependence, nicotine habits, and/or behavior data 2206
to determine if the user is on track, behind expectation, or ahead
of expectation. If the user is on track, the system 2200 may not
recommend any change to the initially recommended program 2202. If
the user is behind expectation, the system 2200 may determine
whether the setback is due to a single occurrence or multiple
occurrences of smoking acts. If the user is behind expectation due
to occurrence of single smoking act, then a behavioral intervention
(e.g., a coping technique) may be suggested to help the user get
back on track. If the user is behind expectation because of
multiple occurrences of smoking acts (e.g., a behavioral trend is
identified), the system 2200 may recommend extending the initially
recommended program 2202 to give the user more time to get back on
track. If the user is ahead of expectation, the system 2200 may
recommend truncating the initially recommended program 2202.
[0291] FIG. 23A depicts an example flowchart for pattern
identification and updating a user's personalized NRT program based
on the identified patterns. As shown, patterns 2304 may be used to
modify a user's personalized NRT program 2302. The patterns 2304
may be identified by analyzing (e.g., continuously analyzing) a
variety of data. The variety of data may include cigarette data
2306, biometrics 2308, triggers 2310, and/or activities 2312.
[0292] FIG. 23B depicts an example flowchart for pattern
identification and updating NRT programs for multiple users based
on the identified patterns. As shown, patterns 2322 may be used to
modify users' personalized NRT programs 2320A-2320E. The patterns
2322 may be identified by analyzing (e.g., continuously analyzing)
a variety of data. The variety of data may include cigarette data
2324, biometrics 2326, triggers 2328, and activity data 2330 from
multiple users (e.g., users in an NRT community, users having
similar demographic information). The patterns 2322 may be used to
develop personalized and modify NRT programs 2320A-2320E for
multiple users. For example, the patterns 2322 may be used to
generate recommendations for replacing which type of cigarettes
with NRT. The patterns 2322 may be used to generate recommendations
for which NRT to start with in an NRT reduction journey.
[0293] FIG. 24 depicts examples of biometrics affected by smoking.
As shown, at 2402, the biometrics may change before the smoke
marker 2404. At 2406, the biometrics may change after the smoke
marker 2404. The time in relation to the smoke marker 2404 is shown
in seconds in FIG. 24. Examples of biometrics that may be affected
are heart rate 2408, skin temperature 2410, and arousal/GSR 2412.
For example, the heart rate 2408 may begin to increase for about
two and a half minutes (-150 seconds as shown in FIG. 24) before
users start smoking at 2402 (before the smoke marker 2404) and may
decrease for about two and half minutes (150 seconds as shown in
FIG. 24) after users smart smoking at 2406 (after the smoke marker
2404). For example, skin temperature 2410 may increase (e.g.,
steadily increase) at 2402 before users start smoking (before the
smoke marker 2404) and may decrease once they begin smoking at the
smoke marker 2404 and after smoking at 2406. The increase in skin
temperature 2410 before the smoke marker 2404 may occur despite
that users may often (e.g., most often) smoke outside. For example,
the arousal/GSR 2412 may increase between two minutes and one
minute before the smoke marker 2404. The arousal/GSR 2412 may dip
(e.g., immediately dip) before the smoke marker 2404 and may
increase (e.g., increase again) for about thirty seconds after the
smoke marker 2404.
[0294] In examples, smoking cessation may have effects on blood
pressure and heart rate variability in habitual smokers. As
explained in Minami et al. (Minami, Junichi, Toshihiko Ishimitsu,
and Hiroaki Matsuoka. "Effects of smoking cessation on blood
pressure and heart rate variability in habitual smokers."
Hypertension 33.1 (1999): 586-590), ambulatory blood pressure,
heart rate, and heart rate variability in 39 normotensive male
habitual smokers with a mean age of about 33 years old were tested.
The examples were randomized to start with one week nonsmoking and
(e.g., and then) one week smoking with 19 smokers and randomized to
start with one week smoking and (e.g., and then) one week
nonsmoking with 23 smokers. In these examples, a cuff-oscillometric
device measured blood every 30 minutes on the last day of each
period and measured the R-R interval of the ECG for five-minute
block on the last day of each period. The results indicated that
smokers have a higher heart blood pressure (e.g., systolic: 3.5
mmHg, diastolic: 1.9 mmHg but only during daytime), a higher heart
rate (e.g., 7.3 beats/min), a lower LF, a lower HF, and a higher
LF/HV ratio (e.g., but only during daytime).
[0295] In the examples, in the 24 hour trends of BP and HR during
the smoking and nonsmoking periods and the average number of
cigarettes smoked per hour in the smoking period, the daylight BP
was significantly lower in the nonsmoking period than in the
smoking period, whereas the nighttime BP did not differ (e.g.,
differ significantly) between the two periods. In the examples, the
daytime and nighttime HR values were significantly lower in the
nonsmoking period than in the smoking period. In the examples, in
the 24 hour trends of the LF component, the HF component, and the
LF/HF ratio during the smoking and nonsmoking periods and the
average number of cigarettes smoked per hour in the smoking period,
the LF and HF components were both higher (e.g., significantly
higher) in the nonsmoking period than in the smoking period in both
the daytime and nighttime. In the examples, in the 24 hour trends
of the LF/HF ratio, the daytime LF/HF ratio was significantly lower
in the nonsmoking period than in the smoking period, whereas the
nighttime LF/HF ratio did not differ (e.g., differ significantly)
between the two periods.
[0296] In examples, smoking cessation and nicotine patches may have
effects on affect heart rate variability. As explained in Stein et
al. (Stein, Phyllis K., Jeffrey N. Rottman, and Robert E. Kleiger.
"Effect of 21 mg transdermal nicotine patches and smoking cessation
on heart rate variability." The American journal of cardiology 77.9
(1996): 701-705), 54 male smokers with mean (SD) age of 43 (12)
with a desire to quit smoking were given at least one pack/day and
had at least one prior attempt to quit. 35 smokers used 21 mg
patches for four to six weeks and 25 smokers ceased the use of
patch for 4 weeks. In the results, as measured by the 24 h ECG
during smoking cessation, smoking cessation decreased (e.g.,
significantly decreased) the heart rate and increased all 24 hour
time and frequency domain indexes of heart rate variability. Part
of the change may have occurred in the transition from smoking to
the patch, and further changes may occur with cessation of patch
use. In the results as measured four weeks after cessation of all
nicotine use, the average heart rate remained higher, and heart
rate variability remained lower than values reported for healthy,
middle-aged adults.
[0297] In examples, smoking cessation may have effects on heart
rate variability among long-term male smokers. As explained in
Harte et al (Harte, Christopher B., and Cindy M. Meston. "Effects
of smoking cessation on heart rate variability among long-term male
smokers." International journal of behavioral medicine 21.2 (2014):
302-309), 62 male smokers between 23-60 years old who smoked over
15 cigarettes/day over at least five years were enrolled in an
eight-week nicotine transdermal patch treatment. There were 20
successful quitters and 42 unsuccessful quitters. Participates'
heart rate variabilities were assessed at baseline (e.g., while
smoking regularly), at mid-treatment (e.g., while using a high-dose
patch), and a follow-up, four weeks after patch discontinuation
using a three-channel ECG for four hours on-site. The 20 successful
quitters compared to the 42 who were unsuccessful quitters
displayed higher (e.g., significantly higher) SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50,
LF, and HF at the follow-up, when they were both nicotine and smoke
free.
[0298] In examples, smoking may have effects on resting heart rate,
heart rates during exercise, and heart rate recovery in young
adults. As explained in Papathanasiou et al. (Papathanasiou,
George, et al. "Effects of smoking on heart rate at rest and during
exercise, and on heart rate recovery, in young adults." Hellenic J
Cardiol 54.3 (2013): 168-177), a sample of 298 adults between 20-29
years old with normal BMI and normotensive were tested. 79 female
non-smokers, 60 female smokers, 86 male non-smokers, and 73 male
smokers were tested. The smokers smoked at least 20 cigarettes/day
for at least three years while the non-smokers never smoked. A
12-lead ECG was used for measuring heart rate and the maximal Bruce
treadmill test was during to measure heart rates during, at peak,
and after termination of exercise. In the results, the smokers had
higher (e.g., significantly higher) resting heart rates than the
non-smokers. Both female and male smokers showed a slower (e.g.,
significantly slower) HR increase during exercise. Female smokers
failed to reach their age-predicted maximum HR by 6.0 bpm and males
by 3.6 bpm. The actual maximum HR achieved (HRmax) was
significantly lower for both female smokers (191.0 bpm vs. 198.0
bpm) and male smokers (193.2 bpm vs. 199.3 bpm), compared to
non-smokers. Heart rate reserve was also lower (e.g., significantly
lower) in female (114.6 bpm vs. 128.1 bpm) and male smokers (120.4
bpm vs. 133.0 bpm). During recovery, the HR decline was attenuated
(e.g., significantly attenuated), but only in female smokers.
Females had a higher resting HR and showed a higher HR response
during sub-maximal exercise compared to males.
[0299] FIG. 25 depicts an example flowchart for modifying a
personalized NRT program for a user based on various biometric data
sources and nicotine data sources. An NRT program 2502 may be
modified based on various factors. For example, at 2504, the stage
of the NRT program 2502 may be determined. The stage of the program
may be determined on a weekly basis. Based on the stage of the
program, an expected range of biometric and/or nicotine data may be
determined at 2506. For example, at some point of the cigarette
smoking elimination program, the expected CO levels may be trending
towards those of a non-smoker. For example, at some point of the
cigarette smoking elimination program, the expected HR may be 10
bpm lower than the user's control HR. The expected range of
biometric/nicotine may include data from one or more biometric data
source(s), nicotine data source(s), and/or various combinations of
HR, HRV, RHR, CO, respiration, NRT, cigarettes, other NRT
consumption data.
[0300] As shown in FIG. 25, whether the user is on track with the
program may be determined at 2510 by comparing current biometric
and/or nicotine data at 2508A, recent biometric and/or nicotine
data at 2508B, and baseline biometric and/or nicotine at 2508C with
the expected biometric and/or nicotine data at 2506.
[0301] If it is determined that the user is on track at 2510, no
change may be made to the NRT program 2502 at 2512. If it is
determined that the user is not on track at 2510, whether the
user's progress is behind expectation may be determined at 2514 or
ahead of expectation may be determined at 2522. If the user is
ahead of expectation at 2522, it may be determined whether the user
has had a single occurrence of being ahead of expectation at 2524.
If no at 2524, and it is determined that the user has been ahead of
expectation multiple times (e.g., occurrence exceeding a
threshold), the NRT program 2502 may be truncated at 2528. If yes
at 2524 and it is determined that the user is ahead of expectation,
but the occurrence may be a single or rare occurrence, no change
may be made to the recommended program at 2526. If the user is
behind expectation at 2514, it may be determined whether the user
has had a single occurrence of being behind of expectation at 2516.
If no at 2516 and it is determined that the user has been behind
expectation multiple times (e.g., occurrence exceeding a
threshold), the NRT program 2502 may be extended beyond the initial
recommended program at 2520. If yes at 2516 and it is determined
that the user is behind expectation, but the occurrence may be a
single or rare occurrence, a behavior intervention recommendation
may be indicated to the user at 2518. Behavior intervention could
include providing (e.g., sending a text message, displaying a
notification, or a like) a motivation for continuing with the NRT
program 2502, prompting the user to start a breathing exercise,
prompting the user to deploy one or more coping strategies and/or
distraction techniques, prompting the user to review goal setting,
etc.
[0302] FIG. 26 depicts an example flowchart for craving
identification. If nicotine/smoking craving is detected, use of NRT
may be recommended to alleviate the craving. If craving onset is
correlated with certain locations or time of day, behavior
intervention and/or NRT use recommendation may be provided to
alleviate the craving (e.g., in advance of the craving). As a user
progresses through each stage of their recommended program, the
system may use a range of data to determine if or when the user
experiences a nicotine/smoking craving. The types of data used may
be collected biometric data. The collected biometric data may
include GSR values and skin temp values at 2604A, HR values, HRV
values, and blood pressure values at 2604B, SPO2 values at 2604C,
and/or accelerometer data at 2604D such as fidgeting behavior
(e.g., which may be associated with the NRT dispenser), that may be
measured.
[0303] For example, at 2602 the biometric data may be reviewed
periodically (e.g., weekly). Whether significant changes have
occurred to the biometric data reviewed periodically may be
determined at 2606. If no at 2606 and no changes are detected, the
periodically reviewing biometric data monitoring may be continued
at 2602. If yes at 2606 and it is determined that significant
changes (e.g., one or more changes exceeding a threshold) are
detected, whether the user's present or recent activity indicates a
craving may be determined at 2608. For example, the user's present
or recent activity may be determined based on user's accelerometer
data (e.g., detected and received from a smart watch) at 2610. If
the user's activity does not indicate a craving at 2608, the
periodically reviewing of biometric data monitoring may be
continued at 2602. If the user's activity indicates a craving at
2608, a craving identification is provided at 2612. If a craving
identification is provided, a behavior intervention recommendation
may be indicated to the user at 2614. Behavior intervention may be
or may include providing (e.g., sending a text message, displaying
a notification, or a like) a motivation for continuing with the NRT
program, prompting the user to start a breathing exercise,
prompting the user to deploy one or more coping strategies and/or
distraction techniques, prompting the user to review goal setting,
etc. The behavior intervention may be identified based on user's
location, time, prior cigarette consumption, cigarette consumption
trends, cigarette or NRT consumption triggers, and/or cigarette or
NRT consumption trends at 2616. Whether the behavior intervention
at 2614 leads to sensor data improvement may be determined at 2618.
If yes at 2618 and the behavior intervention at 2614 leads to
sensor data invention, no further intervention may be necessary at
2620. If no at 2618 and the behavior intervention does not lead to
sensor data improvement, a suggestion to use NRT may be prompted at
2622.
[0304] FIG. 27 depicts an example flowchart for behavior
intervention. As a user progresses through each stage of NRT
program 2701, the system may use measured biometrics to determine
if a cigarette smoking relapse has occurred. If cigarette smoking
by the user is not detected, the system may make no changes to the
recommended program. If cigarette smoking is detected, the system
may further determine whether or not a single smoking act or
multiple smoking acts occurred. If only a single smoking act
occurred, a behavior intervention may be recommended to get the
patient back on track. If multiple cigarette smoking acts occurred,
then the system may recommend extension of the program to give the
patient more time to get back on track.
[0305] As shown in FIG. 27, a current CO level 2702A and a previous
CO level 2702B may be compared. Current and previous biometric data
such as GSR values, skin temp values, HR values, HRV values, blood
pressure values, SPO2 values may be compared at 2704. Whether there
are changes detected between the current and previous readings may
be determined at 2706. If no at 2706 and there are no changes in
readings, or the changes are insignificant, the recommended program
may remain the same at 2708. If yes at 2706 and a change in reading
(e.g., a significant change such as one or more changes exceeding a
threshold) is detected, a smoking occurrence may be identified at
2710. Whether the smoking occurrence is a first or a rare
occurrence may be determined at 2712. If yes at 2712 and the
detected smoking occurrence is a first occurrence or a rare
occurrence, a behavior intervention recommendation, as described
herein, may be indicated to the user at 2714. If no at 2712 and
multiple or frequent smoking occurrences have been detected, the
NRT program 2701 may be extended beyond the recommended program at
2716.
[0306] CO levels may be measured in ppm (COppm). 100+ COppm may
indicate the heaviest smokers and are rare. 50-99 COppm may be seen
in smokers consuming two or more packs a day. 36-49 COppm may be
seen in smokers consuming a pack and a half a day. 20-35 COppm may
be seen in smokers consuming a pack a day. 11-19 COppm may be seen
in smokers just under a pack a day. 7-10 COppm may be seen in
smokers who consume a small number of cigarettes per day but their
level dependence may be high, particularly if they are getting
their nicotine from multiple sources. 0-6 COppm may be in
non-smokers and those who have recently stopped smoking. In
examples, a cut-off level of 12 COppm may classify recent smokers
from smokers having refrained from smoking during the past eight
hours with a specificity of 94% and a sensitivity of 90% (see
Sandberg, AnnSofi, et al. "Assessing recent smoking status by
measuring exhaled carbon monoxide levels." PLoS One 6.12 (2011):
e28864). In examples, in observational analyses among current
smokers, 1 cigarette/day higher level of smoking heaviness was
associated with a higher (0.21 bpm; 95% confidence interval 0.19;
0.24) resting heart rate and a higher (e.g., slightly higher)
diastolic blood pressure (0.05 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval 0.02;
0.08) and systolic blood pressure (0.08 mm Hg; 95% confidence
interval 0.03; 0.13) (see Linneberg, Allan, et al. "Effect of
smoking on blood pressure and resting heart rate: a Mendelian
randomization meta-analysis in the CARTA consortium." Circulation:
Cardiovascular Genetics 8.6 (2015): 832-841).
[0307] FIG. 28 depicts an example of a cessation program with
multiple phases. As shown, a cessation program 2802 may include a
cigarette reduction phase 2804, a stabilization phase 2806, and a
nicotine reduction phase 2808. During the cigarette reduction phase
2804, cigarettes may be reduced or eliminated and replaced with
NRT. The NRT may act as a replacement to cigarettes to provide
(e.g., temporarily provide) nicotine for users while reducing or
eliminating cigarettes. In examples, the cigarette reduction phase
2804 may be the first phase within the cessation program 2802
(e.g., during weeks 1-4 of the cessation program 2802). In the
cigarette reduction phase 2804, users may have a similar (e.g.,
somewhat similar) overall nicotine intake, but may reduce or
eliminate cigarette use while instead using NRT instead for their
nicotine intake. During the stabilization phase 2806, cigarettes
may be entirely eliminated while the amount of NRT stays the same
or decreases. The stabilization phase 2806 may be the second phase
within the cessation program (e.g., during weeks 5-8 of the
cessation program 2802). In the stabilization phase 2806, users may
have a same amount of nicotine intake or a lower amount of nicotine
intake while entirely eliminating cigarettes. Instead, users during
the stabilization phase 2806 may rely entirely on NRT for their
nicotine intake. During the NRT reduction phase 2808, the NRT use
should be reduced or eliminated, reducing or eliminating the
nicotine intake for users. The NRT reduction phase may be the third
and final phase of the cessation program 2802 (e.g., during weeks
9-12 of the cessation program 2802). In the NRT reduction phase
2808, users should be on track to entirely eliminate their nicotine
intake.
[0308] Each of the cigarette reduction phase 2804, the
stabilization phase 2806, and the NRT reduction phase 2808 may be
completed in succession. For example, the stabilization phase 2806
may not begin until the user completes the cigarette reduction
phase 2804 and the NRT reduction phase 2808 may not begin until the
user completes the stabilization phase 2806. Depending on the
performance of the users, which may be measured by various
biometrics as described in examples herein, each of the cigarette
reduction phase 2804, the stabilization phase 2806, and the NRT
reduction phase 2808 may be extended or truncated. Extension of a
phase may mean extending the duration of the phase, reducing the
amount of reduction of cigarettes and/or NRT in a phase, reducing
the rate of reduction of cigarettes and/or NRT in a phase, and/or
moving back a phase. Truncation of a phase may mean shortening the
duration of the phase, increasing the amount of reduction of
cigarettes and/or NRT in a phase, and/or increasing the rate of
reduction of cigarettes and/or NRT in a phase.
[0309] FIG. 29 depicts a block diagram of an example cessation
program that generates a personalized nicotine replacement therapy.
A cessation program 2902 may utilize data collection 2904, event
detection 2914, and program interventions and/or modifications 2924
to generate a personalized nicotine replacement therapy 2932. The
data collection 2904 may be used to generate or trigger the event
detection 2914. The event detection 2914 may be used to generate or
trigger the program interventions and/or modifications 2924. The
data collection 2904 may include biomarkers 2906, user data 2908,
program history 2910, and medical records 2912. Biomarkers 2906 may
include CO values, GSR values, skin temp values, HR values, HRV
values, blood pressure values, SPO2 values, etc. User data 2908 may
include personal data such as weight, height, BMI, history with
smoking and/or other nicotine products, current and/or previous
health conditions, and family history, etc. Program history 2910
may include any past data regarding the user using the cessation
program 2902 and/or similar cessation programs. In examples,
program history 2910 may include (e.g., may also include) any past
data regarding users with similar personal characteristics, similar
smoking histories, physical attributes, and/or health conditions.
Medical records 2912 may include medical records relevant to
smoking and nicotine replacement therapy.
[0310] The event detection 2914 may include a craving detection
event 2916, a program intervention event 2918, a smoking detection
event 2920, and a behavior intervention event 2922. The craving
detection event 2916 may be determined by inputting biomarkers,
which is described in more detail herein. The program intervention
event 2918 may be determined by inputting biomarkers and/or by
determining the change in the amount of cigarettes used, the amount
of NRT used, and the amount of carbon monoxide detected, which is
described in more detail herein. The smoking detection event 2920
may be determined by biomarkers and/or by the amount of carbon
monoxide detected, which is described in more detail herein. The
behavior intervention event 2922 may be determined by biomarkers
which may prompt the user to deploy one or more coping strategies
and/or distraction techniques or may prompt the user to review goal
settings, etc.
[0311] Program interventions and/or modifications 2924 may include
a phase determination 2926, a phase duration determination 2928,
and a behavioral therapy determination 2930. In examples, the phase
determination 2926 may use the data collection 2904 and the event
detection 2914 to determine whether a user is in the correct phase
of the cessation program 2902. If yes, then the user may continue
to follow the recommended cessation program. If no, then the user
may move back a phase within the cessation program 2902 or move
forward a phase within the cessation program 2902. In examples, the
phase duration determination 2928 may use the data collection 2904
and the event detection 2914 to determine whether the correct phase
duration is being applied for a user in the cessation program 2902.
If yes, then the user may continue to follow the recommended
cessation program. If no, then the user may extend the phase
duration of the phase the user is currently in within the cessation
program 2902 or may truncate (e.g., shorten) the phase duration of
the phase the user is currently in within the cessation program
2902. In examples, the behavioral therapy determination 2930 may
use the data collection 2904 and the event detection 2914 to
determine a type of behavior therapy for a user. Types of behavior
therapy could include providing (e.g., sending a text message,
displaying a notification, or a like) a motivation for continuing
with the cessation program 2902, prompting the user to start a
breathing exercise, prompting the user to deploy one or more coping
strategies and/or distraction techniques, prompting the user to
review goal setting, etc. Each of the program interventions and/or
modifications 2924 may be applied to the recommended cessation
program to update the personalized nicotine replacement therapy
2932.
[0312] FIG. 30 depicts an example block diagram for a program
modification of a cessation program. A program modification 3002
may be applied to detect a nicotine craving at 3004. In examples,
if a nicotine craving is determined at 3004, the program may prompt
the use of NRT to alleviate craving at 3008. In examples, if a
nicotine craving is determined at 3004, the program may (e.g., may
also) execute behavioral therapy component to alleviate craving at
3010. The program modification 3002 may be applied to detect a
smoking occurrence at 3006. In examples, if a smoking occurrence is
determined at 3006, the program may execute behavioral therapy
component to alleviate craving at 3010.
[0313] The program modification 3002 may be applied to detect
trends at 3012. If a trend is detected a 3012, the program may be
extended at 3014 or truncated at 3016. In examples, if the program
is extended at 3014, the program may reduce the rate of reduction
of cigarettes if the program is in the cigarette reduction phase or
may reduce the rate or NRT if the program is in the nicotine
reduction phase at 3018, which is described in further detail
herein. In examples, if the program is extended at 3014, the
program may move back a phase (e.g., move from the nicotine
reduction phase to the stabilization phase) at 3020. In examples,
if the program is extended at 3014, the program may extend the
duration of a phase (e.g., the use of NRT in the stabilization
phase) at 3022. In examples, if the program is extended at 3014,
the program may reduce the speed of reducing cigarettes/NRT (e.g.,
rather than reducing every week, reduce every two weeks, etc.) at
3024.
[0314] In examples, if the program is truncated at 3016, the
program may increase the rate of reduction of cigarettes/NRT (e.g.,
if in the cigarette reduction phase or the nicotine reduction
phase, reduce cigarettes/NRT by 50% rather than by 25%) at 3026. In
examples, if the program is truncated at 3016, the program may
shorten the duration of a phase (e.g., the use of NRT in the
stabilization phase) at 3028. In examples, if the program is
truncated at 3016, the program may increase the speed of reducing
cigarettes/NRT (e.g., reduce cigarettes/NTR every few days rather
than weekly) at 3030.
[0315] FIG. 31A depicts an example block diagram of a craving
detection event. FIG. 31B depicts an example table for determining
a craving detection event. As shown in FIG. 31A, a craving
detection event 3102 may be determined by a number of biomarkers
3104. The biomarkers 3104 may include GSR 3106, skin temperature
3108, and/or heart rate 3110. As shown in FIG. 31B, each of the
biomarkers 3104 may be used as craving event inputs 3112 to
determine a craving event output 3114. The craving event output
3114 may indicate whether there is a craving or not. As shown in
FIG. 31B, a craving positive predictive value (craving PPV) 3116
may be calculated using the craving event inputs 3112. The craving
PPV 3116 may be calculated by dividing the result of the number of
craving event inputs 3112 that are positively predictive of a
craving by the total number of craving event inputs 3112.
[0316] As shown in FIG. 31B, craving event inputs 3112 that are
positively predictive of a craving are shaded and craving event
inputs 3112 that are negatively predictive of a craving are not
shaded. In examples, craving input events 3112 may be indicated as
"UP" or "DOWN" in comparison to craving input events previously
measured. In examples, craving event inputs 3112 of the GSR 3106
may be "UP" or "DOWN" compared with a previously measured GSR. In
examples, craving event inputs 3112 of the heart rate 3110 may be
"UP" or "DOWN" compared with a previously measured heart rate. In
examples, craving event inputs of the skin temperature 3108 may be
"UP" or "DOWN" compared with a previously measured skin
temperature.
[0317] As shown in FIG. 31B, craving event inputs 3112 of the GSR
3106 being "DOWN" are shaded, which may be positively predictive of
a craving, while craving evening inputs 3112 of the GSR 3106 being
"UP" are not shaded, which may be negatively predictive of a
craving. Craving event inputs 3112 of the heart rate 3110 being
"UP" are shaded, which may be positively predictive of a craving,
while craving evening inputs 3112 of the heart rate 3110 being
"DOWN" are not shaded, which may be negatively predictive of a
craving. Craving event inputs 3112 of the skin temperature 3008
being "UP" are shaded, which may be positively predictive of a
craving, while craving evening inputs 3112 of the skin temperature
3008 being "DOWN" are not shaded, which may be negatively
predictive of a craving.
[0318] In examples, if one craving event input 3112 out of the
three craving event inputs 3112 is shaded and positively predictive
of a craving, it may lead to a craving event output 3114 indicating
"CRAVING". If one craving event input 3112 out of the three craving
event inputs 3112 is shaded and positively predictive of a craving,
it may have a craving PPV 3116 of 33.33% (1/3). In examples, if two
craving event inputs 3112 out of the three craving event inputs
3112 are shaded and positively predictive of a craving, it may lead
to a craving event output 3114 indicating "CRAVING". If two craving
event inputs 3112 out of the three craving event inputs 3112 are
shaded and positively predictive of a craving, it may have a
craving PPV 3116 of 66.67% (2/3). In examples, if three craving
event inputs 3112 out of the three craving event inputs 3112 are
shaded and positively predictive of a craving, it may lead to a
craving event output 3114 indicating "CRAVING". If three craving
event inputs 3112 out of the three craving event inputs 3112 are
shaded and positively predictive of a craving, it may have a
craving PPV 3116 of 100% (3/3). In examples, if zero craving event
inputs 3112 out of the three craving event inputs 3112 are shaded
and positively predictive of a craving, it may lead to a craving
event output 3114 indicating "NO CRAVING". If zero craving event
inputs 3112 out of the three craving event inputs 3112 are shaded
and positively predictive of a craving, it may have a craving PPV
3116 of 0% (0/3).
[0319] FIG. 32A depicts an example block diagram of a program
intervention event. FIGS. 32B-32C depict example tables for
determining a program intervention event. As shown in FIG. 32A, a
program intervention event 3202 may be determined by data
collection metrics 3204. The data collection metrics 3204 may
include cigarette consumption 3206, NRT consumption 3208, carbon
monoxide 3210, RHR 3212, HRV 3214, and/or blood pressure 3216. As
shown in FIG. 32B, some of the data collection metrics 3204 may be
used as program intervention inputs 3218 to determine program
intervention outputs. In examples, the program intervention inputs
3218 may be the cigarette consumption 3206, the NRT consumption
3208, and/or the carbon monoxide 3210.
[0320] Cessation programs may include (e.g., may be divided into) a
cigarette reduction phase 3222, a stabilization phase 3224, and a
nicotine reduction phase 3226. The cigarette reduction phase 3222
may include a cigarette reduction phase output 3230. The
stabilization phase 3224 may include a stabilization phase output
3234. The NRT reduction phase 3226 may include a NRT reduction
phase output 3238. Each of the cigarette reduction phase output
3230, the stabilization phase output 3234, and the NRT reduction
phase output 3238 may be determined by the program intervention
inputs 3218.
[0321] During the cigarette reduction phase 3222, cigarettes may be
reduced or eliminated and replaced with NRT. The NRT may act as a
replacement to cigarettes to provide (e.g., temporarily provide)
nicotine for users while reducing or eliminating cigarettes. In
examples, the cigarette reduction phase 3222 may be the first phase
within a cessation program (e.g., during weeks 1-4 of the cessation
program). During the stabilization phase 3224, cigarettes may be
entirely eliminated while the amount of NRT stays the same or
decreases. The stabilization phase 3224 may be the second phase
within a cessation program (e.g., during weeks 5-8 of a cessation
program). During the NRT reduction phase 3226, the NRT use should
be reduced or eliminated, reducing or eliminating the nicotine
intake for users. The NRT reduction phase 3226 may be the third and
final phase of a cessation program (e.g., during weeks 9-12 of a
cessation program). In the NRT reduction phase 3226, users should
be on track to entirely eliminate their nicotine intake.
[0322] In examples, program intervention inputs 3218 may be
indicated as "UP" or "DOWN" in comparison to craving input events
previously measured. In examples, program intervention inputs 3218
of the cigarette consumption 3206 may be "UP" or "DOWN" compared
with a previously measured cigarette consumption. In examples,
program intervention inputs 3218 of the NRT consumption 3208 may be
"UP" or "DOWN" compared with a previously measured NRT consumption.
In examples, program intervention inputs 3218 of the carbon
monoxide 3210 may be "UP" or "DOWN" compared with a previously
measured carbon monoxide.
[0323] During the cigarette reduction phase 3222, if the program
intervention input 3218 of the cigarette consumption 3206, the NRT
consumption 3208, and the carbon monoxide 3210 are all indicated as
"UP", then the user may be considered behind with regards to their
cessation program and the cigarette reduction phase 3222 may be
extended, which may be indicated by the cigarette reduction phase
output 3230 as "EXTEND". If the program intervention input 3218 of
the cigarette consumption 3206 is indicated as "UP", the NRT
consumption 3028 is indicated as "DOWN", and the cardon monoxide
3210 is indicated as "UP", then the user may be considered behind
with regards to their cessation program and the cigarette reduction
phase 3222 may be extended, which may be indicated by the cigarette
reduction phase output 3230 as "EXTEND". If the program
intervention input 3218 of the cigarette consumption 3206 is
indicated as "DOWN", the NRT consumption 3028 is indicated as "UP",
and the cardon monoxide 3210 is indicated as "DOWN", then the user
may be considered on track with regards to their cessation program,
which may be indicated by the cigarette reduction phase output 3230
as "ON TRACK". If the program intervention input 3218 of the
cigarette consumption 3206 is indicated as "DOWN", the NRT
consumption 3028 is indicated as "DOWN", and the cardon monoxide
3210 is indicated as "DOWN", then the user may be considered ahead
with regards to their cessation program and the cigarette reduction
phase 3222 may be truncated (e.g., expedited), which may be
indicated by the cigarette reduction phase output 3230 as
"TRUNCATE". As shown in FIG. 32B, some program intervention inputs
3218 and cigarette reduction phase outputs 3230 are shaded, which
may indicate that the combination of program intervention inputs
and/or cigarette reduction phase outputs 3230 cannot occur
together. In these cases, the cigarette reduction phase output 3230
may be indicated as "N/A".
[0324] During the stabilization phase 3224, if the program
intervention input 3218 of the cigarette consumption 3206, the NRT
consumption 3208, and the carbon monoxide 3210 are all indicated as
"UP", then the user may be considered behind with regards to their
cessation program and the stabilization phase 3224 may be extended,
which may be indicated by the stabilization phase output 3234 as
"EXTEND". If the program intervention input 3218 of the cigarette
consumption 3206 is indicated as "UP", the NRT consumption 3028 is
indicated as "DOWN", and the cardon monoxide 3210 is indicated as
"UP", then the user may be considered behind with regards to their
cessation program and the stabilization phase 3224 may be extended,
which may be indicated by the stabilization phase output 3234 as
"EXTEND". If the program intervention input 3218 of the cigarette
consumption 3206 is indicated as "DOWN", the NRT consumption 3028
is indicated as "UP", and the cardon monoxide 3210 is indicated as
"DOWN", then the user may be considered behind with regards to
their cessation program and the stabilization phase 3224 may be
extended, which may be indicated by the stabilization phase output
3234 as "EXTEND". If the program intervention input 3218 of the
cigarette consumption 3206 is indicated as "DOWN", the NRT
consumption 3028 is indicated as "DOWN", and the cardon monoxide
3210 is indicated as "DOWN", then the user may be considered ahead
with regards to their cessation program and the stabilization phase
3224 may be truncated (e.g., expedited), which may be indicated by
the stabilization phase output 3234 as "TRUNCATE". As shown in FIG.
32B, some program intervention inputs 3218 and stabilization phase
outputs 3234 are shaded, which may indicate that the combination of
program intervention inputs and/or stabilization phase outputs 3230
cannot occur together. In these cases, the stabilization phase
output 3230 may be indicated as "N/A".
[0325] During the NRT reduction phase 3226, if the program
intervention input 3218 of the cigarette consumption 3206, the NRT
consumption 3208, and the carbon monoxide 3210 are all indicated as
"UP", then the user may be considered behind with regards to their
cessation program and the NRT reduction phase 3226 may be extended,
which may be indicated by the NRT reduction phase output 3238 as
"EXTEND". If the program intervention input 3218 of the cigarette
consumption 3206 is indicated as "UP", the NRT consumption 3028 is
indicated as "DOWN", and the cardon monoxide 3210 is indicated as
"UP", then the user may be considered behind with regards to their
cessation program and the NRT reduction phase 3226 may be extended,
which may be indicated by the NRT reduction phase output 3238 as
"EXTEND". If the program intervention input 3218 of the cigarette
consumption 3206 is indicated as "DOWN", the NRT consumption 3028
is indicated as "UP", and the cardon monoxide 3210 is indicated as
"DOWN", then the user may be considered behind with regards to
their cessation program and the NRT reduction phase 3226 may be
extended, which may be indicated by the NRT reduction phase output
3238 as "EXTEND". If the program intervention input 3218 of the
cigarette consumption 3206 is indicated as "DOWN", the NRT
consumption 3028 is indicated as "DOWN", and the cardon monoxide
3210 is indicated as "DOWN", then the user may be considered on
track with regards to their cessation program, which may be
indicated by the NRT reduction phase output 3238 as "ON TRACK". As
shown in FIG. 32B, some program intervention inputs 3218 and NRT
reduction phase outputs 3238 are shaded, which may indicate that
the combination of program intervention inputs and/or NRT reduction
phase outputs 3238 cannot occur together. In these cases, the NRT
reduction phase output 3238 may be indicated as "N/A".
[0326] As shown in FIG. 32C, some (e.g., some other) data
collection metrics 3204 may be used as program intervention inputs
3218 to determine program intervention outputs 3240. In examples,
the program intervention inputs 3218 may be the RHR 3212, the HRV
3214, and/or the blood pressure 3216. The program intervention
outputs 3240 found in FIG. 32C may act to verify and/or supplement
the cigarette reduction phase outputs 3230, stabilization phase
outputs 3234, and NRT reduction phase outputs 3238 found in FIG.
32B.
[0327] As shown in FIG. 32C, program intervention inputs 3218 that
are positively predictive of the need to extend a phase are shaded
and the program interventions inputs 3218 that are negatively
predictive of the need to extend a phase are not shaded. In
examples, program intervention inputs 3218 may be indicated as "UP"
or "DOWN" in comparison to program intervention inputs previously
measured. In examples, program intervention inputs 3218 of the RHR
3212 may be "UP" or "DOWN" compared with a previously measured RHR.
In examples, program intervention inputs 3218 of the HRV 3214 may
be "UP" or "DOWN" compared with a previously measured HRV. In
examples, program intervention inputs 3218 of the blood pressure
3216 may be "UP" or "DOWN" compared with a previously measured
blood pressure.
[0328] As shown in FIG. 32C, program intervention inputs 3218 of
the RHR 3212 being "UP" are shaded, which may be positively
predictive of a phase extension, while program intervention events
3218 of the RHR 3212 being "DOWN" are not shaded, which may be
negatively predictive of a phase extension. Program interventions
inputs 3218 of the HRV 3214 being "DOWN" are shaded, which may be
positively predictive of a craving, while program intervention
inputs 3218 of the HRV 3214 being "UP" are not shaded, which may be
negatively predictive of a phase extension. Program intervention
inputs 3218 of blood pressure 3216 being "UP" are shaded, which may
be positively predictive of a phase extension, while program
intervention inputs 3218 of the blood pressure 3216 being "DOWN"
are not shaded, which may be negatively predictive of a
craving.
[0329] In examples, if one program intervention input 3218 out of
the three program intervention inputs 3218 is shaded and positively
predictive of a craving, it may lead to a program intervention
output 3240 indicating "EXTEND". In examples, if two program
intervention inputs 3218 out of the three program intervention
inputs 3218 are shaded and positively predictive of a craving, it
may lead to a program intervention output 3240 indicating "EXTEND".
In examples, if three program intervention inputs 3218 out of the
three program intervention inputs 3218 are shaded and positively
predictive of a craving, it may lead to a program intervention
output 3240 indicating "EXTEND". In examples, if zero program
intervention inputs 3218 out of the three program intervention
inputs 3218 are shaded and positively predictive of a craving, it
may lead to a program intervention output 3240 indicating "ON
TRACK".
[0330] FIG. 33A depicts an example block diagram of a smoking
detection event. FIG. 33B depicts an example table for determining
a smoking detection event. As shown in FIG. 33A, a smoking
detection event 3302 may be determined by a data collection metrics
3304. The data collection metrics 3304 may include heart rate 3306,
skin temperature 3308, GSR 3310, and/or carbon monoxide 3312. As
shown in FIG. 33B, each of the data collection metrics 3304 may be
used as smoking event inputs 3314 to determine a smoking event
output 3316. The smoking event output 3316 may indicate whether
there is a smoking event, not likely a smoking event, a possible
smoking event, not likely a smoking event, or no smoking event.
[0331] As shown in FIG. 33B, smoking event inputs 3314 that are
positively predictive of a smoking event are shaded and smoking
event inputs 3314 that are negatively predictive of a smoking event
are not shaded. In examples, smoking event inputs 3314 may be
indicated as "UP" or "DOWN" in comparison to smoking event inputs
3314 previously measured. In examples, smoking event inputs 3314 of
the carbon monoxide 3312 may be "UP" or "DOWN" compared with a
previously measured carbon monoxide. In examples, smoking event
inputs 3314 of the heart rate 3306 may be "UP" or "DOWN" compared
with a previously measured heart rate. In examples, smoking event
inputs 3314 of the skin temperature 3308 may be "UP" or "DOWN"
compared with a previously measured skin temperature. In examples,
smoking event inputs 3314 of the GSR 3310 may be "UP" or "DOWN"
compared with a previously measured GSR.
[0332] As shown in FIG. 33B, smoking event inputs 3314 of the
carbon monoxide 3310 being "UP" are shaded, which may be positively
predictive of a smoking event, while smoking event inputs 3314 of
the carbon monoxide 3310 being "DOWN" are not shaded, which may be
negatively predictive of a smoking event. Smoking event inputs 3314
of the heart rate 3306 being "DOWN" are shaded, which may be
positively predictive of a smoking event, while smoking event
inputs 3314 of the heart rate 3110 being "UP" are not shaded, which
may be negatively predictive of a smoking event. Smoking event
inputs 3314 of the skin temperature 3308 being "DOWN" are shaded,
which may be positively predictive of a smoking event, while
smoking event inputs 3314 of the skin temperature 3008 being "UP"
are not shaded, which may be negatively predictive of a smoking
event. Smoking event inputs 3314 of the GSR 3310 being "UP" are
shaded, which may be positively predictive of a smoking event,
while smoking event inputs 3314 of the GSR 3310 being "DOWN" are
not shaded, which may be negatively predictive of a smoking
event.
[0333] In examples, if carbon monoxide 3310 is shaded along with
zero other (e.g., out of the three other) smoking event inputs 3314
shaded, it may lead to a smoking event output 3316 indicating "NOT
LIKELY SMOKING EVENT". In examples, if carbon monoxide 3310 is
shaded along with one other (e.g., out of the three other) smoking
event input 3314 shaded, it may lead to a smoking event output 3316
indicating "POSSIBLE SMOKING EVENT". In examples, if carbon
monoxide 3310 is shaded along with two other (e.g., out of the
three other) smoking event inputs 3314 shaded, it may lead to a
smoking event output 3316 indicating "LIKELY SMOKING EVENT". In
examples, if carbon monoxide 3310 is shaded along with three other
(e.g., out of the three other) smoking event inputs 3314 shaded, it
may lead to a smoking event output 3316 indicating "SMOKING
EVENT".
[0334] In examples, if carbon monoxide 3310 is not shaded along
with zero other (e.g., out of the three other) smoking event inputs
3314 not shaded, it may lead to a smoking event output 3316
indicating "NO SMOKING EVENT". In examples, if carbon monoxide 3310
is not shaded along with one other (e.g., out of the three other)
smoking event input 3314 not shaded, it may lead to a smoking event
output 3316 indicating "NOT LIKELY SMOKING EVENT". In examples, if
carbon monoxide 3310 is not shaded along with two other (e.g., out
of the three other) smoking event inputs 3314 not shaded, it may
lead to a smoking event output 3316 indicating "NOT LIKELY SMOKING
EVENT". In examples, if carbon monoxide 3310 is not shaded along
with three other (e.g., out of the three other) smoking event
inputs 3314 not shaded, it may lead to a smoking event output 3316
indicating "NOT LIKELY SMOKING EVENT".
[0335] FIG. 34 depicts a method for providing nicotine replacement
therapy that may be implemented by a device. The device may
comprise a dispenser body. The device may comprise a dispenser for
dispensing a nicotine formulation. The device may comprise an
actuating member mounted to actuate the dispenser. The device may
comprise a carriage mounted to move relative to the dispenser body
when contacted by the actuating member. The device may comprise a
sensor that may be configured to sense a movement of the
carriage.
[0336] The device may comprise a lockout mechanism that may be
movable between an operative position that allows the actuating
member to move so as to actuate the dispenser, and a non-operative
position that prevents the actuating member from moving. The device
may comprise a transmitter for sending a nicotine amount signal
that may indicate an amount of nicotine that may have been
previously consumed by a user. The device may comprise a receiver
for receiving a locking signal that may indicate that the lockout
mechanism is to be moved to the non-operative position. The device
may comprise a sensor for measuring a physiological parameter.
[0337] The device may comprise a processor that may be configured
to perform a one or more actions shown for the method 3400. For
example, the device may perform one or more of 3402, 3404, 3406,
3408, 3410, 3412, and/or any combination thereof.
[0338] At 3402, a sensor signal, a biomarker, and/or a
physiological parameter may be received. The sensor signal,
biomarker, and/or physiological parameter may be used as described
herein. For example, the biomarker may be used to determine
nicotine consumption for a user, a cessation phase for a user,
progression within a cessation phase for the user, a health
parameter for the user, a craving for nicotine, and/or the
like.
[0339] In an example, a sensor signal may be received from a sensor
for measuring a physiological parameter that may indicate a value
of the physiological parameter of the user. The value of the
physiological parameter of the user may be determined based on the
sensor signal. The value of the physiological parameter of the user
may sent, for example, to a user and/or a device. The physiological
parameter may be any biometric parameter and/or biomarker as
described herein.
[0340] In an example, data may be received from a sensor. The data
may include one or more of a heart rate, heart rate variability,
blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, oxygen saturation,
carboxyhemoglobin, carbon monoxide, galvanic skin response, and
accelerometer data from a wearable device associated with a user. A
personalized nicotine replacement or reduction therapy program may
be modified for the user based on the received data from the
wearable device.
[0341] At 3404, a craving for nicotine may be detected. The craving
for nicotine may be detected using user input, biomarkers, a signal
from a sensor, a physiological parameter, a history of nicotine
usage, and the like. In an example, a motion signal may be received
from a motion sensor. It may be determined from the motion signal
that the user is fidgeting for a period of time. User fidgeting may
indicate that the user may be experiencing a craving for nicotine.
An indication of the user fidgeting and/or an indication of a
nicotine craving may be sent, for example, to a user (e.g., a
notification) and/or a device, such as a smartphone.
[0342] In an example, it may be determined the user is experiencing
a nicotine craving using at least one of a detected motion, a
physical location, a time of day, a scheduled activity, a calendar
of the user, social media data, and a biometric measurement. In an
example, it may be determined that the user is experiencing a
nicotine craving using a resting heart rate associated with the
user or using a perceived change in a heart rate for the user.
[0343] In an example, an anticipated craving time may be
determined. For example, the anticipated craving time may be
determined using one or more of a time that a first dosage of the
nicotine formulation was dispensed and the amount of nicotine that
was previously consumed by the user. A notification suggesting a
second dosage of the nicotine formulation may be sent at the
anticipated craving time.
[0344] In an example, an anticipated craving time may be determined
and/or a smoking lapse event may be detected. A heart rate data
associated with a user may be received. A heart rate trend and/or a
change in heart rate trend for the user may be determined using the
received heart rate data. An expected time of occurrence of a
smoking lapse event may be determined.
[0345] An instruction, message, and/or signal may be sent. For
example, a message may be sent to request that a user dispense
nicotine formulation at the expected time of occurrence of a
smoking lapse event or prior thereto. As an example, a signal may
be sent to a nicotine dispensing device to instruct the nicotine
dispensing device to dispense and/or allow a user to dispense
nicotine formulation at the expected time of occurrence of a
smoking lapse event or prior thereto. As an example, a message may
be sent to instruct an actuating member to actuate the dispenser
such that the dispenser dispenses an amount of nicotine formulation
at the expected time of occurrence of a smoking lapse event or
prior thereto.
[0346] At 3406, An amount of nicotine that was previously consumed
by a user may be determined. In an example, the amount of nicotine
that was previously consumed may be determined using a count of the
dispenser actuations. A number of actuations of the dispenser may
be determined. The number of actuations of the dispenser may be for
and/or associated with a period of time. A concentration of the
nicotine formulation may be determined. An amount of nicotine
consumed by the user during the period of time may be determined
based on the number of actuations and the concentration of the
nicotine formulation. The amount of nicotine that was previously
consumed by the user may be determined based on the amount of
nicotine consumed by the user during the period of time.
[0347] In an example, the amount of nicotine that was previously
consumed by the user by determining one or more tobacco products
that may have been consumed by the user within a time period. A
level of nicotine associated with the one or more tobacco products
may be determined. For example, a level of nicotine may be
determined for an electronic cigarette that may have been consumed
by a user.
[0348] In an example, a total amount of nicotine consumed may be
determined. The total amount of nicotine consumed may indicate the
amount of nicotine that was previously consumed by a user. An
amount of nicotine to be dispensed may be determined. A user may be
allowed to dispense nicotine formulation when the total amount of
nicotine consumed and the amount of nicotine to be dispensed may be
less than a maximum nicotine dosage for a day. For example, an
actuating member may be instructed to actuate the dispenser such
that the dispenser dispenses the amount of nicotine when the total
amount of nicotine consumed and the amount of nicotine to be
dispensed is less than a maximum nicotine dosage for a day. A user
may be preventing from dispensing nicotine formulation when the
total amount of nicotine consumed and the amount of nicotine to be
dispensed may be greater than or equal to a maximum nicotine dosage
for a day.
[0349] At 3408, a nicotine threshold for a user may be determined.
The nicotine threshold may account for nicotine consumption from
one or more sources, such as cigarettes, smokeless tobacco,
electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco, nicotine formulation,
nicotine gum, and the like. The nicotine threshold may be
personalized for the user. The nicotine threshold may be based on
an age of the user, a weight of the user, a cessation phase for the
user, a nicotine consumption rate for the user, and the like. The
nicotine threshold may be determined to prevent a user from
receiving a fatal dosage of nicotine, an overdose of nicotine, an
amount of nicotine that may be harmful to nicotine cessation,
and/or the like.
[0350] In an example, it may be determined that the amount of
nicotine that was previously consumed by the user may be at or
above the nicotine threshold. It may be determined that the user
may not be allowed to consume additional nicotine. The lockout
mechanism may be instructed to prevent the dispenser from
dispensing nicotine formulation (e.g., at 3410).
[0351] In an example, it may be determined that the amount of
nicotine that was previously consumed by the user may be below the
nicotine threshold. It may be determined that the user may be
allowed to consume additional nicotine. A message may be sent
(e.g., a notification) to user to advise the user to dispense a
dose of nicotine to, for example, reduce a nicotine craving. The
lockout mechanism may be instructed to allow the dispense to
dispense nicotine formulation (e.g., at 3410)
[0352] In an example, a nicotine threshold for a user may be
determined using one or more smoking behaviors for the user. For
example, one or more smoking behaviors for the user may be
determined. A smoking cessation program for the user may be
determined based on the one or more smoking behaviors for the
user.
[0353] At 3410, a signal, such as a lockout mechanism signal,
and/or a message may be sent to the to the lockout mechanism. In an
example, the lockout mechanism signal may cause the lockout
mechanism to move to the operative position. For example, it may be
determined that the user has not exceeded the nicotine threshold,
is experiencing a nicotine craving, and/or is permitted to consume
nicotine. And a signal may be sent to cause the lockout mechanism
to move and/or stay in the operative position such that the user
may dispense nicotine formulation.
[0354] In an example, the lockout mechanism signal may cause the
lockout mechanism to move to the non-operative position. In an
example, it may be determined that amount of nicotine that was
previously consumed by the user may exceed the nicotine threshold.
And the lockout mechanism signal may be sent on a condition that
the amount of nicotine that was previously consumed by the user
exceeds the nicotine threshold to cause the lockout mechanism to
move to the non-operative position.
[0355] In an example, it may be determined that the user may be
experiencing a nicotine craving (e.g., at 3402) and that a
condition may indicate that the user should not receive a dose of
the nicotine formulation. And a lockout mechanism signal may be
sent to the lockout mechanism that may cause the lockout mechanism
to move to the non-operative position (e.g., even though the user
may be experiencing a nicotine craving).
[0356] In an example, the lockout mechanism may be included in
another device, which may be a nicotine delivery device. A message
may be sent to the nicotine delivery device to instruct the
nicotine delivery device to allow a dose of nicotine to be
dispensed.
[0357] At 3412, a dosage of nicotine formulation may be dispensed.
For example, a device may dispense the nicotine formulation. In
another example, the device may send a message and/or signal to a
nicotine dispensing device to dispense the nicotine
formulation.
[0358] In an example, a dosage of the nicotine formulation may be
dispensed. The dosage of the nicotine formulation may be detected
based on a signal from a sensor, as described herein. An indication
of the dosage of the nicotine formulation may be sent. For example,
the user may be notified of the dosage of the nicotine formulation.
In another example, a message may be sent to a smartphone
indicating that the dosage of the nicotine formulation may have
dispensed.
[0359] A time that the dosage of the nicotine formulation was
dispensed may be determined. And the indication of the dosage may
indicate the time.
[0360] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a dispenser for dispensing a
nicotine formulation. The device may comprise an actuating member
mounted to actuate the dispenser. The device may comprise a lockout
mechanism that may be movable between an operative position that
may allow the actuating member to move so as to actuate the
dispenser, and a non-operative position that may prevent the
actuating member from moving. The device may comprise a processor.
The processor may be configured to determine an amount of nicotine
that was previously consumed by a user. The processor may be
configured to send a lockout mechanism signal to the lockout
mechanism that causes the lockout mechanism to move to the
non-operative position.
[0361] In an example, a nicotine threshold for the user may be
determined, wherein the nicotine threshold may account for nicotine
consumption from one or more sources. It may be determined whether
the amount of nicotine that was previously consumed by the user may
exceed the nicotine threshold, wherein the lockout mechanism signal
that causes the lockout mechanism to move to the non-operative
position may have been sent on a condition that the amount of
nicotine that was previously consumed by the user exceeds the
nicotine threshold.
[0362] In an example, the device may comprise a transmitter that
may be used for sending a nicotine amount signal indicating the
amount of nicotine that was previously consumed by the user. The
device may comprise a receiver that may be used for receiving a
locking signal that may indicate that a lockout mechanism is to be
moved to the non-operative position.
[0363] In an example, the device may comprise a sensor for
measuring a physiological parameter.
[0364] In an example, the may comprise a transmitter and the
processor may be configured to receive a sensor signal from the
sensor for measuring a first physiological parameter that indicates
a value of the first physiological parameter of the user. The value
of the first physiological parameter of the user may be determined
based on the sensor signal. The transmitter may be instructed to
send the value of the first physiological parameter of the
user.
[0365] In an example, the processor may be configured to determine
a number of actuations of the dispenser associated with a period of
time. A concentration of the nicotine formulation may be obtained.
An amount of nicotine consumed by the user during the period of
time may be determined based on the number of actuations and the
concentration of the nicotine formulation, wherein the amount of
nicotine that was previously consumed by the user may be determined
based on the amount of nicotine consumed by the user during the
period of time.
[0366] In an example, the processor may be configured to determine
that the user is experiencing a nicotine craving and that a
condition indicates that the user should not receive a dose of the
nicotine formulation, wherein the lockout mechanism signal to the
lockout mechanism that causes the lockout mechanism to move to the
non-operative position was sent upon determining that the user is
experiencing the nicotine craving.
[0367] In an example, the device may comprise a motion sensor, and
the processor may be configured to receive a motion signal from the
motion sensor. It may be determined from the motion signal that the
user is fidgeting for a period of time. An indication of the user
fidgeting may be sent.
[0368] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a memory and a processor. The
processor may be configured to perform a method. It may be
determined that a user is experiencing a nicotine craving. An
amount of nicotine that was previously consumed by the user may be
determined. A nicotine threshold for the user may be determined. It
may be determined that the amount of nicotine that was previously
consumed by the user is below the nicotine threshold. A message may
be sent to advise the user to dispense a dose of nicotine to reduce
the nicotine craving.
[0369] In an example, the message may be a first message and the
processor may be configured to send a second message to a nicotine
delivery device that may instruct the nicotine delivery device to
allow the dose of nicotine to be dispensed.
[0370] In an example, the processor may be configured to that the
user may be experiencing a nicotine craving using at least one of a
detected motion, a physical location, a time of day, a scheduled
activity, a calendar of the user, social media data, and a
biometric measurement.
[0371] In an example, t the processor may be configured to
determine that the user may be experiencing a nicotine craving
using a resting heart rate associated with the user or using a
perceived change in a heart rate for the user.
[0372] In an example, the processor may be configured to determine
the amount of nicotine that was previously consumed by the user.
For example, one or more tobacco products consumed by the user
within a time period may be determined. A level of nicotine
associated with the one or more tobacco products may be
determined.
[0373] In an example, the processor is further configured to
determine a nicotine threshold for the user. For example, one or
more smoking behaviors for the user may be determined. A smoking
cessation program for the user may be determined based on the one
or more smoking behaviors for the user.
[0374] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a dispenser body. The device may
comprise a dispenser for dispensing a dosage of a nicotine
formulation. The device may comprise an actuating member mounted to
actuate the dispenser. The device may comprise a carriage mounted
to move relative to the dispenser body when contacted by the
actuating member. The device may comprise a sensor configured to
sense a movement of the carriage. The device may comprise a
processor. The processor may be configured to perform one or more
actions. It may be determined that a dosage of the nicotine
formulation was dispensed based on a signal from the sensor. An
indication of the dosage of the nicotine formulation may be
sent.
[0375] In an example, the carriage may be a magnetic carriage. The
sensor may be a magnetic sensor that may be able to detect when the
magnetic carriage is within a range.
[0376] In an example, the processor may be configured to determine
a time that the dosage of the nicotine formulation was dispensed.
The indication of the dosage may further indicate the time.
[0377] In an example, the dosage of the nicotine formulation may be
a first dosage, and the processor may be configured to determine an
amount of nicotine that was previously consumed by a user. An
anticipated craving time may be determined using the time that the
first dosage of the nicotine formulation was dispensed and the
amount of nicotine that was previously consumed by the user. A
notification suggesting a second dosage of the nicotine formulation
at the anticipated craving time may be provided.
[0378] In an example, the processor may be configured to receive
heart rate data associated with a user. A heart rate trend and/or a
change in heart rate trend for the user may be determined by using
the received heart rate data. An expected time of occurrence of a
smoking lapse event may be determined. The actuating member may be
instructed to actuate the dispenser such that the dispenser
dispenses an amount of nicotine formulation at the expected time of
occurrence of a smoking lapse event or prior thereto.
[0379] In an example, the processor may be configured to receive
data. The may include one or more of a heart rate, heart rate
variability, blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, oxygen
saturation, carboxyhemoglobin, carbon monoxide, galvanic skin
response, and accelerometer data from a wearable device associated
with a user. A personalized nicotine replacement or reduction
therapy program for the user may be modified based on the received
data from the wearable device.
[0380] In an example, the processor may be configured to determine
a total amount of nicotine consumed. The total amount of nicotine
consumed may indicate the amount of nicotine that was previously
consumed by a user. An amount of nicotine to be dispensed may be
determined. The actuating member may be instructed to actuate the
dispenser such that the dispenser dispenses the amount of nicotine
when the total amount of nicotine consumed and the amount of
nicotine to be dispensed is less than a maximum nicotine dosage for
a day.
[0381] FIG. 35 depicts an example method for providing nicotine
replacement therapy that may use a biomarker. The method may be
performed by a device that comprises a processor that may be
configured to perform a one or more actions shown for the method
3500. For example, the device may perform one or more of 3502,
3504, 3506, and/or any combination thereof.
[0382] At 3502, a cessation program for a user may be determined.
The cessation program may comprise one or more phases. A phase of
the cessation program may be determined as described herein. A
phase may be one of a cigarette reduction phase, a nicotine
stabilization phase, or a nicotine reduction phase.
[0383] At 3504, a program intervention event may be determined. The
program intervention event may be determined based on a phase of
the cessation program and/or a marker associated with the user.
[0384] The program intervention event may be one or more of a
craving detection event, a smoking detection event, and a
behavioral intervention event. In an example, it may be determined
that a behavioral intervention may have been recommended to a user.
It may be determined that the previously recommended behavioral
intervention may not have been effective. A modification to the
cessation program and/or a phase of the cessation program may be
made based on the determination that the previously recommended
behavioral intervention was not effective. A different behavioral
intervention may be suggested to the user when it is determined
that the previously recommend behavioral intervention was not
effective.
[0385] The marker may comprise one or more of a cigarette count,
nicotine data, a user biomarker, an indicator of user behavior, a
craving detection, and a smoking detection. The marker may comprise
one or more of a heart rate, a resting heart rate, a heart rate
variability, a blood pressure, a temperature of the user, a
respiration rate, an oxygen saturation, a skin temperature, a
detection of carbon monoxide, and a galvanic skin response.
[0386] The program intervention event may be determined using a
cigarette consumption rate for the user. For example, a nicotine
formulation consumption rate for the user may be determined. A
carbon monoxide saturation level for the user may be determined.
The program intervention event may be based on the cigarette
consumption rate, the nicotine formulation consumption rate, and
the carbon monoxide saturation level for the user.
[0387] The program intervention event may be a smoking detection
event. For example, a smoking detection event may be determined
based on a biomarker associated with the user.
[0388] The program intervention event may be a nicotine consumption
detection event. For example, a nicotine consumption detection
event may be determined based on a biomarker associated with the
user.
[0389] At 3506, a modification to the cessation program may be
determined. The modification to the cessation program may be based
on the program intervention event. The modification to the
cessation program may be one or more of a rate of reduction of
cigarettes, a duration of the phase, a speed at which to reduce
cigarettes, a rate of reduction of nicotine replacement therapy,
and a speed at which to reduce the nicotine replacement
therapy.
[0390] The modification to the cessation program may be determined
using a cessation trend. A cessation trend may be indicated by the
program intervention event. A duration for a phase of the cessation
program may be changed based on the cessation trend. For example,
the program intervention event may indicate that the user has
increased their smoking, the cessation trend may indicate an
increase in cigarette consumption, and the duration of cigarette
reduction phase may be extended.
[0391] The modification to the cessation program may be determined
based on the phase and/or a smoking detection event. For example,
the program intervention event may be a smoking detection event. It
may be determined that the phase may be a cigarette reduction
phase, and it may be determined that the cigarette reduction phase
may be extended based on the smoking detection event.
[0392] The modification to the cessation program be based on a
biomarker, a biomarker trend, and/or a smoking detection event. A
user may be assigned to a second phase of the cessation program
when it is determined that the biomarker trend has exceeded the
threshold. A rate of cigarette consumption may be determined using
a smoking detection event. A duration for the second phase of the
cessation program may be determined based on the rate of cigarette
consumption.
[0393] The modification to the cessation program may be determined
based on rate of cigarette consumption. The rate of cigarette
consumption may be determined using a smoking event. It may be
determined that a threshold for a biomarker trend may have been
exceeded. The rate of consumption may be determined using the
smoking detection event when the biomarker trend may have exceeded
the threshold. A duration for a phase of the cessation program may
be determined based on the rate of cigarette consumption.
[0394] The modification to the cessation program may be based on a
cessation program and a program intervention event that may be a
smoking event. For example, a cigarette consumption rate for the
user may be determined using a smoking detection event. An increase
to a duration of a first phase may be determined using the smoking
detection event. The increase to the duration of the first phase
may exceed a threshold. The user may be assigned to a second phase
of the cessation program when the duration of the first phase may
exceed a threshold.
[0395] A modification to the cessation program may be determined
based on the phase and a nicotine consumption detection event. For
example, the program intervention event may be a nicotine
consumption detection event. It may be determined that the phase
may be a cigarette reduction phase, and it may be determined that
the cigarette reduction phase may be extended based on the smoking
detection event. In an example, modification to the cessation
program may comprise assigning a user to a phase of the cessation
program, determine a rate of nicotine consumption using the
nicotine detection event, and determining a duration for the phase
of the cessation program based on the rate of nicotine
consumption.
[0396] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a processor. The processor may be
configured to perfume one or more actions. A cessation program for
a user may be determined. A program intervention event based on a
phase of the cessation program may be determined. A marker
associated with the user may be determined. A modification to the
cessation program may be determined based on the program
intervention event.
[0397] In an example, the marker may comprise one or more of a
cigarette count, nicotine data, a user biomarker, an indicator of
user behavior, a craving detection, and a smoking detection.
[0398] In an example, the marker may comprise one or more of a
heart rate, a resting heart rate, a heart rate variability, a blood
pressure, a temperature of the user, a respiration rate, an oxygen
saturation, a skin temperature, a detection of carbon monoxide, and
a galvanic skin response.
[0399] In an example, the phase is one of a cigarette reduction
phase, a nicotine stabilization phase, or a nicotine reduction
phase.
[0400] In an example, the program intervention event may be one or
more of a craving detection event, a smoking detection event, and a
behavioral intervention event
[0401] In an example, the modification to the cessation program
that may be based on the program intervention event may comprises a
change to one or more of a rate of reduction of cigarettes, a
duration of the phase, a speed at which to reduce cigarettes, a
rate of reduction of nicotine replacement therapy, and a speed at
which to reduce the nicotine replacement therapy.
[0402] In an example, the marker may be a cigarette consumption
rate for the user, and wherein the processor may be configured to
determine the program intervention event. For example, a nicotine
formulation consumption rate for the user may be determined. A
carbon monoxide saturation level for the user may be determined.
The program intervention event may be determined based on the
cigarette consumption rate, the nicotine formulation consumption
rate, and the carbon monoxide saturation level for the user.
[0403] In an example, the modification to the cessation program may
be determined using a cessation trend. For example, a cessation
trend may be indicated by the program intervention event. A
duration for the phase of the cessation program may be changed
based on the cessation trend. In another example, the modification
may be based on a determination that a biomarker trend may have
exceed a threshold.
[0404] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a processor that may be
configured to perform one or more actions. A phase of a cessation
program associated with a user may be determined. A smoking
detection event based on a biomarker associated with the user may
be determined. A modification to the cessation program may be
determined based on the phase and the smoking detection event.
[0405] In an example, the biomarker may be one or more of a carbon
monoxide level associated with the user, a heart rate for the user,
a skin temperature for the user, and a galvanic skin response for
the user.
[0406] In an example, the phase may be a first phase, and the
processor may be configured to determine the modification the
cessation program based on the first phase and the smoking
detection event. For example, a cigarette consumption rate for the
user may be determined using the smoking detection event. An
increase to a duration of the first phase may be determined based
on the cigarette consumption rate. The increase to the duration of
the first phase may be determined to exceed a threshold. The user
may be assigned to a second phase of the cessation program.
[0407] In an example, the processor may be configured to determine
a biomarker trend may have exceeded a threshold. The biomarker
trend may be associated with the biomarker.
[0408] In an example, the phase may be a first phase, and the
processor may be configured to determine the modification the
cessation program based on the first phase and the smoking
detection event. For example, the user may be assigned to a second
phase of the cessation program when it is determined that the
biomarker trend has exceeded the threshold. A rate of cigarette
consumption may be determined using the smoking detection event. A
duration for the second phase of the cessation program may be
determined based on the rate of cigarette consumption.
[0409] In an example, the processor may be configured to determine
the modification to the cessation program based on the phase and
the smoking detection event. A rate of cigarette consumption may be
determined using the smoking detection event when it is determined
that the biomarker trend has exceeded the threshold. A duration for
the phase of the cessation program may be determined based on the
rate of cigarette consumption.
[0410] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a processor. The processor may be
configured to determine a phase of a cessation program associated
with a user. A nicotine consumption detection event may be
determined. A modification to the cessation program may be
determined based on the phase and the nicotine consumption
detection event.
[0411] In an example, the phase may be a first phase, and the
processor may be configured to determine the modification of the
cessation program based on the first phase and the nicotine
consumption. The user may be assigned to a second phase of the
cessation program when it is determined that the nicotine
consumption is below a nicotine threshold for the user. A rate of
nicotine consumption may be determined using the nicotine detection
event. A duration for the second phase of the cessation program may
be determined based on the rate of nicotine consumption.
[0412] FIG. 36 depicts an example method for providing nicotine
replacement therapy that may use a biomarker to detect a nicotine
craving. The method may be performed by a device that comprises a
processor that may be configured to perform a one or more actions
shown for the method 3600. For example, the device may perform one
or more of 3602, 3604, 3606, and/or any combination thereof.
[0413] At 3602, a biomarker associated with a user may be
determined. The biomarker may be any biomarker described
herein.
[0414] At 3604, a nicotine craving may be detected. The nicotine
craving may be detected using a biomarker. For example, a second
biomarker associated with the user may be determined. A predictive
value may be calculated based on the first biomarker and/or the
second biomarker. The predictive value may indicate a probability
that the user may be experiencing a craving for nicotine. It may be
determined that the user may be experiencing the nicotine craving
when the predictive value exceeds a threshold.
[0415] The nicotine craving may be detecting using one or more
biomarkers. For example, a galvanic skin response associated with
the user may be determined. A heart rate for the user may be
determined. A skin temperature for the user may be determined. The
nicotine craving may be determined using the galvanic skin
response, the heart rate, and the skin temperature.
[0416] At 3606, an intervention may be provided to the user. The
intervention may be a behavioral intervention, a nicotine
replacement therapy intervention, a combination thereof, and/or the
like. The intervention may be intended to reduce tobacco
consumption, nicotine consumption, electronic cigarette
consumption, cigarette consumption, and/or the like.
[0417] The intervention to the user may be provided based on the
nicotine craving and a phase of the cessation program. The phase of
the cessation program may be associated with the user.
[0418] The intervention may be provided to the to the user based on
the nicotine craving and the phase by sending a notification to the
user. The notification may comprise one or more of an indication
that the user may dispense a dose of nicotine formulation, a
behavioral therapy instruction, an indication of an action the user
may take to reduce the nicotine craving, and an indication of the
biomarker.
[0419] The intervention may be a modification to the cessation
program and/or a phase of the cessation program. For example, the
intervention may change a duration for the phase may be changed
based on a cessation trend.
[0420] A device for providing nicotine replacement therapy may be
provided. The device may comprise a processor. A biomarker
associated with a user may be determined. A nicotine craving may be
detected using the biomarker associated with the user. An
intervention may be provided to the user based on the nicotine
craving.
[0421] In an example, the biomarker may be a first biomarker, and
the processor may be configured to detect the nicotine craving
using the first biomarker and/or a second biomarker. For example,
the second biomarker may be associated with the user. A predictive
value based on the first biomarker and/or the second biomarker may
be determined. The predictive value may indicate a probability that
the user may be experiencing a craving for nicotine. It may be
determined that the user may be experiencing the nicotine craving
when the predictive value exceeds a threshold.
[0422] In an example, the biomarker may be a galvanic skin response
associated with the user, and the processor may be configured to
detect the nicotine craving using the galvanic skin response. A
heart rate for the user may be determined. A skin temperature for
the user may be determined. The nicotine craving may be detected
using the galvanic skin response, the heart rate, and the skin
temperature.
[0423] In an example, the processor may be configured to determine
a phase of a cessation program associated with the user. The
intervention to the user may be provided based on the nicotine
craving and the phase of the cessation program.
[0424] In an example, the intervention may be one or more of a
behavioral intervention and a nicotine replacement therapy
intervention, and the processor may be configured to provide the
intervention to the user based on the nicotine craving and the
phase by sending a notification to the user. The notification may
comprise one or more of an indication that the user may dispense a
dose of nicotine formulation, a behavioral therapy instruction, an
indication of an action the user may take to reduce the nicotine
craving, and an indication of the biomarker.
[0425] In an example, the modification to the cessation program may
be based on the intervention, the phase, and the biomarker. In an
example, the processor may be configured to determine a cessation
trend that may be indicated by the intervention, the phase, and the
biomarker. A duration for the phase may be changed based on the
cessation trend.
[0426] This application may refer to "determining" various pieces
of information. Determining the information can include one or more
of, for example, estimating the information, calculating the
information, predicting the information, or retrieving the
information from memory.
[0427] Additionally, this application may refer to "receiving"
various pieces of information. Receiving is, as with "accessing",
intended to be a broad term. Receiving the information can include
one or more of for example, accessing the information, or
retrieving the information (for example, from memory). Further,
"receiving" is typically involved, in one way or another, during
operations such as, for example, storing the information,
processing the information, transmitting the information, moving
the information, copying the information, erasing the information,
calculating the information, determining the information,
predicting the information, or estimating the information.
[0428] It is to be appreciated that the use of any of the following
"/", "and/or", and "at least one of", for example, in the cases of
"A/B", "A and/or B" and "at least one of A and B", is intended to
encompass the selection of the first listed option (A) only, or the
selection of the second listed option (B) only, or the selection of
both options (A and B). As a further example, in the cases of "A,
B, and/or C" and "at least one of A, B, and C", such phrasing is
intended to encompass the selection of the first listed option (A)
only, or the selection of the second listed option (B) only, or the
selection of the third listed option (C) only, or the selection of
the first and the second listed options (A and B) only, or the
selection of the first and third listed options (A and C) only, or
the selection of the second and third listed options (B and C)
only, or the selection of all three options (A and B and C). This
may be extended, as is clear to one of ordinary skill in this and
related arts, for as many items as are listed.
[0429] We describe a number of examples. Features of these examples
can be provided alone or in any combination, across various claim
categories and types. Further, embodiments can include one or more
of the following features, devices, or aspects, alone or in any
combination, across various claim categories and types.
* * * * *